IEC 61158-6-23:2019

Overview

IEC 61158-6-23:2019 is an internationally recognized standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It addresses the requirements for industrial communication networks and fieldbus specifications, focusing specifically on the application layer protocol specification for Type 23 elements. The standard plays a key role in defining the common elements necessary for basic time-critical and non-time-critical messaging communications in industrial automation environments using Type 2 fieldbus.

The scope of IEC 61158-6-23:2019 includes specifications for interactions between remote applications, emphasizing both the wire-representation of service primitives and the externally visible behavior associated with their transfer. Its purpose aligns with supporting reliable and deterministic data exchange fundamental for the safety and efficiency of automation systems.

Key Topics

IEC 61158-6-23:2019 covers several crucial topics essential for robust industrial communication networks:

• Time-Critical Messaging: Defines protocols and behaviors needed for actions that must be completed within specified time windows to maintain operational safety and effectiveness.
• Non-Time-Critical Messaging: Supports standard messaging where timing is less stringent, enhancing the versatility of automation applications.
• Application Layer Protocol Structure: Outlines the elements and mechanisms for the application layer specific to Type 23/Type 2 fieldbus.
• Service Primitives and Wire Representation: Specifies how application layer services are represented and transferred, ensuring interoperability and consistent execution.
• Protocol State Machines: Describes the structure of finite state machines that manage protocol operations, adding determinism and reliability.
• OSI Conformance: Aligns with the OSI Basic Reference Model (ISO/IEC 7498-1) and the OSI application layer structure (ISO/IEC 9545).
• Extended Transmission Modes: Introduces new transmission modes and associated attributes, reflecting technological advancements since the previous edition.
• Updated Technical Tables: Incorporates updates to key specification tables based on industry feedback and technical evolution.

Applications

IEC 61158-6-23:2019 is widely adopted across a range of industries where automation, reliability, and real-time communication are essential. Its primary applications include:

• Process Automation: Facilitates communication between sensors, actuators, controllers, and supervisory systems within manufacturing plants and process industries.
• Safety-Critical Systems: Ensures messaging protocols meet the strict timing and reliability demands necessary for safeguarding equipment, plant operations, and human life.
• Distributed Control Systems (DCS): Supports seamless integration of distributed devices that require both cyclic (regularly scheduled) and acyclic (ad-hoc or event-driven) data transfer.
• Interoperability among Devices: Provides a standardized way for devices from different manufacturers to communicate over Type 2 fieldbus networks, reducing vendor lock-in and integration costs.
• Modernization and Upgrades: Enables legacy system upgrades and integration with state-of-the-art components by adhering to current communication standards.

Related Standards

To provide comprehensive support for industrial communication networks, IEC 61158-6-23:2019 is commonly used alongside several related standards:

• IEC 61158 Series: Comprehensive suite covering various fieldbus specifications for process automation.
• ISO/IEC 7498-1: OSI Basic Reference Model, guiding the layered approach to network communications.
• ISO/IEC 9545: Defines the application layer structure within the OSI model.
• IEC 61784 Series: Profiles specifying the use of fieldbus standards for real-world industrial systems.
• IEC 61158-1/2/3/4/5: Address other layers and types within the fieldbus specifications suite.

Practical Value

Implementing IEC 61158-6-23:2019 ensures reliable, interoperable, and deterministic communication within industrial automation networks, supporting mission-critical operations and future-proofing investments. By following this standard, organizations enhance safety, improve productivity, and streamline integration across diverse industrial environments, making it a cornerstone for modern industrial communication infrastructures.