GLOSARIO GENERAL
Publicamos este glosario en idioma
inglés debido a que estos son términos que normalmente
se encuentran definidos en textos, manuales y catalogos de productos
en este idioma.
Las secciones de este glosario han sido tomadas
del diccionario A&D, 2004/2005 4a Edicion de acuerdo con la
información publicada en Catalogos.
Glossary
Sections of the glossary have been taken from A&D Dictionary
4th Edition, 2004/2005. With the kind approval of Prof. Dr. Eng.
(habil.) Ernst Habiger, Dresden University of Technology, Institute
of Automation Technologies and Publish-Industry Publishers, Munich.
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A
ACOPOS
Digital B&R servo motor drive
Access methods
Rules used, for example, by stations on a communication media to
access a bus. Basically, a differentiation is made between collision
[CSMA/CD, CSMA/CA] and collision-free [Token Bus, Token Ring, etc.]
methods. A collision is the event when two or more stations coincidentally
try to access the transfer media at the same time.
Collision-free operation is achieved by assigning access rights
[token] to the individual network stations.
Activation delay
The delay time required until the brake’s holding torque is
established, after the operating voltage has been removed from the
holding brake.
Actuator
Actuating components for engaging a process, e.g. servo motor, switching
clutch, solenoid, power switch. This involves the use of information
for influencing material or energy currents in a controlled object.
Address
An address is a character string for identifying a memory location
or a memory area, where data is stored and can be retrieved. It
is also a symbol (e.g. with numerical controllers) for identifying
a function unit for which subsequent geometrical or technological
data are determined by the symbol.
Algorithms
According to DIN 19226: Algorithms are a finite series of well-defined
regulations. The desired output quantities are created from permitted
system input quantities. It describes how something is to be done.
A procedure must at least satisfy the following requirements to
be valid as an algorithm in a mathematical context.
Discreteness: An algorithm is made up of a finite series of steps.
Determinacy: Under the same start conditions, it always creates
the same end result.
Clearness: The series of steps is clearly defined.
Finiteness: It ends after a finite number of steps.
From a quantity theory perspective, an algorithm is clearly defined
by a set of sizes [input, intermediate and output sizes], a set
of elementary operations and also by a regulation, which specifies
when and in what sequence certain operations should be carried out.
From a functional perspective, it transfers a set of input sizes
into a set of output sizes. It can be represented in text form in
a natural or artificial formal language or using graphic
representations [graph, program flow chart, structured chart, Petri
Nets etc.].)
Analog digital converter
A functional unit that converts an analog signal into a digital
signal
Analog signal
A signal, whose information parameters can accept any number of
values, within specific technical limits. Theoretically, they can
have an infinitely high resolution. However, in practice it is limited
to a range of only 1 to 104. In addition, long-term storage and
allocation causes many size problems. Therefore, digital signals
are predominantly used in modern automation technology.
ANSI
American National Standards Institute > this organization promotes
and manages American industrial standards.
APC
Automation PC
API
Application Program Interface > an interface, which allows applications
to communicate with other applications or with the operating system.
Application layer
Application layer 7 for the OSI Reference Model. This is the layer
where applications access network services. It provides services
that directly support applications, e.g. software for data transfer,
database access and electronic post.
Application software
Software, which is not used for operation by the computer itself,
but rather when a computer is used to process a concrete application
problem. It sets up the system software and uses this for fulfilling
individual tasks.
Application software can be accommodated in standard software used
by a large number of customers in a wide range of industries. Common
examples are Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Paint, Matlab etc. Industrial
software tailored to the respective problems of a certain industry
and individual software created for solving the particular problems
of an individual user.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange used worldwide;
numbers, letters, special characters and device controller characters
are represented as 7-bit binary combinations. Standard ASCII-characters
cover 27 = 128 characters in total. An eighth bit is used as a so-called
parity bit for error detection when transferring ASCII files. During
even parity checking, this bit is set to 0, when the number of ‘1s’
in the remaining seven bits
is an even number. Otherwise, it is set to 1. The expanded ASCII
character set does not use parity checking. The highest value bit
is used here to switch from the standard character set to the expansion.
This allows space for special regional characters e.g. umlauts in
the German language. www.asciitable.com
ASIC
Application Specific Integrated Circuit. At the start of the process,
it represents a non-specific collection of logical gating circuits.
Only at the end of the manufacturing process, is the chip adapted
to the specific application.
Assembler
Mnemonic language [assembler language]. The machine instructions
of a processor are expressed using mnemonics, i.e. using expressive
abbreviation of alphanumeric characters. For example, when programming
the command `Clear register D0´ in a normal processor system,
the mnemonic abbreviation clr D0 is used instead of the binary command
code 01000010 01000000. This type of programming is known as assembler
programming.
The result is an assembler program. A symbolic command corresponds
exactly to a machine instruction.
An assembler program is converted into bit sequences for machine
codes, before the program is executed by an assembly program (also
known as an assembler). It is then loaded in the program memory
of the computer or controller system. In contrast to higher-level
programming languages such as Pascal, C++, JAVA etc., the assembly
language is processor-specific, i.e. limited to the command set
of a specific processor.
Automatic mode
An operating mode, where an object [device, machine, system] operates
automatically corresponding to a specified program after a start
signal is issued without human contact.
Automation
According to Brockhaus: The application of technical means, using
specific programs that (either partially ortotally) do not require
human intervention to perform operations.Failure
Failure according to IEC 61508: A function unit loses the ability
to perform a required function. In regards to safety-oriented systems,
a distinction is made between dangerous and safe failures. This
depends on whether the status of the system failure is considered
dangerous or safe. The cause of the failure may be load related
or age-related, and therefore a random failure, or related to a
flaw inherent in the system. In this case, it is known as a systematic
failureAutomation Runtime
A uniform runtime system for all B&R automation components.Automatic
mode
An operating mode, where an object [device, machine, system] operates
automatically corresponding to a specified program after a start
signal is issued without human contact.
Automation Runtime
A uniform runtime system for all B&R automation components.
Availability
The probability that a system will be functioning at a certain point
in time. Reliability parameter for repairable systems. The stationary
availability is defined using the following formula: Availability
= 1/[1 + MDT/MTBF]. To achieve the highest possible availability
values, it is necessary to perfect all quality assurance measures
regarding reliability. However, this procedure has its technical
and economical limits for given production conditions.
When the automation plan is not sufficient to achieve the required
reliability parameters, the principle of error tolerance, which
is based on the shortest error detection and reconfiguration times,
can allow the availability value to be increased.Failure rate Failure
rate is a measure for the failure behavior of component units, particularly
components. Reliability considerations are of primary interest here.
The failure rate is represented by the fraction of failures for
each time unit, based on the total number of a specified amount.
For example, if an integrated switching circuit has a failure rate
of 10-9 per hour, then this means that in a one hour operating period,
the switching circuit fails with a probability of 10-9. To put it
in another way: if there are 109 switching circuits in a function
unit, then in the middle of each
hour, one failure is likely. The failure rate does not remain constant
within the elements’ lifespan. Depending on the time, it follows
the so-called “bathing-tub diagram”. This means, when
a component is under the influence of early failure during the beginning
of its usage, it then remains constant during a specified time span.
Random failures make an appearance here, and increase again under
the influence of wear-out failure towards the end of the lifespan.
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B
Backplane
Multilayer printed circuit boards with data, signal and supply lines
and also slots for plug-in units on the back of electronic devices.
Bandwidth
General definition: The difference between the largest and smallest
frequency in a uniform range. Bandwidth of a device: Width of the
frequency band, within which device or transfer channel characteristics
(e.g. the amplitude frequency characteristic) no longer deviates
from reference values. Bandwidth of a signal: The width of the frequency
band whose level does not exceed an agreed reference level for each
of the spectral signal components.
In the context of digital data transfer, the term bandwidth is also
used as a measurement for system’s performance in regards
to the possible data throughput. Bandwidth here corresponds to the
difference between maximum and minimum possible data rates, specified
for example in bits per second.
Baud rate
Measurement unit for data transfer speed. It indicates the number
of states for a transferred signal per second and is measured using
the baud unit of measurement. 1 baud = 1 bit/sec or 1 bps.
Binary signal
A signal, whose information parameters can only accept two values
[Low/High and 0/1].
BIOS
Basic Input/Output System. Core software for computer systems with
essential routines for controlling input and output processes on
hardware components, for performing tests after system start and
for loading the operating system. Although BIOS is used to configure
a system‘s performance, the user does not usually come into
contact with it.
Bit
Binary digit > binary position, binary character, binary digit
smallest discrete information unit. A bit can have the value 0 or
1.
Bit rate
The number of bits that can be transferred within a specified time
unit. 1 bit/sec = 1 baud)
Bitmap graphic
A graphic, which is made up of single pixel information
Breakpoint
A point in a PLC program, where processing is stopped. This makes
it possible to inspect variable values in certain locations of the
program or to understand their incremental change. Breakpoints are
available in CoDeSys.
Browser
A software tool for searching and reading websites. The most famous
browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator
Bus, bus system
Bus line for transferring data and controller information between
different components and systems, according to a defined protocol.
A basic distinction can be made between parallel and serial buses.
Parallel bus systems have a large number of parallel lines, which
allow data, address or controller information to be transferred
using bit-parallel transfer. They are used as plug-in bus systems
[backplane buses, backplanes] for connecting plug-in components
[e.g. VMEbus, CompactPCI, IndustrialPCI etc.]. They are also used
as peripheral buses for connecting computers with their I/O devices
at close range.
Serial bus systems [cable bus systems] transfer data over long distances
in a system between distributed system components using bit-serial
transfer via a common medium [two/four conductor, coaxial cables,
fiber optic cables or radio waves]. This allows a drastic reduction
to be made in the wiring required in contrast to conventional star
topology. Well-known examples are: AS-i, Arcnet, CAN, DeviceNet,
Ethernet, INTERBUS, LON, PROFIBUS,
SERCOS Interface etc.
In contrast to office communication, where uniform Ethernet-based
systems are used worldwide, many different communication systems
(often incompatible with each other) are currently used in automation
technology. The choice of network type usually complies with the
suppliers of the control technology used in the system, the geographical
region and the special functional requirements in regards to speed
and network range, as well as
the availability of suitable field devices
Byte
Data format [1 byte = 8 bit] and a unit for characterizing information
amounts and memory capacity. The following units are the commonly
used units of progression : KB, MB, GB
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C
A high level language developed by Bell Laboratories that allows
a computer (similar to an assembly language) to control processes.
It can be translated into the machine language for all well-known
computers.
C++
An expanded version of the programming language C, with object-oriented
programming possibilities.
Cache
Background memory, also known as non-addressable memory or fast
buffer memory. It is used to relieve the fast main memory of a computer.
