| architectures |
The structure of a program or software system. Redundant architectures improve system up-time by limiting the effects of a malfunction. |
| Basic Panels |
An operator panel designed for less complex visualization tasks. They are available in display sizes from 3 to 15 inches (7.62 to 38.10 cm). |
| Comfort Panels |
An operator panel that provides high-end functionality with devices. They are available in display sizes from 4 to 22 inches (10.16 to 55.88 cm). |
| commissioning |
A set of steps and actions that engineers must use to start a machine or process. |
| fail-safe |
Used to indicate that a device or system can be used in safety applications. |
| HMI |
Human machine interface. A device or system that displays machine or process information. An HMI also provides a means for entering control information. |
| host computer |
A computer that coordinates or controls other computers. A host computer can also perform specialized functions in coordination with other computers. |
| human machine interface |
HMI. A device or system that displays machine or process information. An HMI also provides a means for entering control information. |
| IEC |
International Electrotechnical Commission. An organization with representatives from technical organizations around the world. The IEC established the IP rating system. |
| industrial personal computers |
Personal computers designed for use in industrial environments. They are used for information technology and control purposes. |
| ingress protection |
IP. The protection from the intrusion of solid particles or objects and liquids provided by an electrical device enclosure. IP is rated in a system established by the IEC. |
| International Electrotechnical Commission |
IEC. An organization with representatives from technical organizations around the world. The IEC established the IP rating system. |
| IP |
Ingress protection. The protection from the intrusion of solid particles or objects and liquids provided by an electrical device enclosure. IP is rated in a system established by the IEC. |
| Key Panels |
A space-saving alternative to conventional operator panels. Installation costs for key panels are significantly reduced, because they come preassembled and ready-to-install. |
| Mobile Panels |
Operator panels designed for medium complexity control and monitoring of machines and processes during commissioning or in full factory operation. Mobile panels come in wired and wireless versions. |
| object orientation |
Computer programming that uses software objects which perform multiple functions. Object orientation is unlike traditional software, which is made up of a series of specific computer commands. |
| process |
In the context of PLCs, a process is a set of systems that work together. One of the tasks of HMI devices is to display process information. |
| ring topology |
A pattern of connecting network devices when each device is connected to the next device and the last device is also connected to the first device. |
| runtime software |
Software that allows a system to run but does not include system development features. |
| SCADA |
Supervisory control and data acquisition. A variety of system types but, most often, an industrial system used to monitor and control a large process. The process controlled by SCADA can include one or more entire facilities. |
| server |
A computer or program that performs specialized functions in coordination with other computers. |
| SIMATIC WinCC |
Windows-based software used for the configuration, development, testing, and maintenance of human machine interface systems. SIMATIC WinCC can be used for single-user and multi-user applications. |
| SIMATIC WinCC (TIA Portal) |
Windows-based software that is an integral part of the Siemens Totally Integrated Automation Portal, which operates automation systems. SIMATIC WinCC (TIA Portal) is used for the configuration, development, testing, and maintenance of human machine interface systems. |
| SIMATIC WinCC Open Architecture |
Software used for the configuration, development, testing, and maintenance of supervisory control to data acquisition applications. This software is used in those applications requiring a high degree of customer adaptability in large and/or complex applications and projects that impose specific system requirements and functions. |
| STEP 7 |
Software used for the configuration, programming, testing, and diagnosis of Siemens SIMATIC PLCs. |
| supervisory control and data acquisition |
SCADA. A variety of system types but, most often, an industrial system used to monitor and control a large process. The process controlled by SCADA can include one or more entire facilities. |
| thin client |
A computer that must be connected to another a host computer or server to be functional. |
| TIA Portal |
Siemens Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal. Software used for designing, commissioning, operating, maintaining, and upgrading automation systems. |
| vertical integration |
The interconnection of the different machines and processes in a system that ties everything together. |
| visualization |
Visual indications of what's going on in a machine or process. Images must be created for this purpose and tied to the systems controlling and providing data. |