BS EN IEC 61784-3:2021

What is BS EN IEC 61784-3 about? 

BS EN IEC 61784-3 is the third part of a multi-series standard that covers profiles for industrial communication networks. It details general rules and definitions for functional safety fieldbuses that ensure the safety of communication channels and the prevention of unauthorized access. 

BS EN IEC 61784-3 specifies common principles that can be used in the transmission of safety-relevant messages among participants within a distributed network that uses Fieldbus technology for functional safety which is based on the black channel approach. 

BS EN IEC 61784-3 specifies several functional safety communication profiles based on the communication profiles and protocol layers of the Fieldbus technologies. These functional safety communication profiles are intended for implementation in safety devices exclusively. 

Note 1: BS EN IEC 61784-3 does not cover electrical safety and intrinsic safety aspects. Electrical safety related to hazards such as electrical shock, intrinsic safety related to hazards associated with potentially explosive atmospheres. 

Note 2: BS EN IEC 61784-3 explains the numbering scheme used for the technology-specific parts as well as their common general structure. 

Note 3: BS EN IEC 61784-3 provides guidelines for the assessment and test of safety communication profiles as well as safety-related devices using these profiles. 

Who is BS EN IEC 61784-3 for? 

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

• Manufacturers and suppliers 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? 

All systems are exposed to unauthorized access at some point in their life cycle. Additional measures need to be considered in any safety-related application to protect Fieldbus systems against unauthorized access. 

BS EN IEC 61784-3 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. 

BS EN IEC 61784-3 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. 

Guidance in BS EN IEC 61784-3 allows you to develop a robust Fieldbus industrial communication network and ensures the prevention of unauthorized access. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN IEC 61784-3:2021 supersedes BS EN IEC 61784-3:2016+A1:2017, which is now withdrawn. 

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

• Contents of previous Annex F were corrected based on feedback from peer review and subsequent analysis 
• Additional assumptions for residual error rate calculations, clarification of assumption 
• After correction, contents of previous Annex F were exchanged with the contents of previous Subclause 5.8 
• Contents of Subclause 5.9 on security replaced in accordance with Guide 120 
• Changes in Annex B, changes in Annex D, new informative Annex H added