Satellite Repeater Timing Accuracy Using Predicted Control Words

The patent replaces expensive rubidium-based oscillators with cheaper crystal oscillators combined with GPS disciplined control systems. The system uses GPS signal to periodically discipline the crystal oscillator, achieving Stratum level 2 timing accuracy without the high cost of rubidium standards. This substitution of expensive components with cheaper alternatives while maintaining performance through intelligent control is the core resolution.

The patent introduces GPS signal as an intermediary to bridge the timing accuracy gap between inexpensive crystal oscillators and expensive rubidium standards. The GPS disciplined oscillator system uses GPS timing information to correct and discipline the crystal oscillator frequency, enabling low-cost hardware to achieve high timing accuracy that would otherwise require expensive components.

The patent implements prediction algorithms that use historically stored control words to generate predicted control words before GPS signal is lost or during GPS denial scenarios. The system pre-calculates and stores timing correction data, enabling it to maintain accurate timing without real-time GPS signal. This preliminary preparation of timing data ensures continuous reliable operation even when GPS reception is intermittent or blocked.

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors GPS signal quality and timing offset, adjusts control words accordingly, and stores these corrections for future use. The feedback loop disciplines the local oscillator based on GPS timing information when available, and uses stored historical data to maintain timing accuracy when GPS signal is lost, thus improving both accuracy and reliability.

The patent implements periodic disciplining of the local oscillator using GPS signal rather than continuous adjustment. The system updates the oscillator frequency at regular intervals based on GPS timing information, using periodic control word updates stored in memory. This periodic approach maintains timing accuracy while avoiding the complexity of continuous real-time frequency adjustment mechanisms.

The patent pre-calculates and stores control words in memory based on historical timing offset data. Instead of continuously computing frequency adjustments in real-time, the system prepares control words in advance and retrieves them when needed, simplifying the real-time control logic while maintaining timing accuracy through pre-computed corrections.