Acronyms

Term Definition Description

AKA

Also Known As

Provides an alias to a name.

AKD

Advanced Kollmorgen Drive

Drives

AKI

Advanced Kollmorgen Interface

HMI

AKT

Advanced Kollmorgen Terminal

Remote Input/Output Terminals

ANSI

American National Standards Institute

A private, nonprofit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel.

ASFB

Application Specific Function BlockClosed A function block groups an algorithm and a set of private data. It has inputs and outputs.

Library that can be written to provide a specific application task.

ASIC

Application-Specific Integrated Circuit

An integrated circuit (ICClosed "Integrated Circuits" Miniaturized electronic circuits (consisting mainly of semiconductor devices, as well as passive components) that have been manufactured in the surface of a thin substrate of semiconductor material) customized for a particular use rather than for general-purpose use.

Modern ASICs often include entire 32-bit processors, memory blocks including ROM, RAM, EEPROM, Flash, and other large building blocks.

BiSS

Bi-directional Serial Synchronous interface

An open-source communication protocol for feedback devices.

With BiSS, all of the computation for interpolation in regard to position occurs on the ASICClosed "Application-specific integrated circuit" An ASIC is an integrated circuit (IC) customized for a particular use, rather than for general-purpose use. directly in the encoder.

CAM

Computer-Aided Manufacturing

The use of a wide range of computer-based software tools that assist engineers and CNC machinists in the manufacture or prototyping of product components.

CAN

Controller Area Network

A broadcast, differential serial bus standard developed for connecting electronic control units.

Each node is able to send and receive messages, but not simultaneously.

For more information, see CAN bus.

CF

Compact Flash

A mass storage device format used in portable electronic devices.

CIP

Common Industrial Protocol

CIPClosed "Common Industrial Protocol " The Common Industrial Protocol allows complete integration of control with information, multiple CIP Networks, and Internet technologies allows complete integration of control with information, multiple CIP Networks, and Internet technologies.

CRC

Cyclic Redundancy Check

A type of function that takes as input a data stream of any length and produces as output a value of a certain fixed size.

  • The term CRC is often used to denote either the function or the function's output.
  • A CRC can be used as a checksum to detect accidental alteration of data during transmission or storage.

CSV

Comma-Separated Values

A file type that stores tabular data.

DMA

Dynamic Memory Allocation

Either:

EDS

Electronic Data Sheet

A file format that defines the communication behavior and object dictionary for the devices following the CANopen standard CiA 306.

EtherCATClosed ***EtherCAT is an open, high-performance Ethernet-based fieldbus system. The development goal of EtherCAT was to apply Ethernet to automation applications which require short data update times (also called cycle times) with low communication jitter (for synchronization purposes) and low hardware costs ESI files may contain references to EDS files.

ENI

EtherCAT Network Information

 

ERP

Enterprise Resource Planning

ERP integrates (or attempts to integrate) all data and processes of an organization into a unified system.

ESI

EtherCAT Slave Information

 

FBD

FunctionClosed A function calculates a result according to the current value of its inputs. A function has no internal data and is not linked to declared instances. Block Diagram

Describes a function between input variables and output variables.

A function is described as a set of elementary blocks.

FFLD

Free Form Ladder Diagram

A method of drawing electrical logic schematics.

  • It is a very popular graphical language for programming Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
    • It was originally invented to describe logic made from relays.
  • The name is based on the observation that programs in this language resemble ladders, with two vertical rails and a series of horizontal rungs between them.

FoE

File over EtherCAT

Enables access to any data structure in the device.

  • Standardized firmware upload to devices is therefore possible, irrespective of whether or not they support TCP/IP.
  • Similar to TFTP.

FPGA

Field-Programmable Gate Array

A semiconductor device configured by the customer or designer after manufacturing.

FSoE

FailSafe over EtherCAT

A protocol specified for the transmission of safety relevant data.

  • It is used to send input information of safety sensors (e.g., safety light curtains or emergency stop buttons) to a safety logic controller.
  • Based on these inputs, this controller computes the commands for the safe outputs (e.g., contactors or safety relevant drives) and controls the safety functionality of the machine.

