Valve Control Module
User’s Manual 19
Glossary
Term
Definition
VCM
DeviceNet Valve Control Module
Supply Inlet
VCM port to which compressed air supply is connected.
Exhaust
VCM port to which exhaust air is vented.
Outlet
VCM port to which compressed air is passed through when the associated pilot valve is
actuated. These are the ports which will be connected to the system valves.
System Valve
A pneumatically actuated valve which directly controls flow of media.
Pilot Valve
A small valve that controls actuation air to a system valve. Pilot valves are useful because
they allow a small and easily operated feed to control a much higher pressure or higher flow
feed, which would otherwise require a much larger force to operate.
PLC
Programmable Logic Controller
Proximity Sensor
A proximity sensor allows the VCM to monitor the system valve state.
DeviceNet
A CAN based, multi-drop network that connects and serves as a communication network
between industrial controllers and I/O devices.
Ingress Protection (IP)
A measurement of the device’s ability to keep water and dust out of the enclosure.
LED
Light Emitting Diodes
MOD LED
The Module LED (MOD LED) provides feedback on the status of the module.
NET LED
The Network LED (NET LED) provides feedback on the status of the VCM network
connection.
Electronic Data Sheet
(EDS)
A data file used by node commissioning tools to interpret parameters on the device.
Controller Area Network
(CAN)
A message based communication protocol originally designed for automotive application.
Entity Parameters
Values used to determine the suitability of the device for use in hazardous environments.
MAC ID
Media access controller identifier.