Represents an input bit.

Represents an input word register.

Represents a memory bit.

Represents a memory word register.

Represents an output word register.

Represents a system bit.

Represents a system word register.

An adaptation of the IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) standard, the 10/100 Base-T standard uses twisted-pair wiring with a maximum segment length of 100 m (328 ft) and terminates with an RJ-45 connector. A 10/100Base-T network is capable of transmitting data on normal Ethernet (10 Mbit/s) and Fast Ethernet (100 Mbits/s) networks.

A frame format, specified in the IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) standard, in which the header specifies the data packet length.

Abstract Syntax Notation One. ASN.1 is a method for encoding/decoding messages sent between systems of different types that use different languages. It is defined by ISO standards 8824/ITU X.208 and 8825/ITU X.209.

bootstrap protocol. A UDP/IP protocol that allows an Internet node to obtain its IP parameters based on its MAC address.

bits per second.

A bridge device connects two or more physical networks that use the same protocol. Bridges read frames and decide whether to transmit or block them based on their destination address.

Broadcast communications send packets from a one station to every network destination. Broadcast messages pertain to every network device or only one device for which the address is not known. (See multicast and unicast).

controller area network. The CAN protocol (ISO 11898) for serial bus networks is designed for the interconnection of smart devices (from multiple manufacturers) in smart systems for real-time industrial applications. CAN multi-master systems provide high data integrity through the implementation of broadcast messaging and advanced error detection mechanisms. Originally developed for use in automobiles, CAN is now used in a variety of industrial automation control environments.

CANopen is higher level protocol that is used in automation networks. It is based on the CAN application layer (CAL) in accordance with CiA DS 301 (EN 50325-4).

A logic RTU master or slave in an RTU module.

The arrangement and interconnection of hardware components within a system and the hardware and software selections that determine the operating characteristics of the system.

ConneXview is a set of configuration files to be used with HiVision 6.x network management software from Hirschmann Electronics GmbH & Co. KG. ConneXview makes it possible to manage Schneider Electric Transparent Factory devices using HiVision 6.0 or newer. ConneXview is built on the widely used simple network management protocol (SNMP).

The IP address of the network or host to which all packets addressed to an unknown network or host are sent. The default gateway is typically a router or other device.

A user defined, unique logical personal identifier for a network device. After the Ethernet communications module is configured with a valid device name, the DHCP server uses it to identify the rack at power up.

dynamic host configuration protocol. DHCP is a TCP/IP protocol that allows network devices (DHCP clients) to obtain their IP addresses from a DHCP server through a request to the server.

Control Expert is the programming software for all PACs. The software includes five IEC languages that comply with IEC 61131-3. Depending on requirements, the application may use a mixture of different languages.

elementary function block. EFBs are the elementary functions and function blocks (based on C language) that can be user-customized and stored in different block libraries.

Embedded Web pages (accessed by an installed HTTP server) provide Ethernet communications modules with easy access to devices anywhere in the world from standard browsers such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.

electromagnetic compatibility. Devices that meet EMC requirements can operate within a system’s expected electromagnetic limits.

A LAN cabling and signaling specification used to connect devices within a defined area, e.g., a building. Ethernet uses a bus or a star topology to connect different nodes on a network.

A frame format in which the header specifies the packet type, Ethernet II is the default frame format for STB NIP 2212 communications.

The fast (FAST) task is a periodic, high-priority task of a short duration that is run on a processor through its programming software. The fast speed of the task keeps it from interfering with the execution of lower priority master (MAST) tasks. A FAST task is useful when fast periodic changes in discrete inputs need to be monitored.

The fast device replacement service offers a method of handling device replacement without disrupting the system nor interrupting service.

Flash memory is nonvolatile memory that can be overwritten. It is stored on a special EEPROM that can be erased and reprogrammed.

A frame is a group of bits that form a discrete block of information. Frames contain network control information or data. The size and composition of a frame is determined by the network technology being used.

Two common framing types for Ethernet are Ethernet II and IEEE 802.3.

File Transfer Protocol. FTP is the World Wide Web’s file transfer protocol.

A device that connects networks with dissimilar network architectures and which operates at the Application Layer of the OSI model. This term may refer to a router.

Global Data provides the automatic exchange of data variables for the coordination of PLC applications.

GARP multicast registration protocol. GMRP is a GARP (Generic Attribute Registration Protocol) application that allows switches and bridges to dynamically manage the membership of multicast groups. GMRP is defined by IEEE 802.1D.

A method of data transmission capable of communication in either of two directions, but in only one direction at a time.

human-machine interface. An operator interface, usually graphical, for industrial equipment.

Replacing a component with a like component while the system remains operational. When the replacement component is installed, it begins to function automatically.

HyperText Transfer Protocol. HTTP is the protocol for the formatting and transmission of files on the world wide web. HTTP runs on top of TCP/IP (Internet) protocols.

The installed HTTP server transmits Web pages between a server and a browser, providing Ethernet communications modules with easy access to devices anywhere in the world from standard browsers such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.

A hub device connects a series of flexible and centralized modules to create a network.

In a programmable controller system, an I/O module interfaces directly to the sensors and actuators of the machine/process. This module is the component that mounts in an I/O base and provides electrical connections between the controller and the field devices. Normal I/O module capacities are offered in a variety of signal levels and capacities.

A configuration table which identifies the targets with which repetitive communication is authorized.

An I/O scan continuously polls I/O modules to collect data bits and status and diagnostics information. This process monitors inputs and control outputs.

