Reference guide
A practical field reference for the sensors, controls, instrumentation, industrial networks, and reliability terms used in modern automation.
1500 definitions for engineers and technicians.
1500 definitions shown.
Sensors
An encoder that reports a unique digital position value for each shaft location, including after power interruption.
Control
A motion method that commands an axis to move to a defined coordinate from a known reference.
Instrumentation
Pressure measured relative to a perfect vacuum rather than the surrounding atmospheric pressure.
Maintenance
A test that applies elevated stresses to estimate product life under normal operating conditions.
Control
The rate at which an axis changes velocity during a commanded motion profile.
Sensors
A sensor that measures acceleration, vibration, or tilt along one or more axes.
Maintenance
A documented test confirming repaired or newly installed equipment meets specified functional requirements before service.
Safety
Policies and mechanisms that restrict system functions or data to authorized users and devices.
Networking
A rule set defining which network traffic, addresses, or services a device permits or denies.
IIoT & Data
A credential that authorizes a client to access protected resources for a limited scope and duration.
Instrumentation
The closeness of an instrument reading to the true value of the measured quantity.
Maintenance
A technique that detects transient elastic waves released by growing cracks or material deformation.
Safety
Identification of networked assets by sending probes or queries to devices and services.
Networking
Continuous network supervision that detects conditions and applies configuration changes to maintain required service performance.
Safety · AOPD
A non-contact safeguarding device using emitters and receivers to detect interrupted optical radiation.
Control
A device that converts a control signal into physical motion, such as opening a valve or moving a cylinder.
Instrumentation
The spring range requiring pneumatic pressure before a valve actuator begins and completes travel.
Networking
Non-time-critical exchanges that carry configuration, parameter, or diagnostic data without interrupting cyclic control traffic.
Control
A control method that automatically changes parameters as process dynamics or operating conditions change.
IIoT & Data
Changing a data collection rate automatically in response to process conditions, events, or available resources.
Networking
A protocol that resolves an IPv4 address to the hardware address required for local Ethernet delivery.
IIoT & Data
A network service that translates address information between private and public industrial network address spaces.
Instrumentation
The volume of compressed instrument air required by a pneumatic device during operation.
Sensors
A sensor that measures the movement, velocity, or volume rate of air through a duct or system.
Sensors
A device that measures airborne pollutants, particles, gases, or environmental conditions affecting indoor or outdoor air.
Instrumentation
A pneumatic regulator assembly that supplies clean pressure at a controlled value to an instrument.
Control
A configured range that prevents an alarm from repeatedly activating near its threshold.
IIoT & Data
A condition where alarms arrive faster than operators can reasonably assess and respond.
Networking
The transmission of alarm events from field or control systems to supervisory monitoring applications.
Control
The engineering and administration of alarms so operators receive actionable, prioritized notifications.
Control
A ranking that indicates the urgency and required operator response for an alarm condition.
Control
A documented review that defines each alarm purpose, priority, limit, response, and consequence.
Instrumentation
A configured process value that triggers an alarm when a measurement crosses its assigned limit.
Control
A temporary operator action that suppresses an alarm indication for a controlled period.
Maintenance
Positioning coupled machine shafts so their centerlines meet specified angular and offset tolerances.
Sensors
A photodetector that measures surrounding illumination for display control, lighting control, or environmental monitoring.
Instrumentation
The temperature of air surrounding an instrument, affecting its specified operating conditions and accuracy.
Maintenance
A vibration pattern where a signal amplitude changes periodically because of a mechanical fault.
Instrumentation
A PLC or controller channel that reads a continuously varying signal such as 4–20 mA or 0–10 V.
Read the related guideControl
A controller interface module that converts continuously varying field signals into digital values.
Instrumentation
An instrument interface channel that produces a continuous electrical signal for commanding a field device.
Control
A controller interface module that generates continuously varying command signals for field devices.
Control
A continuously varying electrical signal representing a measured value or command magnitude.
Instrumentation · 0–10 V Signal
An analog voltage signal where zero to ten volts represents a measurement or command.
IIoT & Data
A mathematical or computational representation that derives insights, classifications, or predictions from industrial data.
Instrumentation
An instrument that determines chemical composition, concentration, or another property of a process sample.
Instrumentation
An enclosure protecting analyzers, sample systems, and supporting equipment from environmental conditions.
Sensors
An instrument that measures air or gas velocity, often using cups, vanes, thermal elements, or ultrasound.
Sensors
A device that measures angular position, rotation, or tilt relative to a defined reference axis.
Sensors
A device that measures the rotational position of a shaft, lever, flap, or other moving component.
Instrumentation
A multiport differential-pressure flow probe that averages velocity pressure across a pipe.
IIoT & Data
Identification of measurements or events that differ materially from expected operating patterns.
Control
A PID feature that prevents integral action from accumulating excessively when an output saturates.
Safety
A two-hand control feature preventing one actuator from being held continuously to defeat safety.
Networking
A routing method where identical addresses direct traffic to the nearest available member of a group.
Safety · AOPDDR
A safety laser scanner classification that detects intrusions through diffuse reflection of emitted optical radiation.
Instrumentation
The product of alternating current voltage and current before accounting for phase displacement.
Networking
A complete protocol message containing addressing information, application data, and any required error-checking fields.
IIoT & Data
Software that provides common services for connecting devices, managing data, and building industrial applications.
Networking
The OSI layer that defines application commands, data meanings, and services used by communicating devices.
Control
The configured control software that implements machine sequencing, interlocks, calculations, and communications.
IIoT & Data · API
A defined interface that lets software systems request data or functions from each other.
IIoT & Data
A logical IP network subdivision assigned to applications or services sharing a common address prefix.
IIoT & Data
A security control allowing execution only of explicitly approved software applications or code.
Sensors
The electrical supply voltage delivered to a sensor or transducer for normal operation.
Safety
An ISO 13855 calculation constant representing anticipated human movement speed toward a hazardous machine area.
Safety
A dangerous electrical discharge through air that can release intense heat, light, and pressure.
Maintenance
Inspection of electrical equipment labels, boundaries, and protective devices to maintain electrical safety.
Safety
The assessment and designation of locations according to explosive atmosphere probability and duration.
Sensors
An optical sensing device that monitors a two-dimensional field for objects, edges, or interruptions.
Instrumentation
Calibration results recorded before adjustment, showing instrument performance at the start of testing.
Instrumentation
Calibration results recorded after adjustment, documenting the instrument condition returned to service.
Maintenance
A ranking of assets by their consequences for safety, production, environment, and operating cost.
Maintenance
A composite score that summarizes an asset condition using inspection, test, and operating data.
Maintenance
The coordinated lifecycle management of equipment to improve reliability, performance, cost, and risk.
IIoT & Data
A structured digital description of an equipment asset, its properties, relationships, and operational context.
Maintenance
A controlled inventory recording equipment identity, location, characteristics, ownership, and lifecycle status.
IIoT & Data
A controlled record of assets, identifiers, attributes, ownership, lifecycle status, and related operational information.
Networking
A network condition where forward and return traffic travel through different paths between two endpoints.
Networking
Data exchange without a shared transmission clock, using framing or timing rules to identify message boundaries.
Instrumentation
A reduction in signal amplitude caused by cable resistance, loading, filtering, or transmission distance.
IIoT & Data
A chronological record showing activities, changes, access events, and responsible identities within a system.
Safety
The process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or software service.
IIoT & Data
A credential presented by a client to prove its identity to a service.
Safety
The decision that an authenticated identity may access a particular resource or operation.
Networking
An Ethernet process where connected devices select compatible speed and duplex settings.
Instrumentation
A device function that automatically adjusts measurement parameters using an internal or external reference.
Safety
A restart mode that resumes a safety function after reset conditions are satisfied without manual initiation.
Control
The control level where PLCs, PACs, and distributed controllers execute machine or process logic.
Maintenance
The probability that equipment is operational and able to perform its required function.
Sensors
A photodiode operated with internal gain to detect very low optical power levels.
Control
A controlled mechanical direction of movement with a motor, drive, feedback device, and load.
Control
A motion relationship that coordinates one axis movement with the position of another axis.
Control
A command or condition that permits a motion axis to accept and execute movement commands.
Networking
A high-capacity network segment that interconnects smaller networks, cells, or distribution layers within a facility.
IIoT & Data
The network segment carrying aggregated edge traffic to central services, data centers, or cloud platforms.
Control
A control adjustment that offsets lost motion caused by mechanical clearance during direction reversal.
Instrumentation
Pressure opposing fluid flow downstream of a restriction, valve, regulator, or instrument connection.
Sensors
An optical sensor that detects material properties from light scattered backward by particles or surfaces.
Safety
The restoration of protected configurations, programs, or data after loss, corruption, or compromise.
Maintenance
An ISO classification defining permissible residual unbalance for a rotating component at its rated operating speed.
Networking
The maximum data-carrying capacity of a communication channel, commonly measured in bits per second.
Instrumentation
Atmospheric pressure used as a reference when converting between gauge and absolute pressure measurements.
Sensors
A sensor that measures atmospheric pressure for weather monitoring, altitude estimation, or process compensation.
Safety
A preventive or mitigative control that interrupts a path from threat to harmful consequence.
Maintenance
An initial condition measurement used as a reference for later trend comparison.
Control
Control logic that executes defined production steps for a specified quantity or recipe.
IIoT & Data
Process records associated with a defined production batch, recipe, lot, or campaign.
Maintenance
Inspection and testing activities that preserve battery capacity, connections, charging, and service readiness.
Networking
The number of signaling symbols transmitted per second on a serial communication link.
Sensors
The angular spread of emitted or received energy that defines a sensor’s effective sensing field.
Sensors
A photoelectric device that detects an object when it interrupts a transmitted light beam.
Maintenance
The internal radial or axial space between bearing rolling elements and raceways.
Maintenance
A calculated vibration frequency associated with a specific bearing race, cage, or rolling element defect.
Maintenance
Controlled fitting of a bearing using correct tools, cleanliness, force paths, and specified clearances.
Maintenance
The number of revolutions or operating hours a bearing achieves before fatigue damage occurs.
Maintenance
Applying compatible grease or oil to bearing contacts to separate surfaces and limit wear.
Maintenance
The temperature measured at a bearing housing or raceway to detect abnormal friction.
Maintenance
The applied force in a belt drive required to transmit torque without excessive slip.
Networking
Network traffic receiving no guaranteed delivery time and forwarded only when higher-priority traffic permits.
Control
A fixed value added to a controller signal to correct an offset or establish a baseline.
Instrumentation
A systematic measurement offset that consistently shifts instrument readings from the true value.
Sensors
A fiber-optic sensor head using separate illumination and return paths to detect reflected light.
Sensors
A temperature sensor that uses bonded metals with different expansion rates to move an indicator or switch.
Sensors
An analytical device combining a biological recognition element with a transducer to measure a target substance.
Safety
A communication approach where safety is ensured by end devices despite an untrusted transmission channel.
Control
A graph showing system gain and phase versus frequency for control-loop analysis.
Sensors
A thermal detector that measures incident electromagnetic radiation through temperature-dependent changes in electrical resistance.
Control
A data type that stores one of two logical states, commonly true or false.
Maintenance
Visual examination of inaccessible internal surfaces using a flexible or rigid optical instrument.
Instrumentation
An elastic curved tube that straightens under pressure to move a mechanical pressure indicator.
Safety
A risk method that maps threats, preventive barriers, consequences, and recovery barriers around an event.
Maintenance
Unscheduled repair performed after equipment has failed and cannot provide its required function.
Control
A programmed stop point used to pause controller execution during software troubleshooting.
Instrumentation
A resistor network used to measure small resistance changes in strain gauges and similar sensors.
Networking
A network segment in which broadcast frames reach every device unless a router or VLAN boundary intervenes.
IIoT & Data
Connecting new digital systems to existing equipment, controls, and legacy operational technology.
Networking
An existing operational network that must coexist with upgrades while production equipment remains in service.
Instrumentation
A level measurement system inferring liquid head from pressure needed to bubble gas.
Control
A temporary memory area that holds data while a controller or device processes it.
Control
A mode transition method that avoids a sudden controller output change when automatic control begins.
Instrumentation
A load resistor that converts loop current into a proportional voltage for measurement electronics.
Instrumentation
The voltage drop across a receiving device that reduces available voltage for a loop transmitter.
Instrumentation
A HART operating mode where a field device repeatedly transmits selected variables without host requests.
Networking
A network arrangement in which multiple devices communicate through one shared cable or communication trunk.
Safety
A controlled device that temporarily overrides a protective circuit for approved testing or maintenance activities.
Instrumentation
The electrical capacitance between cable conductors or shield that can affect signal response.
Networking
Switch or controller functions that detect cable faults, estimate fault distance, and report physical-link conditions.
Safety
Magnetic energy-storage property of field wiring that must remain within intrinsic safety entity limits.
Maintenance
Electrical testing that measures cable insulation condition and identifies leakage or deterioration paths.
Networking
Conductive cable construction that reduces electromagnetic interference coupling into communication signal conductors.
Maintenance
Comparison and adjustment of an instrument against a known reference to verify measurement accuracy.
Instrumentation
A plotted relationship between known reference inputs and corresponding instrument output readings.
Instrumentation
A calibration test point located near either limit of an instrument configured measurement range.
Instrumentation
A documented sequence defining standards, test points, tolerances, and adjustments for an instrument.
Maintenance
A documented result showing instrument identification, standards used, measured errors, and adjustment status.
Maintenance
The scheduled period for reassessing calibration frequency using instrument stability, risk, history, and required accuracy.
Instrumentation
A planned timetable assigning instruments to calibration activities according to risk, stability, and operating requirements.
Instrumentation
A reference device or material with known properties used to calibrate another instrument.
Instrumentation
Documented linkage of calibration results through an unbroken chain of references to recognized measurement standards.
Sensors
An image sensor that converts focused light into electronic pixels for inspection or measurement.
Networking
A higher-layer communication protocol for embedded automation devices that use controller area networks.
Safety
The maximum permitted circuit capacitance verified when connecting intrinsically safe apparatus, barriers, and field wiring.
Sensors
A level sensor that detects material presence or height from capacitance changes near a probe.
Sensors
A proximity sensor that detects changes in capacitance, often used for non-metal objects, powders, or liquids.
Read the related guideSensors
A sensor that detects touch or proximity through changes in capacitance caused by a conductive object.
Instrumentation
A small-bore tube that transmits pressure between a remote diaphragm seal and transmitter.
Sensors
A sensor that measures carbon dioxide concentration for ventilation control, safety monitoring, or process analysis.
Control
A control structure where one controller setpoint is supplied by another controller output.
Sensors
A combustible-gas detector that measures heat released when gas oxidizes on a catalytic bead.
Safety
An uncontrolled stop achieved by immediately removing power to machine actuators or drive elements.
Safety
A controlled stop that retains actuator power until motion stops, then removes power.
Safety
A controlled stop that retains power to actuators after motion stops under monitored control.
Safety
A document mapping initiating events to required alarms, trips, interlocks, and shutdown responses.
Control
A table defining required control actions, alarms, trips, and responses for specified conditions.
Maintenance
Formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in liquid flow that damages pump surfaces.
Sensors
A thermal radiation detector using an absorbing cavity to measure radiant power with high accuracy.
Maintenance
Thermal movement of rotating machinery shaft centerlines as equipment reaches operating temperature.
Networking
TSN control architecture that calculates network paths and schedules before deploying configuration to switches.
Networking
A TSN component that collects application traffic requirements from end stations for centralized scheduling.
Control · CPU
The controller component that executes the application program, manages memory, and coordinates communications.
IIoT & Data
A trusted organization that issues and signs digital certificates used to validate identities.
IIoT & Data
Restricting a client to specified certificates or public keys when establishing secure connections.
Maintenance
A material with documented property values and uncertainty used to verify measurement methods.
Maintenance
Maintenance tasks performed while converting equipment from one product or operating configuration to another.
Instrumentation
A valve with inherent flow behavior selected to improve installed control loop performance.
