PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
RHYTHM is a parallel complementary system to GNSS, to be used in several application as a back-up or alternative system to ensure efficient and independent synchronization of the whole network with accuracy better than 100ns. RHYTHM product is addressing the sector of radio and television broadcasting, mobile communications, scientific projects and in general, any professional user that needs to enhance robustness of its GNSS-based accurate synchronization system. The main target application is that of broadcasting networks, but also other promising applications are approached, such as 5G telecoms. The product allows to synchronize a network of User Terminals to a common ground clock, by means of a broadcasting geostationary satellite. The project objective is to industrialize the product and hence fill the gap to bring the system to the market as soon as possible. RHYTHM is synergetic to GALILEO in delivering accurate, robust time over European networks.
Challenges
The role of the product is to enhance robustness of those networks that base their synchronization system only on GNSS signals. By providing an independent, accurate and reliable backup system, RHYTHM is synergetic to GALILEO in delivering accurate, robust time over European networks.
System Architecture
The system is made of a System Service, which includes at least one Master Control Station (MCS) and three Auxiliary Stations (AUXs) to generate and disseminate the synchronization signal, and a number of User Terminals (UTs). The MCS takes its reference clock (1PPS and an associated coherent 10MHz) from a certified ground source and disseminates it via satellite to the UTs, together with information on the exact position of the satellite and the MCS-Satellite propagation delay. The MCS and the set of AUXs are used to track the satellite with high accuracy so as to be able to provide its position to the whole UTs network. At local level, then, the UT receives the synchronization signal and corrects the propagation delay by knowing the exact distance of itself to the satellite. Since the satellite acts simply as a “mirror” to the synchronization signal, there are no constraints on the choice of the satellite to be used, provided that the whole UTs network is placed inside its footprint (e.g. any broadcasting satellite is suitable for the scope).
Plan
The project covers the product phase necessary to bring the User Terminals from demonstrator phase to market, i.e. its industrialization.
The activities have begun in Q2 2020 and are planned to end in Q1 2021.
After a design phase, based directly on requirements discussed with the final users, manufacturing is to follow. The project ends with a short validation campaign in collaboration with RAI-CRITS. The target is to bring the User Terminals to the market right at the end of the project.
Current Status
The project is in operational phase. The User Terminals are undergoing industrialization.
