Time-triggered communication system and method for the synchronization of a dual-channel network

摘要

A time-triggered communication system in a dual-channel network of singlechannel architecture, wherein in each case one communication controller (2, 6) is assigned to one channel, and two corresponding communication controllers (2, 6) communicate with one another via an inter-channel interface (1a, 1b). Said inter-channel communication contains information about limiting points (G1, G2 . . . G12) of a time path. A limiting point (G1, G2 . . . G12) is, for example, the point in time when a cycle starts. The interchange of limiting points enables the temporal offset of the two channels to be determined as well as a correction value. After every two cycles also the rate error of the local clocks can be ascertained and a suitable correction value determined. The reliability of safety-relevant networks is increased by the time-triggered communication system described hereinabove.