Method for checking suitability of a data processing device for performing failsafe automation processes

A data processing device for performing automation processes, comprising:

• at least one processor;
• a hardware oscillating element;
• a first time base connected to the at least one processor and configured to supply a clock pulse to the at least one processor, the first time base being drivable or driven using the hardware oscillating element;
• a second time base connected to the at least one processor and configured to operate a real-time clock of the data processing device, the time base being drivable or driven using one of a further hardware oscillating element or the hardware oscillating element;
• and
• a control device configured to:
• determine a first time value of the first time base after expiration of a time period of length T to provide an indication of the suitability of the data processing device to perform failsafe automation processes;
• determine a second time value of the second time base after the expiration of the time period of length T;
• compare the first and second time bases over a selected time period to determine a deviation between the first and second time values to check independence of the first and second time bases;
• and
• initiate a troubleshooting measure if the deviation undershoots or reaches a predefined or predefinable first limit value.

A process in which a computer executes instructions set forth in a computer program executing on a processor which, when used on the computer causes the processor to check a data processing device to determine suitability of the data processing device for performing failsafe automation processes, the data processing device including a first time base and a second time base, the computer program comprising:

• program code for determining a first time value of the first time base of the data processing device to determine its suitability for performing failsafe automation processes after expiration of a time period of length T;
• program code for determining a second time value of the second time base of the data processing device after the expiration of the time period of length T;
• program code for comparing the first and second time bases over a selected time period to determine a deviation between the first and second time values of the data processing device to check independence of the first and second time bases;
• and
• program code for initiating a troubleshooting measure of the data processing device if the deviation undershoots or reaches a predefined or pre-definable first limit value.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with a computer program executed by a computer that checks a data processing device to determine its suitability for performing failsafe automation processes is stored, the data processing device including a first and a second time base, the computer program comprising:

• program code for determining a first time value of the first time base of the data processing device to determine its suitability for performing failsafe automation processes after expiration of a time period of length T;
• program code for determining a second time value of the second time base of the data processing device after the expiration of the time period of length T;
• program code for comparing the first and second time bases over a selected time period to determine a deviation between the first and second time values of the data processing device to check independence of the first and second time bases;
• and
• program code for initiating a troubleshooting measure of the data processing device if the deviation undershoots or reaches a predefined or pre-definable first limit value.