What are the key differences between IEC 61499 and IEC 61131?

[Rodrigo_Garcia]

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[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

The IEC 61131 and IEC 61499 standards are different but also very complimentary. IEC 61131 is a standard that defines PLC programming languages, whereas IEC 61499 is a standard for modelling distributed control systems.

IEC 61499 is an extension of IEC 61131, adding the possibility to model and distribute automation applications independently of the underlying automation hardware, providing the user greater independence in the choice of suppliers. In addition, IEC 61499 adds an event-driven paradigm that facilitates the convergence of OT and IT systems and a software component approach to automation. Overall, IEC 61499 allows for much more efficient engineering and new solution options for modular machines and systems.

Event control with IEC 61499 has the advantage that you can decide which application parts should run with each event path, which can also be cyclic regardless of the other application parts. For example, one part can be processed very quickly without having to process all other parts with the same cycle. This brings advantages in the performance or utilization of the control. The automatic distribution of control logic to different control hardware, regardless of performance and type, is only possible through event control.

IEC 61499 is a new approach for many and therefore there is a learning curve, but once you have adopted the IEC 61499 methods, you will be rewarded with a much higher degree of reusability, the advantages of event-driven control, and increased productivity through the top-down approach.

It's important to note that IEC 61499 doesn’t actually specify the programming language. Programs can be written in various languages, for example in C ++. The application programming is similar to the CFC in IEC 61131, which makes readability much easier with its graphic representation. EcoStruxure Automation Expert currently uses IEC 61131 Structured Text and other languages will be added in the future.

For more information on IEC 61499, download the whitepaper "IEC 61499: The Industrial Automation Standard for Portability that Unleashes Industry 4.0".