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Programming Manual

Logix5000 Controllers I/O and Tag Data


Catalog Numbers 1756 ControlLogix, 1756 GuardLogix, 1768 Compact GuardLogix, 1769 CompactLogix, 1789 SoftLogix, PowerFlex with DriveLogix

Important User Information


Solid-state equipment has operational characteristics differing from those of electromechanical equipment. Safety Guidelines for the Application, Installation and Maintenance of Solid State Controls (publication SGI-1.1 available from your local Rockwell Automation sales office or online at http://www.rockwellautomation.com/literature/) describes some important differences between solid-state equipment and hard-wired electromechanical devices. Because of this difference, and also because of the wide variety of uses for solid-state equipment, all persons responsible for applying this equipment must satisfy themselves that each intended application of this equipment is acceptable. In no event will Rockwell Automation, Inc. be responsible or liable for indirect or consequential damages resulting from the use or application of this equipment. The examples and diagrams in this manual are included solely for illustrative purposes. Because of the many variables and requirements associated with any particular installation, Rockwell Automation, Inc. cannot assume responsibility or liability for actual use based on the examples and diagrams. No patent liability is assumed by Rockwell Automation, Inc. with respect to use of information, circuits, equipment, or software described in this manual. Reproduction of the contents of this manual, in whole or in part, without written permission of Rockwell Automation, Inc., is prohibited. Throughout this manual, when necessary, we use notes to make you aware of safety considerations.
WARNING: Identifies information about practices or circumstances that can cause an explosion in a hazardous environment, which may lead to personal injury or death, property damage, or economic loss. ATTENTION: Identifies information about practices or circumstances that can lead to personal injury or death, property damage, or economic loss. Attentions help you identify a hazard, avoid a hazard, and recognize the consequence SHOCK HAZARD: Labels may be on or inside the equipment, for example, a drive or motor, to alert people that dangerous voltage may be present. BURN HAZARD: Labels may be on or inside the equipment, for example, a drive or motor, to alert people that surfaces may reach dangerous temperatures. IMPORTANT Identifies information that is critical for successful application and understanding of the product.

Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Software, Rockwell Automation, and TechConnect are trademarks of Rockwell Automation, Inc. Trademarks not belonging to Rockwell Automation are property of their respective companies.2012

Summary of Changes
This manual contains new and updated information. IMPORTANT RSLogix 5000 programming software is now known as Studio 5000TM Logix Designer application, a component of the Studio 5000 Engineering and Design Environment.

The following controllers are no longer supported in Logix Designer application, version 21.
Catalog Number 1756-L61 1756-L61S 1756-L62 1756-L62S 1756-L63 1756-L63S 1756-L64 1756-L65 1768-L43 1768-L43S 1768-L45 1768-L45S 1769-L23E-QBF1 1769-L23E-QBFC1 1769-L23-QBFC1 1769-L31 1769-L32C 1769-L32E 1769-L35CR 1769-L35E Description ControlLogix 5561 Controller ControlLogix 5561S Controller ControlLogix 5562 Controller ControlLogix 5562S Controller ControlLogix 5563 Controller ControlLogix 5563S Controller ControlLogix 5564 Controller ControlLogix 5565 Controller CompactLogix 5343 Controller CompactLogix 5343S Controller CompactLogix 5345 Controller CompactLogix 5345S Controller CompactLogix 5323E-QB1 Controller CompactLogix 5323E-QBFC1 Controller CompactLogix 5323-QBFC1 Controller CompactLogix 5331 Controller CompactLogix 5332C Controller CompactLogix 5332E Controller CompactLogix 5335CR Controller CompactLogix 5335E Controller

Changes throughout this revision are marked by change bars, as shown in the margin of this page. This table contains the changes made to this revision.
Topic Extended Properties Using extended properties in logic Adding Extended Properties to a Tag Min and Max for DINT, INT, LINT, SINT, and REAL Data Types Adding Extended Properties to a User-Defined Data Type Paste a Pass-Through Description Project Documentation Page 25 30 33 34 43 46 55

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Table of Contents
Preface
Studio 5000 Engineering and Design Environment and Logix Designer Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Purpose of This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Chapter 1 Communicate with I/O Modules


Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Requested Packet Interval. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Communication Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Direct or Rack-Optimized Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Ownership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Electronic Keying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Exact Match . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Compatible Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Address I/O Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Buffer I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Chapter 2 Organizing Tags


Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tag Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guidelines for Tags. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Create a Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adding Extended Properties to a Tag. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Create an Array . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Configuring an Array . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating a User-defined Data Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guidelines for User-defined Data Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating a User-defined Data Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adding Extended Properties to a User-Defined Data Type . . . . . . . Describing a User-defined Data Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Activate Pass-Through and Append Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paste a Pass-Through Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address Tag Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alias Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Display Alias Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assign an Alias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assign an Indirect Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Array Subscript Out of Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tag Documentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Project Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 24 25 27 29 33 33 35 38 39 40 41 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 54 55 55

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Chapter 3 Force I/O


Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Enable Forces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disable or Remove a Force. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Check Force Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FORCE Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GSV Instruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . When to Use I/O Force. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Force an Input Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Force an Output Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Add an I/O Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Remove or Disable Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Remove an Individual Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disable All I/O Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Remove All I/O Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 57 57 58 58 59 59 60 61 61 61 62 62 63 63

Chapter 4 Data Access Control


Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 External Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Configure External Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 External Access Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Configure External Access in the New Tag Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Set Up External Access in the Tag Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . 69 View and Select External Access Status on the Tag Editor Window 70 Go To Search Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 External Access Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 User-defined Type Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Add-On Instructions External Access Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Tag Mapping Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Imported Tag Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Constant Value Tags. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Configure Constant Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Set Up a Constant in the New Tag Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Configure a Constant in the Tag Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . 78 Designate a Constant in the Tag Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Constant Checkbox Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Add-On Instructions Constant Value Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Index

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Preface

Studio 5000 Engineering and Design Environment and Logix Designer Application

The Studio 5000 Engineering and Design Environment combines engineering and design elements into a common environment. The first element in the Studio 5000 environment is the Logix Designer application. The Logix Designer application is the rebranding of RSLogix 5000 software and will continue to be the product to program Logix5000 controllers for discrete, process, batch, motion, safety, and drive-based solutions.

The Studio 5000 environment is the foundation for the future of Rockwell Automation engineering design tools and capabilities. It is the one place for design engineers to develop all the elements of their control system.

Purpose of This Manual

This manual shows how to access I/O and tag data in Logix5000 controllers. This manual is one of a set of related manuals that show common procedures for programming and operating Logix5000 controllers. For a complete list of common procedures manuals, refer to the Logix5000 Controllers Common Procedures Programming Manual, publication 1756-PM001. The term Logix5000 controller refers to any controller that is based on the Logix5000 operating system, such as: CompactLogix and Compact GuardLogix controllers ControlLogix and GuardLogix controllers DriveLogix controllers. FlexLogix controllers. SoftLogix5800 controllers.

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Notes:

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Chapter

Communicate with I/O Modules

Introduction

To communicate with an I/O module in your system, you add the module to the I/O Configuration folder of the controller.

Add I/O modules here.

When you add the module, you also define a specific configuration for the module. While the configuration options vary from module to module, these are some common options that you typically configure: Requested Packet Interval Communication Format Electronic Keying

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Requested Packet Interval


Term Connection Definition

The Logix5000 controller uses connections to transmit I/O data.

A communication link between two devices, such as between a controller and an I/O module, PanelView terminal, or another controller. Connections are allocations of resources that provide more reliable communications between devices than unconnected messages. The number of connections that a single controller can have is limited. You indirectly determine the number of connections the controller uses by configuring the controller to communicate with other devices in the system. The following types of communication use connections: I/O modules produced and consumed tags certain types of Message (MSG) instructions (not all types use a connection) The RPI specifies the period at which data updates over a connection. For example, an input module sends data to a controller at the RPI that you assign to the module. Typically, you configure an RPI in milliseconds (ms). The range is 0.2 ms (200 microseconds)750 ms. If a ControlNet network connects the devices, the RPI reserves a slot in the stream of data flowing across the ControlNet network. The timing of this slot may not coincide with the exact value of the RPI, but the control system guarantees that the data transfers at least as often as the RPI.

Requested packet interval (RPI)

In Logix5000 controllers, I/O values update at a period that you configure via the I/O configuration folder of the project. The values update asynchronous to the execution of logic. At the specified interval, the controller updates a value independently from the execution of logic.
ATTENTION: Make sure that data memory contains the appropriate values throughout a tasks execution. You can duplicate or buffer data at the beginning of the scan to provide reference values for your logic.

Programs within a task access input and output data directly from controller-scoped memory. Logic within any task can modify controller-scoped data. Data and I/O values are asynchronous and can change during the course of a tasks execution. An input value referenced at the beginning of a tasks execution can be different when referenced later. To prevent an input value from changing during a scan, copy the value to another tag and use the data from there (buffer the values).

Communication Format

The communication format that you choose determines the data structure for the tags that are associated with the module. Many I/O modules support different formats. Each format uses a different data structure. The communication format that you choose also determines: Direct or Rack-Optimized Connection. Ownership.

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Direct or Rack-Optimized Connection


The Logix5000 controller uses connections to transmit I/O data. These connections can be direct connections or rack-optimized connections.
Term Direct connection Definition A direct connection is a real-time, data transfer link between the controller and an I/O module. The controller maintains and monitors the connection with the I/O module. Any break in the connection, such as a module fault or the removal of a module while under power, sets fault bits in the data area associated with the module.

A direct connection is any connection that does not use the Rack Optimization Comm Format.

Rack-optimized connection

For digital I/O modules, you can select rack-optimized communication. A rack-optimized connection consolidates connection usage between the controller and all the digital I/O modules in the chassis (or DIN rail). Rather than having individual, direct connections for each I/O module, there is one connection for the entire chassis (or DIN rail).

Rack-Optimized Connection

Ownership
In a Logix5000 system, modules multicast data. This means that multiple devices can receive the same data at the same time from a single device.

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When you choose a communication format, you have to choose whether to establish an owner or listen-only relationship with the module.
Owner controller The controller that creates the primary configuration and communication connection to a module. The owner controller writes configuration data and can establish a connection to the module.

An owner connection is any connection that does not include Listen-Only in its Comm Format.

