t

ep
rin

Structured Text (ST)

no

t fo

rr

TM246

t
ep
rin
rr
t fo

Requirements

Training modules:

TM210 The Basics of Automation Studio

TM211 Automation Studio Online Communication

no

TM213 Automation Runtime

TM223 Automation Studio Diagnostics

Software:

None

Hardware:

None

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Table of contents
4

1.1 Objectives

1. INTRODUCTION

ep
rin

2. STRUCTURED TEXT FEATURES

2.1 General information

2.2 Properties

2.3 Possibilities

3. THE BASICS OF STRUCTURED TEXT

3.1 Expressions
3.2 Assignment
3.3 Comments

8
8
8
9

3.4 Operator priorities

10

4. COMMAND GROUPS

12
12

4.2 Arithmetic operations

14

4.3 Comparison operators

18

4.4 Decisions

18

4.5 Case statements

27

4.6 Loops

30

t fo

rr

4.1 Boolean operations

4.7 Calling function blocks

36

4.8 Pointers and dynamic variables

39

5. SUMMARY

40

6. EXERCISES

41

7. APPENDIX

42
42

7.2 Functions

43

7.3 Solutions

45

no

7.1 Keywords

Structured Text (ST) TM246

Introduction

1. INTRODUCTION

rr

ep
rin

Structured Text is a high level language. For those who are comfortable
programming in Basic, PASCAL or Ansi C, learning Structured Text is
simple. Structured Text (ST) has standard constructs that are easy to
understand, and is a fast and efficient way to program in the automation
industry.

t fo

Fig. 1 Book printing: then and now

no

The following chapters will introduce you to the use of commands, key
words, and syntax in Structured Text. Simple examples will give you a
chance to use these functions and more easily understand them.

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Introduction

1.1 Objectives

Participants will get to know the programming language Structured Text

(ST) for programming techincal applications.

ep
rin

You will learn the individual command groups and how they work together.

no

t fo

Fig. 2 Overview

rr

You will get an overview of the reserved keywords in ST.

Structured Text (ST) TM246

Structured Text Features

2. STRUCTURED TEXT FEATURES

2.1 General information

ep
rin

ST is a text-based high-level language for programming automation

systems. Simple standard constructs enable fast and efficient
programming. ST uses many traditional qualities of high level languages,
including variables, operators, functions, and elements for controlling the
program flow.

So, what is Structured Text? The "Structured" refers to the qualities of a

high level language that make structured programming possible. The "Text"
refers to the ability to use text in place of symbols, as in the ladder
diagram.

no

t fo

rr

No other programming language can replace ST. Every programming

language has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of ST
is that complex mathematical calculations can be programmed easily.

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Structured Text Features

2.2 Properties
Structured Text is characterized by the following features:

High-level text language

Structured programming
Easy to use standard constructs
Fast and efficient programming
Self explanatory and flexible use
Similar to PASCAL
Easy to use for people with experience in PC programming
languages
Conforms to the IEC 61131-3 standard

ep
rin

2.3 Possibilities

Automation Studio supports the following functions:

rr

Digital and analog inputs and outputs

Logical operation
Logical comparison expressions
Arithmetic operations
Decisions
Step sequencers
Loops
Function blocks
Optional use of dynamic variables
Diagnostic tools

no

t fo

Structured Text (ST) TM246

The Basics of Structured Text

3. THE BASICS OF STRUCTURED TEXT

3.1 Expressions

Example: Expressions

Fig. 3 Expressions

3.2 Assignment

ep
rin

An expression is a construct that returns a value after it has been

evaluated. Expressions are composed of operators and operands. An
operand can be a constant, a variable, a function call or another
expression.

rr

The assignment of a value to a variable through a result of an expression or

a value. The assignment consists of a variable on the left side, which is
designated to the result of a calculation on the right side by the assignment
operator ":=". All assignments must be closed with a semicolon ";".

t fo

Example: Assignment
Fig. 4 Assignment

no

When the code line has been processed, the value of variable "Var1" is
twice as big as the value of variable "Var2".