Sensors
A signal conditioner that converts the charge output of piezoelectric sensors into a usable voltage.
Sensors
A piezoelectric sensor that produces electrical charge proportional to applied dynamic force, pressure, or acceleration.
Safety
The suitability of a material to resist degradation when exposed to specified chemicals.
Sensors
A device that detects or quantifies chemical substances by converting a selective interaction into a signal.
Sensors
A radiation sensor that detects light emitted when charged particles travel faster than light in a medium.
Instrumentation
A gas-flow condition where velocity reaches sonic speed and upstream pressure controls flow.
Sensors
An optical displacement sensor that determines distance from the wavelength focused onto a target surface.
Networking
A Common Industrial Protocol extension that uses precision timing to synchronize clocks among automation devices.
Maintenance
Inspection, cleaning, testing, and adjustment activities that preserve circuit breaker interrupting capability.
Control
A programming function that restricts a calculated value within defined upper and lower limits.
Sensors
A non-invasive flow meter mounted outside a pipe, commonly using ultrasonic measurement techniques.
Maintenance
A defined contamination limit for fluids, components, or assemblies used to control wear.
Networking
A communication model where a client requests services or data from a server that provides them.
IIoT & Data
Aligning clocks across industrial systems so timestamps, event order, and scheduled actions remain consistent.
Control
Control that uses feedback from a measured process value to continuously correct output.
IIoT & Data
Temporarily using public cloud resources when local infrastructure cannot meet processing demand.
IIoT & Data
On-demand computing resources delivered over networks for storage, processing, applications, and analytics.
IIoT & Data
An edge device or service that securely transfers industrial data to cloud applications.
IIoT & Data
An application approach using containers, automation, and elastic infrastructure designed for cloud environments.
Sensors
A sensor using concentric conductors to measure dielectric changes, liquid level, or material presence.
Instrumentation
A normalized dispersion measure calculated by dividing standard deviation by the measurement mean.
Instrumentation
A thermocouple measurement correction that accounts for temperature at the instrument reference junction.
Networking
A network portion where simultaneous Ethernet transmissions can interfere when shared half-duplex media is used.
Sensors
An optical device that distinguishes colors by measuring reflected or transmitted light across spectral bands.
Sensors
A single device that measures two or more physical quantities using integrated sensing elements.
IIoT & Data
Communication functions that send instructions to equipment and report resulting operational states.
Safety
Verification that a control command originates from an authorized source before execution.
Control
A control function that translates a high-level command into the format required by equipment.
Control
The target position sent to a motion axis before feedback confirms actual movement.
IIoT & Data
A managed sequence of instructions awaiting delivery to devices, services, or automated processes.
Control
The selected origin of an equipment command, such as local control, remote control, or program logic.
Control
The structured process of verifying equipment installation, configuration, operation, and performance before service.
Networking
Electrical interference appearing similarly on both signal conductors relative to ground, potentially affecting communication reliability.
Instrumentation
The ability of a differential input to reject voltage shared by both signal conductors.
Instrumentation
A voltage shared by both signal conductors relative to ground, often affecting measurement circuits.
Safety · CCF
A single shared cause that disables multiple redundant channels intended to provide independent protection.
IIoT & Data
A shared structure and vocabulary that lets multiple systems interpret exchanged information consistently.
Networking
An application-layer protocol using objects, attributes, services, and connections for interoperable industrial device communication.
Networking
A repeating interval during which an industrial network schedules and completes its required data exchanges.
Networking
The amount by which a useful communication signal exceeds the noise level required for reliable reception.
Control
A controller task that exchanges data with networked devices, interfaces, or supervisory systems.
Control
A logic function that evaluates two values and produces a result based on their relationship.
Sensors
A magnetic field sensor that estimates heading relative to Earth’s magnetic field.
Instrumentation
A temperature value corrected for known effects from sensors, wiring, or environmental conditions.
Instrumentation
A correction applied to reduce known errors caused by environmental or process influences.
Maintenance
Required maintenance performed to satisfy applicable legal, regulatory, insurance, or certification obligations for equipment service.
Maintenance
Gradual material or performance deterioration caused by time, temperature, cycling, or environmental exposure.
Maintenance
Unintended escape of compressed air that wastes energy and reduces pneumatic system capacity.
Maintenance · CMMS
Software that schedules work, stores asset history, controls parts, and reports maintenance performance.
Maintenance · CBM
Maintenance initiated from measured asset condition rather than a fixed calendar interval.
Maintenance
Tracking equipment condition through measurements such as vibration, temperature, or current to detect deterioration.
Instrumentation
An analyzer that measures a liquid’s electrical conductance to indicate dissolved ionic content.
Sensors
An instrument that measures a liquid’s ability to conduct electricity, indicating dissolved ionic content.
Safety
A controlled communication path connecting IEC 62443 security zones with defined security requirements.
Safety
Control of approved system versions, settings, changes, and records throughout an asset lifecycle.
Sensors
An optical sensor that measures surface distance by detecting light reflected through a focused aperture.
Networking
A defined capability level specifying which protocol features and performance requirements a compliant device supports.
Networking
A value that identifies a communication relationship so devices associate packets with the correct data exchange.
IIoT & Data
A configuration value containing parameters a software client uses to connect to a service.
Maintenance
The safety, environmental, operational, or financial result that follows an asset functional failure.
Sensors
An infrared instrument that estimates surface temperature without touching the measured object.
Safety
A feedback function confirming external contactors reached their required de-energized or energized state.
Sensors
A sensor requiring physical contact with an object or medium to detect position, force, or state.
IIoT & Data
Packaging software with its dependencies into isolated, portable execution units called containers.
Maintenance
Practices that prevent particles, water, or chemicals from entering lubricants and equipment.
IIoT & Data
Adding asset, process, time, location, and business meaning to otherwise raw industrial data.
IIoT & Data
A security practice that repeatedly evaluates identity, device posture, and authorization before granting industrial access.
Control
Control that continuously modulates an output across a range rather than switching discrete states.
Safety
A scanner field that verifies a mobile machine position against known environmental contours before action.
Safety
A static scanner reference used to detect altered surroundings or verify a required docking position.
Safety
A safety control circuit designed so a single component failure does not prevent stopping.
Control
The proportion of dangerous control-system failures detected by automatic diagnostics within a specified subsystem.
Control
A controller signal that commands a discrete device state such as energized, de-energized, open, or closed.
Control
The factor that determines how strongly a controller output responds to control error.
Control
The signal calculated by a controller and sent to a final control element.
Control
The elapsed time between a controller event, command, measurement, and its resulting process response.
Control
A feedback system in which a controller compares a measured process value with a setpoint and changes an output.
Control
A selected operating strategy such as manual, automatic, cascade, or remote setpoint control.
Control
A written description of how equipment should start, stop, respond, and alarm.
Networking
A deterministic industrial network using scheduled and unscheduled communication for controllers, drives, and remote I/O.
Control
An enclosure containing control components, power distribution, operator devices, and wiring terminals.
Control
An electrically operated switch used to isolate, multiply, or sequence control circuit signals.
Control
The conversion of a raw controller signal into meaningful engineering units or a required command range.
Control
An electrical, digital, pneumatic, or networked value that commands a control-system action.
Safety
Reduction of system attack surface through secure configuration, patching, and service restriction.
Control
A valve with an actuator that modulates fluid flow according to a controller command.
Maintenance
Inspection and repair of valve trim, actuator, packing, positioner, and air supply components.
Instrumentation
A device that compares commanded and actual valve positions to drive the actuator accurately.
Instrumentation
The measured movement of a valve stem or shaft between its closed and open positions.
Control
Logic that starts, stops, sequences, and protects conveyor sections for material movement.
Control
Motion control that synchronizes multiple axes to follow a shared path, timing, or profile.
Control
A defined reference framework used to express axis positions, paths, and motion targets.
Networking
A metallic communication medium carrying electrical network signals over twisted-pair or coaxial conductors.
Sensors
A flow meter that measures mass flow from vibration changes caused by fluid moving through tubes.
Instrumentation
A flowmeter that measures mass flow from vibration changes in tubes carrying process fluid.
Sensors
An optical sensing arrangement using a retroreflector that returns incident light toward its source.
Maintenance
Repair or replacement work performed after a fault or failure has been identified.
Maintenance
Measurement and inspection methods used to detect metal loss or corrosion activity.
Control
A control function that accumulates pulses, events, parts, or occurrences up to a configured value.
Maintenance
Examination of coupling elements, fasteners, alignment, and wear to maintain torque transmission.
Maintenance
The pressure within an engine crankcase, monitored to detect ventilation or blowby problems.
Maintenance
A replacement part kept available because its absence would cause unacceptable outage consequences.
Safety
A muting arrangement using intersecting sensors to distinguish authorized material movement from human entry.
Control
A combustion strategy that constrains fuel and air commands to maintain a safe mixture.
Instrumentation
A transducer that converts an electrical current signal into a proportional pneumatic pressure.
Instrumentation
A signaling circuit that represents a measurement or command by controlled electrical current.
Instrumentation · 4–20 mA Current Loop
A current signaling standard where four to twenty milliamps represent a measured process value.
Sensors
A device that measures electrical current using shunts, magnetic fields, transformers, or Hall effect elements.
Maintenance
Motor current analysis that identifies electrical and mechanical faults from spectral current components.
Safety
Extra compressible travel in a safety edge that absorbs impact while hazardous motion stops.
Networking
Switch forwarding that begins transmission before receiving the entire frame, reducing latency but limiting error checking.
Maintenance
Recording repeated load or operating cycles to estimate fatigue consumption and service life.
Control
The time required for a machine operation or controller scan to complete.
Networking
Scheduled recurring exchanges that deliver process input and output data at defined intervals for deterministic control.
Networking · CRC
An error-detection value calculated from transmitted message data to identify corrupted communication frames.
Sensors
A sensor that detects piston location in pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, often by magnetic field.
Networking
A line topology where each network device connects sequentially to the next device along the cable.
Instrumentation
Signal smoothing that slows response to reduce fluctuations caused by noise or process turbulence.
Sensors
The small electrical current produced by a photodetector when no intentional light reaches it.
IIoT & Data · DAQ
The process of sampling physical signals and converting them into usable digital data.
IIoT & Data
Combining multiple measurements or records into summarized values for analysis, visualization, or reporting.
IIoT & Data
Maintaining synchronized copies of database data across servers for availability, scale, or recovery.
Control
A named memory structure that stores related controller values, parameters, or program data.
IIoT & Data
A service that mediates publication, subscription, routing, and delivery of data between systems.
IIoT & Data
Temporarily storing messages or measurements to absorb rate differences or communication interruptions.
IIoT & Data
An inventory that describes available data assets, their owners, meanings, quality, and access details.
IIoT & Data
Encoding data using fewer bits to reduce storage requirements or network transmission bandwidth.
IIoT & Data
Metadata that explains what a measurement represents, where it originated, and how it should be interpreted.
IIoT & Data
The failure of transmitted industrial messages or packets to reach their intended destination during communication.
IIoT & Data
Adding external attributes, calculated values, or reference information to improve raw data usefulness.
Networking
A structured unit of data transmitted across a data-link network with addressing and error-detection fields.
IIoT & Data
Policies, roles, and controls that manage data quality, ownership, access, retention, and use.
Networking
An independently routed packet that carries sufficient addressing information for delivery without a dedicated connection.
IIoT & Data
A database system optimized for collecting, storing, and retrieving time-series industrial process data.
IIoT & Data
Collecting and importing data from devices, files, streams, or applications into a destination system.
IIoT & Data
A repository that stores large volumes of raw structured and unstructured data.
IIoT & Data
The time between an industrial data event, request, or transmission and its corresponding delivery or response.
IIoT & Data
A record of data origins, transformations, movement, and use across connected systems.
Networking
The OSI layer responsible for local frame delivery, media access control, and error detection.
Sensors
An instrument that records sensor measurements over time for analysis, compliance, diagnostics, or trending.
IIoT & Data
Controls that detect and prevent unauthorized disclosure, transfer, or removal of sensitive information.
IIoT & Data
A formal structure that defines data entities, attributes, relationships, and permitted values.
IIoT & Data
Transforming data into consistent units, formats, names, and structures for reliable comparison.
Networking
A formatted unit of network data containing headers, payload information, and sometimes error-checking fields.
IIoT & Data
An automated sequence that collects, transforms, routes, stores, and delivers data between systems.
IIoT & Data
Information documenting the source, history, custody, and transformations of a specific data item.
IIoT & Data
The geographic location where data is stored, processed, or required to remain.
IIoT & Data
Policies defining how long data is stored before archival or secure deletion.
IIoT & Data
The time between measurements captured from an industrial signal, source, or data collection process.
IIoT & Data
A specification defining the fields, types, relationships, and constraints within a data structure.
IIoT & Data
A documented commitment defining expected data service performance, support responsibilities, and recovery expectations.
IIoT & Data
A separately managed data store that is difficult for other systems or users to access.
IIoT & Data
A named identifier representing a process value, state, command, or calculated attribute.
IIoT & Data
A controlled mechanism that permits approved industrial data transfer while blocking unauthorized reverse communications.
IIoT & Data
Providing integrated access to distributed data without physically copying it into one repository.
Safety
A circuit philosophy where loss of electrical energy initiates the protective action.
IIoT & Data
A queue that stores messages unable to be delivered or processed successfully.
Control
A range around a setpoint where no control action occurs, used to prevent rapid output cycling.
Maintenance
A stagnant piping section where fluid does not circulate, promoting corrosion or contamination.
Safety
A manually held control that stops hazardous motion when an operator releases or over-presses it.
Instrumentation
A pressure calibration device using known masses and piston area to generate accurate pressure.
Instrumentation
A zero-based signal baseline that cannot distinguish a true zero reading from circuit failure.
Sensors
A region near a sensor where reliable detection or measurement cannot occur.
Control
A filtering method that rejects brief input transitions caused by mechanical contact bounce.
Control
The controlled reduction of axis velocity during a motion profile or stopping sequence.
Networking
Firewall analysis that examines industrial protocol payloads rather than only addresses, ports, and packet headers.
Networking
A router address used by a host to reach devices located outside its local IP subnet.
Maintenance
A systematic process that removes recurring failure causes from equipment and work processes.
Safety
A security strategy using multiple layers of controls to reduce single-point protection failures.
Maintenance
A known equipment defect intentionally postponed with documented risk controls and planned corrective action.
Maintenance
Necessary work postponed beyond its planned date, increasing exposure to asset deterioration or failure.
Maintenance
The speed at which an asset condition indicator worsens over a defined operating period.
Maintenance
Removal of residual magnetism from components when magnetic fields interfere with operation or testing.
Safety
The expected frequency at which a safety function must act to prevent or mitigate harm.
Control
PID action that responds to the rate of error change to reduce overshoot.
Sensors
A photodetector performance measure describing its ability to distinguish weak optical signals from noise.
Control
The ability of a control system to perform an operation within predictable timing limits.
Instrumentation
The signed difference between a measured value and its specified reference or target value.
Networking
A machine-readable file that describes device capabilities, configurable parameters, and supported communication settings.
Networking
The process of identifying connected network devices and learning their addresses, capabilities, or topology positions.
IIoT & Data
A unique, verifiable representation used to authenticate a device to networks and services.
Networking · DLR
An Ethernet ring protocol that provides alternate network paths after a single cable break.
IIoT & Data
Provisioning, configuring, monitoring, updating, securing, and retiring connected devices throughout their operational lifecycles.
Networking
A CAN-based industrial fieldbus that connects sensors, actuators, drives, and controllers on one network.
IIoT & Data
Registering a device and assigning its credentials, configuration, and permissions before operation.
Safety
A unique, verifiable representation used to recognize and authorize a physical or virtual safety device.
IIoT & Data
A cloud-side digital record storing a device’s reported state and desired configuration.
Sensors
An instrument that measures the temperature at which water vapor condenses from a gas.
Instrumentation
A pressure transmitter accessory that isolates the sensing element from difficult process media.
Maintenance
An insulation test ratio comparing resistance readings at two specified time intervals.
