Title :
Microsecond accuracy at multiple sites: is it possible without GPS?
Author :
Lombardi, Michael A.
Author_Institution :
Time and Frequency Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Abstract :
Critical infrastructure timing systems rely upon GPS clocks simply because microsecond accuracy is easy to achieve with GPS and difficult to achieve without it. This paper has discussed how GPS clocks meet critical infrastructure timing requirements, why they are vulnerable, and some potential backup strategies. It seems clear that achieving microsecond accuracy at thousands of geographically dispersed sites without relying on GPS clocks is a very challenging problem. It seems equally clear that solving this problem is in the best interest of the United States.
Keywords :
Global Positioning System; clocks; GPS clock; United States; critical infrastructure timing requirement system; geographical dispersion site; microsecond accuracy; potential backup strategy; Accuracy; Base stations; Clocks; Delay; Global Positioning System; Uncertainty;
Journal_Title :
Instrumentation & Measurement Magazine, IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/MIM.2012.6314510