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Lexicon: Automation and process engineering

In our glossary we would like to pass on our knowledge about technologies and products from the industry to you. What do we talk about every day? What do you need to know to find the best solutions? Discover our definitions and explanations below:

 

A

  • A/D converter: Converts analog signals into digital ones, essential for many sensors.
  • Absolute Encoder: Rotary encoder that measures exact position rather than incremental changes.
  • Amplitude modulation: A method of transmitting information about the amplitude of a carrier signal.
  • Analog sensor: Measures continuous values ​​such as temperature or pressure.

 

B

  • binary code: Coding scheme used by some encoders.
  • Bus systems: Communication channels for data in I/O systems.
  • Baudrate: Transfer speed between devices in bit/s.

 

C

  • CPU: Central processing unit of an I/O system or controller.
  • Crimp connection: Mechanical method of connecting wires and contacts in connectors.

 

D

  • Differential signal: Transmission method that supports noise reduction in sensors.
  • encoder: Measures rotational movements and positions.
  • torque: Unit force measured or generated by rotary encoders.

 

E

  • Input/output modules: Interfaces of I/O systems for receiving and sending signals.
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Measure of the resistance of electrical devices to external electromagnetic influences.
  • Ethernet: Network technology for communication between I/O systems.

 

F

  • fieldbus: Communication network that connects I/O systems to controllers.
  • frequency converter: Device that changes the frequency of a current, often in combination with rotary encoders.

 

G

  • cutoff frequency: Highest frequency that a sensor can reliably measure.
  • Galvanic separation: Electrical isolation of circuits to prevent interference.

 

H

  • Hall sensor: Sensor that measures magnetic fields and is often used in encoders.
  • Hollow shaft: Design feature of some encoders that allows a continuous shaft.

 

I

  • Speaker: Synonym for rotary encoder.
  • IP protection class: IP protection classes define how well a product is protected against the ingress of foreign bodies and water. The first number stands for protection against solid objects (e.g. dust) and ranges from 0 (no protection) to 6 (complete protection). The second number indicates the degree of protection against liquids and varies from 0 (no protection) to 8 (protection against permanent submersion). IP classification enables a clear and precise assessment of product robustness in different environments.
  • Incremental encoder: Measures changes in position.
  • Interbus: Special fieldbus standard for industrial automation.

 

J

  • Jitter: Irregular temporal deviations in signals, relevant for sensors and encoders.

 

K

  • Capacitive sensor: Type of sensor that uses changes in capacitance for detection.
  • Contact resistance: Resistance that occurs in connectors when two contacts are connected.

 

L

  • PCB connection: Connection type in which connectors are mounted directly on circuit boards.
  • Linearity: Degree to which the output of a sensor or encoder is proportional to the input.

 

M

  • Multiturn encoder: Rotary encoder that can count multiple revolutions.
  • M8/M12 connectors: Standardized connector sizes in automation technology.
  • Modbus: Communication protocol for industrial automation.

 

N

  • Proximity sensor: Sensor that detects the presence of an object without physical contact.
  • network protocol: Regulates communication between devices on a network.
  • NPN & PNP outputs: In the world of sensor technology, NPN and PNP outputs are central terms. Both describe transistor circuit types and how they output signals. While NPN outputs (Negative-Positive-Negative) connect to ground when activated, close PNP outputs (Positive-Negative-Positive) when activated to the positive voltage. These differences affect the way sensors and controls interact in a system and are critical to the correct integration of components in automated environments.

 

O

  • Optical rotary encoder: Uses light to determine rotation position.
  • optocoupler: Transmits signals using light waves.
  • Ohmic sensor: Sensor that measures changes in electrical resistance.
  • oscillator: Generates periodic electrical oscillations.

 

P

  • PLC (Programmable Logic Controller): Programmable controller for industrial processes.
  • Potentiometer: Electrical component often used in encoders to measure positions.
  • PWM (pulse width modulation): Method of controlling motors, lights, and other devices.
  • PNP & NPN outputs: In the world of sensor technology, NPN and PNP outputs are central terms. Both describe transistor circuit types and how they output signals. While NPN outputs (Negative-Positive-Negative) connect to ground when activated, close PNP outputs (Positive-Negative-Positive) when activated to the positive voltage. These differences affect the way sensors and controls interact in a system and are critical to the correct integration of components in automated environments.

 

Q

  • Quartz sensor: Uses the piezoelectric properties of quartz for measurement.
  • Quick-Connect connectors: Quick connect option for connectors.

 

R

  • RS232 / RS485: Communication interface standards in I/O systems.
  • Relais: Electrical switch controlled by an electrical signal.
  • Freedom from repercussions: Property of a sensor or encoder not to be influenced by the measured quantity.

 

S

  • Serial interface: Transfers data bit by bit between devices.
  • Signal conditioning: Process for improving and adapting sensor data.
  • PLC (programmable logic controller): Core component of many I/O systems.
  • Shielded Cable: Shielded cable to reduce electromagnetic interference.

 

T

  • temperature sensor: Measures temperature changes.
  • transducer: Converts one form of energy into another.
  • Twisted Pair: Pair of cables twisted to minimize electromagnetic interference.

 

U

  • Ultrasonic sensor: Uses sound waves to measure distances or detect objects.
  • Number of revolutions: Indicates the number of times an object or encoder has rotated.
  • USB (Universal Serial Bus): Standardized interface for connecting peripheral devices.

 

V

  • Valve connector: Allows you to connect valves.
  • Reverse polarity protection: Protection mechanism in electronic components against incorrect polarity.
  • vibration detector: Detects and measures vibrations.
  • Vibration sensor: Detects and measures vibrations and movements.

 

W

  • converter: Device that converts signals or forms of energy.
  • angle measurement: Determination of the angle of rotation using a rotary encoder.
  • Wheatstone Bridge: Electrical circuit design commonly used in pressure sensors.
  • WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): Enables wireless data transmission.

 

X

  • XLR connector: Used to transmit audio and video signals.

 

Z

  • Counter: Mechanism in encoders that counts rotations.
  • Cycle time: Time required for a system to complete an operation or cycle.