Real-time and dynamic time transfer method based on double-differenced real-time kinematic mode

In this study, a real-time and dynamic time transfer method based on double-differenced (DD) real-time kinematic (RTK) mode is proposed. First, the method forms the DD observations of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to fix the DD ambiguity, and then, all of the fixed single-differenced (SD) ambiguities are recovered while defining the SD ambiguity datum; finally, the method uses the SD observations to realise the time transfer by using the fixed SD ambiguities. Five different baseline links were used for the validations. The results demonstrated that the DD-RTK method can be used for both kinematic positioning and precise time transfers, and it provides for much better accuracy and stability than the un-differenced precise point positioning method because it is operated by the broadcast ephemeris, which is more convenient for real-time applications.

Automated summary

The study proposes a real-time and dynamic time transfer method based on double-differenced (DD) GNSS observations, which fixes ambiguities and achieves time transfer using single-differenced (SD) observations. Validation results demonstrate that the method provides better accuracy and stability for positioning and time transfers compared to undifferenced methods, making it more suitable for real-time applications.