Creating User-Defined Driver Blocks - Siemens SIMATIC PCS 7 Configuration Manual

When determining symbolic names the first characters should be allocated with the block
names in order to allow the function blocks to be uniquely assigned during the configuration
phase. If you want to expand a symbolic name with additional information (e.g. company
abbreviation) then place this at the end of the symbolic name.
The following example illustrates the naming guidelines:
● Block name: "CountOh"
● Symbolic name: "CountOh_Siemens"
● Display in the CFC Editor: "CountOh_"
Guidelines on creation
The "Compile chart as FB" function should not be used when using APL blocks to create user-
defined blocks as the "S7_x" attributes are not supported for structures. S7 SCL is provided
for creating the blocks in this case.
Note
Detailed information on creating technological blocks using the PCS 7 guidelines can be found
in the "PCS 7 - Programming Instructions for Blocks"
ww/en/view/24449702) manual.
8.1.3

Creating user-defined driver blocks

Using driver blocks
You can use PCS 7 to create driver blocks in the same way as technological blocks for modules/
devices that are not integrated. A driver block evaluates the status or the diagnostics for the
modules/devices. A user-defined channel block for actual signal processing is generally
required to go with this.
The main objective of creating such blocks is to achieve integration into the PCS 7 hierarchical
driver concept. The hierarchical driver concept has been implemented in the PCS 7 basis
library and forms a basis for asset management.
Note
If necessary, you can also consult with an appropriate SIEMENS technical department when
creating driver blocks.
Compendium Part A - Configuration Guidelines (V8.2)
Configuration Manual, 08/2016, A5E38166869-AA
Configuring AS functions
(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/
8.1 Principles
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