System using a variable timer to optimally adjust issuing a start data collection signal at near the beginning of data transmission signal

摘要

A controller based network, where data from a plurality of nodes is placed onto the network in a scheduled predetermined order during a network update interval. The data transmitted onto the network being collected following the issuance of a data collection start signal issued in accordance with a timer, whereby the issuance of the data collection start signal can be varied within the network update interval. The collected data being transmitted onto the network upon the issuance of a data transmission signal.