Automatic Time Synchronization for Field Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for time synchronization of field devices in network-based systems are labor-intensive, prone to human error, and can lead to time drift, making it difficult to maintain a uniform time base for data comparison and storage, especially in worldwide distributed systems.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatic time synchronization of field devices using a communication and data network, where a central server determines and sets the time for field devices, ensuring synchronization by comparing and adjusting the current time value with a desired value, and using XML file format for data transmission to maintain accurate time information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual time synchronization is performed at each device, then time base uniformity can be achieved, but significant work effort and potential for human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic time synchronization where devices self-adjust their time based on server communication. The time server automatically distributes time information to field devices, and devices automatically adjust their internal clocks without manual intervention, eliminating the need for personnel to manually configure each device while maintaining time base uniformity across the distributed system.
Solution Approach 2:
A central time server is introduced that serves multiple field devices simultaneously through a standardized protocol. The server provides universal time synchronization services to numerous devices across different locations, replacing the need for individual manual configuration at each device while ensuring consistent time base uniformity system-wide.
2Reliability
If manual time server configuration is performed, then time synchronization can be established, but expertise requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic time synchronization system eliminates the need for specialized personnel knowledge. Devices automatically communicate with the time server and adjust their clocks based on received time information, making the system accessible to operators without specialized time synchronization expertise while maintaining reliable time synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized communication protocol acts as an intermediary between the time server and field devices, simplifying the interaction interface. This protocol layer abstracts the complexity of time synchronization, allowing devices to automatically exchange time information without requiring personnel to understand complex configuration parameters or expertise.
3Device complexity
If standard clocks are used in field devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but time drift occurs over operation periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic time synchronization where field devices regularly communicate with the time server to receive updated time information. This periodic correction compensates for clock drift that occurs in standard devices, maintaining time accuracy over extended operation periods while preserving device simplicity by using standard clocks that are periodically corrected rather than requiring highly precise, complex clocks.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is based on a communication- and data network for the automatic time synchronization of field devices, namely fill-level measuring devices and pressure measuring devices as well as field-device control units. The method comprises the steps of: determining a current time value by the field device or by the field-device control unit, and providing a desired value in a central server. Furthermore, the method comprises the following steps: comparing the current time value with the desired value, and setting the current time value to the desired value when the desired value differs from the current time value by more than a predetermined threshold value.