Logix5000

Controllers
Common
Procedures
1756-Lx, 1769-Lx, 1789-Lx, 1794-Lx

Programming Manual

Important User Information

Because of the variety of uses for the products described in this

publication, those responsible for the application and use of this
control equipment must satisfy themselves that all necessary steps
have been taken to assure that each application and use meets all
performance and safety requirements, including any applicable laws,
regulations, codes and standards.
The illustrations, charts, sample programs and layout examples shown
in this guide are intended solely for purposes of example. Since there
are many variables and requirements associated with any particular
installation, Allen-Bradley does not assume responsibility or liability
(to include intellectual property liability) for actual use based upon
the examples shown in this publication.
Allen-Bradley publication SGI-1.1, Safety Guidelines for the
Application, Installation and Maintenance of Solid-State Control
(available from your local Allen-Bradley office), describes some
important differences between solid-state equipment and
electromechanical devices that should be taken into consideration
when applying products such as those described in this publication.
Reproduction of the contents of this copyrighted publication, in whole
or part, without written permission of Rockwell Automation, is
prohibited.
Throughout this manual we use notes to make you aware of safety
considerations:

ATTENTION

Identifies information about practices or

circumstances that can lead to personal injury or
death, property damage or economic loss

Attention statements help you to:

identify a hazard
avoid a hazard
recognize the consequences
IMPORTANT

Identifies information that is critical for successful

application and understanding of the product.

Allen-Bradley, ControlLogix, DH+, Logix5000, PLC-5, RSLogix 5000, RSLinx, RSNetWorx, and SLC are trademarks of Rockwell
Automation.
ControlNet is a trademark of ControlNet International, Ltd.
Ethernet is a trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation, Intel, and Xerox Corporation.

Summary of Changes

Introduction

This release of this document contains new and updated information.

To find new and updated information, look for change bars, as shown
next to this paragraph.

Updated Information

The document contains the following changes:

This new or updated information:

Starts on page:

Plan Your Tags

3-1

Get and Set System Data

5-4

Communicate with an ASCII Device

12-1

Process ASCII Characters

13-1

Monitor Minor Faults

17-1

Store and Load a Project Using Nonvolatile

Memory

19-1

Major Fault Codes

A-1

Minor Fault Codes

A-3

IEC61131-3 Compliance

B-1

Glossary terms

Glossary

ASCII Character Codes

back cover

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Summary of Changes

Notes:

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Preface

Purpose of this Manual

This manual guides the development of projects for Logix5000

controllers. It provides step-by-step procedures on how to perform
the following tasks, which are common to all Logix5000 controllers:

Manage Project Files

Organize Your Logic
Organize Tags
Program Routines
Test a Project
Handle Faults

The term Logix5000 controller refers to any controller that is based on

the Logix operating system, such as:
CompactLogix controllers
ControlLogix controllers
FlexLogix controllers
SoftLogix controllers
This manual works together with user manuals for your specific type
of controller. The user manuals cover tasks such as:
Place and configure I/O
Communicate with devices over various networks
Maintain the battery

Who Should Use this

Manual

This manual is intended for those individuals who program

applications that use Logix5000 controllers, such as:

software engineers
control engineers
application engineers
instrumentation technicians

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Preface

When to Use this Manual

Use this manual when you perform these actions:

develop the basic code for your application
modify an existing application
perform isolated tests of your application
As you integrate your application with the I/0 devices, controllers, and
networks in your system:
Refer to the user manual for your specific type of controller.
Use this manual as a reference, when needed.

How to Use this Manual

This manual is divided into the basic tasks that you perform while
programming a Logix5000 controller.
Each chapter covers a task.
The tasks are organized in the sequence that you will typically
perform them.
As you use this manual, you will see some terms that are formatted
differently from the rest of the text:

Text that is:

Identifies:

For example:

Italic

the actual name of an item that you Right-click User-Defined

see on your screen or in an example

Right-click on the item that is named

User-Defined.

bold

an entry in the Glossary

If you want additional information, refer

to name in the Glossary.

Type a name

Means:

If you are viewing the PDF file of the

manual, click name to jump to the
glossary entry.

courier

information that you must supply

based on your application (a
variable)

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Right-click
name_of_program

You must identify the specific program in

your application. Typically, it is a name or
variable that you have defined.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Manage Project Files

Create a Project File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Save Your Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Chapter 2
Organize Tasks

When to Use This Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How to Use This Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identify the Available Programming Languages.
Organize Your Logic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Verify the Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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2-1
2-1
2-1
2-2
2-5

Chapter 3
Organize Tags

Plan Your Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Create a User-Defined Data Type. . . .
Notes: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create a Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create Tags Using Microsoft Excel .

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3-1
3-8
3-9
3-10
3-11

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4-1
4-1
4-1
4-3
4-4
4-7
4-10

Chapter 4
Program Routines

When to Use This Procedure . . . .

How to Use This Procedure. . . . .
Open the Routine . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enter Ladder Instructions. . . . . . .
Enter Function Block Instructions
Assign Operands. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Verify the Routine . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Chapter 5
Access System Values

Monitor Status Flags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Get and Set System Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Chapter 6
Assign Aliases

Alias Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Display Alias Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Assign an Alias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Chapter 7
Assign an Indirect Address

When to Assign an Indirect Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

Chapter 8
Buffer I/O

When to Buffer I/O. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Buffer I/O. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Table of Contents

ii

Chapter 9
Test a Project

Test a Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configure a Communication Driver . .
Download a Project to the Controller .
Select a Mode for the Controller . . . .
Correct Major Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Save Your Online Changes . . . . . . . .

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9-1
9-1
9-2
9-3
9-4
9-4

When to Use This Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How to Use This Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Produce and Consume a Tag. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What You Need To Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Organize Tags for Produced or Consumed Data
Produce a Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consume a Produced Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Produce Integers for a PLC-5C Controller . . . . .
Produce REALs for a PLC-5C Controller. . . . . . .
Consume Integers from a PLC-5C Controller . . .
Adjust for Bandwidth Limitations . . . . . . . . . . .
Send a Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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. 10-1
. 10-1
. 10-1
. 10-3
. 10-3
. 10-4
. 10-5
. 10-6
. 10-7
. 10-9
10-10
10-11

Chapter 10
Communicate with Another
Controller

Chapter 11
Produce a Large Array

When to Use this Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

Produce a Large Array. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2

Chapter 12
Communicate with an ASCII
Device

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

When to Use this Procedure . . . .

How to Use This Procedure. . . . .
Connect the ASCII Device . . . . . .
Configure the Serial Port . . . . . . .
Configure the User Protocol . . . .
Create String Data Types . . . . . . .
Read Characters from the Device .
Send Characters to the Device . . .
Enter ASCII Characters . . . . . . . .

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. 12-1
. 12-1
. 12-2
. 12-3
. 12-5
. 12-8
. 12-9
12-14
12-21

Table of Contents

iii

Chapter 13
Process ASCII Characters

When to Use this Procedure . . .

How to Use this Procedure . . . .
Extract a Part of a Bar Code. . . .
Check the Bar Code Characters .
Convert a Value . . . . . . . . . . . .
Decode an ASCII Message . . . . .
Build a String . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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. 13-1
. 13-1
. 13-2
. 13-4
. 13-6
. 13-8
13-12

When to Force a Value . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Enter a Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enter Forces from the Tags Window .
Enter Forces from Ladder Logic . . . .
Enable Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disable Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remove Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Monitor Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Chapter 14
Force Values

14-1
14-2
14-2
14-4
14-5
14-6
14-6
14-7

Chapter 15
Develop a Fault Routine

When to Use This Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1

Develop a Fault Routine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1
Test a Fault Routine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4

Chapter 16
Create a User-Defined Major Fault When to Use this Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1
Create a User-Defined Major Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1

Chapter 17
Monitor Minor Faults

When to Use This Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1

Monitor Minor Faults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1

Chapter 18
Develop a Power-Up Routine

When to Use This Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1

Develop a Power-Up Routine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1

Chapter 19
Store and Load a Project Using
Nonvolatile Memory

When to Use This Procedure .

How to Use This Procedure. .
Store a Project. . . . . . . . . . . .
Load a Project . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check for a Load . . . . . . . . .
Clear Nonvolatile Memory . . .

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. 19-1
. 19-2
. 19-3
. 19-6
. 19-9
19-10

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Table of Contents

iv

Appendix A
Fault Codes

When to Use This Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Major Fault Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Minor Fault Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3

Appendix B
IEC61131-3 Compliance

Glossary
ASCII Character Codes

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Using This Appendix. . . . . . . .

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating System . . . . . . . . . .
Data Definitions . . . . . . . . . . .
Programming Languages . . . . .
Instruction Set. . . . . . . . . . . . .
IEC61131-3 Program Portability
IEC Compliance Tables . . . . . .

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B-1
B-1
B-2
B-2
B-3
B-4
B-4
B-5

Chapter

Manage Project Files

Create a Project File

Before you program a Logix5000 controller, you must create a project

file:
1. Start the RSLogix 5000 software.
2. From the File menu, select New.

3.
4.
5.

6.
7.
8.

42194

3. Select the type of controller.

4. Type a name for the controller.
5. Type a description of the operations that the controller performs
(optional).
6. Select the type of chassis (number of slots) that contains the
controller (not applicable to some controllers).
7. Select or type the slot number where the controller is installed
(not applicable to some controllers).
8. To store the file in a different folder (other than the default
Create In path), click Browse and select a folder.

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

1-2

Manage Project Files

9. Click OK.
When you create a project, the name of the project file
is the same as the name of the controller.

name of the controller

controller organizer

42371

Save Your Changes

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

As you create logic and make configuration changes, save the project.
To:

Do this:

save your changes

From the File menu, select Save.

make a copy of the open project

but keep the existing name of
the controller

A. From the File menu, select Save As.

B. Type a name for the project file. Use
underscores [ _ ] in place of spaces.
C. Click Save.

make a copy of the project and

assign a different name to the
controller

A. From the File menu, select Save As.

B. Type a name for the project file. Use
underscores [ _ ] in place of spaces.
C. Click Save.
D. In the controller organizer, right-click
Controller name_of_controller
folder and select Properties.
E. Type a new name for the controller.
F. Click OK.

Manage Project Files

Notes:

1-3

Names download to the controller, while documentation

(descriptions, rung comments) does not download to the
controller.
To change the name, chassis size, or slot number of the
controller:
a. In the controller organizer, right-click the
Controller name_of_controller folder and select
Properties.
b. Change the required information.
c. Click OK.

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1-4

Manage Project Files

Notes:

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Chapter

Organize Tasks

When to Use This

Procedure

After you create a project file, organize your project into tasks.

How to Use This Procedure

To organize your project into tasks, do the following steps:

Identify the Available Programming Languages
Organize Your Logic
Verify the Controller

Identify the Available

Programming Languages

Use the following table to identify which programming language you

can use for your controller:
For this platform of controllers:

You can use this language:

ladder

function block

CompactLogix

ControlLogix

FlexLogix

SoftLogix

Notes:
For controllers with multiple languages, you can mix languages
in a project.
To use function blocks, you must have the following catalog
number of RSLogix 5000 software:
9324-RLD700
To see which components are installed with RSLogix 5000
software:
1. Open RSLogix 5000 software.
2. From the Help menu, choose About RSLogix 5000.

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2-2

Organize Tasks

Organize Your Logic

To execute your logic, you use a task (s). There are two types of
tasks:
This type of task:

Will:

continuous task

continuously execute your logic (You can only have one

continuous task.)

periodic task

interrupt the continuous task

execute logic one time
return control to the continuous task
(You can have more than one periodic task.)

The controller organizer shows the tasks of a controller.

The Tasks folder contains the tasks for the controller

(i.e., your logic).

MainTask is the default continuous task. It runs all the

time and repeatedly executes MainProgram.
Whenever MainProgram executes, any logic in
MainRoutine will execute. You can use MainRoutine to
call other routines (subroutines) within MainProgram.

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Organize Tasks

2-3

Select the task (s) for your logic:

If you execute:
a function at a constant rate
(e.g., execute a PID loop every
100 ms)

Then:

Detailed steps:

1. Create a periodic task for

the function

A. In the controller organizer, right-click Tasks and select New

Task.
B. Type:
name_of_task
description (optional)
C. From the Type list, select Periodic.
D. Under Periodic Attributes, type:
rate
priority
E. Click OK.

2. Create a program for the

task.

A. Right-click name_of_task and select New Program.

B. Type:
name_of_program
description (optional)
C. Click OK.

3. Create and assign a

main routine (the
routine to execute first in
the program).

A. Click the + sign that is next to name_of_task.

B. Right-click name_of_program and select New
Routine.
C. Type:
name_of_main_routine
description (optional)
D. From the Type drop-down list, select the programming
language for the routine.
E. Click OK.
F. Right-click name_of_program and select Properties.
G. Click the Configuration tab.
H. From the Main drop-down list, select
name_of_main_routine
I. Click OK.
J. To add additional routines (subroutines) to the program,
repeat steps B. to E.

a function very fast

4. Place the remaining functions in MainTask, MainProgram. (See below.)

multiple functions and use logic
to decide when each function
will execute

1. Create a routine
(subroutine) for each
function:

A. In the controller organizer, right-click MainProgram and

select New Routine.
B. Type the following properties for the routine (function):
name_of_routine
description (optional)
C. From the Type drop-down list, select the programming
language for the routine.
D. Click OK.

2. Use a JSR instruction to call each subroutine.

all functions all of the time

1. In MainRoutine, enter your logic.

2. Use rung comments to designate the different functions.

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Organize Tasks

The following example depicts the execution of a project with more

than one task.

EXAMPLE

Task execution order for a project with two periodic tasks and one continuous task

Task:

Task Type:

Priority Level:

Execution Time:

20ms periodic

2ms

10ms periodic

10

4ms

continuous

none (lowest)

24ms

Legend:
Task executes.
Task is interrupted (suspended).

