Terms and Abbreviations for Atom GPS

Synchronization

Most telecommunication services running on a modern communications network require network-wide synchronization. Synchronization means that the frequency offset or time difference between devices must remain in a specified range. Clock synchronization is categorized as frequency synchronization or time synchronization.

Time synchronization

Time synchronization, also known as phase synchronization, refers to the consistency of both frequencies and phases between signals. That is, the phase offset between signals is always 0.

Frequency synchronization

Frequency synchronization, also known as clock synchronization, refers to the strict relationship between signals based on a constant frequency offset or phase offset, in which signals are sent or received at an average rate in a moment. In this manner, all devices in the communications network operate at the same rate. That is, the difference of phases between signals is a constant value.

IEEE 1588v2

PTP

A standard entitled Precision Clock Synchronization Protocol for Networked Measurement and Control Systems, defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). It is also called the Precision Time Protocol (PTP).

GPS

Global Positioning System

PRC

Primary Reference Clock

PRTC

Primary Reference Timing Clock

PTP

Precision Time Protocol

UTC

Coordinated Universal Clock

PLL

Phase-Locked Loop

SyncE

Synchronization Ethernet

RTC

Real-time Clock