I. Introduction

Time is an important strategic resource for a nation. Accurate An independent and controllable time reference is a core safeguard for the orderly operation of critical sectors such as national defense and security, financial stability, transportation, and energy and power. For a long time, certain areas in China have relied on foreign satellite systems ( GPS ) Timing, exists Signal interference, timing disruptions, data breaches, strategic security Potential risks. The BeiDou-3 Global Navigation Satellite System (hereinafter referred to as… “ Beidou System ” ) 2020 It will be fully completed this year. As a global satellite navigation system independently developed and operated by China, it combines… Navigation, positioning, and timing Three core functions, with timing accuracy reaching 10 At the nanosecond level, it provides China with a fully independent and controllable global time‑keeping service. This paper, drawing on the Sinovate Technology–developed BeiDou‑based time server series, systematically analyzes the core principles of BeiDou satellite time synchronization, its technical architecture, the advantages of domestic localization, and typical applications, thereby offering technical support for establishing an autonomous and controllable time‑synchronization infrastructure in critical sectors.

II. Overview of the BeiDou System and Fundamentals of Time Synchronization

(1) Development History of the BeiDou System

The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System is a global satellite navigation system independently developed by China, with its development process divided into three phases:

• BeiDou-1 ( 1994-2003 Year): A regional navigation system was completed, covering China and its surrounding areas, thereby ensuring China’s independent navigation and timing capabilities. “ Yes or no ” Question;
• BeiDou-2 ( 2004-2012 Year): A regional navigation system was completed, covering the Asia-Pacific region and enhancing the accuracy and stability of navigation and timing services.
• BeiDou-3 ( 2009-2020 Year): Completion of the global navigation system, deployment 30 a satellite ( 24 a medium Earth orbit satellite, 3 one geostationary orbit satellite, 3 A constellation of inclined geostationary satellites achieves global coverage, with timing accuracy reaching internationally advanced levels.

(II) Core Advantages of the BeiDou System in Time Synchronization

The BeiDou system, as one of the world’s four major satellite navigation systems (BeiDou, GPS 、 GLONASS , one of the Galileos, possesses unique advantages in the field of timekeeping:

1. Fully autonomous and controllable : China independently constructs and operates it, free from control by foreign forces, thereby avoiding GPS Strategic security risks associated with time synchronization;
2. Tri-band signal timing : Globally, the entire system provides tri‑frequency civilian signals ( B1C、B2a、B3I ) system, can Accurate Eliminates ionospheric delay errors, resulting in higher timing accuracy;
3. High-precision traceability : Beidou Time ( BDT ) Directly traced back to the National Time Service Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. UTC ( NTSC ), and Coordinated Universal Time UTC Deviation less than 10 Nanosecond, Accurate Reliable;
4. Strong anti-interference capability It employs domestically developed anti‑interference antennas and signal‑processing technologies, enabling resistance to electromagnetic interference and malicious signal spoofing, thereby ensuring stable time synchronization in complex environments.

III. Core Principles of BeiDou Satellite Time Synchronization

The core principle of BeiDou satellite time synchronization is **“ Satellites in space transmit reference signals, ground-based equipment receives them, local clocks are synchronized, and standard time is disseminated across the entire network. ” , divided into Satellite terminal, transmission link, receiving terminal, time distribution ** Four core components form a closed-loop timing system:

(1) Satellite Side: Atomic Clocks Generate the Reference Time

Carried aboard the BeiDou-3 satellite Domestic hydrogen atomic clocks and rubidium atomic clocks , atomic clocks use the transition frequency of atomic energy levels as their timekeeping standard, achieving extremely high precision (operating 300 The annual error does not exceed 1 seconds), generate Beidou System Reference Time ( BDT ) . The satellite maintains time using its onboard clock. Accurate , while simultaneously receiving correction parameters from the ground-based mission control station to compensate for time drift caused by relativistic effects and atmospheric disturbances, thereby ensuring that the satellite’s time remains synchronized with UTC ( NTSC ) Accurate Synchronize.