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3
5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

elapsed time (ms)

Notes:
All periodic tasks interrupt the continuous task.
The highest priority task interrupts all lower priority tasks.
A higher priority task can interrupt a lower priority task multiple
times.
When the continuous task completes a full scan, it restarts
immediately.
Tasks at the same priority execute on a time-slice basis at
1 ms intervals.
To change the properties of a task, program, or routine (name,
type, priority, etc.), right-click the task, program, or routine and
select Properties.

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Organize Tasks

Verify the Controller

2-5

As you program your project, periodically verify your work:

1. In the top-most toolbar of the RSLogix 5000 window, click
2. If any errors are listed at the bottom of the window:
a. To go to the first error or warning, press the F4 key.
b. Correct the error according to the description in the Results
window.
c. Go to step 1.
3. To close the Results window, press the Alt + 1 keys.

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2-6

Organize Tasks

Notes:

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Chapter

Organize Tags

Plan Your Tags

Logix5000 controllers store data in tags (in contrast to fixed data files
that are numerically addressed). With tags, you can
organize your data to mirror your machinery
document (through tag names) your application as you
develop it
When you create a tag, you assign the following properties:
Table 3.A Tag Properties
Property:

Description:

scope

defines which routines can access the data

name

identifies the data (Tags with different scopes can

have the same name.)

data type

defines the organization of the data, such a bit,

integer, or floating-point number

The following table outlines the most common data types and when
to use each.
Table 3.B Data Types

For:

Select:

analog device in floating-point mode

REAL

analog device in integer mode (for very fast sample rates)

INT

ASCII characters

string

bit

BOOL

counter

COUNTER

digital I/O point

BOOL

floating-point number

REAL

integer (whole number)

DINT

sequencer

CONTROL

timer

TIMER

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3-2

Organize Tags

Use the following table to organize your data:

For a:

Use a:

Reference:

group of common attributes that

are used by more than one
machine

user-defined
data type

Refer to "Create a User-Defined

Data Type" on page 3-8.

group of data with the same data

type

array

Refer to "Create a Tag" on

page 3-10.

single value

tag of a single
element

I/O device

The following examples show the different levels at which you can
organize your data:

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Single element tags, on page 3-3

Single dimension array, on page 3-4
Two dimension array, on page 3-5
User-defined data type that stores a recipe, on page 3-6
User-defined data type that stores the data that is required to run
a machine, on page 3-7

Organize Tags

EXAMPLE

3-3

Single element tags

analog I/O device

integer value
storage bit
counter
timer
digital I/O device

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3-4

Organize Tags

EXAMPLE

Single dimension array

In this example, a single timer instruction times the duration of several steps. Each step
requires a different preset value. Because all the values are the same data type (DINTs)
an array is used.

To expand an array and

display its elements, click
the + sign.

To collapse an array and

hide its elements, click
the sign.

This array contains six

elements of the DINT
data type.

elements of
timer_presets

six DINTs

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Organize Tags

EXAMPLE

3-5

Two dimension array

A drill machine can drill one to five holes in a book. The machine requires a value for
the position of each hole from the leading edge of the book. To organize the values into
configurations, a two dimension array is used. The first subscript indicates the hole to
which the value corresponds and the second subscript indications how many holes will
be drilled (one to five).

subscript of second dimension

0

Description

1.5

2.5

1.25

1.25

1.25

Position of first hole from leading edge of book

8.0

5.5

3.5

3.5

Position of second hole from leading edge of book

9.75

7.5

5.5

Position of third hole from leading edge of book

9.75

7.5

Position of fourth hole from leading edge of book

9.75

Position of fifth hole from leading edge of book

0
1
subscript of 2
first
dimension 3
4
5

In the Tags window, the elements are in the order depicted below.

This array contains a

two-dimensional grid
of elements, six
elements by six
elements.

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The right-most dimension increments to its

maximum value then starts over.

When the right-most dimension starts over, the

dimension to the left increments by one.

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Organize Tags

User-defined data type that stores a recipe

EXAMPLE

In a system of several tanks, each tank can run a variety of recipes. Because the recipe
requires a mix of data types (REAL, DINT, BOOL, etc.) a user-defined data type is used.

Name (of data type): TANK

Member Name

Data Type

temp

REAL

deadband

REAL

step

DINT

step_time

TIMER

preset

DINT[6]

mix

BOOL

An array that is based on this data type would look like this:

array of recipes

This array contains

three elements of the
TANK data type.

first recipe

members of the
recipe

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Organize Tags

3-7

User-defined data type that stores the data that is required to run a machine

EXAMPLE

Because several drill stations require the following mix of data, a user-defined data type
is created.

Name (of data type): DRILL_STATION

Member Name

Data Type

part_advance

BOOL

hole_sequence

CONTROL

type

DINT

hole_position

REAL

depth

REAL

total_depth

REAL

An array that is based on this data type would look like this:

array of drills

This array contains

four elements of the
DRILL_STATION data
type.

first drill

data for the drill

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3-8

Organize Tags

Create a User-Defined Data

Type

To create a user-defined data type:

42195

1. Right-click User-Defined and select New Data Type.

2.
3.

42196

4.

5.

6.

2. Type a name for the data type.

3. Type a description (optional).
4. Type the name of the first member.

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7.

Organize Tags

3-9

5. Specify the data type for the member. See Table 3.B on
page 3-1.
For an array, use the following format:

data_type[x]
where:

x is the number of elements in the array.

EXAMPLE

If the member is an array of six DINTs, type

DINT[6].

6. To display the value (s) of the member in a different style

(radix), select the style.
7. Type a description for the member (optional).
8. Click Apply.
9. More members?
If:

Then:

Yes

Repeat steps 4. to 8.

No

Click OK.

Notes:
If you include members that represent I/O devices, you must
use ladder logic to copy the data between the members in the
structure and the corresponding I/O tags. Refer to "Buffer I/O"
on page 8-1.
When you use the BOOL, SINT, or INT data types, place
members that use the same data type in sequence:
more efficient

less efficient

BOOL

BOOL

BOOL

DINT

BOOL

BOOL

DINT

DINT

DINT

BOOL

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3-10

Organize Tags

Create a Tag

To create a tag (including an array):

1. From the Logic menu, select Edit Tags.

2.

42350

3.

4.

5.

2. Select a scope for the tag:

If you will use the tag:

Then select:

in more than one program within the

project

name_of_controller(controller)

as a producer or consumer
in a message
in only one program within the project program that will use the tag

3. Type a name for the tag.

4. Type the data type:
If the tag is:

Then type:

not an array (file)

data_type

one dimension array

data_type[x]

two dimension array

data_type[x,y]

three dimension array

data_type[x,y,z]

where:

data_type is the type of data that the tag or array stores.

See Table 3.B on page 3-1.
x is the number of elements in the first dimension.
y is the number of elements in the second dimension.
z is the number of elements in the third dimension.
5. Type a description (optional).
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Organize Tags

Create Tags Using

Microsoft Excel

3-11

You can also use spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel to

create and edit tags. This lets you take advantage of the editing
features in the spreadsheet software.
To create tags using Excel:
1. Open the RSLogix 5000 project.
2. Create several tags. (This helps to format the Excel spreadsheet.)
3. From the Tools menu, select Export Tags.

The tags are saved in

this folder.

4.

5.

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4. Note the name of the export file (project_name-Tags).

5. Select the scope of tags to export. If you select Program Tags,
select the program tags to export.
6. Click Export.

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3-12

Organize Tags

7. In Microsoft Excel software, open the export file.

TYPE

SCOPE

NAME

TAG

DESCRIPTION

in_cycle

DATATYPE
DINT

TYPE

SCOPE

NAME

TAG

MainProgram

conveyor_alarm

BOOL

TAG

MainProgram

conveyor_on

BOOL

TAG

MainProgram

drill_1

DRILL_STATION

TAG

MainProgram

hole_position

REAL[6,6]

TAG

MainProgram

machine_on

BOOL

8.

9.

DESCRIPTION

DATATYPE

10.

11.

8. Enter TAG
9. Identify the scope of the tag:
If the scope is:

Then:

controller

Leave this cell empty.

program

Enter the name of the program

10. Enter the name of the tag.

11. Enter the data type of the tag.
12. Repeat steps 8. to 11. for each additional tag.
13. Save and close the file. (Keep it as a .CSV format.)
14. In the RSLogix 5000 software, from the Tools menu, select
Import Tags.
15. Select the file that contains the tags and click Import.
The tags import into the project. The lower section of the
RSLogix 5000 window displays the results.

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Organize Tags

Notes:

3-13

You can configure tags to communicate directly with other

controllers:
To:

Use a:

send data over the backplane and ControlNet network at

a specified interval

produced tag

receive data from another controller over the backplane or consumed tag
ControlNet network at a specified interval

If you plan to use produced or consumed tags, you must follow

additional guidelines as you organize your tags. Refer
to "Communicate with Another Controller" on page 10-1.
The following integer data types are also available:
SINT (8-bit integer)
INT (16-bit integer)
Typically, instructions convert SINT or INT values to an optimal
data type (usually a DINT or REAL value) during execution.
Because this requires additional time and memory, minimize the
use of the SINT and INT data types.

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Organize Tags

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Chapter

Program Routines

When to Use This

Procedure

After you organize your project into an initial set of routines and tags,
use this procedure to develop the logic that each routine will execute.

How to Use This Procedure

To program a routine, do the following steps:

Open the Routine

Enter Ladder Instructions
Enter Function Block Instructions
Assign Operands
Verify the Routine

Open the Routine

To close a folder and hide its contents (collapse), do one of the following:
Double-click the folder.
Select the folder and press the key.
Click the sign.

To open a routine, double-click the routine.

If a routine is grayed-out, you cannot open the routine.

To open a folder and display its contents (expand), do one of the following:
Double-click the folder.
Select the folder and press the key.
Click the + sign.

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4-2

Program Routines

Is the icon for the routine greyed out?

If the icon is:

Then:

not greyed-out

Double-click the routine.

greyed-out

You cannot open, program, or edit the routine. To determine the reason:
1. Double-click the routine.
2. At the bottom of the RSLogix 5000 window, what message does the status line display?
If:

Then:

Failed to open the routine editor not installed

The function block editor is not installed. To install the function

block editor, order the following catalog number of RSLogix 5000
software:
9324-RLD700

Source not available

The source of the routine is unavailable.

You can:
run the routine
display the properties of the routine
identify cross references to logic in the routine
You cannot:
open (display) the routine
edit the routine
change the properties of the routine
search the routine
go to cross references within the routine
print the routine
export the routine

IMPORTANT

If the source of a routine is unavailable, do not

export the project.
An export file (.L5K) contains only routines
where the source code is available.
If you export a project where the source code is
not available for all routines, you will not be able
to restore the entire project.

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Program Routines

Enter Ladder Instructions

4-3

In an open ladder routine:

1. If the routine already contains logic, click where you want to
enter your logic. (A new routine contains a rung that is ready for
instructions.)

cursor (blue)

When you add an instruction or branch, it appears to the right

of the cursor.

When you add a rung, it

appears below the cursor.
42363

2. Add a ladder element:

To add a:

Do this:

rung

Press the Ctrl + R keys.

instruction

A. Press the Insert key.

B. Type the mnemonic for the instruction.
C. Press the Enter key.

branch

A.
B.
C.
D.

Press the Insert key.

Type BST.
Press the Enter key.
After you enter additional instructions, drag the right
leg of the branch to the required location on the rung.

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4-4

Program Routines

Enter Function Block

Instructions

A function block routine contains the following elements:

Element:

Purpose:

function block

Performs an operation on an input value (s) and produces an output value (s)
Pins on the left of the block are input pins.
Pins on the right of the block are output pins.

input reference (IREF)

Supplies a value from an input device or a tag in another routine or controller

output reference (OREF)

Supplies a value to an output device or a tag in another routine or controller

output wire connector (OCON)

Connects function blocks that are either far apart or on different sheets
Each OCON requires a unique name.
For each OCON, you must have at least one corresponding ICON (i.e.,
an ICON with the same name as the OCON).
Multiple ICONs can reference the same OCON. This lets you disperse
data to several points in your routine.

input wire connector (ICON)

To enter function block instructions, open a function block routine

and complete the following steps:

1.

2.

3.

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Program Routines

Step:

4-5

Detailed actions:
Press the Insert key.
Type the mnemonic for the required block.
Choose OK.
Drag the block to a place on the diagram that makes the diagram easy to read. The
location of a block does not affect the order in which the blocks execute.

1. Enter the blocks that perform the

required functions of the routine.

A.
B.
C.
D.

2. Configure the properties of each

block.

A. In the block, click

D

A
B

42584

B. Edit the properties for the block:

To:

Do this:

show a pin for an operand

Select the check box next to the operand (A).

enter an immediate value

A. Clear (uncheck) the check box next to

the operand (B).
B. In the Value column, type the value for
the operand (C).

change the name of the tag for the

instruction

A. Click the Tag tab (D).

B. Type a new name.

C. Choose OK.
3. Wire output pins to input pins.

Click an output pin and then click the required input pin. A green dot indicates a valid pin.

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4-6

Program Routines

5.

4.

6.

42586

Step:

Detailed actions:

4. To supply a value from an input

device or a tag, enter an input
reference (IREF).

A. Press the Insert key.

B. Choose OK. (IREF is the default selection.)
C. Drag the IREF to the desired location, typically to the left of the block that uses the
value.
D. Click the pin of the IREF and then click the input pin that uses the value.

5. To supply a value to an output device

or a tag, enter an output reference
(OREF).

A.
B.
C.
D.

6. To connect blocks that are far apart

or on different sheets, enter an
output wire connector (OCON) and
an input wire connector (ICON).

A.
B.
C.
D.

Press the Insert key.

Type OREF.
Choose OK.
Drag the OREF to the desired location, typically to the right of the block that
produces the output value.
E. Click the output pin that supplies the value and then click the pin of the OREF.

E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.

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Press the Insert key.

Type OCON.
Choose OK.
Drag the OCON to the desired location, typically to the right of the block that
produces the value.
Click the output pin that produces the value and then click the pin of the OCON.
Display the sheet that contains the block to which you want to connect.
Press the Insert key.
Type ICON.
Choose OK.
Drag the ICON to the desired location, typically to the left of the block that uses the
value.
Click the pin of the ICON and then click the input pin that uses the value.

