Design of the Stift Time and Frequency Transfer Microwave Ground Terminal

H. Penfield, E. Imbier, R.F.C. Vessot

Abstract:	The Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer System (STIFT) is intended to provide, simultaneously, global time comparisons at the sub nanosecond level and frequency comparisons to better than 1 part in 10^14 . It utilizes an orbiting hydrogen maser clock and frequency standard that communicates, via microwave links, time and frequency information to earth terminal s operated by hydrogen masers controlling local clocks . A two-way microwave link, to and from the space vehicle provides Doppler information used to cancel the Doppler shifts in a one-way link from the spaceborne oscillator. Pseudo-random noise (PRN) modulation in the two way link also provides range information to cancel the range delay in the PRN time transfer between space and earth. The pseudo-random noise modulation system for time difference measurement and its incorporation in the Doppler cancellation system for frequency comparison is explained. The particular PRN code sequence selected and an analysis of the system is discussed.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 14th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting November 30 - 3, 1982 NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland
Pages:	223 - 242
Cite this article:	Penfield, H., Imbier, E., Vessot, R.F.C., "Design of the Stift Time and Frequency Transfer Microwave Ground Terminal," Proceedings of the 14th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Greenbelt, Maryland, November 1982, pp. 223-242.
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