Celestial Timing Source Backup for RF Network Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radio frequency (RF) networks heavily rely on GPS timing, which can lead to network degradation within 24 to 72 hours if the timing source is lost, necessitating an alternative timing solution that can replace GPS and atomic clocks.
Innovation Solution
Receiving timing pulses from celestial bodies, such as stars, pulsars, or quasars, to provide a primary reference source for synchronization in telecommunication networks, using earth/space looking antennas to capture these pulses and distribute them as a stable and accurate timing source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS timing is used for RF networks, then network synchronization is maintained, but the network becomes vulnerable to degradation within 24 to 72 hours if the timing source is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces celestial bodies (pulsars, quasars, etc.) as an intermediary timing source that mediates between the need for stable GPS timing and the requirement for backup capability. These celestial sources emit natural electromagnetic pulses that can be received and used as a primary or backup reference, providing an independent timing source that does not depend on satellite infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of timing source origin from artificial satellite-based GPS to natural celestial electromagnetic emissions. This parameter change enables the system to obtain timing signals from multiple independent celestial sources, thereby improving reliability and reducing dependency on any single timing infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If atomic clocks are used as timing reference, then high precision timing is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses celestial bodies as natural copies or alternatives to artificial atomic clock systems. Instead of deploying and maintaining complex atomic clock infrastructure, the system captures and processes natural electromagnetic pulse emissions from celestial sources, achieving comparable timing precision through signal processing of these natural phenomena.
3Reliability
If multiple ground station receivers are deployed for backup timing, then timing availability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs ground station receivers with multi-functionality, enabling them to receive and process timing signals from multiple different celestial sources (pulsars, quasars, etc.) and to switch between these sources based on availability. This universal capability allows a single receiver system to provide backup timing functionality without requiring separate specialized receivers for each celestial source.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are provided for implementing a timing synchronization or a backup timing synchronization in a telecommunication network. Timing pulses are received from a celestial body such as a star, pulsar, or quasar. The timing pulses are periodic and repetitive and act as a primary reference source in place of GPS timing or an atomic clock. The telecommunication network is synchronized from the timing pulses.