Program Routines

Assign Operands

4-7

Each instruction requires one or more of the following:

tag name
value
name of a routine, label, wire connector, etc.
The following table outlines the format for a tag name:
For a:

Specify:

tag

tag_name

bit number of an larger data type

tag_name.bit_number

member of a structure

tag_name.member_name

element of a one dimension array

tag_name[x]

element of a two dimension array

tag_name[x,y]

element of a three dimension array

tag_name[x,y,z]

element of an array within a structure

tag_name.member_name[x]

member of an element of an array

tag_name[x,y,z].member_name

where:

x is the location of the element in the first dimension.

y is the location of the element in the second dimension.
z is the location of the element in the third dimension.
For a structure within a structure, add an additional.member_name .

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Program Routines

EXAMPLE

Tags names

To access:

The tag name looks like this:

machine_on tag

machine_on

bit number 1 of the one_shots tag

one_shots.1

DN member (bit) of the running_seconds

timer

running_seconds.DN

mix member of the north_tank tag

north_tank.mix

element 2 in the recipe array and element

1,1 in the tanks array

element 2 in the preset array within the

north_tank tag

part_advance member of element 1 in the

drill array

COP
Copy File
Source recipe[2]
Dest tanks[1,1]
Length
1
CLR
CLR
Clear
Dest north_tank.preset[2]
0

drill[1].part_advance

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Program Routines

4-9

To assign an immediate value, tag, wire connector, label, or similar

item to an instruction:
1. Type or select the value or name of the item (e.g., tag name,
wire connector name, label name):
If you want to:
specify an
immediate value
type the name of a
tag, wire connector,
label, or similar item

For a:

Do this:

ladder instruction

A. Click the ? symbol.

B. Type the value or type the name of the tag, label, or similar item
C. Press the Enter key.

function block instruction

A. Click the ? symbol.

B. Click the ? symbol again.
C. Type the value or type the name of the tag or connector.
D. Press the Enter key.

select a tag, wire connector,

label, or similar item from a
list

A. Open the text entry box:

In a:

Do this:

ladder instruction

Double-click the ? symbol.

function block
instruction

A. Click the ? symbol.

B. Click the ? symbol again.

C. Click the
D. Select a name:
To select a:

Do this:

wire connector, label, Select the name.

or similar type of name
tag
bit number

Double-click the tag name.

A. Click the tag name.
B. To the right of the tag name,
click
C. Click the required bit.

D. Press the Enter key or click a different spot on the diagram.

drag a tag from the Tags
window

ladder instruction

function block instruction

A. Locate the tag in the Tags window.

B. Click the tag two or three times until it highlights.
C. Drag the tag to its location on the instruction.
not available

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4-10

Program Routines

2. Have you previously defined (created) this tag?

If:

Then:

Yes

Go to the next operand.

No

Create the tag:

A. Right_click the tag and select New tag_name. (In older revisions of the software, the menu
option is Create tag_name.)
B. In the Description box, type a description for the tag (optional).
C. In the Data Type box, type the data type for the tag:
If the tag is:

Then type:

not an array (file)

data_type

one dimension array

data_type[x]

two dimension array

data_type[x,y]

three dimension array

data_type[x,y,z]

where:
data_type is the type of data that the tag or array stores. See Table 3.B on page 3-1.
x is the number of elements in the first dimension.
y is the number of elements in the second dimension.
z is the number of elements in the third dimension.
D. From the Scope list, select the scope of the tag:
If you will use the tag:

Then select:

in more than one program within the project

name_of_controller(controller)

as a producer or consumer
in a message
in only one program within the project

program that will use the tag

E. Choose OK.

Verify the Routine

As you program your routine (s), periodically verify your work:

1. In the top-most toolbar of the RSLogix 5000 window, click
2. If any errors are listed at the bottom of the window:
a. To go to the first error or warning, press the F4 key.
b. Correct the error according to the description in the Results
window.
c. Go to step 1.
3. To close the Results window, press the Alt + 1 keys.

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Chapter

Access System Values

Monitor Status Flags

The controller supports status keywords you can use in your logic to
monitor specific events:
The status keywords are not case sensitive.
Because the status flags can change so quickly, RSLogix 5000
software does not display the status of the flags. (I.e., Even
when a status flag is set, an instruction that references that flag is
not highlighted.)
You cannot define a tag alias to a keyword.
You can use these key words:
To determine if:

Use:

the value you are storing cannot fit into the destination because it is
either:
greater than the maximum value for the destination
less than the minimum value for the destination

S: V

Important: Each time S:V goes from cleared to set, it generates a

minor fault (type 4, code 4)
the instructions destination value is 0

S:Z

the instructions destination value is negative

S:N

an arithmetic operation causes a carry or borrow that tries to use bits

that are outside of the data type

S:C

For example:
adding 3 + 9 causes a carry of 1
subtracting 25 - 18 causes a borrow of 10

this is the first, normal scan of the routines in the current program

S:FS

at least one minor fault has been generated:

The controller sets this bit when a minor fault occurs due to
program execution.
The controller does not set this bit for minor faults that are not
related to program execution, such as battery low.

S:MINOR

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Access System Values

Get and Set System Data

The controller stores system data in objects. There is no status file, as

in the PLC-5 controller. Use the GSV/SSV instructions get and set
controller system data that is stored in objects:
The GSV instruction retrieves the specified information and
places it in the destination.
The SSV instruction sets the specified attribute with data from
the source.

ATTENTION

Use the SSV instruction carefully. Making changes to

objects can cause unexpected controller operation or
injury to personnel.

To get or set a system value:

1. Open the RSLogix 5000 project.
2. From the Help menu, select Contents.
3. Click the Index tab.
4. Type gsv/ssv objects and click Display.

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Access System Values

5-3

5. Click the required object.

To get or set:

Click:

axis of a servo module

AXIS

system overhead timeslice

CONTROLLER

physical hardware of a controller

CONTROLLERDEVICE

coordinated system time for the devices in one

chassis

CST

DF1 communication driver for the serial port

DF1

fault history for a controller

FAULTLOG

attributes of a message instruction

MESSAGE

status, faults, and mode of a module

MODULE

group of axes

MOTIONGROUP

fault information or scan time for a program

PROGRAM

instance number of a routine

ROUTINE

configuration of the serial port

SERIALPORT

properties or elapsed time of a task

TASK

wall clock time of a controller

WALLCLOCKTIME

6. In the list of attributes for the object, identify the attribute that
you want to access.
7. Create a tag for the value of the attribute:
If the data type of the attribute
is:

Then:

one element (e.g., DINT)

Create a tag for the attribute.

more than one element (e.g.,

DINT[7] )

A. Create a user-defined data type that

matches the organization of data
that is used by the attribute.
B. Create a tag for the attribute and
use the data type from Step A..

8. In your ladder logic routine, enter the appropriate instruction:

To:

Enter this instruction:

get the value of an attribute

GSV

set the value of an attribute

SSV

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Access System Values

9. Assign the required operands to the instruction:

For this operand:

Select:

Class name

name of the object

Instance name

name of the specific object (e.g., name of

the required I/O module, task, message)
Not all objects require this entry.
To specify the current task, program,
or routine, select THIS.

Attribute Name

name of the attribute

Dest (GSV)

tag that will store the retrieved value

If the tag is a user-defined data type
or an array, select the first member
or element.

Source (SSV)

tag that stores the value to be set

If the tag is a user-defined data type
or an array, select the first member
or element.

The following examples gets the current date and time.

EXAMPLE

Get a system value

At the first scan, gets the DateTime attribute of the WALLCLOCKTIME object and stores it in the
wall_clock tag, which is based on a user-defined data type.

42370

For more information, see the Logix5000 Controllers General

Instruction Set Reference Manual, publication 1756-RM003.

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Chapter

Assign Aliases

Alias Tags

An alias tag lets you create one tag that represents another tag.
Both tags share the same value (s).
When the value (s) of one of the tags changes, the other tag
reflects the change as well.
Use aliases in the following situations:

program logic in advance of wiring diagrams

assign a descriptive name to an I/O device
provide a more simple name for a complex tag
use a descriptive name for an element of an array

The tags window displays alias information.

drill_1_depth_limit is an alias for

Local:2:I.Data.3 (a digital input
point). When the input turns on,
the alias tag also turns on.

drill_1_on is an alias for

Local:0:O.Data.2 (a digital output
point). When the alias tag turns
on, the output tag also turns on.

north_tank is an alias for

tanks[0,1].
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The (C) indicates that the tag is

at the controller scope.

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Assign Aliases

A common use of alias tags is to program logic before wiring diagrams

are available:
1. For each I/O device, create a tag with a name that describes the
device, such as conveyor for the conveyor motor.
2. Program your logic using the descriptive tag names. (You can
even test your logic without connecting to the I/O.)
3. Later, when wiring diagrams are available, add the I/O modules
to the I/O configuration of the controller.
4. Finally, convert the descriptive tags to aliases for their respective
I/O points or channels.
The following logic was initially programmed using descriptive tag
names, such as stop and conveyor_on. Later, the tags were converted
to aliases for the corresponding I/O devices.

stop is an alias for Local:2:I.Data.1

(the stop button on the operator
panel)

stop
<Local:2:I.Data.1>

start
<Local:2:I.Data.0>
machine_on

drill_1_on
machine_on <Local:0:O.Data.2> drill_1.part_advance

conveyor_on is an alias for

Local:0:O.Data.0
(the starter contactor for the
conveyor motor)

conveyor_on
<Local:0:O.Data.0>

42351

Display Alias Information

To show (in your logic) the tag to which an alias points:

1. From the Tools menu, select Options.
2. Click the Ladder Display tab.
3. Select the Show Tag Alias Information check box.
4. Click OK.

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Assign Aliases

Assign an Alias

6-3

To assign a tag as an alias tag for another tag:

1. From the Logic menu, select Edit Tags.

2.

42360

3.

2. Select the scope of the tag.

3. To the right of the tag name, click the Alias For cell.
The cell displays a
4. Click the
5. Select the tag that the alias will represent:
To:

Do this:

select a tag

Double-click the tag name.

select a bit number

A. Click the tag name.

B. To the right of the tag name, click
C. Click the required bit.

6. Press the Enter key or click another cell.

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Assign Aliases

Notes:

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Chapter

Assign an Indirect Address

When to Assign an Indirect

Address

If you want an instruction to access different elements in an array, use

a tag in the subscript of the array (an indirect address). By changing
the value of the tag, you change the element of the array that your
logic references.

When index equals 1, array[index] points here.

array[0]

4500

array[1]

6000

array[2]

3000

array[3]

2500

When index equals 2, array[index] points here.

The following table outlines some common uses for an indirect

address:
To:

Use a tag in the subscript and:

select a recipe from an array of recipes

Enter the number of the recipe in the tag.

load a specific machine setup from an array

of possible setups

Enter the desired setup in the tag.

load parameters or states from an array,

one element at a time
log error codes
perform several actions on an array element
and then index to the next element

A. Perform the required action on the

first element.
B. Use an ADD instruction to increment
the tag value and point to the next
element in the array.

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Assign an Indirect Address

The following example loads a series of preset values into a timer, one
value (array element) at a time.

EXAMPLE

Step through an array

The timer_presets array stores a series of preset values for the timer in the next rung. The
north_tank.step tag points to which element of the array to use. For example, when north_tank.step
equals 0, the instruction loads timer_presets[0] into the timer (60,000 ms).
MOV
Move
Source timer_presets[north_tank.step]
60000
Dest
north_tank.step_time.PRE
60000
north_tank.step_time.DN
/

TON
Timer On Delay
Timer
north_tank.step_time
Preset
60000
Accum
0

EN
DN

When north_tank.step_time is done, the rung increments north_tank.step to the next number and
that element of the timer_presets array loads into the timer.
north_tank.step_time.DN

ADD
Add
Source A

Source B north_tank.step
0
Dest
north_tank.step
0

When north_tank.step exceeds the size of the array, the rung resets the tag to start at the first element
in the array. (The array contains elements 0 to 3.)
EQU
Equal
Source A north_tank.step
0
Source B
4

MOV
Move
Source

Dest north_tank.step
0

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Assign an Indirect Address

Expressions

7-3

You can also use an expression to specify the subscript of an array.

An expression uses operators, such as + or -, to calculate a
value.
The controller computes the result of the expression and uses it
as the array subscript.
You can use these operators to specify the subscript of an array:
Operator:

Description:

Operator:

Description:

add

MOD

Modulo

subtract/negate

NOT

complement

multiply

OR

OR

divide

SQR

square root

ABS

Absolute value

TOD

integer to BCD

AND

AND

TRN

Truncate

FRD

BCD to integer

XOR

exclusive OR

Format your expressions as follows:

If the operator requires:

Use this format:

Examples:

one value (tag or expression)

operator(value)

ABS(tag_a)

two values (tags, constants, or

expressions)

value_a operator value_b

tag_b + 5
tag_c AND tag_d
(tag_e ** 2) MOD (tag_f /
tag_g)

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Assign an Indirect Address

Notes:

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Chapter

Buffer I/O

When to Buffer I/O

To buffer I/O is a technique in which logic does not directly reference

or manipulate the tags of real I/O devices. Instead, the logic uses a
copy of the I/O data. Buffer I/O in the following situations:
To prevent an input or output value from changing during the
execution of a program. (I/O updates asynchronous to the
execution of logic.)
To copy an input or output tag to a member of a structure or
element of an array.

Buffer I/O

To buffer I/O, perform these actions:

1. On the rung before the logic for the function (s), copy or move
the data from the required input tags to their corresponding
buffer tags.
2. In the logic of the function (s), reference the buffer tags.
3. On the rung after the function (s), copy the data from the buffer
tags to the corresponding output tags.

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Buffer I/O

The following example copies inputs and outputs to the tags of a

structure for a drill machine.

EXAMPLE

Buffer I/O

The main routine of the program executes the following subroutines in this sequence.

