Time Transfer With the Galileo Precise Timing Facility

Abstract : The PTF is an Element of the Galileo Mission Segment in charge of generating the Galileo System Time (Master Clock) as the physical time reference of Galileo. The PTF C/D/E1 phase contract acquired by Consorzio Torino Time (Italy) started on December 2005. The detailed design is almost completed and the implementation phase will begin soon. To meet the Galileo system requirements, the time transfer functions have being designed on the basis of three techniques: TWSTFT, CV, and use of OSPF products. The last technique implies interfacing an external facility, i.e. the OSPF (Galileo Orbitography & Synchronization Processing Facility), onboard clocks, and GSS clocks. This paper addresses the current PTF design status, including: * PTF overview * Architecture * Algorithms SW * Time transfer HW * Time transfer performance.