Variables
Variables are defined for their scope. For instance, controller variables are global, for
example, available for use throughout the programs, functions, and functions blocks of a
controller. Whereas, variables defined for a program, a function, or a function block
are local to that element. Define variables in the Variables grid of the Dictionary. For
controller variables, create groups then add existing controller variables. Variables
can belong to multiple groups. For individual variable scopes, import and export
variables data having the Microsoft Excel (*.xls) or comma-separated values (*.csv)
format.
Variable names are limited to 128 characters beginning with a letter or single underscore
followed by letters, digits, and single underscores. The last character for a variable
name must be a letter or digit; variable names cannot end with an underscore character.
Reserved words, defined words, or data types such as, elementary, structures, or arrays,
are not valid names. The same type of elements within a scope must have unique
names.
When defining complex variables like arrays and structures, the syntax for the variable
name is:
- For arrays: arrayname[index]Name,Alias,Data Type,StringSize,InitValue,Direction,Wiring,Attribute ... array1,,BOOL,0,,, ... "array1[1,1]",,BOOL,0,,, ... "array1[1,2]",,BOOL,0,,, ... "array1[1,3]",,BOOL,0,,, ... "array1[1,4]",,BOOL,0,,, ... "array1[1,5]",,BOOL,0,,, ...
- For structures: structurename.membernameName,Data Type,Dimension,Alias,Comment,InitValue,Direction ... structure1,,T9K_DI_FULL,0,, ... structure1.DI,,BOOL,0,, ... structure1.LF,,BOOL,0,, ... structure1.DIS,,BOOL,0,, ... structure1.CF,,BOOL,0,, ... structure1.V,,UINT,0,, ... structure1.STA,,USINT,0,, ...
When managing variables data, create groups for controller variables data.
When adding controller variables to a group, add these to the group from the variables
grid or drag these between the variables grid and the group grid.
To create a controller variable group
- In theApplication View, expand theVariablesitem, right-clickGroups, and then clickAdd New Variable Group.The group is added.
- To add a single variable to the group:
- Open the controller variables grid, right-click the left most column for the required variable, point toAdd to Group, and then click the required group.
- To add multiple variables to the group by dragging:
- Open the variables grid for the group by double-clicking and place both grids side-by-side.
- In the controller variables grid, select the consecutive variables, then click and drag from the cell having the arrow in the left most column to within the variables group grid.
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