Listen-only connection

An I/O connection where another controller owns/provides the configuration data for the I/O module. A controller using a listen-only connection only monitors the module. It does not write configuration data and can only maintain a connection to the I/O module when the owner controller is actively controlling the I/O module.

Listen-only Connection

Use the following table to choose the type of ownership for a module.
Table 1 - Choose the Type of Ownership
If module is Input module And another controller Does not own the module Owns the module Maintain communication with the module if it loses communication with the other controller And you want to Then use this type of connection Owner (not listen-only) Owner (not listen-only) Use the same configuration as the other owner controller. Listen-only Owner (such as, not listen-only) Listen-only

Stop communication with the module if it loses communication with the other controller Output module Does not own the module Owns the module

There is a noted difference in controlling input modules versus controlling output modules.

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Table 2 - Control Input and Output Modules


Controlling Input modules This Ownership Owner Description An input module is configured by a controller that establishes a connection as an owner. This configuring controller is the first controller to establish an owner connection. Once an input module has been configured (and owned by a controller), other controllers can establish owner connections to that module. This lets additional owners to continue to receive multicast data if the original owner controller breaks its connection to the module. All other additional owners must have the identical configuration data and identical communications format that the original owner controller has, otherwise, the connection attempt is rejected. Once an input module has been configured (and owned by a controller), other controllers can establish a listen-only connection to that module. These controllers can receive multicast data while another controller owns the module. If all owner controllers break their connections to the input module, all controllers with listen-only connections no longer receive multicast data. An output module is configured by a controller that establishes a connection as an owner. Only one-owner connection is allowed for an output module. If another controller attempts to establish an owner connection, the connection attempt is rejected. Once an output module has been configured (and owned by one controller), other controllers can establish listenonly connections to that module. These controllers can receive multicast data while another controller owns the module. If the owner controller breaks its connection to the output module, all controllers with listen-only connections no longer receive multicast data.

Listen-only

Output modules

Owner

Listen-only

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Electronic Keying

The electronic keying feature automatically compares the expected module, as shown in the Logix Designer I/O Configuration tree, to the physical module before I/O communication begins. You can use electronic keying to help prevent communication to a module that does not match the type and revision expected. For each module in the I/O Configuration tree, the user-selected keying option determines if, and how, an electronic keying check is performed. Typically, three keying options are available. Exact Match Compatible Module Disable Keying You must carefully consider the benefits and implications of each keying option when selecting between them. For some specific module types, fewer options are available. Electronic keying is based on a set of attributes unique to each product revision. When a Logix5000 controller begins communicating with a module, this set of keying attributes is considered.
Attribute Vendor Product Type Catalog Number Major Revision Description The manufacturer of the module, for example, Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley. The general type of the module, for example, communication adapter, AC drive, or digital I/O. The specific type of module, generally represented by its catalog number, for example, 1756-IB16I. A number that represents the functional capabilities and data exchange formats of the module. Typically, although not always, a later, that is higher, Major Revision supports at least all of the data formats supported by an earlier, that is lower, Major Revision of the same catalog number and, possibly, additional ones. A number that indicates the modules specific firmware revision. Minor Revisions typically do not impact data compatibility but may indicate performance or behavior improvement.

Minor Revision

You can find revision information on the General tab of a modules Properties dialog box.
Figure 1 - General Tab

IMPORTANT

Changing electronic keying selections online may cause the I/O communication connection to the module to be disrupted and may result in a loss of data.

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Exact Match
Exact Match keying requires all keying attributes, that is, Vendor, Product Type, Catalog Number, Major Revision, and Minor Revision, of the physical module and the module created in the software to match precisely in order to establish communication. If any attribute does not match precisely, I/O communication is not permitted with the module or with modules connected through it, as in the case of a communication module. Use Exact Match keying when you need the system to verify that the module revisions in use are exactly as specified in the project, such as for use in highlyregulated industries. Exact Match keying is also necessary to enable Automatic Firmware Update for the module via the Firmware Supervisor feature from a Logix5000 controller.
EXAMPLE In the following scenario, Exact Match keying prevents I/O communication: The module configuration is for a 1756-IB16D module with module revision 3.1. The physical module is a 1756-IB16D module with module revision 3.2. In this case, communication is prevented because the Minor Revision of the module does not match precisely.
Module Configuration Vendor = Allen-Bradley Product Type = Digital Input Module Catalog Number = 1756-IB16D Major Revision = 3 Minor Revision = 1

Communication is prevented Physical Module Vendor = Allen-Bradley Product Type = Digital Input Module Catalog Number = 1756-IB16D Major Revision = 3 Minor Revision = 2

IMPORTANT

Changing electronic keying selections online may cause the I/O Communication connection to the module to be disrupted and may result in a loss of data.

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Compatible Module
Compatible Module indicates that the module determines whether to accept or reject communication. Different module families, communication adapters, and module types implement the compatibility check differently based on the family capabilities and on prior knowledge of compatible products. Compatible Module is the default setting. Compatible Module allows the physical module to accept the key of the module configured in the software, provided that the configured module is one the physical module is capable of emulating. The exact level of emulation required is product and revision specific. With Compatible Module, you can replace a module of a certain Major Revision with one of the same catalog number and the same or later, that is higher, Major Revision. In some cases, the selection makes it possible to use a replacement that is a different catalog number than the original. For example, you can replace a 1756CNBR module with a 1756-CN2R module. Release notes for individual modules indicate the specific compatibility details. When a module is created, the module developers consider the modules development history to implement capabilities that emulate those of the previous module. However, the developers cannot know future developments. Because of this, when a system is configured, we recommend that you configure your module using the earliest, that is, lowest, revision of the physical module that you believe will be used in the system.

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By doing this, you can avoid the case of a physical module rejecting the keying request because it is an earlier revision than the one configured in the software.
EXAMPLE In the following scenario, Compatible Module prevents I/O communication: The module configuration is for a 1756-IB16D module with module revision 3.3. The physical module is a 1756-IB16D module with module revision 3.2. In this case, communication is prevented because the minor revision of the module is lower than expected and may not be compatible with 3.3.
Module Configuration Vendor = Allen-Bradley Product Type = Digital Input Module Catalog Number = 1756-IB16D Major Revision = 3 Minor Revision = 3

Communication is prevented Physical Module Vendor = Allen-Bradley Product Type = Digital Input Module Catalog Number = 1756-IB16D Major Revision = 3 Minor Revision = 2

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EXAMPLE

In the following scenario, Compatible Module allows I/O communication: The module configuration is for a 1756-IB16D module with module revision 2.1. The physical module is a 1756-IB16D module with module revision 3.2. In this case, communication is allowed because the major revision of the physical module is higher than expected and the module determines that it is compatible with the prior major revision.
Module Configuration Vendor = Allen-Bradley Product Type = Digital Input Module Catalog Number = 1756-IB16D Major Revision = 2 Minor Revision = 1

Communication is allowed Physical Module Vendor = Allen-Bradley Product Type = Digital Input Module Catalog Number = 1756-IB16D Major Revision = 3 Minor Revision = 2

IMPORTANT

Changing electronic keying selections online may cause the I/O communication connection to the module to be disrupted and may result in a loss of data.

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Disabled Keying
Disabled Keying indicates the keying attributes are not considered when attempting to communicate with a module. Other attributes, such as data size and format, are considered and must be acceptable before I/O communication is established. With Disabled Keying, I/O communication may occur with a module other than the type specified in the I/O Configuration tree with unpredictable results. We generally do not recommend using Disabled Keying.
ATTENTION: Be extremely cautious when using Disabled Keying; if used incorrectly, this option can lead to personal injury or death, property damage, or economic loss.

If you use Disabled Keying, you must take full responsibility for understanding whether the module being used can fulfill the functional requirements of the application.
EXAMPLE ATTENTION: In the following scenario, Disable Keying prevents I/O communication: ATTENTION: The module configuration is for a 1756-IA16 digital input module. The physical module is a 1756-IF16 analog input module. In this case, communication is prevented because the analog module rejects the data formats that the digital module configuration requests.
Module Configuration Vendor = Allen-Bradley Product Type = Digital Input Module Catalog Number = 1756-IA16 Major Revision = 3 Minor Revision = 1

Communication is prevented Physical Module Vendor = Allen-Bradley Product Type = Analog Input Module Catalog Number = 1756-IF16 Major Revision = 3 Minor Revision = 2

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EXAMPLE

In the following scenario, Disable Keying allows I/O communication: The module configuration is for a 1756-IA16 digital input module. The physical module is a 1756-IB16 digital input module. In this case, communication is allowed because the two digital modules share common data formats.
Module Configuration Vendor = Allen-Bradley Product Type = Digital Input Module Catalog Number = 1756-IA16 Major Revision = 2 Minor Revision = 1

Communication is allowed Physical Module Vendor = Allen-Bradley Product Type = Digital Input Module Catalog Number = 1756-IB16 Major Revision = 3 Minor Revision = 2

IMPORTANT

Changing electronic keying selections online may cause the I/O communication connection to the module to be disrupted and may result in a loss of data.

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Chapter 1

Address I/O Data

I/O information is presented as a set of tags. Each tag uses a structure of data. The structure depends on the specific features of the I/O module. The name of the tag is based on the location of the I/O module in the system.

When you add a module to the I/O Configuration folder the software automatically creates controllerscoped tags for the module.

An I/O address follows this format:


Location :Slot :Type .Member .SubMember .Bit = Optional Where Location Is Network location LOCAL = same chassis or DIN rail as the controller ADAPTER_NAME = identifies remote communication adapter or bridge module Slot Type Slot number of I/O module in its chassis or DIN rail Type of data I = input O = output C = configuration S = status Member Specific data from the I/O module; depends on what type of data the module can store. For a digital module, a Data member usually stores the input or output bit values. For an analog module, a Channel member (CH#) usually stores the data for a channel. SubMember Bit Specific data related to a Member. Specific point on a digital I/O module; depends on the size of the I/O module (031 for a 32-point module)

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Buffer I/O

Buffering is a technique that logic does not directly reference or manipulate the tags of real I/O devices. Instead, the logic uses a copy of the I/O data. Buffer I/O in the following situations: To prevent an input or output value from changing during the execution of a program. (I/O updates asynchronous to the execution of logic.) To copy an input or output tag to a member of a structure or element of an array. Follow these steps to buffer I/O. 1. On the rung before the logic for the function, copy or move the data from the required input tags to their corresponding buffer tags. 2. In the logic of the function, reference the buffer tags. 3. On the rung after the function, copy the data from the buffer tags to the corresponding output tags.

