In this paper we present a new prediction algorithm for the generation of International Atomic Time (TAI). The new prediction algorithm takes into account the frequency drift which affects most of the participating atomic clocks. In particular, we focus on the effect of the application of the new model on the prediction term for the frequency drift affecting the free atomic time scale (EAL). We also present its effect on TAI performance and on atomic clock weights.

In this paper we present a new weighting algorithm for the generation of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The new weighting procedure is based on the idea that the best clocks are the most predictable. The effect of the new algorithm on the weight distribution and on the stability of UTC is presented and discussed. An improvement in the frequency stability of UTC at both short and long terms is observed, as well as a better clock weight distribution in the ensemble.

GPS code measurements have been used for three decades for remote clock comparison, also called Time Transfer. Initially based on a technique using common-view (CV) single-frequency measurements, GPS time transfer now mostly uses dual-frequency measurements from geodetic receivers processed in all-in-view (AV). With the completion of the GLONASS constellation, it has been possible to readily use it in the CV single-frequency mode, providing results similar to GPS for short-distance time links. However GLONASS results are not readily equivalent to GPS in the dual-frequency AV mode, necessary for any moderate-to long-distance link, and this paper shows how to achieve this. We first present the GLONASS upgrade of the R2CGGTTS software, a tool to provide dual-frequency measurements in a format dedicated to time transfer named CGGTTS (Common GPS GLONASS Time Transfer Standard). The GLONASS navigation files are used to determine satellite clocks and positions, and dual-frequency pseudorange measurements are linearly combined to compute the CGGTTS results in a similar way as for GPS. In a second part, we present the combination of GPS and GLONASS into one unique time transfer solution based on AV. The results are first corrected using precise satellite orbit and clock products delivered by the IGS analysis centre ESOC, and characterized by the same reference for the GPS and GLONASS satellite clocks. Then, the need to introduce satellite-dependent hardware delays in GLONASS results is emphasized, and a procedure is proposed for their determination. The time transfer solutions obtained for GPS-only and GPS+GLONASS are then compared. The combination of GPS and GLONASS results in AV provides a time transfer solution having the same quality as GPS only. Furthermore, comparisons show that even when increasing the number of observations in CV thanks to the combination of the two constellations, the AV remains superior to the CV solution in terms of noise and short term stability, especially for long baselines.

Considering the evolving needs of time metrology and the convenience of allowing the contributing laboratories access to a realization UTC more frequently than through the monthly Circular T, the BIPM Time Department has started to implement the computation of UTCr, a rapid realization of UTC published every week and based on daily clock and time transfer data. Results of the first weeks of a pilot experimentation of this new product are presented. I.

Considering the evolving needs of time metrology and the convenience of allowing the contributing laboratories access to a realization UTC more frequently than through the monthly Circular T, the BIPM Time Department has started to implement the computation of UTCr, a rapid realization of UTC published every week and based on daily clock and time transfer data. Results of the first weeks of a pilot experimentation of this new product are presented.I.

Recent work on the uncertainties of [UTC-UTC(k)] has made it possible to quantify the effects of different configurations of the time-transfer links used to generate International Atomic Time (TAI). The optimal topology depends upon the magnitude and character of the time-transfer noise of the relevant systems, the correlations between the time-transfer links, the required degree of robustness, the operational practices and equipment at pivot and crossover sites, and the operational complexity of generating TAI on a routine basis. The authors are members of a study group of the Consultative Committee for Time and Frequency (CCTF) Working Group on TAI that is studying these issues, and this paper will present considerations relevant to the problem.

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