Technical data
Configurations for time synchronization of a PCS 7 plant
3.4 Configuration for time synchronization in a Windows domain
Time synchronization (V7.1)
42 Function Manual, 03/2009, A5E01216578-01
3.4.2 Configuration of time synchronization with central time master in a Windows
domain with a hierarchy
Configuration
The figure below illustrates the recommended configuration of a PCS 7 plant with time
synchronization and without a central time master in a Windows domain.
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Time master
Domain controller (DC) with PDC emulator operation master role
Time synchronization on the terminal bus
● Time source:
The domain controller receives the time via an NTP time server, e.g. by means of a radio
signal (DCF 77 or GPS module) that contains the precise time.
● Passive time master:
If the authenticated domain controller (PDC operation master) fails, another domain
controller automatically takes over time synchronization within the network.
● Time slaves:
All other plant PCs are time slaves of the domain controller due to their membership in
the Windows domain.
● PC stations without WinCC time synchronization, such as a BATCH station or
engineering station, are synchronized using a DCF 77 reception service, which must be
installed separately. One of the domain controllers or an OS server can be used as the
time master.