ISO/TS 10303-26:2011

Overview

ISO/TS 10303-26:2011 is a Technical Specification in the ISO 10303 (STEP) family that specifies a binary representation of EXPRESS-driven data using the Hierarchical Data Format Version 5 (HDF5). It defines an implementation method for packaging, storing and exchanging product data that is modelled with EXPRESS schemas in a compact, portable binary form. The intent is to enable efficient storage and reliable interchange of complex product and automation data in industrial automation and PLM contexts.

Key topics and requirements

• Binary representation using HDF5: The specification mandates use of the HDF5 container format as the basis for storing EXPRESS-derived data in binary form.
• EXPRESS-driven data: Focuses on data instances and structures defined by EXPRESS (the data modelling language used across ISO 10303).
• Implementation methods: Describes how EXPRESS concepts can be represented in HDF5 to preserve structure and semantics for interchange and reuse.
• Interoperability and portability: Emphasizes standardized packing to support cross-vendor data exchange and long-term archiving.
• Practical requirements (typical): Addresses how to organize data sets, group hierarchies, metadata, and references so consuming applications can interpret EXPRESS models contained in HDF5 files.

(Note: ISO/TS 10303-26:2011 specifies the general mapping to HDF5; implementers should consult the full text for exact mapping rules, naming conventions and required metadata.)

Applications

• Product lifecycle management (PLM) data exchange where EXPRESS schemas are used
• CAD/CAM/CAE data interchange needing compact, high-performance binary storage
• Archiving of product and manufacturing information in a portable, self-describing binary format
• System integration between engineering, manufacturing execution and simulation tools
• Handling large or complex datasets where binary storage (HDF5) improves read/write performance and file size

Who should use this standard

• CAD/CAM and PLM software developers implementing STEP/EXPRESS import or export
• Systems integrators and automation engineers working on cross-platform product data exchange
• Data architects and archivists needing standardized binary formats for stored EXPRESS data
• Organizations seeking improved interoperability between engineering and manufacturing systems

Related standards

• ISO 10303 (STEP) series - overall framework for product data representation and exchange
• ISO 10303-11 - EXPRESS data modelling language (defines the schemas that drive this mapping)
• HDF5 specification (The HDF Group) - technical basis for the binary container format

Keywords: ISO/TS 10303-26:2011, binary representation, EXPRESS, HDF5, product data exchange, STEP, industrial automation, PLM, interoperability.