Session P6: Present and Emerging Applications and Techniques for Time and Frequency using GNSS/RNSS/LEO and Optics

Compensated Fiber Optic Frequency Distribution Equipment
George Conway Bruce Nyman, Linear Photonics
Location: Beacon A

GPS is ubiquitous throughout our modern economy. It underlies the banking, power, and communication sectors. The loss of GPS-based services will have a huge detrimental impact. Terrestrial-based alternatives are needed as a back up. Current approaches are based on network-based protocols such as white rabbit. An alternative approach would be to utilize the existing fiber deployed in commercial communication systems. These fibers are extensively deployed throughout the nation and connect major metropolitan and rural areas.
We are developing a compensated one-way frequency distribution system that is compact and easy to install. The system employs forward and reverse path RF modulated optical carriers on a single fiber. Electronic systems are used to correct for path length time and phase variations. Embedded in the forward and reverse paths are the demonstrated 1PPS compensated signal, the phase corrected 10 MHz reference signal, and a full duplex communication link.
Previously, we have demonstrated the capability to support time transfer with compensation for random point to point distances and the environmental effects in the transmission fiber. That system supported a single point-to-point connection on a dedicated fiber. We are currently developing a system that will support time transfer, the 10 MHz frequency standard, and a full duplex communication link. The new system will allow for expansion to multi point distribution of the time and frequency references on dedicated fibers. The future upgrades will allow the time and frequency references to be deployed to a vast coverage area.
This paper will discuss the design, implementation, and performance of the system. Potential architectures and use cases will be examined.