IEEE

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Established to foster technological innovation and excellence, IEEE is also a leading developer of international standards that underpin many of today's telecommunications, information technology, and power-generation products and services. The IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) is responsible for developing globally recognized standards through consensus-based processes. IEEE's membership boasts a global community that inspires through its highly cited publications, conferences, and professional activities. IEEE Xplore, the digital library, offers access to over 6 million documents, including journals and conference proceedings. 

The IEEE standards serve as a common framework and set of guidelines for the design, implementation, and management of communication protocols. These standards are crucial for ensuring that devices and systems from different manufacturers can communicate effectively, thereby overcoming the challenges posed by proprietary protocols that previously led to incompatible systems unable to work together efficiently. The evolution of IEEE's involvement in the development of standards for industrial communication and networking technologies has been pivotal in shaping the landscape of industrial automation. 

In the early stages, in the 1960s and 1970s, the IEEE's contribution to industrial communication was characterized by the development of IEEE 488, also known as the General-Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB), which was originally developed by Hewlett Packard and named HP-IB (Hewlett-Packard Interface Bus). This standard was crucial for connecting instruments and computers in laboratory and industrial settings, demonstrating IEEE's early commitment to facilitating communication in industrial environments. As industrial automation gained momentum in the 1980s and 1990s, IEEE broadened its focus to cater to the burgeoning needs of industrial automation systems. This period saw the emergence of fieldbus technologies, leading IEEE to develop standards such as IEEE 802.4 Token Bus and IEEE 802.5 Token Ring. Although these early standards were eventually supplanted by other technologies, they represented significant steps towards addressing the specific communication requirements of industrial automation networks. 

The turn of the millennium marked a new era for IEEE's involvement in the standardization of industrial communication protocols. With the advent of industrial Ethernet, IEEE 802.3 Ethernet evolved to meet the unique demands of industrial applications, giving rise to Ethernet-based protocols like Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, and EtherCAT. Furthermore, IEEE's role in the standardization of time-sensitive networking (TSN) technologies underscored its commitment to enabling deterministic communication over Ethernet for real-time industrial applications. The adoption of IEEE standards for wireless communication, including IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi and WirelessHART based on IEEE 802.15.4, further exemplified IEEE's influence in facilitating mobile communication and sensor networks within industrial environments. 

IEEE's collaborative efforts with other standardization bodies, industry consortia, and organizations have been instrumental in developing comprehensive standards for industrial communication. These standards are recognized and adopted globally, enhancing interoperability, reliability, and innovation in industrial automation and control systems. 

The IEEE's standardization initiatives are designed to facilitate technological harmonization between different manufacturers and industries and ensure that devices and systems can communicate and work seamlessly with each other. To get a rudimentary impression of IEEE standards that are relevant to industrial communication, a short exemplary list is provided below. 

IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet)

This standard is foundational for wired networking, providing the base for high-speed data transmission across different media types. Its industrial adaptations like Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, and EtherCAT extend its applicability into industrial automation, showcasing the standard's flexibility and wide acceptance. 

IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi)

Known widely as Wi-Fi, this standard champion wireless connectivity in numerous environments, including industrial settings. It supports a range of applications that benefit from wireless communication, such as asset tracking and remote monitoring, due to its ability to offer mobility and flexibility. 

IEEE 1588 (Precision Time Protocol)

The Precision Time Protocol, formulated under this standard, addresses the need for precise clock synchronization across networked systems. Its application across industries requiring real-time control and coordination, from industrial automation to power distribution, signals its critical role in ensuring systems operate synchronously and efficiently. 

The IEEE standards, specifically those under the IEEE 802 series, are primarily focused on the Physical Layer and Data Link Layer of the OSI model. These standards are crucial for defining protocols and operations in both wired and wireless networks, ensuring interoperability and efficient communication across various devices and platforms. For instance, the IEEE 802.3 standard is well-known for its role in defining specifications for Ethernet, a technology fundamental to wired networking. Similarly, the IEEE 802.11 standard outlines the protocols for wireless networking, commonly known as Wi-Fi, addressing both the Physical Layer and the Data Link Layer to facilitate wireless communication. 

IEEE standards not just about facilitating device compatibility; they're about laying down a foundation for robust, reliable, and efficient communication systems across diverse industrial settings, while providing the following advantages: 

Interoperability

This is crucial for the integration of new technologies into existing infrastructures without necessitating extensive modifications or replacements. The emphasis on interoperability is evident in the development of standards like IEEE 802.1AS-2020, which supports Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) for industrial automation, automotive networking, and 5G applications, ensuring synchronized time over Ethernet and Wi-Fi networks. 

Reliability

The robustness provided by the IEEE standards ensures continuous operation and minimizes disruptions. For example, many standards include testing mechanisms to check that all devices in a network are working properly, which improves the reliability of the network. 

Efficiency and scalability

IEEE Standards provide a framework for developing and implementing technologies that can adapt to growing demands without compromising performance. 

Security

The development of secure architectures for public WLAN network infrastructures, as outlined in IEEE P2872, exemplifies the commitment to enhancing security across networks 

Global Acceptance

IEEE standards are recognized and adopted globally, providing a common framework for industrial communication across different regions and industries. This global acceptance facilitates interoperability and collaboration among stakeholders worldwide. 

With over 30 years of experience, Hilscher is a market leader in the field of industrial communication. The company is also a member of all relevant fieldbus and industrial Ethernet organizations and is actively involved in the further development of industrial communication technologies. With this enormous know-how, Hilscher develops hardware and software products that meet the required IEEE standards. 

The portfolio includes a wide range of interface solutions for connecting sensors, actuators and controllers to industrial communication networks. The communication controllers of the netX family form the basis for this. The multi-protocol-capable SoCs can be integrated into automation components as required and their extensive chip peripherals enable powerful, efficient and flexible solutions. A protocol change is achieved by simply reloading Hilscher's own netX firmware. Building on this, the company also offers embedded modules and PC cards in all form factors in order to realise the netX communication interface with less integration effort. 

Hilscher also offers a comprehensive managed industrial IoT range under the netFIELD brand. This ranges from edge gateways as an application-oriented computer platform with integrated container management and the Edge OS Runtime running on it to the central cloud portal, via which the docker containers are deployed to the edge devices, through to turnkey containers for communication applications. 

Gateways and switches, devices for network diagnostics as well as masters and bridges for the wireless connection of IO-Link sensors round off the automation portfolio.