GFR-020C04010-EDC-201151-en-D

ALSPA Control System

Controcad V5.3
Configuration of Functions (Data & Studies)
Reference Manual

10/03/2016
OPERATING & MAINTENANCE MANUAL

GE
Industrial Solutions
Automation & Controls
 GE
Industrial Solutions
Automation & Controls

Table of contents

Section 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 6

1.1 Purpose of the Document ...................................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Important Information ............................................................................................................................................................................ 6
1.3 Notice to Reader ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
1.4 Risks & Protection...................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.5 Standards & Codes ................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.6 Glossary ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.7 List of Referenced Documents.......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Section 2 Description of the Function Tree ............................................................................................ 12
2.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.2 Project ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
2.2.1 Contextual menu of a Project .................................................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.2 Exporting a function ....................................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.2.3 Importing a function ...................................................................................................................................................................... 17
2.2.4 Purging Variables ............................................................................................................................................................................ 18
2.2.5 Creating POUs and associating diagrams ........................................................................................................................... 23
2.2.6 POU Affectation ................................................................................................................................................................................ 28
2.2.7 The search function ........................................................................................................................................................................ 29
2.2.8 Results of a Search ......................................................................................................................................................................... 30
2.2.9 Common Parameters Configuration Window .................................................................................................................... 30
2.2.10 Filter Window .................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
2.2.11 Find & Modify function .................................................................................................................................................................. 31
2.2.12 Configuring Logical Devices (IEC61850) ................................................................................................................................ 33
2.3 Function ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
2.3.1 New Function / Properties ........................................................................................................................................................... 34
2.3.2 Contextual menu of a Function ................................................................................................................................................. 36
2.3.3 Movement/Merging of Functional Data ................................................................................................................................ 37
2.4 Diagram ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 38
2.4.1 Creating a diagram ........................................................................................................................................................................ 38
2.4.2 Contextual menu of an FBD ........................................................................................................................................................ 40
2.4.3 Contextual menu of an SFC diagram ...................................................................................................................................... 42
2.4.4 Contextual menu of an HLD ....................................................................................................................................................... 44
2.4.5 Properties of a diagram ................................................................................................................................................................ 46
2.4.6 Duplicating a diagram .................................................................................................................................................................. 47
2.4.7 Code of an FBD ................................................................................................................................................................................. 48
2.4.8 FBD Functional Block Consumption ........................................................................................................................................ 48
2.4.9 SFC diagram completeness ........................................................................................................................................................ 49
2.4.10 Displaying the Boolean Actions and FBDs of an SFC POU ............................................................................................. 50
2.4.11 Cross References ............................................................................................................................................................................. 51
2.5 Object .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 54
2.5.1 Creating an object .......................................................................................................................................................................... 54

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2.5.2 Contextual menu of an object ................................................................................................................................................... 55

2.5.3 Properties of an object .................................................................................................................................................................. 56
Section 3 Variable Management .............................................................................................................. 59
3.1 Kinds of Variables ................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
3.2 Variable Grid Description .................................................................................................................................................................... 59
3.2.1 Variable Grid Characteristics ..................................................................................................................................................... 59
3.2.2 Variable Grid Display...................................................................................................................................................................... 60
3.2.3 Contextual Menu of the Variable Grid .................................................................................................................................... 61
3.3 Variable Properties ................................................................................................................................................................................ 63
3.3.1 General tab ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 64
3.3.2 Historian Tab ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 70
3.3.3 Associated Signals Tab ................................................................................................................................................................. 71
3.3.4 Compute Tab ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 76
3.3.5 Message Tab...................................................................................................................................................................................... 88
3.4 Creating a Variable ................................................................................................................................................................................ 89
3.4.1 Variable Creation Window........................................................................................................................................................... 90
3.4.2 Variable Duplication ....................................................................................................................................................................... 93
3.5 Importing/exporting variables .......................................................................................................................................................... 94
3.5.1 Variable Processing ........................................................................................................................................................................ 94
3.5.2 Format and Structure of Data Files ......................................................................................................................................... 96
3.5.3 Models .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 96
3.5.4 Saving the Utilization Contexts ................................................................................................................................................. 99
3.5.5 Importing Variables ...................................................................................................................................................................... 100
3.5.6 Exporting Variables ...................................................................................................................................................................... 106
3.6 Deleting a Variable .............................................................................................................................................................................. 111
3.7 Initialising a table variable ............................................................................................................................................................... 111
3.8 Multiple Variable Management ...................................................................................................................................................... 112
3.8.1 Attaching a Variable to a Multiple Variable ....................................................................................................................... 113
3.8.2 Completing an MVM ..................................................................................................................................................................... 113
3.8.3 Hierarchy........................................................................................................................................................................................... 114
3.9 Variable Grid Cross References ...................................................................................................................................................... 115
3.9.1 Cross References from Functional Architecture .............................................................................................................. 115
3.9.2 Cross References from Current Workspace ...................................................................................................................... 118
3.10 Exchanges ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 119
3.11 Finding and Replacing a Variable.................................................................................................................................................. 122
3.11.1 Finding a Variable ......................................................................................................................................................................... 122
3.11.2 Replacing a Variable .................................................................................................................................................................... 123
3.12 Filtering a Grid of Variables .............................................................................................................................................................. 124
3.13 Printing a Variable Grid ...................................................................................................................................................................... 127
Section 4 FBD Editor ................................................................................................................................. 129
4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 129
4.2 Menus and Icons ................................................................................................................................................................................... 129
4.2.1 File Menu ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 130
4.2.2 Edit Menu .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 131
4.2.3 View Menu ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 131
4.2.4 Format Menu ................................................................................................................................................................................... 133

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4.2.5 Diagram Observation Menu ..................................................................................................................................................... 134

4.2.6 Observation Preferences Menu ............................................................................................................................................... 134
4.2.7 Curves Observation Menu ......................................................................................................................................................... 134
4.2.8 Window Menu ................................................................................................................................................................................. 134
4.2.9 Help Menu......................................................................................................................................................................................... 135
4.2.10 Icon Bar.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 135
4.2.11 Alignment Tool bar ....................................................................................................................................................................... 135
4.3 General Diagram Layout ................................................................................................................................................................... 136
4.3.1 Opening a Diagram ...................................................................................................................................................................... 136
4.3.2 Saving a Diagram .......................................................................................................................................................................... 136
4.3.3 Closing a Diagram......................................................................................................................................................................... 137
4.3.4 Diagram Contextual Menu ........................................................................................................................................................ 137
4.3.5 Basic Manipulations ..................................................................................................................................................................... 138
4.3.6 Positioning Components ............................................................................................................................................................ 139
4.3.7 Components browser .................................................................................................................................................................. 141
4.3.8 Creating a link ................................................................................................................................................................................. 143
4.3.9 Positioning a Cross on a Link ................................................................................................................................................... 144
4.3.10 Positioning a Variable Input Ticket ........................................................................................................................................ 145
4.3.11 Aligning Diagrams ......................................................................................................................................................................... 150
4.3.12 Customizing the Diagrams Display ....................................................................................................................................... 152
4.3.13 Description of Specific Markers in a Diagram ................................................................................................................... 153
4.3.14 Updating Component Definitions ........................................................................................................................................... 154
4.3.15 Updating Variable Information................................................................................................................................................ 154
4.3.16 Adding Cross References to Produced Variables ............................................................................................................ 154
4.3.17 Printing a Diagram........................................................................................................................................................................ 155
4.4 Diagram Components ........................................................................................................................................................................ 156
4.4.1 Contextual Menu of the Component ..................................................................................................................................... 156
4.4.2 Obtaining Information on Component Argument Groups .......................................................................................... 157
4.4.3 Assigning a Multiple Variable to an Argument List ......................................................................................................... 158
4.4.4 Component Comment ................................................................................................................................................................. 158
4.4.5 Naming a Component ................................................................................................................................................................. 159
4.5 Component arguments ..................................................................................................................................................................... 160
4.5.1 Argument Contextual Menu ..................................................................................................................................................... 160
4.5.2 Assigning a Variable to an Argument ................................................................................................................................... 162
4.5.3 Assigning a Constant to an Input Argument ..................................................................................................................... 163
4.5.4 Obtaining Basic Information on an Argument ................................................................................................................. 164
4.5.5 Complementing Boolean Arguments/Negation of Analog Arguments ................................................................. 164
4.5.6 Duplicating an Input Argument .............................................................................................................................................. 165
4.5.7 Variables............................................................................................................................................................................................ 165
4.6 Browser ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 166
4.6.1 Executing the Browser and HMI Ergonomics .................................................................................................................... 167
4.6.2 Function ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 167
4.6.3 Assigning a Variable from the Browser to the FBD ........................................................................................................ 168
4.7 Order of Execution of Components .............................................................................................................................................. 169
4.7.1 Automatic Mode............................................................................................................................................................................. 170
4.7.2 Manual Mode................................................................................................................................................................................... 171

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4.8 Identifying Loops .................................................................................................................................................................................. 171

4.8.1 Operation of Loops ....................................................................................................................................................................... 171
4.8.2 Loopback Marker ........................................................................................................................................................................... 172
4.8.3 Forced Loopback Marker ........................................................................................................................................................... 172
4.8.4 Displaying and Browsing Loops .............................................................................................................................................. 173
4.9 Test Marking Diagrams ...................................................................................................................................................................... 173
4.9.1 Switching to T Mode ..................................................................................................................................................................... 174
4.9.2 Modifying a Test Signature........................................................................................................................................................ 174
4.9.3 Different Test States of the Diagrams .................................................................................................................................. 175
4.9.4 Displaying the Test Properties of a Diagram ..................................................................................................................... 176
4.9.5 Printing out the Test Mode ........................................................................................................................................................ 176
4.10 Operations on Views ........................................................................................................................................................................... 177
4.10.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 177
4.10.2 Defining the Diagram Format .................................................................................................................................................. 178
4.10.3 Enlarging/ reducing the Diagram .......................................................................................................................................... 178
4.11 Animating the Diagrams ................................................................................................................................................................... 178
4.12 Opening a Loop Diagram from the FBD Editor ........................................................................................................................ 178
Section 5 SFC Diagram Editor ................................................................................................................. 180
5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 180
5.2 Access to Diagrams ............................................................................................................................................................................. 181
5.2.1 Opening ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 181
5.2.2 Backup ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 181
5.2.3 Closing ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 182
5.3 Placing Graphic Elements in the SFC ........................................................................................................................................... 182
5.3.1 Basic Manipulations ..................................................................................................................................................................... 182
5.3.2 Positioning SFC Elements ........................................................................................................................................................... 183
5.4 Actions on Elements ............................................................................................................................................................................ 184
5.4.1 Operations on Steps ..................................................................................................................................................................... 184
5.4.2 Operations on Transitions ......................................................................................................................................................... 186
5.4.3 Operations on Links ...................................................................................................................................................................... 188
5.4.4 Operations on Actions or Forcing Orders ........................................................................................................................... 193
5.5 Operations on Views ........................................................................................................................................................................... 198
5.5.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 198
5.5.2 Inserting a Comment in a Diagram ....................................................................................................................................... 198
5.5.3 Defining the Diagram Format .................................................................................................................................................. 198
5.5.4 Enlarging/Reducing the Diagram ........................................................................................................................................... 198
5.5.5 Display Modes ................................................................................................................................................................................. 198
5.6 Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 199
5.6.1 Updating Variable Information................................................................................................................................................ 199
5.6.2 List of Variables Loaded by the SFC Editor ......................................................................................................................... 199
5.6.3 Running Diagram Animation .................................................................................................................................................... 199
5.6.4 Printing a Diagram........................................................................................................................................................................ 199
5.6.5 Checking the Diagrams Integrity ............................................................................................................................................ 199
5.6.6 Displaying the Grid ....................................................................................................................................................................... 201

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Section 1 Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Document

This document describes the complete functional tree structure (Fct tab) of Controcad
including the functions, the variables and their management in the grid of variables and the
editors of FBD and SFC diagrams.
It is made for the engineering and commissioning teams. It is part of the Operating &
Maintenance Manuals (OMM) and can be used by the maintenance team on site.
This document is applicable to Controcad version 5.3.

1.2 Important Information

GENERAL ELECTRIC Company is committed to high quality products in compliance

with our high standards of quality.
Users and installation staff who operate on the equipment are qualified and trained.
Before performing any action on the equipment, you must read and understand the
Operating and Maintenance Manual.
To reduce risks for yourself and your equipment, only an accredited technician shall
service your equipment or work inside it.

GENERAL ELECTRIC Company is committed to top customer assistance services.

If you need further information or encounter a serious problem, please contact:
General Electric
Automation & Controls - Customer Support

 Hardware repair
 Annual preventive maintenance
 Telephone, e-mail, fax, remote maintenance, Web facilities
 On site intervention
 Software maintenance
 Training session for commissioning engineers and customer users.
Contact: [email protected]

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1.3 Notice to Reader

DANGER
Indicates a situation of imminent danger which, if it is not avoided, will lead to
death or serious injury. This indication is restricted to the most extreme
circumstances.

WARNING
Indicates a potentially dangerous situation, which if it is not avoided will lead to
death or serious injury.

CAUTION
Indicates a potentially dangerous situation which, if it is not avoided, may cause
minor or moderate injuries. This indication may also be used to warn against
unsafe practices.

ELECTRICAL WARNING
Indicates a potential electrical danger related to voltages, currents, temperature, or
other conditions that may cause an electric shock or burn.
Turn off and disconnect any electrical power supply before servicing.

Highlights instructions or other important information which must be strictly

respected.

Points out important information.

These instructions do not purport to cover all details or variations in equipment, nor to provide for every possible contingency to be
met during installation, operation, and maintenance. The information is supplied for informational purposes only, and GE makes no
warranty as to the accuracy of the information included herein. Changes, modifications, and/or improvements to equipment and
specifications are made periodically and these changes may or may not be reflected herein. It is understood that GE may make
changes, modifications, or improvements to the equipment referenced herein or to the document itself at any time. This document
is intended for trained personnel familiar with the GE products referenced herein.
GE may have patents or pending patent applications covering subject matter in this document. The furnishing of this document
does not provide any license whatsoever to any of these patents.
GE Internal – This document contains information that belongs to the General Electric Company and is furnished to its customer
solely to assist that customer in the installation, testing, operation, and/or maintenance of the equipment described.
This document or the information it contains shall not be reproduced in whole or in part or disclosed to any third party without the
express written consent of GE.
GE provides the following document and the information included therein as is and without warranty of any kind, expressed or
implied, including but not limited to any implied statutory warranty of merchantability or fitness for particular purpose.
For further assistance or technical information, contact the nearest GE Sales or Service Office, or an authorized GE Sales
Representative.

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1.4 Risks & Protection

ELECTRICAL WARNING
ELECTRICAL PROTECTION

The equipment presents dangers to the personnel and to the equipment itself.
These dangers are mainly electrical in nature, such as:
 electric shock
 transient increases and decreases in electrical power
 electrostatic discharge
Working inside the equipment may have an impact on the physical integrity of the
person or the equipment itself.
During installation, the equipment must be powered down.
 Shut down properly your equipment and power it off before hardware installation.

CAUTION
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE

Most electronic equipment is affected by radio frequency interference (RFI). Caution

should be taken when using mobile communications equipment near such
equipment. Signs are on display near to the equipment to warn against the use of
mobile communications equipment.

CAUTION
STATIC SENSITIVE DEVICES

ALSPA system equipment contains components sensitive to electrostatic

discharges which can be damaged as a result of incorrect handling. Working
procedures (e.g. extracting a module) are described in the manufacturer's
documentation and must be followed. Equipment is fitted with labels so that staff
can take anti-static precautions during handling.

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1.5 Standards & Codes

The ALSPA control system equipment has been developed, manufactured and tested to
comply with the relevant standards.
All these standards are indicated in the following document
[STD&COD] - ALSPA Series 6 - Standards and Codes - refer to the documents list of
the project.
In order to achieve optimum operation of the equipment you must always keep in mind that
the standards should be complied with.
The above-mentioned document details the certification and the operating and
electromagnetic environment in which your equipment must be used.

1.6 Glossary

ALSPA Series 6 Distributed Control System (DCS) of GE Automation & Controls.

ALSPA OPTIPLANT Plant Optimization Solutions. OPTIPLANT applications can be added to
the DCS in order to manage the performances, the maintenance and
the scheduling of the plant.
ALSPA HMI Architecture, equipment and control room workstations. Also refers to
the control room software functions.
ALSPA Controcad Engineering and commissioning tool of the ALSPA Control System. With
this tool, engineers can configure the ALSPA System for the plant,
download the controllers and tune and maintain the system.
ALSPA Automation Cell Automation level of the ALSPA system. It is constituted of master
controllers, I/O, field controllers and field networks.
C10 Local ALSPA HMI station which manages the Real Time server function
and the HMI functions.
C30 ALSPA HMI provided with several separated stations comprising multi-
screen operator stations, Real Time and Historian servers.
CE1000 / CE1500 / Inputs/outputs and field controllers of the ALSPA System.
CE2000 / CE3000
CE3500 Safety This kind of controllers ensures the safety functions IEC61508 SIL2 &
Controller
SIL3 level.
HMI Gateway or CSS-G ALSPA HMI Gateway type CSS-G offers a panel of communication
protocols between the ALSPA HMI and third party systems. The CSS-G
is often seen as data server/controlled part.
Automation Cell ALSPA Automation Cell Gateway type CSS-F offers a panel of
Gateway or CSS-F
communication protocols at the controller level with third party
systems. The CSS-F is often seen as client/controlling part
Ethernet Enterprise ALSPA Enterprise bus. It connects the ALSPA HMI stations together for
bus maintenance purposes or non-critical function. It can connect third
party functions.
Ethernet process Bus ALSPA Ethernet network connecting all the cell controllers of a plant

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or S8000 unit together with the ALSPA HMI. This network is based on Ethernet
technology. It is also named S8000.
Field Bus or E8000 Network which connects the master controllers to the field controllers
based on Ethernet Powerlink technology. It is also named E8000.
Historian Function for long term history of the events and measurements of the
plant. This function comprises data servers and HMI viewers.
IMS Information Management System of ALSPA HMI. It provides statistics
computation and reports generation. This function includes data
servers, report generator and report viewers.
I/O Controller These controllers manage the inputs and outputs coming from the
Field Controller sensors and devices of the plant. It can be placed near the devices and
be remote from the main controller.
Master Controller or Main controller of the automation cell. It executes application software
Cell Controller with the data coming from the I/O controllers and controls the process
by sending orders.
MFC3000 / MFC1000 Master controllers of the ALSPA system.
OMM Operating & Maintenance Manual.
OS or CVS Operator stations which supports the operating HMI functions of
ALSPA HMI.
RTDS or CIS Real Time Data Server: this function of ALSPA HMI manages in real time
the process data coming from the plant. The RTDS function uses the
OPC function to exchange data with the OS and third party
applications.
The RTDS function communicates with the automation cell through the
process bus.
Notation for Signals used in ALSPA Control System.
cASig Controller analog signal
ihASig Internal HMI analog signal
ohASig Operator parameter HMI analog signal
phASig Program HMI analog signal
cBSig Controller boolean signal
ihBSig Internal HMI boolean signal
shBSig System HMI boolean signal
phBSig Program HMI boolean signal
dhBSig Controller default boolean signal
cMSig Controller multi-state signal
ihMSig Internal HMI multi-state signal
phMSig Program HMI multi-state signal
ccCmd Controller Command

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ihCmd Internal HMI Command

ccSPt Controller setpoint
ihSPt Internal HMI setpoint

1.7 List of Referenced Documents

[CCAD_INTRO] Refer to the manual corresponding to ALSPA Controcad

Introduction in the OMM of the project.
[CCAD_HARD] Refer to the manual corresponding to ALSPA Controcad
Hardware Configuration in the OMM of the project.
[CCAD_HMI] Refer to the manual corresponding to ALSPA Controcad HMI
Configuration in the OMM of the project.
[CCAD_TOOLS] Refer to the manual corresponding to ALSPA Controcad
Commissioning Tools in the OMM of the project.
[CCAD_CE61850] Refer to the manual corresponding to IEC61850 for CE1500
Controller in the OMM of the project.

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Section 2 Description of the Function Tree

2.1 Overview

The Function tree is accessed via the tab of Controcad.

It enables users to create application functions, edit control function diagrams and display
their assigned variables. The tree reflects the functional organization and division of the
project data and processing.
Two types of element are displayed in this tree:
Functions
The functions represent an application function or a group of application functions such as a
unit, a feed water station, an elementary system etc. It is possible to typify each of these
functions according to its role and to associate an icon according to the type.
A System function, indicated in bold type, is used to group the functions that contain Owners
and the variables required by the supervision of the ALSPA System HMI.
Diagrams
The diagrams are affiliated to a function and express the implementation of the control
systems relative to the function or to a part of the function.

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Any element in the Function tree may own variables. A function or a diagram
declared as a proprietor may have a set of attached variables. This notion
expresses the fact that the function (or the diagram) and its variables are linked
functionally. Consequently the ID of the variables includes this affiliation and the
variables mirror the fate of their owner (duplicate, delete etc.). More precisely, the ID
of a variable is formed by the concatenation of the ID of the proprietor of the
variable and of the name of the variable.

To implement this mechanism, a short name is associated to the tree elements. Any element
that is a proprietor of variables must possess a short identifier.
Each element of the Function tree possesses an ID that provides a unique identity and that is
formed by the concatenation of the ID of its proprietor and its specific short identify. The ID of
an element appears between brackets to the right of the element in the tree.
The illustration below provides an example:

Function CEX is a proprietor of variables and has a short identifier CEX. For the project, it is for
example functionally interesting to display a reference to one of the root functions UNITE_10.
In this case, a short identify "10" is associated to the function. The reference to the root
function WATER_PLANT serves no purpose; it thus has no short identify.
The variable named VAR1 created at the level of the function CEX will have 10CEX-VAR1 as
process ID. This is the result of the concatenation of the ID of its owner ( 10CEX-) and of its own
name (VAR1).
The following chapters detail the elements in the tree, via the contextual menus that are
associated to them.

2.2 Project

This chapter presents the project level of the functional tree.

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2.2.1 Contextual menu of a Project

Description of the options:

Item Description
New (Ctrl+N) Creates a function below the Project element.
Find (Ctrl+F) Opens a search window for functions, diagrams or variables
etc.(cf. 2.2.7,The search function).
Documentation

- List Documents Used to display the list of all the project documents.
- Export EMF (all Exports all the diagrams in the form of images, in EMF
diagrams) format accessible by Word.
Functional Export Executes the functional export window (cf. 2.2.2,Exporting a
function).
Functional Import Executes the functional import window(cf. 2.2.3,Importing a
function).
Application Variables

- Filter Used to apply a filter on all the project variables (cf.

2.2.10,Filter Window)
- Find & Modify Used to find and modify one or more variables.(cf. 2.2.11,Find
& Modify function).
Purge Executes the variables purge window(cf. 2.2.4,Purging
Variables)
List of POU Opens the window used to create a POU and to link the
diagrams. (cf. 2.2.5,Creating POUs and associating diagrams)
Edit Common Parameters Opens the configuration window of common parameters of

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Item Description
the functional tree (cf. 2.2.9,Common Parameters
Configuration Window).
Advanced Configuration

– Validate Diagrams Used to perform the validation of invalid diagrams.

A diagram can be invalid, for example, if a variable in the
diagram has been modified by another user.
The invalid diagrams are preceded by a red marker.
– Reset Diagrams Version Used to reset the versions of FBD, SFC and HLD diagrams
(not the component diagrams).

No confirmation is asked.
– List of the pit/source Used to display the isolated steps and transitions in the SFC
steps/transitions in the diagrams.
SFCs
Draw Out Used to detach the Function tree into a separate window,
which is used simultaneously to display another tree.
Configure Logical Devices For projects with CE1500 controllers configured on a
... IEC61850 network.
This item is used to build a functional IEC61850 architecture
(cf. 2.2.12,Configuring Logical Devices (IEC61850)).

2.2.2 Exporting a function

The Functional Export option in the project contextual menu opens a window enabling the
export of one or more functions and their dependents, of one or more diagrams or of one or
more POUs:

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In this export window, the user defines the directory containing the variables to be exported
and supplies the list of variables to be exported by a drag & drop between the Function tree
and this window.
Between two export operations, the user can back up the list of objects placed in the window
by clicking on Save collection option . The list can be restored on the next export by using the
Load collection option.
A report enables the user to monitor the progress of the export:

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Save report is used to save the export report.

Print report is used to print the export report.

2.2.3 Importing a function

The Functional Import option in the contextual menu of a project opens a window enabling the
partial import of one or more functions and their dependents, of one or more diagrams or of
one or more POUs.

In this import window, the user selects the file gen_xml_report.xml located in the directory
containing the variables to be imported.
If the Import abort option of the Mandatory Variable part is checked, the variables required (vars
KCZ, KIT, CTRL or RES) are mandatory and the import will fail if these variables cannot be
found.
A report file is generated to enable the user to check the progress of the import:

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Before importing a function A from a project XXXlog to a project YYYlog, check that
the libraries used by A have already been imported into YYYlog.

2.2.4 Purging Variables

This function is used to clear all the variables created and non-consumed in a diagram, an
exchange array or a controller.

2.2.4.1 Detailed description of the function

Selecting the Purge option associated to the contextual menu of a project in the function tree,
opens the following window:

The Purge Applicative Variables screen is divided into three zones:

 The Filter zone.
 The variable list display and processing zone.
 The Count zone.
These zones contain data input fields, information fields, checkboxes and buttons.
The Filter zone
The filter zone is used to define, then apply the unused variable search filter.
Description of the fields of the Filter zone:
Type Name Description
Variable Name like Used to input the character string to be searched
for in all the project variables. This character string
accepts generic characters such as '*', '%', ' ?' and
'_'. The characters '*' and '%' are equivalent, and
can be used to replace several characters at the
start or at the end of string. The characters ' ?' and
'_' are equivalent and can be used to replace a

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Type Name Description

single character in the string.
Example:
To find all the variables in the project, input the
character '*' or '%'.
To find variables with IDs that start with 01, input
the string "01*" or "01%".
To find variables containing 0 as the 1st character
and SV1 from the 3rd character, enter the string
"0?SV1"or"0_SV1".
The character '_' cannot be used specifically to find
a variable containing that character.
Without HMI Variables Used to ignore HMI variables in the variable list. By
default the checkbox is valid and the filter does not
take these variables into account.
Without Input/Output Is used to not take into account the Input/Output
Variables variables in the list of variables. By default the
checkbox is valid and the filter does not take these
variables into account.
The Add button is used to start the search in accordance with the defined criteria (filter +
checkboxes). When the button is clicked, a list of the variables identified by the search criteria
appear in the display zone.
The Add + Analyse button starts the search with the defined criteria and then analyses the
variables listed to check whether they are used or not. It combines the Add and Analyse
buttons.
The variable list display and processing zone
In this zone the user selects and analyzes the variables displayed in the list in order to define
those that can be cleared. Unused variables in this zone are deleted by means of the Purge
button.
Description of the fields in the display and processing zone:
Type Name Description
View Only Deletable Used to display only unused variables. The operator
Variables thus has an overview of these variables.
Purge Two roles depending on the processing step in
progress:
On application of the filter, this checkbox is used to
determine the variables that should be analyzed to
see whether they must be cleared or not.
After analysis, this checkbox indicates the variables
that are really unused and that can be cleared. The
user can uncheck any variables that need to be
conserved in the application.