JSR
Jump to Subroutine
Routine name map_inputs

JSR
Jump to Subroutine
Routine name drill

JSR
Jump to Subroutine
Routine name map_outputs

The map_inputs routine copies the values of input devices to their corresponding tags that are used
in the drill routine.
_1791_8AC:I.Data[0].0

drill[1].depth_limit

_1791_8AC:I.Data[0].4

drill[1].home_limit

The drill routine executes the logic for the drill machine.
drill[1].part_advance
/

one_shots.0
ONS

drill[1].depth_limit
/

drill[1].forward

drill[1].forward

drill[1].depth_limit

drill[1].home_limit
/

drill[1].retract

drill[1].retract

The map_outputs routine copies the values of output tags in the drill routine to their corresponding
output devices.
drill[1].forward

_1791_8AC:O.Data[0].0

drill[1].retract

_1791_8AC:O.Data[0].1

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Buffer I/O

8-3

The following example uses the CPS instruction to copy an array of

data that represent the input devices of a DeviceNet network.

EXAMPLE

Buffer I/O

Local:0:I.Data stores the input data for the DeviceNet network that is connected to the 1756-DNB
module in slot 0. To synchronize the inputs with the application, the CPS instruction copies the input
data to input_buffer.
While the CPS instruction copies the data, no I/O updates can change the data.
As the application executes, it uses for its inputs the input data in input_buffer.
CPS
Synchronous Copy File
Source Local:0:I.Data[0]
Dest
input_buffer[0]
Length
20

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Buffer I/O

Notes:

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Chapter

Test a Project

Test a Project

To test a project, complete these actions:

Configure a Communication Driver

Download a Project to the Controller
Select a Mode for the Controller
Correct Major Faults
Save Your Online Changes

In addition, you may perform these actions:

Use program control instructions to isolate logic execution to
specific routines or rungs. See Logix5000 Controllers General
Instruction Set Reference Manual, publication 1756-RM003.
Force input or output values. Refer to "Force Values" on
page 14-1.

Configure a Communication
Driver

The RSLogix 5000 software requires a communication driver to

communicate with a controller. You configure communication drivers
using RSLinx software:
1. Start RSLinx software.
2. From the Communications menu, select Configure Drivers.
3. From the Available Driver Types drop-down list, select a driver:
For this type of communication card:

Select this type of driver:

serial

RS-232 DF1 Devices

DH+

1784-KT/KTX(D)/PKTX(D)

ControlNet

1784-KTC(X)

Ethernet

Ethernet devices

4. Click Add New.

5. If you want assign a descriptive name to the driver, change the
default name.
6. Choose OK.
1

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Test a Project

7. Configure the driver:

For this driver:

Do this:

serial

A. From the Comm Port drop-down list, select the serial

port that the driver will use.
B. From the Device drop-down list, select
Logix 5550-Serial Port.
C. Click Auto-Configure.

ControlNet

A. In the Station Name box, type a name that will identify

the computer in the RSWho window.
B. Select the interrupt value, memory address, and I/O
base address.
C. In the Net Address box, type the ControlNet node
number that you want to assign to the computer.

DH+

A. From the Value drop-down list, select the type of

interface card that the driver will use.
B. In the Property list, select the next item.
C. In the Value box, type or select the appropriate value.
D. Repeat steps B. and C. for the remaining properties.

Ethernet

For each Ethernet device on this network with which you want
to communicate (e.g., each 1756-ENET module or PLC-5E
controller), add a map entry:
A. In the Host Name column, type the IP address or host
name of the Ethernet device.
B. Do you want to communicate with another Ethernet
device on this network?
If:
Yes
No

Then:
1. Choose Add New.
2. Go to Step A.
Go to the next step.

3. Click OK.
4. Click Close.

Download a Project to the

Controller

1. Open the RSLogix 5000 project that you want to download.

2. From the Communications menu, select Who Active.
3. Click the + sign next to the network that you want to use for the
download.
4. Continue expanding the network until the dialog box shows the
controller to which you want to download.

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9-3

5. Select the controller and click Download.

6. To confirm the download, click Download.

Select a Mode for the

Controller

To test a project, select a mode for the controller:

Select the required mode.

42371

If you want to:

Select one of these modes:

Run

Program Remote
Run

turn outputs to the state

commanded by the logic of the
project

execute (scan) tasks

turn outputs to their configured

state for Program mode

Program Test

change the mode of the controller

through software
download a project

schedule a ControlNet network

while online, edit the project

send messages

send and receive data in response to

a message from another controller

produce and consume tags

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Test a Project

Correct Major Faults

If the controller enters the faulted mode, a major fault occurred and
the controller stopped executing the logic.

If the controller status box is red and

displays Faulted, a major fault occurred
and the controller is no longer executing
the logic.
42371

To correct a major fault:

1. From the Communications menu, select Go To Faults.
2. Use the information in the Recent faults list to correct the cause
of the fault. Refer to "Major Fault Codes" on page A-1.
3. Click the Clear Majors button.

TIP

Save Your Online Changes

You can also clear a major fault by using the

keyswitch on the controller. Turn the keyswitch to
Prog, then to Run, and then back to Prog.

If you make changes to the project while online, save the project so
that the offline project file matches the online project file:
If you want to:

Do this:

save online changes and data values

From the File menu, select Save.

save online changes but not online data

values

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

A. From the Communications menu,

select Go Offline.
B. From the File menu, select Save.

Chapter

10

Communicate with Another Controller

When to Use This

Procedure

Use this procedure to transfer data between controllers (send or

receive data). You can transfer data using either of these methods:
Produce and Consume a Tag
Send a Message

How to Use This Procedure

Produce and Consume a

Tag

Select a method for transferring data between controllers:

If the data:

Then:

See page:

needs regular delivery at a rate that you

specify (i.e., deterministic)

Produce and Consume a Tag

10-1

is sent when a specific condition occurs in

your application

Send a Message

10-11

A produced tag sends its data to one or more consumed tags

(consumers) without using ladder logic.

controller_1

controller_2

produced tag

consumed tag

controller_3
consumed tag

controller_4
consumed tag

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Communicate with Another Controller

You can use produced and consumed tags with the following
controller and network combinations.
This controller:

Can produce and consume tags over this network:

Backplane

ControlNet

Ethernet

PLC-5

ControlLogix

FlexLogix

SoftLogix

Produced and consumed tags work as follows:

A connection transfers the data between controllers:
Multiple controllers can consume (receive) the data.
The data updates at the requested packet interval (RPI), as
configured by the consuming tags.
Each produced or consumed tag uses the following number of
connections:
Each:

Uses this many connections:

produced tag

number_of_consumers + 1

consumed tag

EXAMPLE

Connections used by produced or consumed tags

Producing a tag for 5 controllers (consumers)
uses 6 connections (5 consumers + 1 = 6).
Producing 4 tags for 1 controller uses 8
connections:
Each tag uses 2 connections
(1 consumer + 1 = 2).
2 connections per tag x 4 tags = 8 connections
Consuming 4 tags from a controller uses 4
connections (1 connection per tag x 4 tags
= 4 connections).

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Communicate with Another Controller

10-3

What You Need To Do

To share data with another controller (s), perform these actions:
Organize Tags for Produced or Consumed Data
Produce a Tag
Consume a Produced Tag
Depending on your system, you may also have to perform these
actions:

Produce Integers for a PLC-5C Controller

Produce REALs for a PLC-5C Controller
Consume Integers from a PLC-5C Controller
Adjust for Bandwidth Limitations

Organize Tags for Produced or Consumed Data

As you create tags that will eventually produce or consume data
(share data), follow these guidelines:
1. Create the tags at the controller scope. You can only share
controller-scoped tags.
2. Use one of these data types:
DINT
REAL
array of DINTs or REALs
user-defined
3. To share a data type other than those listed in guideline 2.,
create a user-defined data type that contains the required data.
4. Use the same data type for the produced tag and corresponding
consumed tag (s).
5. To share tags with a PLC-5C controller, use a user-defined data
type. See these sections:
Produce Integers for a PLC-5C Controller, 10-6
Produce REALs for a PLC-5C Controller, 10-7
Consume Integers from a PLC-5C Controller, 10-9

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Communicate with Another Controller

6. Limit the size of the tag to less than or equal to 500 bytes. If you
must transfer more than 500 bytes, create logic to transfer the
data in packets. Refer to "Produce a Large Array" on page 11-1.
7. If you share the tag over a ControlNet network, the tag may
need to be less than 500 bytes. Refer to "Adjust for Bandwidth
Limitations" on page 10-10.
8. If you are producing several tags for the same controller:
Group the data into one or more user-defined data types.
(This uses less connections than producing each tag
separately.)
Group the data according to similar update rates. (To
conserve network bandwidth, use a greater RPI for less
critical data.)
For example, you could create one tag for data that is critical
and another tag for data that is not as critical.

Produce a Tag
1. Open the RSLogix 5000 project that contains the tag that you
want to produce.
2. From the Logic menu, select Edit Tags.
3. From Scope, select name_of_controller(controller). (Only
tags that are controller scope can produce data.)
4. Select the tag that will produce the data and press the
ALT + Enter keys.

5.

6.

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Communicate with Another Controller

10-5

5. Select the Produced option button.

6. Type or select the number of controllers that will consume
(receive) the tag.
7. Click OK.
8. Configure a tag in another controller (s) to consume this
produced tag. Refer to "Consume a Produced Tag" on page 10-5.

Consume a Produced Tag

1. Open the RSLogix 5000 project that will consume the produced
tag.
2. In the controller organizer, I/O Configuration, add the controller
that contains the produced tag.
3. From the Logic menu, select Edit Tags.
4. From Scope, select name_of_controller(controller). (Only
tags that are controller scope can consume other tags.)
5. Select the tag in this controller that will consume the produced
tag and press the ALT + Enter keys.

6.
7.
8.
9.
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10.

6. Select the Consumed option button.

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Communicate with Another Controller

7. Select the controller that contains the produced tag.

8. Type the name of the produced tag.
9. Select the same data type as the produced tag.
10. Type or select the time between updates of the tag:
Use the highest value permissible for your application.
If the controller consumes the tag over a ControlNet network,
use a power of two times the ControlNet network update
time (NUT).
For example, if the NUT is 5 ms, type a rate of 5, 10, 20, 40
ms, etc.
11. Click OK.
12. If you share the tag over a ControlNet network, use RSNetWorx
for ControlNet software to schedule the network.

IMPORTANT

If a consumed-tag connection fails, all of the other

tags being consumed from that remote controller
stop receiving new data.

Produce Integers for a PLC-5C Controller

1. Open the RSLogx 5000 project.
2. Create a user-defined data type that contains an array of INTs
with an even number of elements, such as INT[2]. (When you
produce INTs, you must produce two or more.)
3. Create a produced tag and select the user-defined data type
from Step 2.
4. Open RSNetWorx for ControlNet software.
5. In the ControlNet configuration for the target PLC-5C controller:
a. Insert a Receive Scheduled Message.
b. In the Message size, enter the number of integers in the
produced tag.
6. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet software, schedule the network.

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Communicate with Another Controller

10-7

Produce REALs for a PLC-5C Controller

1. Open the RSLogx 5000 project.
2. How many values do you want to produce?
If you are producing: Then:
Only one REAL value
More than one REAL
value

Create a produced tag and select the REAL data type.

A. Create a user-defined data type that contains an
array of REALs.
B. Create a produced tag and select the
user-defined data type from Step A.

3. Open RSNetWorx for ControlNet software.

4. In the ControlNet configuration for the target PLC-5C controller:
a. Insert a Receive Scheduled Message.
b. In the Message size, enter two times the number of REALs in
the produced tag. For example, if the produced tag contains
10 REALs, enter 20 for the Message size.
TIP

When a PLC-5C controller consumes a tag that is produced by

a Logix5000 controller, it stores the data in consecutive 16-bit
integers. The PLC-5C stores floating-point data, which requires
32-bits regardless of the type of controller, as follows:
The first integer contains the upper (left-most) bits of the
value.
The second integer contains the lower (right-most) bits of
the value.
This pattern continues for each floating-point value.

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10-8

Communicate with Another Controller

5. In the PLC-5C controller, re-construct the floating point data, as

depicted in the following example:
EXAMPLE

Re-constructing a floating point value

The two MOV instructions reverse the order of the integers as the integers move to a new location.
Because the destination of the COP instruction is a floating-point address, it takes two consecutive
integers, for a total of 32 bits, and converts them to a single floating-point value.

42354

6. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet software, schedule the network.

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Communicate with Another Controller

10-9

Consume Integers from a PLC-5C Controller

1. Open RSNetWorx for ControlNet software.
2. In the ControlNet configuration of the PLC-5C controller, insert a
Send Scheduled Message.
3. Open the RSLogix 5000 project.
4. In the controller organizer, add the PLC-5C controller to the I/O
configuration.
5. Create a user-defined data type that contains the following
members:
Data type:

Description:

DINT

Status

INT[x], where x is the output size of

the data from the PLC-5C controller. (If
you are consuming only one INT, no
dimension is required.)

Data produced by a PLC-5C controller

6. Create a consumed tag with the following properties:

For this tag property: Type or select:
Tag Type

Consumed

Controller

The PLC-5C that is producing the data

Remote Instance

The message number from the ControlNet configuration

of the PLC-5C controller

RPI

A power of two times the NUT of the ControlNet

network. For example, if the NUT is 5ms, select an RPI of
5, 10, 20, 40, etc.

Data Type

The user-defined data type that you created in Step 5.

7. In RSNetWorx for ControlNet software, schedule the network.

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10-10

Communicate with Another Controller

Adjust for Bandwidth Limitations

When you share a tag over a ControlNet network, the tag must fit
within the bandwidth of the network:
As the number of connections over a ControlNet network
increases, several connections, including produced or consumed
tags, may need to share a network update time (NUT).
Since a ControlNet network can only pass 500 bytes in one NUT,
the data of each connection must be less then 500 bytes to fit
into the NUT.
Depending on the size of your system, you may not have enough
bandwidth on your ControlNet network for a tag of 500 bytes. If a tag
is too large for your ControlNet network, make one or more of the
following adjustments:
Reduce your network update time (NUT). At a faster NUT, less
connections have to share an update slot.
Increase the requested packet interval (RPI) of your connections.
At higher RPIs, connections can take turns sending data during
an update slot.
For a ControlNet bridge module (CNB) in a remote chassis,
select the most efficient communication format for that chassis:
Are most of the modules in the
chassis non-diagnostic, digital I/O
modules?

