When someone refers to GPS clock systems, they are talking about the new super-accurate radio transmitter operated clock systems. In order to work properly, It uses a synchronized by a radio-transmitted time code. The systems utilize satellite technology from the various satellites that are scattered in space around the earth, to record time with 100% accuracy.
When a GPS satellite passes overhead, it sends time signals to the GPS receiver. The receiver then sends signals to a radio transmitter and it is rebroadcast to each clock that is programmed to be a part of the system. Each of the clocks is synchronized down to the second.
The letters, "GPS," stand for "Global Positioning System." This was originally a military concept that cost the US Department of Defense $12 billion to design, build and implement. While it was originally intended for military use only, it is no longer exclusive. They are used to help synchronize computer systems. They are considered to be the most accurate timing references, so are used for computerized timing applications and accurate timing references.
Places of business that rely on synchronized time benefit a great deal by implementing GPS clock systems. For example colleges and universities or banking institutions that rely on accurate security logs, are at a distinct advantage when they use it, College administrators appreciate the fact that when a college campus is synchronized, there are fewer class disruptions because of students who arrive to class late. Hospitals that need precise, accurate timing for procedures and testing benefit from them. Companies that use GPS clock systems can also save money by monitoring employees shift changes and breaks and eliminating those extraneous breaks that do not represent the company's best interests.
GPS clock systems do not involve the use of complicated equipment in order to work. They are easy to install and can be installed in a number of different locations in the school, hospital or other business that uses them. Should the electricity ever go out due to inclement weather, the system will continue to perform accurately. This is due to the technology that stores data in a non-volatile memory from the instant the power goes out. When it comes back on, the transmitter will receive the time from the GPS receiver. It then corrects any of the internal data and will send the updated time to system clocks. Any type of power outage that is not extended beyond a reasonable length will not have a significant impact on the accuracy of the GPS clock systems.
The same non-volatile memory also works to automatically change time for Daylight Savings Time. On the day that the time changes, the radio transmitter signals the satellite clock which, in turn, adjusts the clock for Daylight Savings Time. If Daylight Savings Time is not observed in the area where the GPS clock systems are installed, this feature can be disabled.