Siemens PLC Communication 230

AS-i

AS-Interface. A field bus designed for actuator-sensor communication. AS-i is endorsed by the AS-International Association and often is used in cases when individual actuators and sensors are distributed throughout a machine or building.

AS-I Power24V

A version of AS-i that uses a 24 VDC power supply and permits network lengths up to 50 meters. It is endorsed by the AS-international Association.

AS-Interface

AS-i. A communication system designed for actuator-sensor communication. AS-i is endorsed by the AS-International Association and often is used in cases when individual actuators and sensors are distributed throughout a machine or building.

AS-Interface cable

A type of cable used for network communications. AS-Interface cable uses two wires for both data and power.

ASIsafe

A version of AS-i that allows for transmission of standard and safety data on the same bus system. It is endorsed by the AS-international Association.

class 1 master

A class of master in PROFIBUS that controls all communication with its slaves. Often, the class 1 master is a programmable logic controller.

class 2 master

A class of master in PROFIBUS that can communicate with class 1 masters and their slaves. Class 2 masters are used for configuration, maintenance, and diagnostics.

coaxial cable

A type of cable used for network communications. Coaxial cable consists of a central copper conductor that is surrounded by an insulating layer and a shielded outer conductor.

connection medium

The method used to interconnect communication devices. The connection medium can be a type of cable or using a wireless method.

data rate

The speed at which data is transmitted. Data rate is measured in bits per second (bps).

electrical noise

Any unwanted signals in a communication system. Electrical noise can disrupt communications.

Ethernet

A common local area network standard that is the most popular network for office communication. Industrial Ethernet is a form of Ethernet used in factories.

fiber-optic cable

A type of cable used for network communications that allows signals to be sent and received using pluses of light. Fiber-optic cable is made from glass or plastic fibers.

field bus

A type of industrial network that is used for distributive control. Some field buses, such as PROFIBUS DP, PROFIBUS PA, and AS-i use open standards.

I device

A PROFINET capability that allows one IO controller to function as an IO device for another IO controller. I device is short for intelligent device.

IEEE 802.11

A set of standards for wireless local area network computer communication.

IEEE 802.3

A set of standards for wired Ethernet computer communication.

Industrial Ethernet

A version of Ethernet designed for use in factories. Industrial Ethernet uses industrial-grade switching technology to allow devices to communicate simultaneously at high speeds.

interface

A hardware configuration that interconnects devices for the purpose of communication. Serial communication most often uses RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 interfaces.

IO controller

A PROFINET device type. IO controllers configure and exchange data with IO devices but do not control their communication.

IO device

A PROFINET device type. IO devices connect to actuators and sensors.

IO supervisor

A PROFINET device type. IO supervisors are used for commissioning, monitoring, and diagnostics.

IO-Link

A point-to-point communication system designed for actuator-sensor communication. IO-Link was developed by the IO-Link research group of the PROFIBUS and PROFINET International organization.

IRT communication

Isochronous real-time communication. A level of communication designed to handle time-sensitive tasks. IRT communication is one of the three performance levels used by PROFINET IO.

Isochronous real-time communication

IRT communication. A level of communication designed to handle time-sensitive tasks. IRT communication is one of the three performance levels used by PROFINET IO.

IWLAN

Industrial Wireless Local Area Network. A type of wireless network that is designed for use in factories.

LAN

Local area network. A communications network contained within a limited physical area that interconnects computers, including PLCs and other control devices.

local area network

LAN. A communications network contained within a limited physical area that interconnects computers, including PLCs and other control devices.

master-slave system

A computer networking communication protocol in which the master device controls communication. Slave devices respond to communication requests from the master device.

multi-drop configuration

A type of serial communication that allows multiple devices to connect on the same set of signal lines. Both RS-422 and RS-485 allow for multi-drop configuration.

network topology

The configuration of network cable and devices. Common network topologies include linear, ring, star, tree, and combined.

node

A device on a network that possesses an address.

non-time-critical communication

A level of communication that uses standard information technology protocols. Non-time-critical communication is one of the three performance levels used by PROFINET IO.

open standard

A type of standard that allows many manufacturers to develop compatible products. For example, PROFIBUS-compatible devices are designed using open standards.

PROFIBUS

A field bus protocol created by PROFIBUS and PROFINET International. PROFIBUS is widely used in industry.

PROFIBUS DP

A type of PROFIBUS field bus network for factory automation. PROFIBUS DP uses open standards of PROFIBUS and PROFINET International.

PROFIBUS PA

A type of PROFIBUS field bus network for process automation. PROFIBUS PA uses open standards of PROFIBUS and PROFINET International.

PROFIdrive

A PROFIBUS & PROFINET International profile. PROFIdrive allows users to design machines and processes with drives from multiple suppliers.

PROFIenergy

A PROFIBUS & PROFINET International profile designed to save energy. This enables the design of systems with controllers that can signal a sleep mode in response to planned or unplanned pauses and work stoppages.

profile

A specification that defines PROFIBUS and PROFINET devices designed to meet special requirements. Profiles are vendor-neutral, allowing products from many manufacturers to function in one system.

PROFINET

The open Industrial Ethernet standard of PROFIBUS and PROFINET International. The most widely-used form of PROFINET is PROFINET IO.

PROFIsafe

A PROFIBUS & PROFINET International profile. PROFIsafe integrates standard and safety-related data on a single bus cable and is applicable for both discrete manufacturing and process automation.

proprietary network

A network designed by a manufacturer for its own equipment.

protocol

A set of rules used by devices for communication.

proxy

A device that connects a PROFINET network to a field bus. This allows field buses to be used in PROFINET communication.

real-time communication

RT communication. A level of communication that works well for most control tasks. RT communication is one of the three performance levels used by PROFINET IO.

RS-232

A standard used to identify the signal lines used for serial communication. RS-232 interfaces allow point-to-point connections.

RS-422

A standard used to identify the signal lines used for serial communication. RS-422 allows both point-to-point and multi-drop connections.

RS-485

A standard used to identify the signal lines used for serial communication. RS-485 interfaces allow both point-to-point connection and multi-drop configuration.

RT communication

Real-time communication. A level of communication that works well for most control tasks. RT communication is one of the three performance levels used by PROFINET IO.

serial communication

A type of communication that transmits and receives data one bit at a time using one signal line to transmit and another signal line to receive. Serial communication is the most basic form of communication used by PLCs.

shared device

A PROFINET capability that allows two IO controllers to use the same IO device. Applications where separating controller functions improves system performance are benefited by the use the shared devices.

shielded twisted pair cable

A type of cable used for network communications that protects from electrical noise. Shielded twisted pair cable consists of braided wire layered between an outer plastic jacket and inner conducting wires.

Siemens Totally Integrated Automation Portal

TIA Portal. Software used for designing, commissioning, operating, maintaining, and upgrading automation systems.

switch

An active network component that allows multiple devices to communicate simultaneously. Industrial Ethernet uses switches in its architecture.

TCP/IP

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. A communications protocol used by Ethernet that breaks up data into small packets.

TIA Portal

Siemens Totally Integrated Automation Portal. Software used for designing, commissioning, operating, maintaining, and upgrading automation systems.

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol

TCP/IP. A communications protocol used by Ethernet that breaks up data into small packets.

twisted pair cable

A type of cable used for network communications. Twisted pair cable consists of twisted pairs of copper wires and is one of the most common network cable varieties for office communication.

UDP

User Datagram Protocol. A communications protocol used by Ethernet for signals such as audio and video that do not require error correction.

User Datagram Protocol

UDP. A communications protocol used by Ethernet for signals such as audio and video that do not require error correction.

wireless network

A network that sends and receives signals through the air instead of using cable. Wireless networks allow for the use of mobile devices and allows communication in areas that are impractical for cabled networks.