Picosecond LPD Time Alignment via Phase Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for picosecond internode timing alignment introduce a vulnerability by using bursted, high Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) side-channels, making them detectable and susceptible to attacks, which undermines covert operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating timing information into a continuous carrier signal by correlating the phase of a data signal with a substantially continuous carrier signal, allowing for time synchronization without a dedicated side channel, thereby reducing detectability and achieving low probability of detection (LPD) waveforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bursted, high SNR side-channel is used for precise time alignment, then timing accuracy is improved, but detectability increases and covert operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing alignment function with the existing continuous carrier signal by embedding timing information through phase correlation. Instead of using a separate bursted side-channel, the timing data is combined into the ongoing communication signal, eliminating the need for high-SNR dedicated timing channels while maintaining picosecond-level synchronization accuracy across distributed nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from bursted timing signals to continuous carrier signals for timing transmission. By continuously modulating the carrier signal phase with timing information, the system maintains constant signal presence for both communication and synchronization, avoiding the detectable on/off patterns of bursted signals while preserving timing precision
2Measurement precision
If dedicated side channel is used for timing alignment, then time synchronization is achieved, but device complexity and vulnerability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing communication signal serve dual purposes: data transmission and timing synchronization. By encoding timing information through phase correlation in the continuous carrier signal, the system eliminates dedicated timing hardware and protocols, reducing overall system complexity while achieving picosecond-level synchronization as a byproduct of the communication signal itself
3Measurement precision
If high SNR signals are transmitted for precise alignment, then timing precision is improved, but vulnerability to attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses continuous low-SNR carrier signals instead of intermittent high-SNR timing bursts. The continuous presence of the signal at normal communication power levels provides sufficient timing information through phase correlation while avoiding the detection thresholds that trigger security alerts or attract adversary attention, thereby maintaining both precision and operational security
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 approach enables state-of-the-art timing accuracy while maintaining covert operations by operating at lower SNR levels, making the signals less detectable and less vulnerable to attacks, and eliminates the need for a dedicated side channel, thus enhancing security and reducing detection vulnerabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A phase of the data signal is correlated to a phase of a substantially continuous carrier signal carrying the data signal
Data Source
AI summary
The application is generally directed to transmitting and receiving signals in a fashion that can mask the presence of the signals by including timing information in the signals using artifacts in a carrier signal. For example, one embodiment includes a method of transmitting a signal in a way to mask the presence of the signal or to reduce the ability of external entities to extract data from the signal. The method includes accessing a data signal. A phase of the data signal is correlated to a phase of a substantially continuous carrier signal carrying the data signal. The substantially continuous carrier signal carrying the data signal with the phase of the data signal correlated to the phase of the substantially continuous carrier signal is transmitted to a receiver, such that the data signal can be extracted by using phase correlation between the data signal and the substantially continuous carrier signal.