Time synchronization based on intersatellite lasercommunication links

Abstract

Time synchronization is essential for navigation, positioning, and timing services. It is widely used in space applications. Laser communication technology is widely used and has the advantages of large communication capacity, strong confidentiality, and anti-interference. In this paper, a time synchronization technique based on laser communication links is proposed. Estimate ranging was realized using the data frame head, and precise ranging was realized by receiving the clock phase. Through theoretical analysis, the theoretical limit of time synchronization accuracy based on laser communication links was obtained, and simulation was performed. Millimeter-level measurement accuracy and picosecond-level time synchronization accuracy can be obtained at a communication rate of 1 Gbps under two-way and one-way ranging conditions. A time synchronization test based on laser communication links was conducted in a laboratory using a coherent binary phase shift keying communication system; test results are consistent with theoretical expectations.