Graphical Editors

The editors of both of the graphically oriented languages, sequential function chart SFC, LD and FBD of free graphic function block diagrams CFC have many points in common. These points are summarized in the following chapters. The implementation in the graphics editors is supported by syntax coloring.

Zoom

Objects such as POUs, actions, transitions etc. in the languages SFC, LD, FBD, and CFC can be enlarged or reduced in size with a zoom function. All elements of the window contents of the implementation part are affected; the declaration part remains unchanged.

In standard form, every object is displayed with the zoom level 100%. The zoom level that is set is saved as an object property in the project.

The printing of project documentation always occurs at the 100% display level!
The zoom level can be set through a selection list in the toolbar. Values between 25% and 400% can be selected; individual values between 10% and 500% can be entered manually.

The selection of a zoom level is only available if the cursor rests on an object created in a graphical language or a visualization object.

Even with the object zoomed, cursor positions in the editors can be further selected and even reached with the arrow keys. Text size is governed by the zoom factor and the font size that is set.

The execution of all editor menu features (e.g. inserting a box) as a function of cursor position is available at all zoom levels, taking the same into account.

In Online mode, each object is displayed according to the zoom level that has been set; Online functionality is available without restriction.
When the IntelliMouse is used, an object can be enlarged/reduced by pressing the <CTRL> key and at the same time turning the wheel forward or backwards.

Network

In the LD and FBD editors, the program is arranged in a list of networks. Each network is designated on the left side by a serial network number and has a structure consisting of either a logical or an arithmetic expression, a program, function or function block call, and a jump or a return instruction.

Label

Each network has a label that can optionally be left empty. This label is edited by clicking the first line of the network, directly next to the network number. Now you can enter a label, followed by a colon.

Network comments

Every network can be supplied with a multi-lined comment. In "Extras" "Options", you can enter the maximum number of lines to be made available for a network comment. This entry is made in the maximum comment size array. (The default value here is 4.) You can also enter the number of lines that generally should be reserved for comments (minimum comment size). If, for example, the number 2 is entered, then, at the start of each network there will be two empty lines after the label line. The default value here is 0, which has the advantage of allowing more networks to fit in the screen area.

If the minimal comment size is greater than 0, then in order to enter a comment you simply click in the comment line and then enter the comment. Otherwise you must next select the network to which a comment is to be entered, and use "Insert" "Comment" to insert a comment line. In contrast to the program text, comments are displayed in gray.

In the Ladder editor you can also assign an individual comment to each contact or coil. For this activate the option Comments per Contact and insert in the edit field Lines for variable comment the number of lines which should be reserved and displayed for the comment. If this setting is done, a comment field will be displayed in the editor above each contact and coil where you can insert text. If the option Comments per Contact is activated, then in the Ladder editor also the number of lines (Lines for variable text :) can be defined which should be used for the variable name of the contact resp. coil. This is used to display even long names completely by breaking them into several lines. In the Ladder editor it is possible to force linebreaks in the networks as soon as the network length would exceed the given window size and some of the elements would not be visible. For this activate the option Networks with Linebreaks.

'Insert' 'Network (after)' or 'Insert' 'Network (before)' Shortcut: <Shift>+<T> (Network after)

In order to insert a new network in the FBD or the LD editor, select the "Insert" "Network (after)" or the "Insert" "Network (before)" command, depending on whether you want to insert the new network before or after the present network. The present network can be changed by clicking the network number. You will recognize it in the dotted rectangle under the number. With the <Shift key> and a mouse click you can select from the entire area of networks, from the present one to the one clicked.

The network editors in the online mode

In the FBD and the LD editors you can only set breakpoints for networks. The network number field of a network for which a breakpoint has been set, is displayed in blue. The processing then stops in front of the network, where the breakpoint is located. In this case, the network number field is displayed in red. With single step processing (steps), you can jump from network to network.

All values are monitored upon entering and exiting network POUs (Program Organization Units).

The following should be noted when monitoring expressions or Bit-addressed variables: In expressions, e.g. a AND b, used as transition condition or function block input, the value of the whole expression is always displayed (a AND b is shown in blue or as :=TRUE, if a and b are TRUE). For Bit-addressed variables, the bit value that is addressed is always monitored (e.g. a.3 is displayed in blue or with „:=TRUE, if a has the value 4).

The flow control is run with the "Online" "Flow control" command. Using the flow control, you can view the present values that are being carried in the networks over the connecting lines. If the connecting lines do not carry Boolean values, then the value will be displayed in a specially inserted field. The monitor fields for variables that are not used (e.g. in the function SEL) are displayed in a shade of grey. If the lines carry Boolean values, then they will be shaded blue, in the event that they carry TRUE. Therefore, you can accompany the flow of information while the PLC is running.

If you place the mouse pointer briefly above a variable, then the type and the comment about the variable will be displayed in a Tooltip.