Nonlinear electronic oscillators as time sensors for high-precision positioning applications

Precise time measurement is crucial for positioning, navigation and timing applications in modern technology. Nonlinear electronic oscillators supporting self-sustained oscillations are commonly used as clocks in a wide variety of such applications. We propose a high-precision time and position measurement method, based on the phase response of the electronic oscillators and their complex synchronization dynamics under external driving by a received signal. We show that, under well defined conditions for phase-locking, the time delay between two or more signals can be measured, enabling high-precision positioning.