New AEF Guidelines
The AEF Guideline AEF 023, AEF 040, AEF 043.
AEF 023
The AEF Guideline AEF 023 ISOBUS Automation Principles describes the processes for ISOBUS Automation based on TIM and released as RIG 3 with the major update of adding Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to the existing error codes.
Additionally, some clarifications were made to topics, where questions on AEF 023 RIG 2 from the industry and TIM community got collected meanwhile. Very important for all active and new TIM members is the clarification about staying backwards compatible in future, when e.g. TIM v2 is adding new Functionality. As the TIM certificates are signed by AEF, their content can’t be adjusted based on the determined TIM connection version (it is intended that this content can’t be adjusted).
However, during parsing the pseudonym of the counterpart TIM certificate, please consider the following:
- Treat the received pseudonym as variable length;
- Ignore the certificate version for manufacturer series certificate;
- Ignore TIM function ID values which are not expected according to the TIM connection version;
- Ignore number of facility bytes associated with a TIM function which exceed expected number of bytes for that TIM function according to TIM connection version.
AEF 040
The AEF Guideline AEF 040 ISOBUS – ISOBUS Security Principles is meant to provide a design and application guideline and measures for all manufactures of agricultural machinery when implementing security on mobile electronics (e.g. ISOBUS).
The guideline is also meant to secure the AEF business model according to a common security standard and preventive measures:
- Secure AEF intellectual property and customer data;
- Prevent unauthorized access and sabotage;
- Prevent espionage and fraudulent attacks;
- Fend of manipulation or loss of data;
- Prevent loss of system availability;
- Prevent damage to AEF (and manufacturer) image.
AEF 043
High Speed ISOBUS (HSI) is being developed as the next generation of Agricultural communications network. HSI will enable greatly enhanced command and control performance for larger and more complex equipment, as well as supporting the integration of cameras for remotely viewing the process and surroundings. Even better, development of HSI is being supported by non-Agricultural industry partners that also need a new high-performance network. These partners are bringing their engineering expertise to the table to ensure HSI is a robust and reliable system.
Recently released as an international guideline, AEF 043 is the third guideline supporting the High Speed ISOBUS project.
This guideline focuses on the system architecture, which defines how HSI technology is applied to a tractor and implement(s). In a manner similar to the architecture of the traditional CAN-based ISOBUS, power is introduced to the network in the tractor, and is provided, along with the network communication, into the cabin, to the rear of the tractor, and optionally to the front.
HSI on an implement can “pass through” if the implement is of a tow-between style.
Unique to HSI is the optional on-implement expansion port. And for convenience, all interfaces to HSI use the same style of connector, so there is no need for a harness adapter kit, as was common with the traditional ISOBUS (which had 3 different standard connectors depending on where on the machine and how it was used). With the expansion port, both in-cab and optionally on-implement, we foresee aftermarket kits that integrate additional devices (such as sensors or cameras). Kits can also support devices with different physical layers (typical of many digital cameras), further expanding the range of products that support the customers’ needs.
AEF 043 defines the electrical characteristics of the integrated single pair Ethernet, to ensure a reliable experience, even as it supports capabilities far beyond the traditional ISOBUS.
With this guideline it is possible to understand the requirements at the physical layer – cable length requirements, power requirements, and data channel wiring requirements. By building upon these definitions, it is possible to implement command and control performance far beyond what the traditional ISOBUS can support. HSI opens the path to ever increasing levels of automation on the path toward autonomous systems. Further, based on the requirements of HSI, the easy integration of camera systems is now possible in a way not previously imagined. These cameras, whether for remote process viewing or situational awareness, can be integrated onto the tractor and just as easily onto the implement(s).
With the full understanding that the CAN-based ISOBUS will continue to support many agronomic systems, HSI is designed to integrate with ISOBUS. While it is possible that far into the future the existing ISOBUS fades away, rest assured, HSI technology complements ISOBUS to offer a comfortable transition plan.
AEF 043; Architecture, complements AEF 041; Physical Layer - Communication channel and breakaway connectors, and AEF 042; Physical layer - PHY and MDI. As the portfolio of HSI Guidelines continue to be developed, and even as the guidelines make their way into the ISO Standard process, HSI is being prepared to appear on tractors and implements in a way that can further improve the efficiency of farming operations.