IEC 61175-1:2015

Overview

IEC 61175-1:2015 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines basic rules for the designation of signals in industrial systems, installations, equipment, and industrial products. This standard provides a comprehensive set of principles and structures aimed at standardizing the identification of signals and signal connections, including those related to power supply across various industrial applications.

The standard is applicable to all types of signals within industrial systems without dictating their physical realization. Importantly, IEC 61175-1:2015 establishes a clear distinction between the physical aspect of signals and their informational content, focusing primarily on the latter. This enhances clarity and interoperability within complex industrial environments.

IEC 61175-1:2015 replaces the previous 2005 edition, introducing technical revisions such as improved principles for usage and stricter separation between signal physicality and information. It holds the status of a horizontal standard per IEC Guide 108, underscoring its broad applicability across multiple industrial domains.

Key Topics

• Signal Designation Rules: Detailed guidance on how to construct clear and consistent signal designations encompassing prefixes, object designations, main signal names, and connection identifiers.

• Signal Classification: Definition and description of signal types including reporting signals, controlling signals, measurement signals, indication signals, command signals, and power supply designations.

• Signal Name Domains: Explanation of how signal names relate to objects within industrial systems to ensure unambiguous identification.

• Signal Connection Identifiers: Guidelines on uniquely labeling physical and logical signal connections within a network.

• Principles of Signal Transfer: Concepts addressing how information objects are transmitted via different signal media (wiring, buses, HMIs).

• Presentation of Signals: Best practices for representing signal designations in documentation and human-machine interfaces (HMI) to ensure user clarity and system maintainability.

• Metadata for Signals: Requirements for documenting supplemental information associated with signals to support comprehensive asset management and digital integration.

• Normative Letter Codes: Usage of standardized codes for variables and modifiers within signal names to maintain consistency and facilitate international understanding.

Applications

IEC 61175-1:2015 is essential for professionals involved in:

• Industrial automation and control systems design, enabling precise and standardized signal nomenclature that facilitates communication between devices and systems.

• Electrical and electronic equipment manufacturing, where clearly designated signals improve assembly, inspection, and diagnostics.

• Process industries requiring stringent documentation and consistent signal identification for safety, maintenance, and interoperability.

• System integration companies implementing multi-vendor environments where common signal identification reduces errors and streamlines commissioning.

• Maintenance and troubleshooting teams who rely on clear signal references to quickly diagnose and resolve system issues.

Implementing IEC 61175-1 enhances cross-disciplinary understanding and supports digital transformation initiatives such as Industry 4.0 by standardizing signal-related information architecture.

Related Standards

• IEC 81346: Addresses reference designations of objects and helps integrate IEC 61175-1 signal designations into broader system references.

• IEC 80000 (Quantities and units): Provides standardized letter codes used in IEC 61175-1 for variables and modifiers.

• IEC Guide 108: Defines the status and use of horizontal standards like IEC 61175-1 across electrotechnical domains.

• IEC 61131: Concerns programmable controller equipment, relevant when integrating signal designation with logic control components.

• IEC 61158: Pertains to fieldbus standards where consistent signal naming supports communication protocols.

By aligning with these complementary IEC standards, IEC 61175-1 helps create a unified framework for signal designation, improving industrial system efficacy and global interoperability.

Keywords: IEC 61175-1, signal designation, industrial systems, signal connection identification, signal classification, industrial automation standards, IEC horizontal standard, signal naming rules, process industry signals, electrical equipment signals, industrial communication, HMI signal presentation.