Instrumentation
The pressure difference expressed as fluid height between two points in a measurement system.
Instrumentation
An input channel that measures voltage between separate positive and negative terminals.
Instrumentation
The pressure difference between two points, used to infer flow, level, or filter condition.
Sensors
A sensor that measures the pressure difference between two ports for flow, level, or filter monitoring.
Instrumentation
A transmitter that measures pressure difference to infer flow, level, density, or filter condition.
Sensors
A photoelectric sensor that detects objects from light reflected directly by the target surface.
Safety
A signed electronic credential that binds an identity to a public cryptographic key.
Control
A controller signal representing a discrete field state such as on, off, open, or closed.
Networking
Binary networked signals representing discrete states such as on, off, open, closed, or faulted.
Control
A controller interface module that reads discrete voltage or contact states from field devices.
Instrumentation
An electronic meter that measures voltage, current, resistance, and often additional electrical quantities.
Control
A controller interface module that switches discrete electrical outputs to field devices.
IIoT & Data
A cryptographic value that verifies data origin and detects whether signed content changed.
IIoT & Data
Connected information that follows a product or asset across design, production, and service.
IIoT & Data
A digital representation of a physical asset or process used for analysis, simulation, or monitoring.
Safety
A switch mechanism that mechanically separates contacts through actuator movement, even if contacts weld.
Maintenance
Twelve common human performance conditions that increase the likelihood of maintenance errors and violations.
Safety
The maximum allowed time difference between two safety-channel input transitions before a fault is declared.
Control
Control that uses distinct states, logic decisions, and sequencing instead of continuously varying outputs.
Sensors
A device that measures linear movement or distance between a target and reference position.
Instrumentation
A level instrument that measures buoyant force changes on a submerged displacement body.
Maintenance
Analysis of gases dissolved in transformer oil to identify internal electrical or thermal faults.
Instrumentation
An analyzer measuring oxygen concentration dissolved in water or another process liquid.
Sensors
A sensor that measures oxygen concentration in liquids for water treatment, aquaculture, or bioprocess control.
Sensors
A sensor that determines separation from a target using optical, ultrasonic, magnetic, or mechanical principles.
Control · DCS
A control architecture that distributes controllers across a process plant while providing centralized supervision.
Control
Input and output modules located near field devices and connected through a control network.
IIoT & Data
A replicated record system in which participants maintain synchronized, cryptographically linked transaction entries.
Networking
A hierarchical textual name mapped by DNS to addresses used for network communication.
IIoT & Data
The process of translating a domain name into network addresses and related service records.
Networking
A naming service that translates human-readable hostnames into IP addresses used for network communication.
Sensors
A sensor that detects a guard or door position and reports whether its access point is closed.
Sensors
A frequency shift caused by relative motion between a wave source, target, and receiver.
Sensors
A laser sensing system that measures target velocity from frequency shifts in returned light.
Sensors
A radar sensor that detects motion or speed from frequency changes in reflected radio waves.
Maintenance
Time when equipment cannot perform its intended production, processing, or supporting operational function.
Control
A command or permissive condition that allows a motor drive to produce torque.
Control
A protective condition reported by a motor drive that inhibits operation until cleared.
Instrumentation
A gas-filled reference impulse line used with differential pressure level measurement applications.
Safety
A redundant safety design using two independent signal paths to improve fault tolerance.
Networking
An Ethernet setting that determines whether devices transmit simultaneously or take turns using one link.
Control
The percentage of a repeating period during which an output remains active.
Maintenance
Correcting rotating mass distribution in two planes to reduce vibration during operation.
Control
A motor stopping method that dissipates regenerative energy through a resistor or drive circuit.
Safety
Automatic selection of scanner protective fields according to a mobile machine speed, direction, or position.
Networking
A protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses and related network settings to connected devices.
Sensors
The ratio between the largest and smallest input values a sensor can measure reliably.
Control
How a controlled process or machine changes over time after a command or disturbance.
Instrumentation
A secondary process value communicated digitally by a multivariable HART field device.
Maintenance
A failure occurring soon after installation, often caused by defects, errors, or improper handling.
Sensors
A probe using induced currents to inspect conductive surfaces for cracks, thickness, distance, or material changes.
Instrumentation
An instrument system that measures conductive shaft displacement using an eddy current probe and driver.
Sensors
A non-contact sensor that measures conductive target position by changes in induced electromagnetic currents.
Maintenance
A nondestructive method using induced currents to find surface cracks and material changes.
IIoT & Data
An architecture connecting local computing resources with cloud services for coordinated data processing.
IIoT & Data
Analyzing industrial data locally to reduce latency, bandwidth use, or dependence on cloud connectivity.
IIoT & Data
A coordinated group of edge computing nodes sharing workloads, services, and management functions.
IIoT & Data
Processing data near machines or sensors instead of sending all raw data to a distant cloud service.
Control
Logic that identifies a transition of a digital signal from off to on or vice versa.
IIoT & Data
A local hardware device that collects, processes, or forwards industrial data near equipment.
IIoT & Data
A local computing device that connects industrial equipment to applications, networks, or cloud services.
IIoT & Data
Coordinating deployment, configuration, updates, and operation of distributed edge applications and devices.
Safety
The permitted angular range of safety light curtain beams used to limit optical bypass risks.
Sensors
A probe that measures liquid conductivity through electrical response between immersed electrodes.
Maintenance
Examination of terminals and conductors for looseness, overheating, corrosion, or insulation damage.
Instrumentation
Unwanted signal variation that obscures a measurement or causes incorrect control decisions.
Safety · ESPE
Electronic protective equipment that evaluates sensing signals and initiates a safety response after intrusion.
Sensors
A sensor that measures chemical concentration through electrical reactions at electrodes in a sample.
Instrumentation
The voltage developed at an electrode interface, used by electrochemical measurement instruments.
Sensors
A flow meter that measures conductive liquid velocity from voltage induced by a magnetic field.
Instrumentation · EMI
Unwanted electromagnetic energy that disrupts electrical signals, communication links, or instrument operation in equipment.
Control
A programmed motion relationship that synchronizes follower-axis position to a master-axis profile.
Networking
A standardized device file describing capabilities and parameters for engineering EtherNet/IP or DeviceNet equipment.
Control
A configurable motion ratio that makes one axis follow another without mechanical gears.
Instrumentation
A device that regulates pneumatic output pressure according to an electrical command signal.
Maintenance
Controls that prevent static electricity from damaging sensitive electronic components during handling.
Sensors
A device that detects electric charge or field strength near materials, surfaces, or moving webs.
Safety
A designated path enabling personnel to leave a hazardous area during an abnormal event.
Maintenance
Immediate work needed to remove imminent danger or restore essential equipment capability.
Safety · ESD
A protective action that brings a process or machine to a defined safe state.
Safety
A manually operated device that initiates a rapid stop when an immediate hazard exists.
Control
A hardwired control circuit that removes hazardous machine motion when emergency stop devices operate.
Sensors
A sensor that converts rotational or linear position into electrical pulses or a coded position value.
Read the related guideControl
Position or speed information returned from an encoder to verify and regulate motion.
Control
A controller or drive circuit that receives, decodes, and uses motion feedback signals.
IIoT & Data
Cryptographic protection applied to stored data so unauthorized readers cannot interpret it.
IIoT & Data
Cryptographic protection applied to data while it moves between systems over a network.
Control
A tool, gripper, or process device mounted at the end of a robotic arm.
IIoT & Data
A network-addressable interface where a device, application, or service exchanges information with another system.
Safety
Physical separation of equipment from electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, or mechanical energy sources.
Instrumentation
Scaled measurement units, such as bar or degrees Celsius, meaningful to process operators.
Safety
A computer used to configure, program, diagnose, or maintain industrial control systems.
IIoT & Data · ERP
Business software that integrates planning, purchasing, inventory, finance, production, and related organizational processes.
Safety
Electrical limits used to verify compatible connections between intrinsically safe apparatus, barriers, and field wiring.
Maintenance
Protecting equipment enclosures against water, dust, chemicals, and other damaging environmental exposure.
Instrumentation
A manifold valve connecting transmitter high and low sides to equalize differential pressure.
Maintenance
A chronological record of inspections, failures, repairs, modifications, and operating events for an asset.
Safety · EPL
A classification indicating protection level and suitability of equipment for explosive atmospheres.
Control
The current difference between a control-loop setpoint and its measured process value.
Instrumentation
The stated maximum measurement deviation permitted over specified operating conditions and range.
Networking
Methods such as checksums and cyclic redundancy checks that identify corrupted communication frames or messages.
Maintenance
Designing tasks or equipment so incorrect maintenance actions are prevented or immediately detected.
Networking
A high-speed industrial Ethernet fieldbus designed for deterministic motion and automation communication.
Read the related guideNetworking
An industrial Ethernet protocol that uses the Common Industrial Protocol for device communication.
Networking
The data-link format that carries destination, source, type, payload, and frame-check information over Ethernet.
Networking
A physical-layer transceiver that converts Ethernet data into electrical, optical, or radio transmission signals.
Networking
A real-time industrial Ethernet protocol using scheduled communication cycles for deterministic machine and motion control.
IIoT & Data
A software design in which components react to events produced by other components.
IIoT & Data
Associating related events from multiple sources to identify patterns, causes, or incidents.
IIoT & Data
The collection, correlation, prioritization, and handling of system events requiring operational attention or response.
IIoT & Data
Capturing, filtering, correlating, and acting on streams of events as they occur.
IIoT & Data
A continuous sequence of timestamped records representing changes, alarms, measurements, or system actions.
Control
A controller program task triggered by a specified event rather than periodic scheduling.
Instrumentation
A controlled supply voltage applied to passive sensors or bridge circuits for measurement.
Safety
An explosion-protection method containing an internal explosion and preventing ignition of the surrounding atmosphere.
Safety
An explosion-protection method using construction measures to prevent excessive temperatures, arcs, and sparks.
Safety
An explosion-protection method limiting circuit energy so ignition cannot occur under specified fault conditions.
Safety
An explosion-protection method embedding ignition-capable parts in compound to isolate them from explosive atmospheres.
Networking
On-demand communication used to read diagnostics, configure devices, or request noncyclic industrial network data.
Safety
Equipment enclosed to withstand an internal explosion and prevent surrounding atmosphere ignition.
Safety
An explosion-protection method maintaining protective gas pressure to prevent flammable atmosphere entry into equipment.
Safety
An explosion-protection method using an enclosure to prevent dust ingress and limit surface temperature.
Safety · EDM
A safety function checking external contactors before allowing a machine safety circuit to restart.
Safety
A design approach that moves equipment to a safe condition when power, communication, or a component fails.
Instrumentation
A transmitter fault configuration that drives output above normal range when an internal failure occurs.
Instrumentation
A transmitter fault configuration that drives output below normal range when an internal failure occurs.
Networking
Automatic transfer of communication services to a standby path or device after a primary component fails.
Maintenance
Technical examination of failed components to determine mechanisms, contributing conditions, and causes.
Maintenance
The specific manner in which an asset, component, or function can fail.
Maintenance · FMEA
A structured method for identifying failure modes, effects, causes, and preventive actions.
Maintenance
The frequency of failures divided by operating time, population size, or demand count.
Maintenance
Documenting failure symptoms, circumstances, affected components, and consequences to support reliable technical analysis and corrective action.
Networking
Ethernet technology operating at 100 megabits per second over compatible copper or fiber media.
Maintenance
A crack initiated and grown by repeated cyclic stresses below a material ultimate strength.
Safety
A justified engineering assumption that a specified failure mode is so unlikely it need not be considered.
Control
A deliberate command that clears a latched fault after its underlying condition is corrected.
Networking
The ability of a network to continue delivering required functions despite component, link, or communication failures.
IIoT & Data
An identity arrangement that lets users authenticate through a trusted external identity provider.
Control
Information about actual process or axis behavior returned to a controller for correction.
Control
A control strategy that adjusts output from measured disturbances before they affect the process.
Networking
A communication medium that transmits data as light, providing electrical isolation and long-distance network links.
Sensors
An optical fiber sensor whose reflected wavelength changes with strain, temperature, or pressure.
Sensors
A sensor using optical fiber to carry light for sensing in confined or harsh locations.
Instrumentation
A reference marker within a radar echo curve used to verify instrument measurement performance.
Networking
A digital industrial network that connects field devices such as sensors, actuators, and controllers.
Control
A device that connects distributed input and output modules to an industrial communication network.
Maintenance
Calibration performed at the installed equipment location using portable standards and procedures.
Instrumentation
A portable device that sources, measures, or simulates signals while verifying field instruments.
IIoT & Data
Measurements, states, diagnostics, and events collected directly from equipment or process instruments.
Control
A sensor, actuator, drive, or instrument installed near the physical industrial process.
Sensors
The area or angle visible to an optical, radar, ultrasonic, or vision sensor.
Sensors
A point-level device that changes output when material reaches a specified height.
Maintenance
Replacement of a filter when its condition or pressure drop reaches defined limits.
Control
The device that directly changes a process, such as a valve, drive, or damper.
Safety
The actuator, valve, drive, or contactor that executes a safety instrumented function response.
Networking
A security control that permits or blocks network traffic according to defined rules.
Safety
A defined policy permitting, denying, or inspecting specified network traffic between systems.
IIoT & Data
Software stored in nonvolatile device memory that controls hardware operation and startup behavior.
Control
A dynamic response where output approaches a changed input exponentially with one time constant.
Maintenance
The proportion of maintenance tasks completed correctly without rework or repeat testing.
Maintenance
An engineering assessment determining whether damaged equipment can continue operating safely under specified loading and conditions.
Safety
A light curtain setting that ignores beams continuously blocked by a stationary machine component.
Maintenance
Examination and cleaning of flame arrester elements to maintain specified flame-stopping performance during service.
Sensors
A sensor that detects flames by monitoring ultraviolet, infrared, visible, or combined radiation signatures.
Safety
A precisely machined enclosure interface that cools escaping gases below ignition temperature.
IIoT & Data
Centralized monitoring, configuration, maintenance, security, and lifecycle control of many connected devices.
Safety
A light curtain setting allowing a limited number of blocked beams to move within the field.
Sensors
A point-level switch actuated by a buoyant float rising or falling with liquid level.
Instrumentation
A specialized controller that calculates standardized flow quantities from measured process variables.
Instrumentation
Use of straight pipe or devices that reduce swirl before a flowmeter.
Networking
Mechanisms regulating transmission rates so receivers and network buffers are not overwhelmed by incoming data.
Sensors
An instrument that measures the rate or quantity of liquid, gas, steam, or slurry moving through a system.
Read the related guideInstrumentation
A shaped differential-pressure primary element that creates a predictable restriction in a pipe.
Sensors
An instrument that measures combustion gases to assess burner efficiency, emissions, and excess oxygen.
Sensors
An optical sensor that detects fluorescent emission to identify substances or measure concentration.
Instrumentation
A flat exposed pressure-sensing face suited to viscous, sanitary, or fouling process media.
Maintenance
Clean oil circulated through a system to remove contaminants before normal service.
Sensors
A two-dimensional detector array placed at an optical focal plane to capture an image.
Control
A motion axis whose position or speed is coordinated from a master-axis reference.
Control
A temporary engineering override that fixes a controller input or output at a chosen state.
Safety
Mechanically linked relay contacts arranged so normally open and normally closed contacts cannot close together.
Sensors
A transducer that converts applied compression, tension, shear, or torque into an electrical signal.
Maintenance
Controls that prevent loose objects from entering equipment during maintenance or assembly.
Networking
Redundant encoded data allowing receivers to reconstruct some corrupted or lost transmissions without retransmission.
Instrumentation
A resistance measurement method using separate current and sense leads to reduce lead error.
Networking
A calculated value appended to an Ethernet frame so receivers can detect transmission corruption.
Networking
A TSN capability allowing critical frames to interrupt lower-priority transmissions and reduce worst-case latency.
Control
An electronic power converter that controls motor speed by producing variable-frequency alternating current.
