IEC 61158-4-13:2014

Overview

IEC 61158-4-13:2014 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the data-link layer protocol for industrial communication networks, specifically targeting fieldbus systems. As part of the IEC 61158 family focused on fieldbus specifications, Part 4-13 outlines the procedures and structures essential for the timely and reliable transfer of data and control information between data-link user entities in distributed industrial communication environments.

This edition represents a technical revision from the initial 2007 version, introducing a new communication class along with editorial improvements and corrections. It defines the interaction mechanisms between data-link layer entities and their encapsulation into physical interface data units, which are crucial for ensuring deterministic data transfer in complex industrial networks.

Key Topics

• Data-Link Layer Protocol Specification
  Provides detailed procedures for transferring data and control frames (DLPDUs) within Type 13 fieldbus systems, ensuring synchronous and asynchronous communication.

• Timing and Cyclic Communication
  Defines cycle state machines and management of communication slots to support deterministic real-time data transmission required by many industrial automation applications.

• Frame Structures and Encoding
  Specifies encoding rules and structures of MAC frames, including Start of Synchronization (SoC), Poll Requests (PReq), Poll Responses (PRes), and Asynchronous Send (ASnd) messages.

• Layer Interaction and Management
  Details architecture of the data-link layer, including management protocols, exception signaling, and network management tasks to maintain robust network operation.

• Communication Classes
  Introduction of a new communication class enhances flexibility and supports evolving industrial communication needs.

• Conformance and Applicability
  Provides rules for conformance ensuring interoperability and outlines applicability within a broad range of industrial networking scenarios.

Applications

IEC 61158-4-13:2014 serves as a foundation for implementing industrial communication systems that require high reliability, timely data delivery, and real-time control. Typical applications include:

• Manufacturing Automation
  Enabling robust communication between programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, actuators, and other field devices.

• Process Control Systems
  Supporting fieldbus networks in chemical, oil & gas, and power plant automation, where deterministic data transfer is critical.

• Factory and Plant Network Design
  Assisting engineers in designing fieldbus layers that comply with international standards, ensuring interoperability and long-term maintainability.

• Real-Time Data Exchange
  Facilitating scheduled and event-driven data communication essential for monitoring and control tasks in distributed systems.

• Network Management and Diagnostics
  Extending tools for network configuration, error detection, and recovery within industrial fieldbus networks.

Related Standards

Users and implementers of IEC 61158-4-13:2014 often reference complementary standards for comprehensive industrial communication solutions:

• IEC 61158 Part 1-3 and Part 5-7
  Covering physical layer and application layer specifications related to other fieldbus types and communication profiles.

• IEC 61784 Series
  Profiles specifying fieldbus communication and real-time networks for industrial automation.

• IEC 61131
  Programmable controllers standard complementing communication protocols by defining control programming languages and system models.

• IEEE 802 Series
  Providing foundational concepts related to local area networking, relevant for understanding underlying physical and data link layers.

• IEC 61375
  Relevant for train communication networks where fieldbus technologies may be applied.

Keywords: IEC 61158-4-13, fieldbus specification, data-link layer protocol, industrial communication networks, real-time data transmission, cyclic communication, fieldbus DLPDUs, Type 13 fieldbus, industrial automation, network management, IEC standards, fieldbus protocol, industrial networking.