Wireless Systems for Industrial Automation (ISA-100)
Reliable, Secure and Scalable Wireless Solutions for Modern Industrial Environments
The ISA-100 series of standards and technical reports provide a comprehensive framework for the design, implementation and management of wireless communication systems in industrial automation. These standards address the unique challenges of industrial environments while promoting reliability, security and interoperability in the deployment of wireless technologies. Whether you are looking to monitor, control or automate industrial processes, ISA-100 offers solutions that meet the stringent demands of your application.
ISA-100.11a-2011, Wireless Systems for Industrial Automation: Process Control and Related Applications
This standard specifies protocols for secure, reliable wireless communication in non-critical to critical control applications. It ensures low-power, interference-resistant and secure wireless connectivity for monitoring, supervisory control and both open-loop and closed-loop control systems.
Key Focus Areas:- Low-data-rate wireless communication
- System management and gateway specifications
- Security and interference robustness
- Support for fixed, portable and mobile devices
ISA-TR100.00.01-2006, The Automation Engineer's Guide to Wireless Technology – Part 1: The Physics of Radio, a Tutorial
This technical report introduces radio communication principles, focusing on spread spectrum technologies. It also offers insights into performance, security and reliability trade-offs in industrial wireless systems.
Key Focus Areas:- Radio link quality factors
- Complementary uses of wireless and wired systems
- Spread spectrum technologies for industrial environments
ISA-TR100.00.02-2009, The Automation Engineer's Guide to Wireless Technology – Part 2: A Review of Technologies for Industrial Asset Tracking
This report reviews various wireless technologies used for asset tracking in industrial sectors like petrochemical, pharmaceutical and power systems. It evaluates how these technologies perform in challenging industrial environments, such as those with signal interference and multipath propagation.
Key Focus Areas:- Wireless tracking technologies
- Signal interference and environmental factors
- Performance evaluations for industrial use
ISA-TR100.00.03-2011, Wireless User Requirements for Factory Automation
This report outlines the market and user requirements for wireless communication in factory automation. It highlights performance metrics, network configurations and the various usage classes that help maintain reliable wireless communication in factory settings.
Key Focus Areas:- User and market requirements
- Network topologies and configurations
- Performance considerations for factory environments
ISA-TR100.14.01-Part 1-2011, Trustworthiness in Wireless Industrial Automation – Part 1: Information for End Users and Regulators
This technical report explores the trustworthiness of wireless solutions in industrial automation, focusing on reliability and security. It introduces key terminology and sets the foundation for deeper exploration in subsequent parts.
Key Focus Areas:- Security and reliability in wireless systems
- Terminology and core concepts for trustworthy communication
ISA-TR100.20.01-2017, Common Network Management: Concepts and Terminology
This report provides a comprehensive overview of network management concepts, encouraging the adoption of standardized practices for managing industrial networks. It provides clear guidance on key principles and terminology.
Key Focus Areas:- Network management best practices
- Terminology and principles for effective common network management (CNM) implementation
ANSI/ISA-TR100.15.01-2012, Backhaul Architecture Model: Secured Connectivity over Untrusted or Trusted Networks
This document outlines an architectural model for secure communication over potentially untrusted networks. It supports the protection of data integrity and security across both wireless and wired network backhaul scenarios.
Key Focus Areas:- Secured backhaul connectivity
- Supports data integrity and security in automated systems
Why Choose ISA-100 for Industrial Automation?
ISA-100 standards empower industries to implement reliable wireless systems that meet the demanding needs of modern industrial environments. These standards help address critical challenges such as interference, scalability, system integration and security, making them ideal for applications like manufacturing, energy and process control industries.
By adopting ISA-100, industrial users can enhance productivity, reduce operating costs and maintain secure communication in a wide range of environments, from factory floors to remote monitoring locations.
Why is the ISA-100 Standard Important?
The ISA-100 standard plays a crucial role in industrial automation and wireless communication. Here is why it matters:
Reliable Wireless Communication in Harsh Industrial Environments
Industrial environments often present significant challenges for wireless systems, including electromagnetic interference, physical obstructions and variable conditions like temperature changes and vibrations. The ISA-100 standard addresses these obstacles by providing solutions for secure, resilient wireless communication that maintains stability even in demanding environments.
Promoting Interoperability
A major challenge in industrial wireless adoption has been the lack of interoperability between different systems and devices. ISA-100 fosters compatibility across various devices and technologies, making it easier to integrate equipment from different manufacturers. This standardization simplifies the deployment process and enhances the flexibility of industrial automation solutions.
Enhanced Security and Data Integrity
As cybersecurity threats continue to rise, the security of industrial systems is more important than ever. ISA-100 requires integration with robust security protocols to protect against unauthorized access, data manipulation and other potential vulnerabilities. This level of protection helps maintain the integrity of operations that depend on secure and accurate data.
Low-Power, Scalable Solutions
Designs that comply with ISA-100 will be energy efficient, which is particularly important for devices located in remote or difficult-to-reach places. By supporting low-power operation, ISA-100 reduces the need for frequent battery replacements or maintenance, leading to cost savings and a longer operational lifespan for wireless devices. The standard also supports scalability, allowing industrial networks to grow and adapt as needs change without compromising performance.
Cost-Effective Wireless Solutions
Implementing ISA-100-based wireless systems can be more cost-effective than traditional wired alternatives. These wireless systems help minimize the need for extensive cabling, infrastructure and maintenance costs, especially in large or challenging environments. ISA-100's high reliability makes it a practical solution, delivering long-term savings while maintaining top performance.
Versatility for Critical and Non-Critical Applications
ISA-100 supports a broad range of use cases, from basic monitoring and alerting to complex supervisory and closed-loop control applications. This versatility makes it applicable to a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and energy management, where both critical and non-critical systems rely on wireless communication.
Future-Ready Industrial Networks
As industries adopt technologies like IoT, smart manufacturing and real-time data analytics, the demand for reliable wireless communication continues to grow. ISA-100 compliant systems evolve alongside these trends, providing a future-proof solution that adapts to the demands of modern industrial networks.
Streamlined Network Management
Industrial networks are becoming more complex, requiring efficient management practices. ISA-100 provides standardized network management guidelines that help companies optimize their operations, monitor system health and maintain the integrity of their networks, reducing the risk of failures or inefficiencies.
ISA-100 Committee
The ISA100 committee develops standards and technical reports for the implementation of wireless systems in automation and control environments, focusing on their application at the field level. The committee aims to enhance the reliability, security and integration of wireless technologies in manufacturing systems, addressing issues such as interoperability, scalability and system integrity.
Join a community of experts helping shape the future of wireless systems in industrial automation. Explore the current list of ISA-100 committee members and learn how to get involved in this vital initiative.
For additional information, please contact the ISA standards team at standards@isa.org.