Sensors
A sensor signal whose pulse rate changes in proportion to a measured variable.
Instrumentation
A digital modulation method that represents data using changes between two carrier frequencies.
Maintenance
Resistance to relative motion between contacting surfaces that converts mechanical energy into heat.
Networking
A link mode allowing both connected Ethernet devices to transmit and receive simultaneously without collisions.
Control
The maximum value represented by an instrument, signal range, controller input, or output.
Maintenance
Inability of an asset to meet a required performance standard under stated conditions.
Safety
Safety achieved when control systems correctly respond to their inputs and bring hazards to an acceptable level.
Maintenance
A test that confirms equipment performs its specified action, response, or protective function.
IIoT & Data · FaaS
A cloud model that runs event-triggered code without requiring developers to manage servers.
Control
A reusable control-program element with defined inputs, outputs, internal logic, and memory.
Safety
A graphical representation showing functional relationships and signal flow within a safety system.
Control
The configured range over which a controller proportional response is adjusted for process sensitivity.
Control
A strategy that changes controller parameters according to operating conditions or process regions.
Instrumentation
Electrical separation between circuits that allows signal transfer without a direct conductive path.
Sensors
An analytical instrument that separates vaporized compounds for detection and chemical composition measurement.
Safety
Measurement of combustible, toxic, or oxygen concentrations to warn or initiate protective actions.
Sensors
An instrument that detects or measures gas concentration to support safety, process control, or environmental monitoring.
Safety
A classification grouping explosive gases by ignition characteristics relevant to equipment protection selection.
Networking
A TSN schedule defining when switch queues open or close for specified traffic classes.
Networking
A device or software service that translates between networks, protocols, or data models.
IIoT & Data
Remote administration of gateway configuration, software, connectivity, health, diagnostics, and security settings.
Instrumentation
Pressure measured relative to local atmospheric pressure rather than a perfect vacuum.
Maintenance
Inspection of gears, bearings, lubricant, seals, and housing condition in a gearbox.
Maintenance
The designed space between mating gear teeth that permits lubricant flow and controlled relative movement.
Maintenance
The vibration frequency produced when mating gear teeth engage repeatedly during shaft rotation.
Networking
An IEEE timing protocol that distributes a common time base across time-sensitive Ethernet devices.
Networking
An XML device description used by PROFINET engineering tools to configure communication and diagnostic capabilities.
IIoT & Data
Defining a virtual geographic boundary that triggers actions when an asset enters or leaves.
Sensors
A ground-motion sensor that converts seismic vibration into an electrical signal for monitoring or surveying.
Networking
The highest-quality clock selected by a timing protocol to distribute time throughout a synchronized network.
Maintenance
The ability of two greases to mix without unacceptable changes in consistency or performance.
Safety
Detection of unintended current paths to earth that can create shock, fire, or equipment hazards.
Maintenance
A test confirming a low-resistance protective grounding path between equipment and earth.
Instrumentation
An unintended current path between grounded points that can introduce noise or measurement error.
Safety
A protective guard function that keeps a movable guard closed until hazardous motion ends.
Safety
Detection of a movable guard position to prevent hazardous machine operation when the guard opens.
Instrumentation
A level measurement method timing electromagnetic reflections that travel along a probe.
Sensors
A sensor that measures angular velocity or orientation around one or more rotational axes.
Networking
A link mode where devices share one transmission direction at a time and cannot send simultaneously.
Sensors
A sensor that detects magnetic fields and is often used for position or speed sensing.
Control · HOA
A selector arrangement that chooses manual hand operation, off, or automatic control.
Control
An exchange of status signals confirming that connected devices are ready to transfer or accept data.
Control
A physical or hardware-enforced motion boundary that prevents an axis exceeding permitted travel.
Networking
A gateway using physical one-way enforcement and protocol proxies to export data without permitting return connections.
Safety · HFT
The ability of safety hardware to continue performing its function after one or more faults.
Networking
An Ethernet-based version of HART communication that carries device configuration and diagnostic information over IP networks.
Instrumentation · HART
A communication protocol that superimposes digital data on a 4–20 mA analog instrument loop.
Safety
A systematic examination of hazards, causes, consequences, and safeguards for an operation.
Safety · HAZOP
A structured team review using guide words to identify process deviations, causes, and consequences.
Safety
A location where flammable gas, vapor, dust, or fibers may create an explosion risk.
Maintenance
Examination of equipment in classified locations to verify protection integrity and safe installation.
Sensors
A sensor designed or certified to operate safely where flammable gases, vapors, dusts, or fibers exist.
Safety
Stored or supplied energy capable of causing injury through motion, heat, pressure, electricity, or release.
Networking
Queue delay caused when a packet at the front prevents later packets from being transmitted.
Instrumentation
Pressure produced by the height of a liquid column above a measurement point.
Maintenance
Continuous or periodic assessment of equipment condition using measured operating indicators and diagnostic observations.
Control
A periodically changing signal used to confirm that a controller, device, or communication link remains active.
Maintenance
Removal of fouling deposits from heat transfer surfaces to restore thermal performance.
Sensors
A transducer that measures thermal energy flow per unit area through a surface.
Networking
A redundancy method sending duplicate frames over separate paths so receivers accept the first arriving copy.
Control
A specialized controller function that counts fast pulses without waiting for the normal program scan.
IIoT & Data
System design using redundancy and recovery mechanisms to minimize planned and unplanned service interruption.
IIoT & Data
Stored records describing previous process conditions, equipment states, events, or production results.
Control
A motion procedure that establishes an axis reference position using a switch, marker, or stop.
Networking
A human-readable network name assigned to a device for identification and address resolution services.
Maintenance
Shaft alignment measured or corrected while machinery operates at normal thermal conditions.
Sensors
An airflow instrument that calculates velocity from cooling of an electrically heated wire.
Control · HMI
The operator-facing screen or software used to monitor equipment and issue commands.
Safety
Controls protecting operator interface access, configuration, communications, and commands against unauthorized manipulation or modification.
Sensors
A device that measures water vapor in air or gas, often expressed as relative humidity.
IIoT & Data
An architecture combining on-premises infrastructure with public or private cloud services and shared workloads.
Maintenance
Testing hydraulic oil for contamination, viscosity, wear metals, water, and additive condition.
Sensors
A level sensor that calculates liquid height from pressure exerted by the liquid column.
Instrumentation
Pressure created by the weight of a stationary liquid column above a point.
Instrumentation
A difference in instrument output for the same input approached from increasing and decreasing directions.
Control
The assignment of identifiers that connect program variables to controller input and output channels.
Control
An individual electrical interface point that reads one input or drives one output.
Control
A removable controller component providing electrical interfaces for field input and output signals.
Control
A chassis or backplane that holds controller input and output modules and provides communication.
Instrumentation
A known zero-degree Celsius temperature reference used for thermocouple calibration and verification.
IIoT & Data · IAM
Policies and services that manage identities, authentication, authorization, permissions, and access lifecycle activities.
Safety
A family of standards for cybersecurity of industrial automation and control systems.
Networking
A switch feature that forwards multicast traffic only to ports with devices requesting that group.
Sensors
A light sensor calibrated to measure visible illumination on a surface in lux.
Sensors
The number of pixels available in an image, affecting visible detail and measurement capability.
Instrumentation
The total opposition a circuit presents to alternating current, including resistance and reactance.
Sensors
A device that measures electrical impedance changes to infer material, fluid, biological, or mechanical properties.
Maintenance
The specified gap between a pump impeller and casing that affects hydraulic efficiency.
Networking
Cyclic time-critical communication that transports process data through established industrial protocol connections.
Instrumentation
Small-bore tubing that carries process pressure from a tap to a transmitter.
Sensors
A sensor that measures slope, tilt, or inclination relative to gravity or a reference plane.
Sensors
An encoder that produces pulses as it moves, requiring a reference to establish absolute position.
Safety · IPL
A safeguard that independently prevents a hazardous event or mitigates its consequences.
Instrumentation
A device that displays a measured process value locally using an analog or digital readout.
Sensors
A non-contact sensor that detects conductive metal objects using an electromagnetic field.
Read the related guideIIoT & Data
Cloud services designed to store, process, analyze, or integrate industrial operational data.
IIoT & Data
The degree to which industrial data is accurate, complete, timely, consistent, and fit for its intended use.
Networking
A boundary device connecting local industrial networks to higher-level systems while translating, filtering, or buffering data.
Networking
Ethernet technology adapted for industrial communication timing, environmental conditions, diagnostics, and management requirements.
Safety
A network security device configured to protect operational technology communications and assets.
IIoT & Data
Connected immersive digital environments used to visualize, simulate, and collaborate around industrial operations.
IIoT & Data
A communications system connecting controllers, devices, computers, and services used in industrial operations.
Networking
A segmented network area separating enterprise and operational technology systems through controlled intermediary services.
IIoT & Data
A controlled boundary separating industrial control networks from enterprise, external, or less-trusted networks.
Safety
An intermediate network zone brokering controlled data exchange between enterprise and operational technology networks.
Networking
A communication specification defining data exchange between automation controllers, devices, drives, and software systems.
IIoT & Data
A defined data and message structure used by industrial devices and software to exchange information.
IIoT & Data
Software that applies a trained model or rules to incoming data and produces results.
IIoT & Data
A semantic description of objects, properties, relationships, and behaviors represented in an information system.
Sensors
A device that detects infrared radiation for presence sensing, temperature measurement, or gas analysis.
Maintenance
Noncontact imaging that maps surface temperatures to locate abnormal heating and thermal defects.
Sensors
A non-contact thermometer that calculates temperature from infrared radiation emitted by a target.
Networking
Network controls that validate incoming traffic and discard packets with unauthorized or implausible source addresses.
Safety
A controlled prevention of a safety output transition during defined setup, maintenance, or testing conditions.
Safety
A disagreement between redundant safety inputs that indicates wiring, sensor, or channel faults.
Instrumentation
The effective opposition presented by an input circuit to a connected measurement signal.
Control
A PLC interface module that receives discrete or analog signals from field devices.
Control
The controller phase that reads field input states into memory before program execution.
Instrumentation
A magnetic flow sensor inserted through a pipe wall to sample conductive liquid velocity.
Sensors
A flow meter installed through a pipe wall to sample velocity within the flowing medium.
Instrumentation
The distance a temperature sensor extends into a process to place its sensing tip.
Maintenance
A planned sequence of asset checks performed by an inspector during a scheduled round.
Instrumentation
The actual relationship between control valve travel and process flow under operating conditions.
Control
A low-level PLC programming notation that represents logic as ordered mnemonic instructions.
Instrumentation
Clean, dry, regulated compressed air used to supply pneumatic instruments and actuators.
Maintenance
The cleanliness, dryness, and pressure quality of compressed air supplied to pneumatic instruments.
Instrumentation
The discipline of measuring, indicating, recording, and controlling variables in industrial processes and equipment.
Maintenance
Slow change in an instrument indication when the measured input remains constant.
Safety
A sensing, logic, and final-element action that reduces risk by moving a process safe.
Instrumentation
A controlled register identifying instruments, tags, service descriptions, locations, and associated documentation.
Instrumentation
The complete signal path from process sensing element through indication, control, or recording.
Instrumentation
A commissioning test confirming field wiring, scaling, indication, and control response through an instrument loop.
Instrumentation
A valve assembly providing isolation, equalization, venting, or calibration connections for transmitters.
Instrumentation
A periodic test that reveals hidden instrument failures not detected during normal automatic diagnostic operation.
Instrumentation
A pulse-reflection measurement technique used by instruments to determine liquid level, cable faults, or impedance changes.
Instrumentation
Converting a raw instrument input into engineering units such as degrees, bar, liters, or percent.
Maintenance
Electrical resistance through insulating material measured to assess leakage paths and insulation condition.
Control
A numeric data type that stores whole numbers without a fractional component.
Control
PID action that accumulates control error over time to eliminate steady-state offset.
Instrumentation
A piezoelectric vibration sensor with built-in electronics requiring constant-current signal power for operation.
Sensors
A sensor package combining the sensing element, electronics, and signal conditioning within one housing.
IIoT & Data
Software that connects applications and data sources through adapters, workflows, transformations, and APIs.
Sensors
An optical instrument that measures displacement or surface properties from interference between light waves.
Networking
The required idle interval between Ethernet frames that allows receivers time to process transmission boundaries.
Safety
A hardware or software condition that prevents an unsafe or incorrect operation.
Networking
An IP support protocol used for error reporting, diagnostics, and network reachability information.
IIoT & Data
A network component that provides controlled connectivity between a local network and the internet.
Networking
An IP protocol that manages multicast group membership between hosts and local network routers.
IIoT & Data · IoT
A network of connected physical objects that collect, exchange, or act on digital information.
Networking
A network-layer protocol that addresses and routes packets between networks using logical IP addresses.
IIoT & Data
The ability of different systems to exchange information and use that information correctly.
Control
The coordinated calculation of intermediate motion points along a commanded machine path.
Safety
A device that limits electrical energy entering a hazardous area so ignition-capable sparks cannot occur.
Read the related guideSafety
A safety-distance calculation allowance for the distance a body part enters before detection.
Networking
A point-to-point communication standard for intelligent sensors and actuators over standard sensor cables.
Read the related guideSensors
An electrode that develops a voltage related to the activity of a specific ion in solution.
IIoT & Data
Software services for connecting devices, managing data, integrating applications, and operating IoT solutions.
Networking
A numeric network identifier assigned to a device for routing communication packets.
Networking
A delivery method that sends one IP packet to multiple subscribed receivers in a multicast group.
Sensors
An ingress protection classification describing an enclosure’s resistance to solids and water.
Read the related guideNetworking
The process of selecting network paths and forwarding IP packets toward their intended destination.
Networking
A logical subdivision of an IP network identified by a shared address prefix and subnet mask.
Networking
The widely deployed Internet Protocol version using 32-bit addresses to identify network interfaces.
Networking
The Internet Protocol version using 128-bit addresses to expand addressing capacity and improve network features.
Networking
Data exchange occurring at precisely repeating intervals to coordinate motion, drives, and time-critical automation tasks.
Networking
A PROFINET mode that reserves hardware-scheduled communication windows for highly synchronized motion-control traffic.
Instrumentation
Sample extraction at process-stream velocity to obtain a representative particulate or aerosol sample.
Instrumentation
A signal conditioner that transfers an analog value across an electrical isolation barrier.
Safety
A transformer providing galvanic separation between circuits to limit fault current paths and noise coupling.
Control
The rate of acceleration change in a motion profile, affecting mechanical smoothness.
Networking
Variation in timing between repeated events, transmitted messages, or recurring control system cycles.
Safety · JSA
A task-based review identifying hazards, controls, responsibilities, and safe steps before work begins.
Control
A manual motion command that moves an axis slowly while an operator holds a control.
IIoT & Data
A text-based data format that represents structured information using objects, arrays, names, and values.
Instrumentation
An enclosure containing terminals for joining, distributing, or protecting instrument field wiring.
Instrumentation
A meter coefficient relating pulse count or frequency to a measured flow quantity.
Safety
A reset requiring a keyed actuator to restrict safety-function restoration to authorized personnel.
IIoT & Data
Generating, distributing, storing, rotating, protecting, and revoking cryptographic keys throughout their lifecycle.
Control
A connected arrangement of mechanical links and joints that determines machine motion relationships.
Control
A graphical PLC programming language modeled after relay control circuits and rungs.
Maintenance
Shaft alignment using laser sensors to measure offset and angular misalignment precisely.
Safety
A classification describing laser emission hazard and required engineering or administrative protective measures.
Sensors
An optical sensor using a laser beam for precise distance, position, or object detection.
Sensors
An optical distance sensor that calculates target position from the reflected laser spot geometry.
Networking
A switch that forwards Ethernet frames according to learned media access control addresses.
Networking
A switch that combines Ethernet forwarding with IP routing between separate network subnets or VLANs.
Control
A sequencing strategy that rotates primary and secondary equipment based on demand or runtime.
Sensors
A current sensor that detects unintended electrical current flowing to ground or another path.
