3D LASER SCANNING SYSTEM
Unique, ultra-precise system that perfectly captures 3D shapes in order to inspect and analyze real-world objects or environments, and to measure and collect data on
AD
Analog to Digital Converter
Address
A code or number used to reference an area of memory in a PLC.
Alternating Current
A current that varies over time. Typical power supplies oscillate as sine waves at either 60Hz or 50Hz. Technically, at 60 Hz the current is reversing direction 60 times per second.
Ambient temperature
The temperature of the surroundings in which the equipment is used or operated.
ampere-turn (AT)
Formerly used as the unit of magnetomotive force (mmf). It is the product of the number of turns in a coil and the current in amperes which flows through it.
Analog
A value (such as voltage or current) which can be at any level between certain limits. With PLCs this typically refers to signals that range between 0 and 10 volts or 4 to 20mA.
Analog to Digital Converter
Analog to digital converter. A circuit or device that inputs an analog signal and converts it to a digital value. The resolution refers to number of bits used to indicate the analog value.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange
Back Plane
The printed circuit board at the back of the PLC rack where the modules connect to a power supply and data bus.
Baud
The number of times per second a communication transmission changes the carrier signal. A 2400-baud modem changes the signal 2400 times a second. Baud is technically not the same as bits per second (bps). For example a 1200 bit-per-second modem actually runs at 300 baud, but it moves 4 bits per baud (4 x 300= 1200 bits per second).
BCD
Binary Coded Decimal
Channel
An input or output on a PLC card that requires more then one connection point. An example is a isolated current signal channel that requires a positive and negative wire into the PLC card.
Chip
A term used for an integrated circuit typically memory.
CONTROLLOGIX 5000
ControlLogix 5000 is hardware created by Rockwell Automation.
CPU
The Central Processing Unit also refered to as the Processor. The part of the PLC that runs and interprets the code.
CSA
Canadian Standards Association
Digital
A value which is discrete, that is, it can only be at certain defined levels. With PLCs this typically refers to an on or off state like a switch or relay.
DIO
Distributed I/O
Direct Current
A current (and therefore voltage) that does not vary over time. Typically a low voltage like 12 or 24 from a battery or power supply.
EEPROM
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory is a second variation of ROM that can be reprogrammed. It is erased electrically and reprogrammed typically on board without any external device.
EIA
Electronic Industries Association
Fieldbus
A fieldbus is a system for serial data transfer in the field area, i.e. the installation, sensor/actuator and controller level. Typicall fieldbuses include PROFIBUS, AS-Interface and InterBus.
Half-Duplex
A communication link in which data transmission is limited to one direction at a time.
I/O
Input(s) and/or Output(s)
IEC
International Electrotechnical Commission
Integer
Used to indicate a whole number in memory. The term is used independent of the base or radix so it can be in octal, hex or decimal notation.
Ladder diagram
A circuit diagram used to display electrical control systems like relays and timers. They consist of power rails on either side with contacts and coils forming the "rungs of the ladder."
Liquid Crystal Display
A type of display used typically for text messages which is low cost and low power but needs a backlight. The technology uses a fluid between glass which is polarized to block light.