BS EN 61784-3-2:2017

What is BS EN 61784-3-2 – Functional safety fieldbus about?  

BS EN 61784-3-2 is a part of the IEC 61784 multi-series that discusses industrial communication networks. BS EN 61784-3-2 specifies a safety communication layer (services and protocol) based on CPF 2 of IEC 61784-1, IEC 61784-2 and IEC 61158 Type 2. BS EN 61784-3-2 identifies the principles for functional safety communications defined in IEC 61784-3 that are relevant for this safety communication layer. This safety communication layer is intended for implementation in safety devices only. 

BS EN 61784-3-2 defines mechanisms for the transmission of safety-relevant messages among participants within a distributed network using fieldbus technology in accordance with the requirements of IEC 61508 series for functional safety. These mechanisms may be used in various industrial applications such as process control, manufacturing automation and machinery. 

Note1: BS EN 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. 

Who is BS EN 61784-3-2 – Functional safety fieldbus for? 

BS EN 61784-3-2 on functional safety fieldbuses is useful for: 

• Manufacturing companies who want to incorporate safety-related systems 
• Manufacturers of compliant devices 
• Developers and assessors of compliant devices 
• Functional safety managers 
• IT experts 

Why should you use BS EN 61784-3-2 – Functional safety fieldbus?  

Fieldbus technology is now considered well accepted and well-proven. Thus, fieldbus enhancements continue to emerge, addressing applications for areas such as real-time, safety-related and security-related applications. 

BS EN 61784-3-2 guides you about the relevant principles for functional safety communications with reference to IEC 61508 series and specifies several safety communication layers (profiles and corresponding protocols) based on the communication profiles and protocol layers of IEC 61784-1, IEC 61784-2 and the IEC 61158 series. 

In conclusion, BS EN 61784-3-2 helps you to understand CPF 2 fieldbus better to incorporate it in your industrial communication system. This can help you to automate your safety-related systems efficiently. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN 61784-3-2:2017 replaces BS EN 61784-3-2:2010. The main changes in BS EN 61784-3-2:2017 with respect to BS EN 61784-3-2:201 are listed below. 

• Added detailed requirements for use of FSCP 2/1 in conjunction with CP 16/3 (see 4.1, 6.4.3, 6.5.3, 8.2, 8.13, and miscellaneous references when referencing CPF 2 networks) 
• Defined object class section keywords for safety to EDS file definition in 8.10.2.1 
• New sections on safety CRC overview in 7.1.2.1 and Rollover counts for EF format in 7.4 
• Corrections to PFH calculations in 9.5.2 
• Change from MACID to NodeID as general reference to network identifier 
• Miscellaneous minor corrections made since the last publication