An independent method for estimating path delay in microwave time synchronization system

In order to accurately estimate path delays of microwave time synchronization system, an improved ray tracing method is proposed. In this improved model, Hopfield model is introduced to overcome the ray tracing method's dependence on radiosonde data. Meanwhile, Global Pressure and Temperature 2 wet (GPT2w) is used to provide meteorological data for Hopfield model. Some observations are selected to evaluate Hopfield model and GPT2w model, results demonstrate that these two models have high precision. An example is also presented to evaluate the improved ray tracing method. Path delays estimated by two improved models are presented. The meteorological data measured by equipment and estimated by GPT2w are provided to these improved models. Results indicate that the improved model can accurately estimate path delays.