National Instruments FP-3000 User Manual
Page 138

Glossary
FieldPoint FP-3000 User Manual
Glossary-6
www.ni.com
Link
A F
O U N D A TIO N
Fieldbus network is made up of devices connected by
a serial bus. This serial bus is called a link (also known as a segment).
Link Active Scheduler
The Fieldbus device that is currently controlling access to the
Fieldbus. A device that is responsible for keeping a link operational.
The LAS executes the link schedule, circulates tokens, distributes
time, and probes for new devices.
Link master device
A device that is capable of becoming the LAS.
Linkage
A connection between function blocks.
Lookout
National Instruments Lookout is a full-featured object-based
automation software system that delivers unparalleled power and
ease of use in demanding industrial measurement and automation
applications.
Loop
See control loop.
M
Macrocycle
The least common multiple of all the loop times on a given link, or
one iteration of a the process control loop.
Menu
An area accessible from the command bar that displays a subset of the
possible command choices. In the NI-FBUS Configurator, refers to
menus defined by the manufacturer for a given block.
Method
Methods describe operating procedures to guide a user through a
sequence of actions.
mm
millimeter.
Mode
Type of communication.
N
Network address
The Fieldbus network address of a device.
Nifb.exe
The NIFB process that must be running in the background for you to
use your AT-FBUS or PCMCIA-FBUS interface to communicate
between the board and the Fieldbus.
NI-FBUS API
The NI-FBUS Communications Manager.