Glossary · Data, timing and communication
Normalization (signal scaling)
Also known as: Scaling, Normalizing
German: Normierung
In automation, normalization is the conversion of a raw value, such as an analog input count, into a normalized range (for example 0.0 to 1.0) or, together with scaling, into an engineering value with a unit, so that the control program works with meaningful, comparable values.
- Data and interfaces
In one sentence
Normalization converts raw signal values, such as analog counts, into a normalized range or engineering units the control program can use.
Example
The PLC normalizes the raw value 0–27648 of a 4–20 mA input to 0.0–1.0 and then scales it to 0–10 bar.
How it applies
- Engineering: Normalization and scaling must match the sensor range, the analog card's raw range and the Engineering unit; mismatches are a classic source of wrong readings.
- Safety: Limits used in safety or interlock logic must be based on correctly scaled values; out-of-range raw values should trigger a fault rather than silently clip.
- Documentation: Parameter lists should document range, unit and scaling for each analog value; the documentation team should use the same units as the HMI.
- Testing: Check scaling at several points of the range (for example 0 %, 50 %, 100 %) with a calibrator during commissioning.
Normalization vs. standardization
In German, "Normierung" usually means this value conversion, while "Normung" or "Standardisierung" means creating standards. See Standardization.