Glossary
NI-FBUS Hardware and Software User Manual
G-8
ni.com
Nifb.exe
The NIFB process that must be running in the background for you to
use your USB-8486, PCMCIA-FBUS, or PCI-FBUS interface to
communicate between the board and the Fieldbus.
Node
Junction or branch point in a circuit.
O
Object
An element of an object dictionary.
Object Dictionary
A structure in a device that describes data that can be communicated
on the Fieldbus. The object dictionary is a lookup table that gives
information such as data type and units about a value that can be
read from or written to a device.
Octet
A single 8-bit value.
OD
See
OPC
OLE for Process Control.
Output parameter
A block parameter that sends data to another block.
P
Parameter
One of a set of network-visible values that makes up a function block.
PC
Personal Computer.
PCMCIA
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association.
PD
Proportional Derivative.
Physical device
A single device residing at a unique address on the Fieldbus.
PID
Proportional/Integral/Derivative. A common control function block
algorithm that uses proportions, integrals, and derivatives in
calculation.
PN
Probe Node.
Poll
To repeatedly inspect a variable or function block to acquire data.
Port
A communications connection on a computer or remote controller.
PR
Probe Response.