USPLN™ Lightning Detection System

Time Difference of Arrival Technology

The USPLN system uses a Time Difference of Arrival technology that employs high resolution internal timing devices and GPS (Global Positioning System) timing as a reference. This design provides for a more stable accurate timing source and subsequently improved data resolution and more accurate location reports. When lightning occurs, each sensor evaluates the signal to discriminate cloud-to-ground lightning strokes from all other electrical noise, time-stamps the signal using GPS and sends raw data to the Central Analyzer where the data are quickly analyzed and then displayed on your computer. The Central Analyzer is located at the USPLN network operations center in Massachusetts, with a fully redundant operations center located in Florida.

When individual sensor stroke data arrives at the Central Analyzer, the system correlates the data from all sensors reporting, to "intersect" these data and calculate a ground stroke solution point (where the stroke hit the earth’s surface). Tremendous redundancy exists within the network, as sensors have the ability to detect lightning from hundreds or even thousands of miles away.  Typically 5-10 sensors report as part of the stroke solution point. All data detected by the USPLN is stored at the network control centers and at WDT’s data operations center in Oklahoma.