Technical data

Fundamentals
2.1 Using time synchronization in PCS 7
Time synchronization (V7.1)
10 Function Manual, 03/2009, A5E01216578-01
Time synchronization
Time synchronization means that one system component (time master) provides a precise
time for all the other components (time slaves). The time information (date and time) can
either be distributed by the time master, or be requested by the time slaves. For the overall
task, all components within the system must evaluate this time information.
Time synchronization applications
The list below contains various examples of aspects requiring time synchronization of all
components within the process automation:
● Synchronizing processes
● Controlling complex sequences
● Logging and documenting sequences
● Validating processes
● Analyzing processes
● Analyzing the causes and effects of events
PCS 7 functions
The following list contains some of the key PCS 7 functions for which time synchronization is
absolutely necessary:
● Interpretation of causal relationships
● Message processing in correct sequence
● Time stamp
● Time-of-day interrupts
● Runtime meter
● Redundancy compare
● Batch monitoring
● Authentication of a domain client