Level of Education of Students Involved
Undergraduate
Faculty Sponsor
Nicholas Rosasco
College
Arts and Sciences
Discipline(s)
Computer Science, Mechanical Engnineering, Electrical Engineering
ORCID Identifier(s)
Matthew Dembny (0009-0001-1138-0905), Nathan Wessel (0009-0005-4727-2956), Thaddeus Malatlian (0009-0001-9494-5683)
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-25-2024
Abstract
Precision timekeeping is critical in both the sciences and in the operation of large complex computer installations, impacting tasks ranging from distributed database synchronization to cryptography. It also impacts domains like satellite communication and high-volume financial transactions. The accuracy of time is measured not only in the units of time the clock is capable of but also in how far the clock will drift, relative to Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) over a period of time. Most commodity modern computers have clocks that drift a few milliseconds each day, which creates issues across a variety of time-sensitive applications. This project aims to create and deploy a stratum-1 clock capable of providing highly accurate time data over the Precision Time Protocol (PTP). A core component of a stratum-1 device is a connection to a reliable source of UTC via a stratum-0 device, which is most readily obtained via GPS satellites. The team utilized an L1/L2 GPS receiver to acquire an accurate time source, used to synchronize with a local digitally controlled oven-controlled crystal oscillator (DCOXCO) which provides a high precision tick based on a hyper accurate quartz vibration. This near-atomic-clock grade device with locally developed custom housing, once deployed and verified, will provide the opportunity to pursue a variety of advanced questions in multiple disciplines.
Recommended Citation
Dembny, Matthew; Wessel, Nathan; and Malatlian, Thaddeus, "Cookin’ Time: Deploying a Satellite Synchronized Oven-Controlled Oscillator Stratum-1 Timekeeping System" (2024). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 1309.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1309
Biographical Information about Author(s)
Matthew Dembny is a senior Computer Science Major. Nathan Wessel is a senior Mechanical Engineering Major. Thaddeus Malatlian is a sophomore Electrical Engineering Major.