IEC 62657-1 Revised for Industrial Automation Wireless Communications

IEC 62657-1 has been upgraded and updated.  The new 1st Edition replaces the previous IEC TS 62657-1 (a Technical Specification).  The new Standard is titled Industrial communication networks – Wireless communication networks – Part 1: Wireless communication requirements and spectrum considerations.  It reflects the increasing use of the wireless spectrum for device connectivity.  It includes the general requirements that form the basis for industrial communication solutions.  It particularly addresses the issue of coexistence.

IEC 62657-1 has been developed as a precursor to harmonization of international, national, regional and local regulations.  It provides general requirement for industrial automation spectrum considerations.  And it has been written in such a way as to be useful to automation professionals who may or may not be familiar with spectrum and wireless technologies.

Why is this important?  More and more products and systems are using wireless communications.  The potential for spectrum conflicts is increasing and the effects of these conflicts can be critical.  Developing and implementing successful solutions is termed “coexistence management.”

IEC 62657-1 begins with the usual scope, referenced documents, and terms sections.  It then moves on to areas of wireless communication requirements for industrial automation applications that will be of interest to regulators.  Section 5 reviews those considerations important to automation experts.  A 40-item bibliography completes the publication.

If you are using the previous (now obsolete) IEC TS 62657-1, you’ll want to know what’s been changed.  First of all, the publication has been upgraded to the status of “standard,” which gives it a very difference life-cycle than the previous “technical specification” designation.  The committee notes in the forward that the technical changes are significant.  They include an update of the requirements for wireless industrial applications and the addition of performance indicators and their measurement.

You should also note that there is a IEC 62657-2 standard, Part 2: Coexistence management.  It’s for designers and managers who are responsible for integrating and implementing wireless systems in machines and plants, as well as producers of these industrial wireless solutions.  It covers the coexistence management concept and process.  It also reviews potential areas for interference.

To get your copies of either of these IEC standards, you’ll need to use an authorized distributor like Document Center Inc.  Use our webstore at www.document-center.com for your purchase.  Here’s a direct link to the order page for IEC 62657-1 for your convenience.

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