GUI

Graphical User Interface

A type of user interface people interact with on a computer and computer-controlled devices.

HMI

Human-Machine Interfaces

HMIs are usually employed to communicate with PLCs and other computers, such as entering and monitoring temperatures or pressures for further automated control or emergency response.

Also known as computer-human interfaces (CHI).

IC

Integrated Circuits

Miniaturized electronic circuits consisting mainly of semiconductor devices, as well as passive components.

They have been manufactured in the surface of a thin substrate of semiconductor material

IDE

Integrated Development Environment

An integrated development environment is a type of computer software that assists computer programmers in developing software.
IDEs normally consist of a source code editor, a compiler and/or interpreter, build-automation tools, and a debugger.

IDN

Identification Number

An IDN preceded by the prefix "P", specifies a product specific (manufacturer) IDN in short-hand notation.

  • The actual IDN number for a product-specific IDN can be obtained by adding 32768 to the short-hand numeric value.
  • For convenience, the actual IDN number is given in parentheses following the short hand notation.
    • Example: P2 is a manufacturer-specific IDN whose actual IDN number is 32770

IEC

International Electrotechnical Commission

A not-for-profit, non-governmental international standards organization that prepares and publishes International Standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies.

IEC 61131

 

IECClosed "International Electrotechnical Commission" IEC is a not-for-profit, non-governmental international standards organization that prepares and publishes International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies standard for Programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

IEC 61131-3

 

IEC 61131-3 is the third part of the open international standard IEC 61131.

IL

Instruction List

Is a low-level language and resembles assembly.

IPC

Industrial PC

Is the x86 PC-based computing platform for industrial applications.

  • Industrial PC offers features different from the consumer PC on the reliability, compatibility, expansibility and long term supply.
  • KAS IPC usually includes a touch-screen display as a combined input and output device.

IRQ

InterruptClosed An interrupt is an asynchronous signal from hardware indicating the need for attention or a synchronous event in software indicating the need for a change in execution Request

Refers to the act of interrupting the bus lines used to signal an interrupt.

JTAG

Joint Test Action Group

Used for accessing sub-blocks of integrated circuits.

  • Also useful as a mechanism for debugging embedded systems, providing a convenient back door into the system.
    • When used as a debugging tool, an in-circuit emulator - which in turn uses JTAG as the transport mechanism - enables a programmer to access an on-chip debug module integrated into the CPU via the JTAG interface.
  • The debug module enables the programmer to debug the software of an embedded system.

KAS

Kollmorgen Automation Suite

Umbrella name for a software package including the KAS-IDEClosed "Integrated development environment" An integrated development environment is a type of computer software that assists computer programmers in developing software. IDEs normally consist of a source code editor, a compiler and/or interpreter, build-automation tools, and a debugger and the KAS RuntimeClosed In computer science, runtime (or run-time) describes the operation of a computer program, the duration of its execution, from beginning to termination (compare compile time). Within KAS, runtime also refers to the virtual machine that manage the program written in a computer language while it is running software.

KAS-IDE

Kollmorgen Automation Suite - Integrated Development Environment

This is the GUIClosed "Graphical User Interface" A GUI is a type of user interface which allows people to interact with a computer and computer-controlled devices View environment.

It is a Windows integrated design environment (IDE) containing all the tools and editors (based on the different IEC 61131 languages) users need during the entire life cycle of the machine.

KAS Runtime

Kollmorgen Automation Suite - Runtime

This is the engine that provides a soft PLC and a motion controller.

KVB IDE

Kollmorgen Visualization Builder - Integrated Development Environment

Kollmorgen Visualization Builder is an editor that allows the end-user to control the KAS Runtime.

LD

Ladder Diagram

See FFLD.

LSB

Least Significant Bit

Sometimes abbreviated as LSB, the least significant bit is the lowest bit in a series of numbers in binary; the LSB is located at the far right of a string.

Example: In the binary number: 10111001, the least significant bit is the far right 1.

