Patent ID: 7924888
Filing Date: 2011-04-12
Classification: G05B,H04L,Y02D,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method for exchanging data between stations or nodes, comprising the following steps: providing at least two real-time capable networks and at least one non-real-time capable network, wherein said at least one non-real-time capable network is a higher level network, external to the stations or nodes, and configured to control, monitor, or diagnose lower-level networks, said lower-level networks being real-time capable networks; adding a time stamp to data generated in a real-time capable network; time-synchronizing at least two of the real-time capable networks with each other, wherein said at least two of the real-time capable networks have a common time base; and synchronizing said common time base via a real-time capable communication link, wherein the at least two real-time capable networks are industrial field buses, wherein said at least two real-time capable networks are control systems and includes at least one controller or stored program control (SPC), wherein said at least one non-real-time capable network comprises an Ethernet network connectable to at least one personal computer, and wherein said method is used in an automation system in the form of a motion-control system or a numerical control system.