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Chapter 1

This example copies inputs and outputs to the tags of a structure for a drill machine.
EXAMPLE Buffer I/O

The main routine of the program executes the following subroutines in this sequence.
JSR Jump to Subroutine Routine name map_inputs JSR Jump to Subroutine Routine name drill JSR Jump to Subroutine Routine name map_outputs

The map_inputs routine copies the values of input devices to their corresponding tags that are used in the drill routine.
_1791_8AC:I.Data[0].0 drill[1].depth_limit

_1791_8AC:I.Data[0].4

drill[1].home_limit

The drill routine executes the logic for the drill machine.
drill[1].part_advance / drill[1].forward one_shots.0 ONS drill[1].depth_limit / drill[1].forward

drill[1].depth_limit drill[1].retract

drill[1].home_limit /

drill[1].retract

The map_outputs routine copies the values of output tags in the drill routine to their corresponding output devices.
drill[1].forward _1791_8AC:O.Data[0].0

drill[1].retract

_1791_8AC:O.Data[0].1

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This example uses the CPS instruction to copy an array of data that represent the input devices of a DeviceNet network.
EXAMPLE Buffer I/O

Local:0:I.Data stores the input data for the DeviceNet network that is connected to the 1756-DNB module in slot 0. To synchronize the inputs with the application, the CPS instruction copies the input data to input_buffer.
While the CPS instruction copies the data, no I/O updates can change the data. As the application executes, it uses for its inputs the input data in input_buffer.
CPS Synchronous Copy File Source Local:0:I.Data[0] Dest input_buffer[0] Length 20
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Organizing Tags

Introduction

With a Logix5000controller, you use a tag (alphanumeric name) to address data (variables).
Term
Tag

Definition
A text-based name for an area of the controllers memory where data is stored. Tags are the basic mechanism for allocating memory, referencing data from logic, and monitoring data. The minimum memory allocation for a tag is four bytes. When you create a tag that stores data that requires less than four bytes, the controller allocates four bytes, but the data only fills the part it needs.

The controller uses the tag name internally and does not need to cross-reference a physical address. In conventional programmable controllers, a physical address identifies each item of data. Addresses follow a fixed, numeric format that depends on the type of data, such as N7:8, F8:3. Symbols are required to make logic easier to interpret. In Logix5000 controllers, there is no fixed, numeric format. The tag name itself identifies the data. This lets you: organize your data to mirror your machinery. document (through tag names) your application as you develop it.

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EXAMPLE

Tags

Analog I/O Device

Integer Value Storage Bit Counter Timer Digital I/O Device

Tag Type
The tag type defines how the tag operates within your project.
If you want the tag to
Store a value or values for use by logic within the project Represent another tag Send data to another controller Receive data from another controller

Then choose this type


Base Alias Produced Consumed

If you plan to use produced or consumed tags, you must follow additional guidelines as you organize your tags. See the Logix5000 Controllers Produced and Consumed Tags Programming Manual, publication 1756-PM011.

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Data Type
Term
Data type Structure

Definition
The data type defines the type of data that a tag stores, such as a bit, integer, floating-point value, string, and so forth. A data type that is a combination of other data types. A structure is formatted to create a unique data type that matches a specific need. Within a structure, each individual data type is called a member. Like tags, members have a name and data type. A Logix5000 controller contains a set of predefined structures (data types) for use with specific instructions such as timers, counters, Function Blocks, and so forth. You can create your own structures, called a user-defined data type.

The following table outlines the most common data types and when to use each.
For
Analog device in floating-point mode Analog device in integer mode (for very fast sample rates) ASCII characters Bit Counter Digital I/O point Floating-point number Integer (whole number) Sequencer Timer

Select
REAL INT String BOOL COUNTER BOOL REAL DINT CONTROL TIMER

Extended Properties
You have the option to add extended properties to select tags. The extended properties include: Min Max Engineering Units State0 State1 When these properties are added, their values are made available for use by some Rockwell Automation HMIs. Extended properties for a tag are added and modified in the Tag Properties pane.

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The minimum memory allocation for a tag is four bytes. When you create a tag that stores data that requires less than four bytes, the controller allocates four bytes, but the data only fills the part it needs.
Data type Bits 31
BOOL SINT INT DINT REAL -3.40282347E38 Not used Not used Not used

16

15

0
0 or 1

-128+127 -32,768+32,767 -2,147,483,648+2,147,483,647 -1.17549435E-38 (negative values) 0 1.17549435E-38 3.40282347E38 (positive values)

The COUNTER and TIMER data types are examples of commonly used structures.
To expand a structure and display its members, click the + sign.

COUNTER Structure To collapse a structure and hide its members, click the sign. TIMER Structure

Members of running_seconds

Data Type Members

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To copy data to a structure, use the COP instruction. Refer to the Logix5000 Controllers General Instructions Reference Manual, publication 1756-RM003.

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Scope
When you create a tag, you define it as either a controller tag (global data) or a program tag for a specific program (local data).
Project Controller tags (Global data)

I/O data System-shared data

Task Program Program tags (Local data) Other routines Main routine

A Logix5000 controller lets you divide your application into multiple programs, each with its own data. There is no need to manage conflicting tag names between programs. This makes it easier to reuse both code and tag names in multiple programs.
Controller tags (Global data) All programs have access to data that is at the controller scope. Tag_1 Tag_2 Tag_3

Program_A Program tags (Local data) Other routines Main routine Tag_4 Tag_5 Tag_6 Data

Program_B Program tags (Local data) Other routines Main routine Tag_4 Tag_5 Tag_6

Data at the program scope is isolated from other programs. Routines cannot access data that is at the program scope of another program. You can reuse the tag name of a program-scoped tag in multiple programs. For example, both Program_A and Program_B can have a program tag named Tag_4.

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Avoid using the same name for both a controller tag and a program tag. Within a program, you cannot reference a controller tag if a tag of the same name exists as a program tag for that program. Certain tags must be controller scope (controller tag).
Table 3 - Controller Scope Tags If you want to use the tag
In more than one program in the project In a Message (MSG) instruction To produce or consume data In any of the seven AXIS data types To communicate with a PanelView terminal None of the above Program scope (program tags) Controller scope (controller tags)

Then assign this scope

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Guidelines for Tags


Table 4 - Tag Guidelines Table 5 - Guideline
Create user-defined data types

Use the following guidelines to create tags for a Logix5000 project.

Details
User-defined data types (structures) let you organize data to match your machine or process. A user-defined data type provides these advantages: One tag contains all the data related to a specific aspect of your system. This keeps related data together and easy to locate, regardless of its data type. Each individual piece of data (member) gets a descriptive name. This automatically creates an initial level of documentation for your logic. You can use the data type to create multiple tags with the same data layout. For example, use a user-defined data type to store all the parameters for a tank, including temperatures, pressures, valve positions, and preset values. Then create a tag for each of your tanks based on that data type. An array creates multiple instances of a data type under a common tag name. Arrays let you organize a block of tags that use the same data type and perform a similar function. You organize the data in one, two, or three dimensions to match what the data represents. For example, use a two-dimensional array to organize the data for a tank farm. Each element of the array represents a single tank. The location of the element within the array represents the geographic location of the tank. Important: Minimize the use of BOOL arrays. Many array instructions do not operate on BOOL arrays. This makes it more difficult to initialize and clear an array of BOOL data. Typically, use a BOOL array for the bit-level objects of a PanelView screen. Otherwise, use the individual bits of a DINT tag or an array of DINTs. If you want multiple tags with the same name, define each tag at the program scope (program tags) for a different program. This lets you reuse both logic and tag names in multiple programs. Avoid using the same name for both a controller tag and a program tag. Within a program, you cannot reference a controller tag if a tag of the same name exists as a program tag for that program. Certain tags must be controller scope (controller tag).

Use arrays to quickly create a group of similar tags

Take advantage of program-scoped tags

If you want the tag


In more than one program in the project In a Message (MSG) instruction To produce or consume data In any of the seven AXIS data types To communicate with a PanelView terminal None of the above For integers, use the DINT data type

Then assign this scope

Controller scope (controller tags)

Program scope (program tags)

To increase the efficiency of your logic, minimize the use of SINT or INT data types. Whenever possible, use the DINT data type for integers. A Logix5000 controller typically compares or manipulates values as 32-bit values (DINTs or REALs). The controller typically converts a SINT or INT value to a DINT or REAL value before it uses the value. If the destination is a SINT or INT tag, the controller typically converts the value back to a SINT or INT value. The conversion to or from SINTs or INTs occurs automatically with no extra programming. But it takes extra execution time and memory. External access limits the exposure of controller tags by defining a users ability to edit tags to Read/Write, Read Only and None. This helps: reduce the risk of inadvertently changing tags. reduce the number of tags to browse when configuring HMI. See External Access on page 65. A constant value can be assigned to a tag to prevent the table-backed data from being changed programmatically. This helps reduce the risk of inadvertently changing tags. See Constant Value Tags on page 77.

Use most restrictive external access

Enable constant attribute for tags that should not be changed by logic

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Table 4 - Tag Guidelines Table 5 - Guideline


Limit a tag name to 40 characters

Details
Here are the rules for a tag name: Only alphabetic characters (A-Z or a-z), numeric characters (09), and underscores (_) Must start with an alphabetic character or an underscore No more than 40 characters No consecutive or trailing underscore characters (_) Not case sensitive Although tags are not case sensitive (upper case A is the same as lower case a), mixed case is easier to read.

Use mixed case

These tags are easier to read


Tank_1 Tank1

Than these tags


TANK_1 TANK1 tank_1 tank1

Consider the alphabetical order of tags

Logix Designer application displays tags of the same scope in alphabetical order. To make it easier to monitor related tags, use similar starting characters for tags that you want to keep together.

Starting each tag for a tank with Tank keeps the tags together. Tag Name
Tank_North Tank_South

Otherwise, the tags may end up separated from each other. Tag Name
North_Tank


South_Tank Other tags that start with the letters o, p, q, and so forth.

