ClearSCADA allows you to create custom function blocks. You can use custom function blocks, referred to as user function blocks, to significantly reduce the amount of Logic programming required on your system.
User function blocks allow you to create special items that can be referenced by other Logic programs. These special items are called Libraries, and you can use them to store function blocks that need to be used by several programs. As the configuration for a user function block is stored in a Library, it means you can include the function block in a program simply be referencing the Library. There is no need for you to program the function block in each Logic diagram or ST program.
There are 2 types of Library:
- ST Library
- Function Block Library
Both ST Libraries and Function Block Libraries allow you to create custom function blocks that can be referenced by other Logic programs. Before you decide which type of library you are going to use, you should consider:
- The number of functions to be included in your library—ST Libraries can include multiple functions, but Function Block Libraries can only contain a single function.
- Your personal preference—do you find it easier to work with the code of ST programs or the more graphical interface of Function Block Diagrams? If you prefer to use ST code, you should create an ST Library; if you prefer the Function Block Diagrams, you should consider a Function Block Library, but please be aware that Function Block Libraries can only contain one function.
When you have decided on the type of library you are going to use, you can create a suitable database item and then edit the library.
To create, edit, reference, and update Libraries, refer to the relevant section: