The invention relates to a synchronous, clocked communication
system, for example a distributed
automation system, the stations of which can be arbitrary
automation components which are coupled to one another via a data network (1) for the purpose of mutual
data exchange. In this arrangement, all possible
bus systems such as, e.g.
field bus, professional
field bus,
Ethernet,
industrial Ethernet etc. are available for use as the data network (1) of the communication
system. One
station of this communication system is designated as
timing generator and ensures the distribution and maintenance of the communication
clock used to and by all stations. The
timing generator can also introduce a relative
clock (9) in the entire communication system at all stations via the same mechanism. This
station is thus also the master of the relative
clock (9) or the applicable relative time (16). All stations of the communication system are, therefore, continuously synchronized to the relative clock (9), which is applicable throughout this system, with the valid relative time (16) and, therefore have the same understanding of time at any time. This distinctly improves or even makes possible, respectively, the implementation of applicative sequences, synchronization of events occurring simultaneously, accuracy in time during the detection of events or, respectively, switching of outputs.