Accuracy

Accuracy is the deviation of a measurement from a known standard. Accuracy is normally specified in percent.

ADCs - Analog-to-Digital Converter

ADC is used to convert DC voltage from transducers into digital words (data). The voltage represents a temperature. pressure, flow, pH, or speed and must converted to a digital word before it can be passed to an intelligent device like a computer.

Alarm Reporting/logging

An alarm reporting/logging can show the steps that led to a production line being shut down and the points on the line to be checked before starting it again.

Amplifier

Amplifiers are used to boost the analog level (voltage) of the signal.

ANSI C - American Electronics Standards Institute C language

The ANSI sets standards for data and communication codes, and for programming and data management languages.

Annunciator Panel/Screen

An annunciator panel/screen shows both essential information and alarms to provide danger level coding and display multiple alarm messages.

AO - Analog Output

The D/A converter performs the opposite function of an A/D converter. It interprets commands from the computer and outputs the proper DC voltage or current. The output stays at this output level until the computer tells the D/A converter to output a new value.

API - Application Programming Interface

API allows access to two layers of the open systems interconnect (OSI) model and provides high-level calls to the program for general purpose, name, data, and session support.

Attenuator

Attenuators are used to lower the analog level (voltage) of a signal.