Knowledge Base Article

Symmetricom SyncServer S250 GPS Network Time Server Is Approved for Use with
DeltaV Systems

Article ID: NA-0600-0065

Publish Date: 30 Aug 2016
Article Status: Approved
Article Type: General Product Technical Information
Required Action: Information Only

Recent Article Revision History:

Revision/Publish Description of Revision
30 Aug 2016 Added a note in using 16 seconds as broadcast interval
(See end of article for a complete revision history listing.)

Affected Products:
Product Line Category Device Version
DeltaV Alliance Products Symmetricom SyncServer S250 & DeltaV
DeltaV Network VE61xxNET Networking Information
DeltaV Workstation Software VE210x-22 Workstation - Network Time
Protocol (NTP)
This Knowledge Base Article, NA-0600-0065, was amended to document that Microsemi has withdrawn the SyncServer
S250 from sale.
Emerson tested the following replacement NTP time servers:
1. Spectracom SecureSync 1200
2. Microsemi SyncServer S650
Refer to the following KBAs for details:
NK-1600-0234: Integrating the Spectracom SecureSync 1200 GPS Network Time Server With DeltaV Systems
NK-1600-0238: Integrating the Microsemi S650 GPS Network Time Server for DeltaV System Remote Network s
This document was previously revised to include the following information:
 Changes in the SyncServer S250 firmware versions
 Different versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer
 Symmetricom, Inc. has been acquired by Microsemi
The Microsemi SyncServer S250 GPS Network Time Server release version 1.24 or later is compatible with DeltaV v6.3.4
and later systems. This article also provides information about the Network Time Server on DeltaV systems and how to
install it.

Note: The SyncServer S250 has replaced the Microsemi NTS-200, which is no longer available. The
SyncServer S250 is part of the Emerson Process Management Alliance program (details at the end of this
article).

Important: Customers who have a Microsemi S250 should check the release version that is loaded into the
time server. If the release version is 1.22, the Microsemi S250 must be upgraded to release version 1.24 (or
later). Please read the information in KBA AP-0900-0095: Fixed 64-second Broadcast Rate in Symmetricom
SyncServer S250 Release Version 1.22 is Unsupported by DeltaV.

The SyncServer S250 User Manual contains general installation and configuration information. Refer to this KBA for the
specific network settings that are required for configuring a network time server for use with a DeltaV system.
Once you establish an initial IP configuration using the front panel on the Microsemi S250, a web browser such as
Microsoft Internet Explorer can be used to configure the required network and timing parameters. Use the IP addresses
and subnet mask described in the following sections to set up the time server for broadcast mode.
DeltaV v11.x and later runs on the Windows 7/Server 2008 SP2 operating systems. DeltaV v11.x uses Microsoft Internet
Explorer 8 while DeltaV v12.3 uses Microsoft Internet Explorer 9. When first connecting to the Microsemi S250 release
version 1.24, there will be a warning message notifying the user that the Microsemi S250 was tested only on IE versions 6
and 7 (refer to Figure 1).

Note: This did not affect the Emerson test as far as configuring the Microsemi S250. With Microsemi S250
release version 1.24, the ability to configure the NTP broadcast frequency is again present. This ability was
absent in release version 1.22.
Emerson has performed some preliminary tests with Microsemi versions 1.26 and 1.30, and found no
appreciable operational differences between these two versions and 1.24. As the tests performed were
preliminary, Emerson cannot be completely certain that issues do not exist.

However, the warning message will not appear if Microsemi S250 release version 1.30 with software version
“pc_target.chronos.1667.13.1300280” is used (refer to Figure 2).
 Figure 1 – Microsemi IE Warning Message

Figure 2 – Microsemi IE Without Warning Message

 Figure 3 – Release Version and Software Version that does not have IE Warning Message

IP Addresses
The DeltaV system supports both a primary and an optional backup network time server on the control network. The
network time servers can be attached to either the primary or the secondary control network.
In a redundant control network setup, it is recommended that the primary network time server be attached to the primary
control network and the backup network time server to the secondary control network. In a simplex setup, attach both
network time servers to the primary control network.
For the primary network time server, use the following IP addresses:
 10.4.128.1 (for attaching to the primary control network)
 10.8.128.1 (for attaching to the secondary control network)
For the backup network time server, use the following IP addresses:
 10.4.128.2 (for attaching to the primary control network)
 10.8.128.2 (for attaching to the secondary control network)
Any network time server with an IP address that ends in 1 is considered to be primary regardless of the control network.
Likewise, any network time server with an IP address that ends in 2 is considered to be a backup regardless of the control
network.
It is possible to install external GPS-based network time servers in a primary and backup configuration on either DeltaV
control network using these four addresses. It is also possible to install one network time server on each control network ,
with one being the primary network time server and the second being the backup time server from the perspective of
DeltaV, provided that one of the addresses ends with 1 and the other with 2.
Figure 4 shows the menu of the Microsemi S250 time server. This server has three LAN connections . In this example,
LAN1 is configured with an IP address of 10.4.128.1, which makes it the primary NTP Server on the DeltaV primary
control network.