Maintenance
A test measuring unintended electrical current flowing through insulation or protective circuits.
Maintenance
Methods used to identify unintended loss of liquids, gases, vacuum, or process material.
Sensors
A device that identifies unintended fluid or gas escape through pressure, flow, acoustic, or chemical measurements.
IIoT & Data
Granting users and services only the minimum permissions needed for their authorized industrial tasks.
Safety
Granting users and processes only the access needed for their authorized safety and security duties.
Sensors
A device that measures or detects the height of a liquid, bulk solid, or interface in a vessel.
Instrumentation
A device that changes output state when liquid or solids reach a specified elevation.
Sensors
A level-measuring instrument that sends a scaled continuous signal representing material height or volume.
Maintenance
The total cost of owning an asset from acquisition through operation, renewal, and disposal.
Safety
The smallest object diameter a safety light curtain reliably detects within its sensing field.
Sensors · LiDAR
An optical ranging method that measures distance from the travel time of laser pulses.
Control
A mechanically actuated switch that detects position or travel limits on machine equipment.
Instrumentation
The closeness of an instrument response to a straight-line relationship across its range.
Instrumentation
Mathematical correction that converts a nonlinear sensor response into a proportional engineering value.
Sensors
A resistive position sensor that produces a voltage proportional to the travel of a sliding contact.
Sensors · LVDT
An inductive transducer that measures linear displacement from changes in coupled transformer windings.
Safety
Continuous supervision of safety circuit wiring for open circuits, shorts, and cross faults.
Networking
Combining multiple physical Ethernet links into one logical connection for increased capacity or resilience.
Networking
A protocol that advertises device identity, capabilities, and port information to directly connected network neighbors.
Networking
The operational condition of a network connection, commonly reported as up, down, speed, and duplex.
Sensors
An instrument that measures chemical or physical liquid properties such as pH, conductivity, or turbidity.
Instrumentation
A nonzero signal baseline that distinguishes a valid zero measurement from a broken circuit.
Instrumentation
A force transducer that converts applied load into an electrical signal, commonly using strain gauges.
Sensors
A structural pin instrumented to measure force in lifting, tensioning, or mechanical linkage applications.
Networking
A network connecting devices within a limited physical area such as a cell, machine, or facility.
IIoT & Data
Storage on a device or gateway that temporarily retains data before forwarding or processing.
Instrumentation
A field-mounted display that shows a process measurement near its associated instrument.
Control
A condition that prevents equipment operation until a specified fault, permission, or reset requirement is resolved.
Safety · LOTO
A safety procedure that isolates hazardous energy before maintenance or servicing work begins.
Maintenance
Testing that confirms hazardous energy isolation is effective before personnel begin maintenance work on equipment.
Networking
A diagnostic test that sends communication signals back to the origin to verify interface operation.
Maintenance
A commissioning test that verifies a complete instrument loop from field device through controller and display.
Instrumentation
Electrical power supplied through the same conductors that carry a transmitter signal.
Sensors
A two-wire sensor that draws operating power from the same current loop used for its output.
Instrumentation
The combined resistance of field wiring, loads, barriers, and receivers in a current loop.
IIoT & Data
A development approach using visual tools and reusable components to reduce hand-written programming.
Safety
A safety function operating mode where demands occur no more than once per year.
Maintenance
Laboratory testing of used lubricant to evaluate contamination, wear debris, and chemical condition.
Maintenance
Applying a suitable lubricant to reduce friction, wear, heat, and corrosion between moving surfaces.
Maintenance
A planned sequence of lubrication points serviced with specified lubricants and quantities.
Networking
A hardware identifier used by Ethernet networks to deliver frames to a specific local interface.
IIoT & Data · M2M
Automated communication between devices or software systems without requiring direct human interaction.
Control
A complete repeated sequence of machine operations required to produce one unit or process step.
Safety
Physical barriers and protective devices that prevent access to hazardous machine parts.
Maintenance
Examination of physical guards and interlocks to verify hazardous moving parts remain protected.
IIoT & Data
Methods that learn patterns from data to classify, predict, or detect anomalies.
Safety
The measured interval from stop command initiation until hazardous motion completely ceases.
Sensors
The use of cameras and image processing to inspect, identify, guide, or measure industrial objects.
Networking
A switch process that associates source MAC addresses with ports to forward frames efficiently.
Instrumentation
A flowmeter that uses electromagnetic induction to measure velocity of conductive liquid.
Sensors
A sealed switch that changes state when an external magnetic field brings its contacts together.
Sensors
A device that detects magnetic field strength, direction, or changes for position, speed, or current sensing.
Sensors
An instrument that measures magnetic field strength or direction for navigation, surveying, or equipment monitoring.
Sensors
A position sensor that uses magnetostrictive effects to measure linear position without contact.
Maintenance
The probability that equipment can be restored within a specified time using stated resources.
Maintenance
A review that defines maintenance-relevant alarms, priorities, responses, and limits for effective corrective action.
Maintenance
Identifying maintenance measurements or operating patterns that differ materially from an established normal baseline.
Maintenance
Approved work not yet completed, commonly measured as labor hours or weeks of work.
Maintenance
A structured list of inspection or service steps used to ensure work is completed consistently.
Maintenance
Verification that maintained equipment and systems perform according to specified functional requirements before service return.
Maintenance
The controls defining ownership, accuracy, completeness, consistency, and retention of records used for maintenance decisions.
Maintenance
The proportion of dangerous faults detected automatically by diagnostic functions during equipment condition assessment.
Maintenance
Assigning approved work to available personnel according to priority, skills, and resource constraints.
Maintenance
Disconnecting, dissipating, and securing hazardous energy sources before authorized maintenance work begins safely.
Maintenance
A documented work method defining tasks, labor, tools, parts, safety controls, and duration.
Maintenance
Closeness of repeated maintenance measurement results obtained under the same method, operator, and stated conditions.
Maintenance
A quantified measure used to evaluate maintenance process effectiveness against defined reliability, cost, and completion objectives.
Maintenance
Ordering work requests by consequence, urgency, safety risk, production impact, and resource availability.
Maintenance
A periodic maintenance test that reveals hidden dangerous failures in protective or safety-related equipment functions.
Maintenance
Planned activities that verify maintenance processes and work outputs meet defined technical requirements consistently.
Maintenance
A scheduled period when equipment may be unavailable for planned maintenance activities.
Maintenance
An authorized record defining requested work, asset, scope, labor, materials, and completion details.
Maintenance
Statistical observation of maintenance activities used to estimate time distribution and resource utilization.
Networking
An Ethernet switch that supports configuration, diagnostics, network segmentation, and traffic monitoring functions.
Safety · MOC
A formal process evaluating and authorizing modifications that may affect safety or operations.
Instrumentation
A pressure-measuring device that balances pressure against a liquid column or elastic element.
Control
An operating state where an operator directly commands equipment instead of automatic logic.
Safety
A deliberate operator action required to restore a safety function after a protective device actuates.
IIoT & Data · MES
Software that manages and tracks production activities, work execution, quality, and materials on the shop floor.
Sensors
An instrument that measures the mass of fluid passing through a line per unit time.
Control
The reference motion axis whose position or speed coordinates one or more follower axes.
Instrumentation
A calibrated reference flowmeter used to verify or compare another flowmeter’s performance.
Maintenance · MTBF
A reliability metric estimating the average operating time between repairable equipment failures.
Safety · MTTFd
An estimated average operating time before a component experiences a dangerous failure.
Maintenance · MTTD
The average time between a fault occurrence and its detection by people or systems.
Maintenance · MTTF
The average operating time to failure for a population of comparable nonrepairable items.
Maintenance · MTTR
The average time required to restore equipment after a repairable failure occurs.
Instrumentation
The particular quantity intended to be measured by an instrument or measurement system.
Instrumentation
The lower and upper limits within which an instrument is specified to measure.
Instrumentation
A quantified range describing dispersion of values reasonably attributable to a specific reported measurement result.
Instrumentation
The ratio of useful measurement signal strength to unwanted noise within an instrument measurement system.
Instrumentation
The complete set of instruments, procedures, and conditions used to obtain a measured value.
Maintenance
A quantified range expressing doubt about a measurement result and its true value.
Instrumentation
Unintended free movement in an instrument linkage that causes output changes to lag reversal of input.
Networking
The ring device that blocks one path during normal operation and enables redundancy after a fault.
Networking
A PROFINET ring protocol that restores communication after a single cable or device-path interruption.
Instrumentation
An electrochemical sensor element using a selective membrane to measure an ion concentration.
Networking
A network arrangement containing multiple interconnections that provides alternate paths between participating devices.
Networking
A cryptographic value allowing receivers to verify message origin and detect unauthorized modification.
IIoT & Data
Software that receives, routes, stores, and distributes messages between publishers and subscribing applications.
IIoT & Data
The configured guarantee that industrial messages are delivered according to required reliability and handling rules.
IIoT & Data
A limit specifying how long a message remains valid before brokers discard it.
Networking
A traffic classification indicating which network messages receive forwarding preference during congestion.
IIoT & Data
A buffer that holds messages until consuming applications can retrieve and process them.
IIoT & Data
Data describing the meaning, origin, structure, ownership, or quality of other data.
Instrumentation
A correction coefficient applied to a meter output to improve agreement with a reference.
Sensors · MEMS
A miniature sensor fabricated with microelectronic techniques, commonly measuring motion, pressure, or environmental conditions.
Sensors
An acoustic transducer that converts sound pressure variations into an electrical signal.
IIoT & Data
A small independently deployable service that implements a focused business or technical capability.
Sensors
A level device that uses microwave energy to detect or measure liquids, solids, or interfaces.
Instrumentation
An analog input designed to accurately measure very small voltage signals from sensors.
Safety
The smallest object a protective sensing device can reliably detect under specified operating conditions.
Safety
The required separation between a safeguard and hazard so motion stops before a person reaches danger.
Instrumentation
The smallest calibrated range an instrument can support while meeting its stated performance.
Maintenance
A condition where coupled rotating shafts do not share the required geometric centerline.
Safety
A knowledge base describing adversary tactics and techniques against industrial control systems.
Networking
A widely used industrial communication protocol available over serial lines and TCP/IP networks.
Read the related guideNetworking
A serial Modbus variant encoding message bytes as printable hexadecimal characters for readable transmission.
Networking
A Modbus variant that transports application messages over TCP/IP networks and Ethernet infrastructure.
Control
Logic that selects the valid operating mode when automatic, manual, local, and remote requests conflict.
IIoT & Data
The process of adjusting a machine learning model using examples and expected outcomes.
Safety
A controlled switch selecting operating modes with different safety requirements, permissions, or speed limits.
Instrumentation
Continuous adjustment of a final element to hold a process variable near target.
Sensors
A device that measures water content in materials, gases, or soil using electrical or optical properties.
Control
Coordinated control of position, velocity, torque, and acceleration for moving machine axes.
Control
A defined collection of axes that share coordinated motion configuration and scheduling resources.
Control
A planned position, velocity, acceleration, and deceleration trajectory for moving an axis.
Sensors
A sensor that detects movement or changes in position within a monitored area.
Control
A scheduled controller task dedicated to calculating and updating coordinated axis commands.
Maintenance
Electrical testing of motor circuits to detect winding, connection, and rotor defects.
Maintenance
The frequency spectrum of motor current used to diagnose electrical and driven-load faults.
Control
A switching assembly that starts, stops, and protects an electric motor circuit.
Maintenance
Measurement of winding resistance to identify connection problems, imbalance, or damaged conductor paths.
IIoT & Data
A lightweight publish-subscribe messaging protocol commonly used to move IIoT telemetry and event data.
IIoT & Data
An architecture where one software instance serves multiple customers while keeping their data logically separated.
Networking
One-to-many packet delivery where network traffic reaches only receivers that joined a specified group.
Instrumentation
A HART arrangement where multiple devices share wiring and communicate through digital polling.
Sensors
An imaging sensor that captures data in several selected wavelength bands beyond visible color channels.
Instrumentation
A field instrument that measures and digitally reports more than one process variable.
Safety
Temporary automatic suspension of a safeguarding function to permit authorized material passage through a protected field.
Safety
An indicator that visibly signals a safeguarding device is temporarily muted during authorized material movement.
IIoT & Data · mTLS
A TLS configuration in which both client and server authenticate using certificates.
IIoT & Data
A structured naming context that prevents ambiguity among data, objects, or network resources.
Instrumentation
A recommendation defining standard fault-current ranges for 4–20 mA process measurement instruments during operation.
Read the related guideSensors
A high-resolution displacement sensor used to measure motions on nanometer-scale positioning systems.
Sensors
An optical sensor using near-infrared wavelengths to assess material composition, moisture, or object presence.
Instrumentation
An optical analyzer that measures suspended particles by detecting light scattered by a sample.
Networking
The complete range of network addresses available for identifying hosts, interfaces, or communication endpoints.
Networking · NAT
A routing method that maps one address space to another while forwarding network traffic.
IIoT & Data
A defined set of permitted network addresses, services, ports, or communication paths.
Networking
A data-link device that connects network segments and forwards frames based on destination hardware addresses.
Networking
Mathematical analysis used to determine whether network schedules can satisfy specified latency and bandwidth constraints.
Networking
The process of aligning device clocks so scheduled actions and timestamped data share a common network time base.
Networking
The use of one network infrastructure to carry multiple industrial, information, safety, and control traffic types.
Networking
Hardware enforcing one-way network data flow to prevent return commands or malware from crossing security boundaries.
Networking
The ability of a network to deliver communication predictably within known timing and reliability limits.
Control
Control in which sensors, controllers, drives, or actuators exchange data through a communication network.
Networking
Distributed input and output modules connected through an industrial network rather than direct controller wiring.
Networking
The ability of network equipment and cables to operate reliably without causing or suffering electromagnetic interference.
Networking
Hardware that connects a device to a network and implements physical and data-link communication functions.
Networking
The delay between a network event, command, or measurement and its resulting response or delivery.
Networking
The proportion of available communication capacity currently consumed by transmitted network traffic.
Networking
Software that monitors network devices, alarms, configurations, performance, and availability from a central interface.
Networking
Continuous collection of device status, traffic, errors, and performance information to detect communication problems.
Networking
A structured naming scheme that organizes data sources, devices, or topics for unambiguous communication.
Networking
Any addressable device participating in communication on a network, including controllers, drives, and switches.
Networking
The shared leading portion of an IP address that identifies a routed network or subnet boundary.
Networking
The ability of a network to maintain or rapidly restore service after faults, disruptions, or attacks.
Networking
A group of assets sharing security requirements and separated from other groups by controlled conduits.
Networking
A defined portion of a network separated by physical media, switches, routers, or logical boundaries.
IIoT & Data
Measurements and events describing network traffic, device health, performance, or security conditions.
Networking
A protocol that synchronizes computer clocks over packet networks where submicrosecond accuracy is unnecessary.
Networking
The physical or logical arrangement of devices, links, and communication paths within a network.
Networking
The division of a network into controlled zones to limit traffic exposure and improve industrial security.
IIoT & Data
A unique identifier assigned to a node within an OPC UA address space.
Control
A hardware or software function that reduces unwanted electrical or measurement signal variation.
Sensors
A sensor that measures or detects a target without touching it mechanically.
Maintenance · NDT
Inspection methods that evaluate material condition without impairing the tested component serviceability or intended use.
Instrumentation
The maximum departure of an instrument response from its stated ideal straight-line relationship.
Control
A contact that conducts in its normal state and opens when its associated device actuates.
Control
A contact that does not conduct in its normal state and closes when its associated device actuates.
IIoT & Data
A connection that sends operational data from control systems to higher-level applications.
IIoT & Data
A service that delivers alerts or status messages to users, applications, or external systems.
Sensors · NPN
A sinking transistor output that switches the load toward the negative supply rail.
Read the related guideInstrumentation
The input condition at which an instrument output indicates its defined zero value.
Sensors
The sensing function of determining whether an object is present within a defined detection zone.
