Portable Clock Analyses

Abstract

The portable clock remains the most frequently used means of time dissemination and of calibration of precise clocks to the U.S. Naval Observatory Master Clock (USNO MC). Because of this, portable clock trips and the factors that influence the confidence placed in the measurements obtained must be understood. In this paper, the general philosophy of trips and some of the error factors that can occur are discussed. The stability of individual USNO portable clocks is determined by analysis of pre- and post-trip measurements obtained through the USNO data Acquisition and Control System. Using these data, this paper explores their historical accuracy and determines error budgets. The feasibility of determining a statistical "reliability factor" based on the pre- and post-trip readings of an individual clock is also examined. From these studies the dependability and reliability of portable clock trips as a whole, may be concluded.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1982
Accession Number
ADA492256

Entities

People

  • F. N. Withington

Organizations

  • United States Naval Observatory

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Accuracy
  • Acquisition
  • Buildings And Structures
  • Clocks
  • Control Systems
  • Data Acquisition
  • Information Operations
  • Measurement
  • Observatories
  • Reliability
  • Research Facilities
  • Time Intervals

Readers

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