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

The Basics of Structured Text

3.3 Comments

Example: Comment

ep
rin

Comments are sometimes left out, but are nevertheless an important

component of the source code. They describe the code and make it more
easy to read. Comments make it possible for you or others to read a
program easily, even long after it was written. They are not compiled and
have no influence over the execution of the program. Comments must be
placed between a pair of parenthesis and asterix "(*comment*)".

Fig. 5 One-line comment

no

t fo

rr

Fig. 6 Multi-line comment

Structured Text (ST) TM246

The Basics of Structured Text

3.4 Operator priorities

The use of several operators in one line brings up the question of priority
(order of execution). The execution is determined by priority.

Operator

ep
rin

Expressions are executed starting with the operator of highest priority,

followed by the next highest, and so on until the expression has been
completely executed. Operators with the same priority are executed from
left to right as they appear in the expression.
Symbol / Syntax:

()

Function call

Call argument(s)

Examples

LN(A), MAX(X), etc.

Exponent

**

Negation

NOT

Multiplication

Division

Modulo division (whole

number remainder of
division)

MOD

Addition

Subtraction

<, >, <=, >=

t fo

Comparisons
Equal to

Not equal to

<>

Boolean AND

AND

Boolean exclusive OR

XOR

Boolean OR

OR

no
10

TM246

Highest priority

rr

Parentheses

Structured Text (ST)

Lowest priority

The Basics of Structured Text

The order of execution at runtime:

Fig. 7 Order of execution

ep
rin

Example: Operator priorities without parentheses

Multiplication is executed first, then addition, and finally subtraction.

The order of operations can be changed by putting higher priority
operations in parentheses. This is shown in the next example.

Example: Operator priorities with parentheses

rr

As shown in the following figure, the use of parentheses influences the

execution of the expression.

Fig. 8 Order of execution

no

t fo

The expression is executed from left to right. The operations in

parentheses are executed first, then the multiplication, since the
parentheses have higher priority. You can see that the parentheses lead
to a different result.

Structured Text (ST) TM246

11

Command Groups

4. COMMAND GROUPS
ST has the following command groups:

ep
rin

4.1 Boolean operations

Boolean operations
Arithmetic operations
Comparison operations
Decisions
Case statements

The operands must not necessarily be the data type BOOL.

Boolean operations:
Symbol

Logical operation

Examples

NOT

Binary negation

a := NOT b;

AND

Logical AND

a := b AND c;

OR

Logical OR

XOR

Exclusive OR

Input

rr

Truth table:

a := b OR c;

AND

OR

XOR

t fo

a := b XOR c;

no

These operators can be used to formulate logical expressions, or they can

be used to represent conditions. The result is always TRUE (logical 1) or
FALSE (logical 0).

12

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Command Groups

Fig. 9 AND operation

ep
rin

Example: Boolean operation

Fig. 10 Source code for AND operation

ST allows any number of parenthesis.

Task: Light control

rr

The output "DoLight" should be ON when the button "BtnLigntOn" is

pressed. It should remain ON until the button "BtnLightOff" is pressed.

t fo

Create a solution for this task using boolean operations.

no

Fig. 12 Light control

Structured Text (ST) TM246

13

Command Groups

4.2 Arithmetic operations

A key factor in favor of using a high level language is the accessibility of

arithmetic operations.

ep
rin

4.2.1 Basic arithmetic operations

ST provides basic arithmetic operations for your operation:

Symbol

Arithmetic operation

Example

:=

Assignment

a := b;

Addition

a := b + c;

Subtraction

a := b - c;

Multiplication

a := b * c;

Division

a := b / c;

MOD

Modulo (display division

remainder)

a := b mod c;

The data type is a very important factor. Note the following table:
Data types

rr

Syntax

Res

Res := 8 / 3;
Res := 8 / 3;
Res := 8.0 / 3;

Op 2

INT

INT

INT

REAL

INT

INT

2.0

REAL

REAL

INT

2.6667

INT

REAL

INT

Error

t fo

Res := 8.0 / 3;

Op 1

Result

* Compiler error message: Type mismatch: Cannot convert REAL to INT.

