Method, apparatus and system for synchronizing a satellite network
US11425672B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 2020 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04B7/1851
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for synchronizing the oscillators onboard satellites of a same network, while minimizing relativistic effects. The method consists of identifying a reference signal having minimal Doppler frequency shifting; adjusting the frequency of an ovenized oscillator to the minimally shifted reference signal, and repeating the process for all satellites of a satellite train having a similar orbital path. Subsequently, the clocks on board the satellites of a same train can be set to a same time, by relaying a clock synchronization protocol between the satellites. The method includes a number of error measurement techniques allowing to further compensate for relativistic effects and make further corrections over time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.