Overview
IEC 61158-4-13:2014 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the data-link layer protocol for industrial communication networks, specifically targeting fieldbus systems. As part of the IEC 61158 family focused on fieldbus specifications, Part 4-13 outlines the procedures and structures essential for the timely and reliable transfer of data and control information between data-link user entities in distributed industrial communication environments.
This edition represents a technical revision from the initial 2007 version, introducing a new communication class along with editorial improvements and corrections. It defines the interaction mechanisms between data-link layer entities and their encapsulation into physical interface data units, which are crucial for ensuring deterministic data transfer in complex industrial networks.
Key Topics
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Data-Link Layer Protocol Specification
Provides detailed procedures for transferring data and control frames (DLPDUs) within Type 13 fieldbus systems, ensuring synchronous and asynchronous communication.
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Timing and Cyclic Communication
Defines cycle state machines and management of communication slots to support deterministic real-time data transmission required by many industrial automation applications.
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Frame Structures and Encoding
Specifies encoding rules and structures of MAC frames, including Start of Synchronization (SoC), Poll Requests (PReq), Poll Responses (PRes), and Asynchronous Send (ASnd) messages.
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Layer Interaction and Management
Details architecture of the data-link layer, including management protocols, exception signaling, and network management tasks to maintain robust network operation.
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Communication Classes
Introduction of a new communication class enhances flexibility and supports evolving industrial communication needs.
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Conformance and Applicability
Provides rules for conformance ensuring interoperability and outlines applicability within a broad range of industrial networking scenarios.
Applications
IEC 61158-4-13:2014 serves as a foundation for implementing industrial communication systems that require high reliability, timely data delivery, and real-time control. Typical applications include:
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Manufacturing Automation
Enabling robust communication between programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, actuators, and other field devices.
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Process Control Systems
Supporting fieldbus networks in chemical, oil & gas, and power plant automation, where deterministic data transfer is critical.
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Factory and Plant Network Design
Assisting engineers in designing fieldbus layers that comply with international standards, ensuring interoperability and long-term maintainability.
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Real-Time Data Exchange
Facilitating scheduled and event-driven data communication essential for monitoring and control tasks in distributed systems.
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Network Management and Diagnostics
Extending tools for network configuration, error detection, and recovery within industrial fieldbus networks.
Related Standards
Users and implementers of IEC 61158-4-13:2014 often reference complementary standards for comprehensive industrial communication solutions:
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IEC 61158 Part 1-3 and Part 5-7
Covering physical layer and application layer specifications related to other fieldbus types and communication profiles.
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IEC 61784 Series
Profiles specifying fieldbus communication and real-time networks for industrial automation.
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IEC 61131
Programmable controllers standard complementing communication protocols by defining control programming languages and system models.
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IEEE 802 Series
Providing foundational concepts related to local area networking, relevant for understanding underlying physical and data link layers.
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IEC 61375
Relevant for train communication networks where fieldbus technologies may be applied.
Keywords: IEC 61158-4-13, fieldbus specification, data-link layer protocol, industrial communication networks, real-time data transmission, cyclic communication, fieldbus DLPDUs, Type 13 fieldbus, industrial automation, network management, IEC standards, fieldbus protocol, industrial networking.
Open preview (PDF)Industrial communication networks - Fieldbus specifications - Part 4-13: Data-link layer protocol specificationn - Type 13 elements