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Type Name Description

Used Indicates (after analysis) used variables that cannot be
cleared.
ID Indicates the full name of the variable listed.
Label Indicates the label of the variable listed.
Model Indicates the model of the variable listed.
State Indicates the type of utilization of the variable that
cannot be cleared (see table below).
The table below summarizes the different types of use:
Message Description
Used on FB(s) in FBD(s) Variable used in a FBD diagram.
In no modulate MV with a used Variable belonging to a non-modulate MV (multiple
variable variable) that contains another variable that is used.
One of field used Multiple variable root that contains at least one used
daughter variable.
Consumed by HMI object(s) Variable consumed in the HMI database.
Not in initial list Variable shown in the variable list after analysis that
did not appear in the list immediately after application
of the filter.
Example: a cBSig model MV variable with the name
VAR in a root function 01(01) containing only this
cBSig.
Apply the "01VAR_V" filter to find the validant of this
cBSig; after application of the filter, the list will contain
only this variable 01VAR_V. Run the analysis.
At the end of the analysis, the 2 components of the
cBSig, 01VAR (wordher cBSig ) and 01VAR (value of the
cBSig) will also appear in the list with "not in the initial
list" state, since their presence is not due to the initial
filter but induced by the analysis on the "validant"
component of the cBSig.
Consume HMI object(s) Variable consuming an HMI object: alarm variable in a
mimic (assigned via the "Alarm to mimics" menu in the
HMI tab) or threshold variable having an associated
signal ("Associated Signals" tab on variable with
defined thresholds).
shBSig (system fault) or dhBSig System variable.
(controller fault)/address defined
by user
FB name(s) Variable naming an FB.
Used in control authorization CVS control authorization variable ("Control
Authorization" tab of the HMI database properties).

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Message Description
Address defined by user Variable whose address has been fixed by the user (for
example: variable defined in an external exchange
array).
Mapped on a board Variable assigned to a channel on a controller
Input/Output board.
Used in SFC transition(s) or Variable used in SFC diagram transition or action.
action(s)
Used in SFC delayed action(s) Variable used in a delayed action in an SFC diagram.
Used in SFC Boolean action(s) Variable used in a Boolean action in an SFC diagram.
Used in DI-OPC Variable used in a DI-OPC.
Used in gateway Variable assigned in a Gateway.
Used in authorization gateway Variable assigned in a Gateway authorization.
used in signal recopy Variable assigned to the copy signal.
Used in order recopy Variable assigned as a copy order.
Used in another project Variable used in another project (multi-project).
Description of the buttons:
 The Initial Order button is used to put the variables in their initial order i.e in the order they
are listed in the variable grid.
 The Select All button is used to select all the variables in the list for analysis. The user may
select only a part of the variables for analysis, but in this case each variable to be analysed
must be checked individually in the column Purge.
 The Clear All button is used to deselect all variables of the list with the Purge box checked.
The user can deselect only a part of the variables but each variable that is not to be
analysed must be unchecked individually
 The Analyse button starts an analysis of the variables listed to check whether they are used
or not. At the end of the analysis, the variables are defined as used ( Used box checked) or
that can be cleared (Purge box checked). When a variable is defined as used (Used), a
message detailing the use of the variable is shown in the State column (variable used in an
FBD diagram, consumed in an HMI DB object etc.).
 The Purge button triggers the purge of the variables. Clicking on this button definitively
deletes from the project the variables that have the Purge box checked. This button is only
activated after the analysis is completed.
 The Save as… button is used to save the result of the analysis of the variables in the list. This
button is only activated after the analysis is completed.
 The Cancel button is used to abort the purge function and close the window.
 The Help button is used to display the contextual help of the current window.
The Count zone
This is an information zone showing the number of used, unused and cleared variables. The
fields are calculated automatically in accordance with the actions performed.

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Description of the fields of the Count zone:

Type Name Description
Variables Indicates the number of variables listed after application of
all the filters and after application of the analysis.
Not used After execution of the analysis of the variables (via the
Analyse button), this field indicates the number of unused
variables among those selected, i.e. all the variables with the
Purge box checked. This value is updated as soon as the
search filters are applied, before any analysis; however the
value is not significant as it indicates that all the variables
are unused.
To purge After the variable are analysed (Analyse button), this field
indicates the number of unused variables to be cleared. The
value is updated, before any analysis, in accordance with the
action on the Select All and Clear All buttons, but its value is not
significant as it indicates that all the variables are unused
(Select All) or no variables are unused (Clear All).

2.2.4.2 Criteria for declaring used variables

A variable is said to be used in a Controcad project when it satisfies to at least one of the
following criteria:
 The variable is not in the initial list produced by the filter specified by the user,
 The variable is the parent of a used variable,
 The variable is a dependent of a used non-modulate MV with at least one field used,
 The variable is an exchange array,
 The variable has a forced address (e.g. a variable mapped to an external table),
 The variable is mapped on an input/output channel,
 The variable is used in an SFC transition or action,
 The variable specifies an SFC action timeout,
 The variable is an SFC Boolean action,
 The variable is mapped to an FB input or output in an FBD,
 The variable names an FB,
 The variable consumes an HMI object,
 The variable is consumed by an HMI object,
 The variable is used in a command authorization,
 The variable is a DhBSig or a ShBSig.
If, when the MV processing extension is created, it consumes a variable W that is dependent
on this MV, W will never be detected as unused (even though it serves no purpose) as it is
consumed by this MV.

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Example: In the case of a SEQ_FG_V model MV, none of the variables composing the MV will
be detected as unused even if the MV in its entirety is not used.
Any variable that does not participate in Historian processing is not detected as unused. The
same is true for a variable that belongs to a function of SYSTEM type.

2.2.4.3 Operating mode of the function

To clear the unused variables from the project, execute the following actions:
 Define which level of the tree is to be cleared by applying the appropriate search filter.
 Decide whether or not to clear the HMI and I/O variables by checking the Without HMI
Variables and/or Without Input/Output Variables boxes, noting that certain criteria will not
show whether these variables are really used or not (variables in mimics, in Historian and
in PRISCA).
 Apply the filter chosen by clicking on the Add button. The user can enter several filter values
by clicking successively on Add after each new choice. The result of applying each filter will
be shown in the lower part of the Purge window.
The filters applied in the "Variable Name Like" zone are cumulative. The list of variables
displayed in the lower part of the Purge window is added to as the different values in the
"Variable Name Like" filter are applied. All the variables present respond to the filters as
they are successively applied. The user can click Cancel at any time but the selection will be
lost as this action aborts the purge function.
 Select the variables to be analyzed for clearance: either by clicking on Select All or by
individual selection. In the list of the variables displayed the user can check or uncheck the
Purge box of each variable in accordance with the choice "Conserve" or "Delete if
considered unused".
The user can also use the Clear All and Invert buttons to modify the list of variables to be
analysed.
 Run the variable analysis by clicking on Analysis button: the analysis updates the list of the
variables in accordance with the criteria for the use of each variable. The user may then
choose to conclude the analysis by conserving the clearable variables, and therefore
uncheck their Purge boxes.
 Alternately, the user can choose to save the result of the analysis in a file; the presentation
format of this file can be chosen from the options in the pull-down menu of the backup file
selection window: CSV, Excel, HTML, text etc.
If the user wishes to ensure that the purge will not destroy variables that may be required
at a later date, he can at this stage save the result of the analysis in a file, abort the
function by Cancel and consult the file. The purge can then be rerun later.
 Clear variables by clicking on the Purge button: this starts a session in which each variable
with a checked Purge box will be deleted. A screen is displayed to prompt user
confirmation the clearance operation.

2.2.5 Creating POUs and associating diagrams

The List of POU option, accessible from the contextual menu associated to the project or from
the Configuration menu, opens the POU creation window.

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The fields POU name, Label, Type, Period, Phase and Redundancy can be modified.
A program contains application code to be loaded into a controller. The program is defined by
associating the POUs that themselves are defined by linking the diagrams.

Note: A POU may be an FBD type POU (which contains only FBDs) or an SFC type POU (which must contain
all the SFC diagrams linked to the FBDs called by the actions of the SFC diagrams of the POU).

The following contextual menu is associated to each FBD POU in the Master window:

Description of the options:

Insert After is used to insert a new POU after the selected POU.
Delete is used to delete the selected POU.
Affectation displays the workspace(s) in which the selected POU is assigned (cf. 2.2.6,POU
Affectation).
Filter... applies a filter to the POU list (cf. 3.12,Filtering a Grid of Variables).
The following contextual menu is associated to each SFC POU in the Master window:

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Description of the options:

Insert After is used to insert a new POU after the selected POU.
Delete is used to delete the selected POU.
Affectation displays the workspaces in which the selected POU is assigned (cf. 2.2.6,POU
Affectation).
Generate LEA code translates the SFCs of the SFC POU into LEA code (this action is not necessary
to generate the target code).
Before running the generation, the application tests the completeness of the SFC
and the consistency of the POU SFC.
The SFCs are complete if:
 For each Boolean action, the variable is correctly entered.
 For each FBD action, the name of the FBD is correctly entered.
 For each L or D type action, the time is clearly input, either by an existing word type
variable (not deleted), or by a not null integer constant.
 For each forcing order, the forced diagram is clearly input.
 All the expressions are correctly input, i.e. if there are no invalid expressions.
 For each expression, the variables are correctly input.
The POU SFCs are consistent if:
 All the forced and forcing SFCs are in the same POU.
 There is no forcing loop in the SFC (cf. 5.4.4.3,Forcing Order Rules).
 All the SFCs having common FBDs or Boolean actions belong to the POU.
 All the FBDs that are actions of a POU SFC belong to the POU.
 All the SFCs owning a POU FBD action belong to the POU.
 An FBD that is not an action of a POU SFC does not belong to the POU.
 All the SFCs whose step (_X) or elapsed time (_T) variables are used in the POU SFC
conditions (transition or action) belong to the POU.
 All the SFCs used in the POU SFC conditions (transition or action) of the step (_X) or elapsed
time (_T) variables belong to the POU.

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 All the SFCs whose elapsed time variables (_T) are used to specify the POU SFC action time
(transmission phase D or L) belong to the POU.
 All the SFCs used to specify the action time (transmission phase D or L) of the POU SFC
elapsed time variables (_T) belong to the POU.
If one of the tests fails, the LEA code is not generated, and a window shows the diagrams that
pose a problem.
LEA code displays the LEA code previously generated in read only mode.
The LEA code generated for an SFC POU translates the following cyclical behavior:
1. Read inputs.
2. Calculation of the clearability of the transitions.
3. Update of the situation (assessment of the activity of each step with integration of
forcing orders).
4. Transmission of Boolean actions.
5. Execution of FBD actions.
6. Transmission of the outputs.
Check SFC Consistency :(cf. 2.4.9,SFC diagram completeness)
Actions for associated POU: (cf. 2.4.10,Displaying the Boolean Actions and FBDs of an SFC POU)
Forcing order priority: displays the forcing orders of the POU and is used to modify priorities in
case of multiple forcing orders on a diagram.

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A filter is used to display only the SFCs forced by several other SFCs (Only SFC forced with
multiple SFC).
The master window lists the forced SFCs of the POU with their access path/long name (and
short name).
The Detail window lists each of the forcing orders on the diagram selected in the master
window with the access path/long name (and short name) of the forcing diagram, the
transmission step of the forcing order, the transmission phase (N or P1) and the list of the
forced steps.
In the case of multiple forcing orders, priority orders are modified by dragging & dropping the
icon representing a hand associated to each forcing order. The order with the highest priority
is at the top of the list.
Filter... applies a filter to the POU list.
The following contextual menu is associated to the Detail window of the selected POU:

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Associate diagram is used to associate a diagram to the POU selected.

Dissociate diagram is used to dissociate a diagram from the POU selected.

Note: The diagram can only be assigned to a POU after the POU is saved.
The diagram can be assigned by drag/drop.
The order of the diagrams assigned can be modified by drag/drop.

2.2.6 POU Affectation

Clicking the Affectation option of the contextual menu associated to the List of POU window
opens the following window:

This window displays the workspace(s) to which the selected POU is assigned.
Description of the fields:
Type Name Description
POU Name Name of the POU.
Workspace Workspace to which the POU is assigned.
Controller Name of the controller to which the POU is
associated.
Program Name Name of the program to which the POU is
associated.
Exec. Num. Order number of execution of the POU in the
program.
Description of the buttons:
 The Cancel button is used to close the window.
 The Help button is used to display the contextual help of the current window.
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2.2.7 The search function

The search function is accessible at all levels of the functional tree via the Find option.

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Search String Used to specify the character string to be searched.
In Function Names Search in variable short names.
In Object Names Search in object short names.
In Diagram Names Search in diagram short names.
In Variable IDs Search in variable IDs.
In Diagram Comments Search in diagram comments.
In Variable Comments Search in variable comments.
Description of the buttons:
 The Ok button is used to start the search function.
 The Cancel button is used to abort the function.
 The Help button is used to display the contextual help of the current window.

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2.2.8 Results of a Search

The search is performed from the current level for all the levels below.

This window shows a list of the elements containing the string being searched for. The
functions and diagrams are preceded by their usual icons.
Double click an element to select it and to open the diagram or the variable grid depending
on the case.

2.2.9 Common Parameters Configuration Window

Clicking on the Edit Common Parameters option opens the following window:

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Default SFC Time Unit (ms) Indicates the default value of the time unit used for
timeout variables of SFC diagrams.
Grid Maximum Lines Indicates the maximum number of lines in the

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Type Name Description

variables grid.
Name Separator for Cross Indicates the separator displayed in the result of a
Reference Cross Reference.
Ticket Format Indicates the size of the ticket which displays the
characteristics of a variable during its utilization in
the diagram (cf. 4.3.10,Positioning a Variable Input
Ticket)
Description of the buttons:
 The Ok button closes the window by saving the input.
 The Cancel button is used to abort the input without saving.
 The Help button is used to display the contextual help of the current window.

2.2.10 Filter Window

Clicking on the Application Variables > Filter option opens the following window:

The screen is composed of a DB Filter tab which is used to apply a filter to all the variables in
the database. The screen is identical to variable grid filter window (cf. 3.12,Filtering a Grid of
Variables).

2.2.11 Find & Modify function

This function has been developed to allow displaying one or more variables whose ID
corresponds to a pattern input by the user.

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This restricted view of variables allows the user to quickly access a variable in order to edit it
and also to reduce backup times of the grid.
This search and modification function is available:
 At all levels of the functional tree using the shortcut Ctrl + M.
 In the Project contextual menu using the Application Variables > Find & Modify item.
Clicking on the Find & Modify option opens the following window:

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Search Variable IDs Used to specify the character string to
be searched in the ID of the variables;
Description of the buttons:
 The Ok button is used to start the search function.
 The Cancel button is used to abort the function.
 The Help button is used to display the contextual help of the current window.
The search is performed from the high level of the functional tree view.

After confirming by Ok, the variables corresponding to the filter are displayed in the grid
variables.
The variables belonging to a MV are displayed along with all the variables which belong to the
complete structure of the MV. These MV are displayed unfolded.
The first row for the search term is highlighted in blue.
The number of variables to display should not exceed the authorized number of
variables in the grid.
The changes authorized on the variables are defined according to the type of the
variable and to the user level

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2.2.12 Configuring Logical Devices (IEC61850)

Clicking the Configure Logical Devices ... option opens the following window:

This window is used to configure an IEC61850 functional architecture. It is part of the steps for
configuring the IEC61850 function on ALSPA CE1500 controllers.
Refer to [CCAD_CE61850] for more information about the configuration steps of the
IEC61850 function (in § 1.7 List of Referenced Documents).
The window is divided in four parts:
1. Left side: list of the declared IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices) and logical device
structure.
This tree structure consists of a root node representing the IEC61850 IED configuration
and the project IEDs.
2. Middle : functional structure tree.
This tree structure is used to declare the functional nodes of the project (substation,
bays...) and to create Logical Nodes.
3. Right side: properties panel.
The properties panel displays the properties of the selected node. These properties can
be edited.
4. Bottom: variable grid.
The variable grid displays the variables of the logical node selected in the functional
structure tree (data objects and data attributes mapped in Controcad variables).
For detailed information about the configuration of an IEC61850 functional
architecture, see [CCAD_CE61850] (in § 1.7 List of Referenced Documents).

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2.3 Function

This chapter presents the function level of the functional tree.

2.3.1 New Function / Properties

A function can be created from the Project or Function elements. The function is created in
the tree below the element from which the creation is requested.
Clicking on this option opens the following window:

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Function or Diagram or Used to select the creation of a function, diagram or
Object object.
Type Type of function. The list shown is the one defined
via the Configuration > Function Type option (see
[CCAD_INTRO] (in § 1.7 List of Referenced
Documents). The function will be created with the
icon associated to the type via this same option.
Name Name of the function. It must be unique in the set of
the functions placed below the same element. It
identifies the function in its tree’s level.
Label Label of the function.
Short Name Identifies the function. The concatenation of the
short name of the function with its mother functions

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Type Name Description

must be unique in the project.
Short HMI Name Is used for the OPC item setting.
SE Indicates whether or not the function is an
elementary system.
Owner Indicates whether or not the function can be a
variable owner.
HMI DB List of the HMI databases associated to the
function. It is possible to assign the variables of this
function to the selected HMI DB. If it is an OU
function, it will be present in all the HMI DBs
checked.
HMI DB for variables List of the HMI DBs associated by default during the
creation of variables. This list must be a subset of
the HMI DB field.
Description of the buttons:
 The Ok button creates the function with given name and closes the window.
 The Cancel button is used to discard the changes and close the window.
 The Help button displays contextual help for the window.
A non-owner variable function cannot contain variables, and has no direct access
to the variable grid. A variable owner function can no longer be declared as a non-
owner if variables have already been created.
The short name is mandatory if the function is a variable owner. It enables the
generation of the process ID of the variables. It can be modified. Any modification
will affect the variables created.

When a function is deleted, all its descendents are destroyed (including variables).

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2.3.2 Contextual menu of a Function

Description of the options:

Item Description
Properties Provides the characteristics of the function (cf. 2.3.1,New
Function / Properties).
New Creates a function or a diagram below the function (cf.
2.3.1,New Function / Properties).
Delete Function Deletes the function.
Cut Cuts the function.
Paste Pastes the function.
Find Opens a search window for functions, diagrams or variables
etc.(cf. 2.2.7,The search function).
Documentation Is used to manage the documentation of the function.
Functional Export… Executes the functional export window (cf. 2.2.2,Exporting a
function).
Functional Import… Executes the functional import window (cf. 2.2.3,Importing a
function).
Application Variables Opens a variable grid.
 Arrangement Current Displays the variables associated with the selected function.
Level
 Arrangement Sub- Displays the variables associated with the selected function
levels and the functions under it.
 Owner Current Level Displays the variables whose owner is the selected function.

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Item Description

 Owner Sub-levels Displays the variables whose owner is the selected function
or the functions under it.
Edit Linked Documents Is used to configure the link with a document; different types
of document may be configured (.doc, .mpg, .html URL etc.).
Display Linked Documents Is used to display linked documents.
Configure Logical Devices For projects with CE1500 controllers configured on a
... IEC61850 network.
This item is used to build a functional IEC61850 architecture
(cf. 2.2.12,Configuring Logical Devices (IEC61850)).

2.3.3 Movement/Merging of Functional Data

A function and its dependents or an FBD can be moved using the Cut command on the
element to be moved then the Paste command after placing the cursor on the destination
node of the element being moved.
When the element is pasted, the following window opens:

This window is used to select the type of merging to be executed when the elements cut are
present in both the source context and the destination context.
Description of the fields:
Type Name Description
Replace only master data Only the data explicitly exported and produced in
the functions/diagrams exported will be
replaced.
Replace all data All the existing data will be replaced by the
incoming data.
Description of the buttons:
 The Ok button executes the movement/merging in compliance with the option chosen and
closes the window.
 The Cancel button is used to cancel the movement/merging.

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 The Help button displays contextual help for the window.

A report is generated at the end of the relocation to show whether the operation has been
executed correctly or not.
If the movement is possible the report contains:
 A list of the merged variables,
 A list of the variables that have simply been moved,
 The "warnings" detected during the merge.
If the movement is not possible the report contains:
 A list of system errors,
 A list of application blocking errors.
When this process is complete, the user can decide whether or not to abort the operation.

2.4 Diagram

There are three types of diagrams:

 FBD: Functional Block Diagrams
 SFC: Sequential Function Chart diagrams
 HLD: High Level Diagrams, which are part of the FBDs.
This chapter presents the diagrams as seen from the functional tree.

2.4.1 Creating a diagram

The user can create 3 types of diagram: FBD, SFC and HLD.
A diagram is created from the function elements via the New option.
The diagram is created in the tree below the function from which the creation has been
requested.

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Clicking on this option opens the following window:

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Function or Diagram or Used to create a function, a diagram or an object.
Object
Type The types of diagram available are FBD, SFC and
HLD (by default, the type is set to FBD).
Name Name of the diagram. It must be unique in the
function.
Short Name Short name of the diagram. The short name is
mandatory as it enables the generation of the
process ID of the internal variables. It also acts as
an internal variables owner (cf. example above).
Any modification of the short name affects the
variables created.
Label Label of the diagram.
POU Name of the POU in which the diagram is located
followed by its row in the POU.
Description of the buttons:
 The Ok button creates the diagram with given name under selected function and closes the
window.

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 The Cancel button is used to discard the changes and close the window.
 The Help button displays contextual help for the window.

2.4.2 Contextual menu of an FBD

The following contextual menu is associated to the FBD element in the Function tree:

Description of the options:

Item Description
Properties Provides the characteristics of the diagram (cf.
2.4.5,Properties of a diagram).
Delete Diagram Deletes the diagram.

When a diagram is deleted its internal variables and

the variables it owns are destroyed.
Cut Cuts the diagram.
Copy Copies the diagram identically without renaming the
variables.
Find Opens a search window for functions, diagrams or
variables etc. (cf. 2.2.7,The search function)

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Item Description
Documentation Is used to manage the documentation of the diagram.
Functional Export… Executes the functional export window(cf. 2.2.2,Exporting a
function).
Functional Import… Executes the functional import window(cf. 2.2.3,Importing a
function)
Application Variables
Arrangement Current Level Displays the variables associated with the selected
diagram
Owner Current Level Displays the variables whose owner is the selected
diagram.
Assigned Variables Displays the variables used in the diagram.
FBD Local Variables Displays the local variables of the FBD.
Assigned Variables & FBD Displays the variables used in the diagram and the local
Local Variables variables of the FBD.
Open Diagram Opens the diagram in the diagram editor.
Find in List of POU Displays the window to create POU and indicates in blue
color the POU and the diagram in the POU. If diagram has
no associated POU, a message box is displayed.
Code Displays the code of the diagram (cf. 2.4.7,Code of an FBD).
Edit Linked Documents Is used to configure the link with a document; different
types of document may be configured (.doc, .mpg, .html
URL etc.).
Display Linked Documents Used to display linked documents.
FB Used Is used to display the type and number of functional blocks
used in a diagram (cf. 2.4.8,FBD Functional Block
Consumption).
Cross References Displays the variables belonging to the diagram and used
in other diagrams; displays the list of SFC diagrams calling
the diagram designated as an FBD action(cf. 2.4.11.1,FBD
Cross References).
Configure Logical Devices ... For projects with CE1500 controllers configured on a
IEC61850 network.
This item is used to build a functional IEC61850
architecture (cf. 2.2.12,Configuring Logical Devices
(IEC61850)).

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2.4.3 Contextual menu of an SFC diagram

The following contextual menu is associated to the SFC diagram element in the Function tree:

Description of the options:

Item Description
Properties Provides the characteristics of the diagram (cf.
2.4.1,Creating a diagram).
Delete Diagram Deletes the diagram.

When a diagram is deleted, its internal variables

and the variables that it owns are destroyed.
Cut Cuts the diagram.
Copy Not available.
Find Opens a search window for functions, diagrams or
variables etc. (cf. 2.2.7,The search function)
Documentation Is used to manage the documentation of the diagram.
Functional Export… Executes the functional export window(cf. 2.2.2,Exporting
a function).
Functional Import… Executes the functional import window(cf. 2.2.3,Importing

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Item Description
a function).
Application Variables
Arrangement Current Level Displays the variables associated with the selected
diagram
Owner Current Level Displays the variables whose owner is the selected
diagram.
Assigned Variables Displays the variables used in the diagram.
Step Variables Displays a list of variables active in the SFC steps.
Open Diagram Opens the diagram in the diagram editor.
Find in List of POU Displays the window to create POU and indicates in blue
color the POU and the diagram in the POU. If diagram has
no associated POU, a message box is displayed.
Edit Linked Documents Is used to configure the link with a document; different
types of document may be configured (.doc, .mpg, .html
URL etc.).
Display Linked Documents Is used to display linked documents.
Check SFC Consistency Used to display incomplete or invalid SFC steps. (cf.
2.4.9,SFC diagram completeness)
Actions for associated POU Used to display all the Boolean actions and FBD actions of
the POU containing the SFC. (cf. 2.4.10,Displaying the
Boolean Actions and FBDs of an SFC POU)
Cross References Displays the variables belonging to the diagram and used
in other diagrams; displays the list of step variables of the
diagram used in other diagrams (cf. 2.4.11.2,SFC Cross
References).
Configure Logical Devices ... For projects with CE1500 controllers configured on a
IEC61850 network.
This item is used to build a functional IEC61850
architecture (cf. 2.2.12,Configuring Logical Devices
(IEC61850)).

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2.4.4 Contextual menu of an HLD

The following contextual menu is associated to high level diagrams in the Function tree:

Description of the options:

Item Description
Properties Opens the properties window of the HLD.
If the element is in the extracted state, the HLD definition
can be modified.
Delete Diagram Deletes the HLD, if it is not in use.
This option is not available if the element is extracted or
hidden.
Cut Cuts the element.
Copy Copies the element
Paste Pastes the element that has been previously cut .
Find Opens a search window for functions, diagrams or
variables etc. (cf. 2.2.7,The search function)
Documentation Is used to manage the documentation of the diagram.
Functional Export Executes the functional export window(cf. 2.2.2,Exporting
a function).
Functional Import Executes the functional import window(cf. 2.2.3,Importing
a function).
Application Variables Opens a variables grid.
Open Diagram Opens the diagram in the diagram editor.

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Item Description

The HLD editor is yellow while the FBD and SFC editors are
grey.
Edit Linked Documents Allows the user to configure the link with a document of
different types (.doc, .mpg, .html, URL, …).
Display Linked Documents Allows the user to view the linked documents.
Configure Logical Devices ... For projects with CE1500 controllers configured on a
IEC61850 network.
This item is used to build a functional IEC61850
architecture (cf. 2.2.12,Configuring Logical Devices
(IEC61850)).

The following rules must be observed to enable project (or part of a project)
imports/exports to manage associated file type documents fully.
Files to be associated to the controllers must be located on the server in the
following tree in the project directory (xxxlog):
//<server UNC name>/P320Share/Ccad/<xxxlog>/docuser/Lib
The association must be executed using the UNC name of the server.

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2.4.5 Properties of a diagram

Click the Properties option of a diagram contextual menu to open the window below:

Description of the fields:

The Type, Name, Label and Short Name fields are defined in the previous section (cf. 2.4.1,Creating
a diagram).
Type Name Description
POU Name of the POU in which the diagram is located followed
by its row in the POU and an execution number.
Version Indicates the diagram version number. This number is
incremented each time a modification to the diagram is
saved.

The version of the diagrams can be reset by clicking

Advanced Configuration > Reset Diagrams Version in the project
contextual menu (cf. 2.2.1,Contextual menu of a Project).
Date Indicates the date of the latest diagram version.
Tested by Shows the name and the date of the last person to have
tested the diagram (only in FBD).
Status of Test Status of the diagram test (only in FBD):
None: Not tested

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Type Name Description

Partially tested: Tested in part

Only FB are tested: Only the FBs tested
Completely tested: Tested completely
Description of the buttons:
 The Ok button saves changes in the diagram property and closes the window.
 The Cancel button is used to discard the changes and close the window.
 The Help button displays contextual help for the window.
During a diagram edit session, the version number is only incremented once. If the
user saves the diagram more than once during the session the version number is
only incremented by the first save.

