Glossary

ASICs optimize data processing and improve real-time communications, while providing the flexibility of system-on-chip (SoC) alternatives.

A method of on-demand data transfer in industrial networks, enabling the exchange of configuration data, diagnostics, and urgent commands outside regular cyclic communication.

Technology that enhances efficiency by reducing human intervention, embedding decision-making within machines to improve speed, accuracy, and precision in manufacturing and production processes.

A communication concept transmitting safety-critical data over unsecured channels, ensuring reliable and secure signal delivery in industrial automation without requiring dedicated infrastructure.

A networking solution that improves performance by segmenting traffic at the data link layer, selectively forwarding data based on MAC addresses to reduce collisions and enhance efficiency.

A communication method where a single sender transmits data to multiple receivers simultaneously, commonly used in networking, radio, television, and digital platforms.

A system that enables data transfer between components within a computer or multiple computers, using hardware like wires and fibers alongside communication protocols.

A communication protocol based on the CAN standard, designed for industrial applications, enabling efficient and reliable data exchange between devices in automation systems.

An open fieldbus system developed by Mitsubishi in 1996, enabling high-speed communication and seamless data exchange between numerous industrial devices in large automation networks.

A communication protocol ensuring safe, real-time data exchange in industrial automation, integrating multiple safety systems on a single network to enhance reliability and reduce errors.

A hardware component with software that manages data flow in networks, ensuring reliable communication, error detection, packet routing, and traffic management for optimal performance.

A secondary integrated circuit that supports a main processor by managing power, I/O operations, memory interfaces, or connectivity, improving performance and efficiency in electronic systems.

A standardized framework enhancing interoperability, modularity, and scalability in industrial communication, enabling seamless integration across diverse systems and reducing dependency on proprietary protocols.

Measures and technologies protecting industrial control systems from cyber threats, ensuring the security of hardware, software, and operational processes in automation and critical infrastructure.

A communication method where data is exchanged at fixed intervals, ensuring timely updates and reliability in real-time control systems for industrial automation.

An error-detection method that verifies data integrity by comparing calculated CRC values before and after transmission or storage, ensuring accurate data transfer in digital systems.

A network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and configuration settings to devices, enabling seamless and efficient network connectivity without manual setup.

A type of computer memory module with DRAM chips, offering fast, volatile storage for applications and operating systems, featuring separate contacts for higher speed and capacity.

An organization or entity that collaborates to support development goals by providing expertise, funding, or technical assistance for successful project planning and implementation.

Software interfaces that enable PC cards to communicate with industrial devices, ensuring seamless integration of PCs into automated environments using Ethernet and fieldbus protocols.

A digital fieldbus protocol based on CAN, enabling efficient communication between PLCs and industrial devices like sensors and motors in automated manufacturing environments.

A standardized file format describing automation device capabilities and configurations, ensuring seamless integration and interoperability in CANopen, DeviceNet, and EtherNet/IP networks.

A standardized XML file used in EtherCAT networks to describe device features and configuration, enabling seamless integration and communication in industrial automation systems.

A compact, purpose-built electronic component designed to perform dedicated functions within larger systems, ensuring efficient and reliable operation in industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

A specialized software or hardware solution used to design, simulate, and manage engineering processes, improving accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration across various technical disciplines.

A high-performance industrial Ethernet protocol enabling real-time control, low-latency communication, and precise synchronization in automation, robotics, manufacturing, and other industrial applications.

An industrial communication protocol built on standard Ethernet, enabling real-time data exchange, interoperability, and seamless integration in automation and control systems.

A widely used networking technology for LANs, enabling fast and reliable data transmission through standardized protocols, originally developed for connecting computers in local environments.

A communication path within Ethernet networks that ensures efficient, reliable data transfer, supporting high speeds and features like link aggregation for greater bandwidth and redundancy.

A real-time industrial Ethernet protocol based on IEEE 802.3, designed to ensure deterministic communication and precise synchronization in automation systems, enabling high-performance control applications.

A development tool used to test and validate communication protocols, interfaces, and components in industrial automation, enabling efficient prototyping and real-world performance evaluation.

A software framework enabling seamless integration, configuration, and management of field devices across various industrial communication protocols, ensuring interoperability in automation systems.

