Lombardi, M.
, Patla, B.
, Novick, A.
, Matsakis, D.
and Mitchell, S.
(2021),
A simple method for calibrating GPS disciplined clocks via direct comparison to a UTC(k) time scale, URSI Radio Science Bulletin, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=934906
(Accessed March 13, 2025)
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A simple method for calibrating GPS disciplined clocks via direct comparison to a UTC(k) time scale
Published
Author(s)
, , , Demetrios Matsakis, Stephen Mitchell
Abstract
Global Positioning System (GPS) disciplined clocks are referenced to the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) scale at the United States Naval Observatory (USNO), known as UTC(USNO). The UTC(USNO) time scale is a very close approximation of UTC, the official world time scale. Therefore, GPS disciplined clocks provide a very close approximation of UTC when they are properly calibrated to compensate for equipment and cable delays. This paper provides a simple method for calibrating GPS disciplined clocks with respect to UTC so they can replicate UTC as closely as possible. The method involves directly comparing the device under test to any UTC(k) time scale listed on the weekly Rapid UTC (UTCr) reports published by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM).Citation
URSI Radio Science Bulletin
Pub Type
Others
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Keywords
calibration, GPS, time, UTC
Citation
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Created September 1, 2021, Updated June 6, 2024