9. Glossary
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9. Glossary
Bus
Electric signals cluster logically grouped with the function to transmit information and control between
different elements of a sub-system.
Rack
Metallic platform with logical intelligence where the modules meant to be used in the bus will be inserted.
Baud rate
Rate at which information bits are transmitted via a serial interface or communications network
(measured in bits/second).
Bit
Basic information unit, which can assume state 0 or 1.
Broadcast
Dissemination of information simultaneously to all nodes connected to a communication network.
Byte
Information unit composed by 8 bits.
Serial Channel
A device interface that transfers data in serial mode.
Hardware Watchdog
Electronic circuit used to verify the equipment function integrity.
COM
Physical interface of the protocol communication CPU via serial.
Programmable
controller
Also called PLC. It is an equipment which executes a control under the applicative program command. It
is composed by a CPU, a power supply and an I/O structure.
Diagnostic
Procedure used to detect and isolate failures. It is also the data group used for such determination, which
serves for problem analysis and correction.
Download
Program or configuration load in the PLC.
I/O
See Input/output
EIA RS-485
Industrial pattern (physical layer) for data communication.
Module address
Address which the PLC accesses a specific I/O module.
Input/output
Also called I/O. Data I/O devices of a system. In case of PLCs, typically correspond to digital or analog
inputs or outputs modules, which monitor or activate the controlled device.
Slave
Equipment connected to a communication network that transmits data only if requested by another
device called the master.
Frame
An information unit transmitted through the network.
Full Duplex
Indicates that the devices can perform communication by transmitting/receiving data in both directions
simultaneously, ie can transmit and receive at the same time.
Gateway
Equipment for connecting two networks with different communication protocols.
GVL
Global Variable List. It refers to the object where are declared the global variables used in the application.
Half Duplex
Indicates that the devices can perform communication by transmitting/receiving data, but only in one
direction each time, ie can transmit or receive data.
Hardware
Physical equipments used in data processing where the programs (software) are executed.
HSDN
High Speed Deterministic Network. Deterministic network, often redundant, used for exchanging
interlocking messages between interlocking PLCs.
IEC
Acronym for International Electrotechnical Commission. It is an international organization for
standardization which prepares and publishes international standards within the electrical/electronical
and related technologies scope.
IEC 61131
Generic standard for operation and utilization of PLCs. Old IEC 1131.
IEC-61131-3
Third part of the generic standard for CPs operation and use (IEC61131).
IEC-61850
Standard for electrical substations and its automation, the Communication Protocol refers to this
standard, having the same name.
Interface
Device, which adapts electrically and/or logically the signal transference between two pieces of
equipment.
Interruption
High priority attending event, which temporarily stops the program execution and detour for a specific
attending routine.
I/O Driver
It is a communication driver with inputs and outputs between a block/function and another MODBUS I/O
Driver, for example.
IRIG-B
Time synchronization protocol through a GPS signal.
kbytes
Memory quantity unit. Means 1024 bytes (if 1kbyte).
LED
Light emitting diode. It is a type of diode that emits light when electrically stimulated. Used for light
indication.
Programming language
A group of rules and conventions used for a program creation.
Logic
Graphic matrix where are inserted the language instructions of a ladder diagram or function block
diagram which compose an application. A group of logics organized in sequence form a program
organization unit, ie an application subdivision.
Logical Node
Is the smallest part of a function that change data and represents a function in a physical device.
MasterTool Xtorm
Identifies the Altus software for PC, executable only in Windows®, which allows the development of the
Hadron Xtorm Series RTU´s. Throughout this manual, this software is referenced by its acronym or as
MasterTool Xtorm.