If you happened to catch my recent blog about decoding business and data collection-related acronyms, you already know that I am pretty quick with the social media acronyms, but still learning when it comes to the technology acronyms.
Case in point, I had to rely a bit (ok, fine…A LOT) on L-Tron’s industrial computer whiz, Jeremy Miller, for help with this blog on industrial computer acronyms.
Here is a list we compiled of 16 widely-used industrial acronyms you are most likely to encounter, along with the definition of each term.
Hope this helps!
Industrial Computing Acronyms
BP – A “Backplane” is an electrical board that provides connections between a computer’s circuit boards.
DAQ – “Data Acquisition” is the collection of data from physical conditions and conversion of the data to numeric values. This data is often collected through sensors and converters in industrial equipment.
FPM – “Flat Panel Monitors” are thin, lightweight, high resolution display screens that use LCD or LED technology for superior readability.
HMI – A “Human Machine Interface” is when a flat panel monitor, touch screen, touch panel computer or panel PC is utilized to physically interface with an industrial application, allowing the user to monitor, control software and make changes to their process(s) as required.
I/O – “Input/Output” is the communication from one system to another system/interface. A keyboard, mouse or touchscreen are examples of input, whereas a monitor would be an output. “Legacy I/O” refers to outdated hardware that is still used because of its difficulty to replace.
IPPC – An “Industrial Panel PC” is the most rugged type of HMI computer, built to withstand the harshest industrial environments.
ISA – “Industry Standard Architecture” is a standard computer interconnection that allows 16 bits to flow between the motherboard circuit and an expansion slot card at a given time.
LAN – A “Local-Area Network” is a computer network created in a limited area using 10/100 or 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports.
MB – A “Motherboard” is a printed circuit board that contains the main components of a computer and has the capability of connecting to other circuit boards.
PC – “Personal Computers” are relatively small, inexpensive and consumer-grade, as compared to their pricier, rugged Industrial Computer counterparts.
PCI/PCIe – “Peripheral Component Interconnect” and “Peripheral Component Interconnect Express” refer to the connection between a computer and its peripherals. PCI is a singular connection that requires closely spaced expansion slots, whereas PCIe is a two-way, serial connection with two pairs of point-to-point data lanes.
PICMG – The “PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group” is composed of hundreds of industrial computer companies that collaborate to develop specifications for PCI-based systems and boards.
PPC – A “Panel PC” is a rugged panel mount HMI computer designed for industrial automation. Has more external I/O support than a TPC, but is not as rugged or expansive as an IPPC.
SBC – A “Single Board Computer” is a complete, functioning computer that is built on a single circuit board.
SCADA – “Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition” is an industrial control system that allows visibility and control of sites, factories, assembly lines, and more. SCADA allows humans to look at the health or overall status of a system to determine what needs to happen to keep the system stable and up to date.
TPC – “Touch Panel Computers” are ultra-slim, fanless and lightweight stand-alone HMI computers that stand up well to vibration.
In addition to these acronyms, you may have wondered about ADAM, EKI, and UNO, but these actually are not acronyms!
- ADAM is the name of Advantech’s line of RS-485/Ethernet remote I/O modules.
- EKI is an Advantech line of Ethernet switches
- UNO is Advantech’s line of embedded computers.
And one last thing. We have found that some people are confused by the terms “PC” and “Controller.” If you happen to hear a colleague use one or the other, be aware that both terms mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably!
Are there other industrial acronyms or terms that you’re still wondering about? Let us know on Twitter, @LTronDirect and we’ll help you solve the mystery.
About the Author:
Carmella Giancursio is L-Tron’s Public Relations Specialist & Content Editor. When she’s not working, spending time with her husband, or taking care of her 3 young kids, she can be found in the kitchen, channeling her Italian heritage! Email info@L-Tron.com with questions, or call us at (800) 830-9523.