What is BS EN 61158-4-4:2018?

BS EN 61158-4-4:2018 is the European standard for Industrial communication networks - Fieldbus specifications. It defines the functional and procedural requirements for the exchange of data in fieldbus systems. This standard was developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in collaboration with other European national standards committees.

Understanding the Technical Aspects

Fieldbus is a digital communication protocol used in industrial automation systems to connect and control devices such as sensors, actuators, and controllers. BS EN 61158-4-4 specifically focuses on the Data-Link Layer (DLL) and Physical Layer (PHY) aspects of fieldbus communication.

The DLL provides functions like data encapsulation, error detection, and data framing. It ensures reliable transmission of data between the sender and receiver units. The PHY layer specifies the electrical characteristics, media types, and transmission rates for fieldbus networks.

Key Features and Benefits

BS EN 61158-4-4 introduces several key features that enhance the reliability and efficiency of fieldbus communication. These include:

Efficient Communication: With advanced techniques like time division multiplexing and token passing, fieldbus systems can achieve fast and efficient data exchange among multiple devices.

Support for Various Media Types: The standard supports various physical media types, including twisted pair cables, fiber-optic cables, and wireless communication. This flexibility allows for easy integration with different system architectures.

Interoperability: Devices complying with BS EN 61158-4-4 can seamlessly communicate with each other, regardless of the manufacturer or vendor. This reduces complexity during system integration and maintenance.

Diagnostic Capabilities: The standard defines diagnostic features that enable operators to monitor the health and performance of fieldbus networks in real-time. This helps in detecting faults, identifying their root causes, and improving system reliability.

Implications for Industrial Automation

BS EN 61158-4-4 plays a crucial role in modern industrial automation. It ensures standardized and reliable communication between different field devices, enabling seamless control and monitoring of processes. By implementing this standard, industries can benefit from improved operational efficiency, reduced downtime, and easier maintenance of their automation systems.

Moreover, BS EN 61158-4-4 opens up opportunities for interoperability and compatibility among various fieldbus systems. This facilitates easy expansion, upgrades, and integration of new technologies into existing industrial setups.

In conclusion, BS EN 61158-4-4 is an essential technical standard that defines the requirements for efficient fieldbus communication. Its adoption brings numerous benefits to industrial automation, driving the advancements and improvements in modern manufacturing and control systems.