Glossary

A stop function which has all of the following requirements: ●It shall override all other functions and operations in all modes. ●Power to machine actuators that can cause a hazardous condition (s) shall be removed as quickly as possible without creating other hazards (e.g., by the provision of mechanical means of stopping requiring no external power, by reverse current braking for a Category 1 stop). ●Reset shall not initiate a restart. ●The emergency stop shall function as either a Category 0 or Category 1 stop. The choice of category of emergency stop shall be determined in accordance with the requirements of the application. ●Where a Category 0 stop is used for the emergency stop function, it shall have only hardwired electromechanical components. In addition, its operation shall not depend on electronic logic (hardware or software) or the transmission of commands over a communication network or link. ●Where a Category 1 stop is used for the emergency stop function, final removal of power to the machine actuators shall be ensured and shall be by means of electromechanical components.

The ratio of power output to power input.

A technique used to perform non-linear motion electronically similar to that achieved with mechanical cams.

The process of generating a slave profile based on master position or time periods by enabling and disabling electronic cam or gearing functions.

A method that simulates mechanical gears by electrically synchronizing one closed loop axis to a second axis (open- or closed-loop) through a variable ratio.

A virtual axis that is used as the master axis on a machine to which other axes are synchronized by electronic gearing or camming profiles.

A standard set by the European Directive, regulating the testing of electrical devices in order to check their ability of adhering to conducted/ radiated emissions.

A feedback device that translates mechanical motion into electrical signals indicative of actuator position. Incremental and absolute encoders are common varieties; as the names imply, their output indicates incremental or absolute changes of position.

The number of electrically identified positions occurring in 360 degrees of input shaft rotation.

An interface that has become a standard for serial data transfer covering position and parameters.

EtherCAT is a highly flexible Ethernet network protocol that is developing at a rapid rate and growing at an even faster clip. A unique principle called “processing on the fly” gives EtherCAT a handful of unique advantages.

An open networking standard, Ethernet is widely used in office automation and is increasingly being used for packaging machine networks. Originally developed for communications speed of 1.5 megabits/sec, newer versions permit speeds up to l00 megabits/sec.

A change-of-state of an input parameter, such as the triggering of a limit switch or proximity sensor.