Performance Evaluation of the GPS Block IIR Time Keeping System

Abstract

The Time Keeping System (TKS) is essential to the GPS Block IIR total navigation payload and must provide an accurate time base for each GPS space vehicle. Performance analysis of the TKS has been reported previously for the case in which a rubidium (Rb) atomic frequency standard is used as a reference. In this paper the system error model of the TKS is developed and the performance of the TKS output using either a cesium (Cs)or a rubidium (Rb) atomic frequency standards as a reference is evaluated. The contributions to the TKS output Allan deviation was examined from each of the three noise sources: atomic frequency standard (either Cs or Rb), voltage control crystal oscillator, and phase meter (PM). In addition, since the TKS does not have a baseplate temperature controller and the VCXO of the TKS is temperature-sensitive, a TKS error is induced when the VCXO is subject to the orbital temperature variations or the space vehicle umbra during solar eclipse. These two temperature-induced TKS output errors are also examined. Sensitivities of the Allan variance at the TKS output for each of its independent input noises are provided and they are valuable for design trade-off and troubleshooting. The results of the paper compare favorably with those obtained by the TKS system testing. The paper will show that when the TKS components meet or exceed their specifications, the RAFS TKS and the CAFS TKS should meet their specifications.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1996
Accession Number
ADA501102

Entities

People

  • Andy Wu

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Clocks
  • Crystal Oscillators
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Domain
  • Frequency Standards
  • Frequency Synthesizers
  • Phase
  • Phase Meters
  • Solar Eclipses
  • Spacecraft
  • Specifications
  • Standards
  • Temperature Coefficients
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Time Intervals
  • Time Standards
  • Transfer Functions

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Space