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Next Generation Reference Clock Transfer SystemSebastjan Zorzut
ABSTRACT - There are many geographically distributed systems in the world that need extreme time synchronization between all subsystems.
The length of such systems is in the range of some hundred meters to some kilometers. Synchronization is done with long-term stable reference clock signal.
Reference clock signal distribution can be done with so called radio over fibre technology where optical carrier is modulated with clock signal and
transmitted to dislocated unit over optical fibre. Reference clock signal is reconstructed at that location. Long-term phase stability of such distributed clock signal
is in the range of 0.01°, while added jitter remains in the range of some femto seconds. This article shows key development phases like prototyping,
accurate performance measurements of basic blocks, integration of verified solutions in final product
and final system testing. Development of reference clock distribution system is the result of collaboration of research, user and entrepreneurship sphere. |