Time distribution switch
First Claim
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1. A time distribution device comprising:
- a receiver configured to receive periodic time signals from each of first and second external time sources;
an output configured to provide a precision time signal to an intelligent electronic device (IED), wherein the precision time signal is determined from a best available time source of the first and second external time sources;
a memory; and
a processor operatively coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute instructions stored on the memory to cause the processor to;
determine, for the first external time source, a first variation of duration between the periodic time signals from the first external time source, the first variation in duration based on a local oscillator;
determine, for the second external time source, a second variation of duration between the periodic time signals from the second external time source, the second variation in duration based on the local oscillator;
compare the first time source and the second time source with the lowest variation.
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Abstract
Systems and methods for detecting the failure of a precision time source using an independent time source are disclosed. Additionally, detecting the failure of a GNSS based precision time source based on a calculated location of a GNSS receiver is disclosed. Moreover, the system may be further configured to distribute a time derived from the precision time source as a precision time reference to time dependent devices. In the event of a failure of the precision time source, the system may be configured to distribute a time derived from a second precision time source as the precision time signal during a holdover period.
132 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A time distribution device comprising:
- a receiver configured to receive periodic time signals from each of first and second external time sources;
an output configured to provide a precision time signal to an intelligent electronic device (IED), wherein the precision time signal is determined from a best available time source of the first and second external time sources;
a memory; and
a processor operatively coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute instructions stored on the memory to cause the processor to;
determine, for the first external time source, a first variation of duration between the periodic time signals from the first external time source, the first variation in duration based on a local oscillator;
determine, for the second external time source, a second variation of duration between the periodic time signals from the second external time source, the second variation in duration based on the local oscillator;
compare the first time source and the second time source with the lowest variation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
- a receiver configured to receive periodic time signals from each of first and second external time sources;
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6. A method comprising:
- receiving, at a time distribution device, periodic time signals from each of a first external time source and a second external time source;
determining, for the first external time source, a first variation of duration between the periodic time signals from the first external time source, the first variation in duration based on a local oscillator;
determining, for the second external time source, a second variation of duration between the periodic time signals from the second external time source, the second variation in duration based on the local oscillator;
comparing the first variation and the second variation;
selecting a best available time source as one of the first time source and the second time source with the lowest variation; and
distributing the best available time source to one or more consuming devices. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
- receiving, at a time distribution device, periodic time signals from each of a first external time source and a second external time source;
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10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method for determining a best available time source, the method comprising:
- receiving, at a time distribution device, periodic time signals from each of a first external time source and a second external time source;
determining, for the first external time source, a first variation of duration between the periodic time signals from the first external time source, the first variation in duration based on a local oscillator;
determining, for the second external time source, a second variation of duration between the periodic time signals from the second external time source, the second variation in duration based on the local oscillator;
comparing the first variation and the second variation;
selecting a best available time source as one of the first time source and the second time source with the lowest variation; and
distributing the best available time source to one or more consuming devices. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
- receiving, at a time distribution device, periodic time signals from each of a first external time source and a second external time source;
Specification