Data, which e.g. should be output to slower components by the working
memory (e.g. disk storage, printers), is stored temporarily in the
cache and output from there with an appropriate speed for the target
devices.
CAE
Computer Aided Engineering > computer aided planning, construction,
development and project planning (computer aided engineering in
the broadest sense). The data generated goes online directly into
the following areas, e.g. CAM = Computer Aided Manufacturing)
CAN
Controller Area Network serial bus system, automobile manufacturing,
industrial controllers, structure according to ISO 11898; Bus medium:
twisted pair. Good transfer properties in short-ranges below 40
m with a 1 MBit/sec data transfer rate. Maximum number of stations:
Unlimited in theory, practically up to 64 with real-time capability,
i.e. defined maximum queuing time for messages with high priority.
High reliability using error detection, error handling, troubleshooting.
Hamming distance: 6) www.can-cia.de
CD-ROM
Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. A removable data medium with a high
capacity of ~700 MB. CD-ROMs are optically scanned.
CE Mark
A CE mark for a product. It consists of the letters ‘CE’
and indicates conformity to all EU guidelines for the labeled product.
It indicates that the individual or corporate body, who has performed
or attached the label, assures that the product conforms to all
EU guidelines for the complete harmonization. It also indicates
that all mandatory conformity evaluation procedures have taken place.
www.ce-richtlinien.de
CENELEC
Comité Européen de Normalisation Elektrotechnique
> European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (Headquarters:
Brussels; responsible for the harmonization of electro-technical
standards within the European Union and the entire European Economic
Area [EEA]) www.cenelec.org
CiA
Established in 1992, CAN in Automation (CiA) is an international
organization of users and manufacturers with a current membership
of well over 300 members. It offers technical, product-specific
and general information with the goal of spreading the knowledge
about CAN and smoothing the way for future developments of CAN protocols.
www.can-cia.de
Circuit breaker
Mechanical switching device that can switch on, allow timed operation
and switch off currents under certain specified operating conditions;
they can also switch on allow timed operation and switch off currents
under defined exception conditions e.g. short-circuit current. They
are available in open and compact designs with manual, magnet, motor
or pressurized air drives; in one, two, three or four pole designs;
for AC, DC and threephase current; for low voltage and high voltage
applications.
Client-Server network
In contrast to a peer-to-peer network, tasks here are clearly distributed.
The server offers services and the clients use these services
Closed loop control
Defined according to DIN 19226 as a procedure in which the
value of a variable [control variable] is continually recorded,
compared with another variable [reference variable] and changed
according to the result of the comparison with the reference variable
as compensation. This takes place in a closed control loop.
Code, coding
When processing information, it is often necessary to change
the information from one form of representation to another. This
conversion process is called coding and rules used to assign one
character set to another are referred to as the code. A differentiation
is made between ambiguous and unambiguous coding depending on if
one set is a direct reflection of the other. Most codes use unambiguous
coding with one set directly reflecting the
other. A differentiation is also made between redundant and non-redundant
codes. With non-redundant codes, the full range of the available
character set is used, i.e. each code is defined. With redundant
codes, the available character set also contains codes that are
not used. This differentiation is important during data transfer
when detecting and, if necessary, correcting data transfer errors.
CompactFlash®
CompactFlash memory cards [CF cards] are exchangeable nonvolatile
mass memory systems with very small dimensions [43 x 36 x 3.3 mm,
approximately half the size of a credit card]. In addition to the
Flash memory chips, the controller is also accommodated on the cards.
CF cards provide complete PC Card-ATA functionality and compatibility.
A 50-pin CF card can be simply inserted in a passive 68-pin type
II adapter card. It conforms to
all electrical and mechanical PC Card interface specifications.
CF cards were launched by SanDisk back in 1994. Currently, memory
capacities reach up to 3 GB per unit. Since 1995, CompactFlash Association
[CFA] has been looking after standardization and the worldwide distribution
of CF technology www.compactflashmemory.com
Compact PCI
Compact Peripheral Component Interconnect Bus - is a registered
trademark of the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group) www.picmg.org
Compiler
A program, that translates a text from a source language [normally
a high level language] into the text of the target language [e.g.
machine language, machine code]. That means that an executable binary
file is generated from the source file on a specified processor
[on a specified machine]. During this translation process, a compiler
operates on several levels, in which lexical, syntactic and semantic
analyses are performed. After an intermediate
code is created and optimized, the machine code is finally generated.
Compilers are commonly called after the source language they process
and the machine, whose machine language it translates.
CPU
Central Processing Unit – the arithmetic and control unit
of a computer; the unit which interprets and executes commands.
Also known as the central processor or microprocessor. A CPU has
the capability to load commands, to decode and to execute, as well
as to transfer information to and from other resources.
Component Based Automation
[CBA]
New concept for automation applications with distributed intelligence.
It is based on the new PROFInet standard from the PROFIBUS users
organization and supports consequent modularization using component
technology for machine and system manufacturing. A new engineering
tool allows distributed applications to be merged graphically throughout
the entire system. Extensive programming for communication between
intelligent devices
is replaced by graphic configuration. Productivity of engineering
and commissioning can be greatly increased in this way.
Continuous process
Considered to be physical procedures, chemical reactions
or technological workflows with state values that continually change
over time. That means energy and/or materials are fed, processed,
transported, stored, distributed and/or used continually or for
long periods of time without interruption, and especially for production
processes, the end product is continually supplied. Such processes
are characteristic for the creation, conversion and distribution
of electrical energy as well as for the production, processing and
distribution of bulk goods in various consistencies. Some typical
characteristics of lines in which continuous processes are running
are:
installed technical equipment is connected in a consistent correlation
technologically; changes to procedures for incoming and outgoing
materials and processes seldom take place. Examples of this are
thermal power plants, energy supply systems, refineries, continuous
casting lines and rolling mills. The main tasks and control applications
for guidance of continuous processes are: establishing and maintaining
optimal and steady operation based on specified timing criteria,
monitoring and logging the process and balancing the process activities
in defined areas and times for billing purposes.
Control
Targeted interaction with values in a system that can be
influenced. The system being influenced is known as the controlled
system and in this case is a device, machine or system in which
material and/or energy are subject to one or more possible handling
forms, such as extracting, transferring, converting, saving or using
as desired.
CRT
Cathode Ray Tube. An integral component of a television set
or a computer monitor. A cathode ray tube consists of a vacuum tube,
in which one or more electron guns are installed. Each electron
gun creates a horizontal electron beam, which appears on the front
of the tube (the screen). The inner surface of the screen is coated
with phosphor, which is lit when hit by the electrons. Each of the
electron beams move in a line from top to bottom.
In order to prevent flickering, the screen content is updated at
least 25 times per second. The sharpness of the picture is determined
by the number of pixels on the screen.
CSMA/CD
Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection Bus
access with stochastic access, i.e. without a defined sequence for
the individual participants. Using carrier sensing, each station
checks whether data is transferred via the bus. If this is not the
case, then a send-capable
station can begin the transfer. If two or more stations attempt
to do this at the same time, a collision is caused. This is detected
[collision detection] and the transfer is stopped immediately. After
a randomly chosen time period has passed, each send-capable station
can access the bus medium again. This allows bus access to many
participants with few limitations. A central network management
is not required by this process.
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D
Data link layer
Link layer/data link layer. Layer 2 in the OSI reference
model. The data packets to be sent are converted into frames (i.e.
logical structured data packets). Confirmation is expected for sent
frames after they have been received. In the LAN area, the access
procedure is also accommodated in this layer [CSMA/CD, Token Passing]
Decentralized motion control
In contrast to central motion control, only the voltage supply
and the necessary components for a central controller are housed
in a switching cabinet with multi-motor drive systems. All other
function units such as drives and controllers are accommodated directly
on-site with the individual motors or directly on the motors. They
are supplied by an energy bus and a controller bus. This concept
is particularly useful for larger or wide-ranging distributed machines
and systems. It also provides particular advantages in regards to
the modular structure of machines.
Device
In common usage, the word „device“ is a synonym
for an apparatus, instrument, piece of equipment, appliance, tool
or utensil. This mostly refers to fixed or mobile equipment with
relatively small spatial dimensions, with a specific function or
special area of use that is generally designated using a preceding
word such as in the phrases sporting device, medical device, kitchen
device, hearing device, measuring device, control device, automation
device, peripheral device etc. Furthermore, there are fixed and
mobile large devices, such as those used in the military (tanks,
aircraft, ships), medical (MRI scanners), geological (earth drilling
equipment, and conveyor bridges) as well as those used in research
(e.g. particle accelerator). From a technical standpoint (DIN 40150),
devices are made up of components, units and modules. According
to regulations regarding electromagnetic compatibility of devices,
a device is considered any electrical or electronic apparatus, system,
construction
or network, which contains electrical or electronic parts. This
device definition contradicts guidelines that are well-established
and also documented in DIN standards [see above] and widely accepted
by engineers, and therefore causes many misunderstandings when using
the regulations regarding electromagnetic compatibility of devices.
DeviceNet™
A simple CAN-based communication system for networking automation
instruments [threshold encoders, photo- sensors, motor starters,
frequency controlled drives, operator terminals etc.] with higher-level
control devices. Two twisted pairs inside the cable are used as
the transfer medium. One is used for communication [with a transfer
rate of 125 kBit/sec, 250 kBit/sec or 500 kBit/sec for cable lengths
of 500 m, 250 m and 100 m] and the other is used to supply current
to the connected installations [maximum 8 A at 24 V DC voltage]
www.odva.org
Dial-up
Data is transferred over the telephone network using a modem
or an ISDN adapter.
Digital analog converter
A functional unit that converts a digital signal into an analog
signal.
Digital signal
A digital signal has several information parameters, e.g. 8, 16,
32 or 64. These are made available in chronological succession with
series signals and chronologically parallel with parallel signals.
With an n-parameter digital signal, X = 2n n-digit information units
[words] can be represented; for example with an 8-bit-word 28 =
256 different characters. The advantages of digital signals are
the attainable high image precision [this is practically
only a question of the number of digits], the problem-free long-term
storage capability and the possibility to combine many sizes with
each other, while conforming to complicated regulations. This explains
the strong trend towards digital technology in all areas of automation
technology.
DIMM
Double in-line memory module
A memory module, consisting of one or more RAM chips on a small
circuit board, which is connected with the motherboard of a computer
via a connector.
DIN
Deutsches Institut für Normung (German Institute for
Standardization) Headquarters: Berlin
www.din.de
Direct drive technology
In direct drive solutions, the rotational or linear motor
components [torque motors, turning moment motors, DDR motors, linear
motors] are integrative components for the mechanisms and machines
to be driven. As a result, there is no need for couplers, gears,
rack and pinions, belt and chain drives as well as spindles. This
helps to avoid all side effects caused by these components (e.g.
gear backlash, frictional dead spots, elasticity effects, wear,
noise emissions, additional maintenance expense and space requirements).