Figure 4 – Configuring the Primary NTP Server IP Address

Figure 5 shows the configuration of the second Microsemi S250 that will be installed on the redundant DeltaV control
network. It has been configured as the backup NTP server with an IP address of 10.8.128.2.

Figure 5 – Configuring the Backup NTP Server IP address

Subnet Mask
The subnet mask for the network time servers attached to the control network is 255.254.0.0.The subnet mask for the
network time servers attached to the remote network(s) MUST be assigned by your network administrator.
The route (default gateway for the devices on a different subnet) is required, even if the network time server will be
installed on the DeltaV Control Network. For example, configure the default gateway address as 10.0.0.1.A different
address may be used, but it must conform to a valid address (not simply all 1’s or 0’s for the network or host number).

Note: The Default Gateway on the Control Network will never be utilized. However, if it is not configured, a
Default Gateway address will yield the LAN Network Interface as non-operational. This is a new configuration
requirement for the S250 Time Server.
The default gateway address entered must be one that actually is related to the network IP address (such as
10.0.0.1 or 10.4.128.100) that was entered (10.4.128.1). For a remote network entry (for example
192.168.4.1), the 10.0.0.1 default gateway address is incorrect. For instance, in the previous 192.168.4.1
example, a default gateway address similar to 192.168.4.100 MUST be entered.

Broadcast Mode
In order for the network time server to work properly with a DeltaV system, it MUST be set up for broadcast mod e and
the broadcast interval MUST be set to 8 seconds (if available). However, if 8 seconds is not a selectable option, a
broadcast interval of 16 seconds is acceptable as long as the DeltaV system is running the new NTP daemon introduced
starting DeltaV v11.3.1 (with minimum WS_12 hotfix bundle installed) and later DeltaV versions.
 Note: Microsemi S250 Release version 1.22 does not allow the broadcast frequency to be configured. It is
thus necessary to upgrade to release version 1.24 (or later).

This may be accomplished by establishing a web browser session between the setup computer and the network time
server. The default account credentials are as follows:

Note: For security reasons, it is recommended that you change the default account credent ials. Refer to the
S250 users guide for information about account administration.

Username: admin
Password: symmetricom
1. Select the NTP on the left navigation pane and select the Config tab as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6 – NTP Server Configuration

2. Under Add/Edit NTP Association, click the Role drop-down menu and select Broadcast. Type the following
broadcast address in the Address text box:
10.5.255.255
3. Set the Minimum and Maximum Poll Interval to 8 (if available).

Note: If 8 seconds is not a selectable option, setting the Minimum and Maximum Poll Interval to 16
seconds is acceptable for DeltaV systems running the new NTP daemon introduced starting DeltaV
v11.3.1 (with minimum WS_12 hotfix bundle installed) and later DeltaV versions.

4. Click the Save button.

5. Click the Restart button.
Repeat steps 1-5 to install the backup network time server on the secondary control network. The broadcast address on
the secondary control network for the backup network time server will be 10.9.255.255. The ability to perform
configuration step 3 and set the broadcast frequency to 16 seconds was absent on Microsemi release version
1.22.

Note: It is also possible to use a single SyncServer S250 with IP addresses assigned to both LAN 1 and
LAN 2 for the DeltaV control network s and then configure two NTP broadcast addresses again one for each
control network . This does introduce a single point of failure to consider on the time server. The previous
installation example documents physical redundancy with two SyncServer S250 NTP time servers.
DO NOT use a broadcast address of 255.255.255.255. The S250 network time server DOES NOT support
this IP address.

DeltaV Diagnostics
Figure 7 shows the information that will displayed on the DeltaV Diagnostics after the two Microsemi S250 network time
servers have been configured and installed on their respective DeltaV control networks. A DeltaV Controller would report
similar data.

