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chromaticity coordinate / cinder trap

chromaticity coordinate The ratio of any of be a liquid solution of the substances or a

the three tristimulus values of a color sample mixture of a carrier gas and the vaporized
to the sum of the tristimulus values. sample. A wide variety of detection tech-
chromaticity diagram A graph of one of the niques are used, some of which can be auto-
chromaticity coordinates against another. mated or microprocessor driven.
chromatogram The pattern formed by the chromel Chromium nickel alloy used in the
chromatograph output represents zones of positive leg of type K and type E thermocou-
separated elements and compounds on a ples. A registered trademark of Hoskins
strip chart. The time at which the peak Manufacturing Company.
appears and the area under the peak identify chromium plating The electrodeposition on a
the component and the concentration. metal surface of either a bright, reflective
coating or a hard, less reflective coating of
chromium. Also known as "chrome plating"
and "chromium coating."
chromizing Producing an alloyed layer on
the surface of a metal by deposition and sub-
sequent diffusion of metallic chromium.
chromophore The group of atoms within a
molecule that contributes most heavily to its
light-absorption qualities.
chronograph An instrument used to record
the time at which an event occurs or the time
interval between two events.
chronotron A device for measuring the
elapsed time between two events. That time
Typical Chromatograph Trace is determined by measuring the position of
the superimposed loci of a pair of pulses ini-
chromatograph An analytical instrument tiated by the events.
that uses chromatography to separate sub- CIAC Computer Incident Advisory Capabil-
stances in order to analyze them for chemical ity; established in 1989, this United States
composition and concentration. Department of Energy group provides com-
puter security services (such as computer
virus alerts) to its employees and contractors.
CIDR Classless Inter-Domain Routing; An
efficient method of assigning network
addresses and modifying routing tables.
CIE Computer-integrated engineering; Com-
mission Internationale de l'Eclairage, inter-
national standards group for color and
illumination, the first to specify color in
terms of human perception rather than just
listing the ingredients needed to make a par-
ticular device produce a given color.
CIM-AF Computer-integrated manufactur-
ing application framework; a framework
("protocol" is too restrictive) based upon dis-
Chromatograph tributed object-oriented technology to allow
control computers to communicate with
chromatography An instrumental procedure equipment in plant, and ideally to imple-
for separating components from a mixture of ment manufacturing execution systems
chemical substances. The procedure depends (MES).
on the selective retardation and physical cinder A particle of gas-borne, partially
absorption of substances by a porous bed of burned fuel larger than 100 microns in diam-
sorptive media as the substances are trans- eter.
ported through the bed by a moving fluid. cinder trap A dust collector with staggered
The sorptive bed (stationary phase) may be a elements in the gas passage that concentrates
solid or a liquid dispersed on a porous, inert larger dust particles. A portion of the gas
solid. The moving fluid (moving phase) may passes through the elements with the con-

81
CIP / cladding

centrated dust into a settling chamber, where circular-chart recorder A type of recording
change in direction and velocity drops out instrument in which the input signal from a
the coarser particles. temperature, pressure, flow, or other trans-
CIP Clean-in-place, typically done in food/ ducer moves a pivoted pen over a circular
pharmaceutical processing vessels where piece of chart paper, which rotates about its
parts are not removable. center at a fixed rate with time.
Cipolletti weir An open-channel flow-mea- circularity In data processing, a warning
surement device similar to a rectangular weir message that the commands for two separate
but having sloping sides, which results in a but interdependent cells in a program cannot
simplified discharge equation. proceed until a value for one of the cells is
CIR Committed information rate; in network determined.
communications, a traffic measurement that circularly polarized light Light in which the
is the average bandwidth that is provided polarization vector rotates periodically, but
over a given time sample; often mistaken as does not change magnitude, describing a cir-
the amount of bandwidth that carrier is guar- cle. This light can also be stated as the super-
anteeing. position of two plane-polarized (or linearly
circle of confusion A circular image in the polarized) lightwaves of equal magnitude,
focal plane of an optical system, which is the one 90° in phase behind the other.
image formed by that system of a distant circular mil A wire-gauge measurement that
point object. is equal to the cross-sectional area of a wire
circuit [Comm] 1. In communications, the one mil (0.001 in.) in diameter. Its actual area
means of two-way communications between is 7.8540 x 10-7 in2.
two points made up of both send and receive circular polarized wave An electromagnetic
channels. [Eng] 2. In engineering, any group wave for which the electric field vector, mag-
of related electronic paths and components netic field vector, or both describe a circle.
that electronic signals will pass to perform a circulating memory In an electronic memory
specific function. device, a means of delaying information
circuit analyzer A multipurpose assembly of combined with a means for regenerating the
several instruments or instrument circuits in information and reinserting it into the delay-
one housing that are to be used to measure ing means.
two or more operating characteristics of an circulation The movement of water and
electronic circuit. steam within a steam-generating unit.
circuit breaker A device that is designed to circulation ratio The ratio of the water enter-
open and close a circuit by non-automatic ing a circuit to the steam generated within
means but also to open the circuit automati- that circuit in a unit of time.
cally on a predetermined overload of current circulator A pipe or tube for passing steam or
without injury to itself. water between upper boiler drums, which
circuit diagram A line drawing of an elec- are usually located where the best absorption
tronic/electrical system that identifies com- is low. A circulator is also used to apply to
ponents and diagrams how they are tubes that connect headers of horizontal
connected. water tube boilers with drums.
circuit-noise meter An instrument that uses CISC Complex instruction set computer;
frequency-weighting networks and other developed by Intel to provide the greatest
components to measure electronic noise in a number of independently functioning units
circuit. It gives approximately equal readings by using them to perform tasks in parallel so
for noises that produce equal levels of inter- the processor makes the most out of each tick
ference. of the clock; compare with RISC.
circuit switching A method of communica- cladding [Proc] 1. In process control, the
tion in which an electrical connection technique of covering one piece of metal
between calling and called stations is estab- with a relatively thick layer of another metal
lished when there is a demand for exclusive and bonding them together. The bond may
use of the circuit and lasts until that connec- be produced by corolling or coextrusion at
tion is released. See also message switching high temperature and pressure, or by explo-
and packet switching. sive bonding. [Comm] 2. In communications,
circuit-to-ground voltage The rated value of the low refractive index material that sur-
voltage with respect to earth ground. [ANSI/ rounds the core of a fiber and protects
ISA-82.02.01-1999 (IEC 1010-1 Mod)] against surface contaminant scattering.

