28 Introduction to the manual
PROFINET IO terms and abbreviations
I/O Assembly selection Smart networked devices (like FENA) can
produce and/or consume more than one I/O
value. Typically, they will produce and/or
consume one or more I/O value, as well as
status and diagnostic information. Each piece of
data communicated by a device is represented
by an attribute of one of the device’s internal
objects.
Communicating multiple pieces of data
(attributes) across a single I/O connection
requires that the attributes be grouped or
assembled together into a single block.
ODVA™ ODVA stands for Open DeviceNet Vendor
Association. ODVA is an independent
organization that promotes interoperativity
between different manufacturers’ EtherNet/IP
products. ABB is an Associate Member at
ODVA.
Output In the ODVA EtherNet/IP specification the word
‘output’ is used to describe data flow from the
network into a device (such as the adapter
module).
Term Explanation
Acyclic communication Communication in which messages are sent
only once on request
Array Parameter consisting of data fields of equal
data type
Cyclic communication Communication in which parameter/process
data objects are sent cyclically at pre-defined
intervals
DCP Discovery Control Protocol. A protocol that
allows the master controller to find every
PROFINET IO device on a subnet.
Fault Event that leads to tripping of the device
Term Explanation