Time Synchronization for Moving Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating RF emitters using angle of arrival measurements are limited by angular resolution and errors in navigational data, and Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) techniques face challenges in accurately synchronizing time between moving platforms, especially in relativistic environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining time differences between platforms by transmitting and receiving initialization signals, measuring time separations, and calculating a time offset between platforms, allowing for synchronization and emitter location using hyperboloid generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If angle of arrival measurements are used to locate RF emitters, then location can be determined using single platform, but angular resolution limits and navigational errors reduce location precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple platforms to perform simultaneous angle of arrival measurements, merging their capabilities to achieve precise emitter location without the limitations of single-platform measurements. The multiple platforms work together as a coordinated system to eliminate angular resolution errors and navigational uncertainties.
2Measurement precision
If multiple geometrically-separated platforms use 2D angle of arrival information, then emitter location precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination task across multiple independent platforms, each performing measurements and processing locally. This segmentation allows precise location determination through distributed measurement while managing system complexity by dividing the overall function into manageable independent units that can operate semi-autonomously.
3Measurement precision
If TDOA technique is used with synchronized transmitters, then location precision is improved at long range, but accurate time synchronization between moving platforms is difficult due to relativistic effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary time correction based on predicted relativistic effects before performing TDOA measurements. By calculating and compensating for expected time dilation and synchronization errors in advance, the system maintains accurate time synchronization between moving platforms, enabling reliable long-range location precision without being degraded by relativistic effects.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitter of a platform is arranged to generate a transmission pulse, which is transmitted to a receiver of another platform and is also arranged to couple its transmission pulse to a digital receiver associated with its platform via an attenuator and a coupler. Another platform performs a similar task. Each digital receiver determines the time separation between its transmission pulse and a received pulse from the other platform. The determined time separation information is shared with the other platform, and each digital receiver then determines a time offset between the time at its platform and the other platform.