MDI

Multiple Document Interface

Graphical computer applications with an MDI are those whose windows reside under a single parent window (usually with the exception of modal windows).

This is instead of all windows being separate from each other (single document interface).

Advantages

  • A single menu bar and/or toolbar is shared between all child windows, reducing clutter and increasing efficient use of screen space.
  • An application's child windows can be hidden, shown, minimized, or maximized as a whole.
  • Features such as Tile and Cascade can be implemented for the child windows.

ML

Motion Library

This is the interface between the IEC 61131-3 logical application and the motion engine.

  • It gives access:
    • from IEC 61131-3 to pipe and Pipe Blocks parameters and methods.
    • to higher levels of functionalities such a homing, tensioning, dynamic correction, etc.

MSB

Most Significant Bit

This is the bit position in a binary number having the greatest value.

MDP

Modular Device Profile

The EtherCAT Modular Device Profile defines the data structure organization for a device with subdivided substructures.

NAT

Network Address Translation

In computer networking, this is the process of modifying network address information in datagram (IP) packet headers while in transit across a traffic routing device for the purpose of remapping a given address space into another.

NIC

Network Interface Controller

A hardware device that handles an interface to a computer network and allows a network-capable device to access that network.

NTP

Network Time Protocol

A networking protocol for clock synchronization between computer systems.

The PCMM2G can be configured to synchronize with public NTPClosed "Network Time Protocol" A networking protocol for clock synchronization between computer systems. The PCMM2G can be configured to synchronize with public NTP time servers over the internet or a local NTP time server for networks that are not connected to the internet. time servers over the internet or a local NTP time server for networks that are not connected to the internet.

See Network Time Protocol for more information.

NVRAM

Non-Volatile Random Access Memory

The general name used to describe any type of random access memory which does not lose its information when power is turned off.

  • This memory is in contrast to the most common forms of random access memory today, which both require continual power in order to maintain their data.
  • NVRAM is a subgroup of the more general class of non-volatile memory types, the difference being that NVRAM devices offer random access, like hard disks.
  • The best-known form of NVRAM memory is flash memory.

OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer

Refers to containment-based re-branding, namely where one company uses a component of another company within its product, or sells the product of another company under its own brand.

OEM refers to the company that originally manufactured the product.

OPC

OLE for Process Control

The original name for an open standard to specify the communication of real-time plant data between control devices from different manufacturers.

PCI

Peripheral Component Interconnect

This specifies a computer bus for attaching peripheral devices to a computer motherboard.

PCMM

 

Programmable controller used to control multiple EtherCAT slave drives and I/O.

Essentially a AKD PDMM without an AKD.

PD

Programmable Drive

A Drive can be programmable, which means it has an open hardware and software architecture to make it ready for nearly all conceivable customer-specific modifications

Also known as Servo Amplifiers or Servo DriveClosed A servo drive is a special electric amplifier used to power electric servo motors. It monitors feedback signals from the motor and continually adjusts for deviation from expected behavior.

PDMM

Programmable Drive Multi-axis Master

Programmable drive used to control multiple EtherCAT slave drives and I/O.

PDO

Process Data Object

 

PID

Proportional-Integral-Derivative

A PID controller is a generic control-loop feedback mechanism widely used in industrial control systems.

PLC

Programmable Logic Controller

This is a digital computer used for automation of industrial processes (e.g., control of machinery on factory assembly lines).

It is used to synchronize the flow of inputs from (physical) sensors and events with the flow of outputs to actuatorsClosed A mechanical device for moving or controlling a mechanism or system. An actuator typically is a mechanical device which transforms an input signal (usually an electrical signal) into motion and events.

PNE

Pipe Network Engine

The Pipe Network concept is an innovative solution to solve axis synchronization problems.

It is based on Pipe Blocks representing the whole mechanical system by analogy.

POU

Programmable Organization Unit

A list of programs where the programs are executed sequentially within the target cycle according to the order defined by the user and displayed in the Project View.

Qwt

Qt Widgets

A graphics extension to the Qt GUI application framework from Trolltech ASA.

RTC

Real-Time Computing

The study of hardware and software systems subject to a real-time constraint (i.e., operational deadlines from event to system response).

