The IEC 61915 series is intended to improve interoperability of devices, network tools and application software. This part of IEC 61915 defines a framework for common representation of networked industrial devices and provides a template for documenting such a representation, independent of the network used. This framework follows the principles given in IEC/TR 62390, the “Common automation device – Profile guideline”, and refers to ISO 15745, “Industrial automation systems and integration – Open systems application integration framework”. NOTE 1 The device profile format specified in this part of IEC 61915 is compatible with devices connected to both bit- and byte-oriented networks. This part of IEC 61915 applies to root device profiles, generic device profiles, and specific device profiles. The root device profiles will be published in subsequent parts of the IEC 61915 series. NOTE 2 This International Standard is specifically intended for products covered by the IEC 60947 series. NOTE 3 Organisations such as consortia are encouraged to use the rules defined in this part of IEC 61915 to develop generic device profiles for use within their own organisations. Users (product manufacturers and other organizations) should use the root device profiles together with the rules defined in this part of IEC 61915. This part of IEC 61915 allows users to make extensions to the root device profiles and/or generic device profiles. Where no suitable root device profile exists, the user may develop generic or specific device profiles using the rules defined in this part of IEC 61915. This part of IEC 61915 recommends the use of a profile exchange language for representation of the device profile information in order to facilitate the profile’s use by network tools and application software. NOTE 4 The types of devices may vary from simple devices, such as pilot lights, push-buttons and limit switches, to more complex devices with many bytes of information, such as motor controllers, semiconductor motor starters, etc.