Direct Drive Technology is therefore particularly useful, if friction
and wear-free movements with high precision and dynamics using compact
arrangements need to be implemented. This is particularly the case
with machine tools and manufacturing installations, and also in
many other application areas such as medical technology for elevator
and special vehicle technology.
DMA
Direct Memory Access > Accelerated direct access to a
computer’s RAM through by-passing the CPU.
DNC
Direct Numerical Control. An operating mode in production
systems with CNC machines. Important Features:
Central storage, management and distribution of work piece processing
programs to the machine through the central computer. Modern DNC
systems have a large number of additional functions such as graphic
simulation of the processing procedure, storage and management of
tool data and correction values, palette and work piece management,
specification of processing priorities with existing work piece
inventory, material flow control
through the system, convenient visualization, diagnostics etc.
DRAM
Dynamic RAM > dynamic RAM memory chips are used in capacitors
as memory elements. They must be constantly refreshed to maintain
the loading sequence [a thousand times a second for some]. They
are cheaper but slower than SRAMs
DSP
Digital Signal Processor _ optimized for the fastest possible
execution of special athematical functions, particularly with complex
algorithms for analog signal processing, e.g. Fast Fourier Transformation.
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E
ECAD
Electrical CAD systems are configuration tools which allow
the efficient creation and processing of electrical circuit diagrams
and schematic diagrams as well as the automatic generation of cross-reference
maps, cable and terminal diagrams, parts lists as well as order
and manufacturing documents.
EDDL
Electronic Device Description Language
Electric motors
Electric motors are electromechanical energy converters that
can operate machines and generators, i.e. driving and braking. Both
possibilities can be used. There are a large number of different
versions because there are electrical power systems for different
voltages, frequencies and phase figures [DC, AC, 3-phase], and also
because the mechanical energy in regards to its parameters [RPM,
torque, force, speed] must be provided in many forms. Depending
on the type of output motion, a basic distinction is made between
motors for rotations and translation motions. A simple design is
typically preferable for rotating drives. They are manufactured
into corresponding types for the specified task and operating classes
rather than for finished engineering and functional
units. In contrast, application-specific designs are dominant with
linear drives. That means they are generally developed for certain
applications and designed as an engineering unit with the mechanism
to be driven. Depending on the stability of the output motion, a
classification between continuous and discontinuous is actively
possible with both rotational and linear drives. Indexed according
to motion characteristics, there are four drive motor groups available.
These are namely motors for continuous rotational motion, motors
for discontinuous rotational motion [stepper motors], motors for
continuous longitudinal motion [linear motors] and motors for discontinuous
longitudinal motion [linear stepper motors]. Motors for continuous
rotational movements are the mostly common used in machines at the
moment. Principal Engineering Forms: In regards to the design of
stators and rotors, a choice must be made between internal rotors,
external rotors, bell-shaped rotors and disk
armature motors. The design of the internal rotor (stator outside,
rotor inside) corresponds to standard designs. External rotor motors
(stator inside, rotor outside) have a very large rotor torque and
guarantee particularly low noise emission due to their very small
drives. Bell-shaped rotor motors and disk armature motors have a
very small rotor torque and therefore possess very good dynamic
characteristics. They are preferably used as servo
motors. Speed-torque behavior: Depending on the type of current
that they are designed for, and the layout of stators and rotors,
three natural speed-torque behavior pattern distinctions can be
made with electrical motors.
These are namely: synchronous behavior (i.e. speed remains constant
within the permitted load range), shunt characteristic, (i.e. speed
drops slightly with increasing loads) and series characteristic
(i.e. very strong drop in speed with increasing loads). The stationary
torque is created time constant with electrical motors, likewise
with gas, water and steam turbines. A pulsating torque, moving around
a time-based mean value, is only created with some small machines
(e.g. single-phase asynchronous motors). Torque overload: All electrical
motors are capable of being overloaded by torque. That means, they
can emit short-term torques that are larger than the motor nominal
torque NM, but however do not exceed the maximum permitted torque
(Nmax) for the machine in question. The following values are common.
Normal Motors: Nmax / NM = 1.6 to 2.5; servo motors: Nmax / NM =
5 to 50.
Duty Cycle Rating: Due to very strong differences with driven mechanisms
and machines for time-dependent torque demand concerning the required
operation mode, electrical motors are built for eight different
nominal operation modes (S1 to S8, see DIN VDE 0530).Electrical
safety Protection against the dangers of electricity. Safe operation
of electrical and electronic modules, components, devices, machines,
equipment and systems must be guaranteed for the users and operators
through applicable safety regulations and standards.
Electrical safety
Protection against the dangers of electricity. Safe operation
of electrical and electronic modules, components, devices, machines,
equipment and systems must be guaranteed for the users and operators
through applicable safety regulations and standards.
Electrical time constant
Corresponds to 1/5 of the time needed for the stator current
to stabilize with constant operating conditions.
Electromagnetic compatibility
According to EMC Law: The ability of a device or a system
to function satisfactorily in its electromagnetic environment without
introducing intolerable electromagnetic disturbances to anything
in that environment [IEV 161-01-07])
Embedded systems
Systems with embedded computer functions. Included under
this term are embedded chips, embedded microprocessors, embedded
controllers and also embedded logic or embedded devices. These represent
a large number of computer applications that are not classified
in classical data processing and PC technology. Examples of these
can be found in telecommunication systems, access control systems,
intelligent sensors and actuators, bus modules as well as in many
device and machine controllers and other applications. In all cases,
it concerns microcontroller-based controller hardware, which is
used for solving special problems. See above for an example. It
provides task-specific I/O units and the software, which it operates
with. It is stored as firmware in a read-only memory. The processing
power is usually far weaker than a PC.
EMC
Electromagnetic compatibility
EN
European standard (see CENELEC)
Encoder
Coding measurement device, which converts a wave’s
angular position into coded data. A basic distinction can be made
between incremental and absolute systems. Based on a photo electronic
high-beam scan, incremental systems deliver increments in the form
of signal pulses to an evaluation electronic system [up to 10,000
pulses per rotation]. They are very well suited for recording rotation
angles and rotation speeds for motion conversion but also for recording
the traverse paths and speeds for longitudinal motions. A particular
advantage is their simple architecture and the resulting low price.
However, a disadvantage is that it can only register the position
when it is switched on. The path requests a known reference point
after each power-on. Absolute systems deliver the position of the
wave, using a rotation, coded absolutely on the evaluation electronic
system [Singleturn encoder]. They are nonvolatile as a result. A
multi-turn encoder is used for absolute angular measurement with
several rotations. They generally are made up of several coupled
encoders with a precision gear or from a single-turn section that
is coupled with a rotation counter.
Engineering
Engineering work in the broadest sense, i.e. using scientific
and practical findings, concepts and methods for planning, designing,
constructing and maintaining efficient hardware and software products,
devices, machines and systems. In relation to corresponding attributes,
the term ‘engineering’ is also used to characterize
specific fields such as e.g. electrical engineering, power engineering
or plant engineering.
EPROM
Erasable PROM > (complete with ultraviolet light)
EPSG
Ethernet Powerlink Standardization Group
Open association of end-users and vendor associations for the further
development, standardization and distribution of ETHERNET Powerlink.
www.ethernet-powerlink.org
Ergonomic
A word derived from the Greek words ‘Ergon’ [work]
and ‘nomos’ [rules, law]. Part of the work sciences,
ergonomics is a scientific discipline that examines the interaction
between humans and their work environment. The goal is to improve
the working conditions and reduce work-related stresses and strains.
ERP
Enterprise Resource Planning refers to corporate management and
planning level assigned processes, i.e. the complete enterprise
resource planning, optimization and management from the moment that
the order is received until the goods are sent. A well-known ERP
system is the software solution SAP R/3. However, there are a number
of other examples of less extensive systems in regards to possible
functions, where KMUs are used.
Error tolerance
A term describing the capability of a system to fulfill its
specific function, even with a limited number of faulty subsystems.
Error tolerant system behavior, (i.e. the preservation of the programmed
functions despite the failure of system components, the occurrence
of software errors or external disturbances) is achieved using redundant
structures. To do this, the following redundancy principles are
used. Static redundancy: function units of the redundant system
are arranged in a static structure. A few examples of this include
error-correction
circuits, in which faulty digital signals are adjusted based on
error-correction code or comparator circuits, in which the results
of three parallel functional units are repeatedly compared with
each other. As long as 2 out of 3 components are functioning properly,
the entire system is considered to be without error, (i.e. the failure
of one functional unit is tolerated). Dynamic non-operational redundancy:
individual functional units are arranged
in a changeable [switchable] dynamic structure. In the event of
an error, the unit which had been performing the function is switched
to a redundant functional unit. The latter does not have any functional
task during error-free system operation (Stand-by procedure, 1 of
2 procedure). Dynamic operational redundancy: each functional unit
in a system handles its own functional tasks during error-free operation.
If one unit fails, the remaining functional units take over the
failed unit‘s most important tasks by deferring some of their
own tasks
that are less important for the overall function of the systems
(cooperative systems, self-configuring systems, self-healing systems).
ESD
Electrostatic discharge. ESD is a process for charge equalization
between solid, liquid or gaseous media, which are electrically charged
in a different way. It is usually accompanied by a surface, brush,
spark discharge or also flashing discharge phenomenon. However,
it can also take place via a contact point (excluding line-conducted),
and only when the potential difference before the contact does not
exceed 330 volts. Sparking can cause flammable
gases and vapors or explosive compounds to ignite and through the
discharge of currents and fields can damage or destroy electronic
components or interfere with the functions of their electronic operating
equipment. The first-named effect falls into the jurisdiction of
Fire and Explosions Protection and Technical Safety.
The second-named area is the responsibility of the protection of
Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive components (ESDS) and Electromagnetic
Compatibility (EMC). Possible human body discharge from handling
switching circuits, circuit boards, control elements, and container
surfaces in transport, installation, testing, operating, repairs
and service are particularly important issues for people dealing
with electronic device technology. The following
electrical values should be calculated: Energy content 10 to 30
mJ, electrostatic voltage 0.1 to 20 kV, strength of discharge current
up to 30 A (pulse amplitude, current change speed up to 100 A/ns,
electrical field strength 1 to 4 kV/m, magnetic field strength up
to 15 A/m within centimeters of the discharge).
Ethernet
Baseband bus system from RANK XEROX. Originally developed
for linking minicomputers in the early 1970s. Ethernet is based
on the CSMA/CD access procedure. Coaxial cables and/or twisted pair
cables [twisted copper wire pairs] serve as transfer medium. Transfer
speeds: 10 Mbps [Ethernet], 100 Mbps [Fast Ethernet] as well as
1Gbps and 10 Gbps [Gigabit Ethernet], widely growing technology
used for networking computers in a LAN, standardized since 1985
[IEEE 802.3 and ISO 8802-3]. Ethernet technology has established
itself in office usage.
