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Glossary
extended counter A counter created in a program by using two or more count instructions in suc-
cession. Such a counter is capable of counting higher than any of the standard
counters provided by the individual instructions.
extended timer A timer created in a program by using two or more timers in succession. Such a
timer is capable of timing longer than any of the standard timers provided by the
individual instructions.
FA Factory automation.
factory computer A general-purpose computer, usually quite similar to a business computer, that
is used in automated factory control.
FAL error An error generated from the user program by execution of an FAL(06) instruc-
tion.
FALS error An error generated from the user program by execution of an FALS(07) instruc-
tion or an error generated by the system.
fatal error An error that stops PC operation and requires correction before operation can
continue.
FCS See frame checksum.
flag A dedicated bit in memory that is set by the system to indicate some type of op-
erating status. Some flags, such as the carry flag, can also be set by the operator
or via the program.
flicker bit A bit that is programmed to turn ON and OFF at a specific frequency.
floating-point decimal A decimal number expressed as a number (the mantissa) multiplied by a power
of 10, e.g., 0.538 x 10
–5
.
force reset The process of forcibly turning OFF a bit via a programming device. Bits are usu-
ally turned OFF as a result of program execution.
force set The process of forcibly turning ON a bit via a programming device. Bits are usu-
ally turned ON as a result of program execution.
forced status The status of bits that have been force reset or force set.
frame checksum The results of exclusive ORing all data within a specified calculation range. The
frame checksum can be calculated on both the sending and receiving end of a
data transfer to confirm that data was transmitted correctly.
function code A two-digit number used to input an instruction into the PC.
hardware error An error originating in the hardware structure (electronic components) of the PC,
as opposed to a software error, which originates in software (i.e., programs).
header code A code in an instruction that specifies what the instruction is to do.
hexadecimal A number system where all numbers are expressed to the base 16. In a PC all
data is ultimately stored in binary form, however, displays and inputs on Pro-
gramming Devices are often expressed in hexadecimal to simplify operation.
Each group of four binary bits is numerically equivalent to one hexadecimal digit.
host computer A computer that is used to transfer data to or receive data from a PC in a Host
Link system. The host computer is used for data management and overall sys-
tem control. Host computers are generally small personal or business comput-
ers.
host interface An interface that allows communications with a host computer.
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