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Nonlinear electronic oscillators as time sensors for high-precision positioning applications.
Konstantinos Metaxas1, Georgia Himona2, Alireza Famili3
1School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780, Athens, Greece.
Scientific Reports
|July 2, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel method for precise time and position measurement using nonlinear electronic oscillators. The technique leverages oscillator phase response and synchronization dynamics for accurate time delay detection, enabling high-precision positioning.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Electrical Engineering
- Signal Processing
Background:
- Precise time measurement is fundamental for modern positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems.
- Nonlinear electronic oscillators are widely employed as clocks in diverse technological applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high-precision time and position measurement method.
- To utilize the phase response and synchronization dynamics of electronic oscillators for enhanced measurement capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Investigating the phase response of nonlinear electronic oscillators.
- Analyzing complex synchronization dynamics under external signal driving.
- Implementing a method for measuring time delay between signals based on phase-locking conditions.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a method for high-precision time delay measurement between signals.
- Established conditions for phase-locking in driven nonlinear oscillators.
- Enabled high-precision positioning through accurate time delay measurements.
Conclusions:
- The proposed method offers a pathway to significantly improve time and position accuracy in PNT applications.
- Exploiting oscillator synchronization dynamics is key to achieving high-precision measurements.
- This technique has broad implications for advanced navigation and timing technologies.
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