IEC 61158-4-1 Ed. 1.0 en:2007

The data-link layer provides basic time-critical messaging communications between devices in an automation environment. This protocol provides the data-link service by making use of the services available from the physical layer. The relationship between the International Standards for fieldbus data-link service, fieldbus data-link protocol, fieldbus physical service and systems management is described in IEC/TR 61158 1. It includes the following significant changes with respect to the previous edition deletion of the former Type 6 fieldbus, and the placeholder for a Type 5 fieldbus data-link layer, for lack of market relevance; addition of new types of fieldbuses; division of this part into multiple parts numbered.