Overview
IEC 61636-1:2021 (also published as IEEE Std 1636.1) defines a standardized XML exchange format for sharing test results and session information produced by test programs in automatic test environments (ATS). Commonly known as SIMICA (Software Interface for Maintenance Information Collection and Analysis), this dual‑logo IEC‑IEEE standard promotes interoperability between automatic test system components by specifying an XML schema and corresponding OWL ontology to represent test execution data for a unit under test (UUT).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Exchange format (XML & OWL): The standard provides an XML schema and an OWL ontology for encoding test results and session metadata, enabling both machine‑readable messages and semantic integration.
- Test results and session information: Defines the structure and semantics for representing test outcomes, timestamps, session identifiers and related context required for downstream analysis.
- Conformance and applicability: Includes conformance guidance so suppliers and integrators can ensure consistent implementations across automated test systems.
- Extensibility: Specifies mechanisms for XML schema extensibility to accommodate vendor‑specific or evolving test data without breaking interoperability.
- Normative references and conventions: Points to required background documents and prescribes naming/usage conventions to ensure uniform interpretation.
- Annexed artifacts: The publication includes informative annexes (XML schema and OWL ontology) to accelerate implementation and integration.
Practical applications and who uses it
IEC 61636-1:2021 is designed for organizations and roles that need standardized capture, exchange, storage and analysis of automated test data:
- ATS integrators and test software developers - to implement standardized export/import of test sessions and results.
- Maintenance and depot operations (MRO) - to collect consistent diagnostic data for repair, trending and life‑cycle support.
- OEMs and subcontractors - to share test evidence across supply chains and streamline warranty and quality workflows.
- Data analysts and reliability engineers - to ingest unified test datasets for offline analytics, root‑cause analysis and predictive maintenance.
- Logistics and support IT teams - to store test results in databases and enable automated report generation.
Benefits include improved interoperability, reduced custom parsing effort, simplified data archival to storage devices/databases, and easier online/offline analysis of test outcomes.
Related standards
- IEEE Std 1636.1 (equivalent publication) - the original IEEE standard text.
- Other SIMICA family documents - for broader maintenance information collection and analysis interfaces.
Keywords: IEC 61636-1:2021, SIMICA, XML schema, OWL ontology, automated test system (ATS), test results, session information, IEEE 1636.1, exchange format, interoperability.