Glossary
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DM area A data area used to hold only word data. Words in the DM area cannot be ac-
cessed bit by bit.
DM word A word in the DM area.
downloading The process of transferring a program or data from a higher-level or host com-
puter to a lower-level or slave computer. If a Programming Device is involved,
the Programming Device is considered the host computer.
EEPROM Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory; a type of ROM in which
stored data can be erased and reprogrammed. This is accomplished using a
special control lead connected to the EEPROM chip and can be done without
having to remove the EEPROM chip from the device in which it is mounted.
electrical noise Random variations of one or more electrical characteristics such as voltage, cur-
rent, and data, which might interfere with the normal operation of a device.
EPROM Erasable programmable read-only memory; a type of ROM in which stored data
can be erased, by ultraviolet light or other means, and reprogrammed.
error code A numeric code generated to indicate that an error exists, and something about
the nature of the error. Some error codes are generated by the system; others
are defined in the program by the operator.
Error Log Area An area used to store records indicating the time and nature of errors that have
occurred in the system.
even parity A communication setting that adjusts the number of ON bits so that it is always
even. See parity.
event processing Processing that is performed in response to an event, e.g., an interrupt signal.
exclusive NOR A logic operation whereby the result is true if both of the premises are true or both
of the premises are false. In ladder-diagram programming, the premises are
usually the ON/OFF states of bits, or the logical combination of such states,
called execution conditions.
exclusive OR A logic operation whereby the result is true if one, and only one, of the premises
is true. In ladder-diagram programming the premises are usually the ON/OFF
states of bits, or the logical combination of such states, called execution condi-
tions.
execution condition The ON or OFF status under which an instruction is executed. The execution
condition is determined by the logical combination of conditions on the same in-
struction line and up to the instruction currently being executed.
execution cycle The cycle used to execute all processes required by the CPU Unit, including pro-
gram execution, I/O refreshing, peripheral servicing, etc.
execution time The time required for the CPU Unit to execute either an individual instruction or
an entire program.
extended counter A counter created in a program by using two or more count instructions in suc-
cession. Such a counter is capable of counting higher than any of the standard
counters provided by the individual instructions.
extended timer A timer created in a program by using two or more timers in succession. Such a
timer is capable of timing longer than any of the standard timers provided by the
individual instructions.
FA Factory automation.
factory computer A general-purpose computer, usually quite similar to a business computer, that
is used in automated factory control.