What is the maximum Time Quality (TQ) of a Net Time Reference unit in Link-16?

What is the maximum Time Quality (TQ) of a Net Time Reference unit in Link-16?

• A. 10
• B. 20
• C. 5
• D. 15

Answer: (D)

Time Quality in Link-16 is represented by a 4-bit value, meaning it can range from 0 to 15. The Net Time Reference unit provides the network’s time and signals how trustworthy that time is. When the reference is stable and locked to a precise source, it reports the highest possible value. Since the scale is limited to 0–15, the maximum Time Quality a Net Time Reference can indicate is 15. Values lower than that reflect decreasing reliability due to factors like jitter or loss of lock. The other numbers shown aren’t the upper bound of the scale, and 20 isn’t representable in this 4-bit field.

Time Quality in Link-16 is represented by a 4-bit value, meaning it can range from 0 to 15. The Net Time Reference unit provides the network’s time and signals how trustworthy that time is. When the reference is stable and locked to a precise source, it reports the highest possible value. Since the scale is limited to 0–15, the maximum Time Quality a Net Time Reference can indicate is 15. Values lower than that reflect decreasing reliability due to factors like jitter or loss of lock. The other numbers shown aren’t the upper bound of the scale, and 20 isn’t representable in this 4-bit field.