65,963 research outputs found
Precision packet-based frequency transfer based on oversampling
Frequency synchronization of a distributed measurement system requires the transfer of an accurate frequency reference to all nodes. The use of a general-purpose packet-based network for this aim is analyzed in this paper, where oversampling is considered as a means to counter the effects of packet delay variation on time accuracy. A comprehensive analysis that includes the stability of the local clock is presented and shows that frequency transfer through a packet network of this kind is feasible, with an accuracy level that can be of interest to a number of distributed measurement applications
A Gossip Algorithm based Clock Synchronization Scheme for Smart Grid Applications
The uprising interest in multi-agent based networked system, and the numerous
number of applications in the distributed control of the smart grid leads us to
address the problem of time synchronization in the smart grid. Utility
companies look for new packet based time synchronization solutions with Global
Positioning System (GPS) level accuracies beyond traditional packet methods
such as Network Time Proto- col (NTP). However GPS based solutions have poor
reception in indoor environments and dense urban canyons as well as GPS antenna
installation might be costly. Some smart grid nodes such as Phasor Measurement
Units (PMUs), fault detection, Wide Area Measurement Systems (WAMS) etc.,
requires synchronous accuracy as low as 1 ms. On the other hand, 1 sec accuracy
is acceptable in management information domain. Acknowledging this, in this
study, we introduce gossip algorithm based clock synchronization method among
network entities from the decision control and communication point of view. Our
method synchronizes clock within dense network with a bandwidth limited
environment. Our technique has been tested in different kinds of network
topologies- complete, star and random geometric network and demonstrated
satisfactory performance
Remote atomic clock synchronization via satellites and optical fibers
In the global network of institutions engaged with the realization of
International Atomic Time (TAI), atomic clocks and time scales are compared by
means of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and by employing telecommunication
satellites for two-way satellite time and frequency transfer (TWSTFT). The
frequencies of the state-of-the-art primary caesium fountain clocks can be
compared at the level of 10e-15 (relative, 1 day averaging) and time scales can
be synchronized with an uncertainty of one nanosecond. Future improvements of
worldwide clock comparisons will require also an improvement of the local
signal distribution systems. For example, the future ACES (atomic clock
ensemble in space) mission shall demonstrate remote time scale comparisons at
the uncertainty level of 100 ps. To ensure that the ACES ground instrument will
be synchronized to the local time scale at PTB without a significant
uncertainty contribution, we have developed a means for calibrated clock
comparisons through optical fibers. An uncertainty below 50 ps over a distance
of 2 km has been demonstrated on the campus of PTB. This technology is thus in
general a promising candidate for synchronization of enhanced time transfer
equipment with the local realizations of UTC . Based on these experiments we
estimate the uncertainty level for calibrated time transfer through optical
fibers over longer distances. These findings are compared with the current
status and developments of satellite based time transfer systems, with a focus
on the calibration techniques for operational systems
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