Accuracy analysis of time synchronization in WAM based on ADS-B

The high accuracy time synchronization between stations is one of the most critical issues in Wide Area Multilateration, which is based on time difference of arrival. An idea of time synchronization with the known position of the mobile emitter is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the ADS-B position error, which consists of location error, data link error and system delay error, is analyzed. Secondly, a high accuracy synchronization method is proposed, which can effectively reduce the impact of ADS-B error. Finally, the simulations based on the parameters that come from measured data are done. The results show that the high accuracy time synchronization in WAM based on ADS-B can achieve sub-nanosecond synchronization accuracy between the stations, with respect to the accuracy of the measurement of signal arrival time, which even can be ignored. This method has broad applicability and also simplifies engineering, so it has important value.