Interfaces and Configuration
The user can parameterise the FIFO group via the System Manager or the PLC, and can manipulate the functionality of the FIFO group by means of PLC blocks. He also has available (in the System Manager and through the PLC) a cyclic NC-PLC channel interface. This contains the channel process image, and permits access to a variety of channel variables. Finally, he also has available (in the System Manager and through the PLC) a cyclic NC-PLC axis interface. This contains the axis process image for each FIFO axis, and permits access to a variety of axis variables.
Configuration of the FIFO Group with the System Manager
Create the FIFO Channel
A FIFO channel must first be created in the System Manager. The method for inserting a channel is described in the System Manager documentation under NC Configuration.
Parameterise the FIFO Group
A description of the parameters can be found on the FIFO Parameters and the FIFO page.
Group Axes
All the system's axes are always initialized as PTP axes. Once the steps described above have been carried out, and the parameters have been saved and entered into the registry, the axes can be moved to their base positions. It is important to note that the position must be compatible with the 1st line in the FIFO.
PLC blocks are then used to determine the FIFO group. In other words, selected PTP axes are included in the FIFO group.
PLC Blocks
The PLC library offers access to all the FIFO group's functionality:
- Configuration and reconfiguration between PTP axes and FIFO group.
- Filling the FIFO, running the group, refilling the FIFO.
NC-PLC-Interface
The cyclic NC-PLC channel interface contains the channel process image and, in particular, access to the channel variables. See TwinCAT NC I documentation
The cyclic NC-PLC axis interface contains the axis process image and access to the axis variables. See TwinCAT NC General documentation