Glossary
SITRANS SL
Operating Instructions, 12/2010, A5E01132948-04
211
FBD
A Function Block Diagram is a graphic representation of control functions. Each control task
(function) has a corresponding symbol.
FM, Factory Mutual
FM Global is a U.S.-based insurance company, with offices worldwide, that specializes in
loss prevention services primarily to large corporations throughout the world in the Highly
Protected Risk (HPR) property insurance market sector. "FM Global" is the communicative
name of the company, whereas the legal name is "Factory Mutual Insurance Company". The
company offers general and specialized risk management, materials research and testing
and certifications in the fire security and explosion protection fields.
Interface, multi-point
MPI is the programming interface of SIMATIC S7/M7. Allows remote access to
programmable modules, text-based displays and OPs from central locations. The MPI nodes
can intercommunicate.
LAD
Ladder Diagram -> Graphic representation of controller functions based on a circuit diagram
from protection technology. The current paths, however, are not arranged horizontally in
relation to one another and the symbols deviate.
Modbus
The Modbus protocol is a communications protocol based on a master/slave or client/server
architecture. The Modbus protocol was defined by Modicon in 1979 for communication with
its programmable controllers. Modbus is a de facto standard in industry, since it is an open
protocol.
Modbus is used to connect a master (e.g. a PC) and several slaves (e.g. measuring and
control systems). There are two versions of Modbus: one for the serial interface and one for
Ethernet.
MSB
MSB is the byte (or octet) in that position of a multi-byte number which has the greatest
potential value.