2.4.6 Duplicating a diagram

The diagrams in the function tree can be duplicated via a copy/paste operation.
When the user copies and pastes a diagram, the following window opens:

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
New diagram name Used to give a new name to the diagram duplicated.
This name must be unique in the function in which
the diagram is placed.
Description of the buttons:
 The Ok button is used to validate the copy of the diagram.
 The Cancel button is used to cancel the copy of the diagram
 The Help button displays contextual help for the window.

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2.4.7 Code of an FBD

The Code option opens a window in consult mode displaying the code of the FBD:

Each line of code is identified by a number that corresponds to the execution order number of
the component in the diagram. If a component does not produce any code, the line exists but
is empty. The Error column shows the number of errors on the line.
The Save as button is used to save these lines of code.
The Close button is used to close the window.
Note: The diagram code is produced by Controcad when the diagram is saved in the diagram editor. This
option is used to determine why the diagram code is not correct.

2.4.8 FBD Functional Block Consumption

The FB Used option opens a window displaying (in read-only mode) the type and number of the
functional blocks consumed in the diagram selected.

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Description of the buttons:

 The OK button closes the window.
 The Help button displays contextual help for the window.

2.4.9 SFC diagram completeness

The Check SFC Consistency option opens a window in read only mode showing any incomplete or
inconsistent steps and conditions of the SFC diagram.

Description of the fields:

Uncompleted actions: lists all the incomplete actions showing the transmission step number, the
phase and the associated operation (cf. 5.4.4.2.1,Boolean or FBD Action).

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Uncompleted conditions: lists all of the invalid conditions showing the type of condition (transition
or action condition) and the transition number or the transmission step of the associated
action.

2.4.10 Displaying the Boolean Actions and FBDs of an SFC POU

The Actions for associated POU option opens a window in read only mode showing all the Boolean
actions and FBD actions of the POU containing the SFC diagram.

A filter can be used to display only the actions transmitted by more than one step ( Only actions
with multiple senders).
The master window lists each of the Boolean variables and the FBDs called in actions,
showing their full name and the type of action (Boolean or FBD).
The detail window lists the SFC diagrams transmitting the action selected in the master
window, showing the full name of the diagram (long and short), the transmission step number,
the phase and the operation of the action (and time for a phase L or D action – (cf.
5.4.4.2.1,Boolean or FBD Action)).

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2.4.11 Cross References

2.4.11.1 FBD Cross References

The FBD Cross References option opens a window in read only mode showing the variables that
belong to the diagram and used in other diagrams, as well as the list of SFC diagrams calling
the diagram designated as an FBD action.

Description of the fields:

The FBD variables used in other diagrams field lists each the variables of the diagram used in other
diagrams, with the complete variable name, the long (and short) name of the diagram that
consumes it, the diagram type (FBD or SFC) and the origin of the diagram (Function tree or
Hardware tree).
The FBD used as action in SFC field lists the SFC diagrams calling a diagram designated as an FBD
action with the long (and short) name of the diagram and the number of the step transmitting
the FBD action.

2.4.11.2 SFC Cross References

The SFC Cross References option opens a window in read only mode showing the variables
belonging to the diagram and used in other diagrams, including step variables (activity and
elapsed time), as well a the list of forcing orders on the diagram.

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The SFC variables used in other diagrams field lists the diagram variables used in other diagrams,
showing the full variable name, the long (and short) name of the diagram where it is
consumed, the diagram type (FBD or SFC) and the origin of the diagram (Function tree or
Hardware tree).
The Step variables used in other diagrams field lists the step variables of the diagram used in the
other diagrams, showing the step number, the variable type (activity X or time T), the long
(and short) name of the consumer diagram, the diagram type (FBD or SFC) and the origin of
the diagram (Function tree or Hardware tree).
An SFC diagram can only originate from the functions tree. An FBD can originate from either
the functional or hardware architecture. Normally this occurs when the FBD has been
modified since the last generation.
The Forcing orders emitted by field lists each the forced values on the diagram with the long (and
short) name of the forcing diagram and the forcing step in the forcing diagram.

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2.4.11.3 HLD Cross References

In the Lib tab, select the Cross References item of the HLD contextual menu to open the Cross
References of the Component window.

The Functional Diagrams tab displays the diagrams used in the selected element of all the
diagrams of the functional tree.
The Workspace Diagrams tab displays the diagrams used in the selected element of the
hardware tree.
Description of the buttons:
 The Ok button closes the window.
 The Help button displays contextual help for the window.

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2.5 Object

2.5.1 Creating an object

Click the New option of the contextual menu associated to a function to open the New/Properties
window.

Description of the fields:

Type Object Description
Type Type of the model used to create the object.
Name Identifier of the object which is unique in the project.
Label Label of the object.
Author Author of the object.

The name of the author corresponds to the name of

the user connected to Controcad.
Description of the buttons:
 The Ok button confirms the user’s choice and creates a new object.
 The Cancel button is used to discard the changes and close the window.
 The Help button displays contextual help for the window.

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2.5.2 Contextual menu of an object

The contextual menu associated to an object is the following:

Description of the options:

Option Description
Properties Displays the characteristics of the object (cf.
2.5.3,Properties of an object).
Delete Deletes the current object in the function tree.
Copy Copies the object identically.
Cut Cuts the element. The icon of the cut element appears
greyed.
Paste Pastes the element previously cut.
Find Opens a search window for functions, diagrams or
variables (cf. 2.2.7,The search function).
Application variables
Object variables Visualizes the variables associated to the object.
Edit Linked Documents Is used to configure the link with documents (.doc, .mpg,
.html, URL...).
Display Linked Documents Is used to visualize linked documents.
Configure Logical Devices ... For projects with CE1500 controllers configured on a
IEC61850 network.
This item is used to build a functional IEC61850
architecture (cf. 2.2.12,Configuring Logical Devices
(IEC61850)).

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When deleting an object, the object is deleted but not the elements which are
composed of it.

2.5.3 Properties of an object

Select the Properties option or double-click an object to open the following window.

Description of the fields:

Object header part
Type Objet Description
Model Name of the model used to create the object.
Name Identifier of the object which is unique in the project.
Label Label of the object.
Author Author of the object.
Date Date of the last modification of the object.
Version Version of the object.
Status Status of the object
’Valid’
’To be corrected’ -> status after the deletion of a diagram, a
view or a variable referenced by the object.
’To be proved’ -> status after the creation of the object or
after the broadcast of a model.

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FBD Diagram part

Type Objet Description
Path Path of the function containing the diagram.
Name Name of the diagram. It has to be unique in the function that
contains it.
Short Name Short identifier of the diagram. It is mandatory because it
enables the generation of the process ID of internal
variables. It is also used to play the role of internal variables
owner. It can be modified with an effect on owner variables
of the diagram.
Label Label of the diagram.
List of Functional Blocks part
Type Objet Description
Select Is used to select the FB to create in the object.
By default, all the FBs defined in the model are selected.

Selected FBs that have the field ’FB put in Diagram’

unchecked are not put in the diagram.
FB put in Indicates that the FB is put in the diagram linked to the
Diagram object.
FB Type of the FB put in the diagram.
Tag Identifier of the FB in the object model that is used to make a
difference between FBs with each other and define the role
of each one.
Update Existant Used to update the FBs following modifications.
FB
Remove Used to remove the unselected FBs from the object.
Unselected FB
Variables part
Type Objet Description
Select Is used to select the variables to create in the object.
By default, all the variables defined in the model are
selected.
Tag Identifier of the variables models that are used to make a
difference between each other and to define the role of each
one.
Library Path and name of the library containing the variable model.

This field is not modifiable if this variable model

doesn’t correspond to a type of base (boolean, integer, …) or
the ’VARIANT’ model.

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Type Objet Description

Variable Model Model used to create the variable.

This field is not modifiable and initialized with the

variable model defined in the object model, This field is not
modifiable if this variable model doesn’t correspond to a
type of base (boolean, integer, …) or the ’VARIANT’ model.
On the contrary, the user has to input it. The variable models
listed belong to the library defined in the ’Library’ field and
are compatible with the type of base referenced in the
’Model’ field when it is input.
Description of the buttons:
 The Select Diagram… button is used to select a name of existing diagram.
 The Update Variables button is used to update information linked to variables.
 The OK button confirms the user's choice and closes the window.
 The Cancel button is used to abort the input and quit the function.
 The Help button is used to display contextual help for this screen.
 The Apply button confirms the choice without closing the window.

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Section 3 Variable Management

Application variables are managed via the variable grid.

The actions on this set of variables are accessed by the user via the contextual menu options.
A variable is defined by a set of characteristics such as its name, its thresholds, its exchange
classes, etc. Some of these characteristics can be modified by the user.
All variables are created from a variable model. The model chosen defines the default values
of the variable characteristics. Modifiable values can then be modified by the user.

3.1 Kinds of Variables

There are two kinds of variables in Controcad: simple variables and multiple variables. They come
from the Simple Variable Models (SVM) and Multiple Variable Models (MVM) respectively.
 Single variables: these are independent variables.
 Multiple variables: a multiple variable is a structure that is used to model a group of
functionally linked application variables (e.g. a logic state and its validant, a motor or a
valve). An MVM is defined hierarchically: it is composed of a root and of a set of fields that
may be single or multi-variable models.

3.2 Variable Grid Description

This chapter is an overview of the variable grid.

3.2.1 Variable Grid Characteristics

The Application variables option in the contextual menu associated to a level of the functional
tree accesses a sub-menu used to open a variable grid.
Description of the options:
Item Description
Arrangement Current Opens a grid grouping the variables associated to the
Level selected function or diagram (available at all levels of owner).
Owner Current Level Opens a grid grouping the variables whose owner is the
selected function or diagram (available on all functions and
diagrams).
Assigned Variables Opens a grid grouping the variables used in the selected
diagram (available on all the diagrams).
FBD Local variables Opens a grid grouping the variables local to the selected FBD
(available on the FBD diagrams).
Assigned variables & FBD Opens a grid grouping local variables with variables used in
Local variables the selected FBD (available on the FBD diagrams).
Step Variables Opens a grid grouping the active step variables with the step

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Item Description
duration variables of the selected SFC diagram (available on
SFC diagrams).
Owner Sub levels Opens a grid grouping the variables whose owner is a
descendent of the selected function or the function itself
(available on functions and on the project).
Several items in the hardware tree at controller or diagram level can be used to open a
variable grid. This grid presents the same characteristics but is not modifiable.

3.2.2 Variable Grid Display

The variable grid presents the main characteristics of the variables in the form of an array.
Each of the columns can be resized and moved. Some fields in the grid are not modifiable and
appear in grey. A variable property window groups all the variable data together in a single
window (cf. 3.3,Variable Properties)
The window displays as shown below:

General display:
The main characteristics of all single variables and higher level multiple variable "headers" are
shown in boldface (Root MV, Kind, Model, Owner ID, variable name).
Multiple variables:
Multiple variables are presented in the form of a tree which is collapsed when the grid is
opened. Only the higher level headers of the multiple variables are visible. Click the
collapse/expand icon (column without header) to open or close the multiple variable.
The icon indicates that the multiple variable is expanded.
The icon indicates that the multiple variable is collapsed.
Multiple selection:
Several variables can be selected to undergo the same operation (e.g. delete).
 For a non-consecutive multiple selection, the Ctrl key must be kept pressed and the desired
lines selected.
 For a consecutive multiple selection, click the first variable in the list then depress the SHIFT
key and click the last.

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Fragmentation of the grid:

The grid can be divided into 2 parts separated by a vertical line. The 2 parts of the grid can be
scrolled independently. This is convenient to display the IDs of the variables in the left-hand
part and the other characteristics in the right-hand part. The grid is divided by means of the
black slider located at the lower left of the grid.
Example of a split grid:

3.2.3 Contextual Menu of the Variable Grid

Description of the options:

Item Description
Properties Opens the Properties window of the selected variable. (cf.
3.3,Variable Properties)
New
– Create Opens the variable creation window. (cf. 3.4,Creating a
Variable)
– Single Duplication Duplicates all the properties of the variable except its name.
This is used to reproduce the variable exactly and to change
its name.
– Duplication Used to do a multiple duplication of the variable. (cf.
3.4,Creating a Variable)
Save Saves the variable grid in the database. The option is only
active if a modification has been done.
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Item Description
Refresh variable Updates the selected variable(s). Displays the data of the
variable(s) in the database and deletes the modifications of
any variables that have not been saved.
Delete Deletes the selected variable(s).
Assign to diagram Selects the variable to be placed in an FBD diagram. In the
diagram editor, the Assign menu option is used to assign a
variable to a component argument.
Cross References Displays the cross references of the selected variable.
From Functional Searches the functional tree and displays:
Architecture…
the diagrams and components consuming and/or producing
the variable,
the input/output boards and external exchange arrays to
which the variable is assigned (cf. 3.9.1,Cross References from
Functional Architecture).
From Current Searches the hardware tree and displays:
Workspace…
the diagrams and components consuming and/or producing
the variable,
the input/output boards and external exchange arrays to
which the variable is assigned (cf. 3.9.2,Cross References from
Current Workspace).
Exchanges… Used to obtain an overview of the utilization of the variable,
and its addresses in the controllers (cf. 3.10,Exchanges).
Manage MV
Link Used to attach a single or multiple variable to a multiple
variable (cf. 3.8.1,Attaching a Variable to a Multiple Variable).
Unlink This action is the opposite operation to attachment. It causes
the selected variable to be detached. Confirmation is
requested from the user.
AddMVMField Used to complete an incomplete multiple variable (cf.
3.8.2,Completing an MVM).
Hierarchy Displays the hierarchy of the multiple variable (cf.
3.8.3,Hierarchy).
Edit

– Find Opens the search window for variables in the grid (cf.
3.11,Finding and Replacing a Variable).
– Replace Opens the search and replace window for variables in the grid
(cf. 3.11,Finding and Replacing a Variable).
– Filter Opens the filter window for variables in the variable grid (cf.
3.12,Filtering a Grid of Variables).
– Collapse Grid Collapses all the multiple variables in the variable grid.
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Item Description

– Expand Grid Expands all the multiple variables in the variable grid.
– Export Grid Exports the grid in text format. Opens a Windows browser to
choose the export location.
The F11 key saves the grid in the file CcadLastPrint.txt
temporary directory P320/exe/ tmp/.
– Copy ID Copies the ID (Owner + variable name) of the variable in the
clipboard.
Array Initial Value Opens the configuration window of the initial values of the
selected variable array(s) (cf. 3.7,Initialising a table variable).

3.3 Variable Properties

A variable is defined by its characteristic sets. A first set describes the general characteristics
of the variable. Other sets describe characteristics specific to the variable for the control room
HMI.
Each of these sets is represented in the variable properties window in the form of a tab.
Item Description

Shows the general characteristics (cf. 3.3.1,General tab).

Defines the Historian properties of the variable (cf.

3.3.2,Historian Tab ).
Associates command authorization variables, variable
thresholds etc. for HMI control room (cf. 3.3.3,Associated
Signals Tab ).
Defines the calculations for the HMI control room such as
averages, counters, derived values etc.(cf. 3.3.4,Compute Tab ).
Defines messages for the HMI control room multi-state
variables (cf. 3.3.5,Message Tab ).
It is almost always necessary to complete the definition of a variable that is recognized by the
HMI control room . This additional information depends on the nature of the variable as seen
from the HMI. Only the tabs that are significant for the variable are shown in the Properties
window.
The HMI control room tabs recognize the variables that are actually saved in the
database and that are assigned to HMI databases. The variables that have just
been created in the grid but that have not yet been saved do not have a HMI
control room tab. To display the tab, save the grid.
The variable properties window is accessed by selecting the variable in the grid, then by
clicking on the Properties option in the contextual menu of the grid or of the Controcad general
Edit menu or by double-clicking on the variable. The window is synchronized with the grid
which means that the variable displayed in the window always corresponds to the current
line of the grid.

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The modification of a characteristic can result in the update of other characteristics

of the same variable or of other variables (e.g. VM).
Description of the 3 buttons at the top right of the window:
Icon Description

Returns to previous variable.

Go to next variable.

In the HMI tabs (Associated Signals, Compute and Messages), cancels

inputs since the last save.
Description of the title bar:
The title bar contains the full name of the owner of the variable (concatenation of the names
of all the ascendants), the number of variables in the grid, the name of the variable selected
and its label.

3.3.1 General tab

The General tab shows the general characteristics of the selected variable.
Example:

Description of the fields:

General tab header
Type Name Description Format
Root MV For a multiple variable, name of the 20 or 27 maximum.
root variable of the multiple
variable.

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Type Name Description Format

Owner Id Process ID of the variable owner Closed list grouping
(mandatory). the functions and
diagram owners.
The modification of this field has to
be confirmed if the option
Confirmation on Changing Owner is
checked. See [CCAD_INTRO](in § 1.7
List of Referenced Documents)
Name Name of the variable (mandatory). The limitation bears on
It has to contain at least one letter the process ID of the
and not contain 2 consecutive variable (20 characters
hyphens (--) For simple variables, it for the ID if the
has to be unique for a given owner. variable is recognized
by the HMI, if not 27).
Origin Automatic: The variable ID is Closed list
calculated by Controcad following
a profile defined by the variable
model. It cannot be modified by the
user.
Manual: the process ID of the
variable is fixed by the user.
Label Label of the variable.
Arrangt. Shows the path of the function or Closed list
diagram. Clicking on it once shows
the path of all other functions or
diagrams in the tree structure
Short Label Short label of the variable. Up to 29 characters
Definition section
Type Name Description Format
Model Indicates the model from which
the variable is produced.
Kind SVM if the variable is elementary. Closed list
MVM if the variable is multiple.
Basic Type Name of the type of variable: Closed list
Boolean, Cursor , Double,
Duration, Integer, Long, Real or
Word, Sint, USint.
Length Number of elements in the array Integer from 0 to 9999
(empty for a scalar variable).
Initial value Initial value or tuned value. Boolean, integer,
Deleting this value resets decimal or real
Constant and Setting fields to No.
Example of an
The Initial Array Value option in exponential initial
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Type Name Description Format

the Variable menu is used to value: 2.1E+5 or 5.6E-3
define initial values of an array
variable different for each case.
Constant Indicates if this is a constant. YES , NO
Accessible if an initial value is
input.
Setting Indicates whether setting value. YES , NO
This field is accessible if an initial
value is input.

A tuning variable must have an initial value. Thus, the tuning parameters of the
multiple variable STI300 must be input before saving the grid.
Boolean section (section dedicated to Boolean variables)
Type Name Description Format
Msg State 1/0 Message associated to state 1. Closed list of 8
characters per
Message associated to state 0.
state message.
HMI Process. Defines the alarm processing of a Closed list
logic variable going up to the HMI
(degree, sense, horns and printouts).
Cmd Type Single or Double command (is input Single, Double
only if the variable is a Boolean
command sent by the control room
HMI).
Historian section
Type Name Description Format
Archiving Indicates if the value is sampled by YES , NO
the control room logging function.
Evt Log Indicates if the value is managed in YES , NO
the control room event log for Cmd,
SPt and cMSig variables.
It is configured by Controcad
according to the HMI Processing field for
boolean variables: Evt Log is YES if the
variable is configured as needing to
result in an alarm or recording in the
log (print option).
Validity Indicates whether the valid/invalid YES , NO
transitions of Bsig variables are
recorded as Historian events.
This characteristic applies to SVM,
MVM fields and variables.
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Type Name Description Format

It is only configurable when Evt Log is

set to YES.
Analog section (only for analog variables)
Type Name Description Format
Unit Unit of measurement (the choice of Closed list (6
the unit of measurement reinitializes characters)
the Rate field).
Horn No Number of horn if the analog variable 0, 1, 2 or 3
has an associated alarm.
If all the alarm degrees are not input,
there is no number.
High Limit High physical limit expressed in the Real in exponential
variable unit of measurement. It has or decimal notation
to be higher than the low limit.
V.High Threshold Value of the very high threshold Real in exponential
expressed in the variable unit of or decimal notation
measurement. It has to be between
the limits.
High Threshold Value of the high threshold expressed Real in exponential
in the variable unit of measurement. or decimal notation
It has to be between the limits.
Low Threshold Value of the low threshold expressed Real in exponential
in the variable unit of measurement. or decimal notation
It has to be between the limits.
V.Low Threshold Value of the low threshold expressed Real in exponential
in the variable unit of measurement. or decimal notation
It has to be between the limits.
Low Limit Low physical limit expressed in the Real in exponential
variable unit of measurement. It has or decimal notation
to be lower than the high limit.
Setpoint Type Type of setpoint: Objective or
Relative
Objective (inputs the value of the
setpoint to the supervisory system)
Relative (inputs the difference
between the current value and the
value of the setpoint to the
supervisory system)
Rate(s) Acquisition rate (variable originating
from a cell) or calculation rate
(internal variable of the supervisory
system).
For PeriodAvge_ihASig, Rate(s) is the
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Type Name Description Format

Update period.
Filtering Filter coefficient used to attenuate Reel between 0
variable value spikes The calculation and 1
is as follows:
NM=MB*(1-F) + MP*(F)
where:
MA= New measurement filtered
RM = Current Raw Measure
MP= Previous measurement filtered
F= Filter coefficient
Use of Dead Defines whether or not the deadband YES or NO
Band is used for the variable in the ALSPA
HMI System.
Yes = If the variation in the variable
value is less than the deadband
defined in the properties of the HMI
DB, the ALSPA HMI database is not
updated. See [CCAD_HMI] (in § 1.7 List
of Referenced Documents).
No= The ALSPA HMI database is
systematically updated.
Variation Saves significant variations as events The one of the
in the ALSPA HMI logging tool. variable.
Significant variations are variations
greater than the input value.
This field can only be input if the HMI
DB option Logging On Measurement
Variation is checked.
Exchanges section
Type Name Description Format
Cell Name of the cell in which the variable Closed list
is assigned (accessible for variables
representing an input-output).
Input/Output Input or Output process (is input only Input, Output
if the variable is a process input or
output)
HMI Type of exchange with the control Closed list
room (Signal, Cmd, IHR, Cell, Cell<-
>HMI, Spt, Signal).
Redundancy Redundancy class (storage zone) of List of redundancy
the variable in the controller. classes + Redund +

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Type Name Description Format

NotRedund
External Exchange or not with an external Closed list
device (only input if the variable
Input, Output
is exchanged with an external device,
to indicate the direction of the
exchange: input or output).
Unit Bus Exchange or not on the unit network Closed list
between different Controcad projects
Input, Output
(input only if the variable is
exchanged on the unit network
between different Controcad projects
to indicate the exchange direction:
Input or output, used in multi-
projects)
Other fields in the General tab
Type Name Description Format
HMI Type Variable HMI type. Closed list
Example: dhBSig.
HMI DB Indicates the control room HMI n digits from 1 to 9
databases in which variable must be where n is the
recognized. number of HMI
databases created.
Example: 135 (variable recognized by
HMI DBs 1, 3 and 5)
Ctrl Block Link Accessible to multiple variables: name Closed list
of the control block link associated to
the variable.
Annotation Free text. 200 characters
Sensor default Indicates the degree of alarm 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4
Alarm degree associated to the alarm validant
switching to 1 or following a sensor
fault.
Protection Accessible on control room HMI Closed list
command variables: associates a
control room HMI user access level to
the transmission of commands from
the control room HMI. See
[CCAD_HMI](in § 1.7 List of Referenced
Documents).

The reset value in the TRX when the variable is produced in the cell header (C80-75)
is the initialization value of the analog outputs (produced from C2K_AI_* models) or
of the MCA outputs (produced from C2K_*_AS112 models).

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3.3.2 Historian Tab

The Historian tab is used to configure a part of the ALSPA HMI variable logging parameters.
This tab is accessible only if one of the HMI DB of the variable has the Historian option and at
least one of the following properties: Boolean HMI Processing field has one of its last 3 digits
as 1; EVT LOG as YES; Archiving as Yes.

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Name Name of the variable.
Label Label of the variable.
Same values for all HMI DB If the box is checked, sets the same variable
Historian properties for all its HMI DBs.
HMI database One line for each HMI DB associated to the variable
and having the Historian option checked.
Rubrics for Events Event log of the editable variable. Is accessible only
if the EVT LOG parameter of the variable is at YES, or
if the Boolean HMI Processing field has one of its
last 3 digits as 1. Is used to classify the events of the
variable in special sections in order to find them in
the logging tool.
Tmin. (ms) Shows the minimum Historian variable sample time.
Tmax. (ms) Shows the maximum Historian variable sample
time.
Max Difference. (%) Percentage of deviation between two values to trip
sample logging.

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The Tmin, Tmax and Max Difference fields (for analog) are associated by default to
the Rate(s) field of the variable. This association is defined in the Configuration menu,
by the Historian Parameters item.

3.3.3 Associated Signals Tab

This tab is accessible for almost all the control room variables except for logic signals. It is
used to define the variables associated to the variable states or the variables used for
controls or authorization.
The description of this tab depends on the variable type.
The list of the variables that can be chosen in this tab is a subset of the variable grid
displayed.

3.3.3.1 Analog Signals and Internal Analog Variables

The Associated Signals tab is used to describe the variable thresholds and the gradient of an
analog signal. The tab is accessible for variables whose models are ccASig_I, ccASig_I_nv,
ccASig_D, ccASig_D_nv, ccASig_R, ccASig_R_nv and *Ih_Asig (only gradient) in the Controcad
reference list.
Variable threshold:
Each time that the value of a variable violates a threshold (high or low), an alarm is tripped if a
degree of urgency is configured for this threshold. The value of the threshold is either fixed
(recorded in the variable characteristics), or variable. variable threshold can be defined either
by a Boolean signal (only for external signals ) or by the value of an analog variable.
Gradient:
Additionally, if the value of a variable varies very quickly, the variable defined by the Gradient
field is set to 1. The speed of variation beyond which the alarm is tripped is defined by the
Gradient field (value of the variation).
Memorization:
The ID provides a running total of the values of the variable (whose properties are displayed)
over time and to present the result in the control room HMI maintenance log. The field is used
to indicate the process ID of the analog variable that saves the total. Its model in the
Controcad reference list is Program_PhASig. During maintenance, the analog variable (whose
properties are displayed) is reset to zero, but the total continues in the Memorization variable.
The field is accessible for variables whose model is RunningTime_ihASig and PulseCount_ihASig in
the reference list.
It is forbidden to define analog and Boolean variable thresholds for the same
variable, even if the thresholds are different.

In the event of a variable threshold fault, the fixed threshold input in the properties
of the variable will be applied.

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Description of the Associated Signals tab for analog signals and internal analog variables:

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Name Variable name.
Label Label of the variable.
Link Indicates what each line represents by means of a label:
Control, Minimum, Maximum, Authorization, Exec. Cmd
and Exec Fault.
ID ID of the variable associated to the gradient or logging
threshold.
Gradient Gradient detection threshold over two acquisition cycles
(in this case sets the gradient error logic variable,
mandatorily a Program_phBSig)
Other columns The other columns are not active for this type of
variable.

To have access to the “variable threshold” boxes, the physical thresholds values for
the variable must be defined and the Variable Threshold (4) option checked for all HMI
DBs of the variable.
To have access to the gradient box the Analog Signal gradient (6) option of all HMI DBs
of the variable must be checked.

3.3.3.2 Internal and External Analog Setpoints

This section describes the Associated Signal tab for internal setpoints (Internal_ihSPt) and external
setpoints (ccSPt_I and ccSPT_R).

