A step to the decentralized real-time timekeeping network

The composite time scale(CTS) provides an accurate and stable time-frequency reference for modern science and technology. Conventional CTS always features a centralized network topology, which means that the CTS is accompanied by a local master clock. This largely restricts the stability and reliability of the CTS. We simulate the restriction and analyze the influence of the master clock on the CTS. It proves that the CTS's long-term stability is also positively related to that of the master clock, until the region dominated by the frequency drift of the H-maser(averaging time longer than ~10~5s).Aiming at this restriction, a real-time clock network is utilized. Based on the network, a real-time CTS referenced by a stable remote master clock is achieved. The experiment comparing two real-time CTSs referenced by a local and a remote master clock respectively reveals that under open-loop steering, the stability of the CTS is improved by referencing to a remote and more stable master clock instead of a local and less stable master clock. In this way, with the help of the proposed scheme, the CTS can be referenced to the most stable master clock within the network in real time, no matter whether it is local or remote, making democratic polycentric timekeeping possible.

Relational and Euclidean Temporal Space

In mathematics, space encompasses various structured sets such as Euclidean, metric, or vector space. This article introduces temporal space—a novel concept independent of traditional spatial dimensions and frames of reference, accommodating multiple object-oriented durations in a dynamical system. The novelty of building temporal space using finite geometry is rooted in recent advancements in the theory of relationalism which utilizes Euclidean geometry, set theory, dimensional analysis, and a causal signal system. Multiple independent and co-existing cyclic durations are measurable as a network of finite one-dimensional timelines. The work aligns with Leibniz’s comments on relational measures of duration with the addition of using discrete cyclic relational events that define these finite temporal spaces, applicable to quantum and classical physics. Ancient formulas have symmetry along with divisional and subdivisional orders of operations that create discrete and ordered temporal geometric elements. Elements have cyclically conserved symmetry but unique cyclic dimensional quantities applicable for anchoring temporal equivalence relations in linear time. We present both fixed equivalences and expanded periods of temporal space offering a non-Greek calendar methodology consistent with ancient global timekeeping descriptions. Novel applications of Euclid’s division algorithm and Cantor’s pairing function introduce a novel paired function equation. The mathematical description of finite temporal space within relationalism theory offers an alternative discrete geometric methodology for examining ancient timekeeping with new hypotheses for Egyptian calendars.

Automatic Configuration in NTP

NTP is nowadays the most widely used distributed network time protocol, which aims at synchronizing the clocks of computers in a network and keeping the accuracy and validation of the time information which is transmitted in the network. Without automatic configuration mechanism, the stability and flexibility of the synchronization network built upon NTP protocol are not satisfying. P2P’s resource discovery mechanism is used to look for time sources in a synchronization network, and according to the network environment and node’s quality, the synchronization network is constructed dynamically.

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The Clockls Ticking Is Africa’s relaxed attitude toward timekeeping holding the continent back?

Africa misappropriates time as it does to other resources, such as minerals. With this tradition, everything on the continent is always running behind schedule.

Resilient timekeeping algorithm with multi‑observation fusion Kalman filter

The timescales incorporated into the Primary Frequency Standard(PFS)exhibit excellent stability and accuracy.However,during the dead time of PFS,the reliability of the timescale can be compromised.To address this issue,a resilient timekeeping algorithm with a Multi-observation Fusion Kalman Filter(MFKF)is proposed.This algorithm fuses the frequency measurements from hydrogen masers with various reference frequency standards,including PFS and commercial cesium beam atomic clocks.The simulation results show that the time deviation and instability of the timescale generated by MFKF are improved compared to those with Kalman filtering.The experimental results demonstrate that even within 70 days of PFS dead time the resilient timescale generated by MFKF can operate reliably.Furthermore,it is theoretically proven that MFKF produces a smaller post-covariance than that with singleobservation Kalman filtering.

Precise time scales and navigation systems:mutual benefits of timekeeping and positioning

The relationship and the mutual benefits of timekeeping and Global Navigation Satellite Systems(GNSS)are reviewed,showing how each field has been enriched and will continue to progress,based on the progress of the other field.The role of GNSSs in the calculation of Coordinated Universal Time(UTC),as well as the capacity of GNSSs to provide UTC time dissemination services are described,leading now to a time transfer accuracy of the order of 1-2 ns.In addition,the fundamental role of atomic clocks in the GNSS positioning is illustrated.The paper presents a review of the current use of GNSS in the international timekeeping system,as well as illustrating the role of GNSS in disseminating time,and use the time and frequency metrology as fundamentals in the navigation service.