IEC 61804-5:2020

Overview

IEC 61804-5:2020 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) builtin library. This standard is part five of the IEC 61804 series, focusing on function blocks (FB) for process control and the integration of devices within enterprise systems. The 2020 edition is a technical revision and consolidation of previous EDDL specifications from multiple organizations, including FieldComm Group, PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation, and ISA100 Wireless Compliance Institute. This comprehensive update introduces important technical changes, such as the inclusion of ISA100 and GPE communication profiles and deprecation of several builtins related to device error handling.

Key Topics

• EDDL Builtin Library Specification
  IEC 61804-5:2020 defines a standardized builtin library for EDDL, facilitating consistent device descriptions and control functionalities across diverse process control environments.

• Function Blocks for Process Control
  The standard details function blocks that enable modular and reusable blocks of functionality, enhancing interoperability and integration of electronic devices within enterprise systems.

• Communication Profiles
  Significant additions include support for ISA100 and General Purpose Ethernet (GPE) communication profiles, enhancing connectivity options in modern industrial networks.

• Deprecation of Legacy Builtins
  Several builtins such as ABORT_ON_NO_DEVICE, IGNORE_NO_DEVICE, RETRY_ON_NO_DEVICE, and their transmitter (XMTR) versions have been deprecated to streamline device communication and error handling strategies.

• Merged Specifications
  This edition consolidates multiple existing EDDL variants, improving uniformity in formatting and numbering, which benefits developers and users by providing a singular reference framework.

Applications

IEC 61804-5:2020 plays a critical role in enabling seamless device integration and communication within industrial automation and process control systems. Practical applications include:

• Process Automation Systems
  Enhancing device interoperability and control logic through standardized function blocks to optimize manufacturing and production processes.

• Fieldbus and Wireless Networks
  Supporting devices connected via Foundation Fieldbus™, HART®, PROFIBUS™, and ISA100 Wireless™ networks, ensuring reliable communication and device management.

• Device Description and Configuration
  Providing a uniform library of builtin function blocks to describe electronic device capabilities, states, and diagnostics, facilitating advanced configuration and maintenance.

• Enterprise System Integration
  Allowing consistent device data exchange with higher-level enterprise resource planning (ERP) and control systems, improving operational oversight.

Related Standards

• IEC 61804 Series
  Covers function blocks in enterprise systems, including parts focusing on basic function blocks, general requirements, and communication profiles.

• FieldComm Group Specifications
  Standards governing communication protocols such as Foundation Fieldbus and HART, integrated into IEC 61804-5 for unified device description.

• PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e.V. (PNO) Standards
  Standards managing PROFIBUS communication, incorporated for enhanced device interoperability.

• ISA100 Wireless™ Compliance Institute Standards
  Wireless communication profiles for process automation devices included to address modern wireless network requirements.

• IEC 61131
  Addresses programmable controllers, relevant for function block development and control logic implementation within process control.

IEC 61804-5:2020 represents a foundational standard for device integration and automation professionals seeking to implement interoperable, reliable, and maintainable process control solutions. By adhering to this standard, organizations can leverage a common device description language enriched with a builtin function block library, ensuring compatibility across a broad range of industrial communication protocols and enterprise systems.