Do you find yourself using abbreviations to keep your variable names from being three meters long--or because your programming language limits you to a maximum number of characters? (Kawasaki stops at 15.) Often, we end up using abbreviations that are sometimes arbitrary or cryptic. This makes it hard for others to follow and maintain the code--sometimes even for the original author! If you program for industrial environments, have a look at the attached list of abbreviations. In the interest of having tight variable names while maintaining clarity, I've started a list of standard 3-character abbreviations. Please post a response about how well the attached list would work for you and what abbreviations might be missing.
When posting, it would help a lot for you to include some information about the hardware that your comment applies to and the application (Palletizing with Motoman robot, Modicon PLC, WonderWare HMI, etc.). Relay logic and schematics are fair game, too. The idea here is to distill, via crowd-source, a common set of English-language abbreviations for industrial automation and machine control. The broader, the better, up to a point. (The field of instrumentation might be difficult to include, for example, but we can always give it a try. PC languages like C and VB are almost certainly outside of the scope of these abbreviations. We're looking at industrial, "plant floor" environments.) I'm most familiar with Allen-Bradley (some Modicon), Kawasaki, and most mainstream HMI platforms. Pneumatics, hydraulics, motors, sensors, operator controls, HMI's, and PLC process control are fair game!
The list is a fairly robust start to developing a common set of abbreviations and we'll have a look at what conventions others are using as we go.
The list is still in draft form, so if you see an error or omission, let me know and I'll update and re-publish. Instead of revising the spreadsheet and posting it as an attachment, please present your idea or concept in a post so it can be evaluated and incorporated into the list. In other words, let me administer the list with the benefit of your input (and the community's) and I will post updates along the way.
So what do you think?
-Jason Parker
Senior Electrical Engineer
Bic Graphic USA - A division of BIC USA