You can see the that the result is dependent of the syntax as well as the
data types used.
Note:

no

Left data type := right data type;

14

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Command Groups

4.2.2 Implicit data type conversion

BOOL

SINT

BOOL

BOOL

SINT

INT

INT

DINT

DINT

USINT

USINT

UINT

UINT

UDINT

UDINT

REAL

REAL

INT

DINT

USINT

UINT

UDINT

REAL

INT

DINT

USINT

UINT

UDINT

REAL

DINT

INT

UINT

UDINT

REAL

DINT

DINT

UDINT

REAL

UINT

UDINT

REAL

UDINT

REAL

DINT

INT

DINT

UINT

DINT

UINT

UDINT

UDINT

UDINT

UDINT

REAL

REAL

REAL

REAL

REAL

REAL

t fo

rr

Data
type

ep
rin

This type of conversion is done by the compiler. It automatically converts

the smaller data types to the larger one used in the expression. If an
expression contains one or more operators with different data types, they
are all converted to the same data type before the expression is resolved.

Fig. 13 Implicit data type conversion by the compiler

no

Example: Data conversion

Fig. 14 Implicit data type conversion

SINT_Var2 is converted to INT, then added, then assigned to the result

variable (INT_Result).

Structured Text (ST) TM246

15

Command Groups

4.2.3 Explicit data type conversion

Example: Overflow?!

ep
rin

Explicit data type conversion is also known simply as type conversion or as

Typecast. As you already know, the expression should have the same data
type on both sides, but there is something else to remember.

At first sight, everything looks OK. However, the sum (INT_Weight1 +

INT_Weight2) can be larger than can be stored as data type INT. In this
case, an explicit data type conversion must be carried out.
Example: Overflow taken into consideration.

no

t fo

rr

The variable DINT_TotalWeight must be the data type DINT. At least one
variable on the right side of the expression must be converted to the data
type DINT. The conversions functions are found in the OPERATOR library.

16

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Command Groups

Task: Aquarium

ep
rin

The temperature of an aquarium is measured at two different places. Create a

program that calculates the average temperature and displays it at an analog
output.

t fo

rr

Don't forget that analog inputs and outputs must be data type INT.

no

Fig. 15 Aquarium

Structured Text (ST) TM246

17

Command Groups

4.3 Comparison operators

Logical comparison
expression

Example

ep
rin

Symbol

In high level languages like ST, simple constructs can be used to compare
variables. These return either the value TRUE or FALSE.

Equal to

<>

Not equal to

IF a <> b THEN

>

Greater than

IF a > b THEN

>=

Greater than or equal to

IF a >= b THEN

<

Less than

IF a < b THEN

<=

Less than or equal to

IF a <= b THEN

Note:

IF a = b THEN

4.4 Decisions

rr

The comparison operations and logical operations are mainly used as

logical conditions for IF, ELSEIF, WHILE and UNTIL statements.
( IF (a > b) AND (d >= e) THEN )

t fo

The IF statement is used to create decisions in the program. You are

already familiar with the comparison operators, and they can be used here.
There are several types of IF statements:

Simple IF statement
IF ELSE statement
IF ELSIF statement
Nested IF

no

Decision

IF THEN

Syntax

IF a > b THEN
Result := 1;

ELSIF THEN

ELSIF a > c THEN

Result := 2;

ELSE

ELSE
Result := 3;

END_IF

18

TM246

END_IF

Structured Text (ST)

Description
1. Comparison
1. Statement(s)
2. Comparison (optional)
2. Statement(s)
Above IF statments are not TRUE (optional)
3. Statement(s)
End of decision

Command Groups

4.4.1 IF

ep
rin

This is the most simple IF statment.

Fig. 17 Simple IF statement in a program

Fig. 16 Simple IF statement

t fo

rr

The IF statement is tested for the result TRUE. If the result is FALSE, the
program advances to the line after the END_IF statement. The function of
the IF statement can be a single comparison, but it can also be multiple
comparisons connected by AND, OR, etc..

