IEC 61158-4-24:2023

Overview

IEC 61158-4-24:2023, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), specifies the data-link layer protocol for industrial communication networks, focusing on Type 24 elements within fieldbus systems. As part of the broader IEC 61158 series dedicated to fieldbus specifications, this standard defines key procedures and structures that enable the reliable and deterministic transfer of both time-critical and non-time-critical data across distributed automation environments.

This third edition introduces enhancements over previous versions, such as new cyclic transmission modes and additional support for flexible network configurations. It is essential for industries implementing industrial automation and process control systems that require synchronized, prioritized, and robust communications.

Key Topics

• Deterministic and Synchronized Transfer
  Details procedures for ensuring all data-link entities (DLEs) communicate in a predictable, cyclic sequence with guaranteed intervals up to 64 ms. This ensures timely and consistent data flows essential for industrial automation.

• Support for Time-Critical and Non-Time-Critical Data Enables concurrent transmission of time-sensitive process data alongside less critical communications without sacrificing determinism or priority for critical data.

• Cyclic and Acyclic Communication Opportunities Provides mechanisms for both regular (cyclic) and event-driven (acyclic) data exchange, accommodating real-time as well as on-demand communication in industrial networks.

• Medium Access Control Compatibility Utilizes protocols based on ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3 (Ethernet), with built-in mechanisms for adding or removing nodes without disrupting network operations, supporting dynamic and scalable network configurations.

• Data-link Protocol Data Units (DLPDUs) Structure Defines detailed formats, frame types, and addressing schemes for the reliable exchange of control and data messages at the data-link layer.

Applications

• Factory and Process Automation
  Ensures seamless, real-time control and monitoring of industrial devices such as sensors, actuators, and controllers across a wide range of manufacturing and processing environments.

• Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
  Supports implementing highly reliable, synchronized communication between distributed controllers and field devices, critical for batch processes, continuous manufacturing, and complex automation solutions.

• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Integration Provides the foundational communication procedures required to connect and manage smart devices and systems in a modern, interconnected industrial ecosystem.

• Flexible and Scalable Industrial Networks Empowers integrators and engineers to design networks that can be reconfigured, scaled, or updated without significant downtime, meeting evolving manufacturing demands.

Related Standards

• IEC 61158 Series
  A comprehensive collection of fieldbus standards covering physical, data-link, application, and protocol-specific requirements.

• IEC 61784-1 and IEC 61784-2
  Define industrial communication profiles and guide protocol type combinations for use with IEC 61158-based systems.

• ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3
  Specifies Ethernet-based medium access control, ensuring interoperability and compatibility with established networking infrastructures.

• IEC 61158-1
  Establishes the three-layer fieldbus reference model that integrates with IEC 61158-4-24 for multi-layered industrial networking.

Practical Value

Implementing IEC 61158-4-24:2023 helps ensure interoperability among diverse automation devices, enhances network reliability, and supports both legacy and modern setups. The standard is particularly valuable for system designers, network engineers, equipment manufacturers, and integrators seeking to build robust, future-proof industrial automation solutions that support both deterministic, time-sensitive operations and flexible network dynamics. By adhering to this standard, organizations can improve plant uptime, streamline integration, and facilitate future expansion and technology adoption in industrial communication networks.