Then select this communication

format for the remote CNB module:

Yes

Rack Optimization

No

None

The Rack Optimization format uses an additional 8 bytes for

each slot in its chassis. Analog modules or modules that are
sending or getting diagnostic, fuse, timestamp, or schedule data
require direct connections and cannot take advantage of the
rack optimized form. Selecting None frees up the 8 bytes per
slot for other uses, such as produced or consumed tags.
Separate the tag into two or more smaller tags:
Group the data according to similar update rates. For
example, you could create one tag for data that is critical and
another tag for data that is not as critical.
Assign a different RPI to each tag.
Create logic to transfer the data in smaller sections (packets).
Refer to "Produce a Large Array" on page 11-1.

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Communicate with Another Controller

Send a Message

10-11

To organize your data for a message, follow these guidelines:

1. For each message, create a tag to control the message:
Create the tag at the controller scope.
Use the MESSAGE data type.
The following example shows the use of the MESSAGE data
type:

EXAMPLE

Message to another Logix5000 controller

When count_send is on, count_msg sends data.

count_send

count_msg.en
/

MSG
Type - Unconfigured
Message Control

count_msg ...

EN
DN
ER

Type: MESSAGE
Scope: Controller

42188

2. For the tags that the messages will use (source or destination
tags), create the tags at the controller scope.
3. In the Logix5000 controller, use the DINT data type for integers
whenever possible:
Logix5000 controllers execute more efficiently and use less
memory when working with 32-bit integers (DINTs).

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10-12

Communicate with Another Controller

4. If your message is to or from a PLC-5 or SLC 500 controller

and it transfers integers (not REALs), use a buffer of INTs:
a. Create a buffer for the data (controller scope) using the
INT[x] data type.
where:

x is the number of integers in the message. (For only one

integer, omit [x].)
b. Use the buffer in the message.
c. Use an FAL instruction to move the data between the buffer
and your application.
EXAMPLE

Write integer values to a PLC-5 controller

Continuously moves the values in dint_array to int_buffer. This converts the values to 16-bit integers (INTs). Then the message instruction
sends int_buffer to a PLC-5 controller.
message.EN
/

fal_control
RES

FAL
File Arith/Logical
Control
fal_control
Length
?
Position
0
Mode
all
Dest
int_buffer[fal_control.pos]
??
Expression
dint_array[fal_control.pos]

EN

MSG
Type - Unconfigured
Message Control

message ...

DN

EN
DN
ER

ER

42192

Read integer values from a PLC-5 controller

Continuously reads 16-bit integer values (INTs) from a PLC-5 controller and stores them in int_buffer. Then the FAL instruction moves the
values to dint_array. This converts the values to 32-bit integers (DINTs), for use by other instructions in the project.
message.EN
/

message.DN

MSG
Type - Unconfigured
Message Control

fal_control
RES

message ...

FAL
File Arith/Logical
Control
fal_control
Length
?
Position
0
Mode
all
Dest
dint_array[fal_control.pos]
??
Expression
int_buffer[fal_control.pos]

EN
DN
ER

EN
DN
ER

42192

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Chapter

11

Produce a Large Array

When to Use this Procedure

The Logix5000 controller can send as many as 500 bytes of data over a
single scheduled connection. This corresponds to 125 DINT or REAL
elements of an array. To transfer an array of more than 125 DINTs or
REALs, use a produced/consumed tag of 125 elements to create a
packet of data. You can then use the packet to send the array
piecemeal to another controller.
When you send a large array of data in smaller packets, you must
ensure that the transmission of a packet is complete before the data is
moved into the destination array, for these reasons.
Produced data over the ControlLogix backplane is sent in 50
byte segments.
Data transmission occurs asynchronous to program scan.
The logic that this section includes uses an acknowledge word to
make sure that each packet contains new data before the data moves
to the destination array. The logic also uses an offset value to indicate
the starting element of the packet within the array.
Because of the offset and acknowledge elements, each packet carries
123 elements of data from the array, as depicted below:
Producer

Consumer

array

array
packet

packet

123 offset
124 acknowledge

offset
acknowledge

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11-2

Produce a Large Array

In addition, the array must contain an extra 122 elements. In other

words, it must be 122 elements greater than the greatest number of
elements that you want to transfer:
These elements serve as a buffer.
Since each packet contains the same number of elements, the
buffer prevents the controller from copying beyond the
boundaries of the array.
Without the buffer, this would occur if the last packet contained
fewer than 123 elements of actual data.

Produce a Large Array

1. Open the RSLogix 5000 project that will produce the array.
2. In the Controller Tags folder, create the following tags:
P

Tag Name

Type

array_ack

DINT[2]

array_packet

DINT[125]

where:

array is the name for the data that you are sending.
3. Convert array_ack to a consumed tag:
For:

Specify:

Controller

name of the controller that is receiving the packet

Remote Tag Name

array_ack
Both controllers use the same name for this shared
data.

Refer to "Consume a Produced Tag" on page 10-5.

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Produce a Large Array

11-3

4. In either the Controller Tags folder or the tags folder of the

program that will contain the logic for the transfer, create the
following tags:
Tag Name

Type

array

DINT[x] where x equals the number of elements

to transfer plus 122 elements

array_offset

DINT

array_size

DINT

array_transfer_time

DINT

array_transfer_time_max

DINT

array_transfer_timer

TIMER

where:

array is the name for the data that you are sending.
5. In the array_size tag, enter the number of elements of real data.
(The value of x from step 4. minus the 122 elements of buffer.)
6. Create or open a routine for the logic that will create packets of
data.
7. Enter the following logic:
Times how long it takes to send the entire array
TON
Timer On Delay
Timer
array_transfer_timer
Preset
10000000
Accum
0

EN
DN

When the offset value in array_ack[0] is not equal to the current offset value but array_ack[1] equals
-999, the consumer has begun to receive a new packet, so the rung moves -999 into the last element of
the packet. The consumer waits until it receives the value -999 before it copies the packet to the array.
This guarantees that the consumer has new data.
NEQ
Not Equal
Source A

array_ack[0]
0
Source B array_packet[123]
0

EQU
Equal
Source A array_ack[1]
0
Source B
-999

MOV
Move
Source

-999

Dest array_packet[124]
0

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Produce a Large Array

When the offset value in array_ack[0] is equal to the current offset value, the consumer has copied the
packet to the array; so the rung checks for more data to transfer. If the offset value plus 123 is less than
the size of the array, there is more data to transfer; so the rung increases the offset by 123. Otherwise,
there is no more data to transfer; so the rung resets the offset value, logs the transfer time, and resets the
timer. In either case, the rung uses the new offset value to create a new packet of data, appends the new
offset value to the packet, and clears the acknowledge element of the packet (packet[124]).
EQU
Equal
Source A

array_ack[0]
0
Source B array_packet[123]
0
CMP
Compare
Expression (array_ack[0] + 123) < array_size

ADD
Add
Source A array_packet[123]
0
Source B
123
Dest

CMP
Compare
Expression (array_ack[0] + 123) >= array_size

array_offset
0
CLR
Clear
Dest array_offset
0

MOV
Move
Source array_transfer_timer.ACC
0
Dest
array_transfer_time
0
array_transfer_timer
RES
COP
Copy File
Source array[array_offset]
Dest
array_packet[0]
Length
123

MOV
Move
Source

array_offset
0
Dest array_packet[123]
0

CLR
Clear
Dest array_packet[124]
0

If the current transfer time is greater than the maximum transfer time, updates the maximum transfer
time. This maintains a record of the longest time to transfer data.
GRT
Greater Than (A>B)
Source A
array_transfer_time
0
Source B array_transfer_time_max
0

MOV
Move
Source

array_transfer_time
0
Dest array_transfer_time_max
0

42355

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Produce a Large Array

11-5

8. Open the RSLogix 5000 project that will consume the array.
9. In the Controller Tags folder, create the following tags:
P

Tag Name

Type

array_ack

DINT[2]

array_packet

DINT[125]

where:
array is the name for the data that you are sending. Use the
same name as in the producing controller (step 2.).
10. Convert array_packet to a consumed tag:
For:

Specify:

Controller

name of the controller that is sending the packet

Remote Tag Name

array_packet
Both controllers use the same name for this shared
data.

Refer to "Consume a Produced Tag" on page 10-5.

11. In either the Controller Tags folder or the tags folder of the
program that will contain the logic for the transfer, create the
following tags:
Tag Name

Type

array

DINT[x] where x equals the number of elements

to transfer plus 122 elements

array_offset

DINT

where:
array is the name for the data that you are sending.
12. Create or open a routine for the logic that will move the data
from the packets to the destination array.

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Produce a Large Array

13. Enter the following logic:

When the offset value in array_packet[123] is different than the offset value in array_ack[0], the
controller has begun to receive a new packet of data; so the rung checks for the value of -999 in the last
element of the packet.
If the last element of the packet equals -999, the controller has received an entire packet of new data and
begins the copy operation:
The offset value moves from the packet to array_offset.
The COP instructions copies the data from the packet to the destination array, starting at the offset
value.
The offset value moves to array_ack[0], which signals that the copy is complete.
Array_ack[1] resets to zero and waits to signal the arrival of a new packet.
If the last element of the packet is not equal -999, the transfer of the packet to the controller may not be
complete; so -999 moves to array_ack[1]. This signals the producer to return the value of -999 in the last
element of the packet to verify the transmission of the packet.
NEQ
Not Equal
Source A array_packet[123]
0
Source B
array_ack[0]
0
EQU
Equal
Source A array_packet[124]
0
Source B
-999

MOV
Move
Source array_packet[123]
0
Dest
array_offset
0
COP
Copy File
Source
array_packet[0]
Dest array[array_offset]
Length
123
MOV
Move
Source array_packet[123]
0
Dest
array_ack[0]
0
CLR
Clear
Dest array_ack[1]
0

NEQ
Not Equal
Source A array_packet[124]
0
Source B
-999

MOV
Move
Source

-999

Dest array_ack[1]
0

42356

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Produce a Large Array

11-7

Transferring a large array as smaller packets improves system

performance over other methods of transferring the data:
Fewer connections are used than if you broke the data into
multiple arrays and sent each as a produced tag. For example,
an array with 5000 elements would take 40 connections
(5000/125=40) using individual arrays.
Faster transmission times are achieved than if you used a
message instruction to send the entire array.
Messages are unscheduled and are executed only during the
system overhead portion of the Logix5550 execution.
Therefore, messages can take a fairly long time to complete
the data transfer.
You can improve the transfer time by increasing system
overhead time slice, but this diminishes the performance of
the continuous task.

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11-8

Produce a Large Array

Notes:

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Chapter

12

Communicate with an ASCII Device

When to Use this Procedure

Use this procedure to exchange ASCII data with a device through the
serial port of the controller. For example, you can use the serial port
to:
read ASCII characters from a weigh scale module or bar code
reader
send and receive messages from an ASCII triggered device, such
as a MessageView terminal.

connection from the serial port of the controller to the ASCII device

42237

How to Use This Procedure

To complete this procedure, do the following tasks:

Connect the ASCII Device

Configure the Serial Port
Configure the User Protocol
Create String Data Types
Read Characters from the Device
Send Characters to the Device

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12-2

Communicate with an ASCII Device

Connect the ASCII Device

1. For the serial port of the ASCII device, determine which pins
send signals and which pins receive signals.
2. Connect sending pins to corresponding receiving pins and
attach jumpers:
If the communications: Then wire the connectors as follows:
handshake
ASCII Device

Controller

1 CD

1 CD

2 RDX

2 RDX

3 TXD

3 TXD

4 DTR

4 DTR

COMMON

COMMON

6 DSR

6 DSR

7 RTS

7 RTS

8 CTS

8 CTS

42231

do not handshake
ASCII Device

Controller

1 CD

1 CD

2 RDX

2 RDX

3 TXD

3 TXD

4 DTR

4 DTR

COMMON

COMMON

6 DSR

6 DSR

7 RTS

7 RTS

8 CTS

8 CTS

3. Attach the cable shield to both connectors.

4. Connect the cable to the controller and the ASCII device.

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

42232

Communicate with an ASCII Device

Configure the Serial Port

12-3

1. Determine the following communication settings for the ASCII

device:
a.
b.
c.
d.

baud rate
data bits
parity
stop bits

2. Open the RSLogix 5000 project.

42627

3. On the Online toolbar, click the controller button.

4. Click the Serial Port tab.

5.

6.

42251

5. Select User.
6. Select the settings for the ASCII device, from step 1.

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12-4

Communicate with an ASCII Device

7.

8.
9.
42251

7. Select the Control Line option:

If:

And:

And this is the:

you are not using a

modem
you are using a
modem

Select:

Then:

No Handshaking

Go to step 10.

Full Duplex

both modems in a
point-to-point link are
full-duplex
master modem is
full-duplex while slave
modem is half-duplex

master controller.

Full Duplex

slave controller

Half Duplex

Select the Continuous Carrier

check box.

Half Duplex

Clear the Continuous Carrier

check box (default).

all modems in the system

are half-duplex

8. Type the amount of delay (20 ms units) between the time that
the RTS signal turns on (high) and the time that data is sent. For
example, a value of 4 produces an 80 ms delay.
9. Type the amount of delay (20 ms units) between the time that
the last character is sent and the time that the RTS signal turns
off (low).
10. Click Apply.

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Communicate with an ASCII Device

Configure the User Protocol

12-5

1. Click the User Protocol tab.

2.
3.