Example: IF statement with multiple comparisons

no

Fig. 18 Statement with multiple comparisons

Structured Text (ST) TM246

19

Command Groups

4.4.2 ELSE

ep
rin

The ELSE statement is an extension of the simple IF statement. Only one

ELSE statment can be used per IF statement.

Fig. 20 IF ELSE in a program

rr

Fig. 19 IF ELSE statment

no

t fo

If the IF meets condition A, then the A instruction(s) are executed. If the IF

does not meet condition A, then the B instruction(s) are executed.

20

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Command Groups

4.4.3 ELSIF

t fo

rr

ep
rin

One or more ELSE_IF statements allow you to test a number of conditions

without creating a confusing software structure with many simple IF
statements.

no

Fig. 21 IF-ELSIF-ELSE statement

Fig. 22 IF-ELSIF-ELSE in a program

At runtime the decisions are processed from top to bottom. If the result of
a decision is TRUE, the corresponding statements are executed. Then the
program continues from after the END_IF. Only those decisions that

Structured Text (ST) TM246

21

Command Groups

ep
rin

Task: Weather station - Part I

correspond to the first TRUE decision are executed, even if subsequent

decisions are also TRUE. If none of the IF or ELSE_IF decisions is TRUE, the
statement in the ELSE branch is executed.

A temperature sensor measures the outside temperature. The

temperature is read via an analog input (1=10), and should be
displayed inside the house in text form.

If the temperature is under 18C, the display should read "Cold".

If the temperature is between 18C and 25C, the display should
read "Opt".
If the temperature is over 25C, the display should read "Hot".

t fo

rr

Create a solution using IF, ELSEIF, and ELSE statements.

no

Fig. 23 Thermometer

Note:

In ST, text is assigned to a string variable as follows:

StringVar := COLD

22

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Command Groups

4.4.4 Nested IF statement

rr

ep
rin

A nested IF statement is tested only if previous condidions have been met.

Every IF requires its own END_IF so that the order of conditions is correct.

Fig. 25 Nested IF statement in a program

t fo

Fig. 24 Nested IF statement

It is helpful to indent every nested IF statement and the corresponding

expressions. As many IF statments can be nested as needed. It is possible,
however, that the compiler will run out of memory after the 40th level. Also,
that kind of extensive nesting is evidence of poor programming style. It
becomes nearly impossible to get a clear overview of the code.

no

After three nesting levels, it is better to find another way to structure the
program.

Structured Text (ST) TM246

23

Command Groups

Task: Weather station - Part II

ep
rin

Evaluate the temperature and the humidity.

The text "OPT" should only appear when the humidity is between 40 and
75% and the temperature is between 18 and 25C. Otherwise "Temp.
OK" should be displayed.

no

t fo

rr

Solve this task using a nested IF statement.

24

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Command Groups

rr

ep
rin

Two simple IF statements produce nearly the same effect as one nested IF
statement. A marker variable, or flag, can be requested in multiple
statements. The first IF statment describes the flag, which is then utilized
by other IF statements.

t fo

Fig. 27 Two IF statements

Fig. 26 Two IF statements

no

In this case, both IF statements have the same priority. If both IF

statements evaluate the same variable for different values, you should use
a CASE statement.
The CASE statement should be used when:

IF constructs require too many levels

Too many ELSE_IF statments are used

The CASE statement is much easier to read in these cases.

Structured Text (ST) TM246

25

Command Groups

no

t fo

rr

ep
rin

In comparison to the IF statment, the CASE statment also has the

advantage that comparisons are only made once, which makes the
program code more effective.

26

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Command Groups

4.5 Case statements

ep
rin

The CASE statement compares a step variable with multiple values. If one
of these comparisons is a match, the steps that compare to that step are
executed. If none of the comparisons is a match, there is an ELSE branch
similar to an IF statement that is then executed.

