Overview
EN IEC 61784-2-3:2023 (CLC / CENELEC adoption of IEC 61784-2-3:2023) defines extensions to Communication Profile Family 3 (CPF 3) for Real‑Time Ethernet (RTE). It specifies additional RTE fieldbus profiles based on ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802‑3 (Ethernet) and the IEC 61158 Type 10 family. The standard describes real‑time communication profiles, related network components and the RTE performance indicators and their inter‑dependencies used to specify and verify deterministic Ethernet solutions for industrial automation.
Key topics and technical requirements
- CPF 3 scope and structure: Extensions and profile definitions for CPF 3, including conformance class models and profile architecture for PROFINET/PROFIBUS‑based RTE.
- Profile families and examples: Defined RTE communication profiles (e.g., CP 3/4, 3/5, 3/6, 3/7) with physical, data‑link and application layer descriptions.
- Performance indicators: Specification of RTE performance indicators (latency, jitter, throughput characteristics), their selection, and dependencies used for deterministic behavior assessment.
- Conformance classes & behaviors: Node classes, application classes, communication classes, and expected behaviors for IO controllers, devices, bridges and network components.
- Protocol and timing parameters: Requirements for stack traversal, timing budgets, and protocol parameters relevant to real‑time communication.
- Resilience and redundancy: Media redundancy classes and media class definitions for availability and fault‑tolerant operation.
- Records and management: Communication feature lists, records and configuration/administration numbering to support device interoperability.
- Performance calculation guidance: Annex A provides structural examples and principles for calculating performance indicators.
Applications and who uses it
EN IEC 61784-2-3:2023 is intended for:
- Automation engineers and system integrators designing deterministic Ethernet networks for factories, process plants and machine control.
- Device and network component manufacturers implementing CPF 3 (PROFINET/PROFIBUS‑related) real‑time profiles.
- Network architects and testers who verify RTE performance (latency, jitter, redundancy) and establish conformance.
- Certification bodies and standards committees evaluating interoperability and compliance.
Typical applications include motion control, I/O cyclic communication, and other time‑sensitive industrial control scenarios where deterministic Ethernet behavior is required.
Related standards
Relevant companion and referenced standards include:
Using EN IEC 61784-2-3:2023 ensures consistent, interoperable implementation of CPF 3 real‑time Ethernet profiles across industrial automation deployments.