RDS 81346 CASE

A quick peek into a car Reference Designation System,

based on IEC 81346-2

It’s all about creating a common language™

www.813456.com
CONCEPTS
Objects and aspects, adapted from IEC 81346-1;2022
Object
Most objects have a physical existence as they are tangible
(e.g., a transformer, a lamp, a valve, a building). However,
there are objects that do not have a physical existence but
exist for different purposes, for example:
• an object which exists only by means of the existence of its
sub-objects, thus the considered object is defined for
structuring purposes;
• a function;
• a process;
• a limited space;
• for identification of a set of information.
Both objects that have a physical existence and those that
have not, can be relevant for being identified and handled in
the life-cycle of a system.
When an object is established, information may be associated
with it (such as requirements). This information may change
throughout the life cycle of that object.
Aspect
The aspect concept is used for structuring purposes.
Aspects act like filters on an object, and "highlight" the information
that is of relevance. The aspects dealt with in IEC 81346 are focused
on:
• what an object is intended to do or what it actually does – the
function aspect;
• by which means an object does what it is intended to do – the
product aspect;
• intended or actual space of the object – the location aspect;
• the object’s intended or actual belonging to a specified class of
objects – the type aspect (not used in this car case).
In addition, other aspects may be applied when none of the above
are applicable or sufficient.
2
 FUNCTIONAL ASPECT
Purpose or task of an object

Note:
The purpose of a system is to execute a process by
applying specific parameters. The “function”
signifies the task of an object within such a process,
without considering its implementation. The object
may later be associated with other aspects.[1]

In this case, the highlighted objects show two

distinct functions that will be realized by a single
object in the product aspect.

IEC 81346 – Table 4 (excerpt)

Class code Class definition
E object for emitting
EA emitting object of light
EAA light object by electricity
object for protecting against the effects of
F
dangerous or undesirable conditions

Full function RDS

tag: =F1=EA1=EAA5
Screenshots from www.sec-hub.com, developed by Systems Engineering A/S [1] Adapted from IEC 81346-1;2022 3
 PRODUCT ASPECT
Constructional relations of the elements of an object

Note:
A product is generally defined as a
result of a process, and often has a part
number, type designation and/or a
name.
The product aspect usually indicates
how the deliverables of a system are
arranged. [1]

Full product RDS tag:

-E1-EA1-EAC1

Screenshots from www.sec-hub.com, developed by Systems Engineering A/S [1] Adapted from IEC 81346-1;2022 4
 LOCATION ASPECT
Space of an object

++DAD1

++DBA1 ++AAC1 ++AAC2

++DAC1 ++CAJ1

++CBB1

++DBA2

++DBA1

++DAD1

IEC 81346 – Table 4 (excerpt)

Note: Full location RDS tag:

Class code Class definition

A location may contain any number of objects. ++DAD1++DAB1 AAC occupiable space for waiting
CAJ material storage space of materials for packaging
This example shows a two-dimensional representation CBB equipment storage space for tools
of locations. A three-dimensional representation is often DAB installation space for stationary electronic equipment
also suitable. DAC installation space for mechanical equipment
DAD installation space for stationary technical equipment
DBA equipment space of controlling, regulating and monitoring

Screenshots from www.sec-hub.com, developed by Systems Engineering A/S 5

 RELATION BETWEEN ASPECTS
A glimpse into the reference model

Function Product Location

realized by
located in

The model above shows how two functions are implemented by one product, in a specific location.

Screenshots from www.sec-hub.com, developed by Systems Engineering A/S 6

RDS 81346 APP
Sign up for free, and browse through RDS 81346 classes

RDS 81346 App

The RDS 81346 app is a free smartphone application developed
by Systems Engineering A/S. Search and browse through
classification tables from the ISO/IEC 81346 Standard Series.

RDS with Your Own Terminology

Company specific terms can be made available within the app,
and shared with specific organisations, ensuring company-wide
consistency in the use of the RDS.
Please contact Systems Engineering A/S for more information.