(2) Transmission Link: Satellite Broadcast Timing Signal

Beidou satellites through B1C、B2a、B3I Tri-band civilian signals, broadcast worldwide, include Timecode, satellite position, signal transmission time A message conveying such information. The signal propagates through space in the form of electromagnetic waves at a speed approaching that of light, and ground-based receiving stations can capture it in real time.

(3) Receiving Terminal: Decodes the signal and locks onto the local clock.

With Zhongxin Chuang Technology DNTS-9-B Single-BDS Time Server For example, the terminal is built-in. Domestic BeiDou timing receiver and High-stability crystal oscillator , the core work is divided into two steps:

1. Signal Acquisition and Decoding : The anti‑interference antenna receives BeiDou satellite signals, and the receiver decodes information such as the time code, transmission time, and satellite position. By integrating this data with satellite orbital parameters and the speed of electromagnetic wave propagation, it calculates Signal propagation delay , calculate Accurate UTC Standard time, with a synchronization error of less than 30 nanosecond;
2. Local clock discipline : The terminal is equipped with a domestically produced high-stability crystal oscillator (serving as the local backup time reference), via Satellite Taming Technology , using the Beidou system Accurate Calibrate the crystal oscillator frequency dynamically over time to suppress its inherent drift, ensuring long-term stability of the local clock. Accurate (Even if the satellite signal is briefly interrupted, high-precision timekeeping can still be maintained.)

(4) Time Distribution: Protocol Conversion and Network-Wide Synchronization

Beidou timing terminal acquisition Accurate After standard time, via NTP 、 PTP 、1PPS (Second pulse), IRIG-B code Protocol that distributes standard time to all devices on the network (servers, switches, industrial controllers, security devices, etc.), achieving time synchronization across the entire network and establishing… “ The Big Dipper in the sky, synchronization on the ground. ” The time reference system.

IV. Core Advantages of Domestic Localization in Beidou Time Synchronization

Against the backdrop of the rapid advancement of the indigenous information technology industry, Beidou timing not only represents technological substitution but also… National Strategic Security The core guarantee—domestication advantages are reflected in… Secure and controllable, technologically independent, industry‑compatible, and fully compliant. Four major dimensions:

(1) Security and Controllability: Mitigating Risks of Overseas Dependence

Key sectors (finance, energy, defense, government) if reliant on GPS Timekeeping exists. Signals are blocked, jammed, or spoofed. The risks may lead to system outages, data breaches, and security incidents. BeiDou time synchronization is entirely independent and controllable; its signals are not subject to control by foreign entities. A standalone BeiDou timing device (such as the Zhongxin Chuang) DNTS-9-B ) Receives only BeiDou satellite signals, completely eliminating reliance on GPS Dependency, fortifying the time‑security defense line in critical areas.

(II) Technological Autonomy: Full-Chain Domestication of Core Technologies

Core components of the Beidou timing terminal ( Time‑synchronization chips, circuit boards, crystal oscillators, antennas, operating systems, and algorithms ) has achieved full-chain domestic substitution. The Zhongxin Chuang Technology series of domestically produced time servers ( DNTS-9HG、DNTS-9-B ) Equipped with Hygon and Phytium domestic chips It is compatible with domestically developed operating systems, features a core algorithm that has been independently researched and developed, and has passed rigorous testing by authoritative institutions such as the Fifth Research Institute of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the National Institute of Metrology. The technology is independently controllable and meets the requirements of the indigenous information technology innovation (XinChuang) industry.

(3) Industry Alignment: Deep Integration into the Domestic Industry Ecosystem

Beidou timing technology is deeply tailored to meet the needs of China’s financial, transportation, energy, healthcare, education, and other sectors, offering customized timing solutions. For example, the rail transit industry mandates that timing equipment obtain authoritative certifications; Zhongxin Chuang’s standalone Beidou time server has been certified by China Railway Corporation and the Shanghai Railway Bureau for its reliability. The financial sector requires… Accurate Time‑synchronization ensures transaction security; Zhongxin Chuang’s products and services are deployed by institutions such as the People’s Bank of China and the Bank of China, seamlessly integrated into the domestic industry ecosystem, and deliver enhanced compatibility and stability.