After the enabling the possibility of extremely tough real-time
demands and the adaptation of the device technology [bus cable,
path fields, connection boxes] to the operational conditions of
the industrial world, which are considerably tougher than those
in the area of office use, Ethernet is further advancing into the
area of automation technology.
ETHERNET Powerlink
An enhancement of standard Ethernet. It enables the exchange
of data under strict real-time conditions with cycle times up to
200µs and jitter below 1µs. This makes it possible to
apply Ethernet in automation technology at all levels of communication
from the control level to the I/Os. Ethernet Powerlink was initialized
by the company B&R Industrie-Elektronik and is now managed by
the open end-user and vendor association, EPSG - ETHERNET Powerlink
Standardization Group. www.ethernet-powerlink.org
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Factory automation
Automation market segment, attributed to the user sectors
automotive industry, electronics industry, machine and system manufacturing,
assembly/robotics, transport, storage and materials handling. The
main focus of this segment includes the process chain of automated
manufacturing as well as the technologies required for automation,
such as mounting and handling technology, robotics, image processing,
ID systems, sensors and actuators, drive technology, control technology,
corresponding software, hydraulics and pneumatics as well as
the relevant safety systems.
Failure
Failure according to IEC 61508: A function unit loses the
ability to perform a required function. In regards to safety-oriented
systems, a distinction is made between dangerous and safe failures.
This depends on whether the status of the system failure is considered
dangerous or safe. The cause of the failure may be load related
or age-related, and therefore a random failure, or related to a
flaw inherent in the system. In this case, it is known as a systematic
failure
Failure rate
Failure rate is a measure for the failure behavior of component
units, particularly components. Reliability considerations are of
primary interest here. The failure rate is represented by the fraction
of failures for each time unit, based on the total number of a specified
amount. For example, if an integrated switching circuit has a failure
rate of 10-9 per hour, then this means that in a one hour operating
period, the switching circuit fails with a probability of 10-9.
To put it in another way: if there are 109 switching circuits in
a function unit, then in the middle of each hour, one failure is
likely. The failure rate does not remain constant within the elements’
lifespan. Depending on the time, it follows the so-called “bathing-tub
diagram”. This means, when a component is under the influence
of early failure during the beginning of its usage, it then remains
constant during a specified time span. Random failures make an appearance
here, and increase again under the influence of wear-out failure
towards the end of the lifespan.
Fault
According to IEC 61508: Abnormal operation, which can reduce
or prevent the capability of a functional unit to perform a required
function.
FDD
Floppy Disk Drive. Reading device for removable magnetic
memory from the early days of PC technology. Due to their sensitivity
and moving components, FDDs have been almost completely replaced
by CompactFlash memory in modern automation solutions.
Fiber optic cable
Cable made with glass or plastic fibers; immune to electromagnetic
disturbances; very important as transfer media in local networks.
All stations are completely isolated from each other. The fiber
types are used. They differ regarding the transfer distances they
can achieve. Polymer fibers are the simplest type. They can bridge
distances up to 70m between stations. HCS fibers [Hard Clad Silica]
are glass fibers with a plastic coating. They can handle distances
up to 400m. Glass fiber cables are suited for distances up to 3600m.
Fieldbus
Bus system in the area close to the process, for directly
connecting sensors and actuators with own intelligence. On a fieldbus,
small amounts of data are transferred between sensors, actuators
and control devices in digital form. Transfer must occur as fast
as possible (i.e. near real-time). Furthermore, a fixed minimum
and maximum response time must be guaranteed. Serial fieldbuses
are replacing conventional wiring more and more in modern
automation systems. Serial networking of the components saves time
during planning and installation. Additionally, the size of switching
cabinets is reduced and failure and maintenance times are shortened,
thereby achieving better system availability. System expansions,
changes and updates are easy to implement.
File server
A computer which provides data to other users in a computer
network.
Filter
In terms of suppression, filters are components used for
damping conducted disturbance. Proper application of filters requires
that the spectral part of the reference and disturbance variables
are different enough from one another. This allows selective damping
of disturbance variables without noticeable interference of the
reference variables when the filter parameters have been laid out
sufficiently. Therefore, the actual damping effect is achieved
mostly through voltage division and the resulting filter effect
is described using insertion loss. Filters can be used on a source
of disturbance to prevent the emission of conducted disturbance
and on a noise reduction system to increase the immunity to conducted
disturbance. In addition to the most commonly used passive filters,
which are made up of passive components, there are also active filters,
which contain components that require a power supply. Active filters
are widely used as signal filters. They are only used in power supply
networks in special cases.
Firewall
A term used for an electronic, hardware and/or software-based
security system between two networks, (i.e. Intranet and Internet),
which protects the computer or internal company network from unauthorized
access from the Internet. Only data for specific, authorized services
are allowed to pass through the security barrier at a strictly defined
point.
Firmware
Programs stored permanently in read-only memory. Firmware
is software used to operate computer-controlled devices, which generally
stays in the device throughout its lifespan or over a long period
of time. Such software includes operating systems for CPUs and application
programs for industrial-PCs as well as programmable logic controllers,
(i.e. the software in a washing machine controller). This software
is written in read-only memory
(ROM, PROM, EPROM) and cannot be easily replaced.
Frequency inverter
A device based on power electronic semiconductor devices,
which only functions in switching mode (i.e. only in on state or
in off state). This device has the task (especially in speed-adjustable
three-phase drive systems) of taking a single or three-phase AC
voltage with constant frequency and amplitude, and making a normally
threephase voltage with changeable frequency and voltage amplitude
to feed the three-phase motor (synchronous
or asynchronous). The timing diagram of the voltage supplied by
the inverter must be sinusoidal to the greatest possible extent,
because voltage harmonics cause significant heating of the motor
and increased noise formation.
Frequency inverters are offered as ready-to-use devices in multiple
variations. However, their basic structure is very similar in most
cases. This means that in most cases, a frequency inverter consists
of a power rectifier, which converts the single or three-phase voltage
of the mains into a mostly constant DC voltage (a DC bus with a
larger capacitor to smooth out the voltage) and an inverter, which
converts the DC voltage of the DC bus to a variable frequency three-phase
output voltage.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol. Rules for transferring data over
a network from one computer to another computer. This protocol is
based on TCP/IP, which has established itself as quasi standard
for the transfer of data via Ethernet networks. FTP is one of the
most-used protocols on the Internet. It is defined in RFC 959 in
the official regulations for Internet communication.
Function Block Language
FBL. Graphical programming language according to IEC 1131-3
and DIN EN 61131-3 for creating PLC application programs.
Functional safety
Safety against the dangers resulting from device malfunction
(aggregate, machine, operating equipment, system).
According to IEC 61508: Part of the overall safety, based on the
control object [EUC] and its control system, which depends on the
proper functioning of the E/E/PE safety-related system, safety systems
from other technologies and external devices for risk minimization.
This is achieved while the planning, configuring, operating and
maintaining the system by avoiding and/or handling potential malfunctions
and by preventing dangerous system failures.
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Gateway
Device used to connect two networks that have different protocols.
For example, when using INTERBUS a gateway represents a component,
which couples other transfer systems to the INTERBUS.
GB
Gigabyte. 1 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes
GIF
Graphics Interchange Format. Graphic format with up to 256
colors in which images are compressed to a minimum size. GIF files
are well-suited for images with sharp color transitions.
Ground
In the context of electro-technical theory, the term ‘ground’
is more or less understood as good conductive ground, which does
not have any potential differences outside the area of influence
or any other electrical phenomena.
GUI
Graphical User Interface. A display seen by a computer user
with icons for various utilities and programs, including display
and operational elements for programs or operating systems, menus
and dialog boxes, which make it easier for the user to operate the
computer.
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H
Half duplex
Method of data transfer in which information is transferred
in both directions consecutively.
Handshake
Method of synchronization for data transfer when data is
sent at irregular intervals. The sender signals that data can be
sent and the receiver signals when new data can be received.
HDD
Hard Disk Drive. Fixed magnetic mass memory with high capacities
e.g. 120GB.
Hexadecimal system
Number system with the base B = 16. It has sixteen digits
[0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15)]
which are often represented with letters for elements (10) to (15)
[0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, F].
The sum of the products for a hexadecimal number is calculated as
follows
Z = zn16n + zn-116n-1 + ... + zi16i + ... + z1161 + z0160.
For example, value Z for the hexadecimal number 5A2FD is calculated
as follows
Z = 5_164 + 10_163 + 2_162 + 15_161 + 13_160
HMI
Human Machine Interface
Horizontal integration
Horizontal integration combines MES solutions with each other
in a company pyramid. In this way, all information is available
online which prevents multiple data entry and double data storage.
Host
On computer systems with multiple CPUs and bus masters, this
refers to the device with the arbitration unit and host CPU or the
device that has control of the entire system. With regard to the
Internet, a constantly available network server is called a host.
Hot swap
Changing computer components during operation. There are
three different level: basic hot swap, full hot swap and the high
availability model. Basic hot swap is the simplest form in which
the module to be exchanged is deactivated or the computer configuration
is changed using the computer keyboard. Computer specialists are
normally needed. With full hot swap, software installed on the components
being exchanged handles activation and deactivation. An integrated
switch on the front of the component signals the computer that removing
the
component will start or that inserting the new component is complete.
An LED on the front side shows that the component can be removed
or that the new component has been inserted. The high availability
model is used in computer systems with high availability requirements.
Here, the hot swap software does not control each component individually,
instead it uses a separate hot swap controller [HSC]. This allows
faulty boards to be
automatically deactivated and prevents crashes.
HTML
Hyper Text Markup Language. Programming language with hyper
text marks. Language used to write most web pages. It is based on
the SGML definition. For detailed information, see www.w3.org/MarkUp
HTTP
Hyper Text Transfer Protocol. Data transfer protocol for
HTML pages and all types of files coupled to them. It is the protocol
that the entire WWW is based on. That means, it controls the interaction
between web browser and web server. It becomes active with each
mouse-click on a hyperlink and ensures that the browser is provided
the respective information.
www.w3c.org/Protocols
Hub
Central connection point in a network with star formed topology,
which distributes incoming data packets to all connected end devices
[similar to the way a multiple power socket distributes power].
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I
IAONA
Industrial Automation Open Networking Alliance. Group of
leading international automation manufacturers that distributes
open IT network standards such as Ethernet as worldwide standards
for industrial communication. Founded in 1999 at the SPS/IPC/DRIVES
in Nuremberg. www.iaona.org
IDE
Integrated Device Electronics. Interface for mass memory,
such as HDDs, in which the controller electronics are found in the
drive itself.
