Lonworks Glossary I
Lonworks Glossary II
Neuron Chip
It is a family of VLSI components which implements the LonTalk protocol. Manufactured by various vendors a neuron chip can handle I/O devices and accomplish user-written application code. Alternatively, it can be used to create a network interface to a host processor. Firmware required to operate a Neuron Chip and implement the LonTalk protocol is known as Neuron chip firmware. This firmware is contained in the VERxxx subdirectories of the LonWorks IMAGES directory (default C:\LONWORKS\IMAGES) in files with the name S*.NX*. A custom system image including the Neuron Chip firmware with extensions for the LTM-10 hardware is included in the LTMSYS.NX file in the VER122 subdirectory of the IMAGES directory. This file does not include the MIP image included in the LTM-10 module.
LonWorks
It is a technology platform which comprises of the tools, modules, and ICs needed to build and install intelligent devices in control networks. Each LonWorks device incorporates local processing and input/output (I/O) hardware to process input data from sensors, execute a control task, and control actuators. Moreover each device has got the capability to communicate with every other device via the LonTalk protocol in firmware.
Lonmaker
It is a software package used for designing, installing, operating, and maintaining multi-vendor, open, interoperable LonWorks networks. This integration tool combines powerful client-server architecture with an easy-to-use Microsoft Visio user interface. It is sophisticated enough to design and commission a distributed control network, yet economical enough to be employed as an operations and maintenance tool. The LonMaker tool provides ample support for LonMark devices, i.e. LON Internet Servers, and other LonWorks devices. Major LonMark features include standard functional profiles, configuration properties, resource files, network variable aliases, dynamic network variables, and changeable types.
NodeUtil
It is a LonWorks utility which is used to explore LonWorks networks and devices without needing LonMaker. For maintaining LON modules in LON nets via this small DOS based tool named NodeUtil, we just need a device such as an Echelon U10/U20 USB Network Interface. With the help of NodeUtil we can discover devices and learn about the Domains, SubNets & NodeID’s. It also allows us to upload the XIF file from specific nodes.Also LON adapters like PCLTA or SLTA are needed to use Nodeutil.
modbusbacnet 