An accuracy synchronization method for passive radar system

In this paper we describe a precise synchronization method for passive radar system. The precise time synchronization is essential for a Field Programmable Gate Array technology, Analog to Digital Converters and synthesizers. These parts are situated on the receivers´ site. The phase noise measurement chain contains an accuracy oven controlled crystal oscillator, a divider of oscillation source to multiple channels, an optical link and a clock synchronizer on the receiver site. A computer model of synchronization chain was created to verify possibility of the proposal of the synchronization method. The model of synchronization chain is described by the equations for the prediction of the phase noise results. A feasibility of the time synchronization method was tested by comparing with measured phase noise of real signals. The experimental results show effective time synchronization method using an optical link. The time synchronization can be improved up to 1.10 ps. The phase noise suppression is up to 15 dB for interval 1 kHz to 1 MHz in comparison with the phase noise figure of the output from the optical link.