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Generic terms
The following explains the terms used in this Quick start guide.
Generic term Description
Programmable controller
system
Combination of the power supply module, the CPU module, the I/O modules,
and the base unit.
Sequence control Consecutively processes each control step based on the fixed order or
procedure.
QnACPU General term for the programmable controller CPU available in MELSEC-QnA.
GX Developer Application software to create sequence programs and communicate with the
programmable controllers.
CPU module The core module to unify the controls of the programmable controllers.
Q02UCPU is used in this Quick start guide.
Power supply module Supplies electricity to each module, including the CPU module and the I/O
modules.
Base unit The unit that mounts the power supply module, the CPU module, and the I/O
modules.
Building block
A method to organize one system by combining necessary elements.
Elements such as the power supply module, the CPU module, the I/O
modules, and the base unit are combined in the programmable controller
system.
Limit switch A switch to suspend mobile objects on both sides of a moving apparatus for
safety reasons.
Relay Breaks/connects the electricity with electrical switching.
Contactor
Generally called an electromagnetic contactor to break circuits and switch the
heater.
Solenoid valve An electromagnet with a direct/alternating current solenoid valve. Connected
to the output side of the programmable controller.
Ground Prevents electric shocks and malfunctions.
Control panel
Transfers signals to other equipment. Combines such elements as breakers,
switches, protection equipment, relays, and programmable controllers.
Receives signals from switches and sensors, and supply electricity to operate
motors and solenoid valves of the machines and equipment.
Isolation transformer
A two-winding transformer.
The primary and secondary coil are wound separately to protect the secondary
load.
Contact An input used when creating a sequence program.
Coil An output used when creating a sequence program.
Device A location to store data such as ON/OFF, numeric values, and character
strings in the programmable controller.
Internal relay Breaks/connects the sequence circuit by switching ON/OFF.
Sequence program A program to perform sequence control.
Project Indicates a GX Developer project in this Quick start guide.
Consists of programs, device comments, and parameters.
Parameter Setup information necessary to operate the programmable controller system.
Modules and the network are set by writing parameters to the CPU module.
PLC parameter Setup information for modules, devices, and programs used in the
programmable controller system.
Step number Numbers attached in order from the start of instruction in the sequence
program.
Logical operations
One of the basic operation methods in programming.
Logical operations consist of three basic operations: logical AND, logical OR,
and logical NOT.
Debug An operation in which programmers search for and correct bugs in the
sequence program.