Glossary · Engineering, integration and validation
Signal list
Also known as: Tag list, Data point list
German: Signalliste
In automation engineering, a signal list is a table of all signals relevant to a control system, including hardwired inputs and outputs and signals exchanged over networks with other systems, with name, description, data type, range, unit and source and destination.
- Validation
In one sentence
A signal list tables all signals of a control system, wired and networked, with name, data type, range, unit, source and destination.
Example
The signal list includes the order number sent by the MES, the machine state reported to SCADA and the wired stop signal from the upstream conveyor.
How it applies
- Engineering: The signal list defines what data is exchanged between controllers, HMIs, SCADA, MES and neighboring machines. It supports the Interface specification and the programming of communication.
- Commissioning: Interface tests go through the signal list to check that each signal arrives with the right value, type and unit.
- Maintenance: A current signal list makes it easier to trace a missing or wrong value across systems.
- Documentation: The documentation team uses the signal list as the source for interface descriptions in manuals and makes sure names and units match the list revision.
Signal list vs. I/O list
The I/O list contains only physical inputs and outputs wired to the control system. The signal list usually also includes network and interface signals. Some projects use one list for both; define the terms in the project to avoid gaps.