7 Glossary

Bit

Smallest information unit. Its value can either be 1 or 0.

Bitrate

Number of bits transmitted within a time unit.

Bootstrap

Operating mode of the fieldbus coupler. Device expects

a firmware upload.

Bus

A structure used to transmit data. There are two types,

serial and parallel. A serial bus transmits data bit by bit,

whereas a parallel bus transmits many bits at one time.

Byte

Binary Yoked Transfer Element. A byte generally con-

tains 8 bits.

Data bus

see Bus.

Fieldbus

System for serial information transmission between de-

vices of automation technology in the process-related

field area.

Hardware

Electronic, electrical and mechanic components of a

module/subassembly.

Operating system

Software which links the application programs to the

hardware.

Segment

Typically, a network is divided up into different physi-

cal network segments by way of routers or repeaters.

Server

Device providing services within a client/server system.

The service is requested by the Client.

Subnet

A portion of a network that shares the same network

address as the other portions. These subnets are distin-

guished through the subnet mask.