82
 cladding mode / Class H power classification, DC

cladding mode In fiber optics, the mode con- ation of frequency from nominal. [ISA-71.02-
fined to cladding. A light ray that propagates 1991]
in cladding. class C amplifier An amplifier in which the
cladding strippers Chemicals or devices that grid bias is considerably more negative than
remove the cladding from an optical fiber so the zero plate current value.
as to expose the light-carrying core. The term Class C power classification, AC Harmonic
is sometimes be misapplied to chemicals or content is specified as the present rms volt-
devices that remove the protective coating age not occurring at the primary frequency
that is applied over cladding to protect the [ISA-71.02-1991]
fiber from environmental stress.
clamping circuit A circuit that maintains
either the maximum or minimum amplitude
level of a waveform at a specific potential.
clamping device An element of a cable entry
that prevents tension or torsion in the cable
from being transmitted to the connections.
[ISA-12.00.01-1999 (IEC 60079-0 Mod)]
clamping voltage Predefined "sustained" volt-
age, which is held by the clamp circuit at
some desired level.
clamp time In power lines, the speed with
which the surge protector responds to block
power surge. AC Power Classifications
clasp A nonthreaded fastener, usually
hook-like and with a releasable catch. Class D power classification, AC Phase
class [Eng] 1. In engineering, a convenient angle is specified as the departure from nom-
round number for designating allowable inal phase angle in degrees. This class is
pressure/temperature ratings for valves and specified for polyphase systems only. [ISA-
pipe fittings using arbitrary class numbers 71.02-1991]
from tables developed by the American Soci- Class E power classification, AC Voltage
ety for Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and unbalance is specified for polyphase systems
the International Standards Organization as percentage maximum voltage deviation
(ISO) for a variety of materials. [ANSI/ISA- from the average of the phase voltage as mea-
75.05.01-2000] [Comp] 2. In computing, a set sured at the equipment terminal, divided by
of objects that share a common data structure the same average voltage. Example: With volt-
and a common behavior. [ISA-TR50.02, Part ages of 230, 238, and 225, the average is 231.
9-2000] The maximum deviation from the average is 7
class A amplifier An amplifier in which the volts, and the average unbalance = 100 x (7/
grid bias and alternating grid voltages are 231) = 3.03%. [ISA-71.02-1991]
such that plate current always flows in a Class F power classification, DC Voltage tol-
specified tube. erance is specified as the percentage devia-
class AB amplifier An amplifier in which the tion from nominal voltage. [ISA-71.02-1991]
grid bias and alternating grid voltages are
such that plate current in a specified tube
flows considerably more than one-half of the
electrical cycle but less than the entire cycle.
class A power classification, AC Voltage tol-
erance is specified as the percentage devia-
tion of rms voltage from nominal. Class F Power Classification, DC
[ISA-71.02-1991]
class B amplifier An amplifier in which the Class G power classification, DC Ripple is
grid bias is approximately equal to the cutoff specified in percentage terms as the ratio of
value, therefore making the plate current in a the peak-to-peak value of the AC component
specified tube approximately zero when the to the nominal voltage. [ISA-71.02-1991]
grid voltage is zero. Class H power classification, DC Ground
Class B power classification, AC Frequency reference is specified as the polarity of the
deviation is specified as the percentage devi- terminal of a DC power source, if any, that is

83
Class I, Division 1 location / Class II, Division 2 location

connected to a ground reference, as follows: classification of a location The assignment of

HI—Positive if the positive terminal is con- a rating such as Division 1, Division 2, or
nected to a ground reference. H2—Nega- nonhazardous.
tive if the negative terminal is connected to a Class II, Division 1 location A location (a) in
ground reference. H3—Floating if neither which combustible dust is in the air under
terminal is connected to a ground reference. normal operating conditions in quantities
[ISA-71.02-1991] sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable
Class I, Division 1 location A location (a) in mixtures, (b) in which mechanical failure or
which ignitable concentrations of flammable the abnormal operation of machinery or
gases or vapors can exist under normal oper- equipment might cause such explosive or
ating conditions, (b) in which ignitable con- ignitable mixtures to be produced and might
centrations of such gases or vapors may exist also provide a source of ignition through
frequently because of repair or maintenance simultaneous (the word simultaneous is not
operations or because of leakage, or (c) in included in the Canadian definition) failure
which the breakdown or faulty operation of of electric equipment, operation of protection
equipment or processes might release ignit- devices, or from other causes, or (c) in which
able concentrations of flammable gases or combustible dusts of an electrically conduc-
vapors and might also cause the simulta- tive nature may be present in hazardous
neous failure of electrical equipment that quantities. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999]
could act as a source of ignition. [ANSI/ISA- Class II, Division 2 location A location in
12.01.01-1999] which combustible dust is not normally in
Class I, Division 2 location A location (a) in the air in quantities sufficient to produce
which volatile flammable liquids or flamma- explosive or ignitable mixtures and in which
ble gases are handled, processed, or used, dust accumulations are normally insufficient
but in which the liquids, vapors, or gases will to interfere with the normal operation of
normally be confined within closed contain- electrical equipment or other apparatus.
ers or closed systems from which they can However, in this type of location combustible
escape only in case equipment is operated dust may be suspended in the air as a result
abnormally, (b) in which ignitable concentra- of the infrequent malfunctioning of handling
tions of gases or vapors are normally pre- or processing equipment. Likewise, combus-
vented by positive mechanical ventilation tible dust accumulations on, in, or in the
and might become hazardous through fail- vicinity of the electrical equipment may be
ure or abnormal operation of the ventilating sufficient to interfere with the safe dissipa-
equipment, or (c) that is adjacent to a Class I, tion of heat from electrical equipment or may
Division 1 location and to which ignitable be ignitable by abnormal operation or failure
concentrations of gases or vapors might of electrical equipment. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-
occasionally be communicated unless this is 1999]
prevented by adequate positive-pressure Class II, Division 2 location (Canada) A
ventilation from a source of clean air and location in which combustible dusts are not
effective safeguards against ventilation fail- normally in suspension in air or likely to be
ure are provided. Electrical conduits and thrown into suspension by the normal or
their associated enclosures that are separated abnormal operation or the failure of equip-
from process fluids by a single seal or barrier ment or apparatus in quantities sufficient to
are classified as a Class I, Division 2 location produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.
if the outside of the conduit and enclosures is However, in these locations, (a) deposits or
a nonhazardous (unclassified) location. accumulations of dust may be sufficient to
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999] interfere with the safe dissipation of heat
classification 1. Sorting particles or objects from electrical equipment or apparatus, or
by specific criteria, such as size or function. 2. (b) deposits or accumulations of dust on, in,
Separating a mixture into its constituents, or near electrical equipment may be ignited
such as by particle size or density. 3. Segre- by arcs, sparks, or burning material from the
gating units of product into various adjoin- electrical equipment. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-
ing categories, often by measuring charac- 1999]
teristics of the individual units, thus forming Class II, Division 2 location (United
a spectrum of quality. Also termed "grad- States) A location in which combustible
ing." See also area classification. dust is not normally in the air in quantities
classification, area See area classification. sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable
mixtures and in which dust accumulations

