Glossary · Control theory and process control
P500 controller
Also known as: P500
German: P500-Controller
In industrial automation, P500 controller is a vendor product designation for a controller model or series; what the device does, from process controller to panel-based machine controller, depends on the manufacturer that uses the designation.
- Control theory
- Vendor product
In one sentence
P500 controller is a vendor product designation; its function and features depend on the manufacturer and must be checked in their documentation.
Example
A spare parts list names a "P500 controller"; the documentation team adds manufacturer, order number and firmware version so service staff can identify the exact device.
How it applies
- Engineering: Short model designations such as P500 are used by more than one manufacturer. Always identify a device by manufacturer, full order number and firmware version, not by the model name alone.
- Maintenance: Replacement devices of the same model name can differ in firmware and features. Check compatibility before swapping a unit and record the replacement.
- Documentation: In manuals and parts lists, write the manufacturer name with the model designation and link to the manufacturer's manual instead of restating its content. Terminology databases should record the manufacturer for each product term.
Keep in mind: Product names and features change and can be reused by different vendors. Check the designation against the manufacturer's current documentation before publishing.