After the statements have been executed, the program continues from after
the END_CASE statement.
Keywords

Syntax

CASE OF

Description

CASE step variable OF

1,5:
2:

3,4,6..10:

Display := MATERIAL

For 1 and 5

Display := TEMP

For 2

Display := OPERATION

For 3,4,6,7,8,9,10

END_CASE

End of CASE

no

t fo

rr

END_CASE

Beginning of CASE

Fig. 28 CASE statement

Structured Text (ST) TM246

27

Command Groups

ep
rin

Only one step of the CASE statement is processed per program cycle.

Note:

rr

Fig. 29 CASE statement in a program

t fo

Constants can be used instead of numbers for the steps in a CASE

statement. This makes the program much easier to read.

Syntax of the CASE statement:

no

A CASE statement begins with CASE and is terminated with

END_CASE. Each of these key words must occupy its own line.
The variable between CASE and OF must be a UINT variable.
Only whole number numerical expressions can be used for the
definition of the individual steps in the CASE statement.
The ranges and values of the step variable(s) may not overlap each
other.

28

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Command Groups

Task: Brewing tank

ep
rin

The fill level of a brewing tank is monitored for low, ok, and high levels.
Use an output for each of the low, ok, and high levels.

The level of liquid in the tank is read as an analog value and is internally
converted to 0-100%. If the contents sink below 1%, a warning tone
should be triggered.

no

t fo

rr

Create a solution using the CASE statement.

Fig. 30 Brewing tank

Structured Text (ST) TM246

29

Command Groups

4.6 Loops

ep
rin

In many applications, it is necessary for sections of code to be executed

multiple times during a cycle. This type of processing is also referred to as
a loop. The code in the loop is executed until a defined termination
condition is met.
Loops help make programs shorter and easier to follow. Program
expandability is also an issue here. Loops can be nested.

Depending on the structure of a program, it is possible for an error in the

program to cause the processing gets stuck repeating the loop until the
time monitor in the central unit responds with an error.
To prevent such endless loops from occuring, one should almost always
include in the programming a way for the loop to be aborted after a
defined number of repetitions or to run to a certain limit.
ST offers several types of loops to choose from:

no

t fo

Limited
FOR
Unlimited

WHILE

REPEAT

rr

30

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Command Groups

4.6.1 FOR

Key words

The FOR statement is used to run a program section for a limited number
of repetitions. For all other applications, WHILE or REPEAT loops are used.
Syntax

FOR i:=StartVal TO StopVal {BY Step} DO

Res := value + 1;

END_FOR

The section in {}
is optional.

ep
rin

FOR TO BY DO

Description

Loop body
statement(s)

END_FOR

End of FOR

The statements in the FOR loop are

repeated. At every repetition, the loop
counter is raised by "StepVal". The
two control variables "StartVal" and
"EndVal" determine the start value and
end value of the loop counter. After
the end value is reached, the program
continues from after the END_FOR
statement. The control variables must
both be the same data type and
cannot be described by any of the
statements in the loop body.

no

t fo

rr

Fig. 1 FOR statement in a program

Fig. 31 FOR statement

The FOR statement raises or lowers the loop counter until it reaches the
end value. The step size is always 1, unless otherwise specified with "BY".
The termination condition, the loop counter, is evaluated with every
repetition of the loop.

Structured Text (ST) TM246

31

Command Groups

Task: Crane

Fig. 32 Crane

ep
rin

5 separate loads are suspended from a crane. In order to determine the

total load, you have to add the individual loads together.

no

t fo

rr

Create a solution for this task using a FOR loop.

32

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Command Groups

4.6.2 WHILE

ep
rin

The WHILE loop can be used in the same way as the FOR loop, except that
the condition can be any boolean expression. If the condition is met, then
the loop is executed. The WHILE loop is used to repeat statements as long
as a particular condition remains TRUE.
Keywords
WHILE DO

Description

WHILE i<4 DO

Boolean condition

Res := value + 1;

Statement

i := i + 1;

Statement

END_ WHILE

End of WHILE

t fo

rr

END_ WHILE

Syntax

Fig. 2 WHILE statement in a program

Fig. 33 WHILE statement

no

The instructions are executed repeatedly for as long as the condition

returns TRUE. If the condition returns FALSE during the first evaluation, the
instructions are never executed.
Note:

If the condition never assumes the value FALSE, the statements are
repeated endlessly, resulting in a runtime error.

