Stabilized Reference Frequency Distribution for Radio Science With the Cassini Spacecraft and the Deep Space Network

M. Calhoun, R. Wang, A. Kirk, W. Diener, G.J. Dick, R.L. Tjoelker

Abstract: A high-performance frequency distribution system which includes two key technologies, the Stabilized Fiber-optic Distribution Assembly (SFODA) and the Compensated Sapphire Oscillator (CSO), has been developed to provide state-of-the-art frequency reference in the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN). This frequency distribution system was developed to enable sensitive gravity wave searches and occultation experiments between earth-based antennas in the DSN and the Cassini spacecraft. The experiments, to be conducted at S, X, and Ka band, require the highest possible frequency stability over observation times from 1 second to 1 day. The DSN frequency and timing subsystem generates and distributes coherent signals to multiple antennas up to 30 km away. The SFODA measures and compensates for distribution-related phase perturbations, and the CSO provides short-term stability cleanup and low phase noise at the antenna. This paper provides an overview and update of the end-to-end performance frequency and timing subsystem. Focus is given to the final SFODA design and test results using a 16-km optical fiber under controlled test conditions. Test data show a factor of 1000 improvement in long-term stability when the active phase compensator is used, thus enabling degradation-free distribution from the highest performing atomic frequency standards. Recent measurements between two CSO standards are also presented.
Published in: Proceedings of the 32th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting
November 28 - 30, 2000
Hyatt Regency Reston Town Center
Reston, Virginia
Pages: 331 - 340
Cite this article: Calhoun, M., Wang, R., Kirk, A., Diener, W., Dick, G.J., Tjoelker, R.L., "Stabilized Reference Frequency Distribution for Radio Science With the Cassini Spacecraft and the Deep Space Network," Proceedings of the 32th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Reston, Virginia, November 2000, pp. 331-340.
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