What is BS EN ISO 10164:2013?

BS EN ISO 10164:2013, also known as "Industrial automation systems and integration - Digital AT Interface for computers in industrial control systems," is a technical standard that provides guidelines on how to establish communication between computer systems and automation devices. This standard plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless connectivity and interoperability in industrial control systems.

The Purpose of BS EN ISO 10164:2013

The main purpose of BS EN ISO 10164:2013 is to define a standardized interface that enables computers to exchange information with various control devices, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs), in an industrial automation environment. This standard specifies the structure, format, and protocol for this digital AT interface, ensuring compatibility and consistency across different systems.

Key Features and Benefits

One of the key features of BS EN ISO 10164:2013 is its support for both real-time and non-real-time data exchange. Real-time data exchange ensures that time-critical information can be shared instantaneously between the computer system and the automation devices, enabling quick decision-making and responsive control. Non-real-time data exchange, on the other hand, allows for the exchange of larger sets of data without time constraints, facilitating tasks such as configuration and diagnostics.

Another important aspect of this standard is its flexibility and adaptability to different communication technologies and architectures. BS EN ISO 10164:2013 supports various protocols, such as Ethernet, fieldbus, and wireless, allowing for integration with diverse hardware and software components commonly found in industrial control systems. It also provides guidance on how to implement the interface within different system architectures, ensuring scalability and ease of implementation.

Conclusion

BS EN ISO 10164:2013 is a crucial standard for the smooth operation of computerized industrial control systems. By providing a standardized digital AT interface, it enables seamless communication between computers and automation devices, promoting interoperability and integration. The standard's support for real-time and non-real-time data exchange, as well as its flexibility in terms of communication technologies and architectures, makes it an essential tool for manufacturers and system integrators striving for efficient and collaborative automated systems.