InputData and OutputData can be modelled in various ways. The following clauses show examples of their usage. Figure D.20 illustrates the subtype of FunctionalEntityType that is used in the example. All items listed are mandatory in this subtype, but not all of these items will be shown in the examples to simplify the example figures. The AcmeAnalogueInputModuleType illustrates a hardware module that collects data from external input devices, where this information is made available to the controller. This AcmeAnalogueInputModuleType is external to the FunctionalEntity model; think of it as an existing Information Model. The FunctionalEntity then publishes this data to another controller, HMI, or even other devices as needed.

Figure D.20 – Example FunctionalEntity Type

The following examples illustrate how InputData and OutputData can be joined with DataSets. Consider, for example, an analogue input module with four channels plugged into one of the slots of the rack illustrated in D.2.3. The FunctionalEntity related to this Asset will provide OutputData only. To keep the following samples simple, ConfigurationData (e.g., measurement range and unit) is not shown. The dashed lines in figures in this clause indicate “poor man’s references” instead of an actual Reference. The line will indicate if the poor man’s reference is using a NodeId or a Name.