Automated Delay Measurement System for an Earth Station for Two-Way Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer

Abstract

The measurement of the difference of the transmit and receive delays of the signals in a Two- Way Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer (TWSTFT) earth station is crucial for its nanosecond time transfer capability. Also, the monitoring of the change of this delay difference with time, temperature, humidity, or barometric pressure is important for improving the TWSTFT capabilities. An automated system for this purpose has been developed from the initial design at NMi-VSL. It calibrates separately the transmit and receive delays in cables, amplifiers, upconverters, and downconverters, and antenna feeds. The obtained results can be applied as corrections to the TWSTFT measurement, when, before and after a measurement session, a calibration session is performed. Preliminary results obtained at NMi-VSL will be shown. Also, if available, the results of a manual version of the system that is planned to be circulated in September 1994 together with a USNO portable station on a calibration trip to European TWSTFT earth stations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1994
Accession Number
ADA518812

Entities

People

  • Gerrit De Jong
  • Michel C. Polderman

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amplifiers
  • Antenna Feeds
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Barometric Pressure
  • Calibration
  • Clocks
  • Control Systems
  • Elevation
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Bands
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Low Elevation
  • Measurement
  • Nanosecond Time
  • Radio Frequency
  • Simulators
  • Time Intervals

Readers

  • Phased Array Antenna Design.
  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Space