Using the GPS System for Accurate Computer Time

Using the GPS System instead of Accurate Computer Time

Computers Articles | December 17, 2013

This item discusses how the GPS system have power to be utilised by NTP server systems towards precise network timing. It also describes the hardware required to utilise the GPS method for timing applications.

GPS is a US militia system designed for navigation and unequivocal positioning. It consists of 24 inhabitants of the globe-orbiting satellites, each with an on-board atomic clock. Accurate time combined by triangulation from a number of satellites be able to provide precise positioning anywhere on the terraqueous. However, the precise timing information supplied the agency of GPS can also be used according to time and frequency applications such in the manner that computer network time synchronisation. This point discusses how the Global Positioning System have power to be utilised by GPS NTP server systems to covenant precise network synchronisation. Additionally, it describes the equipment required in order to receive nice time from the GPS system and to synchronise computer time.

Time is reverenced to UTC time, what one does not vary with timezones, local time is calculated from UTC. The GPS satellites continuously carry precise time information. GPS time is generally 14 seconds ahead of UTC and is not adjusted against leap seconds. GPS time can easily be adjusted to provide UTC time instead of computer network time synchronisation. The GPS satellites broadcast a very weak low-power radio signal. The memorable has two frequencies, L1 and L2. L1 is intended during the time that a civilian GPS band broadcast at 1575.42 MHz. L2 should yield stronger signal transmissions in the that will be. The signal travels in a close line and can pass through clouds, glass and plastics however is blocked by objects such as metal and brickwork. Therefore, ideally, a GPS antenna requires a cheering view of the sky. The model of perfection location for a GPS antenna is steady rooftop with a good view of the celestial expanse. If it is impractical to locate a canopy-mounted antenna, installation on the side of a building can be correspondent.

The GPS system provides a subscription-gratuitous accurate timing resource. Many computer networks utilise the GPS clock at the same time that an accurate timing reference for computer synchronisation. Precise GPS NTP server systems utilise GPS concern clocks as an external synchronisation fountain. Typically, GPS can provide timing advice to within a few nanoseconds of UTC. This closeness is generally more than enough on the side of most computer network timing applications.

Most GPS receivers forward time and positioning information in a continuous format using the standard NMEA protocol. Information is transmitted similar to sentences of character strings. Also, a distinct pulse output is generated which indicates the wince of each second. This timing pulse can be converted to a RS232 extraordinary level and fed into a RS232 ascendency line interrupt to provide a explicit timing reference. When the timing beating is combined with the NMEA output sentences, a to a high degree accurate timing reference becomes available on account of use by NTP servers or computer timing furniture.

Article Tags: Computer Network, Accurate Timing, Timing Reference