84
 Class III, Division 1 location / clearance fit

are normally insufficient to interfere with the operating pressure range used by pneumatic
normal operation of electrical equipment or actuators and positioner-actuators. [ISA-
other apparatus. However, in these locations 71.02-1991]
combustible dust may be in suspension in Class L power classification, pneumatic
the air as a result of the infrequent malfunc- Dew point is specified as the dew point tem-
tioning of handling or processing equipment. perature of the gas that is supplied at the
Moreover, combustible dust accumulations lowest ambient temperature and maximum
on, in, or in the vicinity of the electrical operating pressure of the pneumatic system.
equipment may be sufficient to interfere with clay atmometer A simple device for deter-
the safe dissipation of heat from electrical mining evaporation rate to the atmosphere.
equipment or may be ignitable by the abnor- It consists of a porous porcelain dish that is
mal operation or failure of electrical equip- connected to a calibrated reservoir filled with
ment. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999] distilled water.
Class III, Division 1 location A location in clean air 1. Air that is free of combustible
which easily ignitable fibers or materials that gases and contaminating substances. [ANSI/
produce combustible flyings are handled, ISA-12.13.01-2000] 2. Air that is free of any
manufactured, or used. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01- substance that will adversely affect the oper-
1999] ation of or cause a response from the instru-
Class III, Division 2 location A location in ment. [ANSI/ISA-92.02.01, Part 1-1998;
which easily ignitable fibers are stored or ANSI/ISA-92.03.01-1998;ANSI/ISA-
handled (except in the process of manufac- 92.04.01, Part 1-1996; ISA-92.06.01-1998]
ture). [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999] cleanout door A door that is positioned so that
Class III location A location that is hazard- accumulated refuse may be removed from a
ous because of the presence of easily ignit- boiler setting.
able fibers or flyings but in which such fibers clean room A room in which elaborate pre-
or flyings are not likely to be suspended in cautions are employed to reduce dust parti-
the air in quantities sufficient to produce cles and other contaminants in the air, as
ignitable mixtures. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01- required for the manufacture or assembly of
1999] delicate components or equipment.
Class II location A location that is hazardous cleanup 1. Removing small amounts of stock
because of the presence of combustible dust. by an imprecise machining operation, prima-
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999] rily in order to improve surface smoothness,
Class I location A location in which flamma- flatness, or appearance. 2. The time required
ble gases or vapors are or may be present in for an electronic leak-testing instrument to
the air in quantities sufficient to produce reduce its output signal to 37 percent of the
ignitable mixtures. [ANSI/ISA-12.01.01- initial signal transmitted when tracer gas is
1999] first detected. 3. The gradual disappearance
Class J power classification, pneumatic of internal gases during the operation of a
Instrument pressure is specified as the oper- discharge tube.
ating pressure range that is used by transmit- clear To erase the contents of a storage device
ters and controllers. [ISA-71.02-1991] by replacing the contents with blanks or
zeros. Clarified by erase.
clearance 1. The lineal distance between two
adjacent parts that do not touch. 2. An unob-
structed space for inserting tools or removing
parts during maintenance or repair. 3. The
shortest distance in the air between two con-
ductive parts. Note: This distance applies
only to parts that are exposed to the atmo-
sphere and not to parts that are covered with
solid insulation or casting compound.
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999; ANSI/ISA-
12.16.01-1998; ANSI/ISA-82.02.01-1999]
clearance distance The shortest distance
Class } Power Classification, Pneumatic measured in air between conductive parts.
clearance fit A type of mechanical fit in
Class K power classification, pneumatic which the tolerance envelopes for mating
Control element pressure is specified as the

85
clearance flow / closed loop

parts always results in clearance when the for the operation of a synchronous computer.
parts are assembled. 2. Sources for the timing signals used in syn-
clearance flow That flow lying below the chronous transmission. 3. A register that
minimum controllable flow with the closure automatically records the progress of real
member not seated. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01- time, or perhaps some approximation to it,
2000] The closure member not seated. and records the number of operations per-
[ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000] formed. In addition, a register whose con-
clear-to-send (CTS) A modem interface sig- tents are available to a computer program. 4.
nal, defined by the U.S. standard EIA-RS- A timing pulse that coincides with or is
232-C, that indicates to data terminal equip- phase related to the occurrence of an event,
ment that it may begin data transmission. such as bit rate or frame rate.
cleaver A device that is used to cut or break clock, real-time A clock that indicates the
optical fibers in a precise way so that the passage of actual time, in contrast to a ficti-
ends can be connected with low loss. tious time set up by the computer program.
clevis A U-shaped metal fitting that has holes Examples include the elapsed time in the
at the open ends of the legs so a pin or bolt flight of a missile, wherein a 60-second tra-
can be inserted in order to make a closed link jectory is computed in 200 actual millisec-
for attaching or suspending a load. onds or a 0.1-second interval is integrated in
client One of usually several devices on a 100 actual microseconds. [ISA-RP55.1-1975
computer network that are being supplied by (R1983)]
another processor, which acts as a server of clock frequency The master frequency of
data, memory, or function(s). Client software periodic pulses that schedules the operation
requests and receives these functions from of the computer.
server software. See server. clock mode A system circuit that is synchro-
client/server architecture An approach to nized with a clock pulse, that changes states
computer processing in which the functions only when the pulse occurs, and that will
of an application are shared between multi- change state no more than once for each
ple computers on the same network. Such clock pulse.
architecture distributes the computing load clock pulse A synchronization signal pro-
among several computers on the network. vided by a clock.
clinched The bending of the excess length of clock rate The time rate at which pulses are
a nail so that the sharp, protruding point is emitted from the clock. The clock rate deter-
forced back into the nailed material. [ISA- mines the rate at which logical arithmetic
RP60.11-1991] gating is performed with a synchronous
clinical thermometer A thermometer for computer.
accurately determining the temperature of clock skew A phase shift between the clock
the human body. Most often, it is a mercury- inputs of devices in a single-clock system.
in-glass maximum thermometer. The result of variations in gate delays and
clinker A hard, compact, congealed mass of stray capacitance in a circuit. [ISA-RP55.1-
fused furnace refuse, usually slag. 1975 (R1983)]
clinometer A divided-circle instrument for clone In data processing, an exact duplication
determining the angle between mutually of another computer device or software.
inclined surfaces. closed circuit 1. Any device or operation in
clip (as noun) In video development, a piece which all or part of the output is returned to
of video footage. the inlet for further processing. 2. A type of
clipboard In data processing, an area in which television system that does not involve
information can be stored so that it can be broadcast transmission, but rather transmis-
"pasted" into another application. sion by cable, telephone lines, or a similar
clipping circuit 1. A circuit that prevents the method.
peak amplitude of a signal from exceeding closed-fireroom system A forced draft sys-
some specific level. 2. A circuit that elimi- tem in which combustion air is supplied by
nates the tail of a signal pulse after some spe- elevating the air pressure in the fireroom.
cific time. 3. A circuit element in a pulse closed loop 1. A combination of control units
amplifier that reduces the pulse amplitude at in which the process variable is measured
frequencies that are less than some specific and compared with the desired value (or set
value. point). Any deviation from the set point is
clock (CLK) 1. A master timing device that is fed back into the control system in such a
used to provide the basic sequencing pulses way as to reduce deviation. Usually called

