Overview
EN IEC 61784-2-4:2023 specifies extensions to Communication Profile Family 4 (CPF 4) for Real‑Time Ethernet (RTE) used in industrial networks. Published by CLC/CENELEC and aligned with IEC 61784 and IEC 61158 (Type 4) series, this part defines RTE communication profiles based on ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3 (Ethernet). It covers protocol selections and performance indicators for CPF 4 implementations (notably P‑NET on IP / CP 4/3), and provides normative references and methods for calculating delivery time, throughput and synchronization accuracy.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and terminology: Definitions, acronyms and conventions specific to CPF 4 and RTE architectures.
- Layered protocol mapping: Selections for the physical, data‑link and application layers consistent with IEC 61158 Type 4 elements and IEEE Ethernet standards.
- Service and protocol selection tables: Mandatory guidance on DLL and AL service/protocol options for CP 4/3.
- Performance Indicators (PIs): Specified PIs (delivery time, non‑RTE/RTE throughput, time‑base sync accuracy) and a dependency matrix to choose a consistent set of PIs for a given application.
- Calculation methods: Annex A (informative) details sample application scenarios and formulas for calculating delivery time, throughput and synchronization - useful for network design and validation.
- Normative references: Cross‑references to IEC 61158 series, IEC 61784‑1‑4, ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802‑3 and other IEEE/IETF standards (e.g., timing, bridging, TCP/UDP/IP).
Applications and who uses it
EN IEC 61784-2-4:2023 is intended for:
- Automation engineers and system architects designing real‑time Ethernet networks for process and factory automation.
- Device and network component manufacturers implementing CPF 4 (P‑NET on IP) conformant firmware/hardware.
- System integrators and consultants who need to dimension networks to meet deterministic performance targets.
- Standards bodies and certification labs for interoperability testing and conformance assessment.
Practical uses include selecting protocol stacks for devices, calculating worst‑case delivery times, verifying throughput requirements, and specifying synchronization accuracy for time‑sensitive industrial applications.
Related standards
- IEC 61158 series (Fieldbus specifications, Type 4)
- IEC 61784‑1‑4 (CPF 4 overview)
- IEC 61784‑2‑0 (general concepts for RTE profiles)
- ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802‑3 (Ethernet) and IEEE 802.1 standards (timing, bridging)
- Relevant IETF RFCs (IP/TCP/UDP)
Keywords: EN IEC 61784-2-4:2023, CPF 4, Real‑Time Ethernet, RTE, industrial networks, P‑NET on IP, IEC 61158, ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3, performance indicators, delivery time, throughput, synchronization.