are identified and referenced using numeric identifiers. These identifiers have the data type 
The data type is 64-bit integer which is allocated and represented in accordance with a set of rules. These rules enable each 
to refer unambiguously to a unique component. They also support separate partitions for allocation of 
for particular types of component. In the case of 
that originate in an 
the also supports separate 
that distinguish between different issuing organizations.
Details of the are described in the following sections:
