Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus and method for providing timing control signals for operation of an engine and other devices on a vehicle and/or operation of telecommunications equipment and/or computer equipment on the vehicle. A Satellite Positioning System (SATPS) antenna and receiver/processor receive and process signals from three or more SATPS satellites and determine and issue SATPS-determined timing pulses and time signals that indicate the time associated with each timing pulse. The pulse-to-pulse time separation .DELTA.t.sub.pp of these timing pulses is adjusted to provide a separation approximately equal to a selected pulse separation .DELTA.t.sub.incr. Alternatively, a supplementary timing device provides a sequence of timing pulses with pulse-to-pulse spacing that is adjustable by varying an environmental parameter .theta., such as temperature or electrical field, for this timing device. The supplementary timing device pulse-to-pulse separation is determined by the SATPS-determined time signals and the environmental parameter .theta. is varied so that .DELTA.t.sub.pp becomes approximately equal to a selected value .DELTA.t.sub.incr that can be used for timing signals on the vehicle. The supplementary timing device pulses can also be used where the SATPS-determined time signals and timing pulses are not available. The SATPS may be a Global Positioning System (GPS), a Global Orbiting Navigational Satellite System (GLONASS) or any other suitable satellite-based system.

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First Claim