7 Glossary
Bit
Smallest information unit. Its value can either be 1 or 0.
Bitrate
Number of bits transmitted within a time unit.
Bootstrap
Operating mode of the fieldbus coupler. Device expects
a firmware upload.
Bus
A structure used to transmit data. There are two types,
serial and parallel. A serial bus transmits data bit by bit,
whereas a parallel bus transmits many bits at one time.
Byte
Binary Yoked Transfer Element. A byte generally con-
tains 8 bits.
Data bus
see
Bus
.
Fieldbus
System for serial information transmission between de-
vices of automation technology in the process-related
field area.
Hardware
Electronic, electrical and mechanic components of a
module/subassembly.
Operating system
Software which links the application programs to the
hardware.
Segment
Typically, a network is divided up into different physi-
cal network segments by way of
routers
or
repeaters
.
Server
Device providing services within a client/server system.
The service is requested by the
Client
.
Subnet
A portion of a network that shares the same network
address as the other portions. These subnets are distin-
guished through the subnet mask.
8 Literature list
Further information
CAN in Automation (CiA) provides further documentation for its members in
INTERNET.
