DeltaV uses the Network Time Protocol (NTP) to synchronize system time for all workstations and controllers on the DeltaV Control Network. Any physical DeltaV workstation can be defined as the Master Time Server node using the Physical Network Properties dialog in DeltaV Explorer.
DeltaV systems that require precise system time derive master time from a Global Positioning System (GPS) network time server configured to a specific IP address on the DeltaV Control Network. A GPS network time server is a requirement for DeltaV systems that include SOE cards (Sequence of Events). Consult with your Emerson representative or sales office for current GPS specifications and requirements for use with DeltaV systems. Refer to the documentation for the GPS network time server for installation and configuration information and to the M-series hardware reference manual for specific network settings that are required to configure the GPS network time server for use with DeltaV.
The TimeInSync diagnostics parameter reports a status of True if the system time for the node remains within the following specifications from the NTP server time:
| DeltaV device | No GPS network time server | GPS network time server in use |
|---|---|---|
| Workstations | 50 ms | 10 ms |
| Controllers | 50 ms | 3 ms |
| Remote I/O nodes | 50 ms | 3 ms |
| Virtual workstations | 200 ms | 200 ms |
System time when not using a GPS network time server
If a GPS network time server is not in use, a single workstation serves as the Master Time Server node to keep system time for the entire DeltaV system. By default, the ProfessionalPLUS workstation is the Master Time Server node. However, you can use DeltaV Explorer to define another workstation as the Master Time Server node by using the Physical Network Properties dialog in DeltaV Explorer.
By default, system time is derived from the same internal clock used by the Windows Date and Time utility. However, to synchronize system time for all workstations and controllers on the DeltaV Control Network, you must run deltav\bin\SystemTime.exe to open the DeltaV System Time dialog. By clicking the Apply button in the DeltaV System Time dialog, time and date settings are applied to the Master Time Server node, which broadcasts them to all workstations and controllers on the DeltaV Control Network.
Troubleshooting
Running deltav\bin\SystemTime.exe requires administrator privileges. It is strongly recommended that you do not run deltav\bin\SystemTime.exe on a workstation other than the one defined as the Master Time Server node for DeltaV. Setting and synchronizing system time can have an unpredictable impact on the Event Journal, historical data, and domains.
CAUTION!Do not attempt to change system time by using the Windows Date and Time utility, accessed from the Control Panel or the Taskbar clock. The Windows Date and Time utility does not synchronize system time on all workstations and controllers on the DeltaV Control Network. Use the Windows Date and Time utility only to specify the local time zone and to enable the Automatically adjust clock for Daylight Saving Time option.
Setting the system time while a historian other than the DeltaV Continuous Historian is running may cause unexpected results. The Advanced Continuous Historian and OSIsoft PI Server, for example, track system time according to the Windows clock, including the time zone and Daylight Savings Time (DST) settings. If the system time is wrong, the historical data is not correct. Before setting the system time or changing the time zone in DeltaV, refer to the OSIsoft PI Server System Management Guide for more information on PI Server system time specifications and considerations.