A master clock is a hardware device that obtains exact time from a hardware reference and synchronizes the slave clocks and time displays. Slave clocks depend on the master clock to display the correct time.
Once set, traditional unsynchronized clocks drift away from the correct time at different rates. After a relatively short period of time, they can all show very different times. Correcting individual watches can be a time-consuming process and must be done at regular intervals.
GPS Master Clocks
Master clocks can use hardware time references, such as the GPS system, to get highly accurate time. GPS is accurate to within one second in three hundred million years. Therefore, all time displays and slave clocks can refer to a highly accurate, legally traceable source of time. GPS systems require an antenna that is normally located with a clear view of the sky. Alternatively, where antenna installation is difficult, public Internet Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers can be used.
They all work at the same time
Many organizations can benefit from synchronized clocks. All staff work at the same time, so meetings can start on time, school classes start and end on schedule, and shifts start and end consistently. Hospitals, manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries can accurately record events.
Low maintenance
Once properly installed and configured, slave clocks are virtually maintenance-free, unlike stand-alone clocks that are highly maintenance-intensive.
Automatic adjustment
In many countries, clocks must be adjusted twice a year to correct for daylight saving time. If a large number of clocks need to be corrected, it can take a long time. Clocks are often located at height or in inaccessible positions, making the task even more time consuming. Also, the adjustment often takes place long after the event, so the clocks will be off for a long period of time.
Master clocks automatically adjust for daylight saving time, without the need for manual user intervention. In addition, all watches are set to the correct time so that accurate time is displayed continuously.
An added benefit is that slave clocks can often be configured to display the time in different time zones, which is ideal for meeting rooms and operating rooms.
Auto recovery
Power outages or failures can cause unsynchronized clocks to become inaccurate. Each clock must then be corrected individually. Master clock systems automatically obtain the exact time from hardware references such as GPS. Within a few minutes of power being restored, the slave clocks will start running again. Operator intervention is often not required.
