The TIM 4R/4RD can be used as a standalone device, in other words, it is fully functional even without S7-300-CPU. In this stand-alone mode, the TIM is especially suitable as a SINAUT communications processor for the control desk PC (e.g. SINAUT ST7cc or ST7sc) or for a SIMATIC S7-400. The TIM is connected to the PC or S7-400 via the MPI (multi-point interface) of the TIM. If the control center is redundantly designed or if an S7-400 is additionally available there as a higher-level controller, then the TIM performs the SINAUT communication with the stations for all these devices connected to the local MPI bus.

The TIM 4R/4RD can also be built into a SIMATIC S7-300 as a CP, e.g. if these devices require redundant transmission paths there or function as node stations at which more than two standard WANs must be merged.

All the devices mentioned can exchange data with other SINAUT ST7 or ST1 partners with the aid of the TIM 4R/4RD via any two SINAUT networks that can also be operated in a redundant combination. All three interfaces can be used at the same time for SINAUT communication.

The TIM can buffer process data including time-stamps, which must not be lost in the event of a communication fault or the failure of a partner, until the partner is accessible again. Important events, interrupts, etc. are not lost and the integrity of information in control center system archives is assured.

The TIM 4RD with integral DCF77 radio clock receiver can be used in the control center as a master clock to synchronize all SINAUT stations that are accessible via the MPI bus and via the two RS232/RS485 WAN interfaces. In addition, this TIM is to be used in the control center if the SINAUT data transmission is processed via a wireless network with time slot procedure or if the "multi-master-polling with time-slot procedure" is used for two or more control centers. If no DCF77 time signal is available at the installation location of the TIM 4RD, a SINAUT GPS receiver can be connected to the TIM 4RD. The universally available global positioning system (GPS) is then used as a time source.

For setting up more complex control centers or node stations, several TIM 4RR/4RD modules can be used. Combinations with TIM 3V-IE Advanced, TIM 4R-IE and TIM 3 and other TIM 4 types are also possible.

SINAUT ST7 and thus also the TIM 4R/4RD are designed for data transmission via the widest range of WANs or combinations of WANs. Mixed classical SINAUT WANs (dedicated line, wireless, dial-up network) can be configured uniformly using SINAUT which saves both time and money.