GPS-Based Network Syntonization via Nonmagnetic Control of Cesium Standards
Abstract
Cesium-based atomic standards are typically accurate to about seven parts in ten to the twelfth. However, certain applications require better agreement among standards. One example is that of a communications network. Network-wide syntonization requires each standard in the network to be adjusted to agree with a master external reference. This is normally accomplished by adjusting the "C" field of each atomic standard. However, causing precise output frequency changes in this way is notoriously difficult. It also reduces frequency stability until the standard eventually settles into a new free-running frequency. There are two ways in which the output of a cesium standard can be adjusted without changing its "C" field. The internal synthesizer of the standard can be adjusted, or a phase microstepper can be used on its output. The former technique shifts the output frequency in small, discrete steps, while the latter inserts small, discrete phase shifts into the output signal. Using common-view Global Positioning System (GPS) as a master reference, this investigation tests both techniques and determines the degree of syntonization and synchronization possible with each.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA498720
Entities
People
- E. A. Rodrigo
- J. Barnes
- J. Bowell
- J. D. Echols