IEC
International Electrotechnical Commission. International
standards organization that includes all national electrotechnical
committees. It specifies electro-technical standards worldwide;
location: Geneva. www.iec.ch
IEEE
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. American
organization of electrical and electronic engineers (founded in
1884, more than 300,000 members in approximately 150 countries)
www.ieee.org
IL
Instruction List. IL is a text-based, assembly-like programming
language according to IEC 1131-3 and DIN EN 61131-3 for creating
PLC application programs.
Intelligent systems
Before continuing, it should be noted that it has not been
possible to make a generally accepted, clear definition for intelligence,
neither for psychology nor technology. However, the following is
a very simplified statement concerning the many perceptions that
exist, starting with a reference to the intelligence of humans:
„Intelligence [mental capabilities] refers to the ability
to effectively cope with tasks in life and on the job“. It
is many-facetted personal trait that is mainly based on the ability
to think (i.e. dealing with information rationally and emotionally).
The main and partially measurable factors include: perception, processing
of information, storing of information, language, mathematics, imagination,
concentration and judgment. If intelligent technical systems are
evaluated according to these criteria, it is clear that they surpass
human abilities in certain areas, but have huge shortcomings with
reference to total intelligence. That means such systems are still
far from achieving the complex intelligent capabilities of humans,
but support them in a significant manner, and that is the most important
factor affecting the functional quality and marketability of intelligent
components, modules, devices, machines and systems. Their strengths
come from the use of fuzzy technologies and artificial intelligence
methods for collecting information, planning actions and monitoring
results, even when the conditions are not clearly defined. Areas
of application include: Handwriting and voice recognition, image
processing, robotics, sensor and actuator control, adaptive control
and planning systems, knowledge acquisition and processing, data
mining as well as assistance systems for planning, maintenance,
diagnostics and project management.
Interface
From the hardware point of view, an interface is the connection
point between two modules/devices/systems. The units on both sides
of the interface are connected by the interface lines so that data,
addresses and control signals can be exchanged. The term interface
includes all functional, electrical and constructive conditions
[coding, signal level, pin assignments], which characterize the
connection point between the modules, devices
or systems. Depending on the type of data transfer, a differentiation
is made between parallel [e.g. Centronics, IEEE 488] and serial
interfaces [e.g. V.24, TTY, RS232, RS422, RS485], which are set
up for different transfer speeds and transfer distances. From the
point of view of software, the term interface describes the transfer
point between program modules using specified rules for transferring
the program data.
Internet
International Network. Worldwide collection of computers
and computer networks of various sizes and architectures that work
with various operating systems. Information is stored remote computers
[servers] that can be accessed by anyone at any time from their
computers [clients]. It has developed in steps in resent decades
and now is the basis for the worldwide exchange of data, for example
via e-mail. It is currently the most popular network in the world
with approximately 500 million users. www.isoc.org
IP
Internet Protocol. Protocol [method, procedure] used to transfer
data from one computer to another in a network, for example on the
Internet or Intranet. Each computer in the network is clearly identified
by its IP address. If data is sent from one computer to another,
it is broken into small information packets containing the address
of the sender and receiver. These packets can reach their destination
over the network using different paths and
in an order other than the send sequence. Once there, they are put
back in the correct order by another protocol, the Transmission
Control Protocol [TCP].
IP protection
It uses IEC 529, EN 60529 or DIN EN 60529 to characterize
the protection of electrical devices by housings, covers or encapsulating
to prevent persons from accessing dangers parts within the cover
and provide protection from contaminants and water. The protection
code is specified by a 4-character code [IP code]. It consists of
the letters IP and two numbers. IP stands for „International
Protection“, the first number specifies protection against
solid contaminants (0 to 6), the second number specifies protection
against water (0 to 8). The individual degrees of protection range
from simple protection against touch to full protection against
dust as well as from protection against vertically dropping water
to protection against being fully submerged. In industrial environments,
protection levels starting with IP 65 have become standard.
IPC
Industrial PC
ISA
Industry Standard Architecture. Early bus system for expansion
slots allowing installation of add-on PC cards. In modern PC architectures,
it has mostly been replaced by the PCI bus.
ISO
International Organization for Standardization. Worldwide
federation of national standardization institutions from over 130
countries. ISO is not an acronym for the name of the organization;
it is derived from the Greek word isos, meaning „equal“.
www.iso.ch
IT system
Information Technology system. Technical system for evaluating,
transferring, processing, storing and/or using information.
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Jitter
Jitter is a term that describes time deviations of cyclic
events. If, for example, an event should take place every 200_s
and it actually occurs every 198 to 203_s, then the jitter is 5_s.
Jitter has many causes. It originates in the components and transfer
media of networks because of noise, crosstalk, electromagnetic interference
and many other random occurrences. In automation technology, jitter
is a measure of the quality of synchronization
and timing.
JPEG
Joint Photographic Experts Group. Widely-used graphic format
for compressing digital color and black/white pictures. Named after
the expert group that created it.
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LAD
Ladder Diagram. Graphical programming language according
to IEC 1131-3 and DIN EN 61131-3 for creating PLC application programs.
Latency period
Synonym for delay time, reaction time and runtime. For technical
purposes, the time a device requires to provide an output reaction
after an input arrives or, for example, the time a data packet requires
to pass from the sender to the receiver on a network or remains
in a network device before being forwarded.
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display. LCDs are not lit themselves, they
reflect light from their environment or allow light to pass through
from behind.
LED
Light Emitting Diode. Luminescent diode.
Linear motors
All motor technologies that are used to create rotary electric
motors can also be used in a linear (straight) arrangement to create
linear motors. As standard synchronous motor or asynchronous motor
designs, a linear motor consists of two parts; an m-strand winding
packet [primary side or forcer] embedded in grooves in a metal plate
or molded in plastic (iron-free) and a secondary side that either
consists of a carrier rail where the permanent magnets are mounted
[synchronous motor] or a squirrel cage winding placed in a magnetic
frame [asynchronous motor]. Linear motors are available in flat
and cylindrical designs, are air and water cooled and have different
guidance systems [glide, air suspension, roller, magnet, etc.].
They are used for translatory direct drive technology. They allow
immediate, low-wear, low-vibration force to be applied to machine
parts that move lengthwise without having to convert a rotary movement.
Together with high resolution sensor systems, powerful controllers
and precision bearings, they are very well suited for linear positioning
and feed movements that are highly dynamic and extremely precise.
In high-end applications for measurement, optics and electronic
manufacturing, they allow positioning precisions <1 _m. For general
use in machine manufacturing, precision requirements of 0.01mm to
0.1 mm are necessary in addition to being robust, having a long
lifespan and being able to be easily integrated in the construction
and control technology for machine concepts. A special linear
motor application is the drive system for the Transrapid.
Low-voltage guidelines
The goal of the guideline is to guarantee the safety of the
user and to minimize the incidents of accidents. This includes all
electrical operating equipment for creating, conducting, distributing,
saving, converting and consuming energy such as e.g. generators,
cables, switches, sockets, accumulators, transformers, lights, household
devices and motors for using with a nominal voltage of between 50
and 1,000 volts for AC and between 75 and
1,500 volts for DC. Exceptions are listed in Appendix II of the
guidelines. According to the guidelines, such operating equipment
should only be put into circulation when it has been manufactured
in compliance with current EU safety engineering regulations, when
it will not injure or damage humans, animals and material assets
with proper installation and maintenance and usage according to
regulations, when a conformity evaluation process
has been undertaken by the manufacturer, when a corresponding declaration
of conformity is available and finally when they are labeled with
the CE marking.
LPT
Line Printer. Logical device names for printers on PC systems.
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Machine
According to machine regulations, a machine is understood
to be an entire collection of interconnected components, with at
least one being movable. Along with the mechanical components, the
actuator, controller and energy components are also part of a machine.
See also Automation Object.
Machine guideline
Machine guideline 89/392/EWG has the task of ensuring the
free movement of goods for machines in the European Union (with
this machine systems and removable equipment are also meant), separately
introduced safety components as well as load absorption equipment.
This has led to harmonized structural demands and conformity evaluation
processes, which must be fulfilled by the people responsible for
this. This particularly concerns safety requirements and health
protection in relation to machine construction.
www.maschinenrichtlinie.deManufacturing automation Automation market
segment for the industrial sectors such as circuit, component, device
and aggregate manufacturing, in which primarily discrete processes
(discontinuous processes) occur.
Master-Slave principle
The master-element determines that slave-elements follow
the instructions of the master. With remote bus control, an automation
device as master-element grants the access rights for the other
components [slave-elements].
Maximum speed
Maximum motor speed. This is a mechanical condition (centrifugal
force, bearing wear).
MB
Megabyte (1 MB = 1,048,576 bytes or 220)
Mechatronics
Mechatronics was coined from the terms mechanics, electronics
and informatics, and is a multi-disciplinary area of engineering
that integrates these three areas. Established in Japan in 1975,
it is an interdisciplinary development approach for products, which
provides solutions for mechanical product tasks through the dimensional,
technological and functional integration of mechanical, electrical
and information processing subsystems.
Completely new products or products with considerably improved features
have been developed as a result and this trend will continue into
the future. Examples of mechatronic systems are: motor vehicles,
aircrafts and spacecrafts, ships, modern rail traffic systems, machine
tools, robots, modern cameras and many other devices and systems
where the close interplay of mechanics, electrics and electronics
is an essential requirement for their functionality.
MES
Manufacturing Execution System. The term MES covers a series
of software solutions at factory control level. Its task is to record,
prepare and make appraisable, all production data for optimizing
production processes. By using real-time data from production, MES
systems allow monitoring, control, reaction and reporting for the
respective processes as they occur. This makes it possible to react
quickly to changing manufacturing conditions in relation to the
reduction of non-relevant production activities, and allows a more
effective management of operation and production processes. In the
context of vertical integration, Manufacturing Execution Systems
are the link between the Automation level and management level systems
[business corporate planning, ERP].
Microprocessor
Highly integrated circuit with the functionality of a CPU,
normally housed on a single chip. It comprises a control unit, arithmetic
and logic unit, several registers and a link system for connecting
memory and peripheral components. The main performance features
are the internal and external data bus and address bus widths, the
command set and the clock frequency. Additionally, a choice can
be made between CISC and RISC processors.
The first commercially available worldwide microprocessor was the
Intel 4004. It came on the market in 1971.
MIPS
Million Instructions Per Second. A measurement unit for measuring
the operating speed of a computer.
MIS
Management Information System. The goal of such systems is
to provide computational and simulation technology support to management
processes such as planning, monitoring, and decision making, in
order to improve overall quality. This requires that all company
data relevant to decision makers can be accessed and that this data
can be incorporated into planning, control, and simulation processes.
