Glossary · Distributed automation and IEC 61499
Interoperability profile
Also known as: Interoperability (IEC 61499)
German: Interoperabilitätsprofil
In IEC 61499, interoperability is the ability of devices from different suppliers to work together to perform the functions of a distributed application; an interoperability profile, as part of a compliance profile, specifies the communication mappings and protocols that make this possible.
- IEC 61499
- Standards
In one sentence
An IEC 61499 interoperability profile specifies the communication rules that let devices from different suppliers run one application.
Example
Controllers from two vendors exchange events and data for one distributed application because both implement the same communication mapping defined in a shared profile.
How it applies
- Engineering: Interoperability requires agreement on how events and data are encoded and transported, which communication function blocks exist and how devices are addressed. The profile fixes these choices.
- Integration: Before combining devices from several suppliers, check that they implement the same profile, version and optional features. Tests on a reference setup reduce surprises during commissioning.
- Distinction: Interoperability at the communication level does not guarantee that the exchanged data has the same meaning on both sides. That requires shared data definitions, see Protocol (communication) vs. data model.
- Documentation: Document the profile used, the communication mappings and any deviations for each device type. System documentation should list which devices communicate with which and how.
Interoperability vs. portability
Interoperability means devices work together at runtime. Portability profile addresses moving software, such as function block types and applications, between tools. Both are aspects of an IEC 61499 compliance profile.