Using extended properties in logic

You can access limit extended properties defined on tags using the .@Min and .@Max syntax. However, you cannot write to extended properties values in logic. For example: In the Ladder Editor, you can use limit extended properties on an instructions source operand.

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Table 4 - Tag Guidelines Table 5 - Guideline


Using extended properties in logic (continued)

Details
In the Function Block Editor, you can access extended properties in logic by wiring an Input Reference to a blocks input pins.

In the Structured Text Editor, you can access limit extended properties in logic on the right hand side of an assignment operation or in a comparison statement. You can also access limit extended properties in logic when you embed structured text in the Sequential Function Chart Editor.

You need to know which tags have limit extended properties associated with them as there is no indication in the Tag Browser that extended properties are defined for a tag. If however, you try to use extended properties that have not been defined for a tag, the editors show a visual indication (that is: a rung error in Ladder Logic, a verification error X in Function Block Diagrams, and the error underlined in Structured Text) and the routine does not verify. Restrictions to adding extended properties in logic The following restrictions apply when you use extended properties in logic. Extended properties must be used as an input operand Extended properties can be used on an instruction as long as the input (source) operand is a non-boolean atomic data type. That is, if an instruction has operands whose data type is non-atomic or BOOL, limit extended properties can not be used. For example, the ALMD instruction in Ladder Logic does not support extended properties because its configurable operands are of type BOOL. In the Ladder Editor, when limit extended properties is used in logic, the value field associated with the source operand is unavailable. You can change the tag's extended properties only in the Tag Properties Pane. Alias Tags with Extended Properties cannot be accessed in Logic If alias tag extended properties are used in logic, the routine does not verify.

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Table 4 - Tag Guidelines Table 5 - Guideline


Using extended properties in logic (continued)

Details
Array Tags are constrained A constraint on array tags apply if the array tag uses indirect addressing to access limit extended properties. If an array tag is using indirect addressing to access limit extended properties in logic, the following conditions apply. If the Array Tag has limit extended properties configured, the extended properties are applied to any array element that does not explicitly have that particular extended property configured. For example, if the MyArray has Max configured to 100, then any element of the array that does not have Max configured inherits the value of 100 when being used in logic. However, it will not be visible to you that the value inherited from MyArray is configured in the tag properties. At least one array element must have specific limit extended property configured for indirectly referenced array logic to verify. For example, if MyArray[x].@Max is being used in logic, at least one array element of MyArray[] must have Max extended property configured if Max is not configured by MyArray. If this is not done, if you attempt to access Max in logic on MyArray in logic, the routine does not verify. Under the following circumstances a data type default value is going to be used: - Array is accessed programmatically with indirect reference. - Array tag does not have the extended property configured. - Member of array does not have the extended property configured. For example for Array of SINT type, when max limit is called in logic for a member, the value 127 will be used. Removing Extended Properties You cannot remove extended properties that are accessed in logic when the project is online with the controller. The Max and Min check boxes in the Extended Properties box in the Tag Editor are unavailable. You have to go offline in order to remove the extended properties. Removing extended properties in logic on structure tags is unavailable at the tag level. For example, if MyUDTTag has 2 members, Mem1 being a DINT and the Mem2 being a SINT, if you define limit extended properties in Logic on both members, but are only accessing Max extended properties on Mem1, the Max check box is unavailable in the Extended Properties box in the Tag Properties Pane for both members. You are not able to remove the Max extended properties for MyUDTTag .Mem2 online. The same applies for Array tags. If limit extended properties is define on an array element and that element is accessed in logic, then limit extended properties cannot be removed from any of the array elements.

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Create a Tag

The Tag Editor window lets you create and edit tags by using a spreadsheet-style view of the tags.
IMPORTANT

The Logix Designer application also automatically creates tags when you:
Add an element to a sequential function chart (SFC). Add a function block instruction to a function block diagram.

Follow these steps to create a tag by using the Logix Designer application. 1. On the Controller Organizer, right-click Controller Tags and choose Edit Tags. The Tag Editor window appears.

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2. Choose a scope for the tag.


If You Use The Tag
In more than one program within the project As a producer or consumer In any of the seven AXIS data types In a message In only one program within the project Program that will use the tag Name_of_controller

Then Select

3. Type a name, data type, and description (optional) for the tag. 4. Specify the External Access and Constant attributes. See Chapter 4 on page 65 for information on the External Access and Constant attributes.

Adding Extended Properties to a Tag


To add extended properties to a tag: 1. Select the tag in the Tag Editor. 2. In the Tag Properties pane, check the properties that you want to add from the Extended Properties list.

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The entries in the list depend on the tags data type. You can check more than one property.
For data type
Array and string Bool

You can add the following extended property


Engineering Unit State0 State1 Engineering Unit Min Max Engineering Unit

DINT, INT, LINT, SINT, and REAL and corresponding array member

The added properties are displayed in the Data properties category in the Tag Properties pane. Clear the check box to remove the property from the tag. This also removes the properties from the Data properties category. Note that once the property is removed, any value associated to the property is removed from the system. The list is not available for other types of tags.

Min and Max for DINT, INT, LINT, SINT, and REAL Data Types
Data Type
DINT INT LINT SINT REAL

Range
-2,147,483,648...2,147,483,647 -32,768...32,767 0...32535129599999999 -128...127 -3.402823E38 to -1.1754944E-38 (negative values) and 0 and 1.1754944E-38 to 3.402823E38 (positive values)

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Chapter 2

Create an Array
Term
Array

Logix5000 controllers also let you use arrays to organize data.


Definition
A tag that contains a block of multiple pieces of data. An array is similar to a file. Within an array, each individual piece of data is called an element. Each element uses the same data type. An array tag occupies a contiguous block of memory in the controller, each element in sequence. You can use array and sequencer instructions to manipulate or index through the elements of an array. You organize the data into a block of one, two, or three dimensions.

A subscript (s) identifies each individual element within the array. A subscript starts at 0 and extends to the number of elements minus 1 (zero based).
To expand an array and display its elements, click the + sign.

To collapse an array and hide its elements, click the sign.

This array contains six elements of the DINT data type. Six DINTs

Elements of Timer_Presets

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The following example compares a structure to an array.


This is a tag that uses the Timer structure (data type). Tag Name Data Type
TIMER DINT DINT BOOL BOOL BOOL

This is a tag that uses an array of the Timer data type. Tag Name Data Type
TIMER[3] TIMER TIMER TIMER

Timer_1 + Timer_1.PRE + Timer_1.ACC


Timer_1.EN Timer_1.TT Timer_1.DN

Timers + Timer[0] + Timer[1] + Timer[2]

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EXAMPLE

Single-dimension array In this example, a single timer instruction times the duration of several steps. Each step requires a different preset value. Because all the values are the same data type (DINTs) an array is used.

To expand an array and display its elements, click the + sign.

To collapse an array and hide its elements, click the sign.

This array contains six elements of the DINT data type. Six DINTs

Elements of Timer_Presets

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EXAMPLE

Two-dimension array
ATTENTION: A drill machine can drill onefive holes in a book. The machine requires a value for the position of each hole from the leading edge of the book. To organize the values into configurations, a two-dimension array is used. The first subscript indicates the hole that the value corresponds and the second subscript indications how many holes will be drilled (onefive).

Subscript of Second Dimension


0 0 1 Subscript of First Dimension 2 3 4 5 1.5 2.5 8.0 1.25 5.5 9.75 1.25 3.5 7.5 9.75 1.25 3.5 5.5 7.5 9.75 1 2 3 4 5

Description

Position of first hole from leading edge of book Position of second hole from leading edge of book Position of third hole from leading edge of book Position of fourth hole from leading edge of book Position of fifth hole from leading edge of book

In the Tags window, the elements are in the order depicted below.

This array contains a two-dimensional grid of elements, six elements x six elements.

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The rightmost dimension increments to its maximum value then starts over.

When the rightmost dimension starts over, the dimension to the left increments by one.

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Configuring an Array
To create an array, you create a tag and assign dimensions to the data type. 1. On the Controller Organizer, right-click Controller Tags and choose Edit Tags. The Tag Editor window appears.

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2. Type a name for the tag and select a scope for the tag. 3. Assign the array dimensions.
If the tag is
One-dimension array Two-dimension array Three-dimension array

Then type
Data_type[x] Data_type[x,y] Data_type[x,y,z]

Where
Data_type is the type of data that the tag stores. X is the number of elements in the first dimension. Y is the number of elements in the second dimension. Z is the number of elements in the third dimension.

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Creating a User-defined Data Type


EXAMPLE

User-defined data types (structures) let you organize your data to match your machine or process.

User-defined data type that stores a recipe.


ATTENTION: In a system of several tanks, each tank can run a variety of recipes. Because the recipe requires a mix of data types (REAL, DINT, BOOL, so forth), a user-defined data type is used. Name (of data type): TANK Member Name
Temp Deadband Step Step_time Preset Mix

Data Type
REAL REAL DINT TIMER DINT[6] BOOL

ATTENTION: An array that is based on this data type would look like this example.

Array of Recipes

First Recipe

This array contains three elements of the TANK data type.

Members of the Recipe

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EXAMPLE

User-defined data type that stores the data that is required to run a machine. Because several drill stations require the following mix of data, use a user-defined data type. Name (of data type): DRILL_STATION Member Name
Part_advance Hole_sequence Type Hole_position Depth Total_depth

Data Type
BOOL CONTROL DINT REAL REAL REAL

ATTENTION: An array that is based on this data type looks like this example.

Array of Drills

First Drill

This array contains four elements of the DRILL_STATION data type.

Data for the Drill

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Guidelines for User-defined Data Types


When you create a user-defined data type, use these guidelines: If you include members that represent I/O devices, you must use logic to copy the data between the members in the structure and the corresponding I/O tags. Refer to Address I/O Data on page 19. If you include an array as a member, limit the array to a single dimension. Multi-dimension arrays are not permitted in a user-defined data type.

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Chapter 2

When you use the BOOL, SINT, or INT data types, place members that use the same data type in sequence.
More Efficient BOOL BOOL BOOL DINT DINT Less Efficient BOOL DINT BOOL DINT BOOL

Creating a User-defined Data Type


1. On the Controller Organizer from the User-defined folder under Data Types, right-click User-Defined. 2. Choose New Data Type.

