Glossary of the technical terms in this course

Ver.1.0

English

Barcode reader
The barcode reader is a scanner that reads symbols (barcodes) printed on the
labels and packaging of various kinds of products. These symbols (barcodes)
contain information such as product name and manufacturing date recorded in
high density.

Bit Signal
This is the smallest data unit when handling digital signals in PCs and other
devices.

CIP Open Protocol

A dedicated protocol employed by open network communications promoted by
ODVA (Open Devicenet User Organization), such as Ethernet/IP communications
and DeviceNet

Data Transmission
A technology used in network communication systems such as FA networks. It
consists of data processing and data transmission technologies which process the
communications signals into easy-to-use form so that they can be
transmitted/received via the communications line of the network communication
system. Services provided through network communications are also called data
communications.

Interoperability
In ISO/IEC, interoperability is defined as the capability for communicating between
various function units while knowing little or nothing about the inherent
characteristics of each function unit.
Having a high interoperability would mean that data communications can be made
without problem between network equipment of different manufacturers.

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C OMRON Corporation 2015 All Rights Reserved.
Ladder Language
This is one of the programming languages for controllers. It describes a program
using a ladder chart, where logic is added to the sequence circuit diagram that
contains combinations of relays, timers, etc.

Master and Slave

In the FA network configuration, if one network communications station
(equipment) unilaterally controls multiple network communications stations, the
controlling side is called the master station (parent station) while the controlled side
is called the slave station (child station).

Network equipment
All the communications equipment, control equipment, communications cable and
diagnostic software required for FA network configuration are collectively called
network equipment.

Node
The term “node” was originally intended to represent a knot on a string or
something similar. In network communications, this term collectively refers to
control and information equipment such as controllers and PCs on the network,
which represent points where communications relays or branches are performed.

Protocol and Interface

The predefined conventions to which all related network equipment should
conform during network communications are called protocols.
The protocol is divided into several function blocks, and specifications for
connection between the upper function block and its immediately lower function
block is called an interface.

○
C OMRON Corporation 2015 All Rights Reserved.