Programming

The modular architecture and structure of the programming environment supports your daily programming workflow and gives your developers more capacity for the core competencies of the machine. The integrated and standardized IEC 61131-3 languages and perfect ANSI C integration in the IEC world ensure that new users will feel right at home. Other integrated features such as Smart Edit and editor bookmarks make operation easier while boosting productivity at the same time.

All languages can access the same data types and use the same libraries and variables. In addition, Automation Studio supports simple and secure programming.

• Modular architecture and structuring of subprograms into tasks with different priorities
• Structuring of subprograms into the initialization and cyclic routines, each with a different programming language
• Structuring of programs using IEC actions in all IEC languages and Automation Basic
• Division of global and local variables
• Any combination of languages possible in the project and time classes
• Dependencies with hardware and libraries managed by Automation Studio
• Integrated IEC 61131-3 languages, CFC and ANSI C
• Libraries can be implemented in any language – IEC
• Standard libraries
• Expanded B&R libraries

• Convenient operation during programming - SMART Edit
• Inserting and defining process variables
• Inserting and calling function blocks and functions
• Context-dependent help for programming languages and function blocks
• Repeated search and replace functions for the entire project
• Bookmarks in files for marking functions and lines
• Powerful online functions
• Variable monitoring for simple and complex data types
• Invalid values displayed in monitor mode
• Change and overwrite variables with simple and complex data types
• Line Coverage for text-based languages and Power Flow analysis for graphics-based languages
• Integrated variable oscilloscope with review and trigger conditions
• Debugging with breakpoints, single step, cycle counters and call tree

By installing a C++ options package, Automation Studio 3.0 allows developers to program in C++ as well. The following functions are then available as a result of this C++ integration:

• Syntax according to ANSI C++ standard
• OOP functionality, such as constructors, destructors, copy constructors, multiple branches, static class objects, etc.
• Preprocessor (character replacement, conditional compilation)
• STL support (Standard Template Library)
• Cyclic PLC programs with _INIT, _CYCLIC and _EXIT program elements
• Access to classic PLC variables (_GOBAL, _LOCAL) and PLC I/O
• Use of all Automation Runtime libraries (functions and function blocks)
• Exception handling (try/catch methods, name spaces (prevention of naming conflicts)
• Templates (program framework for generic programming)
• Runtime type identification (RTTI)

The graphical programming language Ladder Diagram LAD (according to the standard IEC DIN EN 61131-3) is based on the representation of circuit diagrams. Familiar symbols are used for programming, such as normally open and normally closed switches, coils and lamps.

These are then combined in networks to form logical structures.

The Ladder Diagram also enables you to integrate function blocks.

This graphical programming language uses the logical symbols of Boolean algebra.

It is particularly suited for link controls since the visualization makes the programming logic easy to understand.

IL is a language conforming to IEC standards which can be found on almost every controller today. This language can best be compared with programming in assembler languages.

• Command-oriented, machine-related programming language
• Used for formulating short program sections with logical functions

Automation Basic is a high-level language similar to Structured Text.

This language is well-suited for users who want to use a very easy-to-learn language, but don't want to miss out on the benefits of high-level languages such as structures, addresses, and pointers.

SFC is a graphics-based language that clearly illustrates control sequences. It is well-suited for both time-oriented and event-oriented procedures.

Sequential Function Chart consists of a chain of control steps that are linked by switching conditions.

ST is a high-level language following the example of Pascal for structured programming. Comparable with B&R Automation Basic, this language is the most used IEC 61131-3 language.

CFC is a language similar to FBD. While FBD editors are network-oriented and arrange the blocks automatically, in CFC the blocks can be placed freely on the screen. Feedback loops can be created without temporary variables.

This language is especially suited for presenting an overview of an application.

ANSI C is a powerful language for programming applications and libraries.

ANSI C allows users to call function blocks and access variables from other IEC languages. By integrating the GNU compiler, one of the most widely used C compilers has been made available. This guarantees both portability as well as a nearly unlimited number of already available algorithms and programs.