Figure 7– DeltaV NTP Diagnostics

The ProfessionalPLUS server shows that its time is being set by the primary NTP server, as indicated in the field for
NTPServer and the entry of ‘Primary NTP Server – 10.4.128.1’(green box). The next parameter, NTPStratum, indicates
the NTP stratum number of the time server setting the ProfessionalPLUS server’s time. The GPS-based NTP server’s
NTP stratum number is 1.
The IP addresses and statuses of both NTP Servers are listed in Diagnostics (blue box) as follows:
IP address of the Primary NTP Server 10.4.128.1
Status of the Primary NTP Server GOOD
IP address of the Backup NTP Server 10.8.128.2
Status of the Backup NTP Server GOOD
An audible alarm may be configured to monitor the status of each NTP Server. To do this, configure a DeltaV control
module with a reference to the NTP Server status.

Note: If the ProfessionalPLUS station is configured to be the DeltaV Master Time Server on the DeltaV
control network , and should the ProfessionalPLUS lose its connection to both Microsemi S250 time servers,
then the ProfessionalPLUS will re-assume its role as the Master Time Server on the control network .
The DeltaV master time server is configured from DeltaV Explorer by right -click ing the Physical Network ,
selecting properties, then the DeltaV node to be the Master Time Server, followed by a setup data downlo ad
of the ProfessionalPLUS. There is one aspect of DeltaV NTP time that is node specific which is show
integrity error when not in time sync. This is enabled or disabled on each device’s properties. As a result
after a download of the ProfessionalPLUS, the user will also see a status of “needs downloading” on every
other device when the change to the ProfessionalPLUS was due to changes in NTP.
 Figure 8 –DeltaV Node Properties

The ProfessionalPLUS server, as the master time server, has its own NTP service set at NTP Stratum 3. It will broadcast
on the control network at NTP stratum 4. As long as either Microsemi S250 is available and broadcasting at stratum 1, all
the DeltaV nodes including the ProfessionalPLUS will defer to these as the higher NTP authorit y and NTP stratum.

Note: If the ProfessionalPLUS server is configured to be the DeltaV Master Time Server, without an external
GPS-based network time server, the NTPServer and NTPStratum fields will indicate: ProfessionalPLUS –
127.127.1.1 and stratum 3. The IP address of 127.127.1.1 identifies the ProfessionalPLUS’ NTP service as
its time source if it has no other. The IP address of 127.127.1.1 also identifies the ProPlus as the DeltaV
master time server. The DeltaV back up time server is 127.127.1.2. This can be seen in the respective nodes
NTP.INI files.
If the ProfessionalPLUS loses its connection to both the Microsemi S250 time servers, then it will assume the
DeltaV Master Time Server role and the time server indication will change.
Beginning with DeltaV version 11.3.1 the DeltaV stratum numbers changed. For DeltaV 11.3.1 this requires
the installation of a hotfix. For DeltaV 11.3.1 with hotfix installed and later DeltaV versions the stratum
numbers are 7 and 8.
Physical Setup
The DeltaV physical network installation will resemble the setup illustrated in Figure 9.

Figure 9 – DeltaV Control Network Physical Installation

Users can also configure a DeltaV remote network under the ProfessionalPLUS or an Application Station, and then
configure a remote network time server on the remote network again by right -clicking the remote network and selecting
properties.

Remote Network Properties

Figure 10 shows the Advanced tab on the remote network with two external time servers configured.
This device requires a setup data download after the configuration of the time server IP addresses.
There is no NTP broadcast on a DeltaV remote network. The example in Figure 10 shows that the ProfessionalPLUS
server will make time update requests to 192.168.4.1 or, should that fail, to 192.168.4.2.This will be on a frequency of 16
to 64 seconds. The further the ProPlus time is from the time server, the more frequent the requests (up to 16 seconds). If
the ProPlus and the time server’s time are in sync then the frequency is relaxed to as little as every 64 seconds.

Figure 10– DeltaV Remote Network Time Server Configuration

Implementation in DeltaV Zones

Figure 11 shows a DeltaV Zones (introduced in DeltaV v9.3) implementation where each ProfessionalPLUS is configured
with a remote network and pointing to the network time servers on the remote network.
Each ProfessionalPLUS server will indicate that its time server is 192.168.4.1 (or 192.168.4.2) at stratum 1. However, the
rest of the DeltaV nodes in each DeltaV Zone will indicate their respective ProfessionalPLUS server as the Master Time
Server since they are not connected to the remote network.
The network connection in Figure 11 illustrates how time synchronization is configured in a multiple DeltaV system setup.
This implementation also applies to earlier versions of DeltaV before DeltaV Zones was introduced.

Figure 11 – DeltaV Remote Network Physical Installation

ProfessionalPLUS DeltaV Diagnostics with Remote Network Time Server

Figure 12 shows the DeltaV diagnostic results of a ProfessionalPLUS pointing to a network time server on a remote
network.

