It is basically the condition for the output. With just these two you can derive a whole bunch of other logic functions.įunction block representing the OR logic operation in FBDĪs you probably have seen the symbol for an OR operation is >=1. Basically, there are two different bit logic functions or operations in FBD. Logic is the simplest form of algorithm that, via the states of its inputs can set some outputs. The most basic functionality of a PLC program is logic. Here’s an overview of the most important blocks in the official FBD description. In the standard from IEC, a lot of function blocks are described.
They provide a variety of functions from very basic to advanced.
Let’s begin by having a look at some of the standard function blocks as described in the IEC standard for PLC programming languages. With function blocks, you can make a function block specific for a motor and use it several times. It could be a function for controlling a valve, a motor etc.
SIMATIC STEP 7 SPEED CALCULATION BLOCK CODE
Often, you will have to use the same piece of code in your PLC program multiple times. There are many standard function blocks provided in FBD.But you can also make your own function blocks. Here’s how a simple function block could look like:Ĭombining function blocks to make a basic function block diagram The function of the block is the relation between the state of its inputs and outputs. They all have one or more inputs and outputs. In FBD all functions are put into function blocks. You still, most of the times, have to connect those functions. Because, even though you might write your functions in structured text. Most PLC programs are written with some amount of FBD. Thereby we can easily connect them, to make a bigger PLC program.Īs with ladder logic and structured text, function block diagrams or FBD is described in the standard IEC 61131-3 by PLCOpen. What FBD offers is a way to put functions written with many lines of code into boxes. PLC function block diagram is not that different from it. Make your own Function Blocks What is Function Block Diagram?įrom systems engineering you might already know something also called function block diagrams.In this tutorial I will introduce you to some of the basic principles of FBD programming and the function blocks. FBD is very useful when batch control concepts from ISA-88 are applied. And that is exactly what the concept of function block diagrams is. Most engineers love FBD because it is graphically a very common way to describe a system. It is a great way to implement everything from logic to timers, PID controllers, and even a SCADA system in your solution, etc. Function Block Diagram is easy to learn and provides a lot of possibilities.Īs one of the official PLC programming languages described in IEC 61131-3, FBD is fundamental for all PLC programmers. It is a simple and graphical way to program any functions together in a PLC program. One of the official and widely used PLC programming languages is the Function Block Diagram (FBD).