Echelon IzoT BACnet Developes - Manual (Page 24)

Device
A device that communicates on a L ON W ORKS network using CNP. A device may be an application
device, network service device, or a router. Devices are sometimes referred to as nodes in L ON W ORKS
documentation.
Device Interface
The logical interface to a device, abbreviated as XIF. A device’s interface specifies the number and
types of functional blocks; number, types, directions, and connection attributes of network variables;
and the number of message tags. The program ID for a device is used as the key to identify each
device interface. Each program ID uniquely defines the static portion of the interface. However, two
devices with identical static portions may differ if dynamic network variables are added or removed, or
if the types of changeable network variables are changed. Thus it is possible to have devices with the
same program ID but different device interfaces.
Device Interface File (XIF)
A file that documents a device’s interface with a network. The file can be a text file (.XIF extension),
or it can be a binary file (.XFB extension).
Device-Specific Configuration Property
A configuration property that has values that can be modified independent of the network database.
Changes made to a device-specific configuration property are not updated in the network database.
Device Template
A device template contains all the attributes of a given device type, such as its functional blocks,
network variables, and configuration properties. You can create a device template by importing a
device interface (XIF) file supplied by the device manufacturer, or by uploading the device interface
definition from the physical device. A device template is identified by its name and its program ID.
Both must be unique within a network—you cannot have two device templates with the same name or
the same program ID in a single network.
Download
An installation process in which data, such as the application program, network configuration, and/or
application configuration, is transferred over the network into a device.
Free Topology
A connection scheme for the communication bus that eases traditional transmission line restrictions of
trunks and drops of specified lengths and at specified distances, and terminations at both ends. Free
topology allows wire to be strung from any point to any other, in bus, daisy chained, star, ring, or loop
topologies, or combinations thereof. It only requires one termination anywhere in the network. This
can reduce the cost of wiring significantly.
Echelon Series 6000 EVB
A L ON W ORKS evaluation board that uses Echelon’s FT 6000 Smart Transceiver. It features a compact
design that includes the following I/O devices that you can use to develop prototype devices and run
the Echelon Series 6000 EVB examples: 4 x 20 character LCD display, 4-way joystick with center
push button, 2 push-button inputs, 2 LED outputs, light-level sensor, and temperature sensor.
Functional Block (FB)
A collection of network variables, configuration properties, and associated behavior that defines a
specific system functionality. Functional blocks define standard formats and semantics for how
information is exchanged between devices on a network. Each functional block implements a
functional profile.
24 Appendix A – Glossary