S- X-band experiment: Development and evaluation of a set of group delay standards

摘要

Group delay standards of 15, 30, and 60 ns were developed at JPL with advice and consultation from the U.S. National Bureau of Standards (NBS). Calibration data on the delay standards provided by NBS and others are presented and compared. The effects of dispersion and cable reflections are discussed. Calibrations were performed at the S- X-band Experiment frequencies of 2,113, 2,295, and 8,415 MHz as well as at the nominal range-code modulation frequency of 500 kHz. The standards will be useful for checking out the JPL ranging system accuracy in measuring delay changes of about 15 to 60 ns.