42252

2. Select or type a number that is greater than or equal to the

greatest number of characters in a transmission. (Twice the
number of characters is a good guideline.)
3. If you are using ABL or ARL instructions, type the characters that
mark the end of the data. For the ASCII code of a character, refer
to the back cover of this manual.
If the device
sends:

Then:

Notes:

one termination
character

A. In the Termination Character 1

text box, type the hexadecimal
ASCII code for the first
character.
B. In the Termination Character 2
text box, type $FF.

two termination
characters

In the Termination Character 1 and 2

text boxes, type the hexadecimal ASCII
code for each character.

For printable
characters, such
as 1 or A, type the
character.

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12-6

Communicate with an ASCII Device

4.
5.
6.

7.

42252

4. If you are using the AWA instruction, type the character(s) to

append to the data. For the ASCII code of a character, refer to
the back cover of this manual.
To append:
one character

two characters

Then:
A. In the Append Character 1 text
box, type the hexadecimal
ASCII code for the first
character.
B. In the Append Character 2 text
box, type $FF.

Notes:
For printable
characters, such
as 1 or A, type the
character.

In the Append Character 1 and 2 text

boxes, type the hexadecimal ASCII
code for each character.

5. If the ASCII device is configured for XON/XOFF flow control,

select the XON/XOFF check box.
6. If the ASCII device is a CRT or is pre-configured for half duplex
transmission, select the Echo Mode check box.

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Communicate with an ASCII Device

12-7

7. Select the Delete Mode:

If the ASCII device is:

Select:

Notes:

CRT

CRT

The DEL character ($7F) and the character that precedes the DEL
character are not sent to the destination.
If echo mode is selected and an ASCII instruction reads the DEL
character, the echo returns three characters: BACKSPACE SPACE
BACKSPACE ( $08 $20 $08).

printer

Printer

The DEL character ($7F) and the character that precedes the DEL
character are not sent to the destination.
If echo mode is selected and an ASCII instruction reads the DEL
character, the echo returns two characters: / ($2F) followed by
the character that was deleted.

None of the above

Ignore

The DEL character ($7F) is treated as any other character.

8. Click OK.

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12-8

Communicate with an ASCII Device

Create String Data Types

You store ASCII characters in tags that use a string data type.

42811

42812

You can use the default STRING data type.

It stores up to 82 characters.

IMPORTANT

or

You can create a new string data type to store the

number of characters that you define.

Use caution when you create a new string data type.

If you later decide to change the size of the string
data type, you may lose data in any tags that
currently use that data type.
If you:

Then:

make a string data type

smaller

The data is truncated.

The LEN is unchanged.

make a string data type

larger

The data and LEN is reset to zero.

1. Do you want to create a new string data type?

3.

If:

Then:

no

Go to Read Characters from the Device on page 12-9.

yes

Go to step 2.

2. In the controller organizer, right-click Strings and choose

New String Type
3. Type a name for the data type.
4. Type the maximum number characters that this string data type
will store.
42233

4.
Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

5. Choose OK.

Communicate with an ASCII Device

Read Characters from the

Device

12-9

As a general rule, before you read the buffer use an ACB or ABL
instruction to verify that the buffer contains the required characters:
An ARD or ARL instruction continues to read the buffer until the
instruction reads the required characters.
While an ARD or ARL instruction is reading the buffer, no other
ASCII Serial Port instructions, except the ACL, can execute.
Verifying that the buffer contains the required characters
prevents the ARD or ARL from holding up the execution of other
ASCII Serial Port instructions while the input device sends its
data.
For additional information on ASCII Serial Port instructions, refer to
Logix5000 Controllers General Instruction Set Reference Manual,
publication 1756-RM003.

IMPORTANT

If you are not familiar with how to enter ladder logic

in an RSLogix 5000 project, first review Program
Routines on page 4-1.

1. Which type of device are you reading?

If the device is a:

Then:

bar code reader

Go to step 2.

weigh scale that send a fixed number of characters

message or display terminal

Go to step 14.

weigh scale that send a varying number of characters

2. Enter the following rung:

4.

3.

5.

42235a

3. Enter 0.
4. Enter a tag name for the ACB instruction and define the data
type as SERIAL_PORT_CONTROL.
5. Enter the EN bit of the ACB tag. (The tag from step 4.)

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12-10

Communicate with an ASCII Device

6. Enter the following rung:

10.

7.

8.

11.

9.

12.
42235a

7. Enter the POS member of the ACB tag. (The tag from step 4.)
8. Enter the number of characters in the data.
9. Enter 0.
10. Enter a tag name to store the ASCII characters. Define the data
type as a string.
11. Enter a tag name for the ARD instruction and define the data
type as SERIAL_PORT_CONTROL.
12. Enter the number of characters in the data.

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Communicate with an ASCII Device

EXAMPLE

12-11

A bar code reader sends bar codes to the serial port (channel 0) of the controller. Each
bar code contains 24 characters. To determine when the controller receives a bar code,
the ACB instruction continuously counts the characters in the buffer.

bar_code_count.EN
/

ACB
ASCII Chars in Buffer
Channel
0
SerialPort Control
bar_code_count
Character Count
0

EN
DN
ER

When the buffer contains at least 24 characters, the controller has received a bar code.
The ARD instruction moves the bar code to the bag_bar_code tag.
ARD

GEQ
Grtr Than or Eql (A>=B)
Source A bar_code_count.pos
0
Source B
24

ASCII Read
Channel
Destination
SerialPort Control
String Length
Characters Read

EN
0
bag_bar_code
''
bar_code_read
24
0

DN
ER

42227

13. Do you want to send data to the device?

If:

Then:

yes

Go to Send Characters to the Device on page 12-14.

no

Stop. You are done with this procedure. To use the data, go to Process
ASCII Characters on page 13-1.

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12-12

Communicate with an ASCII Device

14. Enter the following rung:

16. 15.
17.

42235

15. Enter 0.
16. Enter a tag name for the ABL instruction and define the data
type as SERIAL_PORT_CONTROL.
17. Enter the EN bit of the ABL tag. (The tag from step 16.)
18. Enter the following rung:
21.

20.

19.

22.

23.
42235

19. Enter the FD bit of the ABL tag. (The tag from step 16.)
20. Enter 0.
21. Enter a tag name to store the ASCII characters. Define the data
type as a string.
22. Enter a tag name for the ARL instruction and define the data
type as SERIAL_PORT_CONTROL.
23. Enter the maximum number of characters to read if no
termination character (s) is found.

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Communicate with an ASCII Device

EXAMPLE

12-13

Continuously tests the buffer for a message from the MessageView terminal.
Since each message ends in a carriage return ($0D), the carriage return is configured
as the termination character in the Controller Properties dialog box, User Protocol
tab.
When the ABL finds a carriage return, its sets the FD bit.

MV_line.EN
/

ABL
ASCII Test For Buffer Line
Channel
0
SerialPort Control
MV_line
Character Count
0

EN
DN
ER

When the ABL instruction finds the carriage return (MV_line.FD is set), the controller
removes the characters from the buffer, up to and including the carriage return, and
places them in the MV_msg tag.
MV_line.FD

ARL
ASCII Read Line
Channel
Destination
SerialPort Control
String Length
Characters Read

EN
0
MV_msg
''
MV_read
12
0

DN
ER

42226

24. Do you want to send data to the device?

If:

Then:

yes

Go to Send Characters to the Device on page 12-14.

no

Stop. You are done with this procedure. To use the data, go to Process
ASCII Characters on page 13-1.

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12-14

Communicate with an ASCII Device

Send Characters to the

Device

1. Determine where to start:

If you:

And you:

Then:

always send the same number

of characters

want to automatically append one or two

characters to the end of the data

Go to step 2.

do not want to append characters

Go to step 9.

want to automatically append one or two

characters to the end of the data

Go to step 16.

do not want to append characters

Go to step 24.

send different numbers of

characters

2. Enter the following rung:

5.

4.

3.

6.

7.
42236a

3. Enter the input condition (s) that determines when the

characters are to be sent:
You can use any type of input instruction.
The instruction must change from false to true each time the
characters are to be sent.
4. Enter 0.
5. Enter the tag name that stores the ASCII characters. Define the
data type as a string.
6. Enter a tag name for the AWA instruction and define the data
type as SERIAL_PORT_CONTROL.
7. Enter the number of characters to send. Omit the characters that
are appended by the instruction.

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Communicate with an ASCII Device

EXAMPLE

12-15

When the temperature exceeds the high limit (temp_high is on), the AWA instruction
sends five characters from the string[1] tag to a MessageView terminal.
The $14 counts as one character. It is the hex code for the Ctrl-T character.
The instruction also sends (appends) the characters defined in the user protocol. In
this example, the AWA instruction sends a carriage return ($0D), which marks the end
of the message.

temp_high

AWA
ASCII Write Append
Channel
Source
SerialPort Control
String Length
Characters Sent

EN
0
string[1]
'$1425\1'
temp_high_write
5
6

DN
ER

42229

8. Go to Enter ASCII Characters on page 12-21.

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12-16

Communicate with an ASCII Device

9. Enter the following rung:

12.

11.

10.

13.

14.
42236b

10. Enter the input condition (s) that determines when the
characters are to be sent:
You can use any type of input instruction.
The instruction must change from false to true each time the
characters are to be sent.
11. Enter 0.
12. Enter the tag name that stores the ASCII characters. Define the
data type as a string.
13. Enter a tag name for the AWT instruction and define the data
type as SERIAL_PORT_CONTROL.
14. Enter the number of characters to send.

EXAMPLE

When the temperature reaches the low limit (temp_low is on), the AWT instruction sends
nine characters from the string[2] tag to a MessageView terminal. (The $14 counts as one
character. It is the hex code for the Ctrl-T character.)

temp_low

AWT
ASCII Write
Channel
Source
SerialPort Control
String Length
Characters Sent

EN
0
string[2]
'$142224\01$r'
temp_low_write
9
9

DN
ER

42229

15. Go to Enter ASCII Characters on page 12-21.

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Communicate with an ASCII Device

12-17

16. Enter the following rung:

19.

18.

17.

21.

22.

20.
42236c

17. Enter the input condition (s) that determines when the
characters are to be sent:
You can use any type of input instruction.
The instruction must change from false to true each time the
characters are to be sent.
18. Enter 0.
19. Enter the tag name that stores the ASCII characters. Define the
data type as a string.
20. Enter a tag name for the AWA instruction and define the data
type as SERIAL_PORT_CONTROL.
21. Enter the LEN member of the Source tag. (The tag from step 19.)
22. Enter the LEN member of the AWA instruction. (The tag from
step 20.)

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Communicate with an ASCII Device

EXAMPLE

When alarm is on, the AWA instruction sends the characters in alarm_msg and appends
a termination character.
Because the number of characters in alarm_msg varies, the rung first moves the
length of alarm_msg (alarm_msg.LEN) to the length of the AWA instruction
(alarm_write.LEN).
In alarm_msg, the $14 counts as one character. It is the hex code for the Ctrl-T
character.

alarm

MOV
Move
Source alarm_msg.LEN
5
Dest
alarm_write.LEN
5

AWA
ASCII Write Append
Channel
Source
SerialPort Control
String Length
Characters Sent

EN
0
alarm_msg
'$1425\1'
alarm_write
5
6

DN
ER

42229

23. Go to Enter ASCII Characters on page 12-21.

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Communicate with an ASCII Device

12-19

24. Enter the following rung:

27.

26.

25.

29.

30.

28.
42236d

25. Enter the input condition (s) that determines when the
characters are to be sent:
You can use any type of input instruction.
The instruction must change from false to true each time the
characters are to be sent.
26. Enter 0.
27. Enter the tag name that stores the ASCII characters. Define the
data type as a string.
28. Enter a tag name for the AWT instruction and define the data
type as SERIAL_PORT_CONTROL.
29. Enter the LEN member of the Source tag. (The tag from step 27.)
30. Enter the LEN member of the AWT instruction. (The tag from
step 28.)

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Communicate with an ASCII Device

EXAMPLE

When MV_update is on, the AWT instruction sends the characters in MV_msg.
Because the number of characters in MV_msg varies, the rung first moves the length
of MV_msg (MV_msg.LEN) to the length of the AWT instruction (MV_write.LEN).
In MV_msg, the $16 counts as one character. It is the hex code for the Ctrl-V
character.

MV_update

MOV
Move
Source MV_msg.LEN
10
Dest
MV_write.LEN
10

AWT
ASCII Write
Channel
Source

0
MV_msg
'$161365\8\1$r'
SerialPort Control
MV_write
String Length
10
Characters Sent
10

EN
DN
ER

42229

31. Go to Enter ASCII Characters on page 12-21.

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Communicate with an ASCII Device

Enter ASCII Characters

12-21

Determine if you must complete this step:

If:

Then:

You want logic to create the string.

Go to Process ASCII Characters on page 12-1.

You want to enter the characters.

Go to step 1.

IMPORTANT

This String Browser window shows the characters up

to the value of the LEN member of the string tag. The
string tag may contain additional data, which the
String Browser window does not show.

1.

42616

1. Double-click the value area of the Source.

2.
line feed ($0A)
new line ($0D$0A)

carriage return ($0D)

42615

The number of characters that you see in the

window. This is the same as the LEN
member of the string tag.

The maximum number of characters that the

string tag can hold.

2. Type the characters for the string.

3. Choose OK.
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Communicate with an ASCII Device

Notes:

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Chapter

13

Process ASCII Characters

When to Use this Procedure

Use this procedure to:

interpret a bar code and take action based on the bar code
use a weight from a weigh scale when the weight is sent as
ASCII characters
decode a message from an ASCII triggered device, such as an
operator terminal
build a string for an ASCII triggered device using variables from
your application

How to Use this Procedure

IMPORTANT

If you are not familiar with how to enter ladder logic

in an RSLogix 5000 project, first review Program
Routines on page 4-1.

Depending on your application, you may not need to do all the tasks
in this procedure. Use the following table to determine where to start:
If you want to:

Then go to:

On page:

initiate an action based on a bar code

Extract a Part of a Bar Code

13-2

use a weight from a weigh scale

Convert a Value

13-6

decode a message from an operator

terminal

Decode an ASCII Message

13-8

create a string to send to an operator

terminal

Build a String

13-12

For additional information on ASCII-related instructions, refer to

Logix5000 Controllers General Instruction Set Reference Manual,
publication 1756-RM003.

