A scheme for GNSS ISL ranging and time synchronization under a new time division duplex mode

Inter-satellite link (ISL) is an important part of the next generation global navigation satellite system (GNSS). In this paper, key technologies of GNSS ISL ranging and time synchronization are researched. Considering that Ka frequency band is used for ISL, a fixed topology is designed and a new time division duplex (TDD) mode is proposed after analyzing the characteristics of GNSS constellations. A novel method called Non-coherent Dual One-way Measuring (NC-DOWM) is applied to this TDD mode. In addition, relevant mathematical formulas, error models and error compensation are discussed in detail. It is found that the proposed NC-DOWM method for GNSS ISL ranging and time synchronization outperforms the current method for GPS in terms of channel utilization efficiency and measuring precision. Furthermore, the presented method has excellent anti-interference capability and engineering feasibility, which can provide a strong technical support for the ISL of the next generation GNSS.