All technology fields is ripe with abbreviations and terminology. Here are some that are frequently used within Industrial Information and Communication Technology.
The latest generation of mobile communication technology, promising significantly faster data speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity compared to previous generations like 4G LTE.
Just as the name suggests, Anybus enables any device to connect to any "bus" (Fieldbus or Industrial Ethernet). Anybus is a brand from HMS Networks.
API stands for Application Programming Interface, which is a set of protocols, tools, and definitions that allows different software applications to communicate and interact with each other, enabling integration and interoperability in industrial IoT ecosystems.
Automation refers to the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention, enhancing efficiency and productivity within industrial processes.
BACnet is a communication protocol for building automation and control networks, enabling devices like HVAC systems, lighting controls, and fire detection systems to communicate and work together efficiently within industrial facilities.
A short-range wireless technology enabling data exchange between devices in close proximity, commonly used for connecting peripherals like headphones and keyboards to smartphones and computers.
BMS stands for Building Management System, which is a computer-based control system used to monitor and manage building facilities, such as HVAC, lighting, security, and energy systems, optimizing comfort, safety, and efficiency in industrial and commercial buildings.
CAN, or Controller area network, is a robust vehicle bus standard designed to allow micro controllers and devices to communicate with each other without a host computer.
Controller Area Network. A robust vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other in applications without a host computer, widely used in automotive and industrial applications.
CAN FD, or Controller Area Network with Flexible Data Rate, is an enhancement of the original CAN protocol that allows for higher data throughput by increasing the data field size and supporting variable data rates. This enables faster and more efficient communication, making it suitable for modern automotive and industrial applications that require higher bandwidth.
CAN XL, or Controller Area Network Extra Long, is a further evolution of the CAN protocol designed to handle even higher data rates and larger payload sizes than CAN FD, with extended data fields up to 2048 bytes. It provides improved performance for complex and data-intensive applications, facilitating advanced functionalities in automotive and industrial networks.
Control involves regulating and directing the operation of machinery or systems to maintain desired performance levels or outcomes in industrial environments.
The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks, increasingly crucial in industrial networks.
DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is a standardized protocol used for digital communication between lighting control devices, allowing individual addressability and control of each light fixture in a system. It simplifies the installation and management of complex lighting systems, providing flexibility and scalability for commercial and industrial lighting applications.
DCS stands for Distributed Control System, which is a control system used to manage and control industrial processes across multiple locations or units within a facility, enabling centralized monitoring, coordination, and automation.
Deterministic networking is a network where data is transmitted in a predictable, timely, and reliable manner, crucial for industrial environments where timing is critical.
A digital twin is a virtual model of a physical object, system, or process. In industrial contexts, it allows for real-time monitoring, simulation, and analysis of the physical entity's performance and behavior.
Edge computing involves processing data near the source of data generation (i.e., at the "edge" of the network) rather than in a centralized data center. This reduces latency and bandwidth use, providing faster decision-making and analysis in industrial applications.
EtherCAT is an open real-time Ethernet Master/Slave network developed by Beckhoff. Today, it is an open standard, managed by the EtherCAT technology group.
The Industrial Ethernet Protocol (Ethernet/IP) was originally developed by Rockwell Automation and is now managed by the Open DeviceNet Vendors Association (ODVA). It is a well-established Industrial Ethernet communication system with good Real-Time capabilities.
Ewon remote solutions enable machine builders and users to securely access industrial equipment from any location. These solutions facilitate seamless and secure Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) functionality, allowing for remote maintenance, troubleshooting, and machine data visualization. Ewon is a brand from HMS Networks.
The first fieldbuses saw the light of day in the late 1970s, replacing the previous hardwiring which required one wire for each controlled unit.
Functional safety is about making sure that a system or equipment works safely in automation. This means that the protection system should react correctly to its inputs or stop in a predictable way (fail-safe).Common safety networks are PROFIsafe, CIP Safety and FSoE (Functional Safety over EtherCAT).