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3. Type a name and description for the user-defined data type. A description is optional. 4. For each member of the user-defined data type, type a name, data type, style, and description. 5. Click the External Access column, and choose an attribute.

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Limit any arrays to a single dimension. To display the value of the member in a different style (radix), select the style. 6. Click Apply. 7. Add as many members as needed.

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Adding Extended Properties to a User-Defined Data Type


You can add Min, Max, Engineering Units, State 0, and State 1 properties to a data type or its member. When these properties are added, their values are made available for use by some Rockwell Automation HMIs. These extended properties are added and modified in the Data Type Editor Properties pane. 1. Select the data type member in the Data Type Editor 2. In the Data Type Editor Properties pane, check the properties that you want to add from the Extended Properties list. The entries in the list depend on the selected members data type. You can check more than one property.
For data type
Array and string Bool

You can add the following extended property


Engineering Unit State 0 State 1 Engineering Unit Min Max Engineering Units

DINT, INT, LINT, SINT, and REAL

IMPORTANT

The list is unavailable for other types of data type members.

Min and Max for DINT, INT, LINT, SINT, and REAL Data Types
Data Type
DINT INT LINT SINT REAL

Range
-2,147,483,648...2,147,483,647 -32,768...32,767 0...32535129599999999 -128...127 -3.402823E38 to -1.1754944E-38 (negative values) and 0 and 1.1754944E-38 to 3.402823E38 (positive values)

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Describing a User-defined Data Type


Version 13.0 or later of the application.

The Logix Designer application lets you automatically build descriptions out of the descriptions in your user-defined data types. This greatly reduces the amount of time you have to spend documenting your project. As you organize your user-defined data types, keep in mind the following features of the Logix Designer application.

Pass through of descriptions When possible, the Logix Designer application looks for an available description for a tag, element, or member. Descriptions in user-defined data types ripple through to the tags that use that data type. Description of an array tag ripples through to the elements and members of the array.

Append description to base tag the Logix Designer application automatically builds a description for each member of a tag that uses a user-defined data type. It starts with the description of the tag and then adds the description of the member from the data type.

Paste pass-through description Use the data type and array description as a basis for more specific descriptions. In this example, Tank became West Tank.

The Logix Designer application uses different colors for descriptions.


Table 6 - Color Descriptions If Color Description Is
Gray Black

This Is
Pass-through description Manually entered description

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Activate Pass-Through and Append Descriptions


Follow these steps to use pass-through descriptions and append to base tag descriptions. 1. In the Logix Designer application, from the Tools menu choose Options. The Work Station Options screen appears.

2. Under Application, select Display. 3. Check Show Pass-Through Descriptions and Append to Base Tag Descriptions. 4. Click OK.

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Paste a Pass-Through Description


Choose this command to paste a pass-through value of an item into the Description, Engineering Unit, State 0, or State 1 field of another item. Follow these steps to use a pass-through description as the starting point for a more specific description. 1. On the Controller Tags screen, right-click the pass-through description, and choose Paste Pass-Through.

2. Edit the description and press CTRL + Enter.

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Address Tag Data

A tag name follows this format.


Name [Element] .Member [Element] .Bit or .[Index] = Optional

Where
Name Element

Is
Name that identifies this specific tag. Subscript or subscripts that point to a specific element within an array. Use the element identifier only if the tag or member is an array. Use one subscript for each dimension of the array. For example: [5], [2,8], [3,2,7]. To indirectly (dynamically) reference an element, use a tag or numeric expression that provides the element number. A numeric expression uses a combination of tags, constants, operators, and functions to calculate a value. For example, Tag_1-Tag_2, Tag_3+4, ABS (Tag_4). Keep the value of the tag or numeric expression within the dimensions of the array. For example, if a dimension of an array contains 10 elements, then the value of the tag or numeric expression must be 09 (10 elements).

Member

Specific member of a structure. Use the member identifier only if the tag is a structure. If the structure contains another structure as one of its members, use additional levels of the.Member format to identify the required member.

Bit Index

Specific bit of an integer data type (SINT, INT, or DINT). To indirectly (dynamically) reference a bit of an integer, use a tag or numeric expression that provides the bit number. A numeric expression uses a combination of tags, constants, operators, and functions to calculate a value. For example, Tag_1-Tag_2, Tag_3+4, ABS(Tag_4). Keep the value of the tag or numeric expression within the range of bits of the integer tag. For example, if the integer tag is a Dint (32-bits), then the value of the index must be 031 (32-bits).

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Alias Tags

An alias tag lets you create one tag that represents another tag. Both tags share the same value. When the value of one of the tags changes, the other tag reflects the change as well. Use aliases in the following situations: Program logic in advance of wiring diagrams. Assign a descriptive name to an I/O device. Provide a more simple name for a complex tag. Use a descriptive name for an element of an array. The tags window displays alias information.

drill_1_depth_limit is an alias for Local:2:I.Data.3 (a digital input point). When the input turns on, the alias tag also turns on.

drill_1_on is an alias for Local:0:O.Data.2 (a digital output point). When the alias tag turns on, the output tag also turns on.

north_tank is an alias for tanks[0,1].

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The (C) indicates that the tag is at the controller scope.

A common use of alias tags is to program logic before wiring diagrams are available. 1. For each I/O device, create a tag with a name that describes the device, such as conveyor for the conveyor motor. 2. Program your logic by using the descriptive tag names. You can even test your logic without connecting to the I/O. 3. Later, when wiring diagrams are available, add the I/O modules to the I/O configuration of the controller. 4. Finally, convert the descriptive tags to aliases for their respective I/O points or channels.

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The following logic was initially programmed by using descriptive tag names, such as stop and conveyor_on. Later, the tags were converted to aliases for the corresponding I/O devices.
stop is an alias for Local:2:I.Data.1 (the stop button on the operator panel)

stop <Local:2:I.Data.1>

start <Local:2:I.Data.0> machine_on

drill_1_on machine_on <Local:0:O.Data.2> drill_1.part_advance conveyor_on <Local:0:O.Data.0>

conveyor_on is an alias for Local:0:O.Data.0 The starter contactor for the conveyor motor)

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Display Alias Information


Follow these steps to show (in your logic) the tag to which an alias points. 1. From the Tools menu, choose Options. 2. Click the Ladder Display tab. 3. Check Show Tag Alias Information. 4. Click OK.

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Assign an Alias
Follow these steps to assign a tag as an alias tag for another tag. 1. On the Controller Organizer, right-click Controller Tags and choose Edit Tags. The Tag Editor window appears.

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2. Select the scope of the tag. 3. To the right of the tag name, click the Alias For cell. The cell displays a 4. Click >. 5. Choose the tag that the alias will represent.
To
Select a tag Select a bit number

>.

Do This
Double-click the tag name. A. Click the tag name. B. To the right of the tag name, click >. C. Click the required bit.

6. Click another cell.

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Assign an Indirect Address

If you want an instruction to access different elements in an array, use a tag in the subscript of the array (an indirect address). By changing the value of the tag, you change the element of the array that your logic references.
When index equals 1, array[index] points here. array[0] array[1] array[2] array[3] When index equals 2, array[index] points here. 4500 6000 3000 2500

The following table outlines some common uses for an indirect address.
To
Select a recipe from an array of recipes Load a specific machine setup from an array of possible setups Load parameters or states from an array, one element at a time Log error codes Perform several actions on an array element and then index to the next element

Use a tag in the subscript and


Enter the number of the recipe in the tag. Enter the desired setup in the tag. A. Perform the required action on the first element. B. Use an ADD instruction to increment the tag value and point to the next element in the array.

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The following example loads a series of preset values into a timer, one value (array element) at a time.
EXAMPLE Step through an array.

The timer_presets array stores a series of preset values for the timer in the next rung. The north_tank.step tag points to which element of the array to use. For example, when north_tank.step equals 0, the instruction loads timer_presets[0] into the timer (60,000 ms).
MOV Move Source timer_presets[north_tank.step] 60000 Dest north_tank.step_time.PRE 60000 north_tank.step_time.DN / TON Timer On Delay Timer north_tank.step_time Preset 60000 Accum 0

EN DN

When north_tank.step_time is done, the rung increments north_tank.step to the next number and that element of the timer_presets array loads into the timer.
north_tank.step_time.DN Add Source A ADD 1

Source B north_tank.step 0 Dest north_tank.step 0

When north_tank.step exceeds the size of the array, the rung resets the tag to start at the first element in the array. (The array contains elements 03.)
EQU Equal Source A north_tank.step 0 Source B 4 MOV Move Source 0

Dest north_tank.step 0
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Expressions
You can also use an expression to specify the subscript of an array. An expression uses operators, such as + or -, to calculate a value. The controller computes the result of the expression and uses it as the array subscript.

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You can use these operators to specify the subscript of an array.


Operator
+ * / ABS AND FRD

Description
Add Subtract/negate Multiply Divide Absolute value AND BCD to integer

Operator
MOD NOT OR SQR TOD TRN XOR

Description
Modulo Complement OR Square root Integer to BCD Truncate Exclusive OR

Format your expressions as follows.


Table 7 - Format Expressions If the operator requires
One value (tag or expression) Two values (tags, constants, or expressions)

Use this format


operator(value) value_a operator value_b

Example
ABS(tag_a) tag_b + 5 tag_c AND tag_d (tag_e ** 2) MOD (tag_f / tag_g)

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Array Subscript Out of Range


Every instruction generates a major fault if the array subscript is out of range. Transitional instructions also generate a major fault even if the rung is false. The controller checks the array subscript in these instructions even if the rung is false.
EXAMPLE
e

For more information on handling major faults, refer to the Logix5000 Controllers Major and Minor Faults Programming Manual, publication 1756-PM014.

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Tag Documentation

The table outlines the four types of tags that can be created and the descriptions that you can document for each one.
IMPORTANT The Logix Designer application automatically assigns what are called pass-through descriptions of the tags you have created. You may or may not want to use these descriptions. Description
When you create a tag without specifying a tag type, the Logix Designer application automatically assigns your tag a default type of Base. Since base tags enable you to create your own internal data storage, you can document in your tag description the nature of the data being stored. By creating an Alias tag, you can assign your own name to an existing tag, structure tag member, or bit. In the description of your Alias tag, you can describe the tag that your alias tag references. A Produced tag refers to a tag that is consumed by another controller. In the description of your Produced tag, you can describe the remote controllers that you want to make your Produced tag available through controller-to-controller messaging. A Consumed tag refers to a tag that is produced by another controller and whose data you want to use in your controller. In the description of your Consumed tag, you can describe how you want to use a produced tags data or the data-producing controller.

