Overview
EN IEC 61784-2-15:2023 (CPF 15) specifies Communication Profile Family 15 for industrial Real‑Time Ethernet (RTE) systems that coexist with ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3 (Ethernet). CPF 15 defines a set of RTE communication profiles and associated network components based on the IEC 61158 series (Type 15) and related standards. For each profile the standard also specifies relevant RTE performance indicators and the dependencies between those indicators to support predictable real‑time communications.
Key topics
- Scope and profile structure
- CPF 15 contains one or more Real‑Time Ethernet communication profiles (e.g., CP 15/1, CP 15/2) specifying requirements for the physical, data‑link and application layers.
- Standards alignment
- Profiles are based on IEC 61158 (Type 15) elements and use ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3 Ethernet and related IEEE standards (for example IEEE 802.1AS, 802.1Q, 802.1AB referenced in the document).
- Performance indicators
- The document defines RTE performance indicators and dependency matrices to describe how metrics interrelate (for example latency, determinism/synchronization, availability and packet delivery characteristics).
- Protocol and service selection
- For each CP the standard lists selectable application‑layer services and protocol options, and maps these to the physical and data‑link layer requirements.
- Interoperability and conformance
- CPF 15 helps avoid divergent implementations by specifying how RTE features can be added to Ethernet-based networks while maintaining compatibility.
Applications
- Industrial automation and process control - design and specification of deterministic fieldbus/ethernet networks for PLCs, I/O systems and motion control.
- System integrators and OEMs - selecting compliant network components, stacks and devices that meet CPF 15 profiles.
- Network architects and engineers - defining network topologies, synchronization strategies and performance budgets for time‑critical applications.
- Certification and testing - providing criteria for conformance testing and performance verification of RTE products.
Who should use this standard
- Automation vendors, device manufacturers and system integrators
- Control systems engineers and network designers
- Test labs and conformity assessors responsible for RTE interoperability
Related standards
- IEC 61158 series (Fieldbus specifications - Type 15)
- IEC 61784-1 (Communication profile families - general)
- ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3 (Ethernet)
- IEEE 802.1AS, IEEE 802.1Q, IEEE 802.1AB (timing, bridging, discovery)
Keywords: EN IEC 61784-2-15:2023, CPF 15, Real‑Time Ethernet, industrial networks, fieldbus profiles, IEC 61158, ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3, performance indicators, time‑sensitive networking.