Introduction

In many applications it is becoming increasingly important to synchronize the time in plants and systems. Only if all network stations are supplied cyclically with a reliable time frame from a central location can optimum process operation be ensured. This results in benefits for the plant operator such as increased operational reliability, the possibility of tracing system faults in a targeted manner, increased economic efficiency due to fewer production outages, and increased productivity in manufacture.

For this purpose, the SICLOCK product family offers a comprehensive range of optimally matched components for setting up highly reliable time synchronization systems.

Typical industries and fields of application for time synchronization systems are:

• Factory/process automation
• Power supply
• Building automation
• Transportation systems
• Safety engineering
• IT systems

The SICLOCK product range comprises the following product groups:

• Wireless receivers
• Central plant clocks
• Pulse converters
• Accessories

SICLOCK time synchronization

System description

Satellites or long-wave transmitters are used as primary time sources. The SICLOCK wireless receivers (e.g. SICLOCK GPS1000) receive these high-frequency signals and transmit the demodulated time signal to the central plant clock via a robust and interference-proof 2-wire connection.

The central plant clock converts the time signal into an Ethernet-based network frame (e.g. NTP, SIMATIC procedure) and thus provides all connected network stations with precise and uniform time information.

Furthermore, in the event of failure or loss of reception from the primary time source, the central plant clock ensures stable continuation of the clock time and tracking of the system time without time jumps as soon as reception is restored.

SICLOCK TC400 central plant clock with SICLOCK GPS1000 wireless receiver