Structured Text (ST) TM246

33

Command Groups

4.6.3 REPEAT

REPEAT

Syntax

REPEAT

UNTIL

Start loop

Res := value + 1;

Statement

i := i + 1;

Statement

UNTIL i > 4

Termination condition

END_ REPEAT

End loop

t fo

rr

END_ REPEAT

Description

ep
rin

Keywords

The REPEAT loop differs from the WHILE loop in that the termination
condition is only checked once the loop has been executed. This means
that the loop runs at least once, regardless of the termination condition.

Fig. 35 REPEAT statement in a program

Fig. 34 REPEAT statement

no

The statements are executed repeatedly until the UNTIL condition is TRUE.
If the UNTIL condition is true from the beginning, the statements are only
executed once.
Note:

If the UNTIL condition never assumes the value TRUE, the statements
are repeated endlessly, resulting in a runtime error.

34

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Command Groups

4.6.4 EXIT

ep
rin

The EXIT statement can be used with all types of loops before their
termination condition occurs.

Fig. 37 EXIT statement in a program

no

t fo

rr

Fig. 36 EXIT statement

Fig. 39 EXIT statement in a nested FOR statement in a

program

If the EXIT statement is used in a nested

loop, only the loop in which the EXIT
statement is located is ended. After the
loop is ended, the program continues
from after the END_ statement.

Fig. 38 EXIT statement in a nested FOR

statment

Structured Text (ST) TM246

35

Command Groups

4.7 Calling function blocks

ep
rin

In ST, a function block is called a function block instance, and the

necessary transfer parameters are placed in parentheses.

Fig. 41 Calling a function block in a program

rr

Fig. 40 Calling a function block

no

t fo

Before a function block is called, one must describe the variables that are
to be used as input parameters. The code for calling a function block
occupies one line. Then the outputs of the function block can be read.

36

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Command Groups

ep
rin

Function block call in detail:

Fig. 42 Detail view of a function block call

no

t fo

rr

First the function block name is entered, then the transfer parameters are
assigned in parentheses, separated by commas. The code for calling a
function block is closed with a semicolon.

Structured Text (ST) TM246

37

Command Groups

Task: Bottle counter

ep
rin

Create a program that counts the bottles on a conveyor belt. Use the CTU
(up counter) function block found in the STANDARD library.

Fig. 43 Bottle counter

Note:

no

t fo

rr

The Automation Studio online help comes in handy when working with
function blocks.

38

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Command Groups

4.8 Pointers and dynamic variables

B&R offers the option of using pointers in ST.

ep
rin

A dynamic variable can be assigned a memory address during runtime.

This procedure is referred to as the referencing or initialization of a
dynamic variable.

As soon as the dynamic variable is initialized, it can be used to access the

memory content to which it now "points".

Fig. 44 Referencing a dynamic variable

no

t fo

rr

As you can see, the operator ADR() is used. It returns the memory address
of the variable in parentheses. The data type of this address is UDINT. The
statement is then closed with a semicolon.

Structured Text (ST) TM246

39

Summary

5. SUMMARY

rr

ep
rin

Structured Text is a high level language that offers a wide range of

functionality. It contains all the tools necessary for an application.

Fig. 45 Book printing: then and now

no

t fo

After completing this training module, you are ready to program your own
ST tasks. You can always use the module as a reference.
This programming language is especially powerful when using arithmetic
functions and formulating mathematical calculations.

40

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Exercises

6. EXERCISES

Task: Box lift

ep
rin

Two conveyor belts (doConvTop, doConvBottom) transport boxes to a

lift.
If the photocell is (diConvTop, diConvBottom) is activated, the
corresponding conveyor belt is stopped and the lift is called.

