[RTnet-users] External synchronization

[Thinus Viljoen]

Hi

I was wondering if it is possible to synchronize the RTNet TDMA cycles with an external sync source? In our application we will have two seperate network segments (ArcNet and RTNet), and it would be preferable if the RTNet cycle could be sync'ed with the ArcNet cycle. The RTNet master wil probably be a PC. The h/w design is not finalized, so a discrete "LanSync" signal could be added, for example. Maybe you can connect such a signal to the serial/parallel port and use that for synchronization?

On a related note, where can I find measured examples of RTNet timing results? I understand that it will vary from system to system, but an example or two would be helpful. I was thinking about TDMA cycle time accuracy and jitter, accuracy and jitter of the delay between SOF and a external node's message, etc.

Thanks
Thinus Viljoen