86
 closed loop control / closure member types

feedback control. 2. A hydraulic or pneu- closing pressure In a safety relief valve, the
matic system in which flow is recirculated static inlet pressure at the point where the
following the power cycle. The system con- disk has zero lift off the seat.
tains a limited amount of fluid, which is con- closure component The movable part of the
tinually reused. 3. Pertaining to a system valve, which is positioned in the flow path to
with feedback type of control, such that the modify the rate of flow through the valve.
output is used to modify the input. 4. An [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
operation by which a computer applies con- closure component, characterized A closure
trol action directly to the process without component with contoured surface, such as
manual intervention. 5. A signal path that the "vee plug," in order to provide various
includes a forward path, a feedback signal, flow characteristics.
and a summary point, and forms a closed cir- closure component, cylindrical A cylindri-
cuit. See loop, closed. cal closure component that has a flow pas-
closed loop control In process control, any sage through it (or a partial cylinder).
system in which part of the output is fed closure component, eccentric A closure com-
back to the input in order to effect regulatory ponent face that is not concentric with the
action and in which the controlled quantity is shaft centerline and moves into seat when
measured and compared with a standard closing.
that represents the desired value or perfor- closure component, eccentric spherical
mance. See closed loop. disk A disk that is a spherical segment, not
concentric with the disk shaft.
closure component, linear A closure compo-
nent that moves in a line perpendicular to
the seating plane.
closure component, rotary A closure compo-
nent that is rotated into or away from a seat
to modulate flow.
closure component, tapered A closure com-
ponent that is tapered and may be lifted from
seating surface before rotating to close or
open.
closed-loop gain See gain, closed-loop. closure member A movable part of the valve
closed-loop numerical control A type of that is positioned in the flow path so as to
numerical control system in which position modify or modulate the rate of flow through
feedback, and often velocity feedback as the valve. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
well, is used to control the dynamic behavior closure member configurations 1. Character-
and successive positions of machine slides or ized: A closure member with a contoured
equivalent machine members. surface, such as the "vee plug," in order to
closed-loop system A system that has a feed- provide desired flow characteristics. 2. Cylin-
back type of control, such that the output is drical: A cylindrical closure member that has
used to modify the input. a flow passage through it (or a partial cylin-
closed position A position that is zero per- der). 3. Eccentric rotary plug: The closure
cent closed. [ANSI/ISA-5.2-1976 (R1992)] member face of a rotary motion valve that is
close-grained Consisting of fine, closely not concentric with the shaft centerline and
spaced particles or crystals. moves into seat when closing. 4. Eccentric
closeness in control Total variation from the spherical disk: The disk is a spherical seg-
desired set point of a system. Expressed as ment in a rotary motion valve that is not con-
"closeness of control is ±2°C" or "system centric with the disk shaft and moves into
bandwidth of 4°C." Also referred to as the seat when closing. 5. Linear: A closure
"amplitude of deviation." member that moves in a line perpendicular
to the seating plane. 6. Rotary: A closure
close-tolerance forging Hot forging in which member that is rotated into or away from a
draft angles, forging tolerances, and cleanup seat so as to modulate flow. 7. Tapered: A clo-
allowances are considerably smaller than sure member that is tapered and may be
those used for commercial-grade forgings. lifted from the seating surface before rotating
closing plate A plate used to cover or close to close or open. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
openings in nonpressure parts.
closure member types Ball, disk, gate, plug.

87
cloud chamber / COBOL

cloud chamber An enclosure filled with input such that machine tools are freed from
supersaturated vapor that can indicate the the need for hardwired controllers.
paths of energetic particles when vapor con- CNMA Communications Network for
denses along the trail of ionized molecules Manufacturing Applications; "sibling" of
that are created as the particle passes MAP in Europe that includes IEEE 802.3 and
through the enclosure. X.25 in the set of reference standards.
clusec A unit of power that is used to express coalescence A term used to describe the
the pumping power of a vacuum pump. It bonding of materials into one continuous
equals about 1.333 x 10-6 watt, or the power body, with or without melting along the
associated with a leak rate of 10 ml/sec at a bond line, as in welding or diffusion bond-
pressure of 1 millitorr. ing.
cluster A collection of multiple devices that coal gas Gas formed by the destructive distil-
are connected to a central site over a single lation of coal.
line. Coanda effect A phenomenon of fluid attach-
CLUT Color lookup table; used by video dis- ment to one wall in the presence of two
play station to define its color palette to use walls.
an 8-bit or lower digital image file. coarse grained 1. Having a coarse texture. 2.
clutch A machine element that allows a shaft Having a grain size, in metals, larger than
in an equipment drive to be connected and about ASTM No. 5.
disconnected from the power train, espe- coarse vacuum An absolute pressure
cially while the shaft is running. between about 1 and 760 torr.
clutter Unwanted signals caused by noise coating A continuous film of some material
(EMI, RFI). Also, unwanted images on a on a surface.
video screen, such as shapes and messages coating (fiber optic) A layer of plastic or
that become unrecognizable because of other material applied over the cladding of
zooming. an optical fiber to prevent environmental
CLV Constant linear velocity of rotation, as degradation and to simplify handling.
found with compact disks; a formatted coating (optics) A thin layer or layers applied
LV-ROM. to the surface of an optical component to
CMAC Cerebellar Model Articulation Con- enhance or suppress the reflection of light
trol; technique used in neural networks. and/or to filter out certain wavelengths.
CMM Color matching method; scheme for coaxial Having coincident axes, for example,
determining the best color approximations in as in a cable where a central insulated con-
a color management system. ductor is surrounded by one or more metallic
CMOS Complementary metal-oxide sheaths that act as ground leads or secondary
semiconductor; uses very low power; less conductors.
heat to be dissipated. coaxial cable A popular transmission
CMR(R) Common mode rejection (ratio); medium that is formed from two or more
(measure of) ability of a device to cast off coaxial cylindrical conductors that are insu-
power line interference. lated from each other. The outermost con-
CMYK Cyan, magenta, yellow, black; model ductor is usually grounded and encased in
or color space used to convey color informa- either wire mesh or extruded metal sheath-
tion; combining differing amounts of these ing. Coaxial cable is frequently used for tele-
subtractive secondary colors produces all the vision and radio signals as well as digital
colors in color space. Used by most printers, signals because its design is less likely to
CMYK works by starting with all light waves cause or be affected by external fields. Many
(white paper) and then subtracting quantities varieties are available, depending upon the
of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black wave- shielding needed and the voltages/frequen-
lengths with pigments (theoretically, a maxi- cies to be accommodated.
mum of CMY produces black, but inks are coaxial thermocouple element A thermoele-
not pure so the usual result is a muddy ment in wire form within a thermoelement in
brown, hence the addition of black); compare tube form and electrically insulated from the
with RGB. tube except at the measuring junction
CNC Computer numerical control; allows the COBOL (Common Business Oriented
control of motion in an accurate and pro- Language) A specific programming lan-
grammable manner through the use of a guage by which business data-processing pro-
dedicated computer within the numerical cedures may be precisely described in a
control unit, with the capability for local data standard form. The language is intended not

