This International Standard specifies requirements for service diagnostic software to be implemented in products that incorporate a digital interface. It does not specify requirements for carrying out remote diagnosis or for manufacturer-dependent software.

The Service Diagnostic Interface (SDI) requires an external controller (exclusive or general-purpose/ PC) into which service diagnostic software can be loaded. Parts of the controller software are standardized while other parts are proprietary to the manufacturers.

To reach a common approach in servicing all products from all manufacturers, it is necessary to standardize specific items to be tested in products and certain aspects of controllers' diagnostic software.

The SDI is based upon ECHONET specification version 2.11, ECHONET Lite specification version 1.13, and APPENDIX Detailed Requirements for ECHONET Device objects Release M, because this interface will be used in future products. The use of this connection and existing communication protocols enable implementation in products at a low cost, with maximum
flexibility and efficiency.

The SDI consists of
- specific hardware and software requirements of the device under test (DUT);
- specific requirements of the controller:
the service software;
an ECHONET interface;
- the connection between the controller and the DUT.

This document provides the minimal requirements necessary to carry out computerized diagnosis. It covers the standardized software of the controller as well as the standardized software and provisions in the DUT.