Foxboro DCS: Time Synchronization Equipment
Foxboro DCS: Time Synchronization Equipment
Foxboro DCS: Time Synchronization Equipment
PSS 41H-4TIMESNC
Product Specification
June 2019
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Overview Time Synchronization Equipment
Overview
The Time Synchronization Equipment receives the date and time from the Global
Positioning System (GPS) and distributes a time strobe pulse to sync pulsed stations.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the source of the time and time strobe pulse.
A Master TimeKeeper (MTK) workstation maintains the time source and distributes an
accurate time strobe pulse to control stations on the application network. The MTK
workstation, using the EcoStruxure Foxboro DCS Control Network (the control
network), informs the distributed control and other stations what the time will be when
the station receives the next time strobe. The hardware modules can be used in a
nonredundant or redundant time strobe network.
The hardware modules are:
• GPS Antenna/Receiver
• Time Strobe Generator (PCIe card)
• MTK modem
• Time Strobe Converter (TSC) (with single-mode or multi-mode fiber optic cable
inputs)
• GPS Fiber Optic Isolator (optional)
• Time Strobe extender (optional - with single-mode or multi-mode fiber optic cable
outputs).
Features
• Synchronizes Master TimeKeeper (MTK) workstation to Global Positioning
System (GPS) time
• MTK sends “time at the next pulse” message via the control network every minute
• Time strobe network distributes the time strobe pulse to control processors and
other communications modules
• Foxboro DCS Field Control Processors (EcoStruxure™ Foxboro DCS FCP280
and FCP270) and Z-module Control Processors (ZCP270) receive the time
strobe and “time at the next pulse” message
• Fieldbus Communications Module (FCM100Et) receives current time of day
message from the ZCP270 and time strobe from a Time Strobe Converter, and
then calculates the time at next time strobe
• Synchronizes concurrent events to within a one—to—three ms time difference
depending on your configuration for every:
◦ EcoStruxure™ Foxboro™ DCS Transient Data Recorder (TDR)
◦ EcoStruxure™ Foxboro™ DCS Transient Data Analyzer (TDA)
◦ EcoStruxure™ Foxboro™ DCS Sequence of Events’ (SOE)
◦ EcoStruxure™ Foxboro™ Fieldbus Modules (FBMs)
Refer to the section on “Timestamp Accuracy and Precision of SOE Data” in Time
Synchronization User's Guide (B0700AQ).
• Selected control stations can be synchronized in a Foxboro DCS system
• Time strobe network can be installed as a single or redundant network.
In a system with ZCP270s, both the ZCP270 and its associated FCM100Ets have to
receive a time strobe signal.
Legend
GPS Receiver
8 Pin
Micro Mini
DB25 DIN MTK Modem
DB15
Cable (RH100MX)
DB15
IRIG B Out
IRIG B In
MTK Modem
Cable (RH100ND)
DB15
Cable (RH100MX)
DB15
Legend
A Power Supply
Two types of optional 7-port Time Strobe extenders are available for distributing the
time strobe signal. The MMF-compatible extender (RH100AM) receives the GPS time
pulse from the MTK modem or other TSCs or from other MMF extenders, and
distributes it to enclosures containing MMF-compatible TSCs, or to other MMF-
compatible extenders.
The SMF-compatible extender (RH100AN) receives the GPS time pulse from the
MTK modem or from MMF extenders and distributes it to up to six SMF-compatible
TSCs. This extender has one MMF-compatible input port and six SMF-compatible
output ports.
Depending on the choice of extender, the Time Strobe extenders use either single-
mode or multi-mode fiber optic output cables to send their long distance transmission
to the enclosures in various plant locations, which house the controller stations. MMF
cable supports lengths of up to 2 km (6562 ft) per segment, while SMF cable supports
lengths of up to 10 km (6.2 mi) per segment.
One Time Strobe extender can distribute the time strobe signal to up to six TSCs. The
Time Strobe extenders can be daisy-chained allowing distribution of the time strobe
throughout the entire plant.
Re-acquisition Time Less than 1 minute at the same physical location unless the antenna is powered down for longer than 14 days.
After 14 days, it behaves as a cold start.
Regulatory Compliance
Electromagnetic European EMC Directive 2014/30/EU
Compatibility (EMC)
Meets: EN61326-1:2013 Class A Emissions and Industrial Immunity Levels
ROHS Compliance Components of the Foxboro DCS system that carry part numbers beginning in “RH” are
in conformity with the requirements RoHS Directive: 2011/65/EU.
Product Safety Time Strobe Converter, Time Strobe Modem, and Time Strobe Extender
• North America:
◦ Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed for U.S. and Canada for use in Ordinary
Locations
Time Strobe Converter is additionally UL/UL-C listed as suitable for use in UL/UL-
C listed Class I, Groups A-D; Division 2; temperature code T4 enclosure based
systems when connected to specified Foxboro DCS processor modules as
described in the Standard and Compact 200 Series Subsystem User's Guide
(B0400FA).
Communications circuits also meet the requirements for Class 2 as defined in
Article 725 of the National Electrical Code (NFPA No.70) and Section 16 of the
Canadian Electrical Code (CSA C22.1). Conditions for use are as specified in the
Standard and Compact 200 Series Subsystem User's Guide (B0400FA).
Time Strobe Converter, Time Strobe Modem, and Time Strobe Extender are
compliant with the European Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU.
Time Strobe Converter is additionally compliant with the Explosive Atmospheres
(ATEX) Directive 2014/34/EU and are DEMKO certified as Ex nA IIC T4 for use in
certified Zone 2 enclosure when connected to specified Foxboro DCS processor
modules as described in the Standard and Compact 200 Series Subsystem
User's Guide (B0400FA).