Calculations of scientists from St. Petersburg will make navigators more accurate

Mathematicians from St. Petersburg State University and the Institute for Problems of Machine Learning (IPMash) of the Russian Academy of Sciences have determined the conditions under which the three key stability parameters of phase-frequency autotuning systems coincide. Such systems are used in satellite navigation and communication devices and are responsible for synchronization of their signals (e.g., navigator and satellite). The formulas derived by the authors can be used for more accurate adjustment of devices.

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As explained to "Izvestia" scientists, in modern electronic devices - from GPS-navigators and smartphones to satellite communication devices and medical equipment - are widely used systems of phase frequency autotuning. These are electronic circuits that can be compared to a conductor in the world of radio signals. Their main task is to synchronize the frequency and phase of the signal arriving at the device (for example, for a GPS navigator - a signal from a satellite) and the signal generated directly on the device.

This is important because the navigator receives satellite signals with a slight delay, but an error of even one microsecond results in a 300-meter positioning error. When automatic systems adjust the frequency of the navigator to the frequency of the satellite, the delay disappears and the location is determined accurately.

This research will improve synchronization systems in a number of key areas. First, in satellite navigation (GPS, GLONASS), where a synchronization error of even nanoseconds leads to a meter error in positioning. Secondly, in 5G/6G mobile communication systems, where precise matching of thousands of base stations is required. And thirdly, in the synchronization of sensors of autonomous vehicles, where mis-synchronization can lead to an emergency situation.

Read more in Izvestia's exclusive article:

Caring for frequency: scientists have found a way to improve the accuracy of navigators