Echelon LonMaker User Manual
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LonMaker User’s Guide
383
Fan-in Connection
A multicast connection in which multiple output network variables (or message tags) are connected to
a single input network variable (or message tag).
Fan-Out Connection
A multicast connection in which multiple input network variables (or message tags) are connected to a
single output network variable (or message tag).
Firmware
Firmware required to implement the LonTalk protocol. This firmware is contained in the VERxxx
subdirectories of the L
ON
W
ORKS
images folder (c:\lonworks\images) in files with the name S*.NX*.
Other custom firmware images are available for special purposes. Use of the Neuron Chip firmware is
subject to terms and conditions defined in the NodeBuilder software license agreement and the
L
ON
W
ORKS
OEM license agreement.
Free Topology
A connection scheme for the communication bus that removes traditional transmission line restrictions
of trunks and drops of specified lengths and at specified distances, and terminations at both ends. Free
topology allows wire to be strung from any point to any other, in bus, daisy chained, star, ring, or loop
topologies, or combinations thereof. It only requires one termination anywhere in the network. This
can reduce the cost of wiring by a factor of two or more.
Functional Block (FB)
A collection of network variables, configuration properties, and associated behavior that defines a
desired system functionality. Functional blocks define standard formats and semantics for how
information is exchanged between devices on a network.
Functional Block State
An indication whether a functional block is enabled or disabled, or whether it is in override mode.
Functional Profile
A L
ON
M
ARK
specification that enables equipment specifiers to select the functionality they need for a
system. A functional profile is a template for a type of functional block that defines mandatory and
optional network variable and configuration property members along with their intended usage. A
small number of functional profiles are available for generic devices such as simple sensor and
actuators. Many industry-specific functional profiles are available for industry-specific applications.
Industry-specific profiles are developed through a review and approval process, including a cross-
functional review to ensure the profile will interoperate within an individual subsystem and also
provide interoperability with other subsystems in the network.
Group
A logical collection of devices within a domain. Unlike a subnet, devices are grouped together without
regard for their physical location in the domain. The number of groups to which a device may belong
is determined by the number of available address table entries. This number is set by the Neuron
application, but may not exceed 15. Groups and group membership are defined by the NSS during
binding.
Group Addressing
A logical addressing mode in the LonTalk protocol that allows a message to be sent simultaneously to
a pre-configured group of devices. Each group has an 8-bit group ID. Each domain can have up to 256
groups defined.
Host
A device implementing layer 7 of the LonTalk protocol. A host may be based on the Neuron Chip, in
which case it is called a Neuron Chip Hosted Device. A host may be based on another processor, in