Tag
Base

Alias

Produced

Consumed

Project Documentation
With version 17 and later of the application, you have the option to display project documentation variables for any supported localized language, such as: Component descriptions in tags, routines, programs, equipment phases, user-defined data types, and Add-On Instructions Engineering units and state identifiers added to tags, user-defined data types, or Add-On Instructions Trends Controllers Alarm messages (in configuration of ALARM_ANALOG and ALARM_DIGITAL tags) Tasks Property descriptions for a module in the Controller Organizer Rung comments, Sequential Function Chart text boxes, and Function Block Diagram text boxes You can store project documentation for multiple languages in a single project file rather than in language-specific project files. You define all the localized languages that the project will support and set the current, default, and optional custom localized language. The application uses the default language if the current language's content is blank for a particular component of the project. However, you can use a custom language to tailor documentation to a specific type of project file user.

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Enter the localized descriptions in your Logix Designer project, either when programming in that language or by using the import/export utility to translate the documentation off-line and then import it back into the project. Once you enable documentation languages in the Logix Designer application, you can dynamically switch between languages as you use the application. For more information on enabling a project to support multiple translations of project documentation, see the online help.

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Force I/O

Introduction

Use a force to override data that your logic either uses or produces. For example, use forces to: test and debug your logic. check wiring to an output device. temporarily keep your process functioning when an input device has failed. Use forces only as a temporary measure. They are not intended to be a permanent part of your application.

Precautions

When you use forces, take these precautions.


ATTENTION: Forcing can cause unexpected machine motion that could injure personnel. Before you use a force, determine how the force will effect your machine or process and keep personnel away from the machine area.
Enabling I/O forces causes input, output, produced, or consumed values to change. Enabling SFC forces causes your machine or process to go to a different state or phase. Removing forces may still leave forces in the enabled state. If forces are enabled and you install a force, the new force immediately takes effect.

Enable Forces
For a force to take effect, you enable forces. You can only enable and disable forces at the controller level. You can enable I/O forces and SFC forces separately or at the same time. You cannot enable or disable forces for a specific module, tag collection, or tag element.
IMPORTANT

If you download a project that has forces enabled, the application prompts you to enable or disable forces after the download completes.

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When forces are in effect (enabled), a

appears next to the forced element.

state to which the element is forced

Disable or Remove a Force


To stop the effect of a force and let your project execute as programmed, disable or remove the force. You can disable or remove I/O and SFC forces at the same time or separately. Removing a force on an alias tag also removes the force on the base tag.
ATTENTION: Changes to forces can cause unexpected machine motion that could injure personnel. Before you disable or remove forces, determine how the change will effect your machine or process and keep personnel away from the machine area.

Check Force Status

Before you use a force, determine the status of forces for the controller. You can check force status.
To determine status I/O forces Use any of the following Online toolbar FORCE status indicator GSV instruction Online toolbar

SFC forces

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The Online toolbar shows the status of forces. It shows the status of I/O forces and SFC forces separately.
Forces tab

This Enabled Disabled Installed None Installed

Means If the project contains any forces of this type, they are overriding your logic. If you add a force of this type, the new force immediately takes effect Forces of this type are inactive. If the project contains any forces of this type, they are not overriding your logic. At least one force of this type exists in the project. No forces of this type exist in the project.

FORCE Status Indicator


If your controller has a FORCE Status Indicator, use it to determine the status of any I/O forces.
IMPORTANT The FORCE Status Indicator shows only the status of I/O forces. It does not show that status of SFC forces.
Then No tags contain force values. I/O forces are inactive (disabled). At least one tag contains a force value. I/O forces are inactive (disabled). I/O forces are active (enabled). Force values may or may not exist.

FORCE Status Indicator Off Flashing Solid

GSV Instruction
IMPORTANT

The ForceStatus attribute shows only the status of I/O forces. It does not show the status of SFC forces.

This example shows how to use a GSV instruction to get the status of forces.

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where: Force_Status is a DINT tag.


To determine if Forces are installed No forces are installed Forces are enabled Forces are disabled Examine this bit 0 0 1 1 For this value 1 0 1 0

When to Use I/O Force

Use an I/O force to: override an input value from another controller (that is, a consumed tag). override an input value from an input device. override your logic and specify an output value for another controller (that is, a produced tag). override your logic and specify the state of an output device.
IMPORTANT

Forcing increases logic execution time. The more values you force, the longer it takes to execute the logic. I/O forces are held by the controller and not by the programming workstation. Forces remain even if the programming workstation is disconnected.

IMPORTANT

Use these guidelines when forcing an I/O value. You can force all I/O data, except for configuration data. If the tag is an array or structure, such as an I/O tag, force a BOOL, SINT, INT, DINT, or REAL element or member. If the data value is a SINT, INT, or DINT, you can force the entire value or you can force individual bits within the value. Individual bits can have a force status of: No force Force on Force off You can also force an alias to an I/O structure member, produced tag, or consumed tag. An alias tag shares the same data value as its base tag, so forcing an alias tag also forces the associated base tag. Removing a force from an alias tag removes the force from the associated base tag. If a produced tag is also Constant, you cannot use forces.

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If a produced tag is forced, you cannot make it Constant.

Force an Input Value


Forcing an input or consumed tag: overrides the value regardless of the value of the physical device or produced tag. does not affect the value received by other controllers monitoring that input or produced tag.

Force an Output Value


Forcing an output or produced tag overrides the logic for the physical device or other controller. Other controllers monitoring that output module in a listen-only capacity will also see the forced value.

Add an I/O Force

To override an input value, output value, produced tag, or consumed tag, use an I/O force.
ATTENTION: Forcing can cause unexpected machine motion that could injure personnel. Before you use a force, determine how the force will effect your machine or process and keep personnel away from the machine area.
Enabling I/O forces causes input, output, produced, or consumed values to change. If forces are enabled and you install a force, the new force immediately takes effect.

1. What is the state of the I/O Forces status indicator?


If Off Flashing Solid Then note No I/O forces currently exist. No I/O forces are active. But at least one force already exists in your project. When you enable I/O forces, all existing I/O forces will also take effect. I/O forces are enabled (active). When you install (add) a force, it immediately takes effect.

2. Open the routine that contains the tag that you want to force. 3. Right-click the tag and choose Monitor. If necessary, expand the tag to show the value that you want to force (that is, BOOL value of a DINT tag).

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4. Install the force value.


To force a BOOL value Non-BOOL value Do this Right-click tag and choose Force On or Force Off. In the Force Mask column for the tag, type the value that you want to force the tag. Press Enter.

5. Are I/O forces enabled? (See step 1.)


If No Yes Then From the Logic menu, choose I/O Forcing > Enable All I/O Forces. Choose Yes to confirm. Stop.

Remove or Disable Forces

This section describes how to remove and disable forces.


ATTENTION: Changes to forces can cause unexpected machine motion that could injure personnel. Before you disable or remove forces, determine how the change will effect your machine or process and keep personnel away from the machine area.

If you want to Stop an individual force Stop all I/O forces but leave all SFC forces active

And Leave other forces enabled and in effect Leave the I/O forces in the project Remove the I/O forces from the project

Then Remove an Individual Force Disable All I/O Forces Remove All I/O Forces

Remove an Individual Force


ATTENTION: If you remove an individual force, forces remain in the enabled state and any new force immediately takes effect. ATTENTION: Before you remove a force, determine how the change will effect your machine or process and keep personnel away from the machine area.

1. Open the routine that contains the force that you want to remove. 2. What is the language of the routine?
If SFC Ladder logic Function block Structured text Then Go to step 4. Go to step 4. Go to step 3. Go to step 3.

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3. Right-click a tag that has the force and choose Monitor. If necessary, expand the tag to show the value that is forced, for example, BOOL value of a DINT tag. 4. Right-click a tag or element that has the force and choose Remove Force.

Disable All I/O Forces


To disable, choose Logic>I/O Forcing>Disable All I/O Forces. Click Yes to confirm.

Remove All I/O Forces


To remove, choose Logic>I/O Forcing>Remove All I/O Forces. Click Yes to confirm.

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Notes:

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Chapter

Data Access Control


Introduction
In the Logix platform, version 18 or later of the application, there are two tag attributes that allow you to control access to tag data. These attributes are: External Access Constant The External Access attribute controls how external applications, such as HMIs, can access tags. It has possible values of Read/Write, Read Only, and None. See Configure External Access on page 66. The Constant attribute value determines if a tag can be modified by controller logic. Also, by using FactoryTalk Security software, it is possible to control which users are permitted to change tags designated as constants in the Logix Designer application. See page 77 for more information on the Constant attribute. By using these two attributes, you can help safeguard tag data by preventing unwanted changes to tag values. Also, by reducing the number of tags exposed to external applications, you can also reduce the time required to develop HMI screens.

External Access

By using the External Access attribute, you can control how external applications and devices can access tags. This process can help you manage the thousands of tags you might have in a project that have similar names that can get easily confused when referencing them in applications or devices. Using this attribute also can help improve system performance by reducing the number of tags RSLinx has to maintain, scan, and cache. This volume can impact the performance of the RSLinx data server and other related applications. External applications and devices include: RSLinx Classic and RSLinx Enterprise software. other Logix controllers. PanelView terminals. PLC/SLC controllers. FactoryTalk Historian software. other third-party software.

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Configure External Access

You configure external access from a menu when you create a new tag or data type. You can also modify that value just like other tag attributes. These changes can be made throughout the application. For example, they can be made in the User-defined Data Type Editor, New Tag Dialog, and the Tag Properties Dialog.
External Access Settings Read/Write Read Only None Description External applications and devices have full access to the tag and can read and change the tags value. External applications can read, but cannot change, the tags value. External applications cannot read or change the tags value.

IMPORTANT

The Logix Designer application has full access to all tags, regardless of their External Access settings. External access applies to all program, controller, and Add-On Instruction scoped tags. If the controller is in safety locked mode, only the safety tags will be disabled from being accessed. The standard tags will have the same behavior as in the unlocked mode.

