IEC 61784-3-8:2016

Overview

IEC 61784-3-8:2016 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies functional safety communication protocols specifically for industrial communication networks. This part of IEC 61784 focuses on additional specifications for the CPF 8 family of functional safety communication profiles. It defines a safety communication layer - including services and protocols - based on CPF 8 components from IEC 61784-1, IEC 61784-2, and IEC 61158 Types 18 and 23. The standard is intended exclusively for implementation in safety-related devices within industrial automation and control systems.

This second edition replaces the 2010 version, offering a technical revision that introduces expanded features such as FSCP 8/2 and its associated clauses. Importantly, IEC 61784-3-8:2016 supports the rigorous safety requirements inherent to industrial environments, ensuring the safe exchange of data across fieldbus networks while maintaining functional safety integrity.

Key Topics

• Functional Safety Communication Layer
  IEC 61784-3-8 defines a dedicated safety communication layer designed to isolate and manage safety-related data transfer within industrial networks, following strict protocols and services optimized for safety devices.

• Profiles FSCP 8/1 and FSCP 8/2
  The standard details two key safety communication profiles:

  • FSCP 8/1: Focuses on specifications for CC-Link Safety™ protocol.
  • FSCP 8/2: Covers the CC-Link IE™ Safety communication function, offering enhanced safety communication features suitable for high-speed industrial Ethernet networks.

• Safety Communication Layer Services and Protocols
  Includes standardized methods to establish, maintain, and manage safe communication channels, data integrity checks (e.g., CRC calculations), loss, sequence, and timing error detection as critical safety measures.

• System Requirements and Assessment
  IEC 61784-3-8 provides comprehensive requirements for installation, maintenance, response times, and safety manuals to assist in system design, implementation, and certification processes.

• Integration with IEC 61158 and Other Standards
  The standard elaborates how safety communication layers interact with other industrial network layers defined in IEC 61158, ensuring interoperability and consistency across complex industrial automation systems.

Applications

IEC 61784-3-8:2016 is essential for manufacturers, system integrators, and safety engineers working within industries that demand reliable and safe communication protocols for industrial automation. Typical applications include:

• Safety device implementation on industrial fieldbus networks such as CC-Link and CC-Link IE Safety
• Functional safety systems in manufacturing plants, process control, robotics, and machinery automation
• Safety communication layer design in networked control systems requiring fail-safe data transmission
• Development of certified safety applications compliant with international safety regulations
• Enhancing system reliability and risk mitigation through verified communication profiles designed for safety-critical environments

By adopting IEC 61784-3-8, organizations can achieve high-integrity functional safety communication, minimize risks, and comply with international safety standards.

Related Standards

Understanding IEC 61784-3-8 involves referencing several related standards within the IEC 61784 series and beyond:

• IEC 61784-1 and IEC 61784-2
  These parts define fieldbus profiles and communication service types for industrial automation, serving as the foundation for CPF 8 profiles.

• IEC 61158 (Types 18 and 23)
  Specifies the data link and physical layers for industrial networks that IEC 61784-3-8 builds upon for safety communication.

• IEC 61784-3 (Functional Safety Fieldbuses – Part 3)
  Outlines principles and general requirements for functional safety communication applicable to multiple fieldbus types, including CPF 8.

• Related Safety Standards such as IEC 61508 and IEC 62061
  These address the broader requirements for functional safety management, system design, and assessment for electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic safety-related systems.

Implementers should ensure alignment with these standards to ensure comprehensive safety, interoperability, and compliance within industrial communication networks.

Keywords: IEC 61784-3-8, functional safety fieldbus, CPF 8, safety communication layer, FSCP 8/1, FSCP 8/2, industrial communication networks, CC-Link Safety, CC-Link IE Safety, IEC 61158, industrial automation safety standards, fieldbus safety protocols, safety communication profiles, industrial network protocols, IEC functional safety