Glossary · Semantic interoperability and information models
Semantic ID (AAS)
Also known as: semanticId
German: Semantische ID
In the Asset Administration Shell, a semantic ID (attribute semanticId) is a reference attached to a submodel or submodel element that points to the external definition of its meaning, such as an ECLASS or IEC Common Data Dictionary entry, a concept description or a submodel template.
- Information models
- Standards
In one sentence
In the AAS, a semantic ID is a reference on a submodel or element that points to the definition of its meaning, such as an ECLASS entry.
Example
The property ManufacturerName in a Digital Nameplate submodel carries a semantic ID referencing the corresponding ECLASS property, so any system knows what the value means.
How it applies
- Engineering: The semantic ID, not the element's name, determines its meaning. Two properties with different names but the same semantic ID mean the same thing; systems should evaluate the semantic ID.
- Integration: Submodels are recognized by the semantic ID of their template. Receiving systems can therefore find, for example, the Handover Documentation submodel automatically.
- Documentation: When documentation metadata is provided in an AAS, the elements use the semantic IDs of the template. Documentation teams should not rename or restructure them.
Semantic ID vs. semantic identifier
Semantic ID is the specific AAS attribute holding a reference. A Semantic identifier is the general concept: the identifier of a concept definition, such as an IRDI or IRI, which the semantic ID refers to.