Common Terms of Industrial Automation

I have compiled a list of terms that you might run across on the factory floor. You may want to browse through them. If you are looking for a specific definition, it could be quicker to use the search box on the right.

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Industrial Automation Glossary – A

0 a logical negative, or zero.

1 a logic positive, high, or 1.

A/D Analog to digital converter (see ADC).

abort the disruption of normal operation.

absolute pressure a pressure measured relative to zero pressure.

absorptive law a special case of Boolean algebra where A(A+B) becomes A. Read more

Industrial Automation Glossary – B

backbone
a central network line that ties together distributed networks.

background
in multitasking systems, processes may be running in the background while the user is working in the foreground, giving the user the impression that they are the only user of the machine (except when the background job is computationally intensive).

background suppression
the ability of a sensing system to discriminate between the signal of interest, and background noise or signals. Read more

Industrial Automation Glossary – C

C
A programming language that followed B (which followed A). It has been widely used in software development in the 80s and 90s. It has grown up to become C++ and Java.

CAA (Computer Aided Analysis)
allows the user to input the definition of a part and calculate the performance variables.

cable
a communication wire with electrical and mechanical shielding for harsh environments. Read more

Glossary – D

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency)
replaced ARPA. This is a branch of the US department of defense that has participated in a large number of research projects.

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency)

data acquisition
refers to the automated collection of information collected from a process or system. Read more

Glossary – E, F

eccentric
two or more objects do not have a common center.

echo
a reflected sound wave.

eddy currents
small currents that circulate in metals as currents flow in nearby conductors. Generally unwanted.

EEPROM
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.These chips can be erased and programmed while in use with a computer, and store memory that is not sensitive to power. Read more

Engineering Tip: Use the Internationally Recognized Phonetic Alphabet

During the course of your engineering duties, how many times have you tried to communicate a lengthy part number over the phone, only to experience frustration?

For example, let’s say you are on the phone with a vendor and you want to buy a part with the number NM5924SFCZ. After you tell the vendor the part number, she looks for it on her computer but can’t find it. Read more

Industrial Automation Glossary – G, H, I

galvanometer
a simple device used to measure currents. This device is similar to a simple DC motor.

gamma rays
high energy electromagnetic waves resulting from atomic fission or fusion.

gate
1. a circuit that performs on of the Boolean algebra function (i.e., and, or, not, etc.) 2. a connection between a runner and a part, this can be seen on most injection molded parts as a small bump where the material entered the main mold cavity. Read more

Industrial Automation Glossary – J, K, L, M

JIT (Just in Time)
a philosophy when setting up and operating a manufacturing system such that materials required arrive at the work site just in time to be used.

jog
a mode where a motor will be advanced while a button is held, but not latched on. It is often used for clearing jams, and loading new material.

jump
a forced branch in a program Read more

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