Gps Satellite Clock Synchronization

Highly accurate ntp servers systems synchronize network time protocol ntp servers utilising the gps system as an external reference clock.

Gps satellite clock synchronization.

The gps receiver s time has to be synchronized with atomic clocks located in gps satellites. Numerous computer networks observe a gps clock as a precise time reference. A calculation using general relativity predicts that the clocks in each gps satellite should get ahead of ground based clocks by 45 microseconds per day. I really didn t know the answer to the question but that wasn t the end of the story.

In addition to its use in navigation the global positioning system gps can also be used for clock synchronization. The accuracy of gps time signals 10 ns is second only to the atomic clocks they are based on and is used in applications such as gps disciplined oscillators. The combination of these two relativitic effects means that the clocks on board each satellite should tick faster than identical clocks on the ground by about 38 microseconds per day 45 7 38. Many emergency services depend upon gps for location and timing capabilities.

Synchronization to gps gps satellites and now other global navigation systems commonly refered to as gnss include three or four atomic clocks that are monitored and controlled to be highly synchronized and traceable to national and international standards known as utc. One widely accepted technique uses synchronization references that include highly accurate gps satellites. The satellites are synchronized to gps time which is not corrected to match the rotation of the earth. It is kinda chicken or the egg problem.

Each gps satellite has a very accurate atomic clock on board which are synchronized to a ground based stations so that each satellite has the same time. The gps system offers a free to air time synchronization service. The accuracy of gps time signals is 10 nanoseconds. I received a question on my oh8stn facebook page about gps time sync software for windows os.

This enables users to determine the time to within 100 billionths of a second without the cost of owning and operating atomic clocks. Disaster relief emergency services. Gps receivers decode these signals effectively synchronizing each receiver to the atomic clocks. I know there s lots of skills experience and no how in our little community.

Each gps satellite contains multiple atomic clocks that contribute very precise time data to the gps signals. Completely free of charge it has no ongoing set up or subscription fees.