ClearSCADA supports 4 of the languages included in the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) standard for programming industrial control systems (IEC 1131-3):
- Ladder Diagrams
- Function Block Diagrams (FBDs)
- Sequential Function Charts (SFCs)
- Structured Text programs (ST)
In ClearSCADA these languages are referred to as Logic programs, and you can use them to:
- Define complex relationships between the values for the properties of items in the database
- Perform calculations
- Execute methods on items in the database (one shots, overrides, controls etc.)
For example, in the water industry, a Function Block Diagram can be used to turn pumps on when the water level drops to a specified limit.
The Logic programs are interchangeable—you can use one type of Logic program with a different type of Logic program. For example, you can use ST programs with Function Block Diagrams or Ladder Diagrams. The only exception is Sequential Function Charts which can only be used with ST programs.