The new edition of IEC 61918:2018/AMD1:2022 Amendment1 is the installation standard for communication networks in industrial plants, machines and automation islands. Both cabling infrastructure and the components to be used, such as cables and connection technology, are clearly defined for all automation profiles. Cabling solutions using fiber optic cables, symmetrical copper cables and for wireless media are considered.
The new amendment to IEC 61918 addresses the new 1-pair cabling structures for Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) and the associated remote power supply PoDL (Power over Data Line). This closes the gap between classic IT infrastructure and industry, IoT/IIoT. SPE has a special significance for industry and automation. For the first time, it enables the universal application of TCP/IP-based automation protocols even for long distances, as in process automation or for the simple connection of sensors and actuators up to the industrial field level. Higher data rates, more power transmission and greater ranges than with classic fieldbuses pave the way for the IIoT and Industry 4.0.
This provides the users clear specifications for infrastructure components that are identical and compatible with ISO/IEC 11801-3 (industrial buildings). Annex 1 (AMD1) references the cable standards for 1-pair data cables according to IEC 61156-11/12/13/14 and the standard for the 1-pair data connectors according to IEC 63171-6. This gives system designers and users a stable basis for selecting suitable cables and interfaces, and the implementation of SPE technology in the automation world can begin.
The new version of IEC 61918 now provides a clear and unambiguous normative description of how and with which components a sensor-to-cloud data infrastructure in industrial applications must look. The tools for the implementation of IIoT are now available – device suppliers can now start the development and production of SPE devices with internationally ensured compatibility and investment security.
No matter whether PROFINET, EtherCAT or other Industrial Ethernet protocols – this new IEC 61918 is a common denominator for all automation profiles.
More information can be found here: https://webstore.iec.ch/publication/74769
The HARTING Technology Group is one of the world’s leading providers of industrial connection technology for the three lifelines of Power, Signal and Data and has 14 production plants as well as branches in 44 countries. Moreover, the company also produces retail checkout systems, electromagnetic actuators for automotive and industrial series use, charging equipment for electric vehicles, as well as hardware and software for customers and applications in automation technology, mechanical and plant engineering, robotics and transportation engineering. In the 2020/21 business year, some 6,200 employees generated sales of EUR 869 million.
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