Rockwell Automation 57C329 Remote I/O Communications, AutoMax - Manual (Page 115)

JĆ1
Appendix J
Glossary of Terms
attenuation: signal reduction inherent in a transmission line or cable over a
given distance. The amount of loss is usually stated in decibels per kilometer at a
specific wavelength.
bend loss: increased attenuation caused by bending a fiber cable at a radius
smaller than the recommended bend radius.
bend radius, minimum: radius to which a fiber cable can be bent without
damaging the cable.
BNC series: a radio frequency (RF) quick connect/disconnect connector covered
by Military Specification.
braid: a weave of metal fibers used as a shield covering for an insulated
conductor or a group of insulated conductors.
breakout cable: a tightlyĆbuffered multifiber fiberĆoptic cable.
buffer: the coating immediately surrounding an individual optical fiber. It is used
for mechanical protection of the fiber.
cladding: the glass or plastic outer coating of an optical fiber that surrounds the
core and keeps the light within the fiber. It is usually described by its diameter.
coaxial cable: a cylindrical transmission line comprised of a center conductor, a
dielectric material, a shield (or an outer conductor), and usually covered by an
insulating jacket.
conduit: a pipe, tube, or tile for routing and protecting electrical wires or cables.
connector: a coupling device designed to connect conductors from one circuit
with those from another circuit.
core: the central portion of an optical fiber that actually carries the light. It is
usually described by its diameter in microns. For example, 50/125 means 50
micron diameter core, 125 micron diameter cladding.
crimping tool: a mechanical device that is used to crimp a contact and a ferrule
of a BNC Plug connector.
dielectric: a material that serves as an insulator.
discontinuity: a broken connection (open circuit), or loss of specified connection
characteristic.
dust cap: a device attached to a connector to provide protection against dust
and foreign debris.
ferrule: a short tube used to make a solderless connection to shielded or coaxial
cable.
fiberĆoptic link: a data transmission system consisting of a transmitter, receiver,
and length of fiberĆoptic cable.
fiber optics: light pulse transmission through optical fibers.
ground: a connection between an electrical circuit and the earth, or some
conducting body (e.g., chassis) serving in place of earth.
heatĆshrinkable: describes tubes, caps, sleeves, boots, or other forms of plastic
which shrink when heated to encapsulate, protect or insulate connections,
splices, terminations and other configurations.
impedance: the total opposition a circuit, cable or component offers to
alternating current. It includes both resistance and reactance and is generally
expressed in ohms.