Optical Interconnect Calibration Paths for Satellite Time Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite-based navigation systems face challenges with low signal strength, susceptibility to jamming, and limited accuracy due to variations in internal optical signal propagation delays, which affect time synchronization among satellites.
Innovation Solution
An optical coupling network is employed to calibrate the internal time of flight of optical systems on satellites, measuring delays in both transmit and receive paths, including optical head and modem components, to achieve precise time synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical interconnects are used for time synchronization among satellites, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but internal signal propagation delays vary due to operating wavelength, physical cables, temperature, and mechanical position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration of the optical interconnects before deployment. The system measures and stores propagation delay characteristics under various conditions (temperature, wavelength, mechanical position) in advance, so that these pre-characterized data can be used to compensate for delays during actual operation, ensuring accurate time synchronization without real-time adjustment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying operating parameters (temperature, wavelength, mechanical position) during calibration to measure how propagation delays change with these parameters. This creates a calibration database that maps parameter variations to delay variations, enabling the system to predict and compensate for delay changes during operation based on actual operating conditions
2Measurement precision
If LEO satellite constellations are used for navigation, then signal strength and accuracy are improved, but time synchronization among satellites becomes more critical due to shorter distances and faster acquisition times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calibrating the time of flight through optical interconnects before satellite deployment. The calibration process measures propagation delays under various operating conditions and stores this data for later use, enabling LEO satellites to achieve rapid time synchronization without requiring complex real-time measurements, thus meeting the tight timing requirements for high-precision positioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical transceivers are deployed in varying environmental conditions, then system adaptability is improved, but propagation delays vary as a function of temperature and mechanical position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying environmental parameters (temperature, mechanical position, wavelength) during calibration to measure their effect on propagation delays. This creates a comprehensive calibration database that allows the system to adapt to different environmental conditions by selecting appropriate compensation values from the database, maintaining time of flight accuracy across diverse operating environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using the calibration data to continuously compensate for propagation delays based on actual operating conditions. The system monitors environmental parameters and uses the pre-characterized delay characteristics to adjust time synchronization calculations in real-time, ensuring accurate positioning even as environmental conditions change during satellite operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This calibration method enhances the accuracy of time synchronization among satellites, improving resilience against jamming and ensuring precise location tracking and security by accounting for deployment-specific and environmental variations.
Implementation Method 1
measuring delays in both transmit and receive paths, including optical head and modem components
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for selectively configuring an optical coupling network between a modem and optical head to calibrate the timing delay of the entire receive path and entire transmit path. The device includes a modem with a transmit and receive path and an optical head with an optical transmit path, an optical receive path, and a calibration path. The device includes an optical coupling network for selectively routing signals (i) through a first loopback path comprising the transmit path and the receive path; (ii) through a second loopback path comprising the transmit path, the optical transmit path, the optical receive path, and the receive path; (iii) through a third loopback path comprising the transmit path, twice the calibration path, and the receive path; and (iv) through a fourth loopback path comprising the transmit path, the calibration path, the optical receive path, and the receive path.