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NAB2023 Session: A Proof-of-Concept for ATSC 3.0-based Broadcast Positioning System

Mar 30, 2023

The session will present a proof-of-concept system, developed by multiple partner companies under direction of NAB Pilot, that provides a closed-loop broadcast time stabilization system.

ATSC 3.0-based Broadcast Positioning System (BPS)

The ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV standard defines a precise time stamp of the emission time of each broadcast frame. The time stamp, along with the transmission antenna location, can be used to determine the distance the receiver is from the transmitter. Given three such ATSC 3.0 transmissions in an area, these broadcasts can be used as a precise positioning system, called BPS, which can be used as a backup system for the Global Positioning System (GPS). However, providing a precise time stamp is technically challenging due to various delays and variability in the broadcast transmission studio "air chain". 

This paper describes a proof-of-concept system, developed by multiple partner companies under the direction of NAB Pilot, that provides a closed loop broadcast time stabilization system. The paper explores the techniques used to measure the broadcast signal’s emission time and to compensate for the air chain timing variability stabilizing the emission time stamp. The paper also describes the lessons learned and the barriers to meeting the stringent timing accuracy requirements of the BPS system.

The project will be presented at a NAB Session "Case Study of Developing an Emission Time Stabilization Proof-of-Concept Prototype for ATSC 3.0-based Broadcast Positioning System (BPS)"

Date:Saturday, April 15
Time:15:00 - 15:20 PT
Location:West Hall, W219-W221

More details and demonstration can be found at the partner booths on the NAB Show Exhibition floor:

Avateq Corp. - NAB 2023 - Booth W3452


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