BS EN IEC 61158-4-4:2019

What is BS EN IEC 61158-4-4 - Data-link layer protocol type 4 about?  

BS EN IEC 61158-4-4 is part of the BS EN IEC 61158 series that has been created to facilitate the interconnection of automation system components. The data-link layer provides basic time-critical messaging communications between devices in 

an automation environment. BS EN IEC 61158-4-4 provides a means of connecting devices through a partial mesh network, such that most failures of an interconnection between two devices can be circumvented. In common practice, the devices are interconnected in a non-redundant hierarchical manner reflecting application needs.  

BS EN IEC 61158-4-4 specifies 

• Procedures for the timely transfer of data and control information from one data-link user entity to a peer user entity, and among the data-link entities forming the distributed datalink service provider 
• The structure of the Fieldbus DLPDUs used for the transfer of data and control information by the protocol of BS EN IEC 61158-4-4, and their representation as physical interface data units. 

Who is BS EN IEC 61158-4-4 - Data-link layer protocol type 4 for? 

BS EN IEC 61158-4-4 on Data-link layer protocol type 4 elements is useful for: 

• The IT industry / Software programmers  
• Internet engineering task forces  
• The automation industry 
• Networking sectors 
• Implementors and designers of industrial automation systems 

Why should you use BS EN IEC 61158-4-4 - Data-link layer protocol type 4?  

BS EN IEC 61158-4-4 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 61158-1. The data-link protocol provides the data-link service by making use of the services available from the physical layer. BS EN IEC 61158-4-4 provides a set of rules for communication expressed in terms of the procedures to be carried out by peer data-link entities (DLEs) 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 IEC 61158-4-4 is concerned with the communication and interworking of sensors, effectors, and other automation devices. By using BS EN IEC 61158-4-4 together with other standards positioned within the OSI or Fieldbus reference models, otherwise incompatible systems may work together in any combination. Using BS EN IEC 61158-4-4 guidelines, you are in a position to facilitate industrial automation that accelerates productivity. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN IEC 61158-4-4:2019 is the third edition that supersedes IEC 61158-4-4:2019 and is identical to BS EN IEC 61158-4-4:2019. The technical changes as compared to the first edition published in 2014 are: 

• Additional user parameters to services 
• Additional services to support distributed objects 
• Additional secure services