Introduction ISO 11783

Parts 1 to 13 of ISO 11783 specify a communications system for agricultural equipment based on the CAN 2.0 B [1] protocol. SAE J 1939 documents, on which parts of ISO 11783 are based, were developed jointly for use in truck and bus applications and for construction and agriculture applications. Joint documents were completed to allow electronic units that meet the truck and bus SAE J 1939 specifications to be used by agricultural and forestry equipment with minimal changes.

The purpose of ISO 11783 is to provide an open interconnected system for on-board electronic systems. It is intended to enable electronic units to communicate with each other providing a standardized system. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) draws attention to the fact that it is claimed that compliance with this part of ISO 11783 may involve the use of patent concerning the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol referred to throughout the document.

ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity and scope of this patent.

The holder of this patent has assured ISO that he is willing to negotiate licences under reasonable and non-discriminatory terms and conditions with applicants (manufacturers of CAN devices) throughout the world. For this purpose, the statement of the holder of this patent is registered with ISO. Information may be obtained from:

Robert Bosch GmbH
Wernerstraße 51
Postfach 30 02 20
D-70442 Stuttgart-Feuerbach
Germany

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this part of ISO 11783 may be the subject of patents other than that identified above. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any and all such patent rights.

Scope

This standard specifies a serial data network for control and communications on forestry or agricultural tractors, mounted, semi-mounted, towed or self propelled implements. Its purpose is to standardize the method and format of transfer of data between sensor, actuators, control elements, information storage and display units whether mounted or part of the tractor, or any implements. This particular standard, describes a 250 kbits/s twisted non shielded quad cable Physical Layer.

ISO 11783 consists of the following parts, under the general title Tractors and machinery for agriculture and forestry – Serial control and communications data network:

In Germany standards can be obtained by the Beuth publishing house.

Working Groups, specification and Plugfests

The „Implementation Group ISOBUS“ that is part of VDMA’s Agricultural Machinery

Association is responsible for coordinating work within the industry. In March 2003, there was a joint meeting of the ‘Implementation Group ISOBUS’, which coordinates work in Europe, and the North American ISOBUS Implementation Task Force (NAIITF), which coordinates work in North America. Here, developments and work on reference equipment are adapted to the specification, in order to maintain compatibility with Implementation Level. The subsequent versions of ISOBUS Implementation Level 2 will be downward compatible, updated to the latest level and in line with ISO 11783. The second version now offers the full range of tractor/implement communication worldwide. To date the Implementation Group ISOBUS has organised four manufacturer-independent tests (Plugfests) in Europe, and NAIITF has organised two tests in the USA. At these Plugfests, companies were able to successfully check their electronic components for ISOBUS compatibility. In 2003, there are plans not only to test electronic components but also whole machines with different tractor/implement combinations during field operation. (April 2003)

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