ISO 15745-4:2003

Overview

ISO 15745-4:2003 defines technology-specific elements and rules for describing Ethernet-based control systems within an application integration framework (AIF). It extends the generic AIF in ISO 15745-1 by specifying how to represent the communication-related aspects of device profiles and communication network profiles for Ethernet technologies such as ADS-net, FL-net, and EtherNet/IP. The standard includes XML-based profile templates and rules for integrating device and network profile instances into resource profiles and application interoperability profiles (AIPs).

Key Topics

• Device profile and communication network profile templates: XML schema templates and semantics for describing device capabilities and network characteristics specific to Ethernet-based control systems.
• Technology coverage: Profile templates and examples for ADS-net, FL-net, and EtherNet/IP (including XML encapsulation of EDS files for EtherNet/IP).
• Integration with AIF: Rules for embedding device and network profile instances into resource profiles as defined in ISO 15745-1 and for producing application interoperability profiles (AIPs).
• XML and schema requirements: Use of XML, XML Schema Part 1/2 and conventions to structure profile instance files.
• Normative interoperability elements: Definition of communication-related elements (layers, management, transport) and semantics required to document "as-built" or planned automation systems.
• Reference to existing protocols: Conformance with Ethernet (ISO/IEC 8802-3) and relevant IP/transport protocols (RFCs) where applicable.

Applications

ISO 15745-4 is intended for practical use in industrial automation where consistent, machine-readable descriptions of devices and networks are required:

• System integrators creating AIPs and resource profiles for multi-vendor automation systems.
• Automation engineers and network architects documenting Ethernet-based control topologies, network management and device communication behavior.
• Device and firmware vendors producing device profile XML or EDS files (EtherNet/IP) for integration into plant asset management and engineering tools.
• Tool and software developers implementing engineering/configuration tools that consume/export profile XML instances for interoperability and configuration automation.

Benefits include improved interoperability, repeatable integration practices, and easier selection and documentation of communication resources in automation projects.

Related Standards

• ISO 15745-1:2003 (Generic AIF reference)
• ISO/IEC 8802-3 (Ethernet / IEEE 802.3)
• IEC 61158 and IEC 61784 (fieldbus and profile sets)
• Relevant IETF RFCs (IP, TCP, UDP) and W3C XML/XML Schema recommendations

Keywords: ISO 15745-4, Ethernet-based control systems, device profile, communication network profile, application integration framework, AIP, XML, ADS-net, FL-net, EtherNet/IP.