A gateway is a network device that bridges different communication protocols, enabling data exchange between otherwise incompatible networks. In industrial communication, gateways connect legacy systems with modern IoT devices. HMS offers network gateways from Anybus and Ixxat and remote gateways from Ewon.
HART (Highway addressable remote transducer protocol) is a communication protocol designed for industrial applications that combine analog and digital signals in a single field device.
HMI stands for Human-Machine Interface, which is a user interface or dashboard that allows operators to interact with and control industrial machinery, equipment, and processes, typically through visual displays, touchscreens, and graphical interfaces.
Information and Communication Technology. HMS playing field is Industrial ICT.
An industrial network is a communication infrastructure that connects devices, sensors, and systems within industrial environments, facilitating data exchange and control. In the industry, demands for for security, performance and reliability are much higher than in office networks. Often divided into legacy Fieldbus networks and newer Industrial Ethernet networks.
The use of wireless technologies to connect industrial devices, often used where cabling is impractical.
Under the Ixxat brand, HMS offers one of the largest portfolios of CAN products on the market, as well as products for Industrial Ethernet and Functional Safety. Ixxat products are used in a wide range of industries – from e-mobility and medical to industrial automation.
Under the Intesis brand, HMS offers communication solutions for buildings. Protocol translators enable building devices to communicate on open building standards as well as proprietary protocols. Specialized AC interfaces offer connectivity for AC units from all major AC brands to any building automation system — enabling better control and substantial energy savings for the connected AC units.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is basically considered to be a network of devices, connected to the Internet. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is the same thing but referring to connected industrial systems with a higher level of robustness, reliability, security, catering for real-time demands. HMS Networks has been connecting devices, machines and systems since the 1980s.
IoT stands for Internet of Things, which refers to the network of interconnected devices embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that enable them to collect and exchange data over the internet, facilitating automation and smart decision-making in industrial settings.
Jitter refers to the variation in the time delay of received data packets. In industrial communication, minimizing jitter is crucial for ensuring the timely and reliable transmission of real-time data.
A standardized communication protocol for building automation that enables the integration and control of various systems and devices within smart buildings.
LAN stands for Local Area Network, which is a network infrastructure used to connect devices and equipment within a limited geographical area, such as a factory floor or industrial facility, enabling data sharing, communication, and collaboration.
Latency is the time delay between the initiation of an action and its effect. In industrial communication, low latency is essential for real-time control and automation.
A low-power, long-range wireless communication technology ideal for Internet of Things (IoT) applications requiring connectivity over long distances, often used in smart city projects and industrial IoT deployments.
A standard for wireless broadband communication in mobile devices, offering high-speed internet access and supporting various multimedia services.
MES stands for Manufacturing Execution System, which is a software system used to manage and control manufacturing processes on the shop floor, providing real-time visibility, tracking, and optimization of production activities and resources.
Modbus is a communication protocol used for transmitting information over serial lines between electronic devices. It is widely used in industrial applications for connecting supervisory computers with remote terminal units (RTUs). Modbus-TCP is the Industrial Ethernet version.
MQTT is an OASIS standard messaging protocol for the Internet of Things (IoT). It is designed as an extremely lightweight publish/subscribe messaging transport that is ideal for connecting remote devices with a small code footprint and minimal network bandwidth. MQTT today is used in a wide variety of industries, such as automotive, manufacturing, telecommunications, oil and gas, etc.
M2M involves the direct communication between devices or machines without human intervention, allowing for automated data exchange and control in industrial IoT applications. This systematic process is used to observe and assess industrial processes or equipment, ensuring proper functioning, identifying potential issues, and preventing failures.
The software and firmware implementation that makes a device behave according to a network protocol.
Network topology is the arrangement of different elements (links, nodes, etc.) in a computer or communication network.
OPC stands for OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) for Process Control, which is a set of standards and specifications for interoperability between industrial automation devices and software applications, facilitating data exchange and communication in industrial environments.
OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) is a standardized communication protocol for industrial automation and control systems, facilitating interoperability among devices from different vendors. It enables secure and reliable exchange of data and information between various machines and software applications in industrial environments.