RTOS

Real-Time Operating System

A multitasking operating system intended for real-time applications.

S300

Servostar 300 drive

See Servo Drive.

S700

Servostar 700 drive

See Servo Drive.

SCADA

Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition

SCADA systems are typically used to perform data collection and control at the supervisory level.

Some SCADA systems only monitor without doing control, these systems are still referred to as SCADA systems.

SDO

Service Data Object

The SDO protocol is used to read and write values across fieldbusesClosed A Fieldbus is an industrial network system for real-time distributed control (e.g. CAN or Profibus). It is a way of connecting instruments in a plant design.

  • The SDO data is defined by the object dictionary.
  • EtherCAT uses the same communication mechanisms (PDO and SDO) as CANopen.
  • SDO data is non-cyclic and is applicable for non-deterministic data transfers.

SFC

Sequential Function Chart

Used to program processes that can be split into steps.

The main components are:

  • Steps with associated actions.
  • Transitions with associated logic conditions.
  • Directed links between steps and transitions.

SPLC

Software version of a PLC

Usually working on PC-based hardware.

SSH

Secure Shell Protocol

SSH is a network protocol for secure data communication and remote command execution.

SSHClosed The Secure Shell Protocol (SSH) is a network protocol for secure data communication and remote command execution. SSH applications are based on a client–server architecture, connecting an SSH client instance with an SSH server. applications are based on a client–server architecture, connecting an SSH client instance with an SSH server.

ST

Structured Text

A high-level language which is block structured and syntactically resembles Pascal.

TDI

Tabbed Document Interface

Allows multiple documents to be contained within a single window, using tabs to navigate between them.

TMP

Trapezoidal Motion Profile

This Pipe Block is a source block that frequently serves as a virtual master for a system composed of several pipes.

Generally, a trapezoidal motion profile generator is used to generate a flow of values with a first derivative which produces a trapezoidal trajectory.

UDFB

User-Defined Function Block

Used as a sub-Function Block in another program of the application.

UDP

User Datagram Protocol

UDP is a network protocol used for the Internet.

  • This protocol assumes that the Internet Protocol (IP) is used as the underlying protocol.
  • This protocol provides a procedure for application programs to send messages to other programs with a minimum of protocol mechanism.
  • The protocol is transaction oriented and delivery and duplicate protection are not guaranteed.

USB

Universal Serial Bus

A serial bus standard to interface devices.

UTF8

Unicode Transformation Format (8-bit)

A variable-length character encoding for Unicode.

It is able to represent any character in the Unicode standard, yet the initial encoding of byte codes character assignments for UTF-8 are backward-compatible with ASCII.

UU

User Units

A coordinate value or length expressed in user units represents a coordinate value or length in the current user coordinate system.

Thus, 10 user units represent a length of 10 units in the current user coordinate system.

XML

Extensible Markup Language

XML is a general-purpose markup language.

It is classified as an extensible language because it allows its users to define their own tags.

VDK

Visual DSP Kernel

Operating system supported by Blackfin microprocessors.

VLAN

Virtual LAN

A group of hosts with a common set of requirements that communicate as if they were attached to the Broadcast domain, regardless of their physical location.

  • A VLAN has the same attributes as a physical LAN, but it allows for end stations to be grouped together even if they are not located on the same network switch.
  • Network reconfiguration can be performed using software instead of physically relocating devices.

XPe

Windows XP Embedded

A componentized version of the Professional edition of Windows XP.

  • An original equipment manufacturer is free to choose only the components needed, thereby reducing the operating system footprint and the attack area as compared with XP Professional.
  • Unlike Windows CE, Microsoft's operating system for portable devices and consumer electronics, XP Embedded provides the full Windows API, and support for the full range of applications and device drivers written for Microsoft Windows.
  • The system requirements state that XPe can run on devices with at least 32MB Compact Flash, 32MB RAM, and a P-200 microprocessor.

WUI

Web User Interface

WUI is the set of means by which people interact with a particular machine, device, computer program, or other complex tool via the Web.