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The principle of an external setpoint is as following:

The control room sends an analog variable to the controller. The value of this variable is a
setpoint. The control function takes account of this request then retransmits an execution
report (feedback signal) to the control room HMI. This signal is the real value of the point to be
set. The control function application is responsible for transmitting the report.
The different parameters for the setpoints are as follows:
 Control
Analog return signal associated to the setpoint. This signal is used to return the value of
the entity commanded. Its model in the Controcad reference list is Program_PhASig.
 Minimum
Analog variable used as a minimum limit value of the setpoint.
 Maximum
Analog variable used as a maximum limit value of the setpoint
 Authorization
The command transmission authorization logic variable.
 Exec. cmd (only for external variables)
Logic variable set during the command. It remains set at 1 until the value of the setpoint is
attained. Its model in the Controcad reference list is Program_PhBSig.
 Exec. fault (only for external variables)
Variable set at the end of the execution timeout of the setpoint. This field is accessible if
the Order Execution Check option (2) is checked in all HMI DBs of the variable. Its model in the
Controcad reference list is Program_PhBSig.
If the variables of the variable setpoint limit are invalid the limit values of the
setpoint are the values fixed in the variable properties.

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Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Name Variable name.
Label Label of the variable.
Link Indicates what each line represents by means of a
label: Control, Minimum, Maximum, Authorization,
Exec. Cmd and Exec Fault.
State 0 Displays the state message associated to state 0 of
the authorization variable.
Auth Dir Direction associated to the command transmission
authorization logic variable. State 0 and state 1
messages are displayed for information to the right
and left of the field. The command is transmitted if
the value of authorization variable equals the
direction indicated.
State 1 Displays the state message associated to state 1 of
the authorization variable.
Difference Maximum deviation allowed between the value of
the setpoint and the control measure (associated
ASig) when execution control is done (expired delay).
The value must be the physical value corresponding
to the unit of measurement of the setpoint.
This value is also used as 'Dead Band' when sending
the SetPoint. This value must be greater than the
'Dead Band' of the control measure.
Delay Used to define the execution check timeout to reset
the Exec. Cmd and transmit the fault variable (Exec.
Fault).

3.3.3.3 Internal and External Boolean Commands

This part describes the Associated Signals tab for the variables whose model, in the Controcad
reference list, is ccCmd_S, ccCmd_D and Internal_Ih_Cmd.
Note: A command is a Boolean pulse variable. It equals 0 when quiescent and 1 when activated, before
switching back to 0. To determine the conditions of transmission of the command, it is associated to
another variable which represents the execution of the command by a state change. This second
variable is a feedback signal known as control.

Authorization
Any command can be subordinated to a transmission authorization that takes the form of a
logic variable associated to the command: the command can then only be transmitted if the
value of the associated logic variable specified in the parameterization of the authorization.
Control
Variable used to check that the command has been received.

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Exec. cmd in progress

It is possible to associate the command to another logic variable that registers the fact that
the command is under way; until the feedback signal associated to the command changes
state, the variable that indicates that the command is under way remains at 1. This variable is
designated Exec. Cmd. We can associate only Program_phBSig for this parameter
Exec. fault
In principle, the command must be executed in a relatively short time (this is the time that
elapses between the moment where the command is issued and the moment that the
feedback signal changes state. If the feedback signal fails to change state after a specified
time, the control room can set a malfunction variable called Exec.fault. We can associate only
Program_phBSig for this parameter.

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Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Name Variable name.
Label Label of the variable.
Link Indicates what each line represents by means of a label:
authorization, check, log command or fault.
ID ID of the variable associated to the gradient or logging
threshold.
Cmd Dir This field is used to check the transmission of the command.
Some of the permissible values are:
if BSig=1: The command is accepted if the associated signal
is 1
if BSig=0: The command is accepted if the associated signal
is 0
=Bsig: The command will be accepted if the associated
signal retains its value (double commands)
=/Bsig: The command is transmitted if the value of the
associated signal changes (double commands )...
State 0 Displays the state message associated to state 0 of the
authorization variable.
Auth Dir Direction associated to the command transmission
authorization logic variable. State 0 and state 1 messages
are displayed for information to the right and left of the
field. The command is transmitted if the value of
authorization variable equals the direction indicated.
State 1 Displays the state message associated to state 1 of the
authorization variable.
Delay Used to define the execution timeout of the check to reset
the variable Exec. Cmd and transmit the fault variable (Exec.
Fault).

3.3.4 Compute Tab

This tab is used to define calculations for the internal control room variables. The value of the
variable is the result of the calculation of this tab. The description of this tab depends on the
variable type and is thus done for each "family" of variables.
Internal logic variables
For this type of variable, the tab is used to describe the logic equation whose result gives the
variable. The tab is accessible for variables whose model is Internal_ihBSig in the Controcad
reference list.

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Internal analog variables

For analog variables the presentation of the Compute tab depends on the type of calculation
performed by the variable.
The table below displays the compatibility between the calculations and their components:
Variable consumed

External measure-

External measure-
Internal measure-

Internal measure-

Setpoint: internal
Variable: internal

Setpoint:external
ment threshold

ment threshold
Self reference

External logic

logic variable
Calculation

violation

violation

setpoint

setpoint
variable

ment

ment
Derived X X X X
(V01)
Polish X X X X X X X X X
Calculation
(V02)
Save (V03) X
Average X X X X X
(V04)
Current X X X X X
average
(V05)
Pulse X X X X
count (V06)
Running X X X X
time (V07)
Group X X X X X
average
(V08)
Root mean V08
square
(V09)
Internal multi-state variables: the tab is used to define which variables are used in the
calculation of the value of this type of variable.
The list of the variables that can be chosen in this tab is a subset of the variable grid
displayed.

3.3.4.1 Internal Logic Variables (Internal_ihBSig)

The logical equation is expressed by means of the three fields (Operator, ID et Threshold). It is
defined in a maximum of 48 lines. The syntax is inverse Polish and must be of the style
Variable1 Variable2 Operator. It must end with the operator END.

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Description of the fields in the Compute tab:

Type Name Description
Name Variable name.
Label Label of the variable.
Equation Number This number is unique among internal logic variables.
It determines the order of execution of the calculation
for the variable relative to other variables.
Storage Checked to indicate that the value of the variable
must be saved on disk and restored when the ALSPA
HMI restarts.
N° Number of the line in the equation.
Operator The operators authorized are:
AND: AND logic
OR: OR logic
XOR: OR exclusive
NOT: Inversion logic
END End of calculation
ID Process ID of a variable used in the calculation. It may
be a logic or analog, internal or external variable.
Threshold The field must be input if the variable displayed on
the same line is an analog variable. It is used to
indicate the threshold used in the calculation of the
four possible analog variable thresholds. During
calculation the variable will equal 1 if the threshold is
violated, 0 if not. The thresholds to choose from are:

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Type Name Description

Very high: Violation of very high threshold

High: Violation of high threshold
Low: Violation of low threshold
Very low: Violation of very low threshold
The Verify button is used to check the syntax of the calculation.

3.3.4.2 Calculation (Derived_ihASig)

This function is used to calculate the derived value of an analog variable in the control room.
To do this, define a variable from the model Derived_ihASig and associate this variable to an
analog variable. The derived value of the analog variable is saved in the variable Derived_ihASig.

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Name Name of the variable.
Label Label of the variable.
Storage Checked to indicate that the value of the variable must be
saved on disk and restored when the ALSPA HMI restarts.
ID Process ID of the variable whose derived value is to be
calculated.
Unit Sets the unit of the result of the calculation. The possible
choices are:
 Units/s: Units per second.
 Units/mn: Units per minute.

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Type Name Description

 Units/h: Units per hour.

3.3.4.3 Calculation (RevPolish_ihASig)

This function is used to perform calculations in the control room. To do this, define a variable
produced from the model RevPolish_ihASig and an arithmetical expression based on the values
of control function variables or other calculated variables. The result of the arithmetical
expression is saved in the variable RevPolish_ihASig. The mathematical equation is expressed by
means of the five fields (Operator, Arg, Constant, ID and Threshold). It is defined in a maximum of 48
lines. The syntax is a reverse polish syntax.

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Name Name of the variable.
Label Label of the variable.
Equation Number This number is unique among internal logic variables.
It determines the order of execution of the calculation
for the variable relative to other variables.
Storage Checked to indicate that the value of the variable must
be saved on disk and restored when the ALSPA HMI
restarts.
N° Number of the line in the equation.
Operator Operator (see below).
Arg Depending on the operator, the argument is:
a number of values for MIN, MAX and SOM,

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Type Name Description

a number of steps to be completed for IFP,IFN,IFZ or

GOT
Constant Constant real.
ID Process ID of a variable used in the calculation.
Threshold The field must be input if the variable displayed on the
same line is an analog variable. It is used to indicate
the threshold used in the calculation of the four
possible analog variable thresholds. During calculation
the variable will equal 1 if the threshold is violated, 0 if
not. The thresholds to choose from are:
Very high: Violation of very high threshold
High: Violation of high threshold
Low: Violation of low threshold
Very low: Violation of very low threshold
The Verify button is used to check the syntax of the calculation.
List of available Polish operators:
Operator Description

+ Addition
- Subtraction
* Multiplication
DVZ Result if division by 0
/ Division
** Elevation to the power
ABS Absolute value
LOG Neperian logarithm
PY3 Degree 3 polynomial (a + bx + cx² +dx³)
SIN Sine
COS Cosine
TG Tangent
EXP Exponential
FY0 Echelon function
MINn Smallest value among n
MAXn Greatest value among n
SOMn Sum of n variables
Adatabase Direct interpolation of reference charts y=f(x,p)

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Operator Description

ABI Indirect interpolation of reference charts x=f(y,p)

TP Saturation temperature F(Pressure)
SPTV Entropy F(Pressure, Temperature, Titer)
HPTV Enthalpy F(Pressure, Temperature, Titer)
SPE Saturation entropy in the water domain F(Pressure)
SPV Saturation entropy in the steam domain F(Pressure)
HPE Saturation enthalpy in the water domain F(Pressure)
HPV Saturation enthalpy in the steam domain F(Pressure)
HPS Enthalpy = F(Pressure, Entropy)
TPH Temperature = F(Pressure, Enthalpy)
VPS Titer = F(Pressure, Entropy)
VPH Titer = F(Pressure, Enthalpy)
IFPn Go to term n if the value in the calculation stack is >0
IFNn Go to term n if the value in the calculation stack is >0
IFZn Go to term n if the value in the calculation stack is =0
GOTn Go to the term n
RAZ Delete last term of the calculation stack
END End of calculation

3.3.4.4 Calculating backups, averages and mean root squares

This function is used to save the following data in the supervisory system:
 The value: saves the value of an internal analog variable. The type of variable used is
Storage_ihASig.
 Current average: shows the current average of an analog variable (internal and external).
This average is saved in a CurrentAvge_ihASig type variable.
 Root mean square: shows the root mean square of the average of a variable group
(AvgeStdDev_ihAsig). This root mean square is saved in a StdDevStorage_ihASig type variable.

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Description of the Compute tab for current averages, value backups and root mean squares:

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Name Name of the variable.
Label Label of the variable.
Storage Checked to indicate that the value of the variable must be
saved on disk and restored when the ALSPA HMI restarts.
ID Process ID of the variable whose value or average or root
mean square need to be saved.

3.3.4.5 Calculating averages (PeriodAvge_ihASig)

This function is used to calculate the average of a variable in the control room. To do this,
define a variable produced from the model PeriodAvge_ihASig and associate it to the variable
whose average needs to be calculated. The update period for this average must also be
defined. The value of the average is saved in the variable PeriodAvge_ihASig.

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Description of the Compute tab for the calculation of the average per period:

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Name Variable name.
Label Label of the variable.
Storage Checked to indicate that the value of the variable must
be saved on disk and restored when the ALSPA HMI
restarts.
ID Process ID of the variable used for the calculation.
Variable: internal analog
Update Period Sampling rate at which the average is updated. The
update rate of the average is indicated in the field Rate
in the general tab of the variable whose average is
being calculated

CAUTION
In General tab, for PeriodAvge_ihASig, Rate(s)is the Update period.
In Compute tab, for PeriodAvge_ihASig, Update Periodis the Sampling period.

3.3.4.6 Calculating pulse counts (PulseCount_ihASig)

This function is used to calculate in the control room the number of pulses of a Boolean
variable or the number of analog variable threshold violations. To do this, define a variable
produced from the PulseCount_ihASig model and define the associated variable whose

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transitions or threshold violations will be calculated and saved in the variable

PulseCount_ihASig.
Description of the Compute tab for the calculation of the average per period:

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Name Name of the variable.
Label Label of the variable.
Storage Checked to indicate that the value of the variable
must be saved on disk and restored when the ALSPA
HMI restarts.
ID Process ID of the variable for which the number of
transitions or the number of threshold violations must
be saved.
Threshold This field is only accessible if the associated variable
is an analog variable. It is used to specify the
threshold to be monitored. It can contain the
following values :Very low, Low, High ou Very high).
Maintenance Log The field is checked to indicate if the variable must be
Assignment assigned to the maintenance log, in the pulse count
section.
Pulse count These check boxes are used to define the transitions
to be counted (0 to 1, 1 to 0 or both). If the associated
variable is an analog variable, the transitions counted
correspond to the number of threshold violations.
Pulse Weighting Value added to the variable during each transition.

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3.3.4.7 Running Time Calculation (RunningTime_ihASig)

This function is used to determine in the supervisory system the time during which a logic
signal (internal or external) or an analog threshold violation signal (internal or external)
remains at 1. A variable produced from the RunningTime_ihASig model is defined and
associated to the variable for which the running time must be calculated and the threshold
(for analog) beyond which this time is counted.
Description of the Compute tab for running time calculation:

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Name Name of the variable.
Label Label of the variable.
Storage Checked to indicate that the value of the variable must
be saved on disk and restored when the ALSPA HMI
restarts.
ID Process ID of the variable for which the activity time or
the threshold violation time must be saved.
Threshold This field is only accessible if the associated variable is
an analog variable. It is used to specify the threshold
to be monitored. It can contain the values (Very low,
Low, High or Very high).
Maintenance Log The field is checked to indicate if the variable must be
Assignment assigned to the maintenance log, in the pulse count
section.
Sampling Coefficient Sampling coefficient of the variable during the
calculation. This coefficient is dependent on the
calculation period (Rate field in the general tab) and on

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Type Name Description

the unit of measurement of the variable.

By checking Maintenance Log Assignment, after saving, the variable appears

directly in the corresponding maintenance log.

3.3.4.8 Calculating Average Measurements (AvgeStdDev_ihASig)

This function is used to calculate the average of the values of a set of up to 47 variables in the
control room. To do this, define a variable produced from the model AvgeStdDev_ihASig and
associate to it all the analog variables for which the average is to be calculated.
Description of the Compute tab for the calculation of average measurements:

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Name Name of the variable.
Label Label of the variable.
Storage Checked to indicate that the value of the variable must
be saved on disk and restored when the ALSPA HMI
restarts.
N° Number of the line in the equation.
ID Process ID of the variables whose current average must
be calculated. The maximum number of variables is 47.

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3.3.4.9 Multi-state Variables (Internal_ihMsig)

This tab is used to define the variables used in the calculation of the value of the variable. The
calculation consists in applying the truth table of the multi-state variable, with the associated
variables or their thresholds (for analog variables)
Description of the Compute tab for internal multi-state variables:

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Name Name of the variable.
Label Label of the variable.
N° Number of the line in the equation.
ID Process ID of the variables to which the truth table is
applied. A maximum of 7 variables is accepted.
Threshold This field is only accessible if the variable participating in
the calculation is an analog variable. It is used to specify
the threshold to be monitored (Very low, Low, High or Very
high).

3.3.5 Message Tab

The Messages tab contains the additional description of external multi-state variables. It is
accessible for variables that have the model, in the Controcad reference list, ccMsig (external
multi-state variables) or Internal_ihMsig (internal multi-state variables).
Internal multi-state variables
The tab is used to define the message associated to each value that the multi-state variable
can take. In operation, the value of the variable is produced in the controllers.

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External multi-state variables

The tab enables a truth table to be associated to this type of variable. In operation, the value
of the variable is produced by the control room HMI. The HMI applies the truth table which
inputs the value of the variables defined in the Compute tab and deduces the value and the
message of the variable. The associated truth table has a maximum of 7 inputs, one for each
variable listed in the Compute tab.
Description of the Message tab for multistate variables:

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Name Name of the variable.
Label Label of the variable.
N° Number of the output.
Message Displays the state messages defined in the truth
table indicated in the Truth table ID field.
Truth Table ID References the truth table to be associated to the
variable. The truth tables proposed in the list have
been defined in the HMI tree. See [CCAD_HMI] in (in
§ 1.7 List of Referenced Documents).
Truth Table Name Name of the selected truth table.

3.4 Creating a Variable

A variable is created either via the variable grid, or via the diagram editor. This paragraph
explains the first mechanism. (cf. 4.5.1, Argument Contextual Menu ) for the second.
There are two methods for creating a variable via the variable grid: from the New Application
Variable window and by duplication.

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3.4.1 Variable Creation Window

The window used to create a variable is accessed via the Create sub-option below the New
option in the contextual menu of the grid. Two presentations of the screen are proposed to
the user. The first figure presents a simplified version and the second figure presents an
advanced version of creation.

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Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
MVM / SVM Indicates if the variable is to be created from a multiple
variable or simple variable model.
Library Library containing the SVM or the MVM from which the
variable is to be created. The list proposed is that of the
project libraries containing SVMs or MVMs. Each library is
presented with its complete path in the Libraries tree. By
default, Controcad proposes the library selected during the
last creation. The [none] option is used to select no library
and thus to obtain a list of all the project SVMs or MVMs in
the next field.
Model Name of the SVM or of the MVM from which the variable will
be created. The list proposed is that of the SVM or the MVM
of the library selected from Library tab.
Owner Process ID of the variable owner. By default, the owner is
input with the process ID of the tree element running the
variable grid. If the element is not a variable owner, no error
is displayed. The list of process IDs of the owners of the
project is proposed.
Name Name of the variable. It is input automatically and is not
modifiable if the profile of the variable model is automatic.
Label Label of the variable. For a multiple variable, the label is
input automatically in the grid with the label of the model.
HMI DB List of the HMI DBs in which the variable is recognized. This
list by default has the value of the HMI DB for variables field of
the owner function creation window (if the owner is a
diagram, list of the fields in the parent function of the
diagram).
Fct. List of all the functions/diagrams of project showing their
Arrangement absolute path in the tree structure. It makes it possible to
choose the function or diagram of arrangement for the
variable. By default, it shows the path of the owner.

The total length of Owner plus Name fields must not exceed 20 characters.

The Guide button is used to open an extension to the creation window. This extension is a help
to the creation of variables (cf. 3.4.1.1,Variable Creation Guide)
After confirmation (without errors) of the input of these fields, the variable or variables are
created. The other characteristics of the variable or variables are input by Controcad in
accordance with the model.
In the case of creation of a multiple variable, the variables created are displayed in the grid
below the multiple variable. To access it, the user has close/open at his disposal (cf. 3.2.2,
Variable Grid Display).

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If a control block model (Ctrl Model characteristic) has been associated in the
multiple variable model, a control block is created at the same time as the multiple
variable. Its name is that of the variable. Its Owner is the variable owner function if
the function is an Owner type. If this is not the case, the owner type function is
selected in the tree above the function. If no function of this type is found, the user
is informed and the control block is not created.

3.4.1.1 Variable Creation Guide

The variable creation guide is used to filter the list of the variable models for creation purpose.
The user chooses the criteria for creation of the variable and the guide selects the
corresponding models.

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
I/O Equipment Presents the list of devices containing input/output
variable models. The selection of one of the items
results in the creation of an input/output variable in
the device concerned.
I/O After choosing a device, this option is used to
choose whether the variable is produced from an
input model or an output model in the device or
whether no choice is specified.
Basic Type Used to choose which basic variable type to create.
This list is reduced by virtue of the other choices so
that only admissible types are proposed.
HMI Used to choose a model having exchanges with the
control room or not.
Validator Used to choose a variable with a validant (all
variable models with validants are multiple models)

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The Apply button confirms the choice and searches for models that meet the selected criteria.
The number of models found is displayed in the box to right of the button. All the models
found are located in the Model field of the main window.
The list of the different elements is filtered in accordance with the choices of the
user and the models available.

3.4.2 Variable Duplication

Duplicating a variable is a quick way of creating one or more variables with the same
characteristics as the variable to which the duplication is applied. There are two types of
duplication:
 Single duplication:
To create a variable from an existing variable, the source variable must be selected and
the New Single Duplication item of the contextual menu of the variables grid must be
activated.
The new variable is created without a default name. The user must input the name of this
new variable in the variable grid (Variable name column). By default the cursor is located in
the corresponding box.
 Multiple duplication:
To create several variables from an existing variable, the source variable must be selected
and the New > Duplication… item of the contextual menu of the variables grid must be
activated.
The window below opens:

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Profile Name Name of database for variable creation. The new
variables are named as follows:
<Profile Name><Number incrementing as a function
of the number of variables to be created>.
Number of duplication Number of variables to be created.

The name and model of the source variable can be displayed in the window band.

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3.5 Importing/exporting variables

The variable import and export functions are used to interface with external tools.
The import creates or updates the variables of a project, from external data stored in a file.
The export function retrieves the project variable data in a file.
These two functions act as data configuration assistants. They can be used to capitalize
configurations, to communicate with external tools and to constitute working documents etc.
The environment necessary to perform an import or an export of variables is that of a
Controcad session executed from a client or server station.

3.5.1 Variable Processing

Multiple variables can be imported and exported in two modes:

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Global
The variable is imported or exported in its entirety, i.e. with its root and all its fields. In the case
of an import, the global mode can only be used to create new variables. It cannot be used to
update existing variables.
Unitary
A field of the variable is imported or exported. To designate the concerned field in the multiple
variable, the path (Path characteristic) of the field is referred to in the multiple variable
model. Take the example of a cBSig multiple variable model:

This model is composed of two fields. The first field modelizes the value of the supervision
signal and the second field modelizes its validant. If the user wishes to import only the value
of the variable, the Path characteristic is added to the import data with the value 1_Value.
In the case of an import, the model and name of the variable supplied in the import
data must be those of the multiple variable root and not those in the relevant fields.
It is possible to import more than one field of a multiple variable.
The following import file illustrates the different modes:

Example of import file with multiple variables

 Line 2 groups the data of the variable that corresponds to the 1_Value field of the multiple
variable 01CEX_STAT. The import of the variable is unitary.
 Line 3 groups the data of the single variable 01CEX_RET.
 Line 4 groups the data of the multiple variable 01CEX_GTE. The Path characteristic is not
input. The import of the variable is global.
 Lines 5 and 6 group the data of the 1_Output and 2_Input fields of the multiple variable
01GRE_POH. The import of the variable is unitary.

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3.5.2 Format and Structure of Data Files

Files containing data to be imported or exported are files in text format. They are organized in
lines, with each line divided into fields separated by a tabulation.
Each line contains the data of a variable in the sense of the grid of variables of Controcad. A
line in the variable grid corresponds to a line in the file. Any field containing data to be
imported or exported data corresponds to a known characteristic of Controcad.
It is possible to define headers for the columns in order to label them.
The example below shows a simple variable and a multiple variable in an import or export file:

It is advisable to use the Excel tool to manage the import or export file. The data
can thus be displayed clearly in columns.

3.5.3 Models

3.5.3.1 Column Configuration Model

Importing or exporting data requires the user to indicate the correspondence between the
external data and the data in Controcad. This correspondence is made by associating the
name of the data characteristic in Controcad with the column number in the import or export
file.
All the associations defined for a file are saved in a model called Column configuration model. This
mechanism prevents the user from having to redefine the associations on each import or
export.
The user can define several models that are identified by means of a name and a label. A
column configuration model is dedicated either to the import or the export. It is not possible,
for example, to use an import model to perform an export. On the other hand, the user can
import/export column configurations so as not to have to re-input them.
The user selects his models via the import HMI (cf. 3.5.5.5,Variable Import HMI) or export HMI
(cf. 3.5.6.1,Variable Export HMI). Clicking on the New configuration or ? buttons opens the window
shown below which is then used to create or modify a model.

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Definition of a column configuration model for an import.

The window is divided into two parts:
 The first part (Model), identifies the model by a name and a label. In the case of a new model
(use of the New Configuration button), the user inputs the name of the new model and its
label. If the window has been accessed via the ? button, it presents the definition of the
model chosen in the import (or export) HMI). The name and the label can be modified.
 The second part (Select your columns and Selected columns)), is used to define or modify the
associations between Controcad characteristics and file columns. The left portion
presents, in alphabetical order, the list of importable (cf. 3.5.5.7,Characteristics of
Importable Variables ) or exportable (cf. 3.5.6.4,Characteristics of exportable variables )
Controcad characteristics. The right-hand section lists the associations. An association is
made as follows:
1. Select in the left-hand section, the Controcad characteristic
2. Click the >> button or perform a drag/drop. The characteristic selected displays in the
right-hand section. The use of >> positions the characteristic at the end of the list of the
associations. The drag/drop function can be used to choose the place in the list.
3. In the case of an import, input the order number of the column (N°) in the file
corresponding to the characteristic. In the case of an export, there is no number to
input (N° does not exist in the window). The order of the columns in the file corresponds
to that displayed in the right-hand section. In the example window shown above, the
export file will contain 7 columns the first of which is the model, the second the owner …
and the last the path.
4. Input a label defining the association if appropriate
Clicking on the button << deletes the association selected in the right-hand section.
The columns to be imported in an import file may not be consecutive. It is possible
to import columns 1, 5, 9 etc.
 The last section groups the buttons used to:

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- Import and export models(cf. 3.5.3.3,Importing and Exporting Models)

- Save or delete the current model
- Confirm or cancel the current configuration

3.5.3.2 MVM Field Configuration Model

The export of multiple variables in unit mode (cf. 3.5.1,Variable Processing) requires that the
user indicate for variable models concerned what are the fields to be exported.
The user defines his configuration models of fields via the export HMI by selecting “No” for the
option “Export Complete Multiple Variable” (cf. 3.5.6.1,Variable Export HMI).
Clicking on the New configuration or ? buttons opens a window used to create or modify an MVM
field configuration model.

The window is composed of two parts:

 The first part (Model) identifies the model by a name and a label.
In the case of a new model (use of the New Configuration button), the user inputs the name of
the new model and its label. If the window has been accessed via the ? button, it shows the
definition of the model chosen in the export HMI. The name and the label can be modified.
Two buttons are used to save or delete the model.
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 The second section (MVM Name and Path) indicates which fields of the multiple variable
models must be exported for the variables produced from these models.
To define a new field configuration, the user proceeds as follows:
1. Click the Insert button to add a line.
2. Click in the left-hand section of the new line. The list of multiple variable models in the
project displays.
3. Select the model.
4. Click to the right of the new line. The list of fields in the selected model displays.
5. Select the field.
The Delete button deletes the field configuration selected.
It is possible to choose several fields for the same multiple variable model.

 The last section groups the buttons used to:

- Import and export models(cf. 3.5.3.3,Importing and Exporting Models)
- Confirm or cancel the current configuration

3.5.3.3 Importing and Exporting Models

It is possible to reuse models defined by other users in other projects. windows used to define
the column configuration models and the field configuration models contain an Import button
and an Export button. These buttons are used to import and export models.
Exporting a model
The user can export a model in order to deliver it to another project. This export is done in a
text type file.
Clicking on the Export button opens a file selection window. The user chooses the location and
the name of the file. Clicking on the Save button in the selection window exports the model into
the file indicated.
Importing a model
The user can import a model from a model previously exported in a text type file.
Clicking on the Import button opens a file selection window. The user indicates the location and
the name of the file containing the model. Clicking on the Save button in the selection window
starts the import in the Controcad project. If a model of the same name already exists in the
project, a message informs the user. The user can choose whether or not to continue the
import. If Yes, the existing model in the project is replaced by the imported model.

3.5.4 Saving the Utilization Contexts

The choices made by the user during an import or an export are saved. During the next
import or export requested by this same user, the HMI is input automatically with the choices
saved. The choices proposed can of course be modified by the user.
Memorization is maintained from session to session.

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3.5.5 Importing Variables

This is done by clicking on the Import option of the Variables menu of the main Controcad
window. The option is accessible from a variable grid, or from the functional or hardware
trees if the user has an adequate access level.

