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PUBLICATIONS

Time transfer performance of Broadcast Positioning System (BPS)

Published

Author(s)

Tariq Mondal, Jeffrey Sherman, David Howe

Abstract

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the most prevalent Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) that provides Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). GNSS vulnerability is well-known, and the search continues to find another independent system that can provide PNT services with the same accuracy and precision, low user cost, and diverse coverage as GNSS services that might be denied or deemed unhealthy. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has developed and demonstrated a terrestrial PNT solution, known as the Broadcast Positioning System (BPS™), that uses existing television transmission facilities to broadcast ns-level time. We describe how HDTV broadcast transmitters can be used as time-reference beacons by use of ATSC 3.0 communications frames. This paper focuses on the BPS time transfer test results and stability using KWGN TV station and the NIST facilities in Boulder, Colorado.
Proceedings Title
Proceedings of the 56th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting
Conference Dates
January 27-30, 2025
Conference Location
Long Beach, CA, US
Conference Title
Precise Time and Time Interval Meeting
Pub Type
Conferences

Keywords

time, synchronization, clock, gps, gnss, positioning, navigation, timing, PNT, alt-PNT, critical infrastructure
Wireless (RF), Time and frequency metrology, Technology transfer, Infrastructure, Community resilience and Advanced communications

Citation

Mondal, T. , Sherman, J. and Howe, D. (2025), Time transfer performance of Broadcast Positioning System (BPS), Proceedings of the 56th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Long Beach, CA, US (Accessed October 13, 2025)

Issues

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Created January 28, 2025, Updated February 12, 2025
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