Machines replace manual processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Networking and industrial communication enable automated workflows using robots and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

A high-speed data transmission technology using light signals through glass or plastic fibers, offering greater bandwidth, reliability, and efficiency compared to traditional copper cables.

The foundational layer in industrial automation where sensors and actuators control and monitor processes, transmitting real-time data to higher system levels for analysis and optimization.

A digital communication network in industrial automation enabling seamless data exchange between field devices, reducing wiring complexity and improving system efficiency and scalability.

Specialized software embedded in hardware that provides low-level control, manages essential functions, and enables communication between the device and other systems, stored in non-volatile memory.

A safety concept in industrial automation ensuring systems respond predictably to failures, protecting people, equipment, and the environment through automatic, reliable protection functions.

A standardized file used in PROFIBUS and PROFINET networks to define device capabilities and communication parameters, enabling seamless integration and interoperability in industrial automation systems.

A standardized XML-based format defining device characteristics and communication parameters in PROFINET networks, ensuring seamless interoperability and integration across industrial automation systems.

A device that enables communication between different industrial networks by translating protocols, ensuring seamless data exchange, connectivity, and integration across automation systems.

A communication protocol ensuring reliable data exchange by synchronizing devices, confirming readiness, and managing data flow in industrial automation and control systems.

A system that connects controllers like PLCs with field devices, enabling signal exchange between sensors, actuators, and robots for seamless automation and process control.

A global standardization body developing IEC standards to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability in electrical, electronic, and industrial technologies, supporting international compliance and innovation.

A global professional organization advancing technology through research, standards development, and publications, shaping innovations in telecommunications, computing, and power systems.

A real-time operating system (RTOS) ensuring deterministic performance for industrial applications, featuring low latency, multi-core support, and seamless integration for precision-critical environments.

IO-Link is a standardized communication protocol for connecting sensors and actuators in industrial automation. It enables bidirectional data exchange, simplifies device integration, and enhances diagnostics, facilitating smarter and more efficient manufacturing processes.

A wireless extension of the IO-Link protocol enabling robust, real-time, bi-directional communication between masters and field devices, offering flexibility and reliability in industrial automation environments.

A standardized file format that describes IO-Link-enabled sensors and actuators, ensuring seamless integration, interoperability, and efficient communication in industrial automation networks.

An enhanced version of Ethernet designed for industrial environments, providing real-time control, determinism, and reliability for automation systems and time-critical applications.

A transformative approach that connects machines, sensors, and devices in industrial environments, enabling real-time data exchange, analytics, and automation for improved efficiency and reliability.

The exchange of data between machines, devices, and systems in industrial environments using fieldbus or industrial Ethernet, ensuring efficient, reliable, and automated manufacturing processes.

The fourth industrial revolution integrates digital technologies, automation, AI, and IoT into manufacturing, creating intelligent, interconnected, and highly efficient production systems.

A global standardization body that develops ISO standards to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency across industries, facilitating international trade and technological advancement.

A fundamental networking protocol that enables data transmission across interconnected networks, providing unique addressing and routing capabilities for seamless global communication.

A mechanism that allows a processor to pause its current task to respond immediately to high-priority events, improving system efficiency, multitasking, and real-time responsiveness.

The delay between data transmission initiation and reception, measured in milliseconds, influenced by network congestion, hardware, and processing times in industrial communication systems.

A vendor-neutral network discovery protocol that enables devices to share identity, capabilities, and status information with directly connected peers, simplifying network management and topology mapping.

A lightweight messaging protocol designed for low-bandwidth, high-latency networks, enabling efficient, reliable data exchange in IoT and industrial automation through a publish/subscribe model.

A communication architecture where a central master device controls and coordinates tasks with slave devices, enabling structured, efficient, and parallel data processing in industrial networks.

A compact integrated circuit that performs specific tasks in embedded systems, combining processor, memory, and I/O interfaces for efficient control within larger electronic devices.

An open and vendor-neutral industrial communication protocol developed in the 1970s to enable interoperability between PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems over serial, Ethernet, or wireless connections.

A network communication method where a single data packet is efficiently transmitted to multiple designated recipients simultaneously, optimizing bandwidth usage and reducing network congestion.

A communication approach supporting multiple industrial protocols on a single device or system, enabling interoperability and flexibility across diverse automation networks and legacy systems.