3.5.5.1 Principles

If the import concerns a variable already existing in the Controcad project, the variable is
modified with the import data.
If the import concerns a variable that does not exist in the Controcad project, the import
creates the variable with the import data. The characteristics of the variable that have not
been supplied in the import data inherit the values of the variable model. A characteristic is
not supplied either because it does not execute part of the import model or because it has no
value in the import data.

3.5.5.2 Restrictions on Utilization

The import of variables cannot be used to:

 Rename an existing variable
 Change the owner of an existing variable
 Change the model of an existing variable
 Import an array of initial values from a variable array. If an initial value of a variable array
is imported, it is as the global initial value of the variable.

3.5.5.3 Deleting a Value

The user may need to delete the value of a characteristic of a variable existing in a Controcad
project. To perform this action via an import, set the character – (minus) in the associated
import data. The illustration below provides an example:

If the hyphen character (-) must be given as a value in a variable characteristic, set
two hyphens (--) in the associated import data.

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3.5.5.4 Characteristics to Closed Values

Some characteristics in Controcad accept a closed list of values. For example the EVT LOG
characteristic can only take the value Yes or No; the UNITE characteristic can only take the
values defined in the Configuration menu of the project. For these characteristics, the import
checks that the value imported is valid (this check is not case-dependent).
With state messages, the first check run is case-dependent. If the search fails, it is
repeated irrespective of the case.

3.5.5.5 Variable Import HMI

Clicking on the Import option in the Variables menu opens the main HMI window.
This window enables the user to parameterize and run the import.
It is organized into four sections.

 The first section Import File is used to indicate:

- Where the file containing the data to be imported is located. The Browse button provides
access to a window for selection of files from the directories of the Controcad station.
- In the Character to comment a line field, the character used to set a line of the import file as
a comment.
For the line to be a comment, the character must be the first of the line.

 A second section, Column Configuration, concerns the import models. The Column Model field is
used to select a column configuration model from those defined in the Controcad project.
The New Configuration button is used to define a new model. The ? button is used to modify
the model selected in the Column Model field. Clicking on these buttons opens the import
models window (cf. 3.5.3.1,Column Configuration Model)
 The third section Parameters enables the user to choose the behavior of the import by
selecting the following parameters:
Continue on error
If this parameter is set to Yes, the import processes all the variables in the file. If not the
import stops as soon as it detects an error on a variable.

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Update on existing variable

If this parameter is set to No, only data concerning new variables is imported. Data
concerning the existing variables in the project is ignored. If the selected parameter is at
Yes, the existing variables are updated according to the rules described. (cf.
3.5.5.2,Restrictions on Utilization).
User confirmation to save
If this parameter is set to Yes, at the end of the import the user must confirm whether or
not the data imported into the project is to be saved. If not the data is saved automatically.
 The last section contains the standard confirm and close buttons. The Close button closes
the window; the OK button runs the import. bar at the bottom of the window monitors the
progress of the import and, when the import is done, shows the location of the import log.

If the user has requested an import with confirmation of backup, the import log displays in a
new window. According to this detailed report, the user selects whether to save or not the
data imported without error in the Controcad project.

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If the user has requested an import with interruption in the event of error and if an error is
detected, the report is also displayed.

3.5.5.6 The Import Log

The import log contains a detailed report of the import and a synthesis.

The report indicates the following elements for each variable described in the import file:
Variable Name: the name of the variable
Owner: the owner of the variable
Model: the label of the variable
Kind: the variable kind is either single (SVM) or multiple (MVM)
Action: the type of action performed on the variable is either a creation or a modification
Status: the success or not of the import, i.e.
OK: the variable is imported without error
INFORMATION: the variable is imported without error but there is a warning
ERROR: an error has been detected
Message: message explaining the error or the information
Line Number: number of the line in the import file corresponding to the variable in error
Column Name: name of the column in the import file concerned by the error detected
Column Number: number of the column in the import file concerned by the error detected
The second section of the log shows synthesized data on the import:
NUMBER OF VARIABLE IMPORTED: number of variables really imported, i.e. without error
NUMBER OF VARIABLE ON ERROR: number of variables in error
MODEL USED: name of the model used
DATE: date and time of the export
USER: Name of the user.

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3.5.5.7 Characteristics of Importable Variables

The table below shows the characteristics of importable variables. It also groups mandatory
characteristics by color depending on the type of import performed.
Name in the HMI import Label Mandatory

Annotation Comment No
Archiving Sampling in Historian No
Boolean HMI Processing Profile of alarm processing No
objects
Cell Name of the cell No
Cmd Type Type of the command No
Constant Marker No
Controller (External Exch. Name of the controller If import of variable with
Array) hosting the external external exchange
exchange
Controller (input/output) Name of the controller If import of I/O variable
executing the input output
Control Block Link Name of the link in the No
block
Display Filter Sampling No
Evt log Printout in Historian No
Exchange HMI Type of HMI exchange No
External Exch. Array ID of the variable array If import of variable with
Name executing the external external exchange
exchange
External Exchange Direction of the external If import of variable with
exchange external exchange
Filtering Filter coefficient No
H Limit Urgency Degree of urgency of the No
alarm linked to the
violation of the high
physical limit
High Limit High physical limit No
High Threshold Electrical value of the high No
threshold
High Urgency Degree of urgency of the No
alarm linked to the
violation of the high
physical limit
HMI DB Associated Number of the HMI DB No

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Name in the HMI import Label Mandatory

Horn No Number of the alarm horn No

Initial value Initial value No
Input Output Direction of the I/O if import of I/O variable
exchange
L Limit Urgency Degree of urgency of the No
alarm linked to the
violation of the low
physical limit
Label Label in language 1 No
Label 2 Label in language 2 No
Length Length of the array when No
the variable is an array
Low Limit Low physical limit No
Low Threshold Electrical value of the low No
threshold
Low Urgency Degree of urgency of the No
alarm linked to the
violation of the low
physical limit
Max. Range Electrical value No
Memory Area Variable type: No
Standard
Min Range Electrical value No
Model Name of the single variable Always,
model or name of the root
variable model
Msg Sate 0 State message = 0 No
Msg Sate 1 State message = 1 No
Owner Id Name of the owner If Variable ID is absent
Path Path in the MVM No
Point (External Exch. Rank of the variable in the If import of variable with
Array) exchange array external exchange
Point (Input/Output) Number of the channel in if import of I/O variable
the board
Protection Access level of the control No
room user for the
transmission of command
Rack Number of the rack in the if import of I/O variable

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Name in the HMI import Label Mandatory

controller
Rate(s) Rate No
Redundancy Exchange Type of redundancy No
Sensor Default Alarm Degree of Sensor Default No
Degree Alarm urgency:
Setpoint Type Type of setpoint No
Setting Tuning variable marker No
Slot Number of the board in the if import of I/O variable
controller.
Threshold Hysteresis Hysteresis No
Unit Unit No
Unit Bus Exchange Type of exchange on the No
unit network
Use of Dead Band Utilization of a deadband No
V. High Threshold Electrical value of the very No
high threshold
V. High Urgency Degree of urgency of the No
alarm linked to the
violation of the very high
physical limit
V. Low Threshold Electrical value of the very No
low threshold
V. Low Urgency Degree of urgency of the No
alarm linked to the
violation of the very low
physical limit
Variable ID Variable ID code If Owner ID and Variable
Name are absent
Variable Name Variable name If Variable ID is absent
Variation Printout on variation No

3.5.6 Exporting Variables

The export is done, in a manner similar to the import, by clicking on the Export option from the
Variables menu of the main Controcad window. The option is accessible from a variable grid, or
from the functional or hardware trees. Clicking on the option opens the export window.
A simplified export is also available from a variable grid. This is accessible via the Export Grid
option in the contextual menu of the grid (cf. 3.5.6.2,Export ).

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3.5.6.1 Variable Export HMI

Clicking on the Export option opens the main HMI window.

This window enables the user to parameterize and run the export. It is organized in five
sections.

 The first section, Export File, is used to indicate the location of the file containing the data to
be imported. The Browse button provides access to a window for selection of files from the
directories of the Controcad station.
 A second section Column Configuration concerns the column configuration models. The Column
Model field is used to select a model from those defined in the Controcad project. The New
Configuration button is used to define a new model. The ? button is used to modify the model
selected in the Column Model field. Clicking on these buttons opens the window of export
models. (cf. 3.5.3.1,Column Configuration Model).
 The third section Path Configuration for Multiple Variable is used to indicate the export mode of
multiple variables (cf. 3.5.1,Variable Processing). If the response is Yes to the question Export
Complete for Multiple Variable ?, the mode is global. Otherwise it is individual and in this case
the user must select or define the configuration model of MVM fields (cf. 3.5.3.2,MVM Field
Configuration Model ).
 The fourth section Data Source, is used to indicate which variables are to be exported. Four
choices are possible:
Type Name Description
Current Variable Grid Exports the variables in the grid displayed.
Filter of Variable Grid Exports the project variables filtered by the selected
filter. The filters proposed are the DB Filters in the
variable grid. The New filter button is used to create a
filter.
Function Exports variables belonging to the selected function
and to its sub functions.

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Type Name Description

Controller into Workspace Exports variables that have at least one address in
the selected controller for the chosen workspace.
 The last section contains the standard confirm and close buttons. The Close button closes
the window; the OK button executes the export. A progress indicator bar is displayed at the
bottom of the window during the export and once the export is complete the location of
the export log is displayed. It is proposed to the user to display the log.

3.5.6.2 Export

The simplified export exports the selected variables of the current grid with all Controcad
characteristics of the grid in alphabetical order. All the multiple variables fields are exported
individually.
Click the Export Grid option in the contextual menu of the grid to open a file selection window.
The user indicates the location and the name of the export file. Click the Save button to run the
export.

3.5.6.3 The export log

The export log contains the report of the export:

TOTAL OF VARIABLE EXPORTED: total number of variables exported
NUMBER OF SIMPLE VARIABLE EXPORTED: number of single variables exported
NUMBER OF MULTIPLE VARIABLE EXPORTED PARTIALLY: number of multiple variables exported
individually
NUMBER OF MULTIPLE VARIABLE EXPORTED COMPLETELY: number of variables exported globally
NAMES OF MULTIPLE VARIABLE EXPORTED COMPLETELY: name of the variables exported globally

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VARIABLE EXPORTED FROM: variable set exported

MODEL USED: name of the model used
DATE: date and time of the export
USER: name of the user.

3.5.6.4 Characteristics of exportable variables

List of the characteristics of the exportable variables in a tabulated text file.

Name in the export HMI Label

Annotation Comment
Archiving Sampling in Historian
Basic Type Type
Boolean HMI Processing Profile of alarm processing objects
Cell Name of the cell
Cmd Type Type of the command
Constant Marker
Controller (External Exch. Array) Name of the controller hosting the external
exchange
Controller (input/output) Name of the controller executing the input output
Control Block Link Name of the link in the block
Display Filter Sampling
Evt log Printout in Historian
Exchange HMI Type of HMI exchange
External Exch. Array Name ID of the variable array executing the external
exchange
External Exchange Direction of the external exchange
Filtering Filter coefficient
H Limit Urgency Degree of urgency of the alarm linked to the
violation of the high physical limit
High Limit High physical limit
High Threshold Electrical value of the high threshold
High Urgency Degree of urgency of the alarm linked to the
violation of the high physical limit
HMID DB Associated Number of the HMI DB
Horn No Number of the alarm horn
Initial value Initial value
Input Output Direction of the I/O exchange

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Name in the export HMI Label

L Limit Urgency Degree of urgency of the alarm linked to the

violation of the low physical limit
Label Label in language 1
Label 2 Label in language 2
Length Length of the array when the variable is an array
Low Limit Low physical limit
Low Threshold Electrical value of the low threshold
Low Urgency Degree of urgency of the alarm linked to the
violation of the low physical limit
Max. Range Electrical value
Memory Area Variable type:
Standard
Min Range Electrical value
Model Name of the single variable model or name of the
root variable model
Msg Sate 0 State message = 0
Msg Sate 1 State message = 1
Origin Origin
Owner Id Name of the owner
Path Path in the MVM
Point (External Exch. Array) Rank of the variable in the exchange array
Point (Input/Output) Number of the channel in the board
Protection Access level of the control room user for the
transmission of command
Rack Number of the rack in the controller
Rate(s) Rate
Redundancy Exchange Type of redundancy
Root MV
Sensor Default Alarm Degree Degree of Sensor Default Alarm urgency:
Setpoint Type Type of setpoint
Setting Tuning variable marker
Slot Number of the board in the controller.
Threshold Hysteresis Hysteresis
Unit Unit

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Name in the export HMI Label

Unit Bus Exchange Type of exchange on the unit network

Use of Dead Band Utilization of a deadband
V. High Threshold Electrical value of the very high threshold
V. High Urgency Degree of urgency of the alarm linked to the
violation of the very high physical limit
V. Low Threshold Electrical value of the very low threshold
V. Low Urgency Degree of urgency of the alarm linked to the
violation of the very low physical limit
Variable ID Variable ID code
Variable Name Variable name
Variation Printout on variation

3.6 Deleting a Variable

A delete variable request opens a window either:

 to indicate the consumption of the variable in the diagrams and in the multiple variables. If
the user confirms, the delete is performed. Deleting a multiple variable deletes the
variables, which compose it.
 or to indicate that it is impossible to delete the variable. A message tells the user the
reason for the refusal e.g. the variable belongs to a fixed or system MV etc.

3.7 Initialising a table variable

The Array Initial Value option of the variable grid contextual menu opens the window used to
define the initial values of an array variable. This mechanism is used to set the initial value or
the tuning value of each element in an array, depending on whether the array can be tuned
or not.

This window includes a Master window showing the list of all the arrays in the current variable
grid and a Detail window used to define the initial values of the components of the array
selected.

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Description of the fields in the master window:

Type Name Description
Basic Type Variable type: Boolean, Double etc.
Owner ID Process ID of the variable owner.
Variable Name Name of the variable.
Label Label of the variable.
Length Number of elements of the table
Setting Indicates whether setting value.
Description of the fields in the detail window:
Type Name Description
N° ID of the line in the detail section.
Row Row of the element of the array (from 0 to length of
the array -1). The default value of this field is the
smallest row not input.
Initial value Initial value of the element. No default value for
simple creation.
The detail section provides a contextual menu to add or delete elements.

Description of the options in the contextual menu of the detail section:

Item Description
Add Used to create an additional initial value. Adds a line with the
smallest row non input and an initial value empty by default.
Delete Deletes the selected line.
Add All Adds all the missing rows to the array with 0 as initial value.
Delete All Deletes all the rows in the array.

During an Add all, the fields previously created are neither deleted nor overwritten.
This is allows not null initial values to be input; Add all can then be run for the others.
If the array has an initial value in the grid, this value is used to initialize the cells of
the array when no initial value is specified.

3.8 Multiple Variable Management

This chapter presents the different actions available for the management of multiple
variables.

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3.8.1 Attaching a Variable to a Multiple Variable

Used to attach a single or multiple variable to a multiple variable.

With the variable to be attached selected, click the Link option in the Manage MV sub-menu in
the contextual menu of the variable grid. A window opens and proposes a list of the process
IDs of the multiple variables (MVs) to which the variable can be attached. The variable to be
attached may be simple or multiple. In the latter case, the root variable must be selected. In
the association window select the multiple variable required and click OK.
A variable already affiliated to an multiple variable cannot be attached. Attachment
is authorized only in the multiple variables produced from Modulate MVMs.
The window below is used to link a variable to a multiple variable:

Variables attached manually to the MV are shown by a trombone placed before the
attached variable (the trombone appears in the Hierarchy screen (cf.
3.8.3,Hierarchy).

3.8.2 Completing an MVM

Select the Add MVM Field option in the Manage MV sub-menu in the contextual menu of the
variable grid to open a window used to complete an MVM from its initial definition. This
function enables an MVM with deleted variables (deleted variables are shown in boldface in
the window) to be rebuilt from the MVM created initially by adding the deleted variable.
Double click the missing variable shown in boldface in the window.

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The window shown below is used to add a field to a multiple variable:

3.8.3 Hierarchy

Selection of the Hierarchy option from the Manage MV submenu of the contextual menu of the
variables grid opens a window which displays the hierarchy of the variable from the root, in
tree form, with the variable selected shown in inverse video. If the variable is simple and is not
attached to an MV, the user is warned by a message.
The window shown below displays the hierarchy of a multiple variable:

A trombone placed before a variable shows that the variable was attached to the
MV manually.

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3.9 Variable Grid Cross References

This chapter presents the options of the Cross References sub-menu accessed from the
contextual menu of the variable grid. These options are used to identify the consumption and
production of a variable in the functional and hardware trees.
Cross References from Functional Architecture tells the user about the current state of the use of a
variable, with the possibility of modification.
Cross References from Current Workspace tells the user about the generated state of the use of a
variable with the possibility of observing the variable in animation.

3.9.1 Cross References from Functional Architecture

Selecting the Cross References From Functional Architecture option opens a window that displays in
the form of a tree in I/O boards and in external exchange tables, the uses of the variable in
diagrams of the function tree (there will be as many lines as uses of the variable on different
components). Double click a use to open the corresponding graphic diagram from the
functional tree. This diagram can then be modified as necessary.
If a variable has just been placed on a component, it will not appear in the diagram
reference screen if the diagram has not previously been saved.
The window shown below shows the cross references on the functional tree:

Description of the options

Type Name Description
Cursor Changes the transparency level.

Group by HMI Shows details of HMI DB (visible only if a variable

has cross reference to HMI DB).
One node by HMI DB if checked.
Consume Indicates the color of consumed node.
Produce Indicates the color of produced node.

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Description of the buttons

Button Description
Save… Saves the cross reference of the variable. (cf. 3.9.1.1,Saving
the Cross Reference of Variable)
Print… Opens a print preview window.
Close Closes the variable cross reference window.
Description of the nodes
Name Content Display
Variable Variable ID (= Owner ID + Variable Name)
Label between parentheses, - if no label
Name of the workspace
HMI Variable HMI type (example: Program HMI
Boolean Signal)
If Group by HMI is not checked, HMI DB list is in
parentheses
The icon depend of direction of variable ( for
command, for signal, internal HMI variable)
HMI detail node ( ) (visible only if Group by
HMI is check)
HMI DB name
Number of HMI DB
HMI DB label in parentheses
HMI Icon of HMI object (same like HMI tree view)
terminal
HMI object name
Link type if exist (example: Aut BSig 2)
Row if exist (example: Row 1 for Gateway)
A Tool tips with HMI object type label (example:
Gateway).
Controller Controller Name and label
Tool Tips: Controller Type Label
Diagram Diagram Full name similar to Controcad FCT
under Treeview. (For example: F1DG1)
functional
node Diagram Complete Name similar to Controcad
FCT Treeview. (For example: FCT1/DIG1)
Diagram label silimar to Controcad FCT
Treeview. (For example: sample diagram)

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Name Content Display

Diagram Full Diagram name similar to Controcad FCT
under Treeview. (For example: F1DG1)
Hardware
node Diagram execution number in POU between
parentheses (except for SFC Diagram) (For
example:(1))
Program and POU name (POU execution number
in program) between parentheses. (For example:
POU2(1))
FBD used FB type
node
Execution number
Tested if it is marked tested
SFC used SFC used type
node
Step or Transition number
IO used Rack number
node
Slot Number
Module Type
Point Number
External Array name (For example:
used node HEAD_CELL1Ex'ModbusServerInW)
Point Number (Point: 0)

PCX under Equipment name (For example: MOD1)

controller
(Profibus, Equipment type (Profibus, Modbus) (for example:
Modbus) Modbus)
used node Point number (For example: Point 0)
Array name (between parentheses) (For
example:
HEAD_CELL1_r5_1_1Ex'ModbusClientInB)
Cell OPC Cell OPC server icon
server
used node Label: Cell OPC Server

3.9.1.1 Saving the Cross Reference of Variable

The user can save the cross reference of variable into different formats and specify the path
to store the file.

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Description of the options:

Type Name Description
Text Saves the cross references of Variable in text format
JPG Image Saves the cross references of Variable JPG image
format
BMP Image Saves the cross references of Variable in BMP image
format
XML Format Saves the cross references of Variable in XML file
format
XML Full Format (expert Saves the cross references of Variable in XML file
mode) format in expert mode.
After selecting the required file format, the user can specify the path to store the file.

3.9.2 Cross References from Current Workspace

Selecting the Cross References From Current Workspace option opens a window that displays the
uses of the variable in input/output boards and/or in external exchange tables of diagrams
generated (diagrams of the hardware tree) of the current workspace.
The result is presented in the form of a tree (there will be as many lines as there are uses of
the variable). There is one node for each diagram and for each controller using the variable.
Double click the diagram to open it in the hardware tree with the possibility of running an
animation on the target.

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The window shown below shows cross references in the current workspace:

3.10 Exchanges

Used to obtain an overview of the uses of the variable selected in the current user workspace.
Click the Exchange option in the contextual menu of the variable grid to open a window
showing variables exchanged through the controllers that produce or consume them in the
workspace.
The variable has a primary address and may also have one or more secondary addresses for
each controller. The primary address is the address from which the variable receives its value.
In the producing controller, the primary address may be the address in the reception table
originating from the control room HMI (for a control room HMI input) or the input memory
address (for a process input) or any other memory address (for a variable calculated by a
diagram). In a consuming controller, the primary address is always situated in the inter-
controller exchange table that has transferred the variable from the producing controller. Any
secondary addresses correspond to a utilization of the variable, which is different from that
corresponding to the primary address.
To illustrate this principle, imagine a variable that is a process input (in the cell controller) sent
to the control room HMI, to a Modbus device linked to the cell controller. This variable is
redundant and consumed in:
 Another field controller in the same cell,
 Another cell.
The primary address of the variable is that which corresponds to the assignment on the input
board (process input). The secondary addresses are as follows:
 Supervision address in the array transmitted to the supervisory system,
 Redundancy address in the redundancy array,
 Field controller transmission address in the inter-controller exchange table,

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 Unit controller transmission address in the inter-controller exchange table,

 External exchange address in the array transmitted to the Modbus network to which is
connected the device.
During code generation, Controcad is responsible for the transportation of all the variables
between the primary address and the secondary addresses.
For Controcad a variable has 4 possible origins. It may be whether:
 A process input or an external input,
 A control room input,
 Calculated by an FBD,
 A tuned value.
The window below shows the variable exchanges:

Description of the fields:

"Master" window
The Master window shows the essential characteristics of the variable.
Type Name Description
ID Variable functional ID code.
Label Label of the variable.
Basic Type Variable type.
Detail window
The Detail window describes which controllers the variable is used in.
Type Name Description
Controller Name Name of the controller.
Controller Label Label of the controller.
Memory Table ID Name of the memory exchange array, HMI network or
external network containing the variable.
Row Rank of the variable in the exchange array.
Address Absolute address of the variable in the controller.
Prod Indicates if the variable is Produced or Consumed in the
controller.

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Type Name Description

Max Length Maximum length of the array in which the variable is
stored.
Gen Length The generated length is the length occupied by the
exchange table in memory. This is also the length
exchanged on the network. Gen Length=Filling Up+Free
Spare if the array is a unit network or fieldbus exchange
array.
Filling Up Length used by the variables stored in the table.
Setting Spare Reserve space used to store other variables without
disturbing the remainder of the memory. The value of the
reserve corresponds by default to 20% of the maximum
length. This value can be modified in the Controcad
parameter definition window. To access this window, log
on to a project as administrator, click the About
Controcad option in the Controcad Help menu, then open
the parameters window by clicking on the Parameters
button.
Free Spare Space remaining in the reserve after generation in Full
rebuild mode or with reconstitution of the reserve, the
reserve being fixed at its initial value (by default 20% of
the max length). Then, after compatible generations, the
reserve fills and reduces to receive new variables. When
the length becomes null, generation must be in non-
compatible mode.
F8000 time slot Name of the time slot used to transport the exchange
array on the F8000.
Exchange Rate Cycle time of the application.
Program type Name of the receiving or transmitting (only for the C8075).
Sub-detail window
The sub-detail part describes all the addresses of the variable for each controller.
Type Name Description
Exchange Type Type of exchange: Input/output, Unit bus, Field bus, HMI,
Redundancy, Memory, Functional or External.
Exchange Array ID Name of the exchange array.
Exchange Array Label of the exchange array.
Label
Row Rank of the variable in the exchange array.
Address Type Indicates whether the address is Primary or Secondary.
Address Absolute address of the variable in the controller.
Rows Number of occupied rows in the exchange table.

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When the variable is produced by a controller (process input or variable calculated

by a diagram), the primary address of the variable is located in a memory exchange
table. If the variable is consumed by a controller, the primary address of the
variable is situated in a network exchange array.

Note: A supervision input (e.g. a OpenLoop_ccCmd_S command or a ccSpt_R setpoint) appears in the
exchanges as being produced in the unit controller of the cell managing the variable.

3.11 Finding and Replacing a Variable

This chapter presents the search and replace windows for variables in the grid. These
windows are identical except for one field. The Find and Replace screen is a tool that enables
Controcad users to:
 Search for all the occurrences of a value
 Replace the value by another value
 Replace all the occurrences of the value by another value

3.11.1 Finding a Variable

Clicking on the Find option from the contextual menu of the variable grid opens the Find
window.
The user is asked if all the multiple variables should be expanded before running the search. If
the variables remain collapsed the search will only execute on the visible variables.

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Column Used to select the name of the column in which the search
will be performed from a pull-down list. The names displayed
correspond to the column headers.
Find Used to input the value to be replaced. The only wild
character managed in the search is ’*'. The question mark is
not accepted.
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Type Name Description

Up/Down Direction of the search
The Find next button is used to search for the next occurrence of a value within a variable grid.
The search for a value can be run towards the top (backward) or towards the bottom
(forward).
Depending on the column to be processed, the Find field is used to:
 Input a value if the column is an edit field.
 Select an option from a pull-down list if the column is linked to a closed list.

3.11.2 Replacing a Variable

Clicking on the Replace option of the contextual menu of the variable grid opens the Find and
Replace window.
The user is asked if all the multiple variables should be expanded before running the search. If
the variables remain closed the replacement is done only on visible variables.
Replacement window:

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Column Used to open a pull-down list from which the name of the
column in which the search or replacement will be executed
can be selected. The names displayed correspond to the
column headers.
Replace Used to input the value to be replaced. The only wildcard
characters managed in the search are " * " and " % ". The
symbol ”?” is not accepted.
With Used to input the replacement value. Depending on the
column to be processed, this field is used to:
 Input a value if the column is an edit field.
 Select an option from a pull-down list if the column is linked
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Type Name Description

to a closed list.
Up/Down Indicates the direction of the search.
The Replace button executes a REPLACE on the line found by activating a check of the column
concerned. It acts as if the user had input the replacement value directly in the grid. The
button is automatically displayed in gray when the user selects a non-modifiable column.
The Replace All button executes a REPLACE on all the occurrences of the value sought by
running a check of the column concerned. It acts as if the user had input the replacement
value directly in the grid. Lines where the column cannot be modified are ignored. The button
is automatically displayed in gray when the user selects a non-modifiable column.
The Replace All button can also be used to rename a part of a character string.
Example: In an SV with the label CMD_POMPE_1, the character string "POMPE_1"
must be replaced by "POMPE_2". Input % POMPE_1% in the "Replace" field, and
input POMPE_2 in the "With" field.

3.12 Filtering a Grid of Variables

This chapter presents the variable grid filter window. This window enables several criteria to
be combined over several columns of the grid. It is accessible via the Filter option in the Edit
sub-menu accessed from the contextual menu of the variable grid.
This screen is a tool that enables Controcad users to:
 Create filters.
 Modify filters.
 Save filters in the database.
 Apply a filter on a screen.
 Remove a filter previously applied.
The application of a filter in a grid prompts a change of color in the column headers
to notify the application of a filter. These column headers are shown in green.

