Impact Analysis of Error Models in Two-Way Time Synchronization Systems

Miri Shin, Deok Won Lim, Seungkeun Kim

Peer Reviewed

Abstract:	Precise time synchronization is essential for regional navigation satellite systems (RNSS), particularly in architectures employing geostationary (GEO) and inclined geosynchronous orbit (IGSO) satellites. Two-way time synchronization techniques enable high-precision time transfer by mitigating common-mode propagation delays; however, their performance is limited by multiple error sources. This paper analyzes time synchronization errors in two-way systems for both ground-to-ground and ground-to-satellite configurations. The error sources are classified into four categories: signal-strength-dependent, frequency- dependent, orbit-dependent, and fixed errors. In particular, orbit-dependent effects, including relativistic effects, are investigated with emphasis on IGSO characteristics. Relativistic corrections are explicitly evaluated by computing redshift and gravitational delay for different orbital eccentricities of IGSO satellites. The results provide quantitative insight into the magnitude of relativistic timing errors and offer practical guidelines for RNSS time synchronization system design and performance assessment.
Published in:	Proceedings of the ION 2026 Pacific PNT Meeting April 13 - 16, 2026 Hilton Waikiki Beach Honolulu, Hawaii
Pages:	62 - 69
Cite this article:	Shin, Miri, Lim, Deok Won, Kim, Seungkeun, "Impact Analysis of Error Models in Two-Way Time Synchronization Systems," Proceedings of the ION 2026 Pacific PNT Meeting, Honolulu, Hawaii, April 2026, pp. 62-69. https://doi.org/10.33012/2026.20571
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