Relative Time
A relative time is a discrete time interval that is usually added to or subtracted from another time. The TDF that is associated with absolute times is an example of a relative time. Relative times are normally used as input for commands or system routines.
The following figure shows the format for relative time.
Relative Time Format
The simple relative times that you specify with DTS-related dcecp program commands do not use the calendar date nor inaccuracy fields because these fields are associated with absolute times. Positive relative times are not signed, but negative relative times are preceded with a (minus sign).
The following example shows a relative time used in a typical DTS-related dcecp command:
21-08:30:25.000
Simple relative times are often subtracted from or added to other relative or absolute times. For example, if you say, "I will meet you in an hour," you add a relative time of +01:00 to the present absolute time. In the case where you add or subtract a relative time and an absolute time, note that the inaccuracy of the input absolute time is carried over to the resulting absolute time. For example, 1993-11-30-00:30:25.000I00.030 minus 00-00:15:25.000 equals 1993-11-30-00:15:00.000I00.030.