IIoT & Data
A representation of entities as objects containing attributes, relationships, and defined behaviors.
IIoT & Data
The ability to infer internal system condition from metrics, logs, traces, and events.
IIoT & Data
An operating condition in which a device continues local functions without active external connectivity.
IIoT & Data
Local storage retaining messages or commands while a device lacks network connectivity.
Maintenance
Laboratory examination of lubricant properties, contamination, and wear particles to assess machine condition.
Sensors
A sensor that monitors lubricant properties such as dielectric constant, contamination, moisture, or degradation.
Maintenance
Collecting a representative lubricant sample using controlled methods to support reliable analysis.
Safety · 1oo2
A redundant architecture requiring either of two channels to demand a safety action.
Safety · 1oo2D
A redundant voting architecture using diagnostics to detect dangerous faults in duplicated channels.
IIoT & Data
A platform-independent industrial interoperability standard supporting secure, structured information exchange between automation systems.
Read the related guideIIoT & Data
An application that connects to an OPC UA server to read, write, browse, or subscribe.
IIoT & Data
A domain-specific OPC UA standard defining common information models for particular equipment types.
IIoT & Data
An organized collection of nodes, identifiers, and relationships exposed by an OPC UA server.
IIoT & Data
An OPC UA messaging model that distributes data through publishers, subscribers, and configured transports.
IIoT & Data
An application that exposes an OPC UA address space and provides data or services to clients.
Networking
The communication binding and transport mechanisms used by OPC UA applications to exchange secure industrial information.
Control
Control that commands an output without using feedback to compare actual process behavior.
Maintenance
The specific duty, environment, load, and performance requirements that determine an asset function.
Instrumentation
The environmental and process limits within which an instrument is intended to function.
IIoT & Data
A database holding current integrated operational data for reporting, analysis, or application use.
IIoT & Data
A measurable value used to evaluate progress toward a defined industrial operational, quality, or business objective.
Safety
A defined machine state with specific permissions, safeguards, speeds, and control behavior.
IIoT & Data · OT
Hardware and software that directly monitor or control industrial processes and physical equipment.
Safety
The protection of systems that monitor or control industrial processes, equipment, and physical operations.
Maintenance
Routine care by operators that detects abnormalities and prevents accelerated equipment deterioration.
Control
A local operator interface providing displays, controls, status indication, and alarms for equipment.
Sensors
An encoder that uses light passing through or reflecting from a patterned scale to measure motion.
Sensors
An electronic unit that drives and evaluates fiber-optic sensor heads for object detection or measurement.
Sensors
A device that uses light to detect objects, color, distance, surface condition, or radiation intensity.
Safety
A condition where reflected or diverted light falsely indicates an unobstructed protective sensing field.
Sensors
A transparent barrier that permits sensor light transmission while protecting optics from the process environment.
IIoT & Data
Automated coordination of software services, workflows, infrastructure, and resources to execute a process.
Instrumentation
A thin plate with a bore that creates differential pressure for flow measurement.
Networking
A seven-layer reference model that separates network communication functions into standardized conceptual layers.
Control
A PLC interface module that sends discrete or analog commands to field devices.
Safety · OSSD
A dual-channel safety output that switches off when a protective device detects an intrusion.
Instrumentation
A condition where an input exceeds the calibrated upper limit while the instrument remains functional.
IIoT & Data · OTA
Remote delivery and installation of software, firmware, or configuration changes over a network.
Maintenance · OEE
A production metric combining equipment availability, performance rate, and quality rate into one percentage.
Maintenance
Major restoration work that disassembles, inspects, repairs, and reassembles equipment to specified condition.
Control
A temporary command or value that supersedes normal automatic control under authorized conditions.
Control
The amount by which a process or motion response exceeds its commanded target.
Safety
The additional movement or deformation after safety detection while machinery decelerates to a stop.
Instrumentation
An analyzer that measures oxygen concentration in gases or liquids using a suitable sensing method.
Sensors
An instrument that measures oxygen concentration in gases or liquids for combustion, safety, or process control.
Maintenance
The time between detecting a potential failure and occurrence of functional failure.
Networking
A unit of data transmitted across a packet-switched network with routing information and payload content.
Networking
The recording of network traffic for troubleshooting, protocol analysis, or cybersecurity investigation.
Networking
Traffic control based on packet header fields such as addresses, protocols, and port numbers.
Networking
The percentage of transmitted network packets that fail to reach their intended destination.
Instrumentation
A panel-mounted indicator that displays an electrical signal as a scaled engineering value.
Maintenance
A measurement of contaminant particles in fluid by size range and concentration.
Sensors
An instrument that counts and sizes airborne or liquid particles using optical or electrical methods.
Safety
Identification of networked assets by observing traffic without sending active probes into operational networks.
Sensors · PIR
A sensor that detects changes in infrared energy emitted by people, animals, or warm objects.
Networking
A resilience design providing alternate communication routes so traffic can continue after one path fails.
IIoT & Data
The useful data carried inside a communication message, excluding protocol headers and framing.
Networking
A communication model where devices exchange data directly without relying on a central server.
Safety · PL
An ISO 13849 measure of a safety-related control system reliability and risk reduction capability.
Maintenance
A test that verifies equipment output, efficiency, capacity, or response against requirements.
Safety
Safeguarding arranged around a machine cell boundary to detect or prevent personnel entry.
Maintenance
Electrical testing that evaluates rotor magnets, stator windings, and insulation in permanent magnet motors.
Control
A required condition that must be true before equipment can start or continue operating.
Safety
Documented isolation controls applied under a work permit before hazardous tasks commence.
Safety
A formal authorization that defines conditions and controls for hazardous work activities.
IIoT & Data
A communication session whose subscriptions or queued messages survive a client disconnect.
Maintenance
Comparison of vibration timing between locations to identify motion patterns and machine faults.
Control
A batch-control method that manages a reusable process operation such as charging or heating.
Sensors
A semiconductor diode that converts incident light into electrical current or voltage.
Sensors
A sensor that uses emitted or reflected light to detect objects or surface conditions.
Sensors
A gas detector that uses ultraviolet light to ionize and measure volatile organic compounds.
Sensors
A light-sensitive resistor whose electrical resistance changes with the intensity of incident light.
Sensors
A transistor controlled by light, used as a sensitive detector in optical sensing circuits.
Sensors
A light sensor that generates voltage or current directly when exposed to optical radiation.
Networking
The OSI layer defining signal media, connectors, electrical characteristics, and bit transmission methods.
Safety
Protection of facilities, equipment, and people from unauthorized physical access or damage.
Control · PID
A feedback control method using proportional, integral, and derivative actions to regulate a process.
Control
Adjusting PID settings to achieve stable, responsive process control without excessive oscillation or overshoot.
Instrumentation
An accelerometer that produces electric charge when its sensing crystal experiences applied acceleration.
Sensors
A sensor that generates electrical charge when mechanical force, vibration, or pressure is applied.
Instrumentation
A low-power pneumatic pressure used to operate or control another pneumatic device.
Maintenance
Ultrasonic measurement of pipe wall thickness used to monitor corrosion and erosion loss.
Maintenance
Maintenance work scheduled in advance with defined tasks, resources, and expected duration.
Maintenance
Scheduled renewal of an item before its expected failure creates unacceptable risk or cost.
IIoT & Data · PaaS
A cloud service model providing managed application platforms without direct infrastructure administration.
Instrumentation
A pneumatic device that reproduces a pressure signal with greater flow capacity or pressure.
Sensors · PNP
A sourcing transistor output that switches the load toward the positive supply rail.
Read the related guideInstrumentation
A HART connection using one field device per loop with analog primary-variable transmission.
Control
A commissioning verification that confirms each wired input, output, and address reaches its intended endpoint.
Safety
A safeguarding arrangement protecting the location where a machine performs forming, cutting, or processing.
Networking
Authentication controls that restrict switch-port access until an attached device proves its identity.
Networking
A switch feature that copies selected traffic to a monitoring port for analysis or intrusion detection.
Networking
Switch controls that restrict which devices or MAC addresses may use a specific Ethernet port.
Control
Closed-loop motion control that commands and regulates an axis to a target location.
Control
The feedback-control loop that compares commanded and actual position for an axis.
Sensors
A device that measures the location, displacement, angle, or state of a moving target.
Safety
A mechanical contact-opening action achieved directly by movement of the switch actuator.
Instrumentation
An analyzer that measures hydrogen ion activity to indicate acidity or alkalinity.
Sensors · pH Sensor
An electrochemical sensor that measures hydrogen ion activity to indicate acidity or alkalinity in a liquid.
Sensors
A sensor that measures position or chemical activity through a voltage developed across a resistive element.
Control
A device that converts available electrical power into regulated voltage for control equipment.
Maintenance
Installation and repair practices that control alignment, balance, torque, cleanliness, and assembly accuracy.
Networking
An IEEE protocol that synchronizes clocks through timestamped messages and hardware-assisted timing measurements.
Maintenance
Data analysis methods that estimate future equipment behavior, failures, or maintenance needs from patterns.
Maintenance
Maintenance triggered by condition data that indicates developing equipment degradation or failure risk.
IIoT & Data
An analytical model that estimates future values, conditions, outcomes, or probabilities from available data.
Safety
A floor-mounted tactile safeguard using internal contacts to detect weight and command a safe stop.
Maintenance
A test confirming a relief valve opens and reseats at specified pressure conditions.
Sensors
A device that converts fluid or gas pressure into an electrical, pneumatic, or mechanical output.
Sensors
A device that changes electrical state when pressure crosses an adjustable or fixed threshold.
Maintenance
Applying specified pressure to equipment to verify strength, tightness, or leak integrity.
Instrumentation
An instrument that converts measured pressure into a standardized electrical or digital output signal.
Maintenance
Planned inspection, servicing, or replacement performed to reduce the likelihood of equipment failure.
Instrumentation
The process-contacting device that creates or senses a condition used for measurement.
Sensors
The component within a sensor that directly responds to the physical quantity being measured.
Instrumentation
The principal HART process value represented by the analog current in point-to-point operation.
Networking
A VLAN tag field that marks Ethernet frames with traffic priority for quality-of-service handling.
Maintenance
Maintenance that removes underlying causes of failure before defects develop into functional loss.
Control
An alert generated when a process value, status, or equipment condition exceeds configured limits.
Instrumentation
The mechanical interface joining an instrument or sensor to process piping or equipment.
Control
The automated regulation of industrial variables such as temperature, pressure, flow, and level.
IIoT & Data
Measurements, states, alarms, and commands describing the operation of an industrial process.
Instrumentation
A digital communication network connecting process instruments, controllers, and diagnostic tools over shared field wiring.
Safety · PHA
A systematic review identifying process hazards, safeguards, scenarios, consequences, and risk-reduction needs.
Instrumentation
The temperature of process material at a defined measurement location within equipment or piping.
Instrumentation · PV
The measured quantity a control loop monitors, such as temperature, pressure, flow, or level.
Networking
A serial fieldbus standard used to connect controllers, drives, and distributed field devices.
Networking
A PROFIBUS variant optimized for fast cyclic communication with distributed peripherals and field devices.
Networking
An industrial Ethernet standard for real-time communication between controllers, drives, sensors, and automation devices.
Read the related guideNetworking
A PROFINET communication class using scheduled bandwidth for deterministic, synchronized high-performance motion control.
Networking
A PROFINET communication class using prioritized Ethernet frames for standard real-time industrial I/O exchange.
Control
The controller runtime component that interprets instructions, updates logic states, and schedules program tasks.
Control
A diagnostic function that detects failed application execution and reports or initiates recovery actions.
Control · PAC
An industrial controller combining PLC reliability with broader computing, motion, and communication capabilities.
Control · PLC
A rugged industrial computer programmed to control machinery, equipment sequences, and process operations.
Control
A controller state that permits application editing while preventing normal output control execution.
Control
The controller phase that executes application instructions after reading inputs and before updating outputs.
Safety
The percentage of dangerous undetected failures a proof test can reveal in a safety function.
Control
PID action that changes output in direct proportion to the current control error.
Instrumentation
The input range required to move a proportional controller output through its full span.
Sensors
A pressure sensor producing an output that changes proportionally across its specified pressure range.
Safety
A grounding conductor connection intended to reduce electric shock risk from exposed conductive parts.
Safety
A safety-critical detection area that commands a machine stop when a person enters it.
Safety
A design, device, procedure, or control used to reduce risk from an identified hazard.
Maintenance
Functional testing that verifies electrical protection relays detect faults and issue correct trips.
IIoT & Data
Hardware or software that translates data between devices or systems using different communication protocols.
Networking
A gateway that translates data and communication procedures between otherwise incompatible industrial network protocols.
Networking
The protocol-specific portion of a message containing control information and the data being exchanged.
IIoT & Data
Controls within a communication protocol that protect identity, confidentiality, integrity, and authorized use.
Networking
A set of layered communication protocols working together to deliver data between network applications.
IIoT & Data
A device or application service that converts messages between incompatible industrial communication protocols.
Sensors
A sensor that detects a nearby object without physical contact or mechanical movement.
Read the related guideSensors
A proximity sensor configured to provide a discrete switched output when a target enters range.
IIoT & Data · PKI
A system of certificates, authorities, policies, and procedures supporting trusted public-key cryptography operations.
IIoT & Data
A messaging pattern where publishers send topics and subscribers receive selected topic messages.
Instrumentation
A calculation that smooths frequency or pulse measurements over a selected sampling interval.
Instrumentation
A discrete output that represents measured quantity or speed through repeated electrical pulses.
Control
A high-speed digital output that generates pulses for positioning stepper motors or servo drives.
Control · PWM
A method that controls average power by varying the active duration of repeated pulses.
Maintenance
A chart showing pump head, flow, efficiency, power, speed, and allowable operating limits.
Maintenance
Measurement of pump flow, head, power, and efficiency against its specified performance curve.
Maintenance
Unstable pump flow oscillation that causes pressure fluctuations, vibration, and possible damage.
Safety
A hierarchical reference architecture that separates industrial control systems into functional network levels.
Sensors
A non-contact instrument that measures high temperatures from thermal radiation emitted by a surface.
Networking
Network mechanisms that classify and prioritize traffic to protect important communications from congestion delays.
Sensors
A sensor using quantum properties of atoms, photons, or solid-state systems to measure physical quantities.
Sensors
A non-contact level instrument that determines material distance from reflected microwave signals.
Sensors
An instrument that detects ionizing radiation such as alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, or X-rays.
Instrumentation
A surface property used to correct noncontact temperature measurements for thermal radiation emitted relative to a blackbody.
Sensors
An instrument that detects or measures radon gas concentration in air for health protection.
Control
A controlled gradual change in a setpoint, speed, output, or command value.
Instrumentation
The ratio between maximum and minimum flows a meter or valve can measure or control.
IIoT & Data
Restricting request or message frequency to protect services from overload or abuse.
IIoT & Data
Data delivered quickly enough to support an intended operational decision, control, or response.
Maintenance
Restoration of equipment by replacing or reconditioning components to return specified performance.
Instrumentation
A device that accepts a transmitted signal and converts it into indication, recording, or control action.
Control
The controlled storage and application of production parameters for different products or batches.
IIoT & Data
Providing duplicate components, paths, or data so a service continues after a failure.
Control
A backup controller arrangement that continues operation when the primary controller fails.
Networking
An alternate communication route reserved or available when the normal network route becomes unavailable.
Instrumentation
The known-temperature connection used to interpret a thermocouple’s generated voltage accurately during measurement.
Control
A known mechanical location used to establish or verify an axis coordinate system.
Instrumentation
A stable, traceable artifact or instrument used as the basis for calibration comparisons.
Sensors
An optical sensor that detects a target by evaluating light reflected back from its surface.
Instrumentation
The ratio of water vapor present to saturation vapor pressure at the same temperature.
Control
A representation of relay-style logic using contacts, coils, branches, and power rails.
Maintenance
The probability that an item performs its required function for a specified time.
Maintenance · RCM
A structured method that selects maintenance tasks from functions, failures, consequences, and evidence.