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The screen is composed of the tab Grid Filter which is used to apply a filter to a list of variables
displayed in the variable grid:

Description of the fields of part 1:

This zone displays a list of predefined filters that are stored in the database and that relate to
the grid to be processed. It is possible to create a filter from the variables of another filter.
Each filter possesses a level (type) that is related to the user's access level that creates it. The
level of a filter is used to in check access.
Type Name Description
Name Name of the filter saved.
Type Level of a filter used to in check access. There are three levels:
Level S: for filters defined at administration level
Level C: for filters defined at configuration level
Level U: for the filters defined by a user whose level is inferior to
configuration
Filter Detail of the filter.
User Name of the user who has saved the filter.
If a user double clicks on a predefined filter, it becomes the current filter. The input zone and
the syntax zone are pre-input with the variables of the filter. The user can if necessary modify
this filter before applying it.

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An administrator can modify and delete all the filters.

A configurator can modify and delete all the filters except those of the
administrator.
A user whose level is inferior to configuration level can modify and delete only his
own filters.
Description of the fields of part 2:
This is a zone that is used to create or modify the filters. The input is done in a type of grid
where each line corresponds to a selection criterion.
Type Name Description
Bracket Used to input the opening brackets of the filter.
Column Used to select the column name of the criterion in a pull-down
list. The column names displayed are not those in the database
but correspond to column headers.
Operator Enables the user to select the operator of his choice in a pull-
down list (’=', ’>', ’like', etc…).
Value Used to input a value or a list of values. In the case of a list, the
values must be separated by commas. Depending on the
column to be processed, the Value field is used to:
Input a value if the column is an edit field.
Select an option from a pull-down list if the column is linked to
a closed list.
Bracket Used to input the closing brackets of the filter.
Logical Used to input a logic operator (AND or OR).
The Current Filter section is used to display (SQL syntax) the current variable grid filter. This field
cannot be modified.
List of operators:
Operators Variable types to which these apply

=,<,>,<=,>=,<> Numerical or character string

in Numerical or character string. The operand is a list of values of
the same type.
Example: The expression id_var in 108,140,150,289 means that
all variables whose identify is equal to one of the values in the
list will be filtered
like Character string only. The "like" operator is often used with the
character '*'.
Example: The expression Variable Name like turbine* means
that all variables whose name starts with the string turbine
will be filtered

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Description of the buttons:

Button Description
Clear Clears in the current tab the data present in the input zone and the
Current Filter zone.
Save Used to save the modifications executed on a selected filter. If no filter is
selected the button is disabled.
Save as Used to save the filter under another name. A uniqueness check is
performed on the name of the filter. Each filter also bears the name of
its creator.
Delete Used to delete a filter.
Apply Used to apply a filter.
Cancel Used to close the filter window without applying the filter.

To remove a filter from a variable list, clear the input zone by clicking on the Clear
button then click the Apply button.

3.13 Printing a Variable Grid

This chapter presents the tools used to print out the variable grid.
The printout can be configured via the Print option in the File menu. It is also possible to print
out the grid via the F12 key when this key is active.
The window below is used to configure the printout of the variable grid:

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The Print Dialog screen is used to print the content of a grid. The user can select the columns
that he needs to print. The screen is divided in two parts:
 The 1st part (to the left) called the selection zone, displays a list of the names of the
columns in the grid to be printed. The column names displayed are those of the columns
headers. Selection/Deselection of a name displays or masks the corresponding column in
the right hand section of the screen.
 The 2nd part (to the right) called the printout zone, displays the variables in the columns
selected for printout. The user can redimension the width of the columns or change the
order of the columns. The name, the width and the order of the columns are saved in the
database.
The user can attribute a title to his printout via the Title field.
Description of the buttons:
Button Description
Preview Used to display a printout preview of the variables to be printed. It
prompts click the "Rulers" and "Orientation" buttons and of the
scale input zone.
Rulers Used to display in the printout preview the graduated horizontal
and vertical rules.
Orientation Used to select the orientation of the printout (portrait or landscape).
Print Prints the data in the columns selected.
Clear Used to open the printout screen. The result is:
All the names of columns are deselected in the selection zone.
All the columns are masked in the printout zone.
All Used to select all the columns in the variable grid.
OK Closes the printout screen and saves the names and order of the
selected columns in the database. When the printout screen is next
opened, the display shows the selected columns in the order saved.

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Section 4 FBD Editor

4.1 Introduction

The FBD editor is a graphic control function diagram editor. When a diagram is edited, the
FBD editor is used to constitute a network of elementary operators (AND, ADD, GT Greater
than...) and Functional components (RS switchover RS, TON Timeout ON, TP timeout pulse
etc.) by retrieving these components from the Libraries tree, and connecting their arguments
by links and/or by associating these arguments to variables selected in the grid or to
constants. Diagrams created in this way are saved in the server database.
System Functional Block Library

4.2 Menus and Icons

This section describes the menus and icons of the FBD editor.

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4.2.1 File Menu

Description of the options:

Item Description
Save (Ctrl+S) Saves the active diagram.
Touch Date Gives the current date to the diagram. The next code
generation regenerates the diagram (if the diagram is on
a controller that corresponds to the generation scope).
Touch Dates of All Opened Gives the current date to all the FBD diagrams opened
Functional FBD Diagrams from the functional tree in the editor. The next code
generation regenerates the diagrams (if the diagrams are
on a controller that corresponds to the generation scope).
Print Preview Preview of the active diagram before printout.
Print (Ctrl+P) Opens the printout dialogue box.
Export for Word Document Exports the active diagram in the form of an EMF image.
Several files are created (several image capture types) in
the directory <drive>:/P320/exe/emf/. This enables the
images to be inserted in a Word document.
Refresh Variables and Sfc Updates the diagram (especially useful if a variable name
Local Data has changed).
Review Sfc Step Used to display all the steps in the SFC diagrams (cf.
4.3.15,Updating Variable Information).
Review List of Diagrams Shows a list of all the diagrams with their type.
Update Components Updates the components that have been modified (cf.
Definitions 4.3.14,Updating Component Definitions).
Load all Components Updates the definitions of the components (cf.
Definitions 4.3.14,Updating Component Definitions).
Close Diagram (Ctrl+F4) Closes the active diagram.

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4.2.2 Edit Menu

Description of the options:

Item Description
Undo (Ctrl+Z) Cancels the previous action.
Cut (Ctrl+X) Cuts the selected element.
Copy (Ctrl+C) Copy the selected element.
Paste (Ctrl+V) Pastes the last element cut or copied.
Delete (Del) Deletes the selected element.
Select All (Ctrl+A) Selects all the elements of the diagram.
Find (Ctrl+F) Activates the search function.
Find Next (F3) Searches for the next element according to the criteria
requested.

4.2.3 View Menu

This menu presents display options: the options checked are active.

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Description of the options:

Item Description
Status Bar Displays/hides the state bar at the bottom of the FBD.
Main Tool Bar Displays/hides the icon bar.
Alignment Tool Bar Displays / hides the alignment icon bar.
Overview Displays/hides the overview window. (cf. 4.10.1,Overview)
Zoom Displays the zoom tuning window.
Size Defines the Diagram Format (cf. 4.10.2,Defining the Diagram
Format).
Grid Scale for HLD Opens a window to set the HLD grid scale according to the
FBD grid.
Normal Mode Sets to normal mode.
Print Mode Sets the printout mode. Used to display bookmark links on
page change.
Test Mode Sets to test mode. (cf. 4.9.1,Switching to T Mode)
FBD: Show/Hide FB Sets comments to display mode. (cf. 4.4.4,Component
comments Comment )
HLD: Show/Hide Displays/hides the number of each HLD in the editor.
Sequence Number
FBD: Automatic Internal Sets automatic internal variable creation mode between two
Variables Creation linked components. (cf. 4.5.7,Variables )

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Item Description
FBD: Create Visible Displays internal variables during their creation. Is only active
Automatic Internal if the previous option is chosen.
Variables
Variables Browser Starts the variables browser (cf. 4.6,Browser ).
Components Browser Starts the components browser (cf. 4.3.7,Components
browser).

4.2.4 Format Menu

This menu presents format options. The options checked are active.
Note: The selected entities correspond to the diagram elements that can be aligned:

 components
 tickets
 notes
It is not possible to select tickets and FBs and ask for their alignment.

Description of the options:

Item Description
Align

Lefts Align the left sides of selected entities (with respect to the first
selected entity).
Rights Align the right sides of selected entities (with respect to the
first selected entity).
Tops Align the tops of selected entities (with respect to the first
selected entity).
Bottoms Align the bottoms of selected entities (with respect to the first
selected entity).
Make Equal

Horizontal Spacing Horizontal spacing is made equal (the position of items at the
extremity of the selection are taken as base for the
computation of the spacing)
Vertical Spacing Vertical Spacing is made equal (the position of items at the
extremity of the selection are taken as base for the
computation of the spacing)

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Item Description
Display

All symbols Displays all the symbols.

FBD Automatic Displays the automatic internal variables.
Internal Variables
Ticket symbols Displays the name of the variables associated to the tickets.
Hide

All symbols Hides all the symbols.

FBD Automatic Hides the automatic internal variables.
Internal Variables
Ticket symbols Hides the name of the variables associated to the tickets.
Arrange All Symbols Repositions the symbols displayed beside the component
arguments if necessary.
Set Font/Color and Customizes the FBD diagrams display.
Display Options

4.2.5 Diagram Observation Menu

This menu is used for diagram animations or simulations. See [CCAD_TOOLS] (in § 1.7 List of
Referenced Documents).

4.2.6 Observation Preferences Menu

This menu is used to parameterize observations. See [CCAD_TOOLS] (in § 1.7 List of
Referenced Documents).

4.2.7 Curves Observation Menu

This menu is used for graphic animations. See [CCAD_TOOLS] (in § 1.7 List of Referenced
Documents).

4.2.8 Window Menu

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Description of the options:

Item Description
New Window Opens a new window on the current diagram. This function
is used to display two different sections of the same
diagram.
Cascade Reduces all the open diagrams in size and in cascade.
Tile Superimposes all the open diagrams vertically for
simultaneous visualization.
Arrange Icons Arranges icons.
The second section of the menu shows the list of open diagrams. The checkbox identifies the
active diagram.

4.2.9 Help Menu

There is only one option in the menu, About Diagram Editor, which opens a window providing the
version of the diagrams editor.

4.2.10 Icon Bar

Description of the icons:

Icons Description

Used to set test mode (cf. 4.9.1,Switching to T Mode).

Used to switch to automatic internal or local variable creation mode (cf.

4.5.7,Variables ).
Used to set comment display mode (cf. 4.4.4,Component Comment ).

Used to open the variable browser (cf. 4.6,Browser ).

Used to open the component browser (cf. 4.3.7,Components browser).

Used to run the overview window (cf. 4.10.1,Overview).

A function is only active when its icon appears depressed.

4.2.11 Alignment Tool bar

Description of the icons:

Icon Description

Used to align left sides of selected entities.

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Icon Description

Used to align right sides of selected entities.

Used to align top sides of selected entities.

Used to align bottom sides of selected entities.

Used to make horizontal spacing equal of selected entities.

Used to make vertical spacing equal of selected entities.

4.3 General Diagram Layout

4.3.1 Opening a Diagram

Select the diagram to be opened in the Function tree by a double click, or click the Open
diagram option in the Edit menu, or open the contextual menu associated to the diagram in the
tree.

A double click on a diagram that is already opened prompts the editor to display it
in the foreground.

4.3.2 Saving a Diagram

The Save option in the File menu in the main window of the diagram editor or the disk icon
saves the diagram whose window is active in the project database. The active window is
shown by a blue frame.
Clicking on the Save all option in the File menu in the main Controcad window, saves all the
diagrams opened during the same session in a single action. This action also saves the
variable grid.
When a diagram opened in the editor has been modified since it was last saved, an
asterisk * is displayed in the title of the window after the name of the diagram.

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4.3.3 Closing a Diagram

To close a diagram use the standard Windows button (cross at top right of the current
diagram window) or the Close Diagram option in the main editor File menu. If the diagram has
been modified, Controcad proposes to save the new version of the diagram. The user can
then choose whether or not to save the diagram before closing it.

4.3.4 Diagram Contextual Menu

The contextual menu shown below is accessible from the diagram, with no elements selected.

Description of the options:

Item Description
Paste (Ctrl+V) Pastes the last elements copied or cut.
Undo (Ctrl+Z) Cancels the previous action.
Paste Strategy Defines the paste strategy (cf. 4.3.5.2,Strategy)
Evaluation Strategy Is used to define the execution order type for components
in the diagram (cf. 4.7,Order of Execution of Components).
Evaluation Sequence Is used to manually define the execution sequence of
components in the diagram (cf. 4.7.2,Manual Mode).
Evolution Loop Is used to show the loops in the diagram (cf.
4.8,Identifying Loops)
Reset Forced Feedback Cancels all forced loopbacks.
Insert Text Annotation Inserts a comment zone in the diagram.
Insert New Ticket Inserts a variable information ticket in the diagram (cf.
4.3.10,Positioning a Variable Input Ticket)
Insert Image Is used to select an image to be inserted in the diagram.

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Item Description
Insert New Diagram Ticket Inserts a ticket allowing the navigation between
diagrams. The ticket can be linked to other diagrams
thanks to the Add Diagram Link option in its contextual
menu.
Show Test Results Displays the test markings (cf. 4.9.1,Switching to T Mode)
Reset Test Signature Removes all test markings. This option is active only when
the test markings are displayed (cf. 4.9.1,Switching to T
Mode)
FBD: Show FB Comments Displays all non-hidden comments of diagram
components (cf. 4.4.4,Component Comment )
HLD: Show/Hide Sequence Displays/hides the number of each HLD in the editor.
Number

4.3.5 Basic Manipulations

This section presents the different basic manipulations within a diagram.

4.3.5.1 Selecting Elements (component, link, cross, ticket etc.)

One or more elements in a diagram can be selected when it is necessary to display a

contextual menu (the menu of the element chosen), duplicate, move or delete the element(s)
selected.
To select a set of elements click at the top left of the zone to be selected then enlarge the
selection rectangle to include all the elements to be selected
A set of components can also be selected one by one while keeping the <CTRL> key
depressed
To select all the elements of a diagram click the Select All option in the Edit menu of the editor.
To cancel a selection, click in an empty zone of the diagram window.

4.3.5.2 Strategy

Selected elements can be copied either by using the standard keyboard shortcut CTRL C, or by
clicking on the Copy option in the Edit menu of the editor or in the contextual menu of the
selection.
Selected elements are pasted either by using the keyboard shortcut CTRL V, or by clicking on
the Paste option in the Edit menu of the editor or in the contextual menu of the selection. The
selection is pasted into another diagram open in the same session.
Equally, select the elements to be copied, press the <CTRL> key while keeping the right-hand
mouse button pressed, and move the cursor to the required position before releasing the
button.
By default, the component is duplicated without copying the variables assigned to component
arguments. The Paste Strategy option in the contextual menu of the destination diagram of the
copy gives access to the sub-menu:

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Description of the options:

Item Description
With variables… The components will be duplicated with their variable
assignments and with automatic duplication of internal
variables.
Without variables The components are duplicated without assignment.
The checkbox indicates the active option.

4.3.6 Positioning Components

Components are positioned by means of the library tree or the components browser (cf.
4.3.7,Components browser).

To position a component in a diagram, select the component in the Libraries tree using the
Select component option in the contextual menu of the component or in the Controcad Libraries
menu. Then left-click the mouse button at the position in the diagram where the component is
to be placed. The components can also be placed via the Toolbar or by drag & drop using the
component browser (cf. 4.3.7,Components browser).
A symbol is displayed to indicate that the component cannot be positioned (on another
component, overlapping on more than one sheet, not enough space etc.).

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Remember that the Libraries tree can be detached via the Draw out Treeview option in the menu
window of the main Controcad window or via the Draw Out option in the contextual menu of
the root of the tree. This mechanism enables the user to display the Libraries tree (to select
the models) and the Function tree (to access diagrams and variables) simultaneously.
Note: In overlap enable mode it is possible to overlap two components, When the mode is overlap disable it
is impossible to place one component on top of another.

4.3.6.1 Meaning of Symbols Associated with Components

Symbols Meaning

The input or output must be entered as a

Filled arrows variable or a constant or a link
The input or output does not necessarily need
Outline arrows to be entered.
Red line Linkage with a variable is mandatory.
Green line Linkage with a variable is not mandatory. If a
link exists, the variable becomes mandatory.
Black line Linkage with a variable can be executed
Possible combinations
Symbols Meaning

Red line Linkage with a variable or assignment of variable

mandatory.

Green line Linkage with a variable or assignment of variable

not mandatory. If a link exists, the variable becomes
mandatory.

Black line Linkage mandatory if no variable assigned.

Black line Linkage not mandatory if no variable assigned.

4.3.6.2 Different Component Types

In the FBD editor:

 The standard functional component, coded in LEA.
 The diagram functional component, described in an FBD.

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The diagram functional component is described by an FBD diagram. It is differentiated

from a normal component by the presence of a blue icon in its center. Its descriptive
diagram can be opened from a contextual menu.
Appearance of the two types of component:

4.3.7 Components browser

This section describes the functions proposed by the component browser. The component
browser facilitates the insertion of components in the diagrams.
The functions proposed by the browser are as follows:
 search for components in a project,
 insertion of a component in an FBD diagram by drag/drop,
 displaying the internal variables of a component. If the component is of FBD type, it is
possible of assign its variables (by drag/drop) in the component diagram if the diagram is
issued.

4.3.7.1 Executing the component browser

The component browser is opened as follows:

 Either by selecting the Components browser option from the View menu of the diagram editor

 Or by clicking on the icon located in the toolbar of the diagram editor.

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4.3.7.2 Function

The component browser is used manually or automatically to find a library component in

order to assign it to an FBD diagram. The browser has the same appearance as the libraries
tree and shows the libraries, operators and components.

There are two ways of searching for components:

 The user can find the component required by expanding the trees.
 The user can find the library component automatically thanks to the search engine. The
user must input the name or a part of the name of the component being sought in the
search zone and then click the Search button. The tree expands on the first component that
meets the search criteria. When found, the component is automatically selected and
highlighted. The Search button becomes a Next button to go to the next component meeting
the search criteria.

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4.3.7.3 Displaying the internal variables of a Component

It is possible to display the internal variables of the selected component by double clicking on
the component from the component browser. Variables can be assigned (by drag/drop) to
their diagram components (FBD type) if they are in issued state. To return to the screen
showing the libraries tree, click the Back button.

4.3.8 Creating a link

To create a link, select the argument of the component to be connected by left clicking the
mouse button. The argument selected is displayed in inverse video. The link is then drawn by
means of the mouse (left button depressed). It is displayed as a broken grey line until the
outlet is connected, then as a broken white line when the link is connected. The link becomes
a solid line when the mouse button is released.
The width of the line depends on the type of variable: the line is thin for binary/boolean
variables and thick for numerical/analog variables.

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If the link is impossible, the link is shown in red and a forbidden panel appears on the
destination argument. In this case it is not possible to establish the link. This is explained by
the fact that the argument type at the start of the link is incompatible with the destination
argument type on which the mouse is placed.
During the creation of the link, the path is generated automatically (a link is exclusively
constituted of horizontal and/or vertical straight lines) with any break points that are
necessary. The link is directed so as not to pass over inlet and outlet components, but ignores
intermediate components.
Once the link has been established, the user can modify its route by selecting and dragging
the link summits that need to be moved
To authorize or prohibit the connection, the FBD performs the following checks:
 Verification of the compatibility of the argument types: the intersection of the lists of the
types of each of the arguments must not be empty. For example if one argument accepts
integers only, while the other accepts integers or words, the intersection of the two lists is
not empty and the check passes.
When the argument type is modulate (only for operators), the list of its possible types is
shortened, before the calculation of the intersection, in order to take account of links
already established with the other arguments of the component. For example, if an
argument accepts Integer, Boolean and Word types, and a variable of a given type, Integer
for example, is assigned to one of the arguments of the component, all the other
arguments will henceforth only accept variables of the same type (integer). In such cases,
for the argument to be connected to another argument, the latter must also accept
integers.
 Verification that the size of the two arguments is identical. For example, an argument
which expects arrays of 10 integers can only be connected to an argument which expects
arrays of the same size.
 Verification that the direction of the two arguments is compatible: normally this check
does not pass when the user seeks to connect a component output argument to an input
argument of another component whose value has been forced with a constant (an output
cannot be constant).
Note: In automatic internal variable creation mode, an automatic variable is created and assigned to both
components. (cf. 4.5.7,Variables )

4.3.9 Positioning a Cross on a Link

When a signal produced from a component is directed to several outlet components, an

intersection (cross) must be placed to split the signal towards the two outlets.

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To insert the cross, select the link, open its contextual menu by right-clicking the mouse
button and choose the Insert H/V C option. The cross is positioned at the location selected on
the link. The required link between a free branch of the cross and a component argument can
then be established.
Note: Positioning crosses in a diagram is also an indirect method of controlling the routing of the links.

4.3.10 Positioning a Variable Input Ticket

A variable input ticket is a zone used to display the characteristics of a variable during its
utilization in the diagram (name, label, state or unit message, minimum/maximum ranges,
degree of alarm etc.). The ticket is displayed in the editor and is presented in the
documentation.

On the ground of the diagram screen, right-click the mouse to open a contextual menu. Select
the Insert new ticket option to place an empty variable input ticket in the diagram. By default,
the link is to the right. Right-click the ticket to open a contextual menu, and select the Toggle
Input / Output option to change the link direction.
This ticket is input by linking the ticket to the argument of a component associated to a
variable. The characteristics of the variable are shown in the ticket.
It is possible to customize the tickets display (cf. 4.3.12,Customizing the Diagrams Display).
Table showing the meaning of the symbols associated to the tickets:
Symbol Meaning

Internal variable.

Physical input (logic or analog).

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Symbol Meaning

Physical output (logic or analog).

Transmitted to the supervisory system.

Received from the supervisory system.

Transmitted to external system (e.g. Modbus).

Received from an external system (e.g. Modbus).

Exchanged between the "normal" and "backup" via a redundancy

table.
Indicates that the variable is used as an urgency 1 alarm.
The level of urgency 1 is the highest in the ALSPA HMI control
room.
The level of urgency are numbered from 1 to 4.
The same icons 2, 3 and 4 also exist for 2, 3 and 4 levels.

Note:

The symbols can be combined:

In addition to these symbols, if the variable is coming from any FBD, SFC diagram, etc, then
the following icons are shown on the right bottom corner of the ticket:
Symbol Meaning

Indicates that the variable is coming from a SFC diagram.

Indicates that the variable is coming from a FBD diagram.

Indicates that the variable is produced from a board.

Indicates that the variable is coming from ALSPA HMI. The ALSPA
HMI Number would be displayed in the Ticket.
Description of the ticket formats
There are four formats of tickets:
 Large
 Normal
 Special
 VGB

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They are categorized according to their size and the information they show on the variable:
Type Content Description
Large Cross reference
Information on
variable

 1st row: name of variable.

 2nd row: label of variable.
 3rd row: initial value, unit.
 4th row: source of variable.
 The source element can be:
 A FBD diagram
 The yellow symbol of the diagram is displayed.
 A SFC diagram
 The blue symbol of the diagram is displayed.
 An I/O board
 The controller, rack or board symbol is displayed.
 An external exchange array
 The controller symbol, the name of the exchange
array and the row of the exchange array are
displayed.
 5th rows: upper and lower range, upper and lower
alarm.
The display is different according to the nature of the
variable.
 For a boolean variable the state message is displayed
when the boolean is equal to 1,
 For an analog variable the physical and electrical
threshold are displayed.
Normal Information on
variable

 1st row: name of variable.

 2nd row: label of variable.
 3rd row: initial value, unit.
 4th row: upper and lower range, upper and lower
alarm.
It excludes special icons meant for showing source of
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variable.
Special Cross reference

 1st row: name of variable.

 2nd row: label of variable.
 3rd row: source of variable.
 The source element can be:
 A FBD diagram
 The yellow symbol of the diagram is displayed.
 A SFC diagram
 The blue symbol of the diagram is displayed.
 An I/O board
 The controller, rack or board symbol is displayed.
 An external exchange array
 The controller symbol, the name of the exchange
array and the row of the exchange array are
displayed.
 According to the lack of space, the elements are
displayed very small.
 4th rows: upper and lower range, upper and lower
alarm.
It excludes some information. E.g. Initial Value of variable.
VGB Information on Input variables
variable

 Number: position of the ticket on the editor page.

 1st row: name of variable.
 2nd row: short label of the variable (or label if there is
no short label).
 3rd row: source of the variable.
 The source element can be:
 A FBD diagram
 The yellow symbol of the diagram is displayed.
 A SFC diagram

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 The blue symbol of the diagram is displayed.

 An I/O board
 The controller, rack or board symbol is displayed.
 An external exchange array
 The controller symbol, the name of the exchange
array and the row of the exchange array are
displayed.
 A parameter
 An ALSPA HMI variable
 4th row: message state when the variable is equal to
1 for a boolean variable, upper and lower ranges +
low and high physical limits for an analog variable or
initial value for a parameter.
Output variables

 1st row: name of the variable.

 2nd row: short label of the variable (or label if there is
no short label).
 3rd row: init value and corresponding message state
(for a boolean variable) or init value and init physical
value (for an analog variable).
 4th row: message state when the variable is equal to
1 (for a boolean variable) or upper and lower ranges +
low and high physical limits (for an analog variable).
 Number: position of the ticket on the editor page.

4.3.10.1 Tickets Contextual Menu

The following contextual menu is associated to the ticket in the FBD editor.

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Description of the options:

Item Description
Go To Source Diagram Opens the source diagram and focuses on block of diagram,
which produces that variable.
Cut Cuts the selected ticket from the diagram.
Copy Copies the selected ticket to the clipboard.
Delete Deletes the selected ticket from the diagram.
Toggle Input/Output Changes the direction of ticket's link.
Cross References Opens the variable Cross Reference window (cf. 3.9.1,Cross
References from Functional Architecture).
Show Loop Diagram Opens the file associated to the variable (cf. 4.12,Opening a
Loop Diagram from the FBD Editor).

4.3.11 Aligning Diagrams

Horizontal and vertical spacing

In the FBD Editor, it is possible to align similar constructs such as FBD blocks, tickets and text
annotation, horizontally and vertically. (cf. 4.2.11,Alignment Tool bar).
To align the tops, bottoms, rights and lefts of the constructs, at least two similar
constructs must be selected.

To equal horizontal or vertical spacing between constructs, at least three similar

constructs should be selected.

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Note: The selected entities correspond to the diagram elements that can be aligned:

 components
 tickets
 notes
It is not possible to select tickets and FBs and ask for their alignment.

Note: The first selected construct, which is circled with a cyan border, is the base for alignment.

Alignment with overlap options

 If Overlap Enable option under the Format > Set Font/Color and Display options menu is checked,
then overlapping of diagram constructs is allowed.
 If Overlap Disable option under the Format > Set Font/Color and Display options menu is checked,
then overlapping of more than one diagram constructs is not allowed.
Note: If as a result of the alignment, some construct is overlapping the page boundary or going out of the
document, then the alignment will not be preceded and there will be a message with a beep on the
status bar saying, ”The Alignment of the selected constructs can not be done as they will overlap other
constructs or page boundary”.

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4.3.12 Customizing the Diagrams Display

To customize the diagrams display, select Format > Set Font/Color and Display options menu option
in the FBD editor.
The Font/Color Selection and Display Options window opens.

Description of the fields:

Set Font and Color part
Button Description
Set Color for FB Is used to modify the background color of the FBD elements.
Set Font for Is used to modify font, font style and font size of text annotations and
TA/FB Comment comments.
Set Font for Is used to modify font, font style and font size of tickets.

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Button Description
Ticket
Set Font for Is used to modify font, font style and font size of Text FB.
Text FB
Set Default Cancels the customization parameters and applies the default display
Color and Font parameters.