The performance capability of today’s systems largely depends
on the provision of filtered, processed, compressed information
and successcritical data, within the shortest period of time. It
is also very dependent on the information and organization structures
within a company.
Modem
Modulator/Demodulator. An add-on card or external device,
which allows information to be exchanged between computers over
the telephone network using digital/analog or analog/digital signal
conversion.
Motherboard
A circuit board, which houses the main components of a computer
such as the CPU switching circuit, co-processors, RAM, ROM for firmware,
interface circuits and expansion slots for hardware expansions.
MTBF
Mean Time Between Failures. The mean time between two failures
for repairable objects and reliability parameters.
MTC
Maintenance Controller. A standalone processor system in
B&R industrial PCs, which provides additional functions for
system monitoring and availability.
Multiplexing
A combination of two or more information channels on a common
transfer medium.
Multitasking
Multitasking is an operating mode in an operating system,
which allows several computer tasks to be executed parallel and
simultaneously.
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NAMUR
NAMUR is a German standardization association for measurement
and control technology in chemical industries. It was founded in
1949. The subheading “Interest Group for Process Control Technology
in the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries” has been added
to make it more relevant to today’s situation. NAMUR is an
association of users of process control technology. Manufacturers
of control technology, hardware and software are not eligible as
members. There are currently over 80 member companies from Germany
and other European countries such as Spain, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland,
Belgium and the Netherlands. It is concerned with planning and erection,
with solutions and systems for process control and factory control
levels, with measurement and positioning technology and also with
the operation and technical support of process control equipment
up to closure.
www.namur.de
NC
Numerical Control
.NET
DOTNET. Microsoft’s new development platform provides
a common runtime library and a type system for all programming languages.
DOTNET is the umbrella term for the following products, strategies
and technologies; .NET framework, a new software platform, Visual
Studio .NET, a new development environment that supports several
.NET programming languages (e.g. C# or VB.NET especially created
for .NET), .NET My Services, a group of services taking over functions
such as authentication, .NET Enterprise Server, which apart from
the names, is independent of the other technologies and includes
the products Exchange Server 2000, Application Center 2000, SQL
Server 2000. .NET devices, supported by a slimmed down version of
the .NET framework (.NET Compact Framework.)
Network
A connection structure of individual elements [points, nodes,
components] that are connected with each other or have a defined
interaction with each other [traffic systems, power supply networks,
communication networks etc.]. In the context of the EMC law, for
example, this is understood as a summary of several transfer lines,
that are electrically or optically connected to the individual points
[nodes] using an installation, a system, an
apparatus or a component. Of particular importance for modern automation
technology are the communication networks like the Internet, Intranet,
Ethernet etc.
Network layer
Layer 3 in the OSI reference model. The data packets are
addressed in this layer. Logic addresses and names are also physically
converted and the transfer paths defined.
Node
Branching point in a network
Numerical controllers
NC and CNC systems are high-capacity programmable logic controllers
based on the microcomputer, used for automating operating sequences,
particularly with processing and converting machines, but also with
polygraph machines and measurement, testing and drafting machines,
as well as many other installations. In a modified form they are
used to control manipulation processes for industrial robots. Corresponding
to the characteristic
special features of the movements in the controlled object, a distinction
is made between the items controllers, linear path controllers and
two or multi-dimensional continuous path controllers. They are numerical
controller systems, housed on the operator panel and console for
the machine to be controlled or accommodated on a separate vessel.
The processing programs for individual work pieces – depending
on the type and scope of
the processing task, they consist of between 50 to 500 individual
program sentences. Each sentence contains the necessary geometrical
and technological data for executing a technological sub-operation.
They are coded alphanumerically using keyboards [work station oriented
programming WOP] or memory or entered online by a higher-level control
computer [DNC computer] in the internal controller work data memory.
The process sizes for important control process [tool positions]
are recorded with discrete measuring instruments and processed numerically
together with the program information; i.e. the command information
is created for main and auxiliary drives in the controlled machine.
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Object
Something toward which thought, feeling, or action is directed.
In the context of software, it is a self-contained unit that contains
specific data [attributes] and functions [operations].
ODVA
Open DeviceNet Vendor Association. An independent organization
that supports the further development, application and spreading
of DeviceNet worldwide. Membership is made up of companies who either
manufacture DeviceNet products or supply development tools for DeviceNet.
www.odva.de
OEM
Original Equipment Manufacturer. A company that integrates
third-party and in-house manufactured components into their own
product range and then distributes these products under its own
name.
OMAC
Open Modular Architecture Controls Users Group. An association,
which promotes the worldwide development and application of open
modular architecture controls.
www.omac.org
OOP
Object Oriented Programming. New procedure for creating software.
At the core of this procedure are objects that incorporate data
and processes for manipulating this data. If the following circumstances
apply then it is an example of OOP: Encapsulation: Hides the data
structure of an object from the user and caller. Defines similar
objects into classes. Inherits methods and capabilities of an object
developed to the later model [equal treatment].
Compatible to both the original and the later model [polymorphism].
OPC
OLE for process control. A communication standard for components
in the area of automation. The goal of OPC development is to provide
an open interface that builds on Windows-based technologies such
as OLE, COM and DCOM. It allows problem-free standardized data transfer
between controllers, operating and monitoring systems, field devices
and office applications of different manufacturers. This development
is promoted by the OPC foundation, which is made up of over 200
companies from around the world, including Microsoft and other leading
companies. Nowadays, OPC is also interpreted as a synonym for Openness,
Productivity and Connectivity, symbolizing the new possibilities
that this standard opens up.
OPC server
The missing link between connection modules for the InterBus
and the visualization. It communicates serially with the connection
modules via the ISA or PCI bus or Ethernet.
Operating system
The entire collection of programs, which together with the
computer’s hardware, regulate the basic operating sequence
of a computer and computer-based devices.
OSI reference model
Established in 1972 by the ISO, its goal is to link the networks
of different manufacturers with the different topologies. The OSI
reference model [also known as a layer model] represents a standard,
which classifies and defines the principles for which communication,
using different protocols (rules), takes place between the components
in a network. It consists of seven layers in total: Physical layer,
data link layer, network layer, transport
layer, session layer, presentation layer and application layer.
Using the lowest layer, the physical [layer 1], the electrical and
mechanical specifications for cables and network adapter cards are
defined, as well as the method for sending bits over the cable.
The second layer, the data link layer, integrates bits from the
lowest level into groups and data packets [frames], and inserts
controller information at the start of the packet [sender and receiver
address, length of the packet, used protocols of higher layers].
At the next highest layer, the network layer [layer 3], information
is passed on over the network used and so on.
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Parameter data
Represents configuration values and device data, e.g. configuration
values of components. The data is stored in the central controller
and if necessary, can be automatically downloaded after the exchange
of individual components. That means, parameter data rarely changes
and is only transferred when requested. Concerning transfer speed,
the data is governed by less stricter requirements in comparison
to process data.
Parity checking
Parity checking is a simple process that checks for transfer
errors. The parity bit is added so that each group of bits (containing
the number of 1s) has either an even or odd number of bits (HD =
2).
PC card
Registered trademark of PCMCIA for add-on cards conforming
to PCMCIA specifications.
PCI bus
Peripheral Component Interconnect Bus. Developed by INTEL
as an intermediary/local bus for the latest PC generation. It is
basically a synchronous bus. The main clock of the CPU is used for
synchronization. The PCI bus is microprocessor independent, compatible
with 32-bit and 64-bit and supports both 3.3 V and 5 V cards and
devices. See also PCI SIG.
PCMCIA
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association.
An international standards body made up of component manufacturers
in the computer industry that support the establishment and further
development of a standard for memory cards and other PC cards. The
corresponding PCMCIA standard provides exact specifi- cations for
details such as size, power consumption, signal handling and programming
of the cards. The cards have compact dimensions [credit card format,
3.3mm, 5mm or 10.5 mm thick], low power consumption and are configured
using software. PCMCIA technology is well suited for all mobile
measurement, analysis, service and testing systems equipped with
mobile PCs, laptops or notebooks.
www.pcmcia.org
Physical layer
Layer 1 in the OSI reference model. It defines network cabling
and transfer technology and regulates the transfer of bit streams
over a physical media from one device to another.
PICMG
PCI Industrial Computers Manufacturers Group. Goal: Use of
commercial PCI bus for industrial environments, especially CompactPCI
bus. www.picmg.org
PID controller
PI controller with derivative element. The derivative element
additionally influences the manipulated variable to the same extent
as the change speed for the control deviation.
PLC
Programmable logic controller. Computer-based control device
that functions using an application program. The application program
is relatively easy to create using standardized programming languages
[IL, FBD, LAD, AS, ST]. Because of its serial functionality, reaction
times are slower compared to connection-oriented control. Today,
PLCs are available in device families with matched modular components
for all levels of an automation
hierarchy.
PLCopen
PLCopen is a vendor and product independent worldwide association
that supports the establishment of international standards, especially
IEC 61131-3, for programming industrial controllers and certifies
standard-based programming systems. This includes the definition
of various compliance levels, as well as the development of test
procedures and provision of certificates from independent institutions.
plcopen.org
Polling
Method of synchronization for data transfer. When polling,
one partner [master] cyclically asks other partners [slaves] if
they want to send information or if they can receive information.
Only the master can start communication, not the partners [slaves]
being polled. They can only block communication.
Power electronics
Technology based on power semiconductors that can switch
high currents and handle high voltages [e.g. IGBTs] for conversion,
control and conditioning of energy. Power electronic components
and devices rated up to the megawatt range can be found in the supply
systems of nearly all electric/electronic equipment. According to
experts, over 50% of the worldwide electric power consumption was
controlled using power electronic devices
and systems in year 2000.
Power Panel
Devices from this B&R product family combine visualization,
control and I/O components in one compact device. Powerlink (see
ETHERNET Powerlink)
Presentation layer
Layer 6 in the OSI reference model. This layer handles text
formatting and display. It is also responsible for data security.
It handles data compression as well.
Process
Action, event or procedure in which continuous or discontinuous,
quantitative or qualitative changes to parameters or states of a
real or virtual object or media being observed take place. Every
process has a defined start and a defined end. Depending on what
happens during a process or which objects undergo the process, it
is possible to differentiate between many types of economic and
industrial processes such as value-added processes
[production and manufacturing processes], service processes [logistics,
maintenance and repair processes], management processes [planning
and maneuvering processes], etc. For technological processes, a
differentiation is often made between continuous processes, discontinuous
processes and charge processes depending on the continuity of the
main process activity.
Process image
Image of the signal states for digital inputs and outputs
on the PLC CPU. The process image for inputs and the process image
for outputs are differentiated.
Process visualization
Display of the activities in an industrial production area,
in communal areas, in traffic areas and in safety relevant or laboratory
areas using modern IT equipment, i.e. suitable display systems for
improved handling of the respective processes.
