GNSS Time Authentication via Trusted Reference Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Independent third-party users of GNSS timing signals lack the ability to detect whether these signals are accurate and reliable, particularly in cases where the GNSS systems are owned and operated by other nation states, and are susceptible to degradation, jamming, or spoofing.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing existing networks of precisely surveyed GNSS receivers, the method involves receiving GNSS timing signals and comparing them with a trusted time base signal from an independent source, such as atomic clocks, to authenticate the accuracy of the GNSS time signals and calculate any errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GNSS timing signals are used from other nation states, then global coverage and time synchronization are achieved, but signal accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to susceptibility to degradation, jamming, or spoofing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system that acts as a mediator between the GNSS signal source and the user. This system receives GNSS timing signals, authenticates them against a trusted time base (such as atomic clocks), and provides authentication status to users. The intermediary layer protects users from harmful factors by verifying signal integrity without requiring direct trust in the remote GNSS source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the authentication system continuously monitors GNSS timing signals, compares them with the trusted time base, and provides feedback information about signal authenticity and accuracy to users. This feedback loop enables users to adjust their operations based on the authenticated status of the timing signals, ensuring reliable operation even when signals are degraded.
2Measurement precision
If third-party users directly use GNSS timing signals, then ease of operation is maintained, but the ability to detect signal accuracy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system serves as an intermediary service that users can access without changing their existing GNSS signal reception operations. The system handles the complex task of comparing GNSS timing signals against a trusted time base, while users simply receive authentication status information. This maintains ease of operation while enabling precise time accuracy detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system performs self-service by automatically receiving GNSS timing signals, comparing them with the trusted time base, and generating authentication results without requiring user intervention. Users benefit from this automated service that continuously monitors and authenticates signals, providing accurate time detection capability without adding operational complexity.
3Reliability
If a network of surveyed reference GNSS receivers is used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the ability to authenticate time signals independently is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system is designed to be universal and can authenticate time signals from any GNSS constellation or source without requiring a dedicated network of reference receivers. The system uses a trusted time base (such as atomic clocks) that is independent of any specific GNSS network, enabling independent authentication of time signals while maintaining simplicity and avoiding the need for complex reference receiver networks.
Data Source
AI summary
Existing networks of precisely surveyed GNSS receivers that are used for dGNSS or RTK positioning techniques can be used to measure GNSS time across a territory or region such as a country. The measured GNSS time base signals from each receiver are then fed back to a collating service, similar to the existing dGNSS/RTK systems, which also receives an accurate time base signal from a trusted third-party time base supplier which maintains a trusted time base. The collating service then compares the GNSS time signals from the network of GNSS receivers with the trusted time base and determines whether the GNSS time signals are accurate when compared to the trusted time base, and if they are not accurate, calculates the error. The collating service may provide the calculated error to users and the necessary correction that needs to be applied to measured GNSS time to obtain accurate UTC time.