Time transfer using multi-channel GPS receivers

Area of Science:

• Metrology and Timekeeping
• Satellite Navigation Systems
• Geodesy and Geophysics

Background:

• Accurate time transfer is crucial for national and international scientific and technological coordination.
• Current time transfer methods rely on specific averaging techniques and receiver capabilities.
• Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers offer a platform for precise time synchronization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate time transfer experiments using a commercial GPS receiver and a standard PC.
• To assess the performance of a multi-channel GPS receiver for time synchronization.
• To propose an alternative time transfer approach for improved flexibility and ease of operation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a commercial GPS engine integrated with a standard PC to construct a time transfer receiver.
• Measured time differences between a local clock and a 1 pulse per second (pps) signal synchronized to GPS time.
• Analyzed data from up to 8 satellites, comparing individual satellite time estimates with composite GPS time signals.

Main Results:

• The GPS receiver successfully measured time differences and estimated GPS time using multiple satellites.
• Data allowed for the construction of standard 13-minute tracks and alternative averaging methods.
• Comparison with standard receivers using common-view analysis indicated potential for improvement in current methods.

Conclusions:

• Current methods for national and international time and frequency coordination may require re-examination.
• A multi-channel receiver approach offers a more flexible, simpler, and easier-to-operate alternative.
• This approach has the potential to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of global time synchronization.