IEC 61158-4-16:2007

Overview

IEC 61158-4-16:2007 is part of the IEC 61158 fieldbus specifications series and defines the data-link layer protocol (Type 16 elements) for industrial communication networks. The standard specifies how devices in an automation environment exchange time‑critical data and control information at the data‑link layer to support deterministic, real‑time messaging. This first edition (2007) replaces the earlier IEC 61158‑4:2003 and is published as both monolingual English (2007) and a bilingual (2013) edition.

Key topics and requirements

• Data‑link layer services and architecture: Definitions of service primitives, DLSAP addressing, and relationships between data‑link user entities.
• Telegram and frame structures: Master synchronization telegrams (MST), master data telegrams (MDT) and acknowledge/device telegrams (AT); BOF, device address, FCS and INFO/data fields.
• Timing and real‑time behaviour: Protocol timing diagrams, jitter allowances and cyclic communication timing to guarantee deterministic transfer.
• Communication phases and modes: Cyclic and evented communication methods, service channel handling, and procedures for enabling/disabling cyclic communication.
• Network management and procedures: File transfer, status procedures, procedure command execution and control/acknowledgement flows.
• Error handling and monitoring: Detection and reaction to invalid telegrams, handshake timeouts, error messages, and error counters in masters and devices.
• IDN (Identification Numbers): Normative annex detailing IDN structure, communication‑related IDNs and their use for device management and data mapping.
• Conformance and applicability: Rules for conformance, applicability across automation devices and how this part interacts with companion parts (-4-1 .. -4-19).

Applications and who uses it

IEC 61158-4-16 is intended for:

• Industrial device manufacturers implementing the Type 16 data‑link layer in sensors, actuators, controllers and gateways.
• Control system vendors and integrators who need deterministic, time‑critical messaging in distributed automation systems.
• Network and firmware engineers designing protocol stacks, timing control and error monitoring at the data‑link layer.
• Test labs and certification bodies verifying conformance, timing and interoperability of fieldbus implementations. Benefits include predictable real‑time communications, interoperability between devices, and standardized mechanisms for network management and error recovery.

Related standards

• IEC 61158 series (Fieldbus specifications) - other Part 4 subparts (-4-1 … -4-19) that define different Type elements.
• This edition cancels and replaces IEC 61158‑4:2003.

Keywords: IEC 61158-4-16:2007, data‑link layer, fieldbus, industrial communication networks, Type 16, real‑time messaging, MST, MDT, AT, IDN, fieldbus protocol.