Ground-to-satellite time and frequency synchronization link with active carrier phase compensation.

ABSTRACT

In this paper, a synchronization link between one ground station and one geostationary satellite is established. The ground station receives retransmitted signals from the satellite, measures phase delay along the propagation route, and actively compensates back to its sending signals, realizing real-time phase fluctuation compensation. The transmitted signal contains two frequencies to eliminate common-mode phase noise. The difference between their carrier phase delays is measured. Different modes of carrier phase variation are separated and compensated, achieving a remaining time jitter of ±200 ps. Major sources of error are analyzed, and potential methods for improvement are discussed. The proposed ground-to-satellite link and active compensation method has potential applications in frequency standard dissemination to remote receivers (including ground stations or satellites). These potential applications justify further study of this system.