Deciphering PLC Program Notation: Understanding the Significance of #1 and #3

Question:

I am struggling to recall or decipher this information. I have a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) program along with its corresponding Human Machine Interface (HMI) program. I understand the notation {::[PLC1]Program:MainProg.TagName}, which indicates I am viewing PLC1's MainProg program at the TagName tag. However, I am unsure about the significance of the #1 and #3 in {::[PLC1]Program:#1.#3.Abc.Efg}. I do not have programs named #1 or #3. Could they possibly be placeholders for something else?

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Place holders for tag names are defined in parameter files and can be customized based on the parameter file opened in FTView Studio. The Parameter File can be accessed on the left-hand side of the software interface.

The source of parameters can be from a parameter file or a parameter list. These parameters will be populated with the necessary text when the screen is accessed. For screens controlled locally, examine the GoTo Display button properties to identify the parameter file or values in use. Conversely, if screen control is being conducted remotely from the PLC, it will transmit either the parameter file name or a set of parameters. This information is crucial for seamless operation and troubleshooting.

Oh, now I understand. In order to view the ParameterFile or ParameterList, I should focus on the button that reveals the display.

The ParameterType indicates that a parameter file is being utilized (1 denotes a parameter list), while ParameterFile provides the name of the file being used. To locate the parameter file, navigate to the explorer pane (typically situated on the left side of the screen), scroll past the displays, and look for 'Parameters'. Expand this section and open the file that matches the filename specified in the GoTo Display button (e.g., P11_PartFeedHopper in the provided image). This file will contain lines of code in the format: Code: #1=Tagname #3=SomeOtherTag. Upon loading the display, the system will reference the parameter file to substitute each parameter with the corresponding text. If a Parameter List is utilized instead, a list of values will be provided for replacement - the first value replaces #1, the second replaces #2, and so forth.

From my experience with PLCs and HMIs, the #'s you're seeing might be array indices or identifiers for data blocks within the program. Considering PLCs, the numbering is often used to differentiate between instances of a data block or structured data. Therefore, in your case, {::[PLC1]Program:#1.#3.Abc.Efg} might refer to the Abc.Efg within the 3rd data block of the 1st set of arrays or structures. It may be worth to check if this interpretation fits with your programs' code.

In PLC programming, the "#" notation is often used to denote an array or index. Considering your example {::[PLC1]Program:#1.#3.Abc.Efg}, #1 and #3 could very well be array indexes, implying that Abc and Efg are either specific instances or elements within those arrays. Take note that these arrays could be within the program or they can be tag arrays too. Try checking your program's data structures, it might be possible you're dealing with some form of complex data representation here.

It sounds like you're dealing with a specific structure in how the PLC programs are referenced. The `#1` and `#3` likely represent specific instances or versions of a program or a function block rather than standalone program names. They can serve as identifiers for different instances of the same program within your PLC, allowing you to differentiate between them for specific tasks or configurations. It might help to check your program documentation or the project's structure, as these identifiers could be part of a larger convention your system follows.

It sounds like you're on the right track with understanding the notation! In the context of PLC programs, the #1 and #3 typically represent instances or versions of a structured block or a function within the program. They could be referring to specific instances of function blocks or data blocks, where multiple instances are created to handle different tasks or data within the same program. If you don't see explicitly named instances, they might be dynamically assigned or used internally in the code, so checking the program structure could help clarify their purpose. It might also be useful to look at the documentation or comments within the code for additional context on how those instances are utilized.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. What does the notation {::[PLC1]Program:1.3.Abc.Efg} signify in a PLC program?

Answer: Answer: The notation {::[PLC1]Program:1.3.Abc.Efg} typically indicates addressing or referencing specific elements within the PLC program structure. The numbers 1 and 3 could represent specific levels or indices within the program or may serve as placeholders for certain parameters.

FAQ: 2. Do the numbers 1 and 3 in the PLC program notation have predefined meanings?

Answer: Answer: The numbers 1 and 3 in {::[PLC1]Program:1.3.Abc.Efg} may not necessarily correspond to named programs in the PLC system. They could instead represent specific levels, indices, or placeholders within the program structure, serving as references to access or manipulate certain data or elements.

FAQ: 3. How can I interpret the notation {::[PLC1]Program:1.3.Abc.Efg} when analyzing a PLC program?

Answer: Answer: When encountering notations like {::[PLC1]Program:1.3.Abc.Efg}, it is essential to consider the context within the PLC program structure. The numbers 1 and 3 likely have a specific significance within the program's hierarchy or logic flow, indicating a particular location, parameter, or element within the program.

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