Patent ID: 8281051

Claim:
A method for implementing a stop-watch function for determining time in a bus system which utilizes time triggered controller area network protocol and includes at least two users which are connected via a communication link, comprising: detecting an event whose time of occurrence is to be determined, wherein the event occurs one of on the communication link and at a trigger input of at least one user; triggering, when the event occurs, a signal change at an interface to the communication link of the at least one user; storing, in at least one memory of the at least one user, a specified base time when the signal change occurs; and performing time measurement in the bus system using the base time; wherein the base time is selected from a plurality of time bases including (i) a global time of the bus system, (ii) a cycle time of time triggered controller area network protocol, and (iii) a local time of one of the at least two users.