IEC 61804-3:2015

Overview

IEC 61804-3:2015 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines the Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) syntax and semantics. Part 3 of the IEC 61804 series, this edition focuses on the formal language structures used to describe automation system components in process control environments. EDDL facilitates the integration of real product details within engineering lifecycle tools, enabling improved device descriptions within process automation systems.

This 2015 third edition revises and replaces the 2010 second edition with significant technical updates to better support Field Device Integration (FDI) requirements. Key improvements include the removal and relocation of built-in functions and their profiles to IEC 61804-5, and new constructs such as BLOB (Binary Large Object), PLUGIN, and enhanced component constructs tailored for communication server attributes. Additional syntax extensions include new attributes like PRIVATE, VISIBILITY, and WRITE_MODE, enhancing control over device description confidentiality and accessibility.

Key Topics

• EDDL Syntax and Semantics Defines the lexical structure, language elements, and formal rules that govern EDDL source code. This includes foundational concepts such as BLOCKs, CHARTs, COMMANDs, and COMPONENTs, detailing specific attributes and structural rules essential for creating interoperable device descriptions.

• Function Blocks (FB) for Process Control Supports the modeling of process control functions through reusable function blocks, promoting consistency and modularity in describing control system components.

• New Constructs and Extensions Incorporates extensions under the FDI initiative, including:

  • BLOB and PLUGIN constructs for enhanced data handling and integration capabilities.
  • Component construct enhancements for communication server requirements with additional attributes.
  • Expanded class attribute options.
  • New attributes PRIVATE, VISIBILITY, and WRITE_MODE to define attribute confidentiality, visibility scope, and write permissions.

• Conformance and Development Process Details guidelines for conformant EDDL implementations and covers the complete EDD development cycle from source generation through preprocessing and compilation, ensuring standard compliance and consistency.

Applications

• Process Automation Systems EDDL enables manufacturers and process engineers to describe device parameters, diagnostics, and functionalities consistently across automation platforms, improving device integration with control systems.

• Device Integration and Engineering Tools By standardizing device descriptions, EDDL supports integration with asset management, configuration, and maintenance tools; this simplifies engineering workflows throughout the product lifecycle.

• Field Device Integration (FDI) The standard enhancements align with FDI specifications, facilitating seamless communication and interoperability between field devices and automation systems, streamlining device setup and management.

• Communication Servers Newly introduced component constructs provide additional attributes addressing communication server requirements, ensuring robust data exchange in complex automation architectures.

Related Standards

• IEC 61804-1: Function Blocks (FB) for Process Control – Part 1 Defines the general concepts and rules for Function Blocks used in industrial process control.

• IEC 61804-5: Function Blocks (FB) – Part 5: Builtins and Profiles Details built-in functions and their profiles, which were relocated from IEC 61804-3 in the 2015 edition.

• Field Device Integration (FDI) Standards Complementary standards aiming to unify device integration technologies including EDDL enhancements to meet FDI requirements.

• IEC 61131 Series Covers programmable controllers and function blocks relevant to process control environments and complements IEC 61804 standards.

By adhering to IEC 61804-3:2015, organizations and device manufacturers ensure compatibility, modularity, and maintainability in describing automation components, facilitating efficient engineering processes and improved device interoperability worldwide.