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13-2

Process ASCII Characters

Extract a Part of a Bar Code

Use the following steps to extract a part of a bar code so you can take
action based on its value.
For example, a bar code may contain information about a bag on a
conveyor at an airport. To check the flight number and destination of
the bag, you extract characters 10 - 18.

airline
bar code

W A

character number

origin

flight #
5
9

destination
8

M S

date
0

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

M S

9 characters

Steps:
1. Enter the following rung:
3.

4.

2.

42808

5.

6.

2. Enter the EM bit of the ARD instruction that read the bar code.
3. Enter the string tag that contains the bar code.
4. Enter the number of characters in the part of the bar code that
you want to check.
5. Enter the position of the first character in the part of the bar
code that you want to check.
6. Enter a tag name to store the part of the bar code that you want
to check. Define the data type as a string.

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Process ASCII Characters

EXAMPLE

13-3

In the baggage handling conveyor of an airport, each bag gets a bar code. Characters
10 - 18 of the bar code are the flight number and destination airport of the bag. After the
bar code is read (bag_read.EM is on) the MID instruction copies the flight number and
destination airport to the bag_flt_and_dest tag.

42808

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13-4

Process ASCII Characters

Check the Bar Code

Characters

In this task, you use a compare instruction (EQU, GEQ, GRT, LEQ,
LES, NEQ) to check for specific characters.
The hexadecimal values of the characters determine if one string
is less than or greater than another string.
When the two strings are sorted as in a telephone directory, the
order of the strings determines which one is greater.

l
e
s
s
e
r

g
r
e
a
t
e
r

ASCII Characters

Hex Codes

1ab

$31$61$62

1b

$31$62

$41

AB

$41$42

$42

$61

ab

$61$62

AB < B
a>B

Steps:
1. Enter a rung and a compare instruction:

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

To see if the string is:

Enter this instruction:

equal to specific characters

EQU

not equal to specific characters

NEQ

greater than specific characters

GRT

equal to or greater than specific characters

GEQ

less than specific characters

LES

equal to or less than specific characters

LEQ

Process ASCII Characters

2.

3.

13-5

6.

4.

42808

2. Enter the tag that stores the part of the bar code that you want to
check. (The Destination from Extract a Part of a Bar Code,
step 6.)
3. Enter a tag name to store the characters that you want to test
against. Define the data type as a string.
4. Double-click value area of Source B.
5. Type the ASCII characters to test against and choose OK.

42615

6. Enter the required output.

EXAMPLE

When bag_flt_and_dest is equal to gate[1], xfer{1] turns on. This routes the bag to the
required gate.

42808

7. Do you want to check another part of the bar code?

If:

Then:

yes

Go to Extract a Part of a Bar Code on page 13-2.

no

Stop. You are done with this procedure.

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13-6

Process ASCII Characters

Convert a Value

Use the following steps to convert the ASCII representation of a value

to an DINT or REAL value that you can use in your application.
The STOD and STOR instructions skip any initial control or
non-numeric characters (except the minus sign in front of a
number).
If the string contains multiple groups of numbers that are
separated by delimiters (e.g., / ), the STOD and STOR
instructions convert only the first group of numbers.

Steps:
1. Which type of number is the value?
If:

Then:

floating-point

Go to step 2.

integer

Go to step 7.

2. Enter the following rung:

4.

5.

3.

42810

3. Enter the EM bit of the ARD or ARL instruction that read the
value.
4. Enter the string tag that contains the value.
5. Enter a tag name to store the value for use in your application.
Define the data type as REAL.

EXAMPLE

After reading the weight from the scale (weight_read.EM is on) the STOR instruction
converts the numeric characters in weight_ascii to a REAL value and stores the result in
weight.

42810

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Process ASCII Characters

13-7

6. Go to step 11.
7. Enter the following rung:
9.

10.

8.

42810

8. Enter the EM bit of the ARD or ARL instruction that read the
value.
9. Enter the string tag that contains the value.
10. Enter a tag name to store the value for use in your application.
Define the data type as DINT.

EXAMPLE

When MV_read.EM is on, the STOD instruction converts the first set of numeric
characters in MV_msg to an integer value. The instruction skips the initial control
character ($06) and stops at the delimiter ( \ ).

42620

11. Does this string have another value that you want to use?
If:

Then:

yes

Go to Decode an ASCII Message on page 13-8.

no

Stop. You are done with this procedure.

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13-8

Process ASCII Characters

Decode an ASCII Message

Use the following steps to extract and convert a value from an ASCII
message that contains multiple values.
For example, a message may look like this:
first value

second value

third value

[Ctrl-F] message # \ F-key

\ F-key action [CR]

control character

delimiter

delimiter

termination character

1. Determine where to start:

If the:

And:

Then:

string has more than one value

This is the first value.

Go to Convert a Value on page 13-6.

This is not the value.

Go to step 2.

string has only one value

Go to Convert a Value on page 13-6.

2. Which type of number is the value?

If:

Then:

floating-point

Enter Rung A: Find and Convert a Floating-Point Value

integer

Enter Rung B: Find and Convert an Integer Value

Rung A: Find and

Convert a
Floating-Point Value

42810

Rung B: Find and

Convert an Integer
Value

42810

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Process ASCII Characters

4.

13-9

5. 6.

3.

42810

8.

9.

3. Enter the EM bit of the ARL instruction that read the value.
4. Enter the string tag that contains the value.
5. Enter a tag name to store the delimiter that marks the beginning
of the value. Define the data type as a string.
6. Double-click the value area of Search.

42615

7. Type the delimiter and choose OK.

8. Enter the position in the string to start the search.
Initially, you can use 0 to find the first delimiter.
To decode additional data, increase this value to search for
the next delimiter.
9. Enter a tag name to store the location of the delimiter. Define
the data type as a DINT.

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13-10

Process ASCII Characters

10.

11.

42810

12.

13.

10. Enter the string tag that contains the value.

11. Enter the maximum number of characters that this value can
contain.
12. Enter the tag that stores the position of the delimiter. (The tag
from step 9.)
13. Enter a tag name to store this value. Define the data type as a
string.
14. Which type of conversion instruction did you use?

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If:

Then:

STOR

Go to step 15.

STOD

Go to step 18.

Process ASCII Characters

15.

13-11

16.

42809

15. Enter the tag that stores the value. (The tag from step 13.)
16. Enter a tag name to store the value for use in your application.
Define the data type as REAL.
17. Go to step 20.
18.

19.

42809

18. Enter the tag that stores the value. (The tag from step 13.)
19. Enter a tag name to store the value for use in your application.
Define the data type as DINT.
20. Does the string have another value that you want to use?
If:
yes

no

Then:
A. Add 1 to the Result of the Find instruction. (The tag from
step 9.)
B. Repeat steps 2 - 19.
Stop. You are done with this procedure.

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13-12

Process ASCII Characters

Build a String

Use the following steps to build a string from variables in your

application. You can then send the string to an ASCII triggered device,
such as a MessageView terminal.
In this procedure, you build a string that contains two variables.
For example, an operator terminal may require a string that
looks like this:
[Ctrl-F] message # \ address

[CR]

control character

termination character

delimiter

If you need to include more variables, use additional INSERT or

CONCAT instructions.
If you need to send a floating-point value, use a RTOS
instruction in place of the DTOS instruction.
The final string will not include the termination character. When
you send the string, use an AWA instruction to automatically
append the termination character.

Steps:
1. Enter the following rung:
2.

3.

4.

42813

2. Enter the input condition (s) that determines when to build the
string.
3. Enter the DINT tag that contains the first value for the string.
4. Enter a tag name to stores the ASCII representation of the value.
Define the data type as a string.

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Process ASCII Characters

5.

6.

13-13

8.

42813

9.

10.

5. Enter a tag name to store the control and delimiter characters for
the string. Define the data type as a string.
6. Double-click the value area of the Source A.

42615

7. Type the control character and delimiter and choose OK.

For a control character, type the hex code of the character. For a
list of hex codes, see the back cover of this manual.
8. Enter the tag that stores the ASCII representation of the first
value. (The tag from step 4.)
9. Enter 2.
This puts the value after the first character (control character) in
Source A.
10. Enter a tag name to store the partially completed string. Define
the data type as a string.

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13-14

Process ASCII Characters

11.

13.

12.

14.

42813

15.

11. Enter the DINT tag that contains the second value for the string.
12. Enter a tag name to store the ASCII representation of the value.
Define the data type as a string.
13. Enter the tag that stores the partially completed string. (The tag
from step 10.)
14. Enter the tag that stores the ASCII representation of the second
value. (The tag from step 12.)
15. Enter a tag name to store the completed string. Define the data
type as a string.

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Process ASCII Characters

EXAMPLE

13-15

To trigger a message in a MessageView terminal, the controller sends the terminal a

message in the following format: [Ctrl-T] message # \ address [CR]
When send_msg is on, the rung does the following:
The first DTOS instruction converts the message number to ASCII characters.
The INSERT instruction inserts the message number (in ASCII) after the control
character [Ctrl-T]. (The hex code for Ctrl-T is $14.)
The second DTOS instruction converts the node number of the terminal to ASCII
characters.
The CONCAT instruction puts the node number (in ASCII) after the backslash [ \ ]
and stores the final string in msg.
To send the message, an AWA instruction sends the msg tag and appends the carriage
return [CR].

42813

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Process ASCII Characters

Notes:

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Chapter

14

Force Values

When to Force a Value

Use a force to override an input or output value:

If you want to override:

Then force the

Notes:

a value from the produced tag of another

controller

consumed tag

a value from an input device

input data bit or value

Forcing an input or consumed tag:

overrides the value regardless of the value of the
physical device or produced tag
does not affect the value received by other
controllers monitoring that input or produced tag

your logic and specify the value of a

produced tag

produced tag

your logic and specify the state an output

device

output data bit or value

Forcing an output or produced tag overrides the logic

for the physical device or other controller (s).
Other controllers monitoring that output module in a
listen-only capacity will also see the forced value.

When you force a value:

You can force all I/O data, except for configuration data.
If the tag is an array or structure, such as an I/O tag, force a
BOOL, SINT, INT, DINT, or REAL element or member.
If the data value is a SINT, INT, or DINT, you can force the entire
value or you can force individual bits within the value.
Individual bits can have a force status of:
no force
force on
force off
You can also force an alias to an I/O structure member,
produced tag, or consumed tag.
An alias tag shares the same data value as its base tag, so
forcing an alias tag also forces the associated base tag.
Removing a force from an alias tag removes the force from
the associated base tag.

ATTENTION

!
1

If forces are enabled and anything is forced, keep

personnel away from the machine area. Forcing can
cause unexpected machine motion that could
injure personnel.

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14-2

Force Values

Enter a Force

IMPORTANT

Forcing increases logic execution time. The more

values you force, the longer it takes to execute the
logic.

IMPORTANT

Forces are held by the controller and not by the

programming workstation. Forces remain even if the
programming workstation is disconnected.

Use the Monitor Tags tab of the Tags window or use the Ladder
window to enter forces.

Enter Forces from the Tags Window

From the Tags window, Monitor Tags tab, you can force a value in
two ways. You can:
force a whole data value.
For SINT, INT, DINT, and REAL values, you can force all the bits
as one entity (the entire value)
force the individual bits within a SINT, INT, or DINT value.

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Force Values

14-3

Enter force values in this column.

If you want to:

Do this:

force a whole SINT, INT, DINT, or REAL value

To force a whole value, type a force value in the Force Mask

column, using a decimal, octal, hexadecimal, or float/exponential
format. For a REAL value, you must use a float/exponential
format.
To remove a force for a whole value, type a space.

force bits within a value

To force an individual bit in a SINT, INT, or DINT value, expand the

value and edit the Force Mask column. The force value is
displayed in binary style, where:
0 indicates force off
1 indicates force on
. indicates no force
You can also use the bit pallet to select a bit to force.

force a BOOL

To force a BOOL, enter the force value, where:

0 indicates force off
1 indicates force on
To remove a force, type a space.

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14-4

Force Values

Enter Forces from Ladder Logic

From ladder logic, you can set forces only for BOOL tags or integer bit
values used in bit instructions.

Right-click on the BOOL tag or bit value.

Select Force On, Force Off, or Remove Force.

For forced values in the more complex instructions, you can only
remove forces. You must use the data monitor to set force values for
these values.

Right-click on the forced value.

Select Remove Force.

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Force Values

Enable Forces

14-5

For a force (s) to take affect, you enable forces. You can only enable
and disable forces at the controller level. You cannot enable or disable
forces for a specific module, tag collection, or tag element.

ATTENTION

Enabling forces causes input, output, produced, or

consumed values to change. Keep personnel away
from the machine area. Forcing can cause
unexpected machine motion that could
injure personnel.

You enable forces from the Online Bar.

Forces Installed indicates that
force values have been entered.

Select Enable all forces.

IMPORTANT

If you download a project that has forces enabled,

the programming software prompts you to enable or
disable forces after the download completes.

When forces are enabled, a > appears next to the forced value in the
ladder editor.

When forces are enabled, the ladder editor

indicates which forces are on.

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14-6

Force Values

Disable Forces

You can disable forces without removing forces from individual values
or from the controller. By disabling forces, the project can execute as
programmed. Forces are still entered, but they are not executed.

Select Disable all forces.

Remove Forces

You can remove forces from individual values or from the

entire controller.
You can remove individual forces from the data monitor.

If you want to remove a force from a:

Do this:

whole SINT, INT, DINT, or REAL value

Right-click on the value in the data monitor and select Remove

Force.

bits within a value

Expand the value and edit the Force Mask column. Change the bit
value to . to indicate no force.

BOOL value

Type a space.

If the force is on a BOOL tag or bit value, you can also remove forces
from the ladder editor. Right-click on the value and select
Remove Force.
If you remove each force individually, forces can still be enabled.

ATTENTION

If you have removed forces, but forces are still

enabled and you set a force value, it takes affect
immediately. Keep personnel away from the
machine area. Forcing can cause unexpected
machine motion that could injure personnel.

