Effortlessly Automate PLC Programming with MK VIe & RX3i

Effortlessly Automate PLC Programming with MK VIe & RX3i

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Programming the PLC Automatically
   • Developing an Automation Tool
   • Selecting the Signal Source
   • Defining Signal Mapping and Task Names
3. Customizing the Signal Naming Convention
4. Generating Logic for Different PLCs
   • Selecting the PLC Type
   • Browsing the TCW
   • Creating Signals and Logic in the PLC
5. Handling Analog Signals
   • Customizing Macros for Analog Signals
   • Updating Configuration and Regenerating Logic
6. Inhibiting Alarms on Fault Signals
7. Updating Logic without Using Macros
8. Creating Multiple Profiles
9. Minimizing Manual Efforts with Automation
10. Expanding to Different PLCs
11. Importing Logic Using Ladder Blocks and XML Files
12. Customizing Themes for User Experience
13. Conclusion

Programming the PLC Automatically

In today's advanced industrial automation systems, programming programmable logic controllers (PLCs) has become a crucial task. Traditionally, this involved manually writing and configuring logic for various inputs and outputs, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. However, with the advent of automation tools, programming PLCs can now be done automatically, greatly reducing the effort and increasing efficiency.

Developing an Automation Tool

To streamline the PLC programming process, an automation tool was developed. This tool aimed to automate the creation of logic for GE control systems, specifically the Mark 6C and GEIC PLCs. The tool was designed to analyze the inputs and outputs of the PLC and generate the necessary logic automatically, saving time and effort.

Selecting the Signal Source

The automation tool allows the user to select the source of the signal for which they want to generate the logic. By defining the mapping and task names in an Excel file, the tool can customize the logic generation process. The user can also define the signal naming convention and customize it according to their requirements.

Customizing the Signal Naming Convention

The automation tool provides flexibility in defining the naming convention for signals. Users can customize the signal names and define their own conventions. This allows for better organization and easier identification of signals within the PLC system.

Generating Logic for Different PLCs

The automation tool supports various types of PLCs, including the Mark 6E. Users can select the specific PLC type and browse the TCW (Device Configuration Workspace) to configure the device. With a simple button click, the tool can Create the signals and generate the logic in the PLC.

Handling Analog Signals

While the automation tool efficiently handles digital signals, it requires the use of macros to generate logic for analog signals. If the tool does not find the necessary macros defined for analog signals, the logic for those signals will remain incomplete. However, users have the option to customize the configuration and add the required macros to complete the logic generation process.

Inhibiting Alarms on Fault Signals

To enhance the functionality of the PLC, the automation tool allows for the inhibition of alarms on fault signals. This means that when a fault occurs, the tool automatically inhibits the generation of high, low, and critical alarms. This feature prevents redundant alarms during fault conditions, ensuring a more reliable and efficient operation.

Updating Logic without Using Macros

In addition to using macros, the automation tool also enables users to update the logic or create new logic without relying on macros. By using basic blocks and a simple comparison mechanism, users can modify or create logic manually. This feature provides flexibility and allows for customization, reducing the dependency on predefined macros.

Creating Multiple Profiles

The automation tool provides the ability to create multiple profiles for different PLCs. Each profile can be customized according to the specific PLC requirements and signal configurations. This allows for easy switching between different PLC systems and reduces the need for rewriting logic from scratch.

Minimizing Manual Efforts with Automation

One of the significant advantages of using the automation tool is the significant reduction in manual efforts. By automating the logic generation process, users can save time and eliminate the need for repetitive manual tasks. The tool creates signals, assigns descriptions, initializes thresholds, and creates ADT (Alarm and Display Templates) pages automatically, streamlining the programming process.

Expanding to Different PLCs

The automation tool, initially developed for the Mark 6C and GEIC PLCs, can be easily expanded to support other PLC types. By selecting a different PLC type and configuring the device, users can generate logic for various PLCs using the same automation tool. This scalability ensures that the tool remains useful even in systems with different PLC configurations.

Importing Logic Using Ladder Blocks and XML Files

The automation tool provides two options for importing logic into the PLC - using ladder blocks or XML files. Users can copy and paste the generated logic into the ladder logic section or import an XML file containing the logic. This flexibility allows for easy integration with existing programming environments and simplifies the deployment of automated logic.

Customizing Themes for User Experience

To enhance the user experience, the automation tool offers various pre-defined themes and customization options. Users can choose their preferred theme or create their own custom theme by selecting different colors and combinations. This feature allows users to personalize the tool's interface, making it more visually appealing and user-friendly.

Conclusion

Automating the programming process of PLCs offers significant benefits in terms of time-saving, efficiency, and error reduction. With the automation tool developed specifically for the Mark 6C and GEIC PLCs, users can generate logic automatically Based on predefined configurations. By customizing signal naming, handling analog signals, inhibiting alarms, and expanding to different PLC types, the tool provides a comprehensive solution for automated PLC programming. With minimal manual efforts and increased productivity, this automation tool greatly simplifies the programming process, making it more efficient and reliable.

Highlights

• Streamline the PLC programming process with automation
• Automatically generate logic for GE control systems
• Customize signal naming convention and mapping
• Handle analog and digital signals efficiently
• Inhibit alarms on fault signals for enhanced reliability
• Update logic manually without relying on macros
• Create multiple profiles for different PLCs
• Minimize manual efforts and save time
• Expand automation tool to support various PLC types
• Import logic using ladder blocks or XML files
• Customize tool interface with different themes for user experience enhancement

FAQ

Q: Can the automation tool generate logic for analog signals? A: Yes, but it requires the use of macros. Users can customize the macros and configuration to complete the logic generation process.

Q: How does the tool handle fault signals? A: The tool automatically inhibits alarms on fault signals to prevent redundant alarm generation during fault conditions.

Q: Is it possible to update logic without using macros? A: Yes, users have the option to modify or create logic manually using basic blocks and a comparison mechanism.

Q: Can the automation tool be used with different PLC types? A: Yes, the tool can be expanded to support different PLC types by selecting the appropriate PLC and configuring the device.

Q: How can I import logic into the PLC using the automation tool? A: The tool provides two options - users can either copy and paste the generated logic into the ladder logic section or import an XML file containing the logic.