PROFIBUS-DP
PROFIBUS for „Decentralized Peripherals“. PROFIBUS-DP
can be used to allow simply digital and analog I/O modules as well
as intelligent signal and data processing units to be installed
in the machine room, which among other things can significantly
reduce cabling costs. Many used for time-critical factory automation
applications.
Programming languages
Programming languages are artificial languages with strict
syntax and semantics, clear symbols and special notation for creating
algorithms in an executable computer program. Since the creation
of the first functioning program-controlled computer Z3 in 1941,
over a thousand programming languages have been developed for various
application areas. An overview of the evolution, current state and
future of programming languages can be found on the following websites.
Protocol
Information technology (IT): Specifications regarding data
formats and control procedures for communication between two devices
or processes. The protocol can be implemented as hardware or software
and mainly includes the following aspects: the type of error detection
used, the data compression method (if used) and the way the sender
indicates the end of the information sent and the receiver indicates
that the information has been received.
PV
Process variable. Logical storage location for values and
states in a program.
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RAM
Random Access Memory. A semiconductor memory which can be
read or written to by the microprocessor or other hardware components.
Memory locations can be accessed in any order. While ROM types cannot
be written to, RAM memory allows both read and write access.
Rated current
The rated current is the effective value for the phase current
(current in the motor supply line) when generating the rated torque
at the rated speed. This is possible for any length of time if the
environmental conditions are correct.
Rated power
The rated power is output by the motor when n = nN. This
is possible for any length of time if the environmental conditions
are correct.
Rated torque
The nominal torque is output by the motor (n = nN) when the
nominal current is being drawn. This is possible for any length
of time if the environmental conditions are correct.
Real-time
A system is operating in real-time or has real-time capability,
if the input sizes [e.g. signals, data) are received and processed
in a defined time period, and the results are made available in
real-time for a partner system or the system environment. See also
‘Real-time Demands’ and ‘Real-time System’
Real-time classes
The real-time demands on computer, control, controller and
communication systems are defined by the physical environment that
they operate in and by the partner system that they interact with.
To clarify these facts about orientation in a more technically way,
the IAONA real-time work group carried out a classification of networks
for real-time environments. This resulted in the development of
four distinct real-time classes. Class 1 covers all installations
and systems where relatively slow (not time critical) processes
take place. With integrated communication systems, this means reaction
times ranging between 0.1 and 10 seconds. Class 2 refers to a dynamic
relatively simple usage environment, where reaction times between
1 and 500 ms are sufficient. Class 3 concerns dynamically simple
devices and systems such as robots and CNC machines, which due to
the communication technology demand reaction times of approximately
50µs to 20 ms. Class 4 focuses on highly-dynamic installations
and systems, whose communication network requires reaction
times of well below one millisecond to ensure flawless operation.
www.iaona.org
Real-time system
A system, which responds to an outside event within a specified
time period. Therefore, the main focus is not on speed. The necessary
reaction speed conforms more to the environment and to the partner
object, which the system cooperates with in a specific application.
For example, high-speed digital controllers need real-time systems,
where reaction times lie in the microsecond range. In contrast,
automation solutions with programmable logic controllers can manage
with reaction times in the millisecond range. For slow systems in
the processing industry, e.g. temperature controllers, reaction
times in the range of seconds or even minutes are sufficient. In
regards to complying with the defined time limit, a distinction
is made between critical and relaxed real-time demands. A critical
real-time demand is when all required system responses to an outside
stimulation must be
made within a strictly specified time period under all possible
conditions. Otherwise, considerable damage is imminent. In contrast,
a relaxed real-time demand is where there is a certain degree of
tolerance involved. A defined time limit can be exceeded, because
there are no fatal consequences to fear. The real-time capability
of a system depends on a number of variables. Particularly in Automation
technology, signal running times, cycle
times, latency periods, jitter, synchronicity requirements and data
throughput to be managed play a significant role.
Redundancy
Technical equipment or methods exist beyond that necessary
for completing a function for the purpose of increasing functional
security of devices and systems.
Relay
An electric device that causes a defined change in one or
more electrical output circuits when a change occurs to a value
on the input circuit [current, voltage or their derivatives over
time, as well as the sum, difference, product or quotient of several
electrical values]. The following types are differentiated between
according to DIN VDE 0435 depending on their functioning principle:
Electromechanical relay, if they function according to the movement
of mechanical elements resulting from the effects of an electric
current on the input circuit; Electrothermal
relay [thermal or bimetal relay], if they function according to
the deformation of thermal elements (directly or indirectly caused
by the bimetal strips being heated by the input current); Static
relay, if they function according to electronic, magnetic, optical
or other methods without moving mechanical elements or thermal elements.
Switching relays and measurement relays are also differentiated
between depending on their use. Switching
relays are used as control relays, auxiliary relays, intermediate
relays, timing relays, stepping relays, indicator relays and in
other specifications for creating simple control applications. Measurement
relays are used as protective relays, overload relays, monitoring
relays, differential relays, distance relays, negative-phase-sequence
relays and in other designs as monitoring, protective and diagnostics
functions.
Release delay
Delay time required until the holding torque of the holding
brake is reduced by 90% (the brake is released) after the operating
voltage has been returned to the holding brake.
Reliability
In a technical context, reliability represents the ability
to correctly operate at a continual performance level within defined
probability limits and time spans. Characteristic reliability parameters
are: MTBF of repairable devices, MTTF for non-repairable systems
and failure rate for modules or components, which can be used to
establish availability.
Repeater
Equipment used to amplify and regenerate signals in a network.
Information passed through a repeater can travel longer distances
than without a repeater. Simple, cost-effective method of LAN expansion.
Residual risk
Risk that remains after applying appropriate protective measures
Resolver
Inductive devices used for determining and transferring rotation
angles. Modern designs can have a precision of +/- 3 angular minutes.
They are used to create highly dynamic drive solutions. They are
constructed as small precision alternators with a single-strand
rotor winding and a double-strand stator winding, which has strands
that are offset 90 degrees in the stator. If the rotor winding has
an AC voltage applied (normally 10 kHz) with constant
amplitude, voltages with the same frequency are induced as in a
transformer to the two stator windings, having amplitudes that are
proportional to the sine and cosine of the rotor rotation angle.
The rotor rotation angle can be determined using these amplitudes
and an arc tangent calculation. That means the resolver works in
this case as a rotation angle encoder. If the two stator windings
have AC voltage applied, having amplitudes proportional to the sine
and cosine of a desired angular set value, a voltage is created
in the rotor that corresponds to the difference between the rotation
angle set and actual values. In this case, the resolver functions
as a rotation angle encoder with integrated set and actual value
comparison.
Robustness
Ability of an object to continue functioning, even if specified
conditions are not met. Qualitative term because exact assessment
criteria do not exist.
ROM
Read Only Memory. Nonvolatile memory. Contents of the memory
are stored by the chip manufacturer in final mask step [also called
mask-programmed ROM]. It can only be read and constantly remains
in the same form.
RS232
Recommended Standard Number 232. Oldest and most widespread
interface standard, also called V.24 interface; all signals are
referenced to ground making this an unbalanced interface. High level:
-3 ... -30 V, Low level: +3 ... +30 V; cable lengths up to 15 m,
transfer rates up to 20 kbit/s; for point-to-point connections between
2 participants.
RS422
Recommended Standard Number 422. Interface standard, balanced
operation resulting in increased immunity to disturbances. High
level: 2 ... -6 V, Low level: +2 ... +6 V; 4-wire connection [inverted/not
inverted], cable lengths up to 1200 m, transfer rates up to 10 Mbit/s,
1 sender can carry out simplex communication with up to 10 receivers.
RS485
Recommmended Standard Number 485. Interface standard upgraded
from RS422; High level: 1.5 ... -6 V, Low level: +1.5 ... +6 V;
2-wire connection [half duplex operation] or 4-wire connection [full
duplex operation]; cable lengths up to 1200 m, transfer rates up
to 10 Mbit/s. Up to 32 participants can be connected to an RS485
bus [sender/receiver].
Runtime system
For computer technology: All routines required to execute
a program written in a special programming language on a special
platform [interaction with the operating system, memory management,
error handling routines, etc.]. For automation technology, there
are now many manufacturer-specific runtime systems for practically
all controller types [PLC, CNC, PC-based system, robot controllers,
etc.]. In distributed automation systems, flexibility, functionality
and performance of the individual devices is often limited. It seems
that using the. Net
technology from Microsoft, including the CLR (common language runtime)
system, can help. For communications, a runtime system is a filter
for signal correction that removes disturbances that cause sections
of wireless signals for example to be distributed in different ways
with different runtimes causing signal distortions for the receiver.
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Safety
According to Brockhaus: The absence of danger or the knowledge
that an individual or group is protected from potential dangers.
When referring to technology, safety is the characteristic of an
object [component, device, machine, system] to not present unacceptable
dangers to people, equipment or the environment when operated according
to specifications. Handling security issues takes place in two ways:
Firstly, under the premise that the object will function as it should;
secondly, under the premise that the object will not function correctly
(complete
failure). The first aspect mainly concerns issues of health, working
conditions and fire and is regulated by many laws and guidelines.
The second aspect is part of technical safety measures that are
set up to minimize dangerous situations and risks associated with
system failures (at least below an acceptable limiting risk level)
based on the probability of a failure and the possible extent of
damages. These issues are included in the topic of functional safety.
For automation technology, the corresponding standards are IEC 61508
and EN 954-1. As a footnote, there is no such thing as absolute
safety without any risks, neither in technology or nature.
SCADA
Supervision, Control And Data Acquisition. SCADA systems
are used to control, monitor and record industrial processes. A
high degree of configurability allows customization for various
processes.
SDRAM
Synchronic Dynamic Random Access Memory. A form of dynamic
RAM semiconductor modules that can be operated at high clock rates.
Sensor
Equipment that converts a physical value based on a physical
effect into an electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic signal for further
processing. Modern sensors have integrated signal preprocessing
to prevent disturbances or nonlinearity. In automation technology,
sensors are used to get the information required to control a process.
For example, determining aggregate and machine states or to collect
process data such as temperature, pressure,
speed, fill level, flow, distances, angles, etc.
Sequential control
Sequential control is a control sequence where the individual
steps are structured and processed sequentially in accordance to
the plan/program stored in the control device. The individual steps
are assigned commands, which are output to the control object by
the control device as either time-dependent or process status-dependent.
