Module 3.

DFB & Diagnostic DFB

Unity traininc course V2.0 - Module 3.D : DFB & Diagnostic DFB 1
 Derived Function Block

 DFB : user logic encapsulated in a reusable block

(written to meet the specific requirement of an
application)
 Using
 the designer programs the DFB function
block model called ‘DFB type’
 The end user creates an image of this block
called "Instance", entering the parameters for
each use in the application
 DFB Export / Import utilities between
designers and users
 The DFB code is loaded only once in the
CPU
 DFBs can be protected
 DFBs are local to an application or global in
library

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 Principles

 DFBs include :
 input/output parameters
 public or private internal variables (declared)
 one or more sections written in LD, IL, ST, FBD

Note : one DFB can have nested-DFBs in its sections.

 DFBs are used to

 structure an application
 simplify program design and entry
 improve the readability of the program
 make debugging easier
 protect the know-how

Unity traininc course V2.0 - Module 3.D : DFB & Diagnostic DFB 3
 Structure
 Creation of a DFB type under Unity Pro M L & XL

DFB Type Name

 Name : 32 characters max.
 Parameters : inputs, outputs, inputs/outputs
 Internal variables :
Copy of Outputs
Inputs Variables – public : accessible by the application
– private : not accessible by the application
 Code sections : written in LD, IL, ST or FBD
– IEC compliant, one single section
– Not IEC compliant, several sections (Not
I/O recommended)
 Comment : 1024 characters maximum without
Public Variables formatting characters
Private Variables
 Descriptive file and protection level

DFB Code

Unity traininc course V2.0 - Module 3.D : DFB & Diagnostic DFB 4
 Creating - principles

Project Browser  Open a Unity Pro application

 Create a new DFB Type
Create DFB Type
 Edit the properties of the new DFB type which has been
Edit DFB Type created
 Enter the parameters of the DFB
Edit DFB Parameters
 Enter the code of the DFB in one or more sections
Edit DFB Code  Analyze the DFB type to validate it
 Debug the DFB type
Analyze DBF Type
 Export the DFB (if needed) for another application
Debug DFB Type  Use the DFB

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 Properties

 “DFB Types" tab in the data editor, select the DFB

and right-click => properties

 Give information about the DFB type

 Some attributes available in writing mode :

 Name
 Comment
 Protection : to choose the protection level and
the password (automatically asked after the
selection)
Note : independent of application protection
 Diag : to define if the DFB will be used in user
diagnostic DFB

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 I/O interface

 Inputs : 32 max
DFB Type Name  in read-only by the DFB
 to transfer the value from application to
DFB
Inputs Outputs  type and name (32 characters max)
 Outputs : 32 max
 in write-only by the DFB
 to transfer the value from DBF to
application
I/O  type and name (32 characters max)
 Inputs/Ouputs : 32 max
Public Variables  in read/write by the DFB
Private Variables  transfer the value to DFB, modify it and
return it to application
DFB Code  type and name (32 characters max)

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 Variables

 Private : unlimited
DFB Type Name
 internal variable of DFB
 only used for programming the DFB (eg :
Copy of intermediate calculation)
Inputs Variables Outputs
 name (8 characters max)
 Public : unlimited
 internal variable of DFB
 can be accessed by application or user in
adjust mode outside the block (read or
I/O
write rights)
Public Variables  name (8 characters max)
Private Variables
 The values of public variables, modified by
program or by adjustment, can be saved in
DFB Code place of the initial values, by setting %S94(to 1)

Unity traininc course V2.0 - Module 3.D : DFB & Diagnostic DFB 8
 Code

 Structured in sections :
DFB Type Name
 IEC compliant, one single section
 Not IEC compliant, several sections
Copy of
Inputs Outputs
Variables
 Section
 written in instruction list,structured text,
ladder language, functional block diagram
 a symbolic name (32 characters max)
 a validation condition
I/O
 protection attribute (no protection, write-
protected, read/write-protected)
Public Variables
 comment (maximum of 256 characters)
Private Variables

DFB Code
 Use only the parameters defined for the
function block or the system words and bits

Unity traininc course V2.0 - Module 3.D : DFB & Diagnostic DFB 9
 Example : create

 Name : Parts_counter
 Inputs :
 Rst : reset the counter
 Preset : counter preset value
 Count : counter input
 Output :
 Done : preset value reached output
 Public variable :
 Cur_val : current value increment by the
count input
 Code
 Descriptive form

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 Use - principles
Project browser

 Open a Unity Pro application

Instantiate DFB type
 Import DFB type (if needed with control of the
version)
Open a section

 Instantiate the DFB type

Edit the program
 Open a program section

 Edit the program with DFB instantiation

Modify the Parameters
 Modify the parameters (initial values)

Transfer & test the  Transfer and Test the program

Program

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 Use - example

 DFB instantiation :
 DFB instances used under Unity Pro, L or XL
 in all application tasks except event tasks and
SFC transitions

 DFB instance used as :

 a standard block in LD or FDB language
 an elementary function in ST or IL language

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 Overview

 Right tool for application diagnostics

 Application controlled in the PLC program

 Embedded diagnostic
 to make a diagnostic at source (directly at the PLC level)

 Possible to create its own diagnostic DFBs (Quantum & Premium)

 List of predefined Schneider diag DFBs

 ALRM_DIA : simplified event monitoring (Quantum & Premium)
 EV_DIA : event monitoring (Quantum & Premium)
 MV_DIA : movement monitoring (Quantum & Premium)
 ASI_DIA & A2SI_DIA : monitoring of devices on the AS-i bus
(only for Premium)

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 Principle

Detecting Memorizing
Viewing VIEWER
Diag DFB Diag BUFFER

PLC Viewer 1
Application Message
Diag Acknowledge
Buffer

Registration
Acknowledge
Viewer 2
Message
Date

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 Registration

 Alarm Registration
 The error registration instruction REGDFB ( ) write a time
stamped record inside the Diag buffer when an error occurs.
 Many registrations can be managed inside a same DFB (up to 4
registrations)
 Use only inside Diagnostic DFBs

 Syntax
 REGDFB (AREA, 16#0062, SLEN, CTRL, PIN, VALPIN,
ESTS, ERID, STAT

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 De-registration

 Alarm De-registration
 The ‘de-registration’ instruction DEREG ( ) updates inside the
buffer the date and time attached to the error disappearance
 The Message will be deleted inside the buffer only when ALL the
Viewers have got the acknowledgment information
 Use only inside Diagnostic DFBs

 Syntax
 OUT := DEREG(ERID);
Note: the alarm remains saved in the diagnostics buffer until the
error is acknowledged (for errors that require acknowledgement)
and read by all Viewers.

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 Creation

 Activate the Diagnostic options inside the application

(Tool => Project settings)

 Create a new DFB type in the variable editor

or
Import the source code of the ‘ Model ’ Diag DFB if
necessary

 In the properties of this DFB type, activate the Diag

option

 Declare the DFB Input/Output and internal variables

Note : All inputs monitored must have its own Diag
property selected

Unity traininc course V2.0 - Module 3.D : DFB & Diagnostic DFB 17
 Creation (cont)

 Type the descriptive form

 Type the code

 use of REGDFB( ) and DEREG ( )
instructions
Note : The PIN parameter is the order number of
monitored inputs

 Instantiate the DFB

 Customize the default messages
 Debug the DFB

 Export the DFB

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