88
 cock / coherent scattering

only as a means for directly presenting any coding sheet A fill-in form on which com-
business program to any suitable computer, puter programming instructions are written.
for which a compiler exists, but also as a way coefficient A constant that is to be multiplied
of communicating such procedures between by a variable. In digital signal processing
individuals. It is primarily known for its (DSP), the values of the coefficients in the fil-
business applications. Highly structured but ter determine the bandpass band and stop-
wordy, COBOL is "English-like" and intrinsi- band characteristics.
cally self-documenting. coefficient, flow A constant (Cv), related to
cock A valve or other mechanism that starts, the geometry of a valve, for a given valve
stops, or regulates the flow of liquid, espe- opening. Used to predict flow rate. [ANSI/
cially into or out of a tank or other large-vol- ISA-75.05.01-2000]
ume container. coefficient, rated flow The flow coefficient
code 1. A system of symbols for meaningful (Cv) of the valve at rated travel. [ANSI/ISA-
communication. Related to instruction. 2. A 75.05.01-2000]
system of symbols for representing data or coefficient, relative flow The ratio of the
instructions in a computer or a tabulating flow coefficient (Cv) at a stated travel to the
machine. 3. To translate the program for the flow coefficient (Cv) at rated travel. [ANSI/
solution of a problem on a given computer ISA-75.05.01-2000]
into a sequence of machine language, assem- coefficient, temperature/pressure See operat-
bly language, or pseudo instructions and ing influence. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
addresses that is acceptable to that computer. coefficient, valve recovery See liquid pressure
Related to encode. 4. A machine language recovery factor. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
program. coefficient of discharge The ratio of actual
code, Hollerith A widely used system for flow to theoretical flow. It includes the effects
encoding alphanumeric information onto of jet contraction and turbulence.
cards. Hence, Hollerith cards are synony- coercimeter An instrument for measuring the
mous with "punch cards." [ISA-RP55.1-1975 magnetic intensity of a magnet or electro-
(R1983)] magnet.
codec 1. A device that consists of an encoder coextrusion 1. A process for bonding two
(which translates an analog signal into a digi- metal or plastic materials by forcing them
tal code) and a decoder (which performs the simultaneously through the same extrusion
reverse operation). 2. A compression/decom- die. 2. The bimetallic or bonded plastics
pression algorithm. Any of several unique shape produced by such a process.
methods for emulating data from digital COFF Common Object File Format; file for-
video (compression) and then redisplaying it mat within UNIX.
with data substituted or assumed from the cofferdam An earthwork or piling structure
original (decompression). The term origi- that prevents water from filling an excava-
nated during the 1950s for the process of dig- tion or keeps it from surrounding and under-
itizing voice signals for transmission over mining a pier or foundation. 2. A raised
analog telephone lines and trunks using projection surrounding a hatch or trapdoor
pulse code modulation (PCM). The disk to keep water out of the opening.
drive industry uses the similar term ENDEC. cog A tooth on the edge of a wheel.
See PCM, cogwheel A wheel with radial teeth on its
code of practice A document that describes rim.
basic safety features and methods of protec- coherence A property of electromagnetic
tion and that recommends, for example, the waves that are all the same wavelengths and
selection, installation, inspection, and main- precisely in phase with each other.
tenance procedures that should be followed coherence length The distance over which
to ensure the safe use of electrical apparatus. light from a laser retains its coherence after it
[ANSI/ISA-12.01.01-1999] emerges from the laser.
codes In PCM telemetry, the manner in which coherent fiber bundle A bundle of optical
ones and zeros in each binary number are fibers that have input and output ends in the
denoted. same spatial relationship to each other, thus
coding The ordered list, in computer code or allowing them to transmit an image.
pseudo code, of the successive computer coherent scattering Scattering of electromag-
instructions that represent successive com- netic or particulate rays in which definite
puter operations for solving a specific prob- phase relationships exist between the inci-
lem. dent and scattered waves. Coherent waves

89
coil / collimate

scattered from two or more scattering centers cold rolling The process of rolling metal at
are capable of interfering with each other. about room temperature. The cold-rolling
coil Any discrete and logical result that can be process reduces thickness, increases tensile
transmitted as output by a programmable and yield strengths, improves fatigue resis-
controller. tance, and produces a smooth, lustrous, or
coil breaks Creases or ridges in a metal sheet semilustrous finish.
or strip that appear as parallel lines across cold trap A length of tubing between a vac-
the direction of rolling and that generally uum system and a diffusion pump or instru-
extend the full width of the material. ment that is cooled by liquid nitrogen to help
coil spring A flexible, elastic member in a remove condensable vapors.
helical or spiral shape that stores mechanical cold treatment The subzero treatment of a
energy or provides a pulling or restraining metal part—usually at -65°F, -100F, or liq-
force that is directly related to the amount of uid-nitrogen temperature—to induce metal-
elastic deflection. lurgical changes that either stabilize
COIN COS OSI Information Network; allows dimensions, complete a phase transforma-
the coexistence of the OSI and TCP/IP proto- tion, or condition the metal and prepare it for
cols. further processing.
coincidence The existence of two phenomena cold working Any plastic deformation of a
or the occurrence of two events simulta- metal carried out below its recrystallization
neously in time, space, or both. temperature. The cold-working process
coke The solid residue that remains after always induces strain hardening to a degree
most of the volatile constituents have been that is directly related to the percentage
driven out by the heating of a carbonaceous reduction in cross section.
material such as coal, pitch, or petroleum res- cold working pressure The maximum pres-
idues. Coke consists chiefly of coherent, cel- sure rating of a valve or fitting coincident with
lular carbon with some minerals and a small ambient temperature, generally in the range
amount of undistilled volatiles. of -29° C to +38° C (-20° F to +100° F). [ANSI/
coke oven gas Gas that is produced by the ISA-75.05.01-2000]
destructive distillation of bituminous coal in collar A rigid, ring-shaped machine element
closed chambers. It has a heating value of that is forced onto or clamped around a shaft
500-550 Btu/cu ft. or similar member to restrict axial motion,
cold drawing The action of pulling rod, tub- provide a locating surface, or cover an open-
ing, or wire through one or more dies that ing.
reduce its cross section, without applying collating sequence In data processing, the
heat either before or during reduction. order of the ASCII numeric codes for the
cold-finished Referring to a primary-mill characters.
metal product, such as strip, bar, tubing, or collator 1. A mechanical device at the output
wire, whose final shaping operation was per- of a printing machine or copier that sorts
formed cold. Cold-finished material has multiple-page documents and arranges them
more precise dimensions, and usually higher into sets. 2. In data processing, a device for
tensile and yield strength, than a comparable combining sets of data cards or other infor-
shape whose final shaping operation was mation-bearing elements into a desired
performed hot. sequence. 3. In data processing using elec-
cold joint In soldering, making a soldered tronic files, a program or routine that is used
connection without adequate heating, so that to merge two or more files into a single,
the solder does not flow to fill the spaces but ordered output file.
merely makes a mechanical bond. A cold collector 1. Any of a class of instruments for
joint typically exhibits poor to nonexistent determining electrical potential at a point in
electrical conduction across the joint, is not the atmosphere, and ultimately the atmo-
leak tight, and may break loose under vibra- spheric electric field. All collectors consist of
tion or other mechanical forces. a device for rapidly bringing a conductor to
cold junction See reference junction. the potential of the surrounding air and an
cold plate A mounting plate for electronic electrometer for measuring its potential with
components that has tubing or internal pas- respect to the earth. 2. A device that is used
sages through which liquid is circulated to for removing gas-borne solids from flue gas.
remove the heat generated by the electronic 3. One of the functional regions in a transis-
components during operation. Also known tor.
as "liquid-cooled dissipator." collimate To make parallel.