External Access Options


You can choose one of three optionsRead/Write, Read Only, None from the External Access box on the following Logix Designer dialog boxes: New Tag (See page 67) Tag Properties (See page 69) The default value in the External Access box is dependent on the usage, and type of the tag. The following table describes the values.
If the tag is Alias Controller/program scoped and equipment phase input parameters Default value is Same as its target. See Important note below. Out-of-box is Read/Write. Thereafter, when creating a new tag, the default external access tag retains the value of the users previous choice.(1) Out-of-box is Read Only. Thereafter, when creating a new tag, the default external access tag retains the value of the users previous choice.(1)

Equipment phase output parameters

(1)

The External Access default value for tag creation is stored per Windows login account.

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IMPORTANT

For Alias type, the External Access box is disabled. You are not allowed to change the external access of an alias tag. However, the External Access box will update its value to be the same as the external access of the base target. See Go To Search Menu on page 71 for procedures to locate the base tag for an alias. See External Access Availability on page 72 for additional tag considerations.

Configure External Access in the New Tag Dialog Box


You can create these types of tags on the New Tag dialog box: Base tag Alias tag Produced tag Consumed tag The parameters on the dialog box depend on the type of tag you are creating. For tag descriptions, see page 24. The External Access box on the New Tag dialog box lets you assign the external access attribute for the tag being created. Follow these steps. 1. On the Controller Organizer, right-click Controller Tags and choose New Tag .

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The New Tag Dialog Box appears.

2. From the Type menu, choose a tag type. 3. From the External Access menu, choose an external access option. 4. Click OK . As shown in the example below, the External Access box is dimmed for an alias tag.

There may be many alias tags in a program. To locate an associated base tag to assign an external access, use the Go To feature. See page 71 for details.

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For other tag considerations, see External Access Availability on page 72. The Connection button (next to the Type box) becomes active when either a produced or consumed tag type is selected. The button accesses a dialog box for setting up produced/consumed tag connections. See the Logix5000 Controllers Produced and Consumed Tags Programming Manual, publication 1756-PM011.

Set Up External Access in the Tag Properties Dialog Box


The Tag Properties dialog box is used to edit properties of existing tags. You can change tag attributes and modify tag types, such as base and alias. Follow these steps to choose an external access option for an existing tag. 1. On the Tag Editor window, right-click a tag and choose Edit (tag name) Properties.

The Tag Properties dialog box appears.

2. From the Type menu, choose a tag type. 3. From the External Access menu, choose an external access option.

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The External Access box is dimmed for an alias tag. If a tag is a module tag, the only external access option is Read/Write. See External Access Availability on page 72 for other considerations. 4. Click OK .

View and Select External Access Status on the Tag Editor Window
You can view the external access status of a tag in the Tag Editor window. The External Access column displays the tag as Read/Write, Read Only, or None.

Follow these steps to select multiple rows and set the external access at one time on the Tag Editor. 1. To select multiple individual rows, hold down the Ctrl key and click the desired rows. 2. Right-click a selected tag. A menu displays.

3. Click Set External Access for (tag name) to select an external access option. All highlighted rows that are enabled for changing External Access will change their external access setting.
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See External Access Availability on page 72 for considerations when the External Access column is disabled.

Go To Search Menu
The external access setting of an alias tag can only be changed through its base tag. The Go To option on the Search menu of the Logix Designer application is a convenient way to find the base tag among all the cross-reference records. Follow these steps to locate a base tag. 1. With the Tag Editor window open, from the Logix Designer Search menu, select the desired alias tag and choose Go To.

The Go To window appears. 2. In the Go to what column, choose Base Tag. The box will display the target of the alias tag. If there is an alias chain, all alias tags in this chain will display in a list in the Go To column. 3. From the Go To menu, choose a target of the alias tag. 4. Click Go To. The target is located with a black box around it.

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External Access Availability

The following table describes the conditions in which the External Access box is disabled.
IMPORTANT The External Access box is always disabled for any tag whose data type is Alarm Analog or Alarm Digital. The external access status is always Read/Write for these data types.
Considerations The External Access box is disabled if: the tag is an alias tag. the controller is user locked online. If you change the Type box from Base to Alias, the External Access box becomes disabled and appears blank. If you choose a target for an alias tag in the Alias For box, the External Access box remains disabled and the external access value appears in the External Access box. The external access setting of an alias tag can only be changed through its base tag. The External Access box is disabled if: you do not have permission to change the external access settings. the redundancy controller is in any state that does not allow changes. the controller is user-locked online from another computer. the controller is safety-locked and the tag is a safety tag. the Scope is an equipment phase and the equipment phase feature is not activated in the current license. the tag is an alias tag. the controller is in hard-run mode. The External Access box is disabled if: you do not have permission to change the external access settings. the redundancy controller is in any state that does not allow changes. the controller is user-locked online. the controller is safety-locked and the tag is a safety tag. Only the safety tags External Access cell is disabled. the Scope is an equipment phase and the equipment phase feature is not activated in the current license. the tag is an alias tag. the controller is in hard-run mode. the row represents an expanded array dimension, bit, or data member. For tags of Predefined (Atomic and Structural), Module-defined Data Types and String, all of these tag members will have the same external access level because: they are all hard-coded to Read/Write and you can only view, not change, this value. You also cannot change external access for the data type members. an external access change on the tag results in an update on all tag members. For Array tags, all elements: must have the same external access level. of all data members for predefined or module-defined data types will have the same external access setting. of each data member for user-defined type (UDT) and Add-On Instruction will have the more restrictive external access setting between the element external access setting and the external access setting of the member in the type definition.

Dialog Box/Window New Tag

Tag Properties

Tag Editor

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User-defined Type Considerations

The three external access optionsRead/Write (default), Read Only, Noneare chosen from the External Access column on the Data Type dialog box.

Three external access rules apply for members of User-defined data types. You can only set external access for the top members of that User-defined data type. External Access cells for the child-members are disabled on the User-defined Data Type dialog box. If the members data type is Predefined structural, Module-defined, or String, you cannot set external access of child-members. The external access level of the parent member is given to its child-members. If the members data type is User-defined and the child-member has a different external access level from its parent, the more restrictive external access level is applied. The following table describes the conditions in which the External Access column is disabled.
Topic Modify existing data type Considerations The External Access column is disabled if: you do not have permission to change the external access settings.(1) the redundancy controller is in any state that does not allow changes. the data type is applied to tags and the controller is online. Note: Data type size is not affected by the external access attribute. The external access column is always visible but disabled. The Set External Access entry is added to the bottom of the row header context menu, but it is always disabled.

Predefined, module-defined, Strings type


(1)

If you have User-defined Data Type Modify permission, you also can modify external access of a User-defined data type.

Add-On Instructions External Access Considerations

External Access settings can be used with parameters and local tags of Add-On Instructions. For example, if an input parameter is defined with external access of read only, the member that represents that parameter in the Add-On Instruction data type cannot be written.

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The table below describes the External Access options for various Add-On Instruction parameters and tags.
Add-0n Instruction Parameters and Tags Local tag Input parameter Output parameter EnableIn parameter EnableOut parameter InOut parameter Read Only Not Applicable Read/Write Read Only None External Access Options

The external access for an Add-On Instruction tag can be chosen from the box on the New Tag dialog box or from the External Access column on the Tag Editor window.

The external access of an Add-On Instructions parameters and local tags can be configured in the Add-On Instruction Definition dialog box and on the Add-On Instruction Parameters and Local Tags dialog boxes. For alias parameters, the external access type is equal to the type configured for the base local tag.
Dialog Box/Window New Add-On Instruction Parameter or Local Tag Considerations If the current usage is: Input parameter - the External Access box is enabled and the displayed value is your last selection when creating an equipment phase input parameter or Add-On Instruction input parameter. Output parameter - the External Access box is enabled and the displayed value is your last selection when creating an equipment phase output parameter or Add-On Instruction output parameter. InOut parameter - the External Access box is disabled and blank. Local tag - the External Access box is disabled and the displayed value is None.

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Dialog Box/Window Parameters/Local Tab Properties

Considerations No change is applied to the External Access box if you switch the usage among Input parameter, Output parameter or Local tag, except when the usage is a Local tag, the box is disabled. If you change the usage from InOut parameter to: Input or output parameter - the External Access box is enabled and your last selection for creating an equipment phase/Add-On Instruction input parameter or an equipment phase/Add-On Instruction output parameter is displayed accordingly. Local tag - the External Access is updated to None and the box is disabled. The External Access box also is disabled if: you do not have permission to change external access settings.(1) the controller is online. the tag is an alias tag. the Add-On Instruction is in Source Protection mode. The External Access column is disabled if: InOut parameters, which are blank. EnableIn and EnableOut parameters, which default Read Only. you do not have permission to change the external access settings.(1) the controller is online. the tag is an alias tag. the Add-On Instruction is in Source Protection mode. the row represents an expanded bit, or data member. When creating a new parameter, changing usage causes the External Access column auto update to default to: Input parameter - equipment phase input parameter and Add-On Instruction input parameter. Output parameter - equipment phase output parameter and Add-On Instruction output parameter. InOut parameter - External Access column cell is blank and disabled. Changing external access attributes will cause: an error message if you change a tag from Input or Output parameter to InOut parameter and the present attribute is either Read/Write, or Read Only. no change if you switch between Input and Output parameters. the value of the external access updates to the new target for an alias. The External Access column is disabled if: you do not have permission to change external access settings.(1) the controller is online. the Add-On Instruction is in Source Protection mode. the row represents an expanded array dimension, bit, or data member. Note: External access is not applicable for InOut parameters because they are just references until invoked. The External Access column is disabled if: EnableIn and EnableOut parameters, which default Read Only. you do not have permission to change the external access settings.(1) the controller is online. the tag is an alias tag. the Add-On Instruction is in Source Protection mode. the row represents an expanded array dimension, bit, or data member. When creating a new parameter, changing usage causes the External Access column auto update to default to: Input parameter - equipment phase input parameter and Add-On Instruction input parameter. Output parameter - equipment phase output parameter and Add-On Instruction output parameter. InOut parameter - External Access column cell is blank and disabled. Local tag - external access is updated to None. Changing external access attributes will cause: a warning message if you change a tag from Input or Output parameter to InOut parameter and the present attribute is either Read/Write, or Read Only. no change if you switch between Input, Output parameters and Local tag the value of the external access updates to the new target for an alias.

