BS EN IEC 61784-3-2:2021

What is BS EN IEC 61784-3-2 about? 

BS EN IEC 61784-3-2 is a 3-2 part of the IEC 61784 standard that covers profiles for Industrial communication networks. It details general rules and definitions for functional safety of field buses that ensure the safety of communication channels and the prevention of unauthorized access. 

BS EN IEC 61784-3-2 specifies the safety communication layer (services and protocol) based on CPF 2. 

BS EN IEC 61784-3-2 identifies the principles for functional safety communications that are relevant for this safety communication layer. This communication layer is intended for implementation in safety devices only. 

Note1: BS EN IEC 61784-3-2 does not cover electrical safety and intrinsic safety aspects. Electrical safety relates to hazards such as electrical shock. Intrinsic safety relates to hazards associated with potentially explosive atmospheres. 

Note2: BS EN IEC 61784-3-2 provides guidance for both developers and assessors of compliant devices and systems. 

Who is BS EN IEC 61784-3-2 for? 

BS EN IEC 61784-3-2 on Fieldbus industrial communication networks applies to: 

• Manufacturers of industrial communication devices and systems 
• Industrial communication network providers 
• Developers and assessors of Industrial communication network safety 

Why should you use BS EN IEC 61784-3-2? 

Fieldbus technology is now considered an integral part of industrial communication networks as it facilitates information exchange. As Fieldbus enhancements continue to emerge, addressing applications in areas such as real-time and safety-related applications is critical. 

BS EN IEC 61784-3-2 explains relevant principles for functional safety communications and specifies several safety communication layers based on the communication profiles and protocol layers which allows you to deliver safe and congestion-free communication networks. 

BS EN IEC 61784-3-2 defines mechanisms for the transmission of safety-relevant messages within a distributed network using Fieldbus technology in accordance with standards for functional safety that facilitate process control and manufacturing automation. 

Guidance in BS EN IEC 61784-3-2 along with other standards in the same class defines a set of communication protocols that enable distributed control of automation applications which allows you to develop safe and secure communication channels. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN IEC 61784-3-2:2021 supersedes BS EN IEC 61784-3-2:2017, which will be withdrawn on 23 June 2024. 

Changes in BS EN IEC 61784-3-2:2021 include: 

• Addition of two new safety supervisor object states 
• Addition of Net LED behavior requirement for the proposing TUNID process 
• Addition of application path support for process variables 
• Addition of multi-port device support and miscellaneous places 
• Correction of network reaction time equations, switch change detection, depreciation of base format