Advanced Configuration

In a standard configuration the global variables for I/O Mapping are set automatically. As this is not possible for hardware variants with complex channel/address settings, global variables must be defined in IEC 61131-3 editor to map the channels in the applications. Advanced configuration allows to operate independent hardware configurations.

1. Create a Automation_Builder project with a PLC device. This PLC contains your primary hardware configuration (in the example: TargetPLC).

2. Create as many PLC hardware variants as required.

   Note

   The main program that includes the hardware configuration of all your variants is defined in the TargetApplication object of your TargetPLC (not in the application objects of your variants (NotUsed_x)).

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3. Double-click TargetApplication to define I/O Mapping for the IEC addresses in IEC 61131-3 editor. Due to a different module configuration this cannot be done in the I/O Mapping tab of Automation_Builder.

4. Under Resources define a global variable that can be used to identify the active hardware variant (in the example G_byActiveHWVariant).

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5. For a better readability we recommend you to create I/O Mapping objects for your variants which lists the address mapping for the inputs and outputs of a I/O bus module.

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6. Under POUs create a new program (in the example IOMultiplex) which describes the addresses for inputs and outputs to be used for each hardware variant.

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7. Under POUs create a new program (in the example IdentifyHWVariant).

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8. Under POUs create a new program (in the example PLC_PRG) which refers to the previously defined program (IOMultiplex) and your global variable (G_byActiveHWVariant).

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9. Under POUs create a new program (in the example MainProgram).

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10. Save and close your IEC 61131-3 editor configuration. Proceed with exporting the PLC configuration as described under Step: Exporting the PLC.