90
 collimation / combination square

collimation The process of producing a beam tion, yellow for hazardous chemical, blue for
of light or other electromagnetic radiation potable water, and green for compressed air.
whose rays are essentially parallel. color coding The use of different background
collimator An optical system that focuses a and foreground colors to symbolically repre-
beam of light so all the rays form a parallel sent processes and process equipment
beam. attributes, such as status, quality, magnitude,
collision [Sci] 1. A close approach of two or identification, configuration, and so on. [ISA-
more bodies (including energetic particles), 5.5-1985]
which results in an interchange of energy, color depth In video development, color
momentum, or charge. See also elastic collision depth refers to the number of bits of data
and inelastic collision. [Comm] 2. In communi- used to define the pixels' color (8 bits = 256
cations, the event when electrical signals colors, 16 bits = 65,535 colors, 24 bits = 16.7
from two network devices in a carrier sense million colors).
multiple access/collision detection (CSMA/ color filter A filter containing a colored dye
CD) media access system run into each other. that absorbs some of the incident light and
Retransmission by each is triggered but at transmits the remainder.
different times so a second collision is colorimeter An instrument for measuring
unlikely. color in the same way that the eye sees color.
collision domain In digital communications, colorimetry Any analytical process that uses
a single carrier sense multiple access/colli- the absorption of selected bands of visible
sion detection (CSMA/CD) network that light, or sometimes ultraviolet radiation, to
may consist of two or more media-access determine a chemical property. Examples
control (MAC) sublayers. MAC sublayers include the end point of a reaction or the con-
separated by repeater are within the same centration of a substance whose color indi-
collision domain. MAC sublayers separated cates product purity or uniformity.
by bridge are within different collision color mapping In digital graphics display, the
domains. Splitting the hub or repeater into process of assigning colors to the presented
separate or multiple collision domains is image by referencing a color palette.
often incorrectly referred to as segmentation. column A vertical structural member of sub-
colloid 1. A dispersion of particles of one stantial length designed to bear axial com-
phase in a second phase, where the particles pressive loads.
are so small that surface phenomena play a COM Computer Output Microfilm; Compo-
dominant role in their chemical behavior. nent Object Model, in computing, a connec-
Typical colloids include mists or aerosols (a tion mechanism and protocol used to link
liquid-dispersed phase in gaseous dispersion different applications in the object linking
medium), smoke (solid in gas), foam (gas in and embedding (OLE) environment. Allows
liquid), emulsions (liquid in liquid), suspen- the development of independent, interopera-
sions (solid in liquid), solid foam such as ble software objects. De facto object standard
pumice (gas in solid), and solid solution such by Microsoft competing with CORBA.
as colloidal gold in glass (solid in solid). 2. A coma A lens aberration in which light rays
finely divided organic substance that tends from an off-axis source passing through the
to inhibit the formation of dense scale and center of a lens arrive at the image plane at
results in the deposition of sludge, or causes different distances from the axis than do rays
it to remain in suspension, so that it may be from the same source passing through the
blown from the boiler. edges of the lens.
Colmonoy A series of high-nickel alloys combination automatic controller A type of
(manufactured by Wall-Colmonoy Corp.) control system arrangement in which multi-
that are used for the hard facing of surfaces ple control loops are coupled through pri-
subject to erosion. mary feedback or through any of the
color code 1. Any system of colors that is controller elements.
used to identify a specific type or class of combination scale An instrument scale that
objects from other, similar objects, for exam- consists of two or more concentric or colinear
ple, to differentiate steel bars of different scales, each graduated in equivalent values
grades in a warehouse. 2. A system of colors with two or more units of measure.
that is used to identify different piping sys- combination square A measuring and rough
tems from each other in a factory or other layout tool that consists of a special head and
building—for example, red for fire protec- a short steel rule, which, when used together,
can check angles of both 90° and 45°.

91
combination tester / command language

combination tester A tester that provides cir- the generation of heat and power from burn-
cuitry that is capable of performing both in- ing fuels.
circuit and functional board tests. combustion control Usually, control of a
combustible The heat-producing constituent combustion process that is used as a heat
of a fuel, flue gas, or fly ash. [ISA-77.41-1992] source. The usual manipulated variables are
combustible dust classifications 1. Group E fuel rate and air rate. Controls are designed
dusts are those that have resistivities lower to supply the required heat while minimiz-
than 10,000 ohm-cm or that break down ing costs and maintaining safe conditions.
when subjected to 1,000 volts/cm across a combustion engine An energy conversion
bulk sample when tested in accordance with machine that operates by converting heat
ISA-12.10-1988. 2. Group F dusts are those from the burning of a fuel into motion.
that have resistivities between 100 ohm-cm combustion (flame) safeguard A system for
and 100 meg-ohm-cm and that do not break sensing the presence or absence of flame and
down when subjected to 10,000 volts/em indicating, alarming, or initiating control
across the bulk sample when tested in accor- action.
dance with ISA-12.10-1988. This group combustion rate The quantity of fuel that is
includes the carbonaceous dusts, which are fired per unit of time, as pounds of coal per
generally regarded as semiconductors3. hour or cubic feet of gas per minute.
Group G dusts are those that have resistivi- combustion safety control programming
ties greater than 100 meg-ohm-cm and that type A combustion safety control that pro-
do not break down when subjected to 10,000 vides for various operations at definite peri-
volts/cm across the bulk sample when tested ods of time in predetermined sequences.
in accordance with ISA-12.10-1988. This [ISA-77.41-1992]
group includes the agricultural and plastic come-along 1. A lever-operated chain or
dusts, which are generally regarded as insu- wire-rope hoist for lifting or pulling at any
lators. angle. It has a reversible ratchet in the handle
combustible dust layer Any surface accumu- to permit short strokes for tensioning or
lation of combustible dust that is large relaxing the fall. Also known as a "puller." 2.
enough to propagate flame or that will A device for gripping and applying tension
degrade and ignite. [ISA-12.10-1988] to a length of cable, wire rope, or chain by
combustible dusts Dusts that (when mixed means of jaws that close when the user pulls
with air in certain proportions) can be on a ring.
ignited and that will propagate flame. [ISA- com file A computer file name ending in
12.10-1988] .com, short for "command" file, which most
combustible gas Any flammable or combus- often contains a machine code program.
tible gas or vapor that can, in sufficient con- comfort curve A line on the graph of
centration by volume in air, become the fuel dry-bulb temperature versus wet-bulb tem-
for an explosion or fire. Not considered com- perature or relative humidity. It represents
bustible gases are materials that cannot pro- optimum comfort for an average person who
duce sufficient gas or vapor to form a is not engaged in physical activity.
flammable mixture at ambient or operating comfort zone The respective ranges of indoor
temperatures and mists that are formed by temperature, relative humidity, and ventila-
the mechanical atomization of combustible tion rate (air-movement rate) that most per-
liquidsidered to be combustible gases. sons consider acceptable for their normal
[ANS1/ISA-12.13.01-2000] degree of physical activity and mode of
combustible loss The loss that represents the dress.
unliberated thermal energy that is occa- command 1. An electronic pulse, signal, or
sioned by the failure to completely oxidize set of signals to start, stop, or continue some
some of the combustible matter in the fuel. operation. It is incorrect to use command as a
combustion The rapid chemical combination synonym for instruction. 2. The portion of an
of oxygen with the combustible elements of a instruction word that specifies the operation
fuel, resulting in the production of heat. to be performed. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)]
[ISA-77.41-1992] 3. A signal that causes a computer to start,
combustion air Air that is supplied to a fur- stop, or continue a specific operation.
nace or boiler either by natural or forced command language A source language that
draft. [ISA-77.41-1992] consists primarily of procedural operations,
combustion chamber Any chamber or enclo- each of which is capable of invoking a func-
sure that is designed to confine and control tion to be executed.