Internet Control Message Protocol. ICMP is a protocol within TCP/IP that reports detected errors in datagram transmissions.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. The international standards and conformity assessment body for all fields of electrotechnology, including electricity and electronics.

information object access. IOA is the exchange protocol carried out over the HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) channel.

input/output derived data type. IODDT is a structured data type representing a module or a channel of a PLC module. Each application expert module possesses its own IODDTs.

Internet protocol. That part of the TCP/IP protocol family that tracks the Internet addresses of nodes, routes outgoing messages, and recognizes incoming messages.

Internet protocol address. This 32-bit address is assigned to hosts that use TCP/IP.

local area network. A short-distance data communications network.

In the OSI model, a layer is a portion of the structure of a device that provides defined services for the transfer of information.

light emitting diode. An indicator that lights up when electricity passes through it. It indicates the operation status of a communications module.

media access control address. A 48-bit number, unique on a network, that is programmed into each network card or device when it is manufactured.

management information base. The MIB is an object database that is monitored by a network management system like SNMP. SNMP monitors devices that are defined by their MIBs. Schneider has obtained a private MIB, groupeschneider (3833).

Multicast communications send packets from a single source to a predefined multicast group of network destinations, usually through a router or switch. Sending messages to just the group members relieves unnecessary traffic created by broadcast communications and does not require a separate unicast transmissions to each recipient. (See broadcast, unicast, GMRP.)

Multicast filtering is a process for deciding that multicast messages are delivered only to the stations that are registered members of the appropriate multicast group.

network management. NMT protocols provide services for network initialization, diagnostics, and device status control.

network time protocol. NTP synchronizes the time of one client or server to the time of another server or referenced source (such as a satellite receiver).

Open Systems Interconnection model. The OSI reference model is the abstract seven-layer model for establishing logical communications and protocol design. The model was developed by the International Standards Organization (ISO).

programmable automation controller The PAC is the brain of an industrial manufacturing automation process. It automates a process as opposed to relay control systems. PACs are computers suited to survive the harsh conditions of the industrial environment.

The unit of data sent across a network.

packet Internet groper. A PING program tests communications to another network destination.

PL7 software from Telemecanique is a programming language for TSX Micro and Modicon Premium PLCs.

programmable logic controller. The PLC is the brain of an industrial manufacturing process. It automates a process as opposed to relay control systems. PLCs are computers suited to survive the harsh conditions of the industrial environment.

TCP/IP reserves specific server ports for specific applications through IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority). Modbus requests are sent to registered software port 502.

Schneider has obtained a private MIB, groupeschneider (3833). Under the Groupe Schneider private MIB is a Transparent Factory Ethernet (TFE) private MIB. The Transparent Factory SNMP embedded component controls the Schneider private MIB function. This MIB includes a set of data that enables the network management system to supervise all the Transparent Ready services. The Transparent Ready private MIB can be downloaded from the Web server.

A Global Data variable that is published.

A router device connects two or more sections of a network and allows information to flow between them. A router examines every packet it receives and decides whether to block the packet from the rest of the network or transmit it. The router attempts to send the packet through the network on an efficient path.

Remote Terminal Unit.

The Transparent Ready service classes thus simplify the choice of products and check their interoperability within an architecture.

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. SMTP is a transmission protocol for sending and receiving e-mail. SMTP messages are usually retrieved from a server with an e-mail client (such as POP or IMAP).

simple network management protocol. The UDP/IP standard protocol used to monitor and manage devices on an IP network.

The SNMP application that runs on a network device.

A Global Data variable that is defined as a subscription variable.

The subnet is that portion of the network that shares a network address with the other parts of the network. A subnet may be physically or logically independent from the rest of the network. A part of an Internet address called a subnet number, which is ignored in IP routing, distinguishes the subnet.

The subnet mask is a bit mask that identifies or determines which bits in an IP address correspond to the network address and which correspond to the subnet portions of the address. The subnet mask comprises the network address plus the bits reserved for identifying the subnetwork.

A network switch connects two or more separate network segments and allows traffic to be passed between them. A switch determines whether a frame should be blocked or transmitted based on its destination address.

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. TCP/IP is the communication protocol of the Internet.

transparent factory Ethernet. Schneider Electric’s open automation framework based on TCP/IP.

Trivial File Transfer Protocol. TFTP is a scaled-down version of FTP that uses UDP, often to initialize diskless workstations.

Transparent Device Access (TDA) functionality means that clients that run Control Expert (and that are connected to a USB, Ethernet, or Modbus terminal port of a communications module) can access or download applications to devices on distributed control networks. The reverse, however, is not true. In other words, a Control Expert PC connected to the CPU’s Modbus port can access devices on other core networks, but those remote devices can not access other devices on different networks through the PLC station.

See TFE.

Schneider Electric’s Transparent Ready products (based on universal Ethernet TCP/IP and Web technologies) can be integrated into real-time, data sharing systems, with no need for interfaces.

user datagram protocol. UDP is an Internet communications protocol defined by IETF RFC 768. This protocol facilitates the direct transmission of datagrams on IP networks. UDP/IP messages do not expect a response, and are therefore ideal for applications in which dropped packets do not require retransmission (such as streaming video and networks that demand real-time performance).

Unicast communications send point-to-point packets from a single source to a specific network destination. It is an efficient means of communication between hosts that has a minimal impact on network traffic. (See broadcast and multicast.)

Unity Pro is the programming software for all Unity PLCs. It includes 5 IEC languages that comply with IEC 61131-3. Depending on requirements, the application may use a mixture of different languages.

universal serial bus. USB is a nearly universal hardware interface for connecting peripheral devices.

A variable is a memory entity of the type BOOL, WORD, DWORD, etc., whose contents can be modified by the program during execution.