Add-On Instruction Definition - Parameters Tab

Add-On Instruction Definition - Local Tags Tab

Add-On Instruction Edit Tags

(1)

If you have Add-On Instruction Modify permission, you also can modify external access of an Add-On Instruction tag.

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Tag Mapping Considerations

Only tags with external access settings of Read/Write or Read Only can be mapped to a PLC-2 controller and PLC-5/SLC controllers.
Dialog Box/Window PLC-2, PLC-5/SLC Mapping Considerations To map a tag: Type a file number. Choose a tag from the Name box. Only eligible tags that are set to either Read/Write or Read Only will display in the menu. If you manually type the name of a tag whose external access is set to None, an error message displays. Click OK.

Imported Tag Behavior

The Logix Designer application preforms a check to verify an imported program file has a valid external access value. A default value is assigned to unspecified tags that are imported from programs that have software with versions earlier than 18. An error message displays in the Logix Designer application for imported files that contain tags with any value other than Read/Write, Read Only, and None.
Object Name Controller and program-scoped standard tags All safety tags Add-on Instruction local tags Add-on Instruction Input parameters Add-on Instruction Output, EnableIn and EnableOut parameters Add-on Instruction InOut parameters Equipment phase output parameters Members of all data types Default External Access Read/Write Read Only Read/Write Read/Write Read Only N/A Read Only Read/Write

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Chapter 4

Constant Value Tags

Version 18 and later of the application, you can designate tags as constants to protect them from being changed programatically via: the controller programming application. logic in the controller. Tags that cannot be designated as constants are User-defined type members, Add-On Instruction input and output parameters, and local tags. A check mark in the Constant box on tag creation dialog boxes and tag editor/monitor windows indicates a constant designation. FactoryTalk security is used to control who is permitted to modify values of constants and who can modify the constant attribute of a tag. To change the value of a constant, you must have the Tag: Modify Constant Tag Values permission. To modify the constant attribute of a tag, you must have the Tag: Modify Constant Property permission. For details on setting permissions, see the FactoryTalk Security System Configuration Guide, publication FTSEC-QS001. For an alias tag, the default constant setting of this tag is the same as its target tag. For all other conditions, the default value is unchecked, indicating the tag is not a constant value tag. When you designate an InOut parameter as a constant, it cannot be written to within the Add-On Instruction.
TIP You cannot pass a constant value tag as an argument to an Output parameter of an Add-On Instruction. You cannot pass a constant tag to an InOut parameter that is not also designated as a constant value.

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Configure Constant Tags

This section describes the various ways a constant attribute can be configured.

Set Up a Constant in the New Tag Dialog Box


Follow these steps to configure a tag as a constant on the New Tag dialog box. 1. On the Controller Organizer, right-click Controller Tags and choose New Tag.

The New Tag Dialog Box appears.

2. From the Type menu, choose a tag type. 3. Check Constant. 4. Click OK . See Constant Checkbox Availability on page 81 for considerations.

Configure a Constant in the Tag Properties Dialog Box


Follow these steps to designate a tag as a constant on the Tag Properties dialog box.

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1. On the Tag Editor window, right-click a tag and choose Edit (tag name) Properties.

The Tag Properties dialog box appears.

2. From the Type menu, choose a tag type. 3. Check Constant. 4. Click OK. See Constant Checkbox Availability on page 81 for considerations.

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Designate a Constant in the Tag Editor


The Constant column on the Tag Editor window lets you designate tags that cannot be modified in the Logix Designer program. The Constant property applies to an entire tag; all members of the tag take on the same setting. The Constant column cells are blank for members of the constant tag. An error message displays if a user tries to change the data type of a constant tag to a data type that cannot be constant. Follow these steps to add a constant value in the Tag Editor window. 1. On the Controller Organizer, right-click Controller Tags and choose Edit Tags. A menu appears.

The Tag Editor window appears.

2. Click the checkbox in the Constant column.


IMPORTANT In the Tag Monitor window, the constant setting of the tag displays in the same Constant column as shown in the above illustration. However, you cannot change the value. The Constant column also is available on the Equipment Phase Tag Edit window and Equipment Phase Tag Monitor window.

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Constant Checkbox Availability

The state of the Constant checkbox depends on a number of conditions.


Dialog Box/Window New Tag Considerations The Constant box is disabled if: the tag is an alias tag. the Factory Talk Security action is not enabled for changing constant value property of a tag. you do not have permission to modify tag properties (Factory Talk Security Tag Modify is denied.) the new tag is a Consumed tag. the tags Data Type is not a data table-backed type. the tags Usage setting is not InOut. redundancy controller is in any state that does not allow changes. the controller is safety-secured and the tag is a safety tag.(1) if the Scope is an equipment phase and the equipment phase feature is not activated in the current license. the controller is in hard-run mode. the Add-On Instruction is in Source Protection mode. Same considerations apply as for New Tag above. The value of a constant tag can be modified by using the Tag Monitor window if you have both standard Tag: Modify Values permission and Tag: Modify Constant Tag Values permission. You cannot modify a constant value in any of the language editors or any other tag browser. The icon in the Value column indicates that you are changing a constant value tags value. Any modifications to the values of constant tags are recorded in the Controller Log for future reference. For controller logging, see the Logix5000 Controllers Information and Status Programming Manual, publication 1756-PM015.

Tag Properties Tag Editor Tag Monitor

(1)

If the controller is in safety-locked mode, only the safety tags will be disabled from being accessed, the standard tags will have the same behavior as in the unlocked mode. The Constant value box will be disabled in the Tag Properties dialog box only if the tag is a safety tag.

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Add-On Instructions Constant Value Considerations

The Constant attribute applies only to InOut parameters. The default setting of the property will be not a Constant Value. The Constant attribute will not apply to Input, Output, EnableIn and EnableOut Add-On Instruction parameters. It will not apply to Add-On Instruction Local tags. By denoting an InOut parameter of an Add-On Instruction as a constant, it means that within the Add-On Instruction, that parameter cannot be written to. The project will fail verification if this type of write is attempted. Appropriate usage of Constant tags is monitored by logic verification.

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Index
A
access external 65 add extended properties to a tag 33 add extended properties to user-defined data type 43 Add-On Instruction constant value considerations 82 external access variables 74 address assign indirect 51 tag 47 tag I/O module 19 alias create 50 show/hide 49 use of 48 array calculate subscript 52 create 38 index through 51 organize 29 overview 35 availability constant value 81 external access 72, 73 tag properties 78 value configuration 78 value tags 77 controller tags 27 use of 27 create alias 50 tag 33 user-defined data type 41

D
data block See array (create) force 60, 61 I/O 19 table ?See tag (organize) type choose 25 overview 25 structure 25 description tag 44 user-defined data type 44 direct connection 8 disable electronic keying 17 force 58, 62 document tag description 44 user-defined data type 44

B
buffer I/O data 20

C
communication format 8 ownership 9 I/O module 8 module I/O configuration 7 compatible keying 12 configure external access 66 I/O module 7 connection direct 8 listen-only 9 overview 8 rack-optimized 8 reduce the number of 8 considerations Add-On Instructions constant value 82 external access 73 external access 72, 73 user-defined data type external access 73 constant value availability 81 dialog box 78 tag editor 80

E
electronic keying I/O 12 enable force 57 exact match electronic keying 13 keying 12 expression calculate array subscript 52 extended properties 25 adding extended properties to a tag 33 user-defined data type 43 external access 65 Add-On Instruction 73 availability 72, 73 configure 66 configure tag dialog 67 configure tag properties 69 options 66 user-defined data type considerations 73 view tag editor 70

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Index

F
file ?See array force disable 58, 62 enable 57 options 60 remove 58, 62 safety precautions 57 tag 60, 61 function block diagram force a value 57

N
name guidelines for tag 29 reuse of tag name 27

O
ownership I/O module 9

P
pass-through description 44 program tags 27 project documentation 55

G
global data ?See scope

I
I/O module buffer data 20 communication format 8 configuration 7 configure 7 document ?See alias electronic keying 12 ownership 9 synchronize with logic 20 tag address 19 update period 8 index See indirect address indirect address 51 format 47 use of expression 52

R
rack-optimized connection 8 remove force 58, 62 requested packet interval (RPI) 8

S
scope guidelines 29 tag 27 sequential function chart force element 57 structure create 41 organize 29 overview 25 user-defined 39 structured text force a value 57 Studio 5000 Engineering and Design Environment 5 symbol See alias.

K
keying ?See electronic keying

L
ladder logic force a value 57 override a value 57 local data See scope Logix Designer application 5 tag

T
address 47 alias 48 array 35 assign dimensions 38 constant value 77 configuration 78 create 33 create alias 50 data type 25 dialog external access 67 editor view external access 70

M
memory allocation for tags 25 Min and Max for DINT, INT, LINT, SINT, and REAL data types 34, 43 module I/O configuration 7
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force 60, 61 guidelines 29 I/O 19 mapping considerations 76 memory allocation 25 name 27 organize 29 overview 23 properties external access 69 reuse of name 27 scope 27 type 24

U
user-defined data type create 41 external access variables 73 guidelines 40 overview 39

V
variables constant value 81 external access 72, 73 user-defined data type external access 73

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Index

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Rockwell Automation Support


Rockwell Automation provides technical information on the Web to assist you in using its products. At http://www.rockwellautomation.com/support/, you can find technical manuals, a knowledge base of FAQs, technical and application notes, sample code and links to software service packs, and a MySupport feature that you can customize to make the best use of these tools. For an additional level of technical phone support for installation, configuration, and troubleshooting, we offer TechConnect support programs. For more information, contact your local distributor or Rockwell Automation representative, or visit http://www.rockwellautomation.com/support/.

Installation Assistance
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New Product Satisfaction Return


Rockwell Automation tests all of its products to ensure that they are fully operational when shipped from the manufacturing facility. However, if your product is not functioning and needs to be returned, follow these procedures.
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Supersedes Publication 1756-PM004C-EN-P - October 2009 Copyright 2012 Rockwell Automation, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

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