Note: The fields for the IP Address of the Primary NTP Server and the Status of the Primary NTP Server are
set to ‘none’ and ‘not available’ (same applies to the back up). This is because these fields are associated
with time servers on the control network s where the IP addresses are pre-defined and can be identified if
 they are present (10.4.128.4.1, 10.4.128.4.2, 10.8.128.4.1, and 10.8.128.4.2), not with time servers on
remote network s where the IP address is unk nown.

Figure 12–DeltaV Remote Network Professional PLUS Diagnostic Example

Note: If the ProfessionalPLUS server is configured to be the DeltaV Master Time Server, without the remote
network configured with an external network time server, then the following fields will be indicated as follows
by the ProfessionalPLUS server: ProfessionalPLUS – 127.127.1.1 and stratum 3. The IP address of
127.127.1.1 identifies the ProfessionalPLUS server’s NTP service as its time source if it has no other.
Beginning with DeltaV version 11.3.1 the DeltaV stratum numbers changed. For DeltaV 11.3.1 this requires
the installation of a hotfix. For DeltaV 11.3.1 with hotfix installed and later DeltaV versions the stratum
numbers are 7 and 8.
If the ProfessionalPLUS server loses its connection to both the Microsemi S250 time servers, then it
assumes the DeltaV Master Time Server role and the time server indication will change.

Operator Station DeltaV Diagnostics Not on the Remote Network

Figure 13 shows what the Operator Station on zone 1 (Z1-OP1) reports. In the example, the Operator Station receives its
time update from the ProfessionalPLUS server at 10.4.0.6 because it is not attached to the remote network.
Also note that the stratum number of the time server is 4 (or 8). As earlier discussed, the NTP service on the
ProfessionalPLUS server is NTP stratum 3 (or 7).This makes the ProfessionalPLUS server NTP stratum 4 (or 8) as it
broadcasts on the control networks. Stratum number is dependent on the DeltaV version.

Figure 13–DeltaV Remote Network Zone 1 Operator Station Diagnostic Example

Release Version to Software Version Matrix

Table 1 shows the relationship between the release version and software version for each release of the Microsemi S250
GPS Time Server

Release relates to Software

Version 1.0 Version “1.6.1.81”
Release relates to Software
Version 1.10 Version “1.6.1.83”
Release relates to Software
Version 1.11 Version “1.6.1.84”
Release relates to Software
Version 1.22 Version “1.90.09.0481424”
 Release relates to Software
Version 1.24 Version “1.90.09.2880205”
Release relates to Software
Version 1.30 Version
“pc_target.chronos.1.667.13.1300820”
Table 1 –Microsemi S250 Release Version to Software Version Relationship

Vendor Support Information

http://www.microsemi.com/products/timing-synchronization-systems/timing-synchronization-systems
1 8007134113 or
1 9493806100 (Worldwide)
Alliance Program Product Technical Support: Hardware and Software tested by Emerson, but found in Emerson's Price
List or Complimentary Products List is categorized as "non-standard". Alliance Program products are not Emerson
products and fall in the non-standard category. Specific Alliance Program products are tested for compatibility with
specific DeltaV system versions. Emerson supports the interoperability of Alliance Program non-standard hardware and
software with DeltaV systems, but with constraints. If the EmersonProcessManagementGlobalServiceCenter or other
support organization determines the site issues are with the non-standard tested software or hardware, the user will be
requested to contact the third party vendor for further support. Alternatively, Emers on will use reasonable commercial
efforts to provide fee based support services upon the user’s request. Standard Foundation Support Technical Support
rd
covers system issues related to standard product only. Under the Alliance Program, specific versions of t he 3 party
product as well as that of DeltaV are absolutely required. If the requirements expand beyond the constraints specified for
the specific Alliance Product, incremental testing, which is chargeable to the customer, will be required to re -qualify.
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Complete Article Revision History:

Revision/Publish Description of Revision
30 Aug 2016 Added a note in using 16 seconds as broadcast interval
03 Aug 2016 Added links to the replacement GPS network time servers
22 Jul 2015 Applicable for v13.3. Updated Table 1 to include latest Release Version 1.30.
04 Jun 2013 Updated applicability for v12.3. Updated to state v1.24 and later release version is
supported. Updated link to KBA AP-0900-0095.
16 Jun 2010 Included support for Symmetricom S250 release version 1.24 for different DeltaV versions
including DeltaV v11.3
28 Aug 2009 Included DeltaV v10.3 as a supported version and a table that relates the release version to
the software version of the S250 GPS Time Server
27 Mar 2008 Updated with screenshots and examples of configuring Syncserver S250
16 Nov 2006 Original release of article

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