If the lift has not been called, it returns to the appropriate position
(doLiftTop, doLiftBottom).

When the lift is in the correct position (diLiftTop, diLiftBottom), the lift
conveyer belt (doConvLift) is turned on until the box is completely on
the lift (diBoxLift).
Then the lift moves to the unloading position (doLiftUnload). When it
reaches this position (diLiftUnload), the box is moved to the unloading
belt.

t fo

rr

As soon as the box has left the lift, the lift is free for the next request.

no

Fig. 46 Box lift

Structured Text (ST) TM246

41

Appendix

7. APPENDIX
7.1 Keywords

ep
rin

Key words are commands that can be used in ST. In the Automation Studio
Editor, these are displayed in blue. You are already familiar with many of
them; here is a list of more. Key words may not be used as variable names.
Keyword

Description

Assignment of an address to a dynamic variable.

BIT_CLR

A := BIT_CLR(IN, POS) A is the value of the variable IN that

results when the bit at position POS is deleted. IN remains
unchanged.

BIT_SET

A := BIT_CLR(IN, POS) A is the value of the variable IN that

results when the bit at position POS is set. The IN operand
remains unchanged.

BIT_TST

Determination of a bit within a value. A is the state of the bit of

the IN value that is at position POS.

BY

See FOR statement.

CASE

See CASE statement.

DO

See WHILE statement.

EDGE

rr

ACCESS

Determines the negative and positive edges of a bit.

EDGENEG
EDGEPOS
ELSE

Determines the negative edge of a bit.

Determines the positive edge of a bit.

See IF statement.

ELSIF

t fo

See IF statement.

See CASE statement.

END_FOR

See FOR statement.

END_IF

See IF statement.

END_REPEAT

See REPEAT statement.

END_WHILE

See WHILE statement.

EXIT

See EXIT statement.

FOR

See FOR statement.

IF

See IF statement.

REPEAT

See REPEAT statement.

RETURN

Can be used to end a function.

THEN

See IF statement.

TO

See FOR statement.

UNTIL

See REPEAT statement.

WHILE

See WHILE statement.

no

END_CASE

42

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Appendix

7.2 Functions

Example

ep
rin

Function

There are some functions that can be used in ST that do not require you to
insert a library into the project. In the Automation Studio Editor, these
function calls are displayed in blue. You are already familiar with some of
them. More are listed here.

Returns the absolute value of a number. ABS(-2) returns 2.

ACOS

Returns the cosine of a number. (inverted cosine function).

ADR

Returns a variable's address.

AND

Logical AND for bit operations.

ASIN

Returns the arc sine of a number (inverse function of sine).

ASR

Arithmetic shifting of an operand to the right: A := ASR (IN, N) IN is

shifted N bits to the right, the left is filled with the sign bit.

ATAN

Returns the arc tangent of a number (inverse function of tangent).

COS

Returns the cosine of a number.

EXP

Exponential function: A := EXP (IN).

EXPT

One operand raised to the power of another operand:

A := EXPT (IN1, IN2).

LIMIT

Limitation: A = LIMIT (MIN, IN, MAX) MIN is the lower limit, MAX is
the upper limit for the result. If IN is less than MIN, then the MIN
result is returned. If IN is greater than MAX, then the MAX result is
returned. Otherwise, the IN result is returned.

LN

Returns the natural logarithm of a number.

LOG

Returns the base-10 logarithm of a number.

MAX

Maximum function. Returns the larger of two values.

MIN

Minimum function. Returns the lesser of two values.

MOD

Modulo division of a USINT, SINT, INT, UINT, UDINT, DINT type

variable by another variable of one of these types.

MOVE

The contents of the input variable are copied to the output variable.
The := symbol is used as the assignment operator.

t fo

rr

ABS

no

"A := B;" is the same as "A := MOVE (B);"

MUX

Selection: A = MUX (CHOICE, IN1, IN2, ... INX);

CHOICE specifies which of the operators IN1, IN2, ... INX is returned
as a result.