Maintenance
Improvement in demonstrated reliability through corrective design, process, operating, or maintenance changes over time.
Maintenance · RUL
An estimate of how long an asset can operate before reaching an unacceptable condition.
Safety
A safety stop command initiated from a location separate from the hazardous machine area.
IIoT & Data
Deploying verified firmware to connected equipment from a central system without physical access.
Control
Input and output modules installed away from the main controller and connected by an industrial network.
IIoT & Data
Observing equipment status, process values, alarms, or diagnostics from a distant location.
Instrumentation
A diaphragm seal connected by capillary tubing to isolate a pressure transmitter from process conditions.
IIoT & Data
Authorized connectivity that lets support users or systems reach industrial equipment from another location.
Control · RTU
A field-based controller that gathers remote signals, executes local logic, and communicates with supervisory systems.
Maintenance
A system restored to service after failure through repair, replacement, or adjustment.
Instrumentation
The ability of an instrument to produce closely matching readings under unchanged conditions.
Networking
A physical-layer device that regenerates communication signals to extend the usable distance of a network link.
Networking
A communication pattern where one device requests information or action and another device returns a response.
Safety · PLr
The target performance level assigned to a safety function through machine risk assessment.
Control
A command that clears a fault, initializes stored logic states, or restores normal operation.
Safety
A deliberate action that confirms restart conditions before enabling hazardous machine operation again.
Safety
Risk remaining after protective measures have been applied and verified for an intended task.
Sensors · RTD
A temperature sensor whose electrical resistance changes predictably as its sensing element temperature changes.
Instrumentation
The smallest change in a measured or commanded value that a device can distinguish.
Sensors
The alternating reference signal applied to a resolver winding for deriving shaft position information.
Control
Rotary electromagnetic position feedback supplied to a motion controller through resolver sine and cosine signals.
Maintenance
Large vibration response occurring when forcing frequency approaches a structure natural frequency.
Instrumentation
The time an instrument needs to reach a stated percentage of its final reading.
IIoT & Data
A web interface that uses HTTP methods to create, read, update, or delete resources.
Safety
An IEC 62443 requirement limiting communications between zones to approved and controlled paths.
IIoT & Data
An MQTT message stored by a broker and delivered to later subscribers of its topic.
Control
Controller memory that preserves selected values after power loss or a restart.
Networking
A network device that manages redundant ring operation and detects or reports ring faults.
Networking
A network layout where devices form a closed loop to support alternate communication paths.
Maintenance
Maintenance planning that prioritizes work by estimated failure probability, consequence, and available risk controls.
Safety
A process that estimates risk by evaluating hazard severity and likelihood of occurrence.
Safety
A structured method assigning safety requirements from injury severity, exposure, avoidance, and demand factors.
Safety
The decrease in hazard likelihood, severity, exposure, or consequences achieved through protective measures.
IIoT & Data · RBAC
An authorization approach that grants permissions according to assigned organizational or operational roles.
Maintenance
A structured investigation that identifies underlying causes instead of only correcting symptoms.
IIoT & Data
A self-signed certificate that anchors trust for certificates issued within a hierarchy.
Sensors
A variable-area flow meter that indicates flow from the height of a float in a tube.
Sensors
An encoder that measures shaft rotation and provides position, speed, direction, or count information.
Maintenance
Diagnostic testing that identifies broken or cracked rotor bars in induction motors.
Networking
A network device that forwards IP packets between subnets according to routing tables and policies.
Networking
A router data structure listing destination networks and the next paths used to reach them.
Networking
A serial electrical standard for point-to-point communication between two devices over relatively short distances.
Networking
A differential serial electrical standard supporting multiple devices over long industrial cable runs.
Instrumentation
A device that converts resistance-temperature-detector input into a standardized electrical or digital signal.
IIoT & Data
Software that evaluates defined conditions and executes actions or decisions based on matching rules.
Maintenance
A deliberate strategy allowing suitable noncritical assets to operate until functional failure.
Control
A controller operating state in which the application program executes and updates outputs.
Control
A verified condition required before an equipment command can maintain normal running operation.
Control
A motion profile that limits jerk by smoothly changing acceleration during movement.
Safety · SLS
A drive safety function that prevents motor speed from exceeding a configured safe limit.
Networking
A protected communication relationship that uses safety checks to detect transmission errors and invalid data.
Safety · SOS
A drive safety function that maintains motor position while preventing unintended movement.
Safety · SS1
A drive safety function that performs controlled deceleration before activating torque-off protection.
Safety · SS2
A drive safety function that controls deceleration then maintains a monitored safe operating stop.
Safety · STO
A drive safety function that removes motor torque-producing power without disconnecting the supply.
Safety · SRCS
The control-system parts that perform safety functions or whose failure can increase machine risk.
Safety
The structured review of safety alarm purpose, priority, response, limits, and operator action requirements.
Safety
Chronological safety records supporting reconstruction of system actions, changes, access events, and protective responses.
Safety
A pressure-sensitive protective device with deformable material that detects contact on moving equipment.
Safety
A structured argument supported by evidence that a system is acceptably safe.
Safety
An ISO 13849 structural classification describing fault tolerance and behavior of safety control circuits.
Safety
A configurable device executing certified safety logic with monitored inputs and outputs.
Safety
A hardware gateway that permits approved safety data transfer one way while physically blocking reverse communication.
Safety · SDS
A document communicating chemical hazards, handling precautions, protective measures, and emergency guidance.
Safety
The proportion of dangerous failures detected by diagnostics in a safety-related control system.
Safety
A flexible pressure-sensitive strip mounted on moving parts to detect contact and initiate stopping.
Safety
A function whose failure would increase risk by allowing hazardous conditions or motion.
Maintenance
Maintenance assurance that safety instrumented functions retain their specified risk-reduction performance capability.
Safety · SIS
Sensors, logic solvers, and final elements that reduce risk by taking a process safe.
Safety
The probability that a safety-related system performs its required functions under stated conditions.
Safety · SIL
A discrete level used to specify the required risk reduction performance of a safety instrumented function.
Control
A protective condition that prevents operation when a guard, device, or safety requirement is unmet.
Safety
A time-of-flight device monitoring configurable two-dimensional zones and stopping machinery after intrusion.
Safety
The managed sequence of specification, design, installation, operation, maintenance, and modification safety activities.
Safety
A multi-beam optoelectronic protective device used to detect whole-body access to hazardous areas.
Safety
Manufacturer documentation stating constraints, assumptions, failure data, and instructions for safe product use.
Safety
Dividing safety-related networks into controlled zones to limit traffic, reduce risk, and contain incidents.
Safety
A security appliance enforcing one-way safety data transfer between networks with different trust levels.
Safety
A programmable controller certified to execute safety-related logic while providing diagnostic monitoring functions.
Safety
A monitored relay device that performs safety functions and detects certain wiring faults.
Safety · SRS
A documented definition of safety functions, performance requirements, interfaces, and operating constraints.
Safety
The maximum elapsed time for a safety system to detect demand and command its outputs.
Safety
A grouping of safety-related assets sharing common security requirements and a defined trust boundary.
Safety
Higher-level safety control coordinating protective states, alarms, sequences, and responses of lower-level equipment.
Safety
A position switch designed to monitor guards or actuators within a safety-related control circuit.
Safety
A timer that detects failed safety software or stalled updates and triggers a defined safe response.
Safety
A security approach requiring explicit verification and least-privilege access for every safety system connection request.
Safety
A defined area requiring restricted access, protective devices, or controlled machine behavior.
Instrumentation
Preparation of a process sample through filtering, pressure reduction, heating, or cooling before analysis.
Instrumentation
A device inserted into a process to withdraw a representative fluid or gas sample.
Control
The interval between successive measurements or control calculations in a digital controller.
Instrumentation
Equipment that extracts, conditions, transports, and delivers process samples to an analyzer.
IIoT & Data
The connection of SCADA data with applications, historians, analytics, or cloud services for broader use.
Instrumentation
A numerical multiplier that converts a raw instrument signal into the desired engineering value.
Control
The time a PLC takes to read inputs, execute logic, and update outputs.
Maintenance
Planned work that restores an item to a defined condition before age-related failure.
Control
The allocation of controller processor time to periodic, event, communication, or motion tasks.
IIoT & Data
A repository that stores, versions, and validates schemas used by producers and consumers.
Maintenance
A controlled fluid flow that cools, lubricates, and cleans a mechanical seal.
Instrumentation
An additional process measurement reported digitally by a multivariable field instrument to a host.
IIoT & Data
A startup process that verifies authorized firmware and software before allowing execution.
Safety
Remote connectivity protected by identity verification, authorization, encryption, monitoring, and session controls.
Safety
Authorized remote connection to industrial systems using identity checks, monitoring, and controlled support sessions.
Networking
An encrypted protocol used to administer networked devices remotely through authenticated command-line sessions.
Safety
A time-ordered record of security-relevant actions, alarms, access attempts, and system changes.
IIoT & Data · SIEM
A platform that collects security logs, correlates events, and supports monitoring or incident response.
Safety · SL
An IEC 62443 rating describing resistance of a system against defined attacker capabilities.
Safety
Observation of network traffic and events to detect security faults, anomalies, or incidents.
Safety
The controlled assessment, testing, deployment, and verification of updates that correct vulnerabilities.
IIoT & Data
A defined grouping of assets with common security requirements and controlled communication boundaries.
IIoT & Data
A network design dividing industrial assets into controlled zones to limit traffic paths and security exposure.
Sensors
A sensor that measures ground vibration or acceleration from earthquakes, blasting, machinery, or structural movement.
Sensors
The specified separation at which a sensor can reliably detect its standard target.
Instrumentation
The component directly exposed to a process that changes response with the measured quantity.
Sensors
The amount a sensor output changes for a given change in the measured input.
Sensors
A device that detects a physical quantity or condition and converts it into a usable signal.
Read the related guideSensors
An electronic unit that powers, conditions, scales, or switches the signal from a sensing element.
Instrumentation
A gradual change in sensor output over time when the measured condition remains constant.
IIoT & Data
Combining data from multiple sensors to improve estimates, confidence, coverage, or situational awareness.
Sensors
The time between successive sensor measurements used to capture changing process conditions accurately.
Sensors
A condition where output cannot increase despite further input change because the measurement limit is reached.
Sensors
The minimum and maximum electrical output values a sensor produces across its specified measurement span.
Safety
The calculated physical distance ensuring a person cannot reach a hazard before stopping completes.
Control
Logic that moves a machine or process through ordered states and transitions.
Networking
A real-time Ethernet protocol designed for synchronized motion control, drives, and automation equipment.
IIoT & Data
Converting structured data into a format suitable for storage, transmission, or later reconstruction.
Networking
A documented commitment defining required network availability, performance, support, or recovery targets.
Control
An electronic amplifier that controls servo motor current, velocity, torque, and position from commands.
Control
A motor designed for closed-loop motion applications requiring precise position, velocity, or torque regulation.
IIoT & Data
A configured period after which disconnected client session state is removed by a service.
Control
The desired target value that a controller attempts to maintain for a process variable.
Control
A configured gradual change that moves a setpoint toward its target at a limited rate.
Control
A function that makes an inactive controller setpoint follow the active process value or command.
Maintenance
Electrical potential between a rotating shaft and ground that can damage bearings.
Sensors
A load cell that measures force from shear strain in a metal beam structure.
Instrumentation
An uninsulated conductor providing convenient connection to a cable’s metallic shielding layer.
Instrumentation
Cable with a conductive layer that reduces electromagnetic interference coupled into signal conductors.
Networking
A voltage difference between cable shield grounding points that can introduce noise into communication circuits.
Control
A protective function that interrupts or limits current when an unintended low-resistance path occurs.
Maintenance
Planned maintenance performed while a plant, unit, or machine is intentionally out of service.
Safety
A final element that closes, opens, or isolates process flow after a protective trip.
Control
A controller mapping that converts measured input values into an application-specific control relationship.
Instrumentation
Amplifying, filtering, isolating, or converting a sensor signal so downstream equipment can use it reliably.
Control
The transformation of one signal type, range, protocol, or electrical format into another.
Instrumentation
A device that passes a measurement signal while electrically separating input and output circuits.
Control
A control interface that duplicates one input signal for independent use by multiple devices.
IIoT & Data
Firmware carrying a digital signature that devices verify before accepting or installing it.
Networking
A management protocol used to read device status, counters, and configuration information across IP networks.
Networking
One-way communication where data travels from a transmitter to a receiver without a return channel.
Instrumentation
An input architecture measuring each channel relative to a shared common return conductor.
Control
A controller dedicated to regulating one process variable using one feedback control loop.
Networking
Ethernet physical-layer technology carrying data over one twisted pair for compact field-device connections.
Safety
A condition where one protective component failure is assumed while safety performance is evaluated.
IIoT & Data · SSO
An authentication method allowing users to access multiple services after one successful sign-in.
Safety
A mechanically linked auxiliary contact used to monitor the state of a primary contactor.
Safety · SAT
A test verifying installed equipment meets specified functional and safety requirements at its operating site.
Control
The maximum permitted rate of change for a controller output or setpoint.
Sensors
A sensor with embedded processing, diagnostics, communication, or configuration capabilities beyond basic signal generation.
Instrumentation
A microprocessor-based transmitter that performs digital processing, diagnostics, configuration, or communication functions.
Control
A configurable motion boundary in controller software that restricts commanded axis travel.
Control
A motor controller that limits starting current and torque by gradually increasing voltage.
Instrumentation
An electrically actuated valve that opens, closes, or pilots fluid flow using an electromagnetic coil.
Sensors
An instrument that measures sound pressure level using a calibrated microphone and frequency weighting.
Networking
The network address identifying the device or interface that originated a transmitted frame or packet.
Control
Logic that chooses one valid command, signal, or setpoint from multiple available sources.
IIoT & Data
A connection between an application or gateway and lower-level devices, controllers, or field networks.
Instrumentation
The numerical difference between an instrument’s upper and lower calibrated range values.
Networking
A protocol that prevents Ethernet loops by placing redundant switch paths into a blocked state.
Maintenance
Planning, stocking, issuing, and controlling replacement parts needed to support timely maintenance execution.
IIoT & Data
An MQTT specification that standardizes industrial payloads, device state, and edge node data.
Instrumentation
The ratio of a material’s density to the density of a defined reference substance.
Maintenance
Decomposition of a time signal into frequency components used to identify fault signatures.
Sensors
The variation in a sensor’s sensitivity as a function of incident light wavelength.
Sensors
An instrument that measures light intensity by wavelength to identify materials or quantify chemical composition.
Control
Closed-loop regulation that maintains a motor or machine at a commanded velocity.
Control
The feedback-control loop that compares commanded and actual velocity for an axis.
Sensors
A device that measures linear or rotational speed from pulses, magnetic fields, optical patterns, or radar.
Safety
The frequency of unintended safety function activations that interrupt normal process or machine operation.
Instrumentation
A calculation converting differential-pressure flow signal into a value proportional to actual flow.
Control
A control condition that blocks an equipment start command until required prerequisites are satisfied.
Networking
A network layout where each device connects to a central switch, hub, or controller.
Control
The ordered logic that safely prepares equipment and transitions it into normal operation.
Control
A programming model where equipment behavior depends on a defined current operating state.
Instrumentation
Pressure measured without considering velocity-related dynamic pressure in a flowing process fluid.
Maintenance
Inspection and testing of steam traps to identify leaking, blocked, or failed units.
Control
A motor that moves in discrete angular increments when driven by sequenced electrical pulses.
Maintenance
Static friction that prevents initial motion until applied force exceeds a threshold.
Safety
Measurement of elapsed time from safety demand to complete cessation of hazardous machine motion.
Networking
Switch forwarding that receives an entire frame and validates its error check before transmission.
IIoT & Data
Temporarily retaining data locally and transmitting it after a communication path becomes available.
Instrumentation
A resistive sensor whose electrical resistance changes when its attached surface is strained.
Networking
A TSN boundary function that maps legacy traffic into managed streams with protected transmission resources.
