M3-1.1 - Evaluation of Time Synchronization Mechanisms in Legal Metrology

Event

23. ITG/GMA-Fachtagung Sensoren und Messsysteme 2026
2026-06-09 - 2026-06-10
Nürnberg

Band

Vorträge

Chapter

Mechanische Größen

Author(s)

M. Esche, F. Reichmuth, R. Meyer, M. Nischwitz - Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Berlin

Pages

433 - 439

DOI

10.5162/sensoren2026/M3-1.1

ISBN

978-3-910600-11-9

Price

free

Abstract

To ensure correct billing in case of dynamic tariffs, measuring instruments subject to legal control must be able to correctly obtain legal time from an authenticated source. Typically, each EU member state designates one institution for distributing legal time locally. Several technical implementations for time synchronization are introduced and discussed in this paper. They are evaluated using a harmonized risk assessment approach based on ISO 18045 vulnerability analysis. Results indicate that protection for high-risk scenarios, e.g., critical infrastructure, can be ensured via state-of-the-art cryptographic protocols or by combining different synchronization mechanisms. Based on the results of the assessment, recommendations for the practical usage of the different implementations are made.