Programmable Logic Controller. The "brain" of an industrial network. Like a computer controlling industrial actions — like for example the speed of a conveyor belt or moves of a robot.
PLC stands for Programmable Logic Controller, which is a ruggedized industrial computer used for automating electromechanical processes in manufacturing and industrial environments, executing programmed instructions for controlling machinery and equipment.
Ethernet Powerlink was originally developed by the Austrian automation company B&R (Bernecker + Rainer Industrie-Elektronik) in 2001. It was created to address the need for a high-performance, real-time communication protocol based on standard Ethernet technology, suitable for industrial automation and control systems.
Predictive Maintenance uses data analysis and machine learning to predict when equipment is likely to fail, allowing for maintenance to be performed just in time to prevent unexpected breakdowns and downtime.
PROFINET is an open standard for Industrial Ethernet, development by Siemens and the Profibus User Organization (PNO). It is used for real-time communication in automation systems, enabling fast and reliable data exchange between devices, such as controllers, sensors, and actuators. It supports both real-time control and standard TCP/IP communication on the same network, making it versatile for various industrial applications.
A protocol is a set of rules or standards governing communication and data exchange between devices, systems, or networks within industrial environments. It is possible to "translate" between protocols using an industrial network gateway.
Protocol stack is a set of network protocol layers that work together. In industrial networks, it refers to the specific set of protocols used to manage communication.
Real-time describes processes or operations that occur instantly or without perceptible delay, enabling immediate response and decision-making within industrial environments.
RTOS is an operating system intended to serve real-time applications that process data as it comes in, typically without buffering delays.
Redundancy is the inclusion of extra components that are not strictly necessary, intended to increase reliability of a system, often used in networks to ensure continuous operation.
RFID stands for Radio-Frequency Identification, which is a technology used for identifying and tracking objects, assets, and products using radio waves, enabling automated data capture and inventory management in industrial and supply chain applications.
In the context of industrial networking, safety refers to the measures and technologies that ensure the protection of people, equipment, and the environment from hazards that could result from failures or malfunctions within industrial systems and networks.
SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, which is a system used for monitoring and controlling industrial processes and infrastructure in real-time, typically through graphical user interfaces, remote terminals, and control systems.
In the context of industrial networking, security refers to the measures and technologies to protect systems and networks from unauthorized access, cyber attacks, and other threats.
A sensor is a device that detects and measures physical or environmental conditions within industrial settings, providing valuable data for analysis and control.
A smart sensor is an advanced sensor that includes embedded processing capabilities, enabling it to perform local data analysis and communicate more effectively within an industrial IoT network.
Telemetry involves the automated collection and transmission of data from remote or inaccessible locations to a central system for monitoring and analysis. It is essential for real-time monitoring and control in industrial settings.
TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, which is a set of communication protocols used for transmitting data between devices over networks, including the internet, enabling reliable and standardized data exchange in industrial IoT applications.
TSN, or Time-Sensitive Networking, is a set of IEEE standards that enable deterministic delivery of data over Ethernet networks, ensuring precise timing for critical applications. By synchronizing devices and prioritizing traffic, TSN enhances reliability and reduces latency in industrial automation and other time-critical systems.
Visualization involves representing data or information in graphical or visual formats within industrial contexts, aiding analysis, decision-making, and understanding.
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, which is a secure network connection established over a public network, such as the internet, allowing users to access and transmit data securely between remote locations or devices in industrial settings.
WAN stands for Wide Area Network, which is a network infrastructure that spans a large geographical area, connecting multiple LANs and other devices over long distances, enabling remote access, communication, and data exchange in industrial environments.
A popular wireless networking standard allowing devices to connect to local area networks wirelessly, with variants such as 802.11ac providing high-speed internet access.
WirelessHART is a wireless sensor networking technology that offers secure and reliable communication in process automation. It is based on the HART communication protocol, widely used for connecting field devices.
A low-power, low-data-rate wireless communication protocol suitable for home automation, sensor networks, and other applications requiring low-cost and efficient connectivity among devices.