Overview - ISO 11783-6:2018 (Virtual terminal)
ISO 11783-6:2018 is Part 6 of the ISO 11783 series (commonly known as ISOBUS) and defines the Virtual Terminal (VT) for a serial control and communications data network used on tractors and agricultural/forestry implements. The standard specifies a universal user-interface model and message set to standardize how ECUs, displays and implements exchange operator input, display content and control commands. Its goal is interoperability: a VT can be implemented on tractors or implements so that displays, sensors, actuators and storage units communicate consistently across brands.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard covers both functional behavior and message protocols for the VT. Key topics include:
- Operator input and control: standardized handling of soft keys, buttons, touch input and events.
- Display model and coordinate system: Data Mask and Soft Key Mask areas, object rendering rules and layout management.
- Behaviour and state management: object pools, Working Sets, active mask selection, initialization and shutdown rules.
- Connection and update management: connection handling, refreshing on-screen data and uploading new objects.
- Alarms and audio: acoustic alarm handling and priority.
- Graphics and colour controls: object definitions for graphics, colour palettes and scaling.
- Transport and message sets: annexes define object codes, transport protocol, technical data messages, memory operations, commands and status messages.
- Touchscreens and pointing devices: event handling and accuracy requirements.
The fourth edition defines VT version 6, with clarifications and new capabilities including a Colour Palette object, Graphic Data and Scaled Graphic objects, a Working Set Special Controls object, and the Select Active Working Set command.
Applications and practical value
ISO 11783-6 enables:
- Interoperable tractor-implement user interfaces for precision agriculture workflows.
- Unified display behavior for aftermarket and OEM ISOBUS-compatible terminals and implement controllers.
- Reduced integration effort when connecting third‑party implements to tractor displays.
- Consistent alarm, control and diagnostic interactions across ECUs and displays.
Typical use cases: seeding, spraying, fertilizing and harvesting systems where a single display needs to control multiple implements or share control between tractor and implement.
Who uses this standard
- Tractor and implement OEMs
- ECU and display manufacturers (ISOBUS/VT developers)
- Precision agriculture system integrators and software vendors
- Test labs, certification bodies and aftermarket terminal suppliers
Related standards
- ISO 11783 series (Parts 1–14) - ISOBUS family
- ISO 11898 (CAN bus) - underlying serial protocol reference
- SAE J1939 - related vehicle network specifications
- DIN 9684-4 - basis for VT specifications referenced in the standard
ISO 11783-6:2018 is essential for anyone implementing or integrating vehicle-implement interfaces in modern agricultural and forestry equipment.
Open preview (PDF)Tractors and machinery for agriculture and forestry — Serial control and communications data network — Part 6: Virtual terminal