92
 command resolution / common storage

command resolution The maximum change common mode rejection (CMR) 1. The abil-
in the value of a command signal that can be ity of a circuit to discriminate against a com-
made without inducing a change in the con- mon mode voltage. Note: It may be
trolled variable. [ISA-RP55.1-1975 (R1983)] expressed as a dimensionless ratio, a scalar
comment An expression that explains or ratio, or in decibels as 20 times the log10 of
identifies a particular step in a routine, but that ratio. [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] See
has no effect on the operation of the com- voltage, common mode. 2. The ability of a meter
puter performing the instructions for the to eliminate the effect of AC or DC noise
routine. between signal and ground. Normally
commercial quality angle or channel Hot- expressed in dB and DC or 60 Hz. One type
formed carbon steel, stainless steel, or is specified between SIG LO and PWR GND.
extruded aluminum shapes that are gener- In differential meters, CMR is specified
ally available as standard material. between SIG LO and ANA GND (meter
committed capability The portion of a plant's ground).
production capability that is currently in use common mode rejection ratio 1. The ability of
or is scheduled for use. [ISA-95.00.01-2000] an instrument to reject interference from
common A reference within a system that has common voltage at its input terminals with
the same electrical potential throughout. relation to ground (versus normal mode). See
Usually connected to ground at one point. normal mode rejection ratio. CMR ratio is
Often different commons are used through- usually expressed in decibels (dB). 2. A mea-
out a system, such as power common, signal sure of the ability of a detector to damp out
common, and so on depending on the accu- the effect of a common-mode-generated
racy to which the reference is held. interference voltage. Usually expressed in
Common Applications Service Elements decibels.
(CASE) One of the application protocols common mode voltage (CMV) 1. In-phase,
specified by Manufacturing Automation Pro- equal-amplitude signals that are applied to
tocol (MAP). both inputs of a differential amplifier, usu-
common area A section in memory that is set ally referred to as a "guard shield" or "chas-
aside for common use by many separate pro- sis ground." See voltage, common mode. 2.
grams or modules. The AC or DC voltage that is tolerable
common carrier A company that furnishes between signal and ground. One type of
communications services to the general pub- CMV is specified between SIG LO and PWR
lic. The term originated in the transportation GND. In differential meters, CMV is speci-
industry, but has been expanded from the fied between SIG HI or LO and ANA GND
movement of goods and passengers to (meter ground).
include signals. common object request broker architecture
common cause failure The result of a com- (CORBA) An approach to creating open,
mon cause fault. [ANSI/ISA-84.01-1996] object- oriented system architectures.
common cause fault A single source that will CORBA specifies the interoperability of
cause failure in multiple elements of a sys- Object Request Brokers (ORBs). This emerg-
tem. The single source may be either internal ing object-oriented programming standard
or external to the system. [ANSI/ISA-84.01- was planned by eleven companies, including
1996] IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and Sunsoft, and is
common field A field that can be accessed by being presented by Object Management
two or more independent routines. Group (OMG). CORBA competes with the de
common machine language In data process- facto object standard COM, by Microsoft.
ing, coded information that is in a form com- common port The port of a three-way valve
mon to a related group of data-processing that connects to the other two flow paths.
machines. [ANSI/ISA-75.05.01-2000]
common mode In analog data, an interfering common resource A resource that can pro-
voltage from both sides of a differential input vide services to more than one requester.
pair (in common) to ground. Note: Common resources are identified as
common mode interference A form of inter- either exclusive-use resources or shared-use
ference that appears between the terminals resources. [ANSI/ISA-88.01-1995]
of any measuring circuit and ground. See common storage A section of memory in cer-
common mode voltage. See also interference, tain computers that is reserved for the tem-
common mode. porary storage of program outputs, to be
used as input for other programs.

93
COM(M)S / compatibility

COM(M)S Customer-Oriented Manufactur- commutation duty cycle A channel dwell

ing (Management) System; software package period, expressed as a percentage of a chan-
that promotes closer communication among nel interval.
various departments of a manufacturer, cus- commutation frame period The time
tomers, and suppliers. Envisioned by required for the sequential sampling of all
Advanced Manufacturing Research (AMR) input signals. This would correspond to one
as being linked through a manufacturing revolution of a simple multicontact rotary
execution system (MES) to plant controls; switch.
counterpart to ERP by Gartner Group. See commutation rate The number of commuta-
ERP, MES. tor inputs sampled per specified time inter-
communication The transmission of intelli- val.
gence between points of origin and reception commutator 1. A device used to accomplish
without altering the sequence or structure of time-division multiplexing (TDM) by repeti-
the information content. tive sequential switching. 2. A segmented
communication element The part of a field- ring, usually constructed of hard-drawn cop-
bus device that communicates with other ele- per segments separated by an insulator such
ments via the bus. [ANSI/ISA-50.02-Part 2- as mica. It is used to energize only the correct
1992] windings of a DC generator or motor at any
communication link 1. Computer control is a given instant.
device in which control and/or display compaction See compression.
actions are generated for use by other system CompactPCI A connection standard for
devices. When used with other control industrial-grade personal computer inter-
devices on the communication link the com- faces that readily allows modular architec-
puter normally performs or functions in a tures, yet is rugged enough to greatly reduce
hierarchical relationship to the other control ground bounce, improve noise immunity,
devices. [ISA-5.3-1983] 2. The physical means and reduce noise emissions.
of connecting one location to another for the comparative tracking index (CTI) The
purpose of transmitting and receiving infor- numeric value of the maximum voltage in
mation. 3. The physical realization of a speci- volts at which the material withstands 50
fied means through which stations drops without tracking.
communicate with each other. The specifica- comparator 1. A circuit whose output is a
tion describes the interfaces and some digital logic level that is dependent upon
aspects of functional capability. 4. A link may whether its analog input signal is above or
provide multiple channels for communica- below a threshold. 2. A device for inspecting
tions. a part to determine by electrical, optical,
communications protocol The rules govern- pneumatic, or mechanical means any devia-
ing the orderly exchange of information tion from a specific dimension. 3. A circuit
between devices on a data link. that compares two inputs and produces out-
communications server A device on a local put that is a function of the result of that
area network (LAN), usually a dedicated comparison, such as a differential amplifier.
computer, that provides network users with 4. The portion of the control elements that
communications programs and links tele- determines the feedback error (difference
phone lines and multiplexing facilities so between the reference input and the feed-
data can be transmitted into and out of the back variable) on which the controller acts.
network. compass 1. A drafting or layout tool for
communications stack 1. A communications drawing circles, arcs, or fillets that consists of
stack is fieldbus device communications soft- a bow or radius bar connecting a pin center
ware that encodes and decodes user layer and a pan or drafting pencil. 2. An instru-
messages and provides deterministic control ment for indicating relative direction on the
of message transmission and message trans- earth's surface, usually measured with
fer. 2. Layers of protocol that provide com- respect to a reference direction such as mag-
munication between the physical layer and netic or true north.
user layer. compatibility The ability of two or more
commutation Cyclic sequential sampling on devices, regardless of manufacturer, to oper-
a time-division basis of multiple data ate independently of one another in the same
sources. communications network, or to operate
together using some or all of the same com-
munications protocols, without interfering

