BS EN 61499-4:2013

What is BS EN 61499-4 - Function blocks - Rules for compliance profiles about?

BS EN 61499-4 is a European standard that discusses the rules for compliance profiles. BS EN 61499-4 defines rules for the development of compliance profiles, which specify the features of IEC 61499-1 and 61499-2 to be implemented in order to promote the following attributes of IEC 61499-based systems, devices and software tools:

• Interoperability of devices from multiple suppliers
• Portability of software between software tools of multiple suppliers
• Configurability of devices from multiple vendors by software tools of multiple suppliers

Note 1: The sensor/actuator links designated #1 and #2 in Figure 1 may be non-interoperable. However, it is intended that systems complying with a particular profile may show the transfer of events and data from sensors on one link to actuators on another link using appropriately configured and interconnected service interface function blocks.

Note2: Compliance profiles may extend their scope beyond that shown in Figure 1 to include interoperability of sensors and actuators.

Note3: Suppliers of software tools ensure that their products conform to the requirements of IEC 61499-2 as well as any specific requirements defined in compliance profiles applicable to their particular software tools.

Who is BS EN 61499-4 - Function blocks - Rules for compliance profiles for?

BS EN 61499-4 on function blocks - rules for compliance profiles is useful for:

• Manufacturers of functional blocks-based devices (control devices)
• Software companies/IT firms
• Engineers responsible for the specification, engineering, and implementation of control systems
• Automation industries

Why should you use BS EN 61499-4 - Function blocks - Rules for compliance profiles?

A function block instance is a software functional unit that consists of a single, named copy of a data structure on which associated operations can be performed as specified by a function block type.

BS EN 61499-4 provides you with algorithms for use in application functional blocks, transducer blocks and device blocks. These algorithms process signal algorithms, and management.

BS EN 61499-4 includes:

• General requirements, including scope, normative references, definitions, and reference models
• Rules for the declaration of function block types, and rules for the behaviour of instances of the types so declared
• Rules for the use of function blocks in the configuration of distributed industrial-process measurement and control systems (IPMCSs)
• Rules for the use of function blocks in meeting the communication requirements of distributed IPMCSs
• Rules for the use of function blocks in the management of applications, resources, and devices in distributed IPMCSs

What’s changed since the last update?

BS EN 61499-4:2013 supersedes EN 61499-4:2006 which is withdrawn.

BS EN 61499-4:2013 Table B.1 has been updated for consistency with respect to EN 61499-4:2006.