Abstract: A method is presented to improve the accuracy of time synchronization of data. The invention consists of a timing module compromising a GPS interface with ability controller-based timing standard, high speed inputs and outputs and an asynchronous interface to an external processor system. It attaches a time-stamp referenced to an absolute time standard to transitions on the high speed inputs and a means for delivering these time stamps referenced to the high speed input to a computer or network. Alternatively the computer or network can specify a high speed output and an absolute time for an output transition and the timing module can deliver the specified output transition at the specified absolute time. Compared to existing systems of time synchronization, it will improve the accuracy of the timed data from the current Ethernet tolerance of up to 5 milliseconds to a possible tolerance of 250 nanoseconds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining the concentration of individual components within a fluid mixture by determining the permittivity of the individual components. The method and apparatus use a reference sensor and at least one measurement sensor positioned inside the same sensor device that is immersed in the fluid mixture to be measured. Signals, such as radio frequency or microwave, are sequentially transmitted at multiple, known, constant frequencies to and reflected from both the reference and measurement sensor(s). Permittivities of the individual components are determined from these transmitted and reflected signals and information about the concentration of the individual fluids and other compounds within the fluid mixture and the density of the fluid mixture are produced. Repetitive sampling and processing of these signals allow determination and real-time monitoring of the concentration of individual components within a mixture of fluids.