EN IEC 61784-2-17:2023 defines Communication Profile Family 17 (CPF 17) - an additional set of Real‑Time Ethernet (RTE) communication profiles based on ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3 (Ethernet) and the IEC 61158 series (Type 21). CPF 17 (also referenced as RAPIEnet in the document) specifies one or more RTE communication profiles and the related network components, including layer-specific selections (physical, data‑link and application). The standard also defines relevant RTE performance indicators (PIs) and the dependencies between those indicators to support predictable, synchronized industrial communication.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Profile definition (CPF 17 / CP 17/1):
- Specifies physical layer, data‑link layer (DLL) and application layer (AL) selections applicable to CPF 17.
- Identifies allowed combinations of DLL/AL services and protocols for interoperability.
- Performance indicators (PIs):
- Defines RTE performance indicators and a PI dependency matrix to assess deterministic behavior, latency, jitter and synchronization aspects.
- Provides guidance for selecting a consistent set of PIs (e.g., for small automation systems) and parameters used for PI calculation.
- Standards alignment and amendments:
- Uses ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3 infrastructure and may amend related standards where necessary to achieve real‑time features.
- All communication profiles rely on existing IEC/ISO/IEEE standards or internationally recognized open standards.
- Interoperability and conformity:
- Aims to avoid divergent implementations by specifying how Ethernet-based RTE networks coexist with standard Ethernet while adding determinism and synchronization.
Applications and Who Uses This Standard
- Manufacturers of industrial automation equipment implementing RTE solutions (controllers, I/O modules, switches).
- System integrators and OEMs who need deterministic Ethernet profiles for process control, factory automation and multi‑layer applications.
- Network architects and test labs evaluating RTE performance (latency, synchronization) and verifying compliance with CPF 17 profile sets.
- Typical applications include time‑sensitive communications for motion control, distributed I/O, and real‑time process control where Ethernet interoperability and predictable timing are essential.
Related Standards
- IEC 61158 series (Fieldbus specifications - Type 21)
- IEC 61784-1 (Communication Profile Families - general)
- ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3 (Ethernet)
- IEEE Std 802.1AS (Timing & synchronization), IEEE Std 802.1Q (bridges), IEEE Std 802.1AB (LLDP)
- IETF RFCs (IP, UDP, TCP where referenced)
EN IEC 61784-2-17:2023 is a technical resource for defining interoperable, deterministic Real‑Time Ethernet profiles (CPF 17) and for selecting and measuring the performance attributes needed in industrial network deployments.
