Module Specific
Module Specific Terms
| Module Specific Terms | |
|---|---|
| Term | Definition |
| Analog | A type of signal or data that varies continuously over a range, representing values like temperature, pressure, or voltage. |
| Analog-to-Digital (AD) | The process of converting analog signals to digital signals. |
| Analog-to-Digital/Digital-to-Analog (AD/DA) | The process of converting analog signals to digital signals and digital signals to analog signals in a combo module. |
| Central Processing Unit (CPU) | The central processing unit (CPU) is the primary component of a PLC that is responsible for executing program instructions, processing logic, and managing input and output operations. |
| Current | The flow of electric charge, measure in amperes (A or amps), representing the movement of electrons through a conductor. |
| Digital-to-Analog (DA) | The process of converting digital signals to analog signals. |
| DIN Rail | Standardized metal rail used for mounting industrial control components, such as PLCs, relays, and terminal blocks, within electrical enclosures. |
| Hysteresis | A control or measurement feature where a set threshold includes a margin of tolerance to prevent frequent switching or rapid oscillation. |
| Input/Output (I/O) | Interfaces in a PLC that connect the system to external devices. Inputs receive signals from sensors and other devices while outputs send control signals to actuators, relays, or components. |
| Interposing Relay | A relay used as an interface between two different systems or voltage levels within a control circuit. It acts as an intermediary, typically isolating the PLC's low voltage control from higher-voltage devices or components, protecting the PLC from voltage spikes and allowing safe control of heavy-duty equipment. |
| Japanese Platinum 100 (JPT100) | A type of resistance temperature detector (RTD) made from platinum with a resistance of 100Ω at 0°C (32°F). The temperature coefficient is typically 0.003916Ω. |
| Load | A device or component that consumes electrical power to perform work. In control circuits, the load is the component or device that is activated or driven by a power source. |
| Negative-Positive-Negative (NPN) | A type of transistor or sensor configuration where the device provides a path to ground. The output switches from high to low when activated. |
| Nickel 1000 (Ni1000) | A type of resistance temperature detector (RTD) made from nickel with a resistance of 1000Ω at 0°C (32°F). The temperature coefficient is typically 0.00618Ω. |
| Platinum 100 (PT100) | A type of resistance temperature detector (RTD) made from platinum with a resistance of 100Ω at 0°C (32°F). The temperature coefficient is typically 0.00385Ω. |
| Platinum 1000 (PT1000) | A type of resistance temperature detector (RTD) made from platinum with a resistance of 1000Ω at 0°C (32°F). The temperature coefficient is typically 0.00385Ω. |
| Positioning | The control of a machine or actuator's position. |
| Positive-Negative-Positive (PNP) | A type of transistor or sensor configuration where the device supplies positive voltage to the load. The output switches from low to high when activated. |
| Process Data Object (PDO) | A type of message used to exchange process data between devices in real-time. |
| Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) | The programmable logic controller (PLC) is a computer used in industrial automation to control machinery, processes, and systems by executing programmed logic based on input and output signals. |
| Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) | A control algorithm used in automation that continuously calculates error values and adjust control outputs accordingly. This provides stable and precise control over processes. |
| Pulse | A signal, short duration electrical signal or burst, often used in counting, timing, and control applications. |
| Pulse Train Output (PTO) | A method for generating a sequence of pulses with a controlled frequency and duration. |
| Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) | A technique for controlling the amount of power delivered to a device by varying the width of pulse in a signal. |
| Real-Time Clock (RTC) | A clock that keeps track of the current date and time allowing PLCs to perform time-based operations. |
| Relay | An electrically operated switch used to control high-power devices with a low-power signal. Commonly used to control outputs or isolate circuits. |
| Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) | A temperature sensor that uses the predictable change in electrical resistance of certain materials to measure temperature. |
| Sink | A type of electrical configuration where the current flows from the load into the PLC's input module. The device provides a path to ground. The flow is NPN (negative-positive-negative). |
| Source | A type of electrical configuration where the current flows from the PLC's output module to the load. The device provides a positive voltage to the load. The flow is PNP (positive-negative-positive). |
| Thermistor | A temperature-sensitive resistor whose resistance changes significantly with temperature changes, commonly used in temperature monitoring and control applications. |
| Thermocouple (TC) | A temperature sensor that generates a small voltage based on the temperature difference between two different metals joined at one end. |
| Thermocouple Type: B | A platinum-rhodium thermocouple used for extremely high temperatures. Temperature range: 0°C ~ 1,700°C (32°F ~ 3,092°F) |
| Thermocouple Type: E | A nickel-chromium/constantan thermocouple used for low temperatures or cryogenic applications. Temperature range: -200°C ~ 900°C (-328°F ~ 1,652°F) |
| Thermocouple Type: J | An iron/constantan thermocouple used in non-oxidizing environments. Temperature range: -40°C ~ 750°C (-40°F ~ 1,382°F) |
| Thermocouple Type: K | A nickel-chromium/nickel-alumel thermocouple used for general-purpose applications. Temperature range: -200°C ~ 1,260°C (-328°F ~ 2,300°F) |
| Thermocouple Type: N | A nicrosil/nisil thermocouple used as a more stable and oxidation-resistant alternative to type K thermocouples. Useful for high temperatures. Temperature range: -200°C ~ 1,260°C (-328°F ~ 2,300°F) |
| Thermocouple Type: R | A platinum/platinum-rhodium thermocouple used for laboratory and industrial applications requiring accurate high-temperature measurements. Temperature range: -0°C ~ 1,480°C (32°F ~ 2,696°F) |
| Thermocouple Type: S | A platinum/platinum-rhodium thermocouple used for high-temperature measurements typically used in pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Temperature range: 0°C ~ 1,480°C (32°F ~ 2,696°F) |
| Thermocouple Type: T | A copper/constantan thermocouple used for laboratory and cryogenic applications Temperature range: -200°C ~ 370°C (-328°F ~ 698°F) |
| Transistor | A semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power. It is a key component in digital and analog circuits |
| Voltage | The electrical potential difference between two points, measured in volts (V), which drives current flow in a circuit. |