(4) Compliance: In compliance with national policies and standards.

In recent years, China has introduced a series of policies to promote the development of the information technology innovation (ITI) industry and the practical application of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, explicitly requiring… Critical infrastructure, government agencies, and state-owned enterprises shall give priority to domestically developed, independently controllable technology products. . The Beidou timing device is a core piece of information‑technology‑independence hardware that employs a Beidou‑based timing solution, aligning with national policy priorities and industry compliance requirements. It helps mitigate policy risks and qualifies for favorable industrial policies.

V. Zhongxin Chuangke Technology’s Beidou Timing Product Series

Zhongxin Chuang Technology is deeply engaged in the time and frequency field. 20 Over the years, keeping pace with trends in BeiDou applications and the information technology innovation industry, we have developed a full range of BeiDou timing products, with core offerings including:

1. DNTS-9-B Single-BDS Time Server : Supports only BeiDou satellite time synchronization, fully autonomous and controllable, with timing accuracy of 2.8 ns , compatible with XinChuang scenarios and suitable for critical sectors such as finance, government, and national defense;
2. DNTS-9HG Domestically developed XinChuang time server : Supports BeiDou / GPS Multi-mode timing, equipped with Hygon. / Feiteng’s domestically produced chips are compatible with domestic operating systems, offering both high precision and seamless localization integration.
3. DNTS-9D Data Center–Type Time Server : Supports BeiDou multi‑mode time synchronization, offering high performance and high redundancy to meet the high‑density timing requirements of large data centers;
4. DNPTP-9L High performance PTP Server : Supports BeiDou time synchronization + PTP Protocol, nanosecond-level synchronization accuracy, compatible with 5G , high-precision applications such as industrial automation.

All products are certified by Single‑Beidou terminal verification certificate, quality management system certification, CE Certification, CNAS Calibration Certificate Certified by authoritative bodies, with reliable quality and stable performance.

VI. Typical Application Scenarios of BeiDou Time Synchronization

(1) Financial Industry

Financial transactions, clearing and reconciliation, and risk monitoring require Accurate Timestamp, Beidou time synchronization ensures transaction timing. Accurate , tamper-proof, circumvention GPS Dependency risk; serves banks, insurance companies, securities firms, and other institutions.

(II) Transportation

Rail transit (railways and subways), civil aviation airports, and port terminals all require a unified time reference to ensure seamless dispatching and command, safety monitoring, and coordinated equipment operation. BeiDou timing devices have obtained authoritative certifications for use in rail transit and civil aviation.

(3) Energy and Power

The petrochemical, power‑grid, and new‑energy power‑station sectors require time synchronization to ensure grid dispatching, equipment operation and maintenance, fault diagnosis, protection against electromagnetic interference, and compatibility with complex industrial environments.

(4) Government Agencies and National Defense

Government offices, public administration systems, and the defense‑industrial sector require an independently controllable time reference to ensure the security of government data, the stability of national defense communications, and the mitigation of overseas timing‑service security risks.

(5) Education, Research, and Healthcare

Universities, research institutes, and medical institutions are required to Accurate Time synchronization ensures the traceability of experimental data and the accuracy of medical records, meeting the high-precision requirements of both research and clinical settings.

VII. Conclusion

The maturation and widespread application of the BeiDou satellite timing technology have fundamentally transformed China’s previously passive reliance on foreign satellite timing systems, providing critical support to key national sectors. Autonomous, controllable, Accurate , safety The time‑base support provided by the BeiDou system is a key manifestation of China’s commitment to scientific and technological self‑reliance and strength. As the indigenous information technology industry continues to advance and the range of BeiDou application scenarios expands, BeiDou timing technology will take root and flourish across an ever broader array of sectors. Zhongxin Chuang Technology will remain dedicated to advancing BeiDou timing‑related R&D, refining domestically produced time‑and‑frequency products, and delivering secure solutions to industries nationwide. Accurate An efficient time synchronization solution that supports China’s digital economy and the development of its national security framework.