As the size of the ticket and the position of the lines inside the ticket are fixed, there
are only a few possibilities for the user to modify the text size in tickets.
Grid On/Off part
Type Name Description
Grid On Displays Grid.
Grid Off Hides Grid.
Select Magnetic Grid part
Type Name Description
Main Grid Aligns the components to the main grid that is to say to
the biggest squares.
The big squares are only visible when the grid is on.
Minor Grid Aligns the components to the minor grid that is to say the
little squares.
The little squares are only visible when the grid is on and
zoomed in.
Overlap Enable/Disable part
Type Name Description
Overlap Enable Enables overlapping of two components in the editor.
Overlap Disable Disables overlapping of two components in the editor.
 The Save button is used to save the modifications.
 The Cancel button is used to abort modifications and close the window.

4.3.13 Description of Specific Markers in a Diagram

Description of the markers:

Markers Description

Marker located on a component and indicating an FB diagram.

Marker located on a component output argument. It indicates that the

user has forced the return of a loop on this argument .(cf.
4.8,Identifying Loops)

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Markers Description

Marker present in the top right corner of a component. It indicates the

presence of a comment on this component (cf. 4.4.4,Component
Comment ).
Marker present on a link. It indicates the presence of a loop and that
the loopback executes with this link.
If the execution number of a operator type component is blank, this
means that there is no variable assigned on its output argument. The
operator output is directly connected to another component without
any intermediate variable.

4.3.14 Updating Component Definitions

When the application starts, the diagram editor loads all the component definitions into
memory. This offers the user a higher degree of tool reactivity during the positioning of
components.
It is possible to integrate modifications to the component definitions manually via the
diagram editor. All open diagrams must be saved and closed then select the File > Update
components definitions option from the editor’s main menu. The editor reloads everything that
has been modified since startup.
To delete then reload all the component definitions, save and close all the open diagrams
then select the File > Load all components definitions option in the main menu. The editor reloads all
the component definitions without distinguishing between those which have changed and
those which have not changed.
The first update method is generally sufficient and has the advantage of being faster than the
second. This method is normally used first.

4.3.15 Updating Variable Information

The FBD editor keeps the variable information that it needs in memory. It loads this
information as required by the connections produced by the user in the diagrams. In order to
have the editor incorporate modifications or deletions concerning variables already used, an
update must be executed after saving the variable grid by selecting the File > Refresh variables
and SFC local data option in the main menu. During this action the editor updates its variable
information and the content of the tickets, and flags any connection problems by displaying
"DELETED !" in place of the names of variables which have been deleted in FBD and by
indicating incomplete SFCs by invalidating incorrect transitions or actions.

4.3.16 Adding Cross References to Produced Variables

In the diagrams, it is required to display at the produced variables level, which one of these
variables are consumed by other diagrams. At the consumed variables level, it is necessary to
display where they are produced.
Cross references are located outside the vignettes of each variable (on the left for references
to variable producers and on the right for references to variable consumers).

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These cross references are added before generating the intermediary file (emf files) used
when creating the diagram document. The diagram content is reduced to position the
references on their left and right.
A specific mode of the FBD editor allows the user to preview the productions of these
diagrams (”Print View” and ”Preview Mode”).
Due to size constraints, only the first n consumed variables are displayed in the
cross references.
The value of the n parameter is defined for each project. By default, it is set on 5.
If this value is equal to 0, no cross reference is generated and all the diagrams keep
their initial size.
If consumed variables cannot all be displayed, the cross reference list ends with 3
dots.

4.3.17 Printing a Diagram

To print a diagram as it is shown in the editor, select the File > Print option in the main menu. A
dialog box is used to select the pages to be printed out.
By default, a diagram is printed with the validation display (test information), if any.
To print a diagram without the validation display:
 Go in the Configuration menu of Controcad main window and click Project
 Go in the Documentation tab
 Clear the Show Validation Display checkbox and click OK.
The printer is configured automatically in landscape mode for FBD and in portrait mode for
SFC.
Blank pages in a diagram are not printed.
In printout mode links that are traced over several pages are cut and replaced by bookmarks
as shown below:

These bookmarks are formatted with:

 The link ID formed by a global ID and an ID local to the diagram.
 The number of pages separating the start of the link from the end.
The pages are numbered on-line from the left.

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4.4 Diagram Components

This chapter outlines the different actions that can be performed on a component present in
an FBD.

4.4.1 Contextual Menu of the Component

The following contextual menu is associated to a component:

Description of the options:

Item Description
Show Symbol Highlights the symbols (value, Process ID, calculable etc.)
associated to the arguments of the component.
Arrange Symbol Repositions the symbols displayed beside the component
arguments if necessary.
Create Variables Group Is used to create a multiple variable with one of the models
linked to the component and associate the variables to
component arguments (cf. 4.4.3,Assigning a Multiple Variable to
an Argument List).
Assign MV to ... Assigns the model selected to the component (cf.
4.4.3,Assigning a Multiple Variable to an Argument List).
Arguments Groups Displays the data of the variable models associated to the
Info. component. (cf. 4.4.3,Assigning a Multiple Variable to an
Argument List).
Cut (Ctrl+X) Cuts the selected component.
Copy (Ctrl+C) Copies the selected component.
Delete (Del) Deletes the selected component.

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Item Description
Component Instance Used to name a component by means of a variable (cf.
Name 4.4.5,Naming a Component)
Remove Instance Name Deletes the name of the component.
Open Diagram Used to open the diagram associated to an FB diagram (cf.
4.3.6.2,Different Component Types )
Simulation Watch Opens a simulation Watch Window on the component selected.
Window See [CCAD_HARD] (in § 1.7 List of Referenced Documents).
Edit Comment Used to create or modify the comment associated to the
selected component (cf. 4.4.4,Component Comment ).
Shown Comment Used to display or hide the comment of a component. When
the option is checked, the comment is visible in comment
display mode (cf. 4.4.4,Component Comment ).
Tested Used to mark the selected component as tested. When the
option is checked the component is marked as tested. This
option is only active in test mode. (cf. 4.9.1,Switching to T Mode)

4.4.2 Obtaining Information on Component Argument Groups

During the configuration of a functional component model, it is possible to define the

associations between the MVM fields and the component arguments. This facility is used to
associate all the variables of an MV to a group of arguments of the component in a single
action: in other words a variable list can be assigned to an argument list.
To see the list and the composition of the component arguments groups rapidly, select the
Arguments groups info option. This option is only active if the component has been configured to
support arguments groups. If no group is configured, the option is shown in grey. The
information window which opens following this command also indicates the variable model
which can be used to name the functional component.

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4.4.3 Assigning a Multiple Variable to an Argument List

This action consists in assigning the variables which compose the multiple variable to the
arguments of a functional component. The assignment is done by following the rules
indicated during the definition of the functional component model (Arguments Group tab). As
with the assignment of a simple variable to an argument, two situations may occur:
 The multiple variable already exists in the project:
To perform the association select the multiple variable in the grid via the Assign to diagram
option and assign it to the component using the relevant option in the contextual menu of the
component. This option is managed dynamically and takes one of the following values
according to the context of the association:
 When no variable compatible with the argument groups designed for the diagram type is
selected, the option is inhibited and equals Assign variables group.
 When the current variable is compatible with a single diagram type argument group, the
option takes the value Assign MV to <group name> (<MVM>) (group name being the name
of the argument group and MVM being the name of the MVM used for the group).
 When the current variable is compatible with several argument groups of the component,
the Assign variables group option is valid. When this option is selected, it opens a sub-menu
which is used to choose the argument group to be assigned.
 The multiple variable does not yet exist:
Select the Create variable group option to open the New variable window The fields for the
creation are input by default with the first association of the multiple variable model given in
the definition of the functional component model The user selects to validate the creation of
the variable as proposed or modifies certain fields as the choice of another MVM then
validates. The multiple variable is then created and its different single variables are assigned
to the arguments.

4.4.4 Component Comment

It is possible to associate a comment to a component. This comment can be hidden or

modified, printed or not, deleted or moved.
 To create or modify a comment, click the Edit Comment option in the contextual menu of the
component. The window below opens:

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It is displayed with an input zone for the comment, a validation button (OK) and a
cancellation button (Cancel).
The Ctrl+Enter combination is used to add a line in the input zone.
 The comment displays as follows:

The comment can be moved like any other element in the diagram.
 Comment display mode:
The comment display mode is used to display all the comments of the diagram. This mode
can be activated/deactivated in three ways:
- Contextual menu of the diagram, if the Show FB comments option is checked, the
comments display mode is active (cf. 4.3.4,Diagram Contextual Menu)
- Icon of the toolbar (cf. 4.2.10,Icon Bar). the comment display mode is active.
- FBD: Show/Hide FB comments of the View menu in the diagram editor. If the option is
checked the comments display mode is active (cf. 4.2.3,View Menu).
The use of one of the three possibilities above affects the state of the other two.
The yellow triangle at the top right of the component indicates the presence of a
comment that may or may not be hidden. This marker is only present in comment
display mode.
 Display/Hide an individual comment:
It is possible to define a hidden or displayed state individually for each component
comment. If the comment is displayed individually, it will only be displayed if the comment
display mode is active. If the comment is hidden individually it will remain so even in
comment display mode.
If the Show Comment option in the contextual menu of a component is checked, the
comment is displayed individually. To display it, click the comment display mode.
 Printing comments:
To print the comments, go to comments display mode then execute normal printing (cf.
4.3.17,Printing a Diagram).

4.4.5 Naming a Component

It is possible to give a functional component, placed in a diagram, the name of a variable

(generally a multiple variable representing the instance of the control block diagram). For this
to be possible, the type of the variable used to name the control block must have been
defined during the configuration of the control block diagram.

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To rename a component:
1. Select a variable compatible with the model indicated during the definition of the
functional component model.
2. Click the Assign to diagram option in the contextual menu associated to the selected
variable.
3. In the diagram click the Component Instance Name option in the contextual menu
associated to the component to be named.
To cancel the component name, select the Remove instance name option in the contextual menu
associated to the named component.

4.5 Component arguments

This chapter outlines the actions that can be performed on component arguments.

4.5.1 Argument Contextual Menu

The following contextual menu is associated to a component argument:

Certain options may or may not be accessible depending on whether or not the argument is
associated to a variable.

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Description of the options:

Item Description
Assign Variable Assigns a previously selected variable to the active argument.
Assign Constant Assigns a constant to the selected argument (cf. 4.5.3,Assigning
a Constant to an Input Argument).
Create Variable Used to open the new variable window During creation the
variable will be automatically assigned to the argument.
Paste Assignment Pastes a copied variable and assigns it to the argument.
Delete Assignment Deletes the association between the variable and the argument.
Display Manages the display mode.
Hidden Masks the variable ID or the value of the constant.
Name: … Displays the ID of the variable (option selected by default).
Option not available for a constant.
Name and initial Displays the ID of the variable followed by its initial value if this
Value exists. Option not available for a constant.
Initial value Displays the initial value of the variable or the value for a
constant.
Constant/Calculable Used to display the kind of variable associated to the argument
attribute (calculable, non-calculable, tunable, constant etc.). This option is
not available for a constant.
Data Displays information on the argument (cf. 4.5.4,Obtaining Basic
Information on an Argument)
Show Symbol The symbol (value, Process ID, calculable etc.) associated to the
argument.
Arrange Symbol Repositions the symbols next to the argument.
Edit Used to position the variable grid cursor on the variable
associated to the argument. This is used to locate the variable in
the grid. When the grid opened is not the grid that normally
contains the variable, this is inserted into the current grid and
the grid cursor is positioned on it.
Edit Root Used to position the variable grid cursor on the multiple variable
root of the variable. When this option is inaccessible this means
that the variable is not affiliated to a multiple variable.
Cross References from Searches the functional tree and displays: the diagrams and
Functional components consuming and/or producing the variable, the
Architecture input/output boards and the external exchange tables on which
the variable is assigned (cf. 3.9.1,Cross References from
Functional Architecture).
Cross Reference From Searches the hardware tree and displays:
Current Workspace
The diagrams and components consuming and/or producing
the variable,

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Item Description

The input/output boards and external exchange arrays to which

the variable is assigned.
(cf. 3.9.2,Cross References from Current Workspace)
Delete SFL Used to delete a connection from the selected argument.
Delete SFL & Symbol Used to delete a connection and the variable assignment from
the selected argument.
Delete CL Used to delete a duplicated argument from the selected
argument (cf. 4.5.6,Duplicating an Input Argument)
Toggle logical Used to complement or negate the argument. (cf.
Not/Sign 4.5.5,Complementing Boolean Arguments/Negation of Analog
Arguments)
Duplicate Duplicates the argument. (cf. 4.5.6,Duplicating an Input
Argument)
Tested Create a test marking on the selected argument (cf.
4.9.1,Switching to T Mode)
Force Feedback Used to force a loopback. Is active only if the argument of the
component participates in a loop (cf. 4.8,Identifying Loops)
Show Loop Diagram Opens the file associated to the variable (cf. 4.12,Opening a
Loop Diagram from the FBD Editor)

4.5.2 Assigning a Variable to an Argument

The Assign variable, Create variable and Paste assignment options are used to assign a variable to an
argument.
Three cases may occur:
 The variable already exists in the project.
To assign a variable to a component argument:
- Select the variable in the variable grid.
- Click the Assign to Diagram option of the Variables menu of Controcad or the contextual
menu of the variable in the grid.
or
Click the icon located in the main toolbar of Controcad.
or
Use the keyboard shortcut <Ctrl A>.
- Select the argument to which the variable must be assigned.
- Click the Assign Variable option of the contextual menu associated to the argument.
or
- Double click directly on the argument.

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It is also possible to use the variables browser (cf. 4.6,Browser )

 The variable does not yet exist.
It is then possible to create the variable from the diagram editor and to assign it
automatically. Selecting the Create variable option associated to the contextual menu of an
argument, opens the variable creation window (cf. 3.4.1,Variable Creation Window) The
fields for the creation are input by default with the single variable model that is the most
relevant with respect to the argument definition. In the definition of the functional
component (cf. 4.4.1,Contextual Menu of the Component), it is possible of specify the
variable model compatible with the argument. If this information has not been provided,
the model proposed is the system SVM compatible with the base type of the argument. The
user confirms the creation of the variable as proposed or modifies certain fields before
confirming. The variable created is automatically assigned to the argument.
This mode cannot be used if the variable to be created is a table.

 The variable is already assigned to another argument:

The first method consists in selecting the variable in the diagram where it is assigned and
clicking on the Copy Symbol option from the contextual menu associated to it. Then, select
the new argument on which the variable is assigned and click the Paste Assignment option of
the contextual menu associated to it. The variable copied is then assigned to the
argument.
The second method consists in depressing the <Ctrl> key, throughout the operation,
selecting the variable to assign in the diagram and by doing a drag/drop to assign this
variable to other arguments.
If the variable to be assigned is a table when the argument is a scalar, at the moment of
association, the diagram editor requests the index of the table element to be assigned to the
argument. The user must input the offset, whose value may vary from 0 thru n-1 (n is the size
of the table).
The diagram editor accepts only valid associations; these perform the same checks on type,
size and direction as those described for the positioning of a link. In the event of an error, a
message explaining the cause of the problem is displayed.

4.5.3 Assigning a Constant to an Input Argument

To assign a constant to a component input argument, select the Assign constant option in the
contextual menu of the argument. This opens a dialogue box used to input the constant. The
value of the constant input must be compatible with the types supported by the argument.
The following input formats are supported:
Input format Examples

<integer signed or not signed> 0, 1, 28756, -4

2#<value in base 2> 2#101
6#<value in base 16> 16#6AF0
<floating number> 3.1415927, -2.7305 E+02
For Boolean arguments, the editor opens a dialogue box that is used to assign the values
TRUE or FALSE to the argument.

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4.5.4 Obtaining Basic Information on an Argument

It is possible to access the main characteristics of a component argument by selecting the

Information option in its contextual menu. The following information is displayed:
 The list of types compatible with the argument. When the component can be overwritten
this list is abbreviated in accordance with the other connections produced
 Marker signaling whether or not the argument can be complemented.
 The size of the argument: scalar or size n array
 The default value taken by the argument if it is not connected
 Marker signaling whether or not the argument is modulate.
As an example:

4.5.5 Complementing Boolean Arguments/Negation of Analog Arguments

Component arguments may be configured so as to be able to be complemented (negated) or

not once they are placed in a diagram. For a Boolean argument, the term is complementation
(TRUE values become FALSE and vice versa). For a binary argument, the term is negation
(negation consists in taking the opposite value)
To negate an analog argument select the Toggle negative sign option in its contextual menu. To
cancel the negation repeat the operation a second time.

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To complement a Boolean argument select the Toggle logical not option in its contextual menu.
To cancel the complementation repeat the operation a second time.

4.5.6 Duplicating an Input Argument

An operator can be configured to be extensible. In this case its last input argument can be
duplicated one or more times. The duplicated arguments inherit the same characteristics as
the argument that has been copied.
To duplicate the last component input argument once, use the Duplicate option in the
contextual menu of the argument.
To duplicate the argument more than once in a single action select the Duplicate option in the
contextual menu of the argument while depressing the key indicating the number of
duplications to be performed (the digits on the numerical keyboard are not operative for this
manipulation and only single digits can be defined, we can thus add only 9 arguments at a
time).
The arguments duplicated may be deleted by the Delete option in their contextual menus. Only
the last argument duplicated can be duplicated again. The Duplicate option in their contextual
menus of the other arguments is inhibited.

4.5.7 Variables

"Automatic internal variable" mode is a diagram edit mode. This mode is activated by the icon
of the toolbar (cf. 4.2.10,Icon Bar) or by the FBD option: Automatic Internal Variables Creation option in
the View menu of the diagram editor.
This function is used automatically to create variables while the link between two
components is being traced.
Internal automatic variables can be created only if the link is made between two
arguments of which at least one is a mandatory argument (cf. 4.3.6,Positioning
Components).
The name of these variables is not modifiable and is built as follows:
<Short_Name_function+Short_Name_diagram>_<Variable_type><Number_bits>_<number
from 0001 to 9999>
Example: A1_INT16_0001

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If several variable types are possible for the linked arguments the following window opens:

Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
List of the possible Shows a list of the possible types for this connection.
types
Button OK Creates an internal variable of the selected type.

Automatic variables cannot be renamed.

By default, automatic variables are not displayed in the diagram. To display automatic
variables during creation click the FBD option: Create Visible Automatic Internal Variables of
the View menu.
Equally, automatic variables are not displayed by default in the grid. The grid can be opened
to visualize them (cf. 3.2.1,Variable Grid Characteristics).

4.6 Browser

This section describes the functions provided by the Variables browser. this browser is used to
facilitate the assignment of variables in an FBD diagram.
The functions proposed by the browser are as follows:
 Search for functions in a project,
 Search for variables in a project,
- Overall project search,
- Local function search,
- Search in cascade from a function.
 Assignment of single variable (SVM) in an FBD diagram.

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4.6.1 Executing the Browser and HMI Ergonomics

The variable browser is run and closed as follows:

 Either by selecting the Variables browser option from the View menu of the diagram editor,
 or by clicking on the icon located in the toolbar of the diagram editor.

4.6.2 Function

The Variable Browser is used to find a function and/or a variable manually or dynamically in
to order to assign one or more variables to the components of an FBD diagram. In the same
way as the functional tree, the upper section of the browser shows the project functions and
diagrams. The lower section indicates in array form a list of the variables belonging to the
selected function or diagram.

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4.6.2.1 Searching for Functions

The upper section of the variable browser is used to find a function or a diagram manually or
dynamically from the functional tree in order to display the variables associated to it in the
browser grid.
 Search: the user searches for the required function or the diagram in the tree. The tree is
expanded by clicking on the target function.
 Search: it is possible to run a dynamic search for a function. The user inputs the "Short
Name" of the function being sought in the upper search zone provided. The search is
executed as soon as the first character is input and is refined as the name is completed.
Note that * can be used as a universal wildcard character.

4.6.2.2 Searching for Variables

The lower section of the variable browser is used to display and find the project variables.
The procedure for finding a variable is as follows:
1. Select the function (or root) to which the variable is associated.
2. Input the name or a section of the name of the variable in the lower search zone (* can
be used as a universal wildcard character).
3. Choose the type of variable model sought (SVM or MVM).
4. Select "Local" if the search is to be run on only the selected function or "Cascade" if the
search is to be run on the selected function and on its daughter functions.
5. Click the Search for Var button.
Note: It is also possible to find a variable manually, without using the browser search tool.

4.6.3 Assigning a Variable from the Browser to the FBD

Once the variable is found, it is possible to assign the components of a diagram by drag/drop.

4.6.3.1 Assigning a Simple Variable (SVM)

Single variable types can be divided into 2 categories:

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 Variable: null length variable, i.e. non-array type:

In order to assign a single null variable, click once on the variable in the variable browser grid
then depress the left button while moving the mouse cursor to the required location.
 Variable: non-null length variable, i.e. array type:
In order to assign a complete array (Length > 0) or one of the elements of an array (Scope),
double-click the variable in the variable browser grid.
A new window is displayed asking you to select the desired variable.

Once selected, the scope is memorized and the assignment proceeds in the same way as that
of a single variable. Click once again on the variable in the variable browser grid then depress
the left button while moving the mouse cursor to the required location.
Note that the selected scope of the variable (complete array or element n) will remain the
same during future assignments until it is changed.

4.6.3.2 Assigning a Multiple Variable (MVM)

Multiple variable types can be divided into 2 categories:

 Assignment: the multiple variable can only be assigned to a single group of leads of a
component.
In order to assign a multiple variable to a unique group of leads authorized on a
component, drag/drop the variable to one of the leads of the component in question. If the
editor authorizes it, the multiple variable will be assigned automatically to the
corresponding leads.
 Assignment: the multiple variable can be assigned to several groups of leads of a
component.
In order to assign a multiple variable to one of the groups of leads of a component
selected from those proposed, drag/drop the variable to one of the leads of the component
in question. A sub-menu then asks the user to specify the location of the assignment. If the
editor authorizes it, the multiple variable will be assigned automatically to the
corresponding leads.

4.7 Order of Execution of Components

Each component possesses a number that is used to define the order of execution of the lines
of code produced by this component, relative to the lines of code produced by the other
components of the diagram.
The order of execution of the components is determined for a complete diagram, without
taking into consideration the sheets composing this diagram. The programming order of the

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diagrams among themselves depends on the order in which they are called in the POU to
which they belong.
The order of execution is unique to each diagram and is executed according to a number 1
thru n assigned to each component.

The contextual menu accessible in the ground of the diagram contains the Evaluation Strategy
option used to define the calculation mode of the execution order of the diagram
components:

Description of the options:

Item Description
User defined The mode of calculation is manual. The order is fixed by the
user (cf. 4.7.2,Manual Mode).
Standard IEC (Line) The mode of calculation is automatic. The order is fixed by
Controcad in accordance with the standard IEC 113-3 in line
(cf. 4.7.1,Automatic Mode).
Standard IEC (Column) The mode of calculation is automatic. The order is fixed by
Controcad in accordance with the standard IEC 113-3 in
column (cf. 4.7.1,Automatic Mode).

4.7.1 Automatic Mode

A number is automatically assigned to each component when it is positioned.

The rule to determine the order of execution of the components is based on the standard IEC
1131-3.

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Initially, the components are numbered according to the distribution of variables among the
components. A component having as an input a variable that is output from another
component will take an execution order number higher than that of the second component.
Secondarily, the geographic position of the components also affects their numbers.
There are two numbering rules:
 For a component or a group of independent components, the element furthest to the left
at the top will have the smallest number. The components are then numbered in columns,
ignoring page changes.
 For each page independently, for a component or a group of independent components, the
element furthest to the left at the top will have the smallest number. The components are
then numbered in columns independently page by page. The pages are classed by line, i.e.
the pages at the top left have the smallest numbers.

4.7.2 Manual Mode

During the positioning of the component, no number is assigned to the component. The user
must therefore assign a number manually.
After selecting User Defined mode, click the Evaluation Sequence option in the contextual menu of
the diagram. The cursor changes for indicate that it is being used to set the evaluation
number.
Click each component to be numbered. The components are numbered with the first free
number.
Click in Manual mode on an already numbered component to delete the number, and all the
higher operator numbers. Their order must then be redefined.
To deselect manual mode, choose another numbering mode in the contextual menu of the
diagram.
If a component does not possess a number, the diagram will be considered as invalid when it
is saved.

4.8 Identifying Loops

This section describes how to identify a loop.

4.8.1 Operation of Loops

A loop is a string of components (operations) linked by variables or connectors which returns

to its point of departure. A loop may have diagrammatically visible links (connectors) or
implicit links (only by the connection of a variable).
A loop executes over a controller cycle; the result of the succession of operations of the
previous cycle is used as the input of the loop (by the component ending the loop).
This loop operation requires that the execution number of the component ending the loop is
the highest of all the components involved in the loop. And of course the component starting
the loop has the smallest number.

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By default, the execution number is calculated according to the sequencing of the

components in the loop, to the geographic position of the components and to the numbering
choice.
If one link in a loop is cut, the sequence will loop back at the location of the cut (single implicit
link).
If the user defines the execution number of the components, the loop may execute
over more than one cycle.
The diagram below shows an example of a loop:

4.8.2 Loopback Marker

The loopback marker is present on the connector linking the last component executing in a
loop to the first component. This means that the result of the last component will be used by
the first component in the following cycle.

The loopback marker is shown as:

More than one loopback marker may exist in the same loop; this means that the
loop will execute over more than one cycle.
Each marker indicates a change of cycle.

4.8.3 Forced Loopback Marker

The user can force a loopback on a component argument, and therefore choose the
components ending and starting the loop. The numbering of the components of the loop is
recalculated according to user choice, which becomes the most important numbering
criterion. The loopback marker changes position and is placed on the connector linked to the
forced argument.
The force feedback is accessible from the contextual menu of a component argument, using
the Force Feedback option (cf. 4.4.1,Contextual Menu of the Component). If this option is checked,
loopback is forced.
Forcing can be visualized as shown below:

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A forced loopback takes precedence over a cut or over automatic calculation.

4.8.4 Displaying and Browsing Loops

Loops can be displayed and browsed. To enter loop display mode, click the Evaluation Loop
option in the contextual menu of the diagram during its activation, the mouse cursor changes
icons and takes the following form:

 To display a loop.
When the option is activated, select a component in a loop. The loop(s) to which the
component belongs are shown in orange as shown below:

The component selected appears as "depressed".

 To browse a loop:
A selected loop component is browsed by means of the Tab (clockwise direction) and
shift+Tab keys (anti-clockwise direction)
 To change the loop:
To display all the loops in a component, click the identification option, then select it using
the Ctrl key to change the loop.
 To print out a loop:
To print out a loop displayed select the display option and the section of the loop by means
of the browser keys. Then executing the print command prints the displayed loop(cf.
4.3.17,Printing a Diagram)
When a component is selected in loop display mode, the window of the diagram is
centered on the selected element.

4.9 Test Marking Diagrams

This chapter outlines the principle of test marking FBDs. Test marking is carried out on
connections, components and arguments. The date of the test and the name of the tester are
stored each time the diagram is saved. Test marking can only be performed on diagrams
opened from the functional tree.

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4.9.1 Switching to T Mode

To be able to display the elements tested and modify the test marks, switch the display to test
mode. For this the corresponding icon in the icon bar must be activated or the Test Mode option
of the View menu must be activated.
The figure below illustrates an example of a display of test markings on an FBD:

The elements tested are marked in green.

