ON THE DESIGN OF SAMPLE DATA TRACKING LOOPS.

Abstract

A key component in the tracking of space vehicles is the ground tracking loop which attempts to instantaneously remain locked to the varying delay of a returning vehicle signal. In typical operation these signals are continuous in time, and the problem is basically one of phase locking a local oscillator. Often, however, one is forced into the problem of having to synchronize a tracking loop to periodic signals of low duty cycle, like narrow pulses. In such cases a predominate sensitivity advantage can be achieved by using a modified loop containing a sample and hold circuit. Such a modification, however, complicates the loop design. In this paper, design constraints are determined for a typical sample data tracking loop, with particular emphases on the requirements for loop gain and loop filter functions which effect delay tracking jitter, thresholding effects, and acquisition time. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1965
Accession Number
AD0474683

Entities

People

  • R. Gagliardi

Organizations

  • University of Southern California

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Electronic Equipment
  • Local Oscillators
  • Oscillators
  • Sensitivity
  • Spacecraft
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Radar Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers