Glossary · Semantic interoperability and information models
Asset Administration Shell submodel (AAS submodel)
Also known as: AAS submodel, Submodel
German: Teilmodell der Verwaltungsschale
In the Asset Administration Shell, a submodel is a self-contained part of an AAS that describes one aspect of the asset, such as its nameplate, technical data, documentation or operational data, made up of submodel elements whose meaning is defined by semantic IDs. Standardized submodel templates are published by the Industrial Digital Twin Association (IDTA).
- Information models
- Standards
In one sentence
An AAS submodel describes one aspect of an asset, such as nameplate, technical data or documentation, with semantically defined elements.
Example
A sensor's AAS contains a Handover Documentation submodel listing its operating instructions, declaration of conformity and data sheet with classification metadata.
How it applies
- Engineering: Using published submodel templates, rather than custom structures, lets receiving systems process the data without individual mapping. Each element carries a Semantic ID (AAS).
- Integration: Submodels can be provided by different parties and updated independently: the manufacturer provides type data, the operator adds maintenance data.
- Documentation: The Handover Documentation submodel is where documentation teams meet the AAS. Provide documents with the required metadata, such as document class, language, version and status, so they can be embedded or referenced correctly.
Submodel vs. submodel template
A submodel template defines the structure and semantics for an aspect, such as Digital Nameplate. A submodel is a concrete instance of that structure filled with the values of a particular asset type or asset instance.