April 12, 2021 - Ann Arbor, Mich. - ODVA announces that the April 2021 publication of the DeviceNet and ControlNet Specifications have replaced the usage of the words “master” and “slave” within ODVA references. Developers of devices for ODVA networks will now utilize the words “client and server” (EtherNet/IP, including the integration of Modbus devices), “controller and device” (DeviceNet), and “system time supervisor or active keeper” (ControlNet) to describe these functions. With the goal of eliminating terminology that is hurtful, these changes are the first in a series to update the entire library of ODVA specifications and documents to rectify the use of these terms.
“ODVA strives to be on the cutting edge of open, interoperable information and communication technologies in industrial and process automation,” said Dr. Al Beydoun, president and executive director of ODVA. “ODVA’s intentional movement toward inclusive and accurate language throughout its specifications is a positive step in ensuring that industrial automation is a first choice for all professionals.” As other organizations update terminology included in their publications, ODVA will update any normative references in the ODVA library of specifications. To obtain the April 2021 publication of any of the ODVA library of specifications, visit the website.
About ODVA
ODVA is an international standards development and trade organization with members from the world’s leading automation suppliers. ODVA’s mission is to advance open, interoperable information and communication technologies for industrial automation. Its standards include the Common Industrial Protocol or “CIP,” ODVA’s media independent network protocol–and industrial communication technologies including EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet and others. For interoperability of production systems and their integration with other systems, ODVA embraces the adoption of commercial-off-the-shelf, standard Internet and Ethernet technologies as a guiding principle.
