IEC PAS 62406-2005 PDF

Full title and description

IEC/PAS 62406:2005 — Real-time Ethernet TCnet (Time‑Critical Control Network). A Publicly Available Specification (PAS) that defines the protocol set for RTE‑TCnet, including Data Link layer and Application layer elements mapped to the Fieldbus Reference Model to provide deterministic, time‑critical communications for industrial control systems.

Abstract

This PAS specifies the services, protocol elements and conformance requirements for a time‑critical Real‑time Ethernet profile (TCnet). It covers abstract Data Link layer services and Application layer service definitions, message and primitive structures, timing and determinism provisions, and mapping to the three‑layer Fieldbus Reference Model (drawn from the OSI model). The document was issued as an interim specification to standardize a Type 11 fieldbus/real‑time Ethernet solution and was later incorporated into the IEC 61158 series.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / superseded (replaced by parts of the IEC 61158 series).
• Publication date: 9 August 2005 (Edition 1.0).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 25.040.40, 35.240.50, 35.100.05.
• Edition / version: 1.0 (first edition, 2005).
• Number of pages: 145.

Scope

Defines the protocol set required to implement Real‑time Ethernet TCnet (RTE‑TCnet) for time‑critical control applications. The PAS addresses the Data Link layer and the Application layer definitions and their mapping to the Fieldbus Reference Model. It sets out service primitives, parameter definitions, timing/determinism requirements, conformance and interoperability considerations for devices and network components used in industrial control and automation.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of RTE‑TCnet purpose and architecture (Time‑Critical Control Network).
• Data Link layer service definitions: primitives, events, parameters and valid sequences.
• Application layer service definitions and Application layer protocol mapping.
• Mapping to the three‑layer Fieldbus Reference Model and alignment with OSI principles.
• Timing, determinism and real‑time scheduling requirements for time‑critical messages.
• Frame formats, addressing, error handling and retransmission/timeout behavior.
• Conformance, test and interoperability requirements for implementers and suppliers.
• Network topology, configuration, diagnostics and systems management considerations.

Typical use and users

Used by industrial automation suppliers, device manufacturers, system integrators, control engineers and test laboratories who develop or deploy deterministic Ethernet solutions for process and factory automation. Typical applications include time‑critical closed‑loop control, distributed I/O, machine control networks and other industrial systems requiring bounded latency and predictable communications.

Related standards

Superseded and incorporated into the IEC 61158 family (notably IEC 61158-3-11, IEC 61158-5-11, IEC 61158-6-11 and companion parts published in December 2007 and later). Related standards and references include the Fieldbus Reference Model, OSI model references (ISO/IEC 7498) and OSI application layer structure (ISO/IEC 9545), and general Ethernet/physical layer standards (for physical/media compatibility).

Keywords

Real‑time Ethernet, TCnet, RTE‑TCnet, Time‑Critical Control Network, Fieldbus Reference Model, Data Link layer, Application layer, determinism, industrial networks, IEC PAS 62406, fieldbus, conformance, interoperability.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC/PAS 62406:2005 is a Publicly Available Specification that defined the RTE‑TCnet profile — a Real‑time Ethernet Time‑Critical Control Network — specifying Data Link and Application layer protocol elements for deterministic industrial communications.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the abstract service definitions, protocol primitives and parameters for the Data Link and Application layers, mapping to the Fieldbus Reference Model, timing/determinism rules, frame and message structures, conformance and interoperability requirements, and network configuration/diagnostics relevant to time‑critical industrial Ethernet.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Automation vendors, device and network equipment manufacturers, system integrators, control and network engineers, and test houses used the PAS as a reference for implementing or validating time‑critical Ethernet solutions in industrial environments.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The PAS was withdrawn and superseded. Relevant portions were incorporated into the IEC 61158 series (notably parts -3-11, -5-11 and -6-11) when those parts were published on 14 December 2007. Therefore IEC/PAS 62406:2005 should be treated as superseded by the IEC 61158 corpus for current normative requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. IEC/PAS 62406:2005 was an interim specification whose technical content was later absorbed into the IEC 61158 series (Industrial communication networks — Fieldbus specifications), where the Type 11 fieldbus / RTE‑TCnet elements appear in the corresponding -3, -4, -5 and -6 parts.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Real‑time Ethernet, TCnet, time‑critical, fieldbus, data link, application layer, determinism, IEC PAS 62406, RTE‑TCnet, industrial networks.