IEC 101 vs. IEC 104

Attribute	IEC 101	IEC 104
Protocol Type	Serial communication protocol	Network communication protocol
Transport Layer	Physical layer	TCP/IP
Frame Structure	Fixed length frame	Variable length frame
Addressing	Point-to-point addressing	Point-to-multipoint addressing
Function Codes	Restricted set of function codes	Extensive set of function codes

Introduction

When it comes to industrial automation and control systems, communication protocols play a crucial role in ensuring seamless data exchange between devices. Two widely used protocols in this domain are IEC 101 and IEC 104. While both protocols serve the same purpose of transmitting data between master and slave devices, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the key features of IEC 101 and IEC 104 protocols to help you understand their differences and choose the most suitable one for your application.

IEC 101 Protocol

IEC 101, also known as IEC 60870-5-101, is a standard communication protocol used in the field of industrial automation. It is a relatively older protocol compared to IEC 104 and is widely used in legacy systems. IEC 101 operates at the physical and data link layers of the OSI model and uses serial communication for data exchange.

• IEC 101 uses a master-slave architecture, where a master device initiates communication with one or more slave devices.
• It supports point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communication, making it suitable for applications with multiple remote devices.
• IEC 101 has a fixed frame structure with a predefined format for data transmission, which simplifies the implementation process.
• One of the limitations of IEC 101 is its slower communication speed compared to newer protocols like IEC 104.
• Despite its limitations, IEC 101 is still widely used in industries where legacy systems are prevalent.

IEC 104 Protocol

IEC 104, also known as IEC 60870-5-104, is a more advanced communication protocol designed to address the limitations of IEC 101. It operates at the application layer of the OSI model and uses TCP/IP for data transmission, making it more suitable for modern industrial applications.

• IEC 104 supports more advanced features such as event-driven communication, time synchronization, and data integrity checks, which are not available in IEC 101.
• It offers higher communication speeds and improved reliability compared to IEC 101, making it ideal for real-time monitoring and control applications.
• IEC 104 uses a client-server architecture, where the client initiates communication with the server, allowing for more flexible and efficient data exchange.
• One of the drawbacks of IEC 104 is its complexity and higher implementation costs compared to IEC 101.
• Despite its drawbacks, IEC 104 is increasingly being adopted in industries that require advanced communication features and higher performance.

Comparison of Attributes

When comparing IEC 101 and IEC 104 protocols, several attributes stand out that differentiate the two protocols in terms of functionality, performance, and suitability for different applications.

• Architecture: IEC 101 uses a master-slave architecture, while IEC 104 uses a client-server architecture, offering different communication models for data exchange.
• Communication Speed: IEC 104 provides higher communication speeds compared to IEC 101, making it more suitable for real-time applications that require fast data exchange.
• Features: IEC 104 supports advanced features such as event-driven communication and data integrity checks, which are not available in IEC 101, enhancing its functionality.
• Implementation Costs: IEC 104 is more complex to implement and may require higher costs compared to IEC 101, which has a simpler frame structure.
• Reliability: IEC 104 offers improved reliability and error detection mechanisms, making it more suitable for critical applications where data integrity is crucial.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both IEC 101 and IEC 104 protocols have their own set of attributes that make them suitable for different industrial applications. While IEC 101 is commonly used in legacy systems and offers simplicity in implementation, IEC 104 provides advanced features, higher performance, and improved reliability for modern industrial automation requirements. When choosing between the two protocols, it is essential to consider the specific needs of your application, such as communication speed, features, and implementation costs, to make an informed decision that aligns with your requirements.