IEC 61804-5:2015

Overview

IEC 61804-5:2015 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the EDDL (Electronic Device Description Language) Builtin library. This standard forms an essential part of the IEC 61804 series, which focuses on Function Blocks (FB) for process control and the description of electronic devices. Part 5 of this series, IEC 61804-5:2015, defines a comprehensive library of built-in functions and profiles aligned with various fieldbus communication protocols, facilitating interoperability and advanced device communication in industrial automation systems.

The standard provides a structured framework for implementing device descriptions and control function blocks, supporting consistent integration of field devices into process control applications. Its scope includes defining conventions, categories, and specific built-in functions used in EDDL to support communication, user interface elements, and action blocks within process control environments.

Key Topics

• EDDL Builtin Library: A collection of pre-defined built-in functions that streamline device description tasks, device interaction, diagnostics, and data manipulation.
• Function Blocks (FB) for Process Control: Integration of EDDL built-in functions within function blocks to achieve modular, reusable, and interoperable process control elements.
• Builtin Categories:
  • User Interface Builtins - functions that support display and input operations.
  • Communication Builtins - functions managing communication protocols and error handling.
  • Action Builtins - functions initiating device commands and response processing.
• Error and Status Handling: Specialized built-in functions such as _ERROR, _TRACE, _WARNING, and abort mechanisms to handle communication failures, device statuses, and command responses.
• Data Conversion and Manipulation: Numerous functions converting between data types (e.g., ByteToDouble, atoi, atof), performing mathematical computations (e.g., acos, atan, cbrt, exp), and managing date and time conversions.
• Communication Profiles: The standard details profiles supporting various fieldbus types, ensuring compatibility and standardized communication across diverse industrial networks.
• Built-in Function Implementation: Detailed descriptions of each built-in function’s implementation, behavior, and application scenarios within device descriptions.

Applications

IEC 61804-5:2015 applies extensively in industries relying on process automation and control, including:

• Process Industries: Chemical, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, and food processing sectors using advanced control systems for consistent quality and safety.
• Industrial Automation: Implementing device interoperability using standardized function blocks and EDDL functions enables reduced engineering time and increased system reliability.
• Fieldbus Networks Integration: Supports communication protocols such as Profibus, Foundation Fieldbus, and others by providing standardized profiles to describe and control devices.
• Device Configuration and Diagnostics: Enhances software tools for device configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting by enabling a uniform set of commands and status indicators.
• Control System Development: Facilitates development of modular, scalable control applications by incorporating reusable EDDL built-in function libraries.

By adhering to IEC 61804-5:2015, manufacturers and system integrators benefit from standardized communication and function descriptions, enabling seamless integration and reducing implementation complexity.

Related Standards

IEC 61804-5:2015 is part of a broader series enhancing industrial automation communication and control through function blocks and device descriptions:

• IEC 61804-1 - General concepts and guidance for function blocks used in process control.
• IEC 61804-3 - EDDL Language specification detailing syntax and semantics.
• IEC 61804-4 - Protocol profiles and communication specifics for EDDL-based devices.
• IEC 61804-6 - Guidelines on interoperability and compliance testing for function blocks and EDDL libraries.

In addition, this standard complements other IEC and ISO standards addressing fieldbus communication, device interoperability, and industrial networking, such as:

• IEC 61158 / IEC 61784 - Fieldbus communication protocols.
• IEC 62541 (OPC UA) - Interoperability standards for industrial automation.
• ISO 15745 - Industrial automation device profiles.

Adoption of IEC 61804-5:2015 alongside these standards fosters coherent integration of electronic devices in industrial systems, promoting automation efficiency, fault tolerance, and ease of device management.

Keywords: IEC 61804-5:2015, EDDL Builtin library, function blocks, process control, electronic device description language, fieldbus profiles, device interoperability, industrial automation, process industries, communication builtins, user interface builtins, action builtins, industrial control standards, device configuration, process automation integration.