Method for synchronizing a cycle master node to a cycle slave node using synchronization information from an external network or sub- network which is supplied to the cycle slave node

摘要

A method for synchronizing a cycle master node to a cycle slave node, including the steps of utilizing logic circuitry in the cycle slave node to determine a timer offset value, in response to the cycle slave node receiving synchronization information, transmitting the timer offset value to the cycle master node, and, utilizing logic circuitry in the cycle master node to adjust a value of a cycle master node cycle timer on the basis of the timer offset value. The synchronization information is preferably a cycle reset signal that is asserted at a prescribed rate which is a multiple of one cycle of the cycle slave node cycle timer. The cycle master node and the cycle slave node can advantageously be included in a first network or sub-network and the cycle reset signal can be supplied by a second network or sub-network which is external to the first network or sub-network.