US 7,924,888 B2 · Method for exchanging data between stations from different networks

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for exchanging data between stations or nodes (111, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, 133, 141, 142, 143) from different realtime capable networks (120, 130, 140) and from non-realtime capable networks (110). To this end, data is generated in a realtime capable network (120, 130, 140), a time stamp is added, and at least two of the realtime capable networks (120, 130, 140) are synchronized with one another. The invention also relates to a method for exchanging data between stations or nodes (111, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, 133, 141, 142, 143) from realtime capable networks (120, 130, 140) and from non-realtime capable networks (110), during which trigger signals of different stations (111, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, 133, 141, 142, 143), particularly from different networks (110, 120, 130, 140) are combined or linked.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A method for exchanging data between stations or nodes, comprising the following steps:

providing at least two real-time capable networks and at least one non-real-time capable network, wherein said at least one non-real-time capable network is a higher level network, external to the stations or nodes, and configured to control, monitor, or diagnose lower-level networks, said lower-level networks being real-time capable networks;
adding a time stamp to data generated in a real-time capable network;
time-synchronizing at least two of the real-time capable networks with each other, wherein said at least two of the real-time capable networks have a common time base;
and
synchronizing said common time base via a real-time capable communication link,
wherein the at least two real-time capable networks are industrial field buses, wherein said at least two real-time capable networks are control systems and includes at least one controller or stored program control (SPC), wherein said at least one non-real-time capable network comprises an Ethernet network connectable to at least one personal computer, and
wherein said method is used in an automation system in the form of a motion-control system or a numerical control system.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for exchanging data between stations from different networks

Life of this patent

Method for exchanging data between stations from different networks

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11