Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 System Manual page 236

Glossary
Switch
PROFIBUS is a linear network. The communication nodes are linked by means of a passive
cable - the bus.
By contrast, Industrial Ethernet consists of point-to-point connections: each communication
node is interconnected directly with precisely one other communication node.
If a communication node is linked to several communication nodes, this communication node
is connected to the port of an active network component - the switch. Additional
communication nodes (including switches) can now be connected to the other ports of the
switch. The connection between a communication node and the switch remains a point-to-
point connection.
A switch thus has the task of regenerating and distributing received signals. The switch
"learns" the Ethernet address(es) of a connected PROFINET device or additional switches
and only forwards those signals that are intended for the connected PROFINET device or
switch.
A switch has a specific number of connections (ports). You connect at most one PROFINET
device or additional switch to each port.
System power supply
Consists of the integrated system power supply of the CPU/interface module and additional
power supplies (PS), if necessary. The system power supply serves exclusively to supply the
I/O modules via the backplane bus.
Technology object
A technology object supports you in the configuration and commissioning of a technological
function.
The properties of real objects are represented by the technology objects in the controller.
Real objects can be, for example, controlled systems or drives.
The technology object includes all data of the real object that is required for its open- or
closed-loop control, and it signals the status information.
TIA Portal
Totally Integrated Automation Portal
The TIA Portal is the key to the full performance capability of Totally Integrated Automation.
The software optimizes operating, machine and process sequences.
Value status
The value status is a binary additional information of a digital input signal. The value status is
entered simultaneously with the process signal in the process image input and provides
information about the validity of the signal.
236
Automation system
System Manual, 12/2014, A5E03461182-AC