Precise synchronization in large distributed systems

In industrial applications is a demand for the highly reliable and synchronous distributed systems. The problem is that in those systems the nodes maintain their own time using local clocks. This behavior can be suppressed by synchronization of the individual nodes. It is more effective to use GPS for synchronization in large distributed systems. This paper deals with evaluation of reachable accuracy of synchronization within industrial distributed system using low-cost GPS receivers. Results of measurements using the uBlox LEA-6T GPS Receiver confirm achievable accuracy better than 15 ns in terms of an RMS value.