An apparatus for controlling an automated installation has a first controller and a second controller that are connected to one another via a communication network. The first and second controllers each have a local clock and execute control tasks. The first and second controllers each further have a synchronization service that is used to synchronize the respective local clocks to a common reference clock. A timer repeatedly sends a trigger message to the first and second controllers. Each of the two controllers, on receiving the trigger message, determines a local time. The controllers interchange the respective local time and each compute a difference between their own local time and the local time obtained from the other controller. On the basis of the difference, each of the two controllers controls a local actuator.

The present disclosure provides systems for controlling movement of a table supporting an object. The system may include: a first control sub-system configured to generate a first control instruction; a second control sub-system configured to generate a second control instruction; a table control sub-system operably coupled to the table; and a master controller configured to receive the first control instruction from the first control sub-system, or the second control instruction from the second control sub-system, generate a third control instruction based on the first control instruction or the second control instruction, and transmit the third control instruction to the table control sub-system. The table control sub-system may be configured to generate a control signal based on the third control instruction, and cause the table to move based on the control signal.

A temperature-compensating clock frequency monitor circuit may be provided to detect a clock pulse frequency in an electronic device that may cause erratic or dangerous operation of the device, as a function of an operating temperature of the device. The temperature-compensating clock frequency monitor circuit include a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature associated with an electronic device, a clock having an operating frequency, and a frequency monitoring system. The frequency monitoring system may be configured to determine the operating frequency of the clock, and based at least on (a) the operating frequency of the clock and (b) the measured temperature associated with the electronic device, generate a corrective action signal to initiate a corrective action associated with the electronic device or a related device. The temperature sensor, clock, and frequency monitoring system may, for example, be provided on a microcontroller.

A temperature-compensating clock frequency monitor circuit may be provided to detect a clock pulse frequency in an electronic device that may cause erratic or dangerous operation of the device, as a function of an operating temperature of the device. The temperature-compensating clock frequency monitor circuit include a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature associated with an electronic device, a clock having an operating frequency, and a frequency monitoring system. The frequency monitoring system may be configured to determine the operating frequency of the clock, and based at least on (a) the operating frequency of the clock and (b) the measured temperature associated with the electronic device, generate a corrective action signal to initiate a corrective action associated with the electronic device or a related device. The temperature sensor, clock, and frequency monitoring system may, for example, be provided on a microcontroller.

The present disclosure provides systems for controlling movement of a table supporting an object. The system may include: a first control sub-system configured to generate a first control instruction; a second control sub-system configured to generate a second control instruction; a table control sub-system operably coupled to the table; and a master controller configured to receive the first control instruction from the first control sub-system, or the second control instruction from the second control sub-system, generate a third control instruction based on the first control instruction or the second control instruction, and transmit the third control instruction to the table control sub-system. The table control sub-system may be configured to generate a control signal based on the third control instruction, and cause the table to move based on the control signal.

An apparatus for controlling an automated installation has a first controller and a second controller that are connected to one another via a communication network. The first and second controllers each have a local clock and execute control tasks. The first and second controllers each further have a synchronization service that is used to synchronize the respective local clocks to a common reference clock. A timer repeatedly sends a trigger message to the first and second controllers. Each of the two controllers, on receiving the trigger message, determines a local time. The controllers interchange the respective local time and each compute a difference between their own local time and the local time obtained from the other controller. On the basis of the difference, each of the two controllers controls a local actuator.

The present disclosure provides systems for controlling movement of a table supporting an object. The system may include: a first control sub-system configured to generate a first control instruction; a second control sub-system configured to generate a second control instruction; a table control sub-system operably coupled to the table; and a master controller configured to receive the first control instruction from the first control sub-system, or the second control instruction from the second control sub-system, generate a third control instruction based on the first control instruction or the second control instruction, and transmit the third control instruction to the table control sub-system. The table control sub-system may be configured to generate a control signal based on the third control instruction, and cause the table to move based on the control signal.