Real-Time Ethernet in IEC 61784-2 and IEC 61158 series

Abstract

Adoption of Ethernet technology for industrial communication between controllers and even for communication with field devices promotes use of Internet technologies in the field area. This availability would be unacceptable if it causes the loss of features required in the field area for industrial communication automation networks, such as: (1) real-time, (2) synchronized actions between field devices like drives, (3) efficient, frequent exchange of very small data records. Real-time Ethernet (RTE) communication systems may take advantage of the improvements of Ethernet networks in terms of transmission bandwidth and network span. Another implicit but essential requirement is that the typical Ethernet communication capabilities, as used in the office world, are fully retained, so that the software involved remains applicable. The market is in need of several network solutions, each with different performance characteristics and functional capabilities, matching the diverse application requirements. RTE performance indicators, which values will be provided with RTE devices based on communication profiles specified in IEC 61784-2, enable the user to match network devices with application dependant performance requirements of an RTE network. Communication profiles within IEC 61784-2 refer to IEC 61158 series. The concept of IEC 61158 series, how the protocol and services are specified, is interpreted. Using the same concept to specify the different communication networks supports to build bridges between the different communication networks.