Application Elements; Function Blocks - ABB UMC100.3 Manual

10 C U S T O M A P P L I C AT I O N E D I T O R M A N U A L
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Application elements

This section presents the different elements a custom application is made of.
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Function Blocks

Function blocks enclose a function. When being executed a function block takes the input values and calculates the output
values. Function blocks in the UMC can contain status information (e.g. the starter function blocks). This means that
whenever a function is retrieved with the same arguments (input parameters) the same result (output parameter) is not
necessarily obtained.
The block frame limits the selector area of the block. From a coloured green line around the type name you can establish
whether the block has been selected or not (see diagram below). If there is no green line the block is not selected. If you
move over a block with the mouse and stay there for a moment a tool tip is displayed presenting a short description of the
block.
Function block name and instance name:
All function blocks are displayed with the block type name which describes its type. This text cannot be changed. Above the
block the instance name is shown which is automatically determined when placing a new block. This name can be changed
but must be unique within the application. In the example below the type of the left block is T (= On Delay) whereas the
ON
user-defined instance name was changed to "Start Delay" which describes the function of this block in the application.
Input/output pins:
A distinction must be made here between inputs and outputs. In accordance with the signal flow, inputs are always
displayed on the left and outputs on the right. IO pins are also known as terminals.
Terminal designation:
In a function block each input/output terminal also has a code that represents the function of the terminal, e.g. EN for
enable, Q for an output etc. If you move over a terminal and stay there for a moment a tool tip text is displayed presenting
the data type and a short description of the terminal.
Parameters:
Mandatory terminals call for data supply via the signal flow line in order to enable the block to operate correctly. The T
ON
block has a parameter which defines the delay time.
Parameterisation:
Not all function blocks must be parameterised. The need for parameterisation is indicated with a (P) in either of the function
block names.
A (P) as postfix to the function block name (e.g. Direct Starter (P)) indicates that this block can be configured via the FIM,
fieldbus or LCD panel. These parameters can be changed at any time later on. It is not necessary to open the application
editor to change these parameters.
A (P) as postfix to an input terminal indicates that a parameter value has to be connected to this input. Take the delay time of
an T function block as an example. The parameter value can only be changed in the application editor. It is not possible to
on
change these parameters via the fieldbus or LCD panel.