PROFIBUS Manual

In the PROFIBUS DP-V2 version clocks in a PROFIBUS network can also be synchronized. For this purpose, a station is defined as the time master which then distributes the time within its network. This time master must be a master and is designated as a class 3 master.

Clock synchronization

The time master reads its current time and starts an internal timer. As soon as the time event (TE) telegram (see FC: Function Code Request) is sent with the read time, this internal time is stopped. In a subsequent  counter value (CV) telegram, the time difference between the read time and the sent time is transmitted.

On receipt of the TE telegram, the receiving station also starts its own internal timer. The value of this internal timer plus the current value from the TE telegram and the correction value from the counter value (CV) telegram give the time to be set.

Sequence of telegrams for clock  synchronization

This clock synchronization service must always require the support of hardware to start and stop the timers. Not all modules (ASIC) available on the market can support this service.