This is determined when both the specified timing conditions for
one step are fulfilled or if stipulated events have occurred in
the process range. On the basis of this fact, there is a differentiation
made between
time-dependent sequential control and process-dependent sequential
control. Time-dependent sequential control is used where it can
be safely assumed that the sequences in the controlled object are
always processed according to the time function, or where important
criteria for the processing sequence either cannot be recorded or
only recorded with great difficulty in a metrological manner. For
example, it can be found in starter automation for motors, which
always start under the same stress ratios and also in automation
for controlling washing machines, centrifuges, molding machines,
injection molding machines and contact welding machines. They are
also generally found with those devices and installations that automatically
implement cleaning, heating, sintering, annealing, baking, boiling
and drying processes. Due to its operating principle, process-dependent
sequential control makes it possible to carry out certain program
processing adjustments to accidental
irregularities during process events. They are found everywhere
where there are no problems caused and in the controlled object
where the occurrence of certain events (e.g., “target position
reached”, “valve open”, “operating speed
reached”) is recorded with suitable sensors and reported back
to the control device. In everyday industrial practice,time and
process dependent sequential control functions are combined in a
multitude of ways.
Sequential control language
Graphical programming language according to IEC 1131-3 and
DIN EN 61131-3 for structuring PLC application programs.
Servo Motors
Electric motors are used to drive mechanical components such
as valves or to control or position mechanical axes for tool machines,
robots and many other applications. To achieve small mechanical
time constants, they have a small rotor torque and a large starting
torque. They are available for all types of current (DC, AC, 3-phase),
can be easily controlled and normally always function in periodic,
intermittent or reversing operation.
Session layer
Layer 5 in the OSI reference model. This layer allows two
applications on different devices to start use and end a session,
i.e. a direct connection between the applications. It handles the
dialog, regulates the length of data transfer and handles organization
of which participant is sending or receiving as well as synchronization
and restarting the session after an error.
SFC
Sequential Function Chart. Used for graphic representation
of sequential control, graphic input language for
Signal
Physical value that changes over time, e.g. a voltage or
current with a parameter [amplitude, frequency, phase position]
that provides concrete information about changes to another physical
value. The respective parameter is called an information parameter.
For example, an electric tachometer measures the rotational speed
of a mechanical shaft, i.e. it is indicated by the amplitude of
the tachometer output voltage. In this case, the amplitude of
the output voltage is the information parameter providing information
about the rotational speed of the machine shaft over time according
to the signal definition. It is possible to differentiate between
different basic signal types depending on the number of values,
availability over time and the number of information parameters.
Analog, binary and digital signals are most important for automation
technology.
Slot PLC
PC insert card that has full PLC functionality. On the PC,
it is coupled via a DPR with the process using a fieldbus connection.
It is programmed externally or using the host PC.
Software
All programs including the respective documentation available
for the operation of data processing systems, computer systems and
computer-based devices of all types. Software is implemented on
hardware as the nonphysical functional elements of a computer system.
Using the term software when referring to computer programs was
initiated in 1958 by mathematician John Tukey, Princeton University.
Software can be grouped as system software and application software.
SRAM
Static Random Access Memory. A high-speed RAM semiconductor
type that is mostly used in computers for cache memory. Using a
backup battery, the contents of this memory can also be retained
during a power failure.
SVGA
Super Video Graphics Array. Graphic standard with a resolution
of at least 800x600 pixels and at least 256 colors.
Switch
Device, similar to a hub, that takes data packets received
in a network and, unlike a hub, does not pass them on to all network
nodes, instead only to the respective addressee. Unlike a hub, a
switch provides targeted communication within a network that only
takes place between sender and receiver. Other network nodes are
not involved.
Symbol
From the point of view of linguistics, a symbol is a „thing“
[mark, indicator, etc.] that represents „something else“
[in the real or virtual world]. A „symbol“ has a defined
relationship with the object being referenced, an „icon“
has a visual similarity with the object being referenced and an
„index“ is a reference to a fact or conclusion. For
technical terminology [i.e. DIN 44300], characters are symbols that
represent certain information [letters, numbers, special characters,
etc.].
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T
Task
Program unit, which is assigned a specific priority by the
real-time operating system. It contains a complete process and can
consist of several modules.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Suit of Protocols.
Network protocol, generally accepted standard for data exchange
in heterogeneous networks. TCP/IP is used both in local networks
for communication between various computer and also for LAN to WAN
access.
Terminals
Terminals are used to connect or attach electrical conductors.
Terminals can be arranged in a row and usually have two separate
poles (connection points). Single or multi-pole terminals (terminal
blocks) can be grouped as terminal strips.
TFT display
Thin Film Transistor display. Display technology for LCD
monitors in which each pixel is controlled by a thin film transistor.
Three-phase supply
Three-wire system with L1, L2, L3 or four-wire system with
L1, L2, L3, N. All phases are isolated from ground and all device
housings are grounded.
Time constant
Technical systems, which have input/output behavior that
can be defined by a first order differential equation with the form
T(dy/dt) + y = x, react to a jump of input value x from 0 to X or
from X to 0 with reference to output value y according to the function
y = X(1-exp[-t/T]) or y = X• exp[-t/T]. These are exponential
functions in which T represents a time value. This value is referred
to as a time constant and is a characteristic for the speed of a
transition. After the time t = T has passed; the output value y
has increased to 63% of X (in the first case) or it has been reduced
to 37% of X (in the second case). After t = [3... 5]T, the transition
has been completed in both cases. Many technical procedure at least
loosely follow exponential functions, therefore the term time constant
is often used to characterize the timing of systems as described
above.
Time to market
Time span from the development of a product until it is ready
for the market. The duration of this time span is becoming more
and more important for the success of a company because of shorter
market, product and technology cycles.
Topology
Network architecture. Type of connection between the network
components [stations, nodes]. Standard basic structures are star
structure. [All stations are connected to a central node. All communication
runs through this node. Direct communication between stations is
not possible] Line structure [All stations are in a single common
transfer path. Only one message can be transferred from one station
to another at one time] Ring structure [All stations are connected
in the form of a ring. There is no central node. All stations have
the same rights] Mixed structure [Each station is connected to several
others. Several independent transfer paths can exist between two
stations. This redundancy can be used to guarantee data transport
if a transfer path is broken] Tree structure [Branched topologies
are created by combining the structures mentioned]. Depending on
the existing conditions, most real applications have mixed structures.
For industrial automation, for example, the
structure of the communication network used is heavily influenced
by the special properties of the automation object [machine/system].
Applications for star network structures are mostly limited to small
areas with many devices, such as individual production machines.
Tree configurations, which group several star structures, are found
in complex systems with many autonomous subsystems. Line structures
are especially well suited for longer objects such as conveyor systems
and ring structures are especially well suited for systems with
stricter requirements on reliability.
Torque constant
The torque constant determines the torque created by the
motor with 1 Arms phase current. This value applies at a motor temperature
of 20° C. When the temperature increases, the torque constant
is reduced (typically up to 10 %). When the current increases, the
torque constant is reduced (generally starting at twice the value
of the rated current).
Torque motors
Torque motors are rotating drive elements for direct drive
technology. In modern designs, these are brushless synchronous motors
with highly poled permanent magnet excitation in the internal or
external rotor designs. However, they are also still available as
DC motors with brushes. They are often used for the tooled machine
industry as a replacement for hydraulic and standard electric drive
structures made up of electric motors and a gear unit. They are
set up for high torque [up to several 1,000 Newton meters, Nm] and
low speeds and their mechanical concept makes them easy to integrate
in the mechanisms and machines to be driven. This allows an extremely
compact and efficient system construction that works with low oscillations,
low play, low noise and is mostly wear and maintenance free and
has improved machine dynamics, repeatability and positioning precision.
The most important selection criteria for torque motors are maximum
acceleration [Nm/kgm2] and the motor constant Km measured in Nm/W1/2.
It determines the loss at a certain torque independent of the speed.
Torque motors are used, for example, in rotary table and swivel
axis drives on tool machines, as drives for extruders in the plastics
industry, as cylinder drives for foil machines, as robot axis drives
and in many other applications.
Touch screen
Screen with touch sensors for activating an item with the
finger.
Transport layer
Layer 4 in the OSI reference model. This layer is responsible
for correct data representation i.e. for error detection and error
correction. It converts the flow of data being sent into small data
packets and converts the data packets being received back to a flow
of data. Send and receive confirmation are also part of this layer.
The main tasks of this layer are opening and closing node connections
and guaranteeing secure data transfer.
Turning moment motors
(see torque motors)
TÜV
Technical monitoring organization www.tuevs.de
Twisted pair
Pair of copper wires twisted together. Transfer media for
signals.
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UART
Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter
UDMA
Ultra Direct Memory Access. A special IDE data transfer mode
that allows high data transfer rates for disk drives. There have
been many variations in the recent times. UDMA33 mode transfers
33 megabytes per second. UDMA66 mode transfers 66 megabytes per
second. UDMA100 mode transfers 100 megabytes per second.
UDP
User Datagram Protocol. Network protocol.
UPS
Uninterruptible Power Supply. UPS devices and systems are
made up of switches, AC and DC inverters and especially batteries
that provide a continuous supply of power to the user for a relatively
long period of time during a power failure and, if necessary, can
improve the current quality.
USB
Universal Serial Bus. Cost-effective serial interface for
PCs; IBM standard supported by Intel, Compaq and Microsoft and other
well-known companies; up to 127 peripheral devices [mouse, keyboard,
printer, scanner, digital cameras, modems, CDROM drives, telephones,
etc.] can be connected to a single USB port. The connected devices
are also supplied with power via the 4-wire bus cable. The version
on the market since 2001 (Version USB 2.0) allows data transfer
rates up to 480 Mbps and is therefore also useful for transferring
video data and for high-speed disk drives. www.usb.org
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V
VDE
The Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information
Technologies (Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik
e.V.) www.vde.de
VGA
Video Graphics Adapter
W
Windows CE
Compact 32-bit operating system with multitasking and multithreading,
that Microsoft developed especially for the OEM market. It can be
ported for various processor types and has a high degree of real-time
capability. The development environment uses proven, well established
development tools. It is an open and scalable Windows operating
system platform for many different devices. Examples of such devices
are handheld PCs, digital wireless receivers, intelligent mobile
phones, multimedia consoles, etc. In embedded systems, Windows CE
is also an excellent choice for automation technology.
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X
XGA
eXtended Graphics Array. An extended standard for graphic
controllers and displays that IBM introduced in 1990. This standard
supports a 640 * 480 resolution with 65,536 colors or a 1024 * 768
resolution with 256 colors. This standard is generally used in workstation
systems.
XML
eXtensible Markup Language. This new language was officially recommended
in 1998 by the World Wide Web Consortium W3C as standard for web
publishing and document management in client-server environments.
Further development of the SGML standard. Unlike SGML documents,
XML documents do not require a schema description in the form of
a DTD. XML is already supported completely in the newer versions
of many ERP und
MES systems. XML is accepted as an industrial standard thanks to
its simple notation. Information is represented using the ASCII
character set. This makes XML easy to read and transparent, and
for the most part, portability of the text form is superior to binary
structures. www.xml.com
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