IEC 61162-2-2024 PDF

Full title and description

St IEC 61162-2-2024 — Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems — Digital interfaces — Part 2: Single talker and multiple listeners, high-speed transmission. This international standard specifies the electrical and data-format requirements for one-way, high‑speed serial communication from a single talker to one or more listeners for shipboard navigation and radiocommunication equipment.

Abstract

IEC 61162-2:2024 defines a printable-ASCII sentence-based, single‑talker/multiple‑listener interface at higher data rates than Part 1. It covers message framing, permitted sentence lengths and repetition rates, electrical signalling characteristics (compatible with X.27/V.11 and permitting improved drivers such as EIA/TIA‑485), and basic error-checking considerations. The standard is intended for non‑guaranteed, repeated sentence transmission and therefore should be applied with caution in safety‑critical applications.

General information

• Status: Current (international standard; adopted as EN IEC / national adoptions available).
• Publication date: 4 April 2024 (Edition 2.0).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC); adopted by national bodies (EN IEC adoptions published by national bodies such as BSI/CENELEC members).
• ICS / categories: 47.020.70 — Navigation and control equipment.
• Edition / version: Edition 2.0 (2024).
• Number of pages: 24 (IEC publication metadata; national publication pagination may vary in national transpositions).

Key bibliographic metadata and national adoptions are recorded in the IEC webstore and by national standards bodies.

Scope

This part of IEC 61162 specifies the data and electrical interface requirements for one‑way serial data transmission from a single talker to one or more listeners in shipboard navigation and radiocommunication systems. It covers sentence structure in printable ASCII, permitted proprietary sentence rules, typical sentence lengths (normally 11 to 79 characters), repetition rates (typically up to once per 20 ms for frequently repeated messages), and electrical signalling intended to support higher data rates than IEC 61162-1. The standard notes limited error‑checking and advises caution where guaranteed delivery or robust safety behaviour is required.

Key topics and requirements

• Sentence format and framing rules for printable ASCII messages (NMEA-style sentences and permitted proprietary sentences).
• Message size guidance (typical messages ~11–79 characters) and timing/repetition guidance (example repetition rates up to once per 20 ms where applicable).
• Electrical signalling definitions to support higher data rates (reference to ITU‑T X.27/V.11 and allowance for compatible drivers such as EIA/TIA‑485 when used correctly).
• Single talker / multiple listener bus topology and receiver/termination recommendations (isolated inputs, optional termination resistors, talker drive requirements).
• Limited error detection and no guaranteed delivery — specific caution and application guidance for safety‑critical uses.

These topics define interoperability for high‑speed serial connections used to distribute navigational sentences across shipboard systems.

Typical use and users

Typical users are maritime equipment manufacturers (ECDIS, AIS, GNSS, RADAR, VDR vendors), shipboard systems integrators, test laboratories, classification societies, and maritime regulatory or procurement authorities. The standard is used to design, implement and test high‑speed serial interfaces that carry navigation and radiocommunication sentences between instruments and downstream listeners. National standards organizations and flag administrations refer to this document when adopting or specifying interoperable interface requirements.

Related standards

IEC 61162-2 is part of the IEC 61162 series. Closely related standards include IEC 61162-1 (single talker / multiple listeners — lower speed / legacy NMEA 0183 style), IEC 61162-3 (serial data instrument network / prioritized data), IEC 61162-450 and IEC 61162-460 (Ethernet interconnection and safety/security profiles), and IEC 60945 (general maritime equipment testing/requirements) which provide complementary requirements and test methods.

Keywords

marine, maritime, digital interfaces, single talker, multiple listeners, high‑speed serial, NMEA sentence, ASCII, IEC 61162, TC80, shipboard data bus, electrical signalling

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61162-2:2024 is an international standard that specifies high‑speed, single‑talker to multiple‑listener serial data interfaces for shipboard navigation and radiocommunication equipment.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sentence framing and format (printable ASCII sentences), typical message sizes and repetition rates, electrical signalling characteristics (to support higher data rates), receiver and termination guidance, and limited error‑checking considerations. It does not provide guaranteed delivery or full safety‑grade messaging.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Equipment manufacturers, system integrators, test houses, classification societies and maritime authorities use it to ensure interoperable high‑speed serial connections for navigational data distribution on ships.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The current edition is Edition 2.0 published in 2024 (publication date 4 April 2024). It replaces the earlier edition (published in 2010) and has been adopted in EN/ national transpositions. Users should reference the 2024 edition for the latest requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — IEC 61162 is a multi‑part series covering maritime digital interfaces (Parts 1, 2, 3, 450, 460, etc.). Part 2 specifically addresses high‑speed single talker/multiple listener serial links and should be used in conjunction with the other parts and IEC 60945 where applicable.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include: single talker, multiple listeners, high‑speed transmission, maritime digital interfaces, printable ASCII, NMEA sentence, electrical signalling, IEC 61162-2, shipboard interface.