SYNC2 Program Assessment Report

Abstract

This report provides a technical assessment of the SYNC2 program currently used in the Omega system synchronization process. The utility of Omega depends upon the predictability of the phase and phase difference contours near the earth's surface. To achieve this predictability, a close synchronization of signals from all Omega transmitters is necessary. The SYNC2 program was developed in the mid-1970's to improve this synchronization process, and replaced an earlier synchronization program. From a performance viewpoint, the SYNC2 program has served its original purpose. Technological developments and improvements in estimation techniques, however, have rendered the program and accompanying documentation unsuitable as a baseline for further development or even continued use with new Global Positioning System (GPS) operating environment. Many of the shortcomings with SYNC2 may be directly related to historical factors. SYNC2 was developed prior to the widespread acceptance of structured programming methods. Because of this, the SYNC2 software is extremely difficult to troubleshoot and to upgrade. The report examines three major aspects of the SYNC2 program: Functional Design, Software Implementation, and Software Documentation. (kr)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 12, 1990
Accession Number
ADA229505

Entities

People

  • G. L. Noseworthy
  • S. Eliassen
  • T. A. Palka
  • W. F. O'halloran

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Algorithms
  • Coast Guard
  • Computer Program Documentation
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Frequency Standards
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Hyperbolic Navigation
  • Kalman Filters
  • Load Monitoring
  • Loran
  • Navigation
  • Optimal Estimators
  • Phase Measurement
  • Software Development

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Computer Science.
  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space