SYNCHRONIZED ELECTRONIC NETWORK INCLUDING BACKUP MASTERS

摘要

Operation of a plurality of electronic devices (56M) is synchronized. The plurality of devices includes a master unit (56M-1) and a plurality of other units (56M/S), and the master unit (56M-1) transmits a synchronizing signal (301) to at least one of the other units (56M) at predetermined intervals. Each of at least two of the other units (56M) detects whether a synchronizing signal is received at the respective unit (56M) within a predetermined period of time. If not, the respective unit changes from a slave mode of operation to a master mode of operation. Contention between the two or more potential backup master units (56M) is resolved based on priority in a daisy-chain arrangement or by providing different time-out watch-dog periods for the potential back-up devices.