Rockwell Automation 20-COMM-L LonWorks Adapter User Manual
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G-4
Glossary
20-COMM-L LonWorks Adapter User Manual
Publication 20COMM-UM008B-EN-P
LON
™
An acronym for local operating network. Consists of intelligent devices, or
nodes, that are connected by one or more communications media and that
communicate with one another using a common protocol.
LonMaker
™ Software
Windows
™-based software package for designing, documenting, installing,
and maintaining multi-vendor, open, interoperable LonWorks networks.
LonWorks
™ Device
Hardware and software than runs an application and communicates with
other devices using the LonWorks protocol. May optionally interface with
input/output hardware. Includes at least one processor and a LonWorks
transceiver. A LonWorks device typically includes a Neuron Chip.
LonWorks
Network
Intelligent devices that communicate with each other using the LonWorks
protocol over one or more communications channels.
LonWorks
Protocol
The open control networking protocol designed for applications involving
sense, monitor, control, and identification functions. Also known as EIA
709.1 Control Networking Standard and as LonTalk
™ protocol.
N
Network Variable
A data item that a particular device application program expects to get from
other devices on a network (a network variable input) or expects to make
available to other devices on a network (a network variable output).
Examples are a temperature, switch value, and actuator position setting.
Neuron
™ Chip
A microprocessor usually contained in each LonWorks node which
processes all LonTalk protocol messages, senses inputs, manipulates
outputs, implements application-specific functions, and stores
installation-specific parameters.
Node
An intelligent device connected to the network. Nodes are programmed to
send messages to one another in response to changes in various conditions,
and to take action in response to messages they receive.
NVS (Nonvolatile Storage)
NVS is the permanent memory of a device. Devices such as the adapter and
drive store parameters and other information in NVS so that they are not lost
when the device loses power. NVS is sometimes called ‘EEPROM’.