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A parameter is any value that is used in some larger system. In Ignition, we are usually referring to a parameter passed into a window, report, or component. The behavior of that object will then be altered based on the value in the parameter. For example, a parameter might be a machine number, or an area name.

PDF (Portable Document Format) is a file format used to present and exchange documents in a manner independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems. In Ignition, you can create reports and save them using this file format. It is particularly good at displaying text and images together.

A Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a numeric code (usually four or five digits) that a user can select for security. Normal passwords are more secure, but PINs are often used over telephone connections. In Ignition, a PIN can be set up for each user and used when receiving/acknowledging alarms with the Voice Notification Module.

A platform is a software environment on which applications are written and run. Platforms include tools such as graphical user interface (GUI) builders, compilers, class libraries, and utilities for developing the applications. A platform also includes a runtime engine for executing the applications because they are not able to run on their own. Java and Microsoft .NET Framework are examples of major software platforms.

The Ignition Platform refers to the core installation of Ignition. From that, additional modules or projects can be built to suit any customer's needs.

Being cross-platform means that a piece of software like Ignition can be installed on multiple types of operating system such as Windows, Linux, and OSX.

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is a programmable microprocessor-based device that is used in manufacturing to control assembly lines and machinery on the shop floor as well as many other types of mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment in a plant. A PLC is designed for real-time use in rugged, industrial environments. Connected to sensors and actuators, PLCs are categorized by the number and type of I/O ports they provide and by their I/O scan rate.

The ability to plug the object into something else. Ignition's OPC-UA server has plugable drivers that allow you to connect to specific types of devices.

Portable Network Graphics (PNG) is a file format for image compression. PNG was created as an improvement to the patented Graphics Interchange Format (GIF). Like a GIF, a PNG file is compressed in lossless fashion (meaning all image information is restored when the file is decompressed during viewing).

A computer sales system like you would see in most stores or fast food restaurants. Select what you want and it will total the items for you.

Polling is a data acquisition strategy that involves regularly asking a device for the latest data (as opposed to that device notifying when the data changes).

The polling rate in Ignition refers to how often Ignition will query the database for updates, or how often it will update data in the runtime Clients.

Tag Scan Classes also have a polling rate. This is the number of milliseconds Ignition will wait before asking for Tag values again.

A single piece of data in a larger system. Often a process variable is a tag that exists specifically for the HMI system to pull out of a PLC and display (for example, the current speed of a conveyor or ambient temperature). Usually there are several process variables exposed at the same time to give a view into how your machines are working.

In controls, the processor is the system's 'brain'. In PLC controls this is usually a plugin card which can be upgraded to higher capability by plugging in another card.

The processor serves a similar function in a computer, but modern computers have multiple processors, often 16 or more.

A property is simply a named variable with distinct attributes that affects behavior and/or appearance for a component, project, window, Tag, or report.

A proprietary item is something that is used, produced, or marketed under exclusive legal right of the inventor or maker. For software, having proprietary data generally means that the data collected by the software is only available to the company that wrote the software. Ignition does not store history in a proprietary format.

A protocol is a set of rules that governs the exchange of information or data transmission between devices.

In Ignition we talk about the different protocols used by devices when referring to OPC drivers. For example, OPC-UA connects to Modbus devices using the Modbus protocol.

Code that shows basic design, but will not actually run. Meant to convey ideas on the flow or syntax.

In Ignition, to publish means to push any saved changes to the active Clients. Usually Ignition pairs Save and Publish so it is seamless whenever changes are saved in the Designer.

Python is the scripting language used in Ignition for more open-ended requirements. If a binding is not exactly what you want, or you want to change some of the underlying functionality of Ignition, you can write a Python scrip to accomplish whatever you need. Ignition uses Python as the language, and Jython as the implementation of the language. For beginners, the distinction between Python and Jython does not matter.

You can learn more about scripting here.

See PIN.

See PDF.

See PNG.

See PLC.