A Precise GPS-Based Time and Frequency System

Abstract

This paper describes an approach to implementing a compact, highly reliable and precise Master Time and Frequency subsystem usable in a variety of applications. These applications include, among others, Satellite Ground Terminals, Range Timing Stations, Communications Terminals, and Power Station Timing subsystems. All time and frequency output signals are locked to Universal Time via the GPS Satellite system. The system provides for continued output of precise signals in the event of GPS signal interruption from antenna or lead-in breakage or other causes. Cost/performance tradeoffs affecting system accuracy over the short, medium and long term are discussed. A unique approach to redundant system design provides an architecture with the reliability advantage of triple-redundant majority voting and the cost advantages of dual-redundant elements. The system can be configured to output a variety of precise time and frequency signals and the design can be tailored to output as few, or as many, types and quantities of signals as are required by the application.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA494567

Entities

People

  • Earl Fossler
  • Jack Mcnabb

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Clocks
  • Computers
  • Data Acquisition
  • Detection
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Standards
  • Generators
  • Information Operations
  • Oscillators
  • Power Supplies
  • Signal Generators
  • Standards
  • Switching
  • Terminals
  • Time Intervals
  • Time Signals

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Parallel and Distributed Computing.
  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.
  • Software Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites