The device is at the heart of the DSM.
A device is an abstract concept defined by the DSM.
In reality it can be a piece of hardware (e.g. an interlock bit)
a collection of hardware (e.g. a screen attached to a stepper motor)
a logical device (e.g. a taper) or a combination of all these (e.g. an
accelerator).
Each device has a unique name.
At the ESRF a three field name space has been adopted consisting of
DOMAIN/FAMILY/MEMBER.
A document (see Taurel (1993)) exists which describes device
names for the ESRF's Machine Control System.
A similar document exists (see Pepellin (1993)) for the Beam Line Control
Systems.