Time, Frequency, and Phase Synchronization in Satellite Swarms

This paper presents a master-slave architecture for time, frequency and phase synchronization, implemented in a closed-loop system with an RF inter-satellite link. This addresses the emerging need for accurate and cost-effective synchronization in swarm satellite networks. The design relies on a single reference clock, eliminating the need for unsynchronized local oscillators at secondary nodes. Moreover, it proposes an inherently relative range measurement method between the satellites based on phase unwrapping. Performance analysis, focused on phase accuracy, confirms the system's suitability for satellite swarms in applications like communications and remote sensing. A comprehensive analysis offers additional guidelines for implementation and future research.