Time Distribution within Industry 4.0 Platform: Controlling Slave Clocks via Master Clock HN50

Abstract

Time synchronization plays nowadays a key role in the industrial sector. This article describes several use cases for the deployment of the master clock HN50. Master clock represents a time distribution unit primarily used for slave clocks controlling but can among other things be used for controlling of school bells and tower clock striking. Slave clocks are controlled via metallic pair either by bipolar pulses or serial code MOBATIME. For the correct time synchronization, HN50 uses DCF77 signal or GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites. Hardware section covers used hardware parts such as the microcontroller, memories, communication interfaces, way of controlling the master clock and a solution for the power supplies. Also RS232 and RS485 communication interfaces were implemented in case of communication with other devices or extension boards. Last part of the article focuses on the implementation of the software, HN50 uses the RTOS (Real Time Operating System). We have conducted practical implementations utilizing the HN50 master clock which was successfully tested as a part of Industry 4.0 platform.