4.9.2 Modifying a Test Signature

 Modifying a single element:

To modify a test signature, first set to test mode, then select the element (component,
argument or connection) and click the Tested option in the contextual menu of this element.
If the element has not been tested, the test marking will be added to it, and if it has been
tested the test marking will be removed.
 Modifying several elements:
To modify the test signature of several elements, first set to test mode, then select the
elements required (Ctrl+A or multiple selection with Ctrl) and the contextual menu of one of
the elements selected to access the Modify test status option. This option opens the window
shown below:

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Description of the fields:

Type Name Description
Functional Block If the box is checked all the components selected will be
marked tested.
If the box is checked in gray the current status will be
retained (the box is checked in gray if there are tested
and non-tested elements among the elements selected)
If the box is not checked all the components selected will
be marked non-tested.
Connecting line If the box is checked all the arguments and the
connections selected will be marked tested.
If the box is checked in gray the current status will be
retained (the box is checked in gray if there are tested
and non-tested elements among the elements selected)
If the box is not checked all the arguments and the
connections selected will be marked non-tested.
 Identification of the tester:
The first time test marking is modified after switching to test mode, the following tester
identification window appears:

This window is used to enter the name of the tester. This name will be recorded with the
test date, after the diagram is saved.
If test mode is exited then entered again, the user will need to provide an ID again
before being able to modify the test marking.
The name of the last tester is proposed by default.

4.9.3 Different Test States of the Diagrams

The table below lists the different test states possible for an FBD diagram:
States Description Icons of the trees
Not Tested No element tested.
Partially tested At least one element tested. (grey)
All Fb Tested All the components tested. (blue and grey)
Completely tested All the elements tested. (blue)
The icons of the trees are displayed beside the diagram in the hardware and functional trees.

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4.9.4 Displaying the Test Properties of a Diagram

To display the name of the last tester, the current test status and the date of the last test:
 Either open the properties of an FBD

Description of the test marking fields:

Type Name Description
Tested By Name of the tester followed by the date of the last test
marking.
Status of Test Status of the last test marking.
 Or open a print preview in test mode.
The screen shows the same information as that shown previously in the box at the bottom
of the printout page.

4.9.5 Printing out the Test Mode

To print out the test markings:

 Go in the Configuration menu of Controcad main window and click Project
 Go in the Documentation tab
 Select the Show Validation Display checkbox and click OK.
 In the FBD Editor, go into test mode and run a printout

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The test marks and the test status appear on the printout.

4.10 Operations on Views

4.10.1 Overview

The Overview of the diagram applies to the active diagram.

In FBD

In SFC Diagrams
This overview provides:
 A panoramic view of the diagram divided into sheets,
 A reduced or enlarged view of the portion of diagram visible in the active window by
resizing the small blue window showing the overview.
 Navigation within the diagram, by moving a highlighted window (navigation can also be
performed via the diagram scrollbars).
Movement within the diagram editor via:
 The right, left, up, down arrows: advance step-by-step or by half-page in combination with
the CTRL key
 The page up, page down, next page, last page keys
 The home, end keys: go to first/last sheet keys.
 Zoom in/zoom out on the diagram, by modifying the size of the highlighted window.
This overview can be resized and may be masked or unmasked by means of the button in the
editor tool bar.

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4.10.2 Defining the Diagram Format

During creation, a diagram is defined by a default matrix of 2 x 2 sheets. This matrix can be
modified via the Size option in the View... menu of the diagram editor. The user is requested to
input the number of folios in X and in Y of the matrix, given that the total number of folios in a
matrix may not exceed 12.

Note: In FBD the sheet format is horizontal (the sheet format in SFC is vertical); the size is A4 or A3,
depending on the printer used.

4.10.3 Enlarging/ reducing the Diagram

There are several ways of reducing or enlarging the elements represented in a diagram.
 Zoom in/zoom out on the diagram modifies the size of the active window
 Input the coefficient corresponding to the required size.
Access this option via the main menu View > Zoom. More simply, the + and – keys in the
number pad can be used to zoom in or out relative to the center of the last diagram zone
clicked.
The F11 and F12 keys can be used to zoom on a laptop computer that has no number pad.
 Hold down the CTRL key while rolling the scroll wheel.
It is also possible to move the diagram.
 Use the scroll wheel to vertically move the diagram,
 Hold down the SHIFT key while rolling the scroll wheel to horizontally move the diagram.

4.11 Animating the Diagrams

For all that relates to the diagram animations, see [CCAD_HARD] (in § 1.7 List of Referenced
Documents).

4.12 Opening a Loop Diagram from the FBD Editor

In the FBD editor, a feature permits to open a file from an input/output hardware variable of
the diagram.

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The Show Loop Diagram item is available in the variables and tickets of variables menus:

This item is only available for input/output hardware variables.

When the item Show Loop Diagram is activated, the file associated to the variable opens:
The file is put on the server, in the following directory:
\\<server>\P320Share\ccad\<project>\doc\hard\LoopDiagram.
If the file is not found then the user is informed.

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Section 5 SFC Diagram Editor

5.1 Introduction

The SFC (Sequential Function Chart) diagram editor is a graphic editor that is used to describe
a sequential type control function sequence. It uses graphic representation to describe the
behavior of the outputs on the basis of the inputs and of the internal state of the system.

The graphic representation implements standardized languages:

 GRAFCET specification language (standard IEC 60848 and documentation file UTE C03-
191),
 SFC programming language (standard IEC 61131-3).
The editor combines the most interesting features of both standards while incorporating
supplementary functions such as forcing orders.
The SFCs diagrams created are saved in the database of the server after backup by the user.

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5.2 Access to Diagrams

5.2.1 Opening

In the Function tree, open the SFC selected and click the Open Diagram option in the Edit menu
or use the contextual menu associated to the SFC in the tree or double click the SFC.

Double clicking on an SFC that is already open displays the diagram in the foreground.

5.2.2 Backup

The Save option in the File menu in the main menu of the SFC editor saves the active SFC in the
project database. Click the Save all option of the File menu in the main Controcad menu to save
all the opened SFCs in the editing session in a single operation. This action can also be used to
save the variable grid.
When an opened SFC in the editor has been modified since it was last saved, an
asterisk * is shown in the title of the window after the name of the diagram.
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5.2.3 Closing

To close an SFC, use the standard Windows pictogram or the Close Diagram option in the File
menu in the editor menu. If the diagram has been modified, Controcad proposes to save the
new version of the diagram. The user can then choose whether or not to save the diagram
before closing it.

5.3 Placing Graphic Elements in the SFC

5.3.1 Basic Manipulations

5.3.1.1 Selecting Elements (step, transition, link...)

One or more elements in a diagram can be selected to display a contextual menu (that of the
element(s) selected) in order to duplicate, move or delete the elements concerned.
To select a set of elements, click at the top left of the area concerned then drag the selection
rectangle to contain all the elements required.
A set of elements can also be selected by selecting elements one by one while depressing the
CTRL key.
The Select All option in the Edit menu of the editor can be used to select all the elements in a
diagram (or keyboard shortcut <CTRL A>).
To cancel a selection, click in an empty zone of the diagram window.

5.3.1.2 Copying Elements

Selected elements can be copied either by using the standard keyboard shortcut CTRL C, or by
clicking on the Copy option in the Edit menu of the editor or in the contextual menu of the
selection.
Selected elements are pasted either by using the keyboard shortcut CTRL V, or by clicking on
the Paste option in the Edit menu of the editor or in the contextual menu of the selection. The
selection is pasted into another diagram open in the same session.

5.3.1.3 Duplicating Elements

Selected elements can also be duplicated by pressing the CTRL key while depressing the left
mouse button, moving the mouse cursor to the required position on the screen then releasing
the button. That is to say drag & drop.
By default, elements are duplicated with the original conditions and actions.

The Paste With Actions option in the contextual menu of the destination diagram is used to
choose whether the steps are pasted with or without their actions (indicates that the option is
active).

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5.3.1.4 Deleting Elements

Selected elements are deleted either by using the <DEL> key, or by using the keyboard
shortcut <CTRL X>, or by clicking on the Delete option in the Edit menu of the editor or in the
contextual menu of the selection.

5.3.1.5 Canceling Actions on Elements

The last actions performed in a diagram can be canceled either by using the keyboard
shortcut CTRL Z, or by clicking on the Undo option in the Edit menu of the editor.
Undo in an SFC diagram only applies to the graphic aspects; it cannot be used to return to the
modification of a step or transition condition number.

5.3.2 Positioning SFC Elements

Elements (step or transition) can be positioned in 3 ways:

Manual mode (AUTO button deactivated): from the toolbar of the editor, select the element by
means of the relevant button, choose the position of the element by means of its "ghost" and
confirm by clicking on the left mouse button.
Automatic Mode (AUTO button activated): depress the AUTO button by left clicking on it.
Select the source element in the toolbar, place it in the window and confirm its position by
clicking the left mouse button. The "ghost" of the next and complementary element (a step if a
transition is positioned or a transition if a step is positioned) appears automatically below the
first element. Left click the mouse to confirm the position of the second element and to link it
to the first element.
It is thus possible to produce a vertical sequence of elements just by confirming the creation
of the elements, without having to move the mouse between each operation.
By direct creation of links (whatever the mode): left click one of the vertical leads of an
element (the surrounding zone turns dark gray to show the selection) and keep the button
depressed. Move the mouse to display a broken line linking the lead of the element and the
mouse cursor. Move the cursor within the chosen creation zone, so as to transform the
broken line into a continuous black line; release the left mouse button: the element that is
complementary to the source element is created, as well as the link between the two
elements.

The "ghost" of the element to be positioned is color-coded according to whether:

 Creation is not authorized (red).
 Creation is authorized (black).
 Creation is authorized, with a hook to another element (white).

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It is not possible to overlay elements or to place an element too close to the edge of a sheet
(shown as a dotted line). The editor will refuse to create an element rather than permit either
of these two situations. These restrictions also apply to Boolean actions not represented by a
"ghost" but created with each step.
The step-transition and transition-step alternation must always be respected; whatever the
sequence, it is impossible to link two steps or two transitions.

5.4 Actions on Elements

5.4.1 Operations on Steps

The following contextual menu is associated to a step:

5.4.1.1 Adding a Boolean Action or a Forcing Order

The Add Action option is used to add an action to the step. By default the action will be Boolean,
with transmission phase N and operation C (cf. 5.4.4.2.1,Boolean or FBD Action).
If there is not enough space to create the action, this option is not available and it is
displayed in grey.

(Boolean action)
The Add Forcing option is used to add an N type forcing order to the step (cf. 5.4.4.2.2,Forcing
Order).

(Forcing order)
Any number of actions (Boolean or FBD) or forcing orders or no can only be added
to a step.
Double click the icon of the title block of a forcing order to open the diagram of the directly
forced SFC.

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5.4.1.2 Properties of a Step

Click the Properties option to display the dialogue box used to define the attributes of the step
(corresponds to a double-click on the step itself).

The Step number field is used to modify the number of the step, between 0 and 9999 (if the
number already exists in the SFC a warning message is displayed). When a step is created, by
default it takes the number that follows the highest step number in the diagram.
The Initial Step checkbox is used to define the step as an initial step (aindicates that the
function is active). The number of initial steps per diagram is not limited and may be null.
Each step is associated to a Boolean state variable (State variable), which is set to 1 when the
step is active, and to 0 otherwise. The ID tag of this variable identifies it absolutely in relation
to all the variables of the project and complies with the following profile.
<diagram ID>_S< step number>_X
The Time Managed checkbox is used to associate a time variable to the step ( indicates that
the function is active). Its name appears in the Time variable field. The time variable is a word
type variable. Time managed measures the duration of activity of the step.
The ID tag of this variable identifies it absolutely in relation to all the variables of the project
and complies with the following profile:
<diagram ID>_S< step number >_T
When the step is deactivated, this variable keeps its value and is only reset to 0
after a click on the step. This provides the possibility to modifying the time even
after deactivation of the step.

The values of these two step variables ('State variable' and 'Time variable') can be
utilized in other diagrams (in some conditions, as FBD inputs) but cannot be written.
These variables may be sent to one or more HMI devices.
These variables are redundant variables.
The Comment field is used to associate a comment to the step (the line feed is done by the
keyboard command <Ctrl+Enter>).

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5.4.1.3 Operations on the Step Comment

The Arrange Comment option relocates the comment of a step to its default position to the left of
the step.
The Hide Comment option if checked is used to hide the step comment.

5.4.1.4 Defining the Step Action Order

If a step possesses several actions, it is possible to define the order in which they are
displayed. To redefine this order, click the Order actions option in the contextual menu of the
diagram (accessible by right clicking the mouse in the ground of the diagram). The cursor

changes form to indicate that it is being used to define the order of the actions . This
allows the position of an action to be changed. Click with the specific pointer on the action to
be moved, then on the action to be replaced. The Esc key is used to exit the mode.
The order defined in this manner is only visual; it has no effect on behavior.

5.4.2 Operations on Transitions

The following contextual menu is associated to a transition:

5.4.2.1 Properties of a Transition

The Properties option displays the dialogue box used to define the attributes of the transition.

The Transition number field is used to modify the number of a transition. Two transitions
cannot have the same number and this number cannot be greater than 9999.

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The Comment field is used to associate a comment to the transition (the line feed is done by
the keyboard command <Ctrl+Enter>).

5.4.2.2 Operations on Transition Comments

The Arrange comment option relocates a transition comment to its default position to the left of
the transition.
The Hide comment option if checked is used to hide the transition comment.

5.4.2.3 Editing the Transition Condition

Click the Transition condition option to display a window used to define the expression of the
transition condition. Double-click the transition to open this window:

There are three methods of inserting variables in an expression:

 By direct input, if the names of the variables used are known.
 By recovering the local list of the variables of a diagram or a function: select a function or a
diagram in the list then click 'Add' or 'Replace' to add variables or replace those already
present. To insert the chosen variable in the expression in the selected place, double click it
in the list or use the 'Insert var' button.
By default, the list contains the variables belonging to the diagram.
To find a variable, a diagram or a function easily in the different lists, enter the first
characters of its ID in the input field to position the cursor at the correct place in the
table.
 Another solution is to select the variable chosen in the variable grid by right clicking on the
variable and by choosing the 'Assign to diagram' option. The variable will be inserted in the
selected place in the expression by means of the 'Insert var from griof button in the
window.

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It is possible at any time to create the required variables in the variable grid by
keeping the properties window open (cf. 3.4,Creating a Variable). In this case, the
variables only appear in the window if they have been saved from the grid (double-
click the diagram to which they belong to display them in the list).
The Parse button is used to check that the expression input is valid. The OK button parses and
closes the window. An invalid expression confirmed will be bracketed by exclamation points
and will appear in red on the diagram, after the display of a warning:

5.4.2.3.1 List of Operators

The transition condition (such as the transmission of the action or of the forcing order) may be
subject to a condition defined in BEL (Boolean Expression Language).
The result of this expression is a Boolean that takes the value 0 if false and 1if true.
The Syntax help button is used to display the list of available operators and their syntax. BEL
supports the following operators:
AND, OR, NOT, Boolean expressions, noted. (AND), + (OR) and / (NOT). Examples: a+b./c, (a, b
and c Boolean variables ).
Rising and falling edges of Boolean expressions, denoted P1 (FM) and P0 (FD), Examples:
P1(a+b), (a and b Boolean variables).
Delay type excitation or limitation timeouts on Boolean expressions, denoted D (DELAY) and L
(LIMITED). Examples: D(T1, a+b), (a and b Boolean variables, word type T1 variable).
Comparisons of numerical operands, denoted >, >=, <, <=, = and !=.
Example: x > y where x and y are analog variables.
The AND takes priority over the OR and brackets are used to express the required priorities.
Expressions can be reduced to operands only, expressed in the form of variables or
immediate Boolean values (0 for false and 1 for true) or immediate numerical integer values.
The different types of variable utilizable are Boolean, Integer, Duration, Word, DoubleInteger,
LongWord, Real. It is possible to define table type variables and therefore for example to
modify type v[3] variables in the expressions.
! corresponds to the transport validant of the variable (equivalent to the “Transp_Val” FB). The
variable can be a binary or analog variable. Example: !V1.

5.4.3 Operations on Links

5.4.3.1 Creating a link

Steps and transitions possess connection leads (upstream and downstream).

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To link two complementary elements, 2 methods exist:

 Left click the mouse on the downstream (or upstream) lead and keep the button
depressed. If the mouse cursor is moved a broken line appears. Move the cursor to the
upstream (or downstream) lead of the complementary element. The broken line changes
from black or red to white and the cursor changes form. Release the mouse button. The
link between the two elements is created:

 Select one of the elements to be linked by left clicking the mouse (a dark gray outline
shows the selection), keep the button depressed and drag the selection so that it overlays
the fixed element to which the selected element must be linked. The broken lines of the
"ghost" of the element moved change to white. Release the mouse button: the element
moved is aligned and a link is automatically created between the two elements:

5.4.3.2 Behavior during Creation

The link follows the mouse. It changes to a gray broken line until the input is connected, and
changes to a white broken line when the link is attached. The link becomes a solid line when
the mouse button is released.
If the link is impossible, it becomes red. In this case it is not possible to establish the link. To
enable or disable the connection, the SFC runs the following checks:
 A link can only be created between two elements (no solitary link or with an element at
only one of its extremities).
 The two elements must be compatible.
 A link cannot run too close to the edge of the working document.
 During the creation of the link, the path is generated automatically (a link is exclusively
constituted of horizontal and/or vertical straight lines) with any break points that are
necessary. The link is directed so as not to run over input and output elements.

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When the link is established, the user can modify the route by selecting and dragging the
branches that need to be moved.

5.4.3.3 Creating a Branch

Vergents are created automatically by the editor if several upstream or downstream elements
are attributed to a source element.

Vergents may not be created directly. However if at least two links are connected to an
element, the branch will be created automatically.
Consequently, it is impossible to cut or copy a branch without its downstream or upstream
elements. Deleting a branch also deletes all the links connected.

5.4.3.3.1 Creating a Simultaneous Sequence Divergence (or Convergence)

If several links are connected to a single transition, they converge on a double horizontal bar;
several simultaneous links diverge in the same way when leaving a transition.

5.4.3.3.2 Creating a Sequence Selection Divergence (or Convergence)

If several links arrive on a step, they converge on a single horizontal bar; several links diverge
in the same way when leaving the step.

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A situation where several links leave a step is known as a sequence selection. Each link is
attributed a priority number. The transition priority for a given sequence selection is unique.
The transition with the highest priority is the one with the lowest number.
Since several selection sequences cannot be activated simultaneously the program uses
these priorities to choose which sequence to select when several transitions of the sequence
selection are simultaneously clearable.

5.4.3.3.3 Defining the Priorities of a Sequence Selection

During the creation of a sequence selection, the priorities are defined according to the order
of creation. To redefine these priorities, click the Priority setting option in the contextual menu
associated to the diagram. The cursor changes to indicate that it is being used to set the
evaluation number . Then click each intersection between the branch and the lead to be
numbered. Elements are numbered with the first free number. Clicking on a branch that is
already numbered deletes its number, as well as all the branch numbers greater than the
number deleted. Their order must then be redefined. The transition with the highest priority is
the one with the lowest number. To exit the mode after defining the priorities, press the Esc
key.

5.4.3.3.4 Resizing a Branch

The following contextual menu is associated to a branch:

If a branch or the elements linked to it are moved, the Align branch option can be used to
recalculate the size and the position of the branch in order to obtain the most direct sequence
possible (also used to recalculate the element-branch link, or in the case of a loop). This
function is also accessible directly by double clicking on the branch.

5.4.3.4 Modifying Links

The following contextual menu is associated to a link:

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5.4.3.4.1 Creating a Referral

To enhance the legibility of a diagram, it is possible to convert a link into a referral by clicking
on the Convert Link to Referral option. The referral is symbolized by an arrow showing the
direction of the sequence and is labeled by the transition numbers or the numbers of previous
or subsequent actions (in order of priority in the case of a sequence selection).

Conversely, the Convert referral to link option (accessible from the contextual menu of a referral)
is used to convert a referral into a link.

5.4.3.4.2 Recalculating the Route of a Link

The Reroute Link function is used to recalculate the route of a link when one of the elements
connected has been moved. This function is accessed directly by double-clicking on the link.
If the two elements to be linked are too close to each other, a loop may be created.

In this case, move one of the two elements and use the Reroute Link function

This phenomenon can occur between an element and a branch:

He is therefore also possible to move the element and use the Align Branch function
(accessible by right clicking on the branch) or to double-click the branch.

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5.4.4 Operations on Actions or Forcing Orders

The following contextual menu is associated to an action or a forcing order:

Certain options are or are not accessible depending on whether an action or a forcing order is
selected.

5.4.4.1 Creating an FBD action

When an action is added to a step (cf. 5.4.1.1,Adding a Boolean Action or a Forcing Order), the
action is a Boolean. The Change action type from Boolean to FBD (from FBD to Boolean)
option enables the type of an action to be changed from Boolean to FBD (and conversely).

(FBD action)
Each FBD action has a Boolean execution status. This execution status is
commanded like a Boolean action, and its state conditions the execution of the
diagram.
The FBD diagram called is opened directly by double-clicking on the icon of the title block.

5.4.4.2 Displaying the Properties of an Action or a Forcing Order

The Properties option displays the action definition window (corresponds to double-clicking on
the action) or the forcing order.

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5.4.4.2.1 Boolean or FBD Action

The definition window of a Boolean action is shown below:

The Phase section is used to select the transmission phase of the action. This phase may be:
 P0 (falling edge): the action is transmitted on deactivation of the step
 P1 (rising edge): the action is transmitted on activation of the step.
 N (normal): the action is transmitted throughout the activity of the step.
 L (limited): the action is limited in time. The period of this limitation must be indicated.
 D (delayed): the transmission of the action is delayed in time. The period of the delay must
be indicated
For phases L and D, the period chosen may be a constant parameter or a word type variable.
In the case of a constant, enter the value (the integer must be between 1 and 99999 - a
warning message is displayed if this is not the case) in the ’Duration value (Constant)' field,
without indicating the unit. The time base is chosen at the level of the POU (cf. 2.2.5,Creating
POUs and associating diagrams).
The Operation section translates the operation executed on a Boolean variable (or an FBD
diagram). It may be:
 R (reset): set to 0 saved.
 S (set): set to 1 saved. The variable remains at 1 (or the FBD is executed) until a Reset (R) of
this variable (or FBD) is encountered.
 C (continuous): set to 1 not saved.
To select a Boolean variable or a time variable (word), double click the diagram or the function
in the list that owns the variable sought. The list of the variables appears, The user can then
select the variable in the list. This variable will appear in the "action var" field for a Boolean
variable and the "duration var" field for a time variable.
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To find a variable, a diagram or a function easily in the different lists, enter the first
characters of its ID in the input field to position the cursor at the correct place in the
table.
In the case of an FBD action select the FBD diagram chosen in the list entitled FBD Action (see
below).

This information can also be entered manually.

The Help button displays an outline of the meanings of the different phases and operations.
By default, the list displays the variables belonging to the diagram.

It is also possible to get variables directly in the variable grid. Right click the mouse button on
the variable chosen in the grid and select the command Assign to diagram, then left click the Grid
assigned variable button in the properties window.
It is possible at any time to create the required variables by keeping the properties
window open (cf. 3.4,Creating a Variable). In this case, the variables only appear in
the window if they have been saved from the grid (double-click the diagram to
which they belong to display them in the list).
Table type Booleans cannot be used as Boolean actions.
Only word type variables can be used as time variables.
It is also possible to associate a comment to a Boolean action (FBD).
If the action is not completely input, it will be shown outlined in red. The SFC is then
invalidated.

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5.4.4.2.2 Forcing Order

The following definition window is associated to a forcing order:

The transmission Phase of a forcing order may be one of the following types:
N (normal)/ permanent forcing order: the forced SFC remains in the forced situation
throughout the activity of the step transmitting the forcing order.
P1 (rising edge)/ setting: the forced SFC is set in the forced situation when the step is
activated; the forced SFC is then allowed to evolve, even if the step remains active.
The list of SFC type diagrams is used to select the SFC to be forced (SFC to force). The field
above it is used to find a diagram more easily: enter the first characters of its name to
position the cursor in the right place in the list.
When the SFC diagram is chosen, select the steps to be forced to 1 in the list (Steps to
activate): the selected steps are shown in inverse video in the list.
It is also possible to associate a comment to the forced step (carriage return is executed by
the keyboard command <Ctrl+Enter>).
To find a diagram in the list more easily enter the first characters of its name in the
input field; the cursor is positioned in the right place in the list.
If the forcing order is not completely input, it is shown outlined in red. The SFC is
then invalidated.

5.4.4.3 Forcing Order Rules

A forcing order is an internal order that modifies the situation of a diagram (i.e. the active
steps). This necessitates certain hierarchical rules between the SFC diagrams.

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The diagram below shows a forcing order where the nodes are SFCs and where the arcs from
one node to another node correspond to at least one forcing order from the source SFC to the
target SFC.

Hierarchical consistency requires that no loops are produced in this forcing order diagram.
The presence of a loop is a criterion of impossibility for code generation.

To preclude an SFC from being subject to two or more possibly contradictory forcing orders at
the same time, it is impossible to have simultaneous forcing orders on the same SFC. An order
of priority for all the forcing orders on the same forced SFC must therefore be defined. These
orders can be transmitted from several actions of several steps of several SFCs. The order of
priority exists within each SFC and also among all the SFCs. It exists by default and can be
redefined by the user (cf. 2.2.5,Creating POUs and associating diagrams). Thus, if two forcing
orders on the same SFC have their associated steps activated, only the order with the highest
priority will be transmitted (the highest priority equals the lowest number).

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5.4.4.4 Editing the Condition of an Action

The Action condition option displays the dialogue box used to define the action condition. This
window is identical to the of a transition condition definition window (cf. 5.4.2.3,Editing the
Transition Condition).

5.4.4.5 Operations on Action Conditions

The Delete condition option deletes the action condition.

The Arrange condition option relocates the action condition to its default position to the right of
the action.

5.5 Operations on Views

5.5.1 Overview

The principle is the same as for an FBD diagram (cf. 4.10.1,Overview).

5.5.2 Inserting a Comment in a Diagram

Click the Insert Text Annotation option accessible in the contextual menu associated to the
ground of the diagram to open an input window. It is then possible to input a text that can be
placed as required in the diagram.

5.5.3 Defining the Diagram Format

The principle is the same as for an FBD diagram (cf. 4.10.2,Defining the Diagram Format).

5.5.4 Enlarging/Reducing the Diagram

The principle is the same as for an FBD diagram.

5.5.5 Display Modes

An SFC diagram, accessible from the View menu of the editor or directly from the
corresponding buttons in the toolbar, can be displayed in one of 3 ways:

 Normal Display Mode option displays all the actions and their attributes, the action conditions,
the transition conditions and all the comments.

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 Comments Only option displays only the comments. The specification SFC is obtained.

 No Comment option hides all the comments. The programming SFC is obtained

5.6 Miscellaneous

5.6.1 Updating Variable Information

(cf. 4.3.15,Updating Variable Information).

5.6.2 List of Variables Loaded by the SFC Editor

(cf. 4.2,Menus and Icons).

5.6.3 Running Diagram Animation

Animation is activated and deactivated respectively by the Observation > Start Animation and
Debug > Stop Animation options in the main menu. See [CCAD_HARD] (in § 1.7 List of Referenced
Documents).

5.6.4 Printing a Diagram

(cf. 4.3.17,Printing a Diagram).

5.6.5 Checking the Diagrams Integrity

The user can check the integrity of the project’s diagrams thanks to the List of the pit/source
steps/transitions in the SFCs option of the Tools menu.

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Clicking this option opens the following window:

The List of the pit/source steps/transitions window lists the isolated elements (if any) in the SFC
diagrams of the project:
 the steps with no downstream transition
Example:

 the transitions with no downstream step

Example:

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The user can double click the steps or transitions listed in the window to open the
corresponding elements in the SFC diagram editor.

5.6.6 Displaying the Grid

The grid is displayed with the Format > Set Font/Color and Display Options menu.
Grid on displays the rectilinear background grid of the editor. This grid is useful for aligning
elements.
Grid off hides the rectilinear background grid.

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