IEC 61158-2:2023

Overview

IEC 61158-2:2023 is an internationally recognized standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines the physical layer specification and service definition for industrial communication networks, specifically fieldbus systems. As part of the IEC 61158 series, this standard plays a crucial role in facilitating the interconnection of automation system components by specifying the requirements for the physical layer - the foundational hardware and signal transmission layer in fieldbus communication.

This seventh edition emphasizes various types of media and physical layers classified under a "three-layer" fieldbus reference model as detailed in IEC 61158-1. The standard supports a broad range of media types including wire media, optical media, coaxial cables, twisted-pair wires, and powered media configurations, ensuring adaptability and interoperability across diverse industrial environments.

Key Topics

IEC 61158-2:2023 comprehensively covers:

• Physical Layer Variations: Detailed specifications for multiple physical media types, including:
  • Type 1: Wire and optical media
  • Type 2: Coaxial wire and optical media
  • Type 3 & Type 8: Twisted-pair wire and optical media
  • Types 4, 12, 16, 18, 20, 24, and 28: Various wire and optical media and powered media configurations
• Service Definitions: Descriptions of the primitives and services offered by the physical layer to the data link layer, facilitating smooth data transmission and reception.
• Symbols and Terminology: Standardized definitions and abbreviations to create a common vocabulary for professionals working with fieldbus physical layers.
• Interfacing Requirements: Guidelines for the interface between the physical layer and the data link layer (DLL), including transmission requests, status indications, and error handling mechanisms.
• Patent Declarations: Notification concerning the intellectual property related to certain technologies within the scope of the standard.

Applications

IEC 61158-2:2023 is vital for engineers, system integrators, and manufacturers involved in designing and deploying industrial automation communication networks. Its physical layer specifications are widely applied in:

• Factory Automation: Enabling reliable and high-performance communication between sensors, actuators, and control devices over fieldbus networks.
• Process Control: Supporting secure data transmission in chemical, oil, gas, and pharmaceutical industries requiring robust fieldbus setups.
• Industrial Ethernet and Fieldbus Devices: Providing detailed physical layer guidelines that ensure device interoperability and network stability.
• System Integration Projects: Allowing the integration of components from different vendors by adhering to unified communication protocols and electrical standards.
• Network Infrastructure Design: Assisting in the selection and installation of appropriate media types such as twisted-pair cables, optical fibers, or coaxial cables based on environmental and operational needs.

By complying with IEC 61158-2, organizations benefit from improved network interoperability, reliable physical communication, and standardized service provisions, resulting in reduced downtime and better system scalability.

Related Standards

IEC 61158-2:2023 is part of the broader IEC 61158 family dedicated to fieldbus communications. Related standards include:

• IEC 61158-1: Fieldbus reference model – This provides the conceptual framework for the physical, data link, and application layers.
• IEC 61158-3 to 11: Covering data link layer services, application layer specifications, and communication profiles for various fieldbus types.
• IEC 61784: Profiles for industrial communication networks, specifying the protocols and configurations that complement physical layer definitions.
• IEC 61850: Communication networks and systems in substations, which sometimes integrate fieldbus standards for automation tasks.
• ISO/IEC 11801: Generic cabling for customer premises, which can complement physical media specifications in industrial settings.

Following IEC 61158-2:2023 supports adherence to a comprehensive suite of international standards, promoting interoperable and future-proof industrial communication systems.

Keywords: IEC 61158-2:2023, industrial communication networks, fieldbus specifications, physical layer, automation systems, fieldbus physical layer, industrial Ethernet, physical layer services, twisted-pair media, optical media, IEC standards, automation network standards, industrial automation protocols, fieldbus interface, data link layer, fieldbus network design.