Glossary Of Terms - Control Techniques Nidec SI-EtherCAT User Manual

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Glossary of terms

Address: This is the unique network identification given to a networked device to allow
communication on a network. When a device sends or receives data the address is used to
determine the source and the destination of the message.
Bit: A binary digit, this may have the value of 1 or 0.
Byte: A collection of eight binary digits that collectively store a value. This may be signed or
unsigned.
CoE: CANopen over EtherCAT.
Control word: A collection of binary digits that are used to control the drive. Features typically
include directional controls, run controls and other similar functions.
Cyclic: Data that is transmitted at regular intervals over the network.
Data rate: Determines the communication speed of the network, the higher the value the more data
can be sent across the network in the same time period.
Device: A piece of equipment connected to a network, this may be any type of equipment including
repeaters, hubs, masters or slaves.
Double word: A 32-bit word, this may be signed or unsigned.
EoE: Ethernet over EtherCAT
FoE: File transfer over EtherCAT
FSoE: Functional Safety over EtherCAT.
Grounding / Earthing: Describes the electrical safety or shielding connections for the module.
LED: Light emitting diode.
Long word: A 32-bit data word that may be signed or unsigned.
LSB: Least significant bit/byte.
MSB: Most significant bit/byte.
Node: A device on the network. This may be either a device such as a drive or part of the network
such as a repeater.
Non cyclic data: Data that is requested or sent as required and not on a regular basis.
Octet: A collection of eight binary digits which form a byte.
PC: Personal computer.
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SI-EtherCAT User Guide