Synchronous, clocked communication system with relative clock and method for configuring such a system

Abstract

The invention relates to a synchronous, clocked communication system, for example a distributed automation system, the stations of which can be arbitrary automation components which are coupled to one another via a data network () for the purpose of mutual data exchange. In this arrangement, all possible bus systems such as, e.g. field bus, professional field bus, Ethernet, industrial Ethernet etc. are available for use as the data network () of the communication system. One station of this communication system is designated as timing generator and ensures the distribution and maintenance of the communication clock used to and by all stations. The timing generator can also introduce a relative clock () in the entire communication system at all stations via the same mechanism. This station is thus also the master of the relative clock () or the applicable relative time (). All stations of the communication system are, therefore, continuously synchronized to the relative clock (), which is applicable throughout this system, with the valid relative time () and, therefore have the same understanding of time at any time. This distinctly improves or even makes possible, respectively, the implementation of applicative sequences, synchronization of events occurring simultaneously, accuracy in time during the detection of events or, respectively, switching of outputs.