Overview
EN IEC 61784-2-8:2023 (IEC 61784-2-8:2023) specifies extensions of Communication Profile Family 8 (CPF 8) for Real‑Time Ethernet (RTE). CPF 8 defines a set of real‑time fieldbus communication profiles and related network components based on the IEC 61158 series (Type 23) and ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3 (Ethernet). This part (2‑8) provides profile definitions, layer selections (physical, data‑link, application), performance indicator (PI) tables and dependency matrices for CPF 8 profiles (notably CP 8/4, CP 8/5 and CP 8/6).
Key Topics
- Scope and purpose: Extensions for CPF 8 to support deterministic industrial communication over Ethernet (RTE).
- Profile definitions: Detailed descriptions of CP 8/4, CP 8/5 and CP 8/6 including:
- Physical layer (PL) selections and requirements.
- Data link layer (DL) protocol types and interactions.
- Application layer (AL) service and protocol selections.
- Performance indicators (PIs): Tables and dependency matrices that define measurable network properties and consistent PI sets for real‑time and mixed traffic (real‑time + non‑real‑time).
- Normative references: Alignment with IEC 61158 (Type 23), IEEE/ISO Ethernet standards (ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3), IEEE 802.1 (Q, AS, AB), IEEE 1588 (PTP), and relevant RFCs (TCP/UDP/IP).
- Installation guidance reference: Links to IEC 61784-5-8 for CPF 8 installation profiles.
Applications and Who Uses It
EN IEC 61784-2-8:2023 is intended for:
- Industrial automation engineers designing deterministic Ethernet networks for factories and process plants.
- Device manufacturers implementing CPF 8 (IEC 61158 Type 23) compliant interfaces in field devices, I/O modules and controllers.
- System integrators selecting profiles and configuring performance indicators for motion control, process control, robotics and time‑sensitive applications.
- Test labs and certification bodies validating conformance to CPF 8 profile selections and PI requirements.
Practical use cases include deterministic communication for motion control, synchronous I/O, safety‑relevant messaging, and mixed traffic systems where strict timing and interoperability are required.
Related Standards
- IEC 61158 series (Fieldbus specifications – Type 23 elements)
- IEC 61784 series (Profiles), especially IEC 61784-2-0 (general CPF concepts) and IEC 61784-5-8 (installation profiles)
- ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3 (Ethernet) and IEEE 802.1 family (AS, Q, AB)
- IEEE 1588 (Precision Time Protocol) and IETF RFCs (TCP/UDP/IP)
EN IEC 61784-2-8:2023 is a key reference for implementing CPF 8 Real‑Time Ethernet profiles and for achieving interoperable, time‑deterministic industrial networks.