The SiLA interface standard covers all ISO/OSI levels of the device control interface from physical to application layer. By supporting three different integration levels, SiLA provides a unique, standardised interface between lab automation devices and process management systems. SiLA compliance can be achieved by providing SiLA drivers, interface converters or native, directly embedded SiLA device interfaces. The SiLA Interface Standard eases and accelerates the integration and adaptation of systems through guidelines for the implementation of supplier-specific device commands and parameters and through generic Device Class Interfaces providing Common Command Sets. SiLA Common Command Sets can be used to control and communicate with any device model belonging to a specific device class. Thereby SiLA allows system integrators and appliers to chose from a wide range of devices offered by different suppliers without having to worry about integration and adaptation efforts.

Elements of the SiLA Standard 

Device Classes

Device classes shall be defined for the most commonly used device types in the lab automation environment.

Common Command Sets (CCS)

For each device class a common set of commands, event-, status- and error-classes is defined. All major device functions shall be programmable through common commands. All device suppliers following the SiLA standard shall support the Common Command Set as a subset of theirs command set.

Specific Commands

All functions extending the Common Command Set can be provided by the device supplier as specific commands. Specific commands shall comply with the guidelines for command definition standards.

Device Properties

A device shall be able to provide information about its device class, its configuration, its Common Command Set (by providing the SiLA ID and version number), and its specific commands upon request. A query to the device for its properties shall return the meta data.

Data Structures & Formats

Devices shall provide data in standardized formats & structures.

Labware Parameter Settings

Device setup for applied labware shall be supported by standardised labware specifications provided by labware manufacturers.