94
 compatibility interface / compiler

with the functioning of other devices on the compensating loop In thermal measure-
network. These devices require unique, pur- ments that use a resistance temperature
pose-built applications in order to function detector (RTD), the lead-wire resistance com-
together in a distributed application. Replac- pensation for this type of element. An extra
ing a device with a similar one of different length of wire is run from the instrument to
manufacture requires the redesign of part or the RTD and back to instrument, with no
all of the purpose-built application, if the dis- connection through the RTD. See resistance
tributed application is to operate as it did temperature detector.
before the replacement. Note: Compatible compensation 1. Providing a supplemental
devices have resources, data, functionality, device, circuit, or special material to counter-
and communications mappings that are suf- act known sources of error. [ISA-37.1-1975
ficiently different such that the devices can (R1982)] 2. In process instrumentation, pro-
only function together in the same distrib- viding a special construction or a supple-
uted application network with a purpose- mental device, circuit, or special materials so
built custom application. The purpose-built as to counteract sources of error caused by
application must accommodate differences variations in specified conditions. [ANSI/
in communications protocols and services, ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
data formats and parameter definitions, and compensation signals In telemetry, a set of
functionality between associated compatible reference signals recorded on tape along with
devices. The purpose-built application often the data and used during playback to auto-
must be designed to avoid both communica- matically compensate for any nonuniformity
tions and functional interference with and in tape speed.
between the associated compatible devices, compensator 1. A device that converts a sig-
as well as with any other compatible devices nal into some function of it that, either alone
sharing the network in other distributed or in combination with other signals, directs
applications. [IEC 611804] the final controlling element to reduce devia-
compatibility interface A point at which tions in the directly controlled variable.
hardware, logic, and signal levels are defined [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)] 2. A device
to allow the interconnection of indepen- introduced into a feedback control system to
dently designed and manufactured compo- improve performance and achieve stability.
nents. compensatory leads An arrangement of con-
compatible Can coexist with rules of rec- necting elements between an instrument and
ognized standard, but may not be compliant. a transducer or other observation device
(See compliant.) For example, a specification- such that variations in the properties of any
compatible device will operate on a standard of the connecting elements—like temperature
communications system and communicate effects that induce changes in resistance—are
with other devices on that system that were compensated so that they do not affect
made by same vendor and will not interfere instrument accuracy.
with devices made by other vendors on that compile 1. A computer function that trans-
same system. But it will not necessarily be lates symbolic language into machine lan-
able to communicate with those other guage. 2. To prepare a machine-language
devices. program from a computer program written
compensated pendulum A pendulum made in another programming language by mak-
of two materials that have different coeffi- ing use of the overall logic and structure of
cients of linear expansion, and so con- the program or by generating more than one
structed that the distance between the center machine instruction for each symbolic state-
of oscillation and the point of suspension ment, or both. A compile also includes per-
remains the same over the normal range of forming of the function of an assembler.
ambient temperatures. compiler 1. A program that translates a
compensated range The range of values high-level source language (such as FOR-
within which all tolerances specified for TRAN IV or BASIC) into a machine language
zero, sensitivity, and so on are applicable. suitable for a particular machine. 2. A com-
compensated temperature range The specific puter program more powerful than an
limits of temperature within which compen- assembler. In addition to its translating func-
sation ensures that an instrument will oper- tion, which is generally the same process as
ate and maintain its performance to within that used in an assembler, a compiler is able
specifications. to replace certain items of input with a series
of instructions, usually called subroutines.

95
 Next Page
compile time / compound angle

Thus, an assembler translates item for item complex tone A sound wave that is produced
and produces as output the same number of by combining simple sinusoidal component
instructions or constants that were put into waves of different frequencies.
it. A compiler will do more than this. The compliance The reciprocal of stiffness.
program that results from compiling is a [ANSI/ISA-51.1-1979 (R1993)]
translated and expanded version of the origi- compliant Conforms exactly with the rules of
nal. Synonymous with "compiling routine" a recognized standard (versus compatible).
and related to "assembler." For example, a specification-compliant device
compile time The time it takes for a source will operate on a standard communication
program to be translated into an object pro- system and communicate with all other
gram. devices on that system made by any other
compiling routine Same as compiler. vendor who is similarly compliant.
complement 1. A quantity expressed to the component RGB video In video develop-
base n, which is derived from a given quan- ment, red, green, blue, and luminance signals
tity by a particular rule. Frequently used to are processed as separate signals (or compo-
represent the negative of the given quantity. nents), thus achieving higher quality. Com-
2. A complement on n, which is obtained by ponent RGB video is generally found in
subtracting each digit of the given quantity professional-grade equipment. See composite
from n - 1 , adding unity to the least signifi- video.
cant digit and performing all resultant car- composite A material or structure that is
ries. For example, the twos complement of made up of physically distinct components,
binary 11010 is 00110. The tens complement which are mechanically, adhesively, or metal-
of decimal 456 is 544. 3. A complement on n - lurgically bonded together. Examples
1, obtained by subtracting each digit of the include filled plastics, laminates, fila-
given quantity from n - 1. For example, the ment-wound structures, cermets, and adhe-
ones complement of binary 11010 is 00101. sive-bonded honeycomb-sandwich
The nines complement of decimal 456 is 543. structures.
complementary metal oxide semiconductor composite joint A connection between two
(CMOS) 1. One type of computer semicon- parts that involves both mechanical joining
ductor memory. The main feature of CMOS and welding or brazing, and where both con-
memory is its low power consumption. 2. A tribute to total joint strength.
type of semiconductor device that is not spe- composite link Circuit-carrying frequency,
cifically memory. time division, or statistically multiplexed
complementary operator The logic operator data.
that is the NOT of a given logic operator. composite subcarrier Two or more subcarri-
complementary wavelength The monochro- ers that are combined in a frequency-division
matic wavelength of light that matches a multiplexing (FDM) scheme.
standard reference light when combined composite video In video development, a
with the sample color in suitable proportions video signal that combines chrominance (col-
as applied to colorimetry. ors red- green-blue) and luminance (bright-
complete combustion The complete oxida- ness of black, white, and gray) information
tion of all the combustible constituents of a into one signal, which is relayed on a single
fuel. waveform or over a single wire. Used by
complete contraction A combination of both most consumer-grade products.
end and bottom contractions in a weir. composite wave filter A selective transducer
completion network In a strain gauge signal that is made up of two or more filters. The fil-
conditioner, the one to three resistors that ters are any combination of high-pass,
must be added to make a four-arm bridge low-pass, band-pass, or band-elimination
(the transducer being the active arm or types.
arms). composition analysis An analytical process
complex frequency A complex number that for determining the elements or compounds
is used to characterize exponential or that are in the sample being analyzed.
damped sinusoidal waves in the same way compound In object-oriented computer pro-
as an ordinary frequency is used to charac- gramming (OOP), compound means "consist-
terize a simple harmonic wave. ing of a combination of elementary objects."
complex lens A lens system that consists of compound angle The surface contour formed
more than one optical element. by two intersecting mitered angles.

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