IEC 62591:2016

Overview

IEC 62591:2016, titled Industrial networks - Wireless communication network and communication profiles - WirelessHART™, is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This standard specifies a comprehensive wireless communication network designed for industrial automation and process control environments. It complements Type 20 elements in IEC 61158 and the Communication Profile CP 9/2 in IEC 61784-1, focusing specifically on WirelessHART™, a secure and reliable wireless sensor networking protocol widely used in industrial applications.

The 2016 edition is a technical revision of the original 2010 publication. It introduces significant enhancements such as advanced performance statistics including key performance indicators (KPIs), "stale data" detection mechanisms, extended CCA modes aligned with IEEE 802.15.4 standards, added gateway commands, and more precise definitions related to network joining and device management. Additionally, the corrigendum from March 2021 has been incorporated in this edition.

Key Topics

IEC 62591:2016 covers essential layers and functions critical to the wireless communication network, structured as follows:

• Physical Layer: Defines service specifications and protocol for wireless communication, ensuring robust and reliable signal transmission.
• Data-Link Layer: Details services and protocol for message handling, media access control, scheduling, and network topology management tailored for wireless industrial environments.
• Network and Transport Layers: Outline protocols for routing, network management, and data transport with considerations for security and performance.
• Application Layer: Specifies data types, communication models, and protocol services to facilitate efficient and standardized data exchange in industrial networks.
• Network Management: Provides procedures for device onboarding, configuration, fault detection, and maintenance.
• Security: Specifies encryption, authentication, and key management techniques ensuring secure wireless communication in sensitive industrial settings.
• Communication Profile: Defines WirelessHART-specific profiles and operational procedures, including gateway interfacing and network optimization.
• Wireless Procedures and Gateway: Enhancements to network performance monitoring, stale data detection, quarantine states, whitelist and blacklist management, and gateway command support.

These detailed specifications cover everything from logical link control and medium access control to QoS (Quality of Service) parameters, error detection, and state machine behaviors vital for seamless industrial wireless communication.

Applications

IEC 62591:2016 serves as a crucial reference for industries deploying wireless instrumentation and control systems, particularly those seeking to leverage WirelessHART™ technology. Key application areas include:

• Process Automation: Enabling wireless connectivity for sensors, actuators, and controllers in sectors such as oil and gas, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
• Industrial IoT (IIoT): Facilitating integration of wireless sensor networks into broader industrial IoT ecosystems to improve data collection, monitoring, and analytics.
• Predictive Maintenance: Supporting reliable wireless data transmission for asset monitoring and early detection of equipment failures.
• Safety and Compliance: Ensuring network security and integrity to meet stringent industrial safety and regulatory requirements.
• Network Optimization: Offering tools for performance measurement and fault management to maintain network reliability in harsh industrial environments.

Implementing IEC 62591 fosters seamless interoperability among devices from different manufacturers, reduces installation and maintenance costs compared to wired solutions, and supports scalable network expansion.

Related Standards

IEC 62591:2016 intersects with and complements several other IEC standards in industrial communication and network technologies:

• IEC 61158 Series: Defines fieldbus communication protocol specifications including Type 20 elements utilized by WirelessHART.
• IEC 61784-1: Communication Profiles-provides framework for profiles like CP 9/2 used by WirelessHART.
• IEEE 802.15.4: Wireless Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer standards foundational for low-rate wireless personal area networks (LR-WPANs), referenced and aligned with in this edition.
• ISO/IEC 7498 (OSI Reference Model): Provides fundamental terminology and layered networking concepts adopted within the IEC 62591 structure.
• IEC 62591 Corrigendum March 2021: Offers updates and corrections improving accuracy and applicability of the standard.

By adhering to these harmonized standards, IEC 62591 ensures comprehensive and interoperable wireless communication solutions tailored for industrial automation networks.

Keywords: IEC 62591, WirelessHART, industrial wireless communication, wireless sensor networks, industrial automation, wireless network security, industrial IoT, IEC industrial standards, wireless network management, IEC 61158, IEC 61784, IEEE 802.15.4