IEC 61158-6-9:2014

Overview

IEC 61158-6-9:2014 is an international standard established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for industrial communication networks, specifically focusing on fieldbus specifications. This document defines the application layer protocol specification for Type 9 elements within industrial fieldbus systems. Its primary objective is to specify the wire-representation of service primitives as defined in IEC 61158-5-9 and to establish the externally visible behavior associated with their transfer.

This third edition represents a technical revision with updates from the 2010 version, including corrections to the time-difference valid range, state transition tables, and the inclusion of a transparent timeliness class in the BNU AREP formal model. It adheres to the OSI Basic Reference Model (ISO/IEC 7498-1) and OSI application layer structure (ISO/IEC 9545).

Key Topics

• Application Layer Protocol Specification: Defines the Type 9 application layer protocol elements and their communication behavior.
• Service Primitives Wire-Representation: Specifies how service primitives from IEC 61158-5-9 are transmitted over a fieldbus network.
• OSI Model Conformance: Ensures compatibility with the OSI Basic Reference Model and its application layer structure.
• Protocol State Machines: Details state machines including FAL service protocol machine (FSPM), application relationship protocol machines (ARPMs), and data-link layer mapping protocol machine (DMPM).
• Data Coding Schemes: Discusses coding for various data types such as Boolean, Integer16, Unsigned16, Floating Point, Visible String, Octet String, Date, Time-of-day, and Time-value.
• Timeliness Class: Incorporates transparent timeliness class within the BNU ARPM for enhanced protocol modeling.
• Formal Models and State Transitions: Includes formal definitions and corrections to state transition behaviors aiding in protocol reliability.

Applications

IEC 61158-6-9:2014 serves as a foundational protocol specification in industrial automation and fieldbus communication systems. Some practical applications include:

• Industrial Automation Systems: Facilitates reliable communication between controllers, sensors, and actuators in real-time industrial environments.
• Process Control Networks: Ensures precise data transmission and protocol behavior for safety-critical and time-sensitive process operations.
• Factory and Manufacturing Networks: Supports interoperability and standardization in diverse vendor systems within manufacturing plants.
• Embedded Fieldbus Devices: Guides firmware and hardware developers in implementing compliant application layer protocols for Type 9 fieldbus devices.
• Industrial Testing and Validation: Provides structured state machines and service primitives essential for protocol testing and conformance validation.
• System Integration: Enables seamless integration of fieldbus networks into wider industrial communication frameworks adhering to international standards.

Related Standards

• IEC 61158-5-9: Defines the service primitives for the Type 9 fieldbus application layer, which IEC 61158-6-9 builds upon by specifying their wire-representation.
• ISO/IEC 7498-1: The OSI Basic Reference Model, providing the conceptual framework for layered network communication architecture.
• ISO/IEC 9545: Describes the OSI application layer structures that this standard conforms to.
• IEC 61158 Series: Comprehensive fieldbus standards encompassing various parts including physical layers, data link layers, and application layers.
• IEC 61784 Series: Profiles for industrial communication networks, complementing the basic fieldbus specifications.
• IEC Electropedia: Offers terminology and definitions to support understanding and adoption of IEC standards.

Conclusion

IEC 61158-6-9:2014 is critical for engineers, integrators, and developers involved in the design and deployment of industrial fieldbus networks. Its detailed protocol specification ensures proper communication at the application layer, facilitating interoperability, reliability, and efficiency in complex industrial automation environments. Adhering to this standard helps streamline industrial communication processes, reduces integration challenges, and supports global harmonization of fieldbus technologies.

Keywords: IEC 61158-6-9, industrial communication networks, fieldbus specifications, application layer protocol, Type 9 elements, OSI model, service primitives, state machines, industrial automation, protocol specification.