4.1.11         Analog, Discrete and Text type data

Tags can represent analog, discrete or text type data.  Discrete type tags are also called digital tags.

An analog type tag is usually a floating-point number or integer value (i.e. 0 to 100%, 0-4096, -9.99 e10, .00666, 4-20 mA, 0-10 Vdc). A measurement, output, Setpoint, limit, or number in a field device is referred to as “ANALOG TYPE” data in WebAccess.

A Discrete type tag is an integer that ranges from 0 to 7.  A Discrete type tag is also referred to as a digital type tag when it is a binary value (i.e. a single bit, ON/OFF, True/False, Run/stop, Auto/Manual, contact inputs). A single bit (or up to 3 bits) in a register or status word is referred to as “DIGITAL TYPE” or "DISCRETE TYPE" data.

A Text Type tag is an ASCII character string (LIC101, RUNNING, Batch started normally). Any ASCII data is referred to as “TEXT TYPE” data in WebAccess terminology.  Text Type Constant Tags are 70 characters in length maximum.

The Parameters and Tag Fields are also referred to as Analog, Discrete or Text type data. The description and engineering unit tag fields associated with all analog tags are examples of Text Type data. For example, an Analog Type Tag will have Text Type data fields associated with it.