BS EN 61158-6-16:2008

What is BS EN 61158-6-16 - Application layer protocol specification - Type 16 elements about?

BS EN 61158-6-16 is part of the BS EN IEC 61158 series that has been created to facilitate the interconnection of automation system components. The fieldbus Application Layer (FAL) provides user programs with a means to access the fieldbus communication environment. In this respect, the FAL can be viewed as a “window

between corresponding application programs.” BS EN 61158-6-16 provides common elements for basic time-critical and non-time-critical messaging communications between application programs in an automation environment and material specific to Type 16 fieldbus. The term “time-critical” is used to represent the presence of a time-window, within which one or more specified actions are required to be completed with some defined level of certainty. Failure to complete specified actions within the time window risks failure of the applications requesting the actions, with attendant risk to

equipment, plant, and possibly human life.

BS EN 61158-6-16 defines in an abstract way the externally visible behaviour provided by the Type 16 Fieldbus application layer in terms of:

• An abstract model for defining application resources (objects) capable of being manipulated by users via the use of the FAL service
• The primitive actions and events of the service
• The parameters associated with each primitive action and event, and the form which they take
• The interrelationship between these actions and events, and their valid sequences

BS EN 61158-6-16 define the services provided to:

• The FAL user at the boundary between the user and the Application Layer of the Fieldbus Reference Model
• Systems Management at the boundary between the Application Layer and Systems Management of the Fieldbus Reference Model

BS EN 61158-6-16 specifies the structure and services of the IEC fieldbus Application Layer, in conformance with the OSI Basic Reference Model (ISO/IEC 7498) and the OSI Application Layer Structure (ISO/IEC 9545).

Who is BS EN 61158-6-16 - Application layer protocol specification - Type 16 elements for?

BS EN 61158-6-16 on application layer protocol specification - type 16 elements is useful for:

• The IT industry / Software programmers  
• Internet engineering task forces
• Internet service providers
• Telecommunication companies
• The automation industry 
• Networking sectors 

Why should you use BS EN 61158-6-16 - Application layer protocol specification - Type 16 elements?

BS EN 61158-6-16 is produced to facilitate the interconnection of automation system components. It is related to other standards in the set as defined by the “three-layer” fieldbus reference model described in IEC/TR 61158-1. The application protocol provides the application service by making use of the services available from the data link or other immediately lower layer. BS EN 61158-6-16 provide a set of rules for communication expressed in terms of the procedures to be carried out by peer application entities (AEs) at the time of communication. These rules for communication are intended to provide a sound basis for development in order to serve a variety of purposes:

• As a guide for implementors and designers
• For use in the testing and procurement of equipment
• As part of an agreement for the admittance of systems into the open systems environment
• As a refinement to the understanding of time-critical communications within OSI

BS EN 61158-6-16 is concerned with the communication and interworking of sensors, effectors, and other automation devices. Use BS EN 61158-6-16 together with other standards positioned within the OSI or fieldbus reference models, otherwise incompatible systems may work together in any combination.

BS EN 61158-6-16 provides migration paths from previously existing industrial communications protocols. This latter objective gives rise to the diversity of protocols standardized in IEC 61158-6. Using BS EN 61158-6-16 guidelines, you are in a position to facilitate communication between applications and accelerate productivity.