Lombardi, M.
, Novick, A.
and Zhang, V.
(2014),
A Low-Cost Time Transfer Receiver for Contributions to Coordinated Universal Time, Journal of Research (NIST JRES), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/jres.119.024, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=916483 (Accessed June 2, 2026)
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
A Low-Cost Time Transfer Receiver for Contributions to Coordinated Universal Time
Published
Author(s)
, ,
Abstract
This paper describes a low-cost time transfer receiver that allows timing laboratories, including national metrology institutes and other designated institutions, to contribute data to the computation of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The time transfer receiver compares a laboratory's local realization of UTC, to signals broadcast by Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. It stores the measurement results in a format compatible with international standards, and sends data via the Internet to the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) for inclusion in the UTC computation. In addition to being inexpensive, the receiver was designed to be easy to use, allowing recently established timing laboratories to begin contributing to UTC with a minimal investment in training.Citation
Journal of Research (NIST JRES) - 119.024
Report Number
119.024
Volume
119
NIST Pub Series
Pub Type
NIST Pubs
Download Paper
Keywords
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), Global Positioning System (GPS), International Atomic Time (TAI), time transfer
Citation
Issues
If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].
Created November 6, 2014, Updated May 7, 2026