NOT

Negation of a bit operand by bit.

OR

Logical OR operation by bit.

ROL

Rotates an operand's bits to the left: A := ROL(IN, N); The bits in IN

are shifted N times to the left, the far left bit being pushed in again
from the right.

Structured Text (ST) TM246

43

Appendix

Rotates an operand's bits to the right: A := ROR (IN, N); The bits in
IN are shifted N times to the right, the far right bit being pushed in
again from the left.

SEL

Binary selection: A := SEL (CHOICE, IN1, IN2) CHOICE must be type

BOOL. If CHOICE is FALSE, then IN1 is returned. Otherwise, IN2 is
returned.

SHL

Shifts an operand's bits to the left: A := SHL (IN, N); IN is shifted N

bits to the left, the right side is filled with zeroes.

SHR

Shifts an operand's bits to the right: A := SHR (IN, N); IN is shifted N

bits to the right, the left side is filled with zeroes.

SIN

Returns the sine of a number.

sizeof

This function returns the number of bytes required by the specified

variable.

SQRT

Returns the square root of a number.

TAN

Returns the tangent of a number.

TRUNC

Returns the integer part of a number.

XOR

Logical EXCLUSIVE OR operation by bit.

no

t fo

rr

ep
rin

ROR

44

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Appendix

7.3 Solutions

Task: Aquarium

ep
rin

Task: Light control

rr

Task: Weather station - Part I

no

t fo

Task: Weather station - Part II

Structured Text (ST) TM246

45

Appendix

t fo

Task: Crane

rr

ep
rin

Task: Brewing tank

no

Task: Bottle counter

46

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Appendix

no

t fo

rr

ep
rin

Task: Box lift

Structured Text (ST) TM246

47

Appendix

no

t fo

rr

ep
rin

Notes

48

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

rr

ep
rin

Appendix

Overview of training modules

TM600 The Basics of Visualization

TM610 The Basics of ASiV
TM630 Visualization Programming Guide
TM640 ASiV Alarm System, Trend and Diagnostic
TM670 ASiV Advanced

t fo

TM210 The Basics of Automation Studio

TM211 Automation Studio Online Communication
TM213 Automation Runtime
TM220 The Service Technician on the Job
TM223 Automation Studio Diagnostics
TM230 Structured Software Generation
TM240 Ladder Diagram (LAD)
TM241 Function Block Diagram (FBD)
TM246 Structured Text (ST)
TM250 Memory Management and Data Storage
TM261 Closed Loop Control with LOOPCONR

no

TM400 The Basics of Motion Control

TM410 The Basics of ASiM
TM440 ASiM Basic Functions
TM441 ASiM Multi-Axis Functions
TM445 ACOPOS ACP10 Software
TM446 ACOPOS Smart Process Technology
TM450 ACOPOS Control Concept and Adjustment
TM460 Starting up Motors
TM480 Hydraulic Drive Control

TM500 The Basics of Integrated Safety Technology

TM510 ASiST SafeDESIGNER
TM540 ASiST SafeMC

TM700 Automation Net PVI

TM710 PVI Communication
TM711 PVI DLL Programming
TM712 PVIServices
TM730 PVI OPC
TM800 APROL System Concept
TM810 APROL Setup, Configuration and Recovery
TM811 APROL Runtime System
TM812 APROL Operator Management
TM813 APROL XML Queries and Audit Trail
TM830 APROL Project Engineering
TM840 APROL Parameter Management and Recipes
TM850 APROL Controller Configuration and INA
TM860 APROL Library Engineering
TM865 APROL Library Guide Book
TM870 APROL Python Programming
TM890 The Basics of LINUX

Structured Text (ST) TM246

49

t fo

no
Internationality

50

TM246

Structured Text (ST)

Weblink

Copyright Model Number

TM246TRE.00-ENG 0907
2007 by B&R. All rights reserved.
All trademarks presented are the property of their respective company.
We reserve the right to make technical changes.

ep
rin

rr

Appendix