【2025 Standard Recommendations】Commonly Used International Standards for Control Systems (1/2)
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I. Industrial control programming tool IEC 61131 – Programmable Controllers: As the core basis for the standardization of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), this standard specifies the hardware and software requirements for such controllers. Part 3 of it specifies the programming languages, including: – Ladder Diagram (LD) – Function Block Diagram (FBD) – Structured Text (ST) – Instruction List (IL) – Sequential Function Chart (SFC). Major manufacturers such as ABB, Siemens, Rockwell, and Schneider all use this standard.
IEC 61499 – Function Blocks for Distributed Control Systems: Function blocks for distributed control systems. This standard establishes a framework for distributed automation, enabling flexible adjustment of the system configuration in response to control events. It is an optimized version built on IEC 61131, with added support for modularization and the Industrial 4.0 architecture, enabling compatibility and interoperability between systems as well as flexible migration. In decentralized architectures based on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), especially in systems that integrate edge computing and cloud computing, the importance of IEC 61499 becomes increasingly evident.
II. Industrial Communication and Data Integration IEC 62541 – OPC UA OPC UA is a vendor-neutral, security-aware, cross-platform communication framework that enables seamless integration between the shop floor level and enterprise-level systems; it serves as the core technical foundation for smart factories driven by the Industrial Internet of Things. Its core features include: - Data modeling capabilities - Built-in security mechanisms (encryption, authentication) - Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Linux, embedded systems)
IEC 62714 – Automation Markup Language. The Automation Markup Language (AML) promotes the concept of a \"single source of data\", which helps reduce documentation errors, accelerate change management, and improve system compatibility in large-scale projects.
IEC 60870 – Telecontrol Protocol is primarily used for SCADA communication in power generation, transmission, and distribution systems. Among them, 60870-5-101 is suitable for serial communication, while 60870-5-104 is suitable for the TCP/IP communication protocol.
IEC 61158 and IEC 61784 – Fieldbus and Ethernet communication. The IEC 61158 standard specifies the protocol stack rules for fieldbus systems such as PROFIBUS, Foundation Fieldbus, and Modbus； IEC 61784 covers Ethernet-based standards such as PROFINET, EtherCAT, and Ethernet/IP. Fieldbus and industrial Ethernet protocols not only reduce wiring costs and improve reliability, but also enable real-time operation across the entire plant.
IEC 61850 – Substation Automation standardizes the communication rules between substations through GOOSE communication technology. This standard supports process bus and sampled value transmission.
III. Functional Safety and Risk Management IEC 61508 – Functional Safety of Electrical/Electronic/Programmable Systems Functional safety for electrical, electronic, and programmable systems. As a fundamental standard in the field of functional safety, it specifies the requirements for lifecycle management and reliability of electrical safety systems, and introduces a safety integrity level rating system (from SIL1 to SIL4).
ISA/IEC 61511 – SIS in Process Industries: Safety Instrumented Systems for process industries such as oil and gas and petrochemicals. It is an extension of IEC 61508 and covers all the requirements related to safety instrumented systems in industrial environments, including: – Management of various stages of the safety lifecycle – Performance-based SIL verification methods – Specifications for verification testing and functional checks
ISA 84.91.01 – Mechanical Integrity of Safety Systems: The mechanical integrity of safety systems refers to the processes for identifying and testing safety-critical alarms, interlocks, and systems, in order to ensure their continuous mechanical integrity. Through regular inspections and integrity assessments, ensure the stable operation of safety functions within the safety management system.
IEC 61882 – Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) provides methods for conducting HAZOP studies, and is a key tool for risk assessment in process design and system upgrade projects. When introducing new chemicals, processes, or digital control systems, HAZOP can effectively identify potential unintended interactions or the impacts of process changes.