Provision of sps timing signals

Abstract

Methods for provision of a sequence of timing signals for one or a plurality of microprocessors, microprocessor peripheral devices or other timing-controlled instruments ('users'), using timing signals determined from a Satellite Positioning System (SPS), such as GPS or GLONASS. In a first embodiment, one or a plurality of users is individually provided with SPS signal antennas and receiver/processors, and timing signals are optionally individually for each user. The timing signals can be periodic, for example, a One-Pulse-Per-Second signal for fine corrections of high frequency timing signals issued by an internal or external clock. The timing signals can also be substantially non-periodic. The timing signals may also be used to determine the time at which selected events occur, such as issuance of interrupt commands in, or directed to, a microprocessor. In another embodiment, CDMA or spread spectrum communications can be implemented and improved by using frequency hopping or other carrier-coded communications in which a time interval for use of the present carrier code is determined by two spaced apart timing signals received from an SPS timing device. In another embodiment, transmission times for each of a plurality of TDMA communications stations are synchronized using SPS timing signals. In another embodiment, each of a plurality of cellular telephone (CT) users is allocated to an appropriate CT cell for signal transmission and receipt, using timing and location information obtained from differential SPS signals.