IIoT & Data
Continuous computation on incoming data records to filter, transform, aggregate, or detect events.
Maintenance
Reduction of material stress over time while its imposed deformation remains substantially constrained.
Control
A textual IEC 61131-3 programming language using expressions, statements, functions, and control structures.
Instrumentation
A hydrostatic pressure transmitter installed below liquid surface to measure liquid head.
Networking
A network value that identifies which portion of an IP address represents the local subnet.
IIoT & Data
A registered request to receive selected data changes, events, or messages from a source.
Sensors · SQUID
A highly sensitive magnetometer using superconducting loops and Josephson junctions to measure tiny magnetic fields.
Control
High-level monitoring and command functions that coordinate lower-level controllers and operator interfaces.
Control · SCADA
A supervisory system that monitors remote equipment, records data, manages alarms, and issues commands.
Sensors
A sensor that detects physical changes through alterations in acoustic waves propagating along a piezoelectric surface.
Sensors
A temperature sensor designed to contact or view a surface rather than measure surrounding fluid temperature.
Instrumentation
Devices and practices that limit transient overvoltage damage to instruments and control equipment.
Maintenance
A scheduled test that confirms standby or protective equipment remains capable of operation.
Networking
A network device that connects Ethernet segments and forwards frames to the appropriate destination port.
Maintenance
Inspection, testing, cleaning, and adjustment of switchgear assemblies to ensure safe operation.
Sensors
The maximum rate at which a sensor output can change state while maintaining specified detection performance.
Control
Coordinated axis movement that maintains a defined timing, position, or speed relationship.
Networking
A standard message format and transport method for forwarding device events to centralized logging systems.
Safety · SC
A measure of confidence that systematic faults have been controlled through design and lifecycle processes.
Maintenance
A repeatable measurement bias that shifts results consistently away from the true value.
Safety
A failure caused by a repeatable defect in specification, design, implementation, operation, or maintenance.
Control
An organization that designs, configures, programs, and commissions combined automation system components.
Sensors
An instrument that measures rotational speed, usually expressed in revolutions per minute.
IIoT & Data
A user interface for browsing, searching, and selecting named process variables or data tags.
Safety
A function that identifies attempts to defeat, bypass, alter, or obstruct a protective device.
Control
A scheduler ranking that determines which controller task receives processor time first.
Control
The configured interval at which a periodic controller task is scheduled to execute.
Networking
The protocol suite combining Internet Protocol routing with transport protocols for interoperable network communication.
Networking
A numerical endpoint that identifies an application service within a TCP communication session.
IIoT & Data
Automatic remote measurement and transmission of operational data from equipment or devices.
Safety
An explosive-atmosphere classification limiting equipment maximum surface temperature for a specific gas group.
Instrumentation
The specified change in a component or instrument characteristic per degree of temperature change.
Maintenance
Adjustment of an instrument output to reduce measurement error caused by temperature changes.
Sensors
A device that changes electrical state when measured temperature reaches a configured threshold.
Instrumentation
An instrument converting temperature sensor input into a standardized signal for control systems.
IIoT & Data
An organization or customer whose users and data share a multi-tenant software service.
Instrumentation
An insulated connection point used to join, distribute, or organize control-panel wiring.
Safety
A brief diagnostic signal applied to safety wiring to detect shorts, cross faults, or output failures.
Sensors
An imaging device that displays infrared radiation patterns as temperature-related thermal images.
Sensors
A flow sensor that determines fluid rate from heat transfer between heated and measured elements.
Maintenance
Dimensional expansion of equipment components caused by temperature increase during normal operating conditions.
Maintenance
A surface property entered during infrared inspection to correct temperature readings for emitted thermal radiation.
Sensors
A temperature-sensitive resistor with a large predictable resistance change over its operating range.
Sensors
A temperature sensor formed from two dissimilar metals that generates a voltage related to temperature.
Maintenance
Gradual change in thermocouple output caused by aging, contamination, or metallurgical change.
Sensors
A series of thermocouples connected to generate a voltage from absorbed thermal radiation.
Instrumentation
A protective metal pocket allowing temperature sensors to be removed without opening the process.
IIoT & Data
A lightweight user device that relies on a server for most processing and application execution.
Maintenance
Applying a locking method to threaded fasteners to resist loosening from vibration or cycling.
Control
A control method with separate increase, neutral, and decrease output command states.
Safety
A hand-operated control that permits hazardous motion only while held in its middle position.
Instrumentation
A transmitter using separate supply conductors and one signal conductor with a shared return.
Sensors
A device that detects inclination, orientation, or movement away from a level reference.
Networking
A TSN scheduling mechanism that opens and closes switch queues according to a defined time schedule.
Networking · TSN
Ethernet standards that provide bounded latency and synchronized communication for time-critical applications.
IIoT & Data
Data points recorded in time order, commonly used for process trends and condition monitoring.
Control
A programmed interval that postpones a control action after a triggering condition occurs.
Networking
A cable diagnostic technique that locates impedance changes by measuring reflected electrical signal pulses.
Safety · ToF
A distance-measurement method timing emitted light pulses and their reflected return to a sensor.
Sensors
A distance sensor that calculates range from the travel time of emitted energy.
IIoT & Data · TTL
A configured lifetime after which cached data, messages, or network records expire.
IIoT & Data
An authentication method using cryptographically protected tokens rather than repeated username and password exchanges.
Networking
A network access method where devices transmit only after receiving a circulating permission token.
IIoT & Data
A named message channel used by publish-subscribe systems to organize routing and subscriptions.
IIoT & Data
An MQTT feature replacing a repeated topic name with a shorter numeric identifier.
Maintenance
Verification that critical fasteners have been tightened to specified torque values using controlled tools.
Control
A motion-control mode that regulates motor torque rather than position or speed.
Sensors
A transducer that measures twisting force applied to a rotating shaft or mechanical component.
Instrumentation
An instrument function that accumulates measured flow or pulses into a total quantity.
Safety
The combined response time of sensing, logic, output, and mechanical braking after a safety demand.
Instrumentation
An unbroken documented chain linking a measurement result to recognized reference standards.
Networking
The deliberate scheduling or rate control of packets to meet bandwidth, latency, and priority requirements.
Control
The planned path and timing an axis follows through position, velocity, and acceleration states.
Instrumentation
A device that converts energy from one form to another, commonly a physical measurement into an electrical signal.
Maintenance
Laboratory testing of insulating oil for moisture, dielectric strength, acidity, and dissolved gases.
Instrumentation
A brief change in voltage, current, or process condition that departs from steady operation.
Networking
A connection-oriented transport protocol providing ordered, acknowledged, and retransmitted delivery of application data.
Sensors
An optical sensor with separate emitter and receiver that detects targets interrupting a light path.
Instrumentation
An instrument that converts a sensor measurement into a standardized signal for control systems.
Networking
The OSI layer that provides end-to-end data delivery services such as reliability and flow control.
IIoT & Data · TLS
A cryptographic protocol that protects confidentiality and integrity of data exchanged over networks.
Control
A time-ordered display of process values, commands, alarms, or calculated control data.
Maintenance
Evaluation of condition data over time to identify degradation direction and rate.
Maintenance
The engineering study of friction, wear, lubrication, and interacting surfaces in motion.
Instrumentation
A transmitter adjustment aligning digital output or sensor characterization with a reference.
Safety
The measured value at which a protective function initiates a shutdown or alarm response.
IIoT & Data · TEE
An isolated processor area that protects sensitive code and data during execution.
IIoT & Data
A configured collection of trusted certificates, issuers, revocations, and related certificate status information.
IIoT & Data
Encapsulating network traffic inside another protocol to traverse an intervening network securely.
Sensors
An instrument that measures suspended particles in liquid by their effect on transmitted or scattered light.
Sensors
A flow meter that infers fluid flow rate from the rotational speed of an internal turbine.
Instrumentation
The ratio between an instrument’s maximum calibrated span and its currently configured span.
IIoT & Data · 2FA
An authentication process requiring two independent forms of evidence before granting access.
Safety
A control requiring simultaneous use of both hands to initiate hazardous motion while keeping hands clear.
Safety · 2oo3
A redundant architecture requiring two of three channels to agree before demanding action.
Control
A control method that switches an output fully on or fully off around a threshold.
Instrumentation
A field transmitter powered and signaled through the same two conductors in a current loop.
Sensors
A flow meter that determines fluid velocity using ultrasonic transit-time or Doppler measurements.
Instrumentation
A flowmeter that determines fluid velocity using travel-time or Doppler ultrasonic measurements.
Maintenance
Use of airborne ultrasound to locate pressurized gas or vacuum leaks in equipment.
Sensors
A sensor that measures distance or level from the travel time of sound pulses.
Maintenance
A nondestructive method using high-frequency sound to detect internal discontinuities and thickness loss.
Sensors
A detector that measures ultraviolet radiation for flame sensing, curing, sterilization, or exposure monitoring.
Instrumentation
A condition where an input falls below the calibrated lower limit while the instrument remains functional.
Maintenance
Insufficient maintenance that leaves assets exposed to preventable degradation and functional failure.
Networking
One-to-one network transmission where a packet is addressed to one specific receiving interface.
IIoT & Data · UNS
A shared data layer that organizes current industrial information for consistent access across systems.
Networking
An Ethernet switch that forwards traffic automatically without user configuration, monitoring, or advanced control features.
Safety
A control action that causes a hazard by being provided, omitted, mistimed, or applied too long.
IIoT & Data
A communication path carrying data from a local device or network toward higher-level systems.
Maintenance
The proportion of scheduled time that an asset or system is available and operating.
Control
A custom reusable program routine that accepts inputs and returns a calculated result.
Safety
Administration of user identities, roles, permissions, credentials, approvals, and account lifecycle events.
Networking
A connectionless transport protocol that sends datagrams without delivery acknowledgments or retransmission guarantees.
IIoT & Data
A unique representation of a person used for authentication, authorization, accountability, and audit records.
Sensors
A device that measures pressure below atmospheric pressure in vacuum systems or sealed processes.
Safety
Documented confirmation that a system meets its intended use and specified requirements.
Instrumentation
A known input or standard used to confirm an instrument remains suitable for its intended measurement.
Maintenance
A diagnostic test recording valve travel, force, pressure, friction, and response characteristics.
Maintenance
A test measuring valve movement time and travel to verify actuator performance.
Sensors
An airflow instrument that measures gas velocity from rotation of a bladed wheel.
Instrumentation
A flowmeter using a float position within a tapered tube to indicate flow rate.
Control · VFD
An electronic controller that varies motor speed by changing the frequency and voltage of its supply.
Sensors
A magnetic sensor that generates voltage when a ferrous target changes the magnetic circuit reluctance.
Control
The rate and direction of position change for a moving machine axis.
Control
A feedback loop that regulates axis speed by comparing commanded and measured velocity.
Sensors
A sensor that measures the rate and direction of linear motion or fluid movement.
IIoT & Data
A system that records changes to files or configurations and supports retrieval of prior versions.
Maintenance
Measuring machine vibration to identify imbalance, misalignment, bearing damage, or other mechanical faults.
Read the related guideSensors
A device that detects oscillatory motion for machine condition monitoring, testing, or protection.
Maintenance
A measured vibration level assessed against criteria for machine condition or operating suitability.
Networking · VLAN
A logical network segment that separates traffic on shared Ethernet switching infrastructure and ports.
IIoT & Data · VPN
An encrypted network connection that securely extends private network access across public infrastructure.
Networking
A protocol allowing routers to share a virtual gateway address and provide failover after router failure.
Sensors
A compact camera system that makes pass-fail inspections using embedded image processing.
Networking
The insertion of VLAN identification and priority information into Ethernet frames for logical segmentation.
Sensors
A device that measures electrical potential difference and provides an isolated or scaled output signal.
Sensors
A flow meter that measures fluid velocity from the frequency of vortices shed by an obstruction.
Instrumentation
A flowmeter that calculates flow from the frequency of vortices shed behind a bluff body.
Safety
Identification, prioritization, remediation, and tracking of weaknesses that can expose systems to compromise.
Safety
An outer scanner zone that warns or slows operation before an intrusion reaches the protective field.
Networking
A timer that triggers a fault response when expected communication or periodic updates do not arrive.
Sensors
An instrument measuring properties such as pH, turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, or temperature in water.
Maintenance
Examination of particles in lubricant to identify component wear mechanisms and sources.
Maintenance
The amount of material lost from a surface per unit time, distance, or load.
IIoT & Data
An HTTP callback that sends an automated notification to another application when an event occurs.
IIoT & Data
A protocol providing persistent bidirectional communication between a client and server over one connection.
Sensors
An instrument that determines mass or weight using load cells, mechanical mechanisms, or force measurement.
Maintenance
Examination of weld quality using visual, dimensional, and nondestructive testing methods where required.
Sensors
A temperature sensor kept moist to determine evaporative cooling and psychrometric air properties.
Instrumentation
A liquid-filled reference impulse line used with differential pressure level measurement applications.
Sensors
A four-resistor circuit used to accurately measure small resistance changes in transducers and sensors.
Networking
A network spanning large geographic areas and connecting separate facilities through provider or private links.
IIoT & Data
A subscription using matching symbols to receive messages from multiple related topic names.
Sensors
A device that measures the direction from which wind is blowing, commonly using a vane.
Networking
Ethernet-compatible communication carried by radio links instead of wired copper or fiber media.
Networking
A secure wireless mesh network standard for HART field devices in industrial process applications.
Sensors
A sensor that sends measurements over radio communication rather than a wired signal cable.
Sensors
A device that monitors wire rope condition, tension, movement, or broken strands in lifting systems.
Control
A user-defined coordinate reference that locates programmed motion relative to a workpiece.
IIoT & Data
Using software rules and integrations to execute repeatable business or operational tasks automatically.
IIoT & Data
Allocating, scheduling, monitoring, and controlling computing tasks across available shared infrastructure resources.
Maintenance
Recording completed work, findings, labor, parts, and follow-up actions before order closure.
IIoT & Data
A standard digital certificate format that binds an identity to a public key.
IIoT & Data
A markup language that represents structured data using nested elements and attributes.
IIoT & Data
Evaluating production output relative to inputs, losses, quality, or expected process performance.
Safety
An intrinsically safe interface using Zener diodes and a reliable earth connection to limit energy.
Maintenance
A review approach that rebuilds maintenance requirements from asset functions rather than existing schedules.
Sensors
The sensor output present at zero applied input before calibration or offset adjustment.
Instrumentation
A gradual change in an instrument output when the true input remains at zero.
Control
A confirmed condition indicating that a motor or machine axis has stopped moving.
Instrumentation
Configuration that shifts an instrument’s lower range value above its physical zero input.
Instrumentation
An adjustment that aligns instrument output with a known zero reference input.
Networking
A security approach requiring continuous verification before users, devices, and services access network resources.
Safety
A hazardous area where an explosive gas atmosphere is present continuously, for long periods, or frequently.
Safety
A hazardous area where an explosive gas atmosphere is likely during normal operation.
Safety
A hazardous area where an explosive gas atmosphere is unlikely during normal operation and brief.
Safety
A hazardous area where an explosive dust atmosphere is present continuously, long-term, or frequently.
Safety
A hazardous area where an explosive dust atmosphere is likely occasionally during normal operation.
Safety
A hazardous area where an explosive dust atmosphere is unlikely during normal operation and brief.
IIoT & Data
An IEC 62443 approach defining security zones and controlled communication paths between them.
Industrial automation uses control systems, sensors, and software to operate machines and processes with consistent, repeatable results.
A PLC performs real-time control close to equipment, while SCADA supervises, visualizes, alarms, and records data across equipment or sites.
The Industrial Internet of Things connects industrial assets, sensors, and software so operational data can be monitored and used beyond the machine.
The current loop resists voltage-drop effects over long cable runs and its live zero makes many wiring or device faults easier to identify.
A fieldbus is an industrial communications network that lets field devices exchange data with controllers over a shared digital connection.
Predictive maintenance uses condition data and trends to plan intervention before a likely equipment failure causes unplanned downtime.