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3      INTERFACE CHARACTERISTICS
4 8      Copernicus GPS Receiver
GPS Timing
In many timing applications, such as time/frequency standards, site synchronization 
systems, and event measurement systems, GPS receivers are used to discipline local 
oscillators.
The GPS constellation consists of 24 orbiting satellites. Each GPS satellite contains a 
highly-stable atomic (Cesium) clock, which is continuously monitored and corrected 
by the GPS control segment. Consequently, the GPS constellation can be considered a 
set of 24 orbiting clocks with worldwide 24-hour coverage.
GPS receivers use the signals from these GPS clocks to correct their internal clock 
which is not as stable or accurate as the GPS atomic clocks. GPS receivers like the 
Copernicus GPS output a highly accurate timing pulse (PPS) generated by an internal 
clock which is constantly corrected using the GPS clocks. This timing pulse is 
synchronized to UTC within ±100 ns rms.
In addition to serving as a highly accurate stand-alone time source, GPS receivers are 
used to synchronize distant clocks in communication or data networks. This 
synchronization is possible since all GPS satellite clocks are corrected to a common 
master clock. Therefore, the relative clock error is the same, regardless of which 
satellite or satellites are used. For timing applications requiring a common clock, GPS 
is the ideal solution.
Position and time errors are related by the speed of light. Therefore, a position error 
of 100 meters corresponds to a time error of approximately 333 ns. The hardware and 
software implementation affects the GPS receiver's PPS accuracy level. The 
receiver's clocking rate determines the PPS steering resolution.
Serial Time Output
Time must be taken from the timing messages in the TSIP, TAIP, or NMEA protocols 
because position messages contain a timestamp which is usually 1 to 2 seconds in the 
past.
Table 3.5
 Serial Time Output
Note – GPS time differs from UTC (Universal Coordinated Time) by a variable, 
integer number of seconds UTC=(GPS time)-(GPS UTC offset).
As of January 2006, the GPS UTC offset was 14 seconds. The offset has historically 
increased by 1 second about every 18 months. System designers should plan to read 
the offset value as a part of the timing interface to obtain UTC. The GPS week 
number is in reference to a base week (Week #0), starting January 6, 1980.
Protocol 
Timing Message
TSIP
Report packets 41 and 8F-21
TAIP
TM message
NMEA
ZDA message