User's Manual

Versus Technology, Inc.
5
1.3 Terms and Definitions
The following terms will be used throughout this hardware installation guide to refer to system
components and modes of operation.
Bridging Clip – A small metal clip used in a Punch-down Block to short the left-hand columns to
the right hand columns of punch-down terminals.
Collector – This device gathers the tracking data from as many as 24 Sensors, processes it as
required, and sends it via the 2-pair collecting network to the Ethernet Concentrator. Each system
must contain at least one Collector, and many systems will contain more than one.
Ethernet Concentrator – This device provides an interface between the 2-pair network that
connects Collectors together (the “Collector Network”) and the computer system. It assembles the
data from the various Collectors and bundles it for delivery to the host computer. Each system
must contain at least one Ethernet Concentrator, and many systems will contain only one.
Impedance – A measure of a characteristic of wire that is very important when digital data signals
are to be sent over the wires at high speeds. All wires have impedance determined by their makeup
and twisting called the “characteristic impedance” of the wire. Most solid twisted pair wire is
about 100 ohms impedance, and the coaxial cables used are 50, 75, or 93 ohms.
Sensor – A device that gathers infrared (IR) light or radio frequency (RF) energy and converts it
to an electrical signal, which is then sent over a single pair of wires to a Collector.
Sensor Connection – A single-pair cable that connects a Sensor to a Collector port. All of the
Sensor connections in a system may be referred to as the “Sensory Network.”
Plenum – Any area that serves as a duct or passage for breathable air. Many office buildings use
the space above the suspended ceiling as a return air “plenum” for the heating and air conditioning
systems. Most laws require any cables that run in an air plenum to be made of materials which will
not burn, or which will not release toxic gases when burned.
Punch-down Block – This device is used to connect Sensor wires to the Collector in an organized
fashion. A special tool is used to “punch” the wire onto the Punch-down Block terminals, which
causes the terminals to penetrate the wire insulation and cut off excess wire in one easy step.
Punch-down Blocks are the preferred method of connection for solid wire in telephone systems.
RJ – Acronym for Registered Jack. VIS uses some modular-style connectors identified by their
‘RJ’ designations. RJ-11 is a generic term, often used to refer to a six-position jack, though it
specifically refers to a single-pair connection in a six-position shell. RJ-12 refers to a two-pair
connection in a six-pair shell, and RJ-25 refers to a three-pair connection in a six-pair shell.
Shielded Wire – A type of wire wrapped in a braided or foil shield that protects it from electrical
interference. Use of shielded wire may be the only solution in a very high-noise environment.
STP – Acronym for Shielded Twisted Pair. This is wiring usually used in audio system
installations where electrical interference is a prime concern (see Shielded Wire).
Twisted Pair – The wire used to interconnect Sensors, Collectors, and interfaces is twisted into
pairs to make the wire characteristics more uniform and to cancel out many types of interference
to which the wires might be subjected (see UTP).
USOC – Acronym for Universal Service Ordering Codes. The connectors and wiring adhere to the
USOC wiring practices standard wherever possible.