Abstract: The invention relates to a method for synchronization in networks, whereby the local time (tloc) which is valid at the particular node, is updated at different nodes. For that purpose, timing messages are regularly transmitted by a freely selectable superior node (N1; N3; N6) and only by a superior node to an inferior node N2, N3; N4-N6; N7), which receives the timing messages M1-M8) and analyzes said messages for updating the local time (tloc) thereof. A minimum propagation time (dmin) is determined for a timing message (M1-M8) between an inferior node (N1;N3;N6) and a superior node (N2, N3; N4-N6; N7). When the inferior node (N2, N3; N4-N6; N7) receives a timing message (M1-M8), said inferior node extracts the local time of the superior node (N1; N3), which is contained in said timing message (M1-M8) and adds the minimum propagation time (dmin) thereto, in order to generate a reference time (tcomp,1-tcomp,8). Said reference time (tcomp,1-tcomp,8) is then compared with the proper local time (tloc).

Abstract: A digitally-controlled oscillator comprises an input for the supply of a digital input word, an adder, a stable local oscillator and a delay circuit, comprising a delay stage with a number of serially-connected coarse delay elements and a fine delay stage with a number of serially-connected fine delay elements. The coarse delay stage and the fine delay stage are embodied such that the maximum total delay and the minimum total delay differ by at most one period of the cycle signal. The delay produced by the number of fine delay elements corresponds to the delay of one coarse delay element. Each coarse delay element and each fine delay element comprise their own controllable selector.

Abstract: Split IEEE 1394 bridges utilize individual portals or bundles of portals to communicate over a non-full-featured IEEE 1394 network such as a local or wide area network in combination with IEEE 1394 multi-portal bridges. Multi-portal bridges may be formed through the connection of several split bridges each with one or more IEEE 1394 portals over a core net. The core net is invisible to the IEEE 1394 nodes with respect to traffic originating from an IEEE 1394 bus for a destination in an IEEE 1394 bus, and the network elements allow for increased network scalability in both terms of physical size and levels of hierarchy. Useful properties of a core net such as availability of high-performance switches or increased reach are incorporated into an IEEE 1394 network.