SIST EN 60870-5-3:1997

Overview

EN 60870-5-3:1992 (adopted as CLC/SIST EN 60870-5-3) is a European standard for telecontrol equipment and systems that specifies the general structure of application data in coded bit‑serial transmission. It applies to systems used for monitoring and controlling geographically widespread processes (for example in utilities and industrial telemetry) and defines rules for how application data units are organized inside transmission frames of telecontrol systems.

Key Topics

• Application data unit (ADU) structure: Rules for arranging application data fields within a serial transmission frame to ensure interoperable information exchange.
• Framing and coding considerations: Guidelines for bit‑serial coded transmission to maintain consistent interpretation across devices.
• Addressing and identification: Principles for including addresses and identifiers so receiving equipment can map data to correct logical objects or devices.
• Sequencing and integrity: Requirements to support reliable delivery, order control and basic integrity checks within the application layer.
• Interoperability rules: Conventions that help different manufacturers’ telecontrol equipment exchange monitoring and control information predictably.

Note: This standard provides structural rules rather than device‑specific commands or application logic; implementers use it to design compatible data formats and message layouts.

Applications

EN 60870-5-3 is directly relevant where reliable remote monitoring and control over long distances is required:

• Electric power SCADA and substation automation - standardizes how measurements, status and control data are represented in transmission frames.
• Water and wastewater telemetry - consistent representation of sensor and actuator data between field units and control centers.
• Pipeline and distribution network monitoring - enables interoperable reporting and remote control across vendor equipment.
• Industrial process control and remote terminal units (RTUs) - used by RTU vendors and system integrators to ensure data compatibility.

Who should use this standard

• SCADA system architects and engineers
• Telecontrol protocol implementers and firmware developers
• RTU, IED and telemetry device manufacturers
• System integrators, test laboratories and conformity assessors
• Utility and industrial operations teams planning interoperable remote-control deployments

Related Standards

• IEC/EN reference: IEC 870-5-3:1992 (equivalent international document noted in the standard)
• Other parts of the EN 60870-5 series address transmission media, link layer and specific protocol profiles (consult the EN/IEC 60870‑5 family for full protocol implementation guidance).

Keywords: EN 60870-5-3, telecontrol, transmission protocols, application data units, SCADA, telemetry, bit-serial transmission, remote monitoring, RTU, interoperability.