GPS Time Synchronization of Remote Sensors for Multilateration

Dr Steve Simpson, James Horne

Abstract:	This paper presents the results of autonomous timing synchronization using GPS as the timing reference. The requirement to employ GPS as the timing reference system came about through development of the Height Monitoring Unit (HMU). The existing HMU depends upon Line of Sight (LoS) for timing synchronization. However, this restricts the number of sites at which the system can be deployed, causing compromises to be taken in the site finding process. GPS timing synchronization removes the requirement to have the HMU system dependent upon line of sight. Multipath was identified as the most dominant error source in the timing measurements. These effects were significantly reduced by the adoption of multipath reduction mechanisms. The most successful was the implementation of Radio Absorbent Material (RAM), and a physical mask angle to limit reflected signals reaching the GPS antenna. The GPS timing synchronization equipment, together with the multipath rejection methods employed have shown that nanosecond accuracies can be achieved over baselines that provide a common view of the GPS constellation.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 11th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1998) September 15 - 18, 1998 Nashville, TN
Pages:	1721 - 1728
Cite this article:	Simpson, Dr Steve, Horne, James, "GPS Time Synchronization of Remote Sensors for Multilateration," Proceedings of the 11th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1998), Nashville, TN, September 1998, pp. 1721-1728.
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