IEC 61784-2-21:2023

Overview

IEC 61784-2-21:2023 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines Communication Profile Family 21 (CPF 21). This profile family specifies a Real-Time Ethernet (RTE) communication profile and associated network components. Based on the IEC 61158 series (Type 26), ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3 Ethernet standards, and other relevant standards, CPF 21 addresses the increasing demand for reliable, predictable, and synchronized industrial communication over Ethernet networks.

The standard aims to ensure real-time data transfer, precise synchronization of automation equipment, and coexistence with the widely used IEEE 802.3 Ethernet protocols. It provides guidelines on RTE performance indicators, helping users select network devices targeted to meet specific industrial automation requirements.

Keywords: Real-Time Ethernet, CPF 21, IEC 61784-2-21, industrial networks, communication profile, Ethernet fieldbus, real-time fieldbus profiles, network synchronization, performance indicators

Key Topics

• Communication Profile Family 21 (CPF 21): Defines additional real-time fieldbus profiles specifically developed to operate on ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3 Ethernet networks. CPF 21 extends the functionality of standard Ethernet to meet industrial real-time application needs.

• Real-Time Ethernet Communication Profile: CPF 21 provides a set of communication profiles that leverage Ethernet infrastructure while incorporating enhancements required for deterministic, low-latency communication in industrial automation.

• Performance Indicators: The standard specifies relevant performance indicators (PIs) for each RTE communication profile, including their interdependencies. These PIs assist users and manufacturers in evaluating network device compliance and efficiency for specific industrial tasks.

• Network Component Specifications: CPF 21 outlines the requirements and characteristics of network components that implement the RTE profiles, providing a framework for device interoperability within industrial Ethernet networks.

• Protocol Stack and Services: Detailed descriptions of the physical, data-link, and application layers relevant to CPF 21 profile implementations are included. This encompasses protocol selections, service suites, port numbers, and IP addressing schemes optimized for industrial real-time communication.

Applications

• Industrial Automation Systems: CPF 21 enables deterministic and timely communication between controllers, field devices, sensors, and actuators within automated manufacturing and processing plants.

• Factory Floor Networking: Real-time Ethernet profiles facilitate synchronized actions such as coordinated drive control and fast status updates which are crucial for advanced production lines and robotics.

• Process Control Networks: The standard supports networks where frequent, efficient exchange of small data records with guaranteed latency is crucial for monitoring and controlling industrial processes.

• Integration with IT Networks: CPF 21 maintains Ethernet compatibility to allow smooth integration of industrial control systems with standard office and enterprise IT networks, promoting unified communication infrastructures.

• Performance-Critical Applications: Systems requiring precise synchronization and predictable network behavior for safety, quality control, or real-time monitoring benefit significantly from CPF 21’s defined profiles and performance metrics.

Related Standards

• IEC 61158 Series: Defines fieldbus network and communication protocol standards; CPF 21 is specifically based on Type 26 within this series.

• ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3: The international Ethernet standard, serving as the foundational physical and data-link layer for CPF 21 real-time profiles.

• IEC 61784-1 and Other IEC 61784-2 Parts: Define other communication profile families and associated protocols for industrial networks, often referenced for complementary or overarching guidelines.

• IEC 61784 Series: The broader Industrial networks - Profiles series, encompassing multiple parts for varied real-time protocols and profiles in industrial automation.

• International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV): Provides standardized terminology ensuring consistent and clear communication across IEC standards.

IEC 61784-2-21:2023 represents a significant technical update enhancing the specificity and applicability of real-time Ethernet standards in industrial communication. By defining additional profiles and comprehensive performance metrics, it empowers manufacturers and users to deploy interoperable, high-performance, and reliable industrial Ethernet networks tailored to diverse automation needs.