IEC 62657-1:2017

Overview

IEC 62657-1:2017 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines wireless communication requirements and spectrum considerations for industrial automation networks. It addresses the unique challenges of wireless communication systems used in industrial environments, providing technology-independent requirements to ensure reliable and effective wireless operations. This edition updates and revises the 2014 version, incorporating new performance indicators and enhanced measurement methods.

The standard aims to provide clear guidance on the technical and regulatory aspects critical to deploying wireless communications in industrial applications, making it accessible even to those new to industrial automation domains.

Key Topics

• Wireless Communication Requirements: Covers essential parameters such as timing, real-time communication, bandwidth, bit rate, power consumption, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), functional and intrinsic safety, security, availability, and reliability tailored for industrial automation environments.

• Spectrum Considerations: Discusses global spectrum harmonization, coexistence management, and concepts for using dedicated or available spectrum efficiently in industrial wireless applications.

• Performance Indicators: Introduces measurable criteria to evaluate wireless communication performance, supporting standardized assessment and benchmarking.

• Industrial Application Use Cases: Describes diverse scenarios including worker safety around machinery, tank farm monitoring and alarming, field worker equipment, vibration monitoring, oil wellhead control, and large-scale factory automation.

• Social, Health, and Environmental Aspects: Addresses regulatory concerns related to health, environmental impact, and social considerations arising from industrial wireless communication deployments.

• Life-cycle and Integration: Explores requirements for life-cycle management of wireless systems and their integration within existing industrial automation networks.

Applications

IEC 62657-1:2017 supports implementation of wireless communication within various industrial automation sectors, enabling:

• Factory Automation: Wireless networks for machine-to-machine communication, sensor monitoring, and control with emphasis on scalability and real-time responsiveness.
• Process Automation: Monitoring and control of processes such as oil and gas extraction, chemical plants, and utilities where safety and reliability are critical.
• Mobile Worker Support: Enhancing safety and efficiency of field workers through wireless tools and communications.
• Condition Monitoring: Remote vibration analysis and predictive maintenance of rotating machinery via wireless sensors.
• Safety Critical Systems: Real-time wireless communication to enhance worker safety around hazardous equipment and environments.

By following the standard, organizations ensure their wireless communication systems meet stringent industrial requirements for robustness, security, and interoperability while adhering to spectrum usage regulations.

Related Standards

IEC 62657-1:2017 is part of a broader family of IEC standards focused on industrial communication networks. Related documents include:

• IEC 62657-2: Addresses the coexistence management process for wireless industrial networks, complementing the requirements in Part 1.
• IEC 61158 / IEC 61784: Standards for industrial communication fieldbuses and networks which wireless systems may interface with.
• IEC 62443: Security standards for industrial automation and control systems, relevant for wireless network security considerations.
• ISO/IEC 27000 series: General standards on information security management, supporting the cybersecurity requirements in industrial wireless communications.

Compliance with IEC 62657-1 ensures industrial wireless networks are designed with a comprehensive approach to operational performance, regulatory compliance, and future-proofing, facilitating reliable and safe industrial automation deployments worldwide.

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