A serial number that identifies the computer's unique network card from all others.

(Machine Safety) An individual who performs production work and who controls operation of the machine.

(Machine Safety) An electrically-powered element, external to the safety system, which directly controls the machine’s normal operating motion in such a way that the element is last (in time) to operate when machine motion is either initiated or arrested.

(Machine Safety) The time between the activation of a stopping device and the instant when the dangerous parts of the machine reach a safe state.

(Machine Safety) An electrically-powered element, independent of the machine primary control element(s), capable of removing power from the machine’s actuator. It is typically controlled by the secondary switching device (SSD).

Computerized image measurement, analysis, and interpretation used to improve production processes and quality.

(Machine Safety) The regulatory basis for the harmonization of the mandatory health and safety requirements for machinery at European Union level.

(Machine safety) A relay that is used to provide electrical power to the machine control circuitry. Typically interfaced with the Master Start/Stop (ON/OFF) and Emergency Stop functions.

(Machine Safety) An electrically-powered device, external to the E-stop Safety Module, that provides a safety stop by immediately removing electrical power to the hazard and, if necessary, by applying braking to dangerous motion. This stopping action is accomplished by removing power to the actuator coil of either Master Stop Control Element.

(Wireless) Model for communication protocol between devices or processes, in which one device initiates commands (master) and other devices respond (slave). The Gateway is the Master device to the Nodes which are the Slave device. A PC can also be a Master device to a wireless sensor network. See Star Network.

(Measurement and Inspection) The measuring range represents the maximum range of values that a sensor can measure.

(Measurement and Inspection) The actual configured values that the sensor is set up for. A sensor with a measuring range of 0.2 to 1 m, is set up with a measuring span 0.5 to 0.8 m.

In mechanical convergence, an emitter and a receiver are simply angled toward a common point, ahead of the sensor(s). While this is a less precise form of convergent sensing as compared to optical convergence, mechanical convergence results in more efficient use of light energy as compared to diffuse mode sensing, and a greater depth-of-field than realized with true optical convergence. Mechanical convergence may also be customized for an application by mounting the emitter and receiver of an opposed sensing pair to mechanically converge at the desired distance. Depth-of-field is controlled by adjusting the angle between the emitter and receiver.

The length of time the moving parts of a relay will last.

(Machine Safety) Linked contacts that all move together when actuated. If a contact becomes immobilized, no other contact in the relay will be able to move. (See Forced-Guided Contact)

(Wireless) Decentralized network architecture where a wireless device need only communicate to its peer. Devices can act like repeaters to transfer data from nearby devices and devices further away in the network. If one device drops out of the network, the other devices will find another route to transmit data. See Peer-to-Peer.

One micron = 0.000001 meter or 0.001 millimeter.

One millionth of a second. 1 microsecond = 0.000001 second or 0.001 millisecond.

Electromagnetic waves with a wavelength on the order of a few inches. Microwaves are longer than infrared radiation and shorter than radio waves.

One thousandth of a second. 1 millisecond = 0.001 second or 1000 microseconds.

(mW) A unit of power equal to one thousandth (10-3) of a watt.

(Machine Safety) See Resolution.

(Machine Safety) The minimum-diameter object that a safety light screen system can reliably detect. Objects of this diameter or greater will be detected anywhere in the defined area. A smaller object can pass undetected through the light if it passes exactly midway between two adjacent light beams. Also known as Minimum Object Detection Size. (See also Resolution.)

(Wireless) An openly-published, communication protocol that is a means of connecting almost any industrial electronic device. Runs at layer 7 of the OSI model. Defines message structure for a client/server environment. Often used with TCP/IP over Ethernet and runs on RS-232 or RS-485.

Modular describes a type of self-contained sensor in which the various components are interchangeable. Modular sensors offer more flexibility in sensing system design and revision. The disadvantage is higher per sensor cost.

To vary the frequency, amplitude, or phase of an electromagnetic wave.

In photoelectrics, modulation of an emitter means to turn it on and off at a high frequency (typically several kilohertz). The secret of a modulated sensor's superior performance is that the sensor's receiver and amplifier are tuned to the frequency of modulation. Only the modulated light is amplified, and all other light which reaches the receiver is ignored.

(Machine Safety) The verification of system components to detect failures or faults of any part of the monitored system that could affect the performance of safety-related functions.

Having or appearing to have only one color.

A single strand of fiber optic material.

(Machine Safety) Abbreviation for Minimum Object Sensitivity. The minimum-diameter object that a safety light screen system can reliably detect. Objects of this diameter or greater will be detected anywhere in the defined area. A smaller object can pass undetected through the light if it passes exactly midway between two adjacent light beams.

(Wireless) A wireless transceiver combined with a sensor to create a remote sensor.

Abbreviation for Metal Oxide Varistor. A discrete electronic component that diverts excessive voltage to the ground and/or neutral lines.

(Machine Safety) A safeguarding device that may be maneuvered into place to enclose a hazard area before machine motion starts.

(Machine Safety) Abbreviation for Machine Primary Control Element. An electrically-powered element external to the safety system that directly controls machine's normal motion.

(Machine Safety) Abbreviation for Machine Stop Control. An electrically-powered device, external to the E-stop Safety Module, that provides a safety stop by immediately removing electrical power to the hazard and, if necessary, by applying braking to dangerous motion. This stopping action is accomplished by removing power to the actuator coil of either Master Stop Control Element.

A bundle of plastic fiber optic strands fused together.

(Wireless) Signal enhancement or degradation caused by obstacles between the transmitter and receiver that cause multiple copies of a signal to arrive at a receiver through different paths.

A scheme in which an electronic control circuit interrogates each sensor of an array in sequence. True photoelectric multiplexing enables each modulated emitter only during the time that it samples the output of the associated receiver. In this way, the chance of false response of any receiver to the wrong light source is eliminated.

(Machine Safety) The automatic suspension of the safeguarding function of a safety device during a non-hazardous portion of the machine cycle.