Glossary of Terms
| ActiveX | API | Client | Client-Server | COM | DCS | FDDI | File Server | HMI | I/O Device | IPX/SPX | ISDN | LAN | NetBEUI | NetBIOS | Object | ODBC | OEM | OLE DB | PLC | Project | Protocol | RAD Graphics | RAS | RDBMS | RTU | Runtime | SCADA | Server | SQL | Symbol | TCP/IP | WAN | Wizard | WYSIWYG |
ActiveX
ActiveX© is a label for a broad family of Microsoft Component Object Model (COM) technologies that is used to extend an application's functionality. ActiveX controls, or objects, are self-sufficient programs that can be shared by larger programs, or applications, which are generally referred to as containers. ActiveX objects range from downloadable animations and buttons on websites to calendar and calculator functions in application programs.
Objects must first be installed into Windows and entered into the registry. Once installed, the ActiveX object can be used by any ActiveX container application resident on the PC. Each time the object is used, a different "instance" of that object is loaded into memory. This way several instances of the same object can be operating concurrently, behaving differently and independently.
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API: Application Program Interface
Provides 'hooks' into a program via a DLL interface, allowing third party developers to create extensions.
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Client
The end user of the service/data provided by the server.
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Client-Server Architecture
The underlying philosophy of centralized processing. In multiple computer systems it can be more efficient for only one computer (the server) to perform certain operations. When another computer requires the data, no processing or synchronization is required, the data is merely requested from the server.
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COM: Component Object Model
COM Component Object Model, is a family of Microsoft specifications and software that produces platform independent, object-oriented and scalable components. It is the "glue" that integrates the operating environment with plant applications and supports the inter-operability of applications, devices and systems. COM compliant interfaces are built into applications and "glued" together using the COM services and the Windows infrastructure.
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Configuration
Configuration (environment) When you are designing and creating (configuring) your Runtime Citect application.
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DCS: Distributed Control System
A global hardware and software solution to the requirements of a control system, usually provided by one manufacturer.
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FDDI: Fibre Distributed Data Interface
A fiber-optic communication architecture/technology providing very fast data transfer even over large distances, and inherent redundancy capabilities.
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File Server
Controls network file usage, providing a central location for shared information.
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HMI: Human-Machine Interface
The interface between the operator and the process machinery - Citect performs this role.
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I/O Device
Refers to any control or monitoring hardware that conveys information to or from Citect - PLC's, RTUs, microcontrollers, loop controllers, DCS elements, weighers, bar code readers etc.
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IPX/SPX: InterPacket eXchange/Sequential Packet eXchange
Networking protocol used for some LAN operating systems.
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ISDN: Integrated Services Digital Network.
A digital based communication technology supporting both voice and data.
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LAN: Local Area Network.
A data communication system which is typically confined to a few kilometers radius, and supports transfer rates up to about 100 Mbps.
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NetBEUI: NetBios Extended User Interface.
A Microsoft implementation extending NetBIOS.
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NetBIOS: NETwork Basic Input Output System.
A fundamental instruction set providing network access.
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Object
Objects are the basic building blocks of a graphics page. They are drawn using the toolbar, and can be moved, resized, re-shaped, and copied after they are drawn. Most objects possess a number of properties which allow them to change dynamically under user-definable runtime conditions. This means that they can provide animated display of conditions within the plant. You can even use an object as a slider to change conditions.
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ODBC: Open DataBase Connectivity
A Microsoft standard designed for relational database interfacing. See SQL.
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OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer
Builds and supplies the production equipment used in a variety of industrial applications. Control products (like Citect) are often included as part of the package.
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OLE DB
Superceding ODBC as Microsoft's universal data access method. It allows users to view data from a wide range of devices, databases, Web data sources, applications and relational mainframes as if the data resided at a single source. It is the infrastructure component that ensures complete access to system data by all "clients".
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PLC: Programmable Logic Controller
Dedicated control equipment with hardware and software specifically designed for reliability, speed, and simplicity.
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Project (A Citect Project)
The elements of a Citect monitoring and control system, such as graphics pages, objects, etc. These elements are stored in files of various types, for example, graphics files for graphics pages, databases for configuration records, etc.
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Protocol
The rules that govern communications between two or more devices. Usually covers data format, control signals, message structures, and timing.
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RAD Graphics
Citect's RAD (Rapid Application Development) Graphics are based on a simple set of objects, namely rectangles, ellipses, bitmaps, straight lines, freelines, polylines, text, symbols, and pipes. Associated with all these objects is a common set of object properties. These properties allow an object's behavior to be directly linked to plant variables.
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RAS: Remote Access Service
Allows remote connection to a network operating system like Novell Netware or Microsoft Windows Networks.
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RDBMS: Relational DataBase Management System
A standard designed to control interfacing with rigid relational database structures.
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RTU: Remote Terminal Unit
A control or data collection unit situated remotely to the main control and monitoring system.
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Runtime (environment)
When your custom made Citect application is running - controlling and supervising your processes and machinery.
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SCADA: Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition
A system with a primary function of collecting information (data) and providing an interface to control specific equipment (PLCs, RTUs etc.)
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Server
The centralized processor, designed to provide service for the clients.
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SQL: Structured Query Language
A standard language that can be applied to query and update data sources that support the ODBC standard.
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Symbol
An object that has been stored in a library. A Symbol can be pasted onto any graphics page. This means you only need to draw the object once. When you change a symbol (in the library), it automatically changes on all pages throughout the project.
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TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
A protocol suite which has been widely adopted for a number of applications, including the Internet and PLC communications.
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WAN: Wide Area Network
A data communication system where the distance between units is considerable (i.e. greater than 10km). Typically uses ISDN or similar technologies and have much slower communication speeds than a LAN.
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Wizard
Guides you through the more complex steps of an operation. For each step just specify what you would like to do, and the Wizard will do it for you.
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WYSIWYG: What You See Is What You Get
A commonly used acronym used to describe that te way things appear on screen is the way they will print or appear on different mediums/environments.
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