Removing a force on an alias tag also removes the force on the

base tag.

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Force Values

14-7

At the controller level, you can remove all forces. Removing all forces
disables forces and clears all force mask values.

Select Remove all forces.

Monitor Forces

You can monitor force status in the following ways:

RSLogix5000 software
application logic
FORCE LED. (Logix5550 controllers do not have an LED to
indicate force status.)
If the FORCE LED is:

Then:

off

No tags contain force values.

Forces are inactive (disabled).

flashing

At least one tag contains a force value.

Force values are inactive (disabled).

solid

Forces are active (enabled).

Force values may or may not exist.

The following example shows how to check whether forces are

present and enabled and set your own LED indicator.

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14-8

Force Values

Notes:

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Chapter

15

Develop a Fault Routine

When to Use This

Procedure

If a fault condition occurs that is severe enough for the controller to

shut down, the controller generates a major fault and stops the
execution of logic.
Depending on your application, you may not want all major
faults to shut down your entire system.
In those situations, you can use a fault routine to clear a specific
fault and let at least some of your system continue to operate.
EXAMPLE

Use a fault routine

In a system that uses recipe numbers as indirect
addresses, a miss-typed number could produce a
major fault, such as type 4, code 20.
To keep the entire system from shutting down, a
fault routine clears any type 4, code 20, major
faults.

Develop a Fault Routine

To clear a specific fault:

1. Create a user-defined data type that will store the fault
information. Name the data type FaultRecord and assign the
following members:
Name:

Data Type:

Style:

TimeLow

DINT

Decimal

TimeHigh

DINT

Decimal

Type

INT

Decimal

Code

INT

Decimal

Info

DINT[8]

Hex

2. Create a tag that will store the fault information. Select the
FaultRecord data type.

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15-2

Develop a Fault Routine

3. Which type of faults do you want the logic to clear?

For a fault due
to:

Do this:

execution of an
instruction

Create a fault routine for the program:

A. In the controller organizer, right-click name_of_program and select New Routine.
B. In the name box, type a name for the fault routine (name_of_fault_routine ).
C. From the Type drop-down list, select Ladder.
D. Click OK.
E. Right-click name_of_program and select Properties.
F. Click the Configuration tab.
G. From the Fault drop-down list, select name_of_fault_routine.
H. Click OK.
I. Double-click name_of_fault_routine .

power loss

Create a program and main routine for the Controller Fault Handler:
A. In the controller organizer, right-click Controller Fault Handler and select New Program.
B. Type:
name_of_program
description (optional)
C. Click OK.
D. Click the + sign next to Controller Fault Handler.
E. Right-click name_of_program and select New Routine.
F. Type:
name_of_routine
description (optional)
G. From the Type drop-down list, select the programming language for the routine.
H. Click OK.
I. Right-click name_of_program and select Properties.
J. Click the Configuration tab.
K. From the Main drop-down list, select name_of_routine
L. Click OK.
M. Double-click name_of_routine.

I/O
task watchdog
mode change
motion axis

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Develop a Fault Routine

15-3

4. Enter the following logic:

Gets fault information and stores it in the major_fault_record tag (user-define structure)
GSV
Get system value
CIP Object class
PROGRAM
CIP Object name
THIS
Attribute name MAJORFAULTRECORD
Dest major_fault_record.Time_Low
0

If fault_type, fault_code occurs, sets the fault type and code in the major_fault_record
tag to zero.
EQU
Equal
Source A major_fault_record.Type
0
Source B
fault_type

EQU
Equal
Source A major_fault_record.Code
0
Source B
fault_code

MOV
Move
Source

MOV
Move
Source

Dest major_fault_record.Type
0

Dest major_fault_record.Code
0

When the MAJORFAULTRECORD is set to the new values that are contained in the
major_fault_record tag, the fault clears and the controller resumes execution.
SSV
Set system value
CIP Object class
PROGRAM
CIP Object name
THIS
Attribute name
MAJORFAULTRECORD
Source major_fault_record.Time_Low
0
42372

where:

is the:

major_fault_record

tag from step 2.

fault_type

value for the fault type that you want to clear

fault_code

value for the fault code that you want to clear

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Develop a Fault Routine

Test a Fault Routine

You can use a JSR instruction to test the fault routine of a program
without creating an error (i.e., simulate a fault):
1. Create a BOOL tag that you will use to initiate the fault.
2. In the main routine or a subroutine of the program, enter the
following rung:

where:

is the:

aaa

tag that you will use to initiate the fault (Step 1.)

bbb

fault routine of the program

3. To simulate a fault, set the input condition.

EXAMPLE

Test a fault routine

When test_fault_routine is on, a major fault occurs and the controller executes
Fault_Routine.

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Chapter

16

Create a User-Defined Major Fault

When to Use this Procedure

If you want to suspend (shut down) the controller based on

conditions in your application, create a user-defined major fault. With
a user-defined major fault:
You define a value for the fault code.
The controller handles the fault the same as other major faults:
The controller changes to the faulted mode (major fault) and
stops executing the logic.
Outputs are set to their configured state or value for faulted
mode.

EXAMPLE

User-defined major fault

When input_value is greater than 80, produce a
major fault and generate a fault code of 999.

Create a User-Defined
Major Fault

1. Does a fault routine already exist for the program?

If:

Then:

Yes

Go to step 2.

No

Create a fault routine for the program:

A. In the controller organizer, right-click name_of_program
and select New Routine.
B. In the name box, type a name for the fault routine
(name_of_fault_routine ).
C. From the Type drop-down list, select Ladder.
D. Click OK.
E. Right-click name_of_program and select Properties.
F. Click the Configuration tab.
G. From the Fault drop-down list, select
name_of_fault_routine.
H. Click OK.
I. Double-click name_of_fault_routine.
J. Enter an NOP instruction (so the routine verifies without an error).

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Create a User-Defined Major Fault

2. In the main routine of the program, enter the following rung:

JSR
Jump to Subroutine
Routine name name_of_fault_routine
Input par
x

conditions when the

controller should shut
down

42373

EXAMPLE

where:

is:

name_of_fault_routine

routine from step 1.

value for the fault code

Create a user-defined major fault

When input_value is greater than or equal to 80, execution jumps to name_of_fault_routine. A major
fault occurs and the controller enters the faulted mode. Outputs go to the faulted state. The
Controller Properties dialog box, Major Faults tab, displays the code 999.
GEQ
Grtr Than or Eql (A>=B)
Source A
input_value
0
Source B
80

JSR
Jump to Subroutine
Routine name name_of_fault_routine
Input par
999

42373

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Chapter

17

Monitor Minor Faults

When to Use This

Procedure

If a fault condition occurs that is not severe enough for the controller
to shut down, the controller generates a minor fault.
The controller continues to execute.
You do not need to clear a minor fault.
To optimize execution time and ensure program accuracy, you
should monitor and correct minor faults.

Monitor Minor Faults

To check for a:

To use ladder logic to capture information about a minor fault:

Do this:

periodic task overlap

1. Enter a GSV instructions that gets the FAULTLOG object, MinorFaultBits attribute.
2. Monitor bit 6.

load from nonvolatile

memory

1. Enter a GSV instructions that gets the FAULTLOG object, MinorFaultBits attribute.
2. Monitor bit 7.

problem with the serial port

1. Enter a GSV instructions that gets the FAULTLOG object, MinorFaultBits attribute.
2. Monitor bit 9.

low battery

1. Enter a GSV instructions that gets the FAULTLOG object, MinorFaultBits attribute.
2. Monitor bit 10.

problem with an instruction

1. Create a user-defined data type that stores the fault information. Name the data type FaultRecord
and assign the following members:
Name:

Data Type:

Style:

TimeLow

DINT

Decimal

TimeHigh

DINT

Decimal

Type

INT

Decimal

Code

INT

Decimal

Info

DINT[8]

Hex

2. Create a tag that will store the values of the MinorFaultRecord attribute. Select the data type from
step 1.
3. Monitor S:MINOR.
4. If S:MINOR is on, use a GSV instruction to get the values of the MinorFaultRecord attribute.
5. If you want to detect a minor fault that is caused by another instruction, reset S:MINOR. (S:MINOR
remains set until the end of the scan.)

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Monitor Minor Faults

The following example checks for a low battery warning.

EXAMPLE

Check for a minor fault

Minor_fault_check times for 1 minute (60000 ms) and then automatically restarts itself.

Every minute, minor_fault_check.DN turns on for one scan. When this occurs, the GSV instruction gets
the value of the FAULTLOG object, MinorFaultBits attribute, and stores it in the minor_fault_bits tag.
Because the GSV instruction only executes once every minute, the scan time of most scans is reduced.

If minor_fault_bits.10 is on, then the battery is low.

42373

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Monitor Minor Faults

17-3

The following example checks for a minor fault that is caused by a

specific instruction.

EXAMPLE

Check for a minor fault that is caused by an instruction

Multiplies value_a by 1000000 and checks for a minor fault, such as a math overflow:

To make sure that a previous instruction did not produce the fault, the rung first clears S:MINOR.
The rung then executes the multiply instruction.
If the instruction produces a minor fault, the controller sets S:MINOR.
If S:MINOR is set, the GSV instruction gets information about the fault and resets S:MINOR.

42373

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Monitor Minor Faults

Notes:

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Chapter

18

Develop a Power-Up Routine

When to Use This

Procedure

The power-up handler is an optional task that executes when the

controller powers up in the Run mode.

42195

Use the power-up handler when you want to accomplish either of the
following after power is lost and then restored:
Prevent the controller from returning to Run mode.
The power-up handler will produce a major fault, type 1,
code 1, and the controller will enter the Faulted mode.
Take specific actions and then resume normal execution of the
logic.

Develop a Power-Up
Routine

The steps to develop a power-up routine are similar to the steps to

develop a fault routine:
1. Create a user-defined data type that will store the fault
information. Name the data type FaultRecord and assign the
following members:
Name:

Data Type:

Style:

TimeLow

DINT

Decimal

TimeHigh

DINT

Decimal

Type

INT

Decimal

Code

INT

Decimal

Info

DINT[8]

Hex

2. Create a tag that will store the fault information. Select the
FaultRecord data type.

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Develop a Power-Up Routine

3. Create a program for the Power-Up Handler:

Action:

Detailed steps:

1. Create a program.

A. In the controller organizer, right-click Power-Up Handler and select New Program.
B. Type:
name_of_program
description (optional)
C. Click OK.

2. Create and assign a main routine

(the routine to execute first in the
program).

A. Click the + sign that is next to Power-Up Handler.

B. Right-click name_of_program and select New Routine.
C. Type:
name_of_main_routine
description (optional)
D. From the Type drop-down list, select the programming language for the routine.
E. Click OK.
F. Right-click name_of_program and select Properties.
G. Click the Configuration tab.
H. From the Main drop-down list, select name_of_main_routine
I. Click OK.
J. To add additional routines (subroutines) to the program, repeat steps B. to E.

3. How do you want to handle a power loss?

To:

Do this:

Prevent the controller from returning to

Run mode

You are done. When power is restored,

a major fault, type 1, code 1, will occur
and the controller will enter the Faulted
mode.

When power is restored, take specific

actions and then resume normal
operation

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

A. Open (double-click)
name_of_routine.
B. Enter the logic for the actions.

Develop a Power-Up Routine

18-3

4. Enter the following logic to clear the fault:

Gets fault information and stores it in the major_fault tag (user-define structure)
GSV
Get system value
CIP Object class
PROGRAM
CIP Object name
THIS
Attribute name MAJORFAULTRECORD
Dest
major_fault.TimeLow
0

Sets the fault type and code in the major_fault tag to zero and sets MAJORFAULTRECORD to the new
values, which clears the fault.
MOV
Move
Source

MOV
0

Dest major_fault.Type
0

Move
Source

Dest major_fault.Code
0

SSV
Set system value
CIP Object class
PROGRAM
CIP Object name
THIS
Attribute name MAJORFAULTRECORD
Source
major_fault.TimeLow
0
42375

where:

major_fault is the tag from step 2.

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Develop a Power-Up Routine

Notes:

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Chapter

19

Store and Load a Project Using Nonvolatile

Memory

When to Use This

Procedure

Currently, only 1756-L55M23 and -L55M24 controllers have nonvolatile

memory for project storage. In the future, we will add the feature to
additional controllers within the Logix5000 family of controllers.
IMPORTANT

Nonvolatile memory stores the contents of the user

memory at the time that you store the project.
Changes that you make after you store the project
are not reflected in nonvolatile memory.
If you want to store changes such as online edits,
tag values, or a ControlNet network schedule,
store the project again after you make the
changes.

Use this procedure to store or load a project using the nonvolatile

memory of a controller.
If the controller loses power and does not have enough battery
capacity, it loses the project in user memory.
Nonvolatile memory lets you keep a copy of your project on the
controller. The controller does not need power to keep this
copy.
You can load the copy from nonvolatile memory to the user
memory of the controller:
on every power-up
whenever there is no project in the controller and it
powers-up
anytime through RSLogix 5000 software

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Store and Load a Project Using Nonvolatile Memory

A store or load has the following parameters:

Table 19.A Parameters of a store or load
Parameter:

Store:

Load:

How much time does a store or load take?

several minutes

several seconds

In what controller mode (s) can I store or

load a project?

program mode

Can I go online with the controller during a

store or load?

no

What is the state of the I/O during a store

or load?

I/O remains in its configured state for

program mode.

How to Use This Procedure

If you want to:

Then:

store a project in the nonvolatile memory of the

controller

Go to Store a Project on
page 19-3.

overwrite the current project in the controller with

the project that is stored in the nonvolatile memory
of the controller

Go to Load a Project on
page 19-6.

load the project after a power loss cleared the

memory because there was no battery
use ladder logic to flag that your project loaded from
nonvolatile memory

Go to Check for a Load on

page 19-9.

remove a project from the nonvolatile memory of the Go to Clear Nonvolatile Memory
controller
on page 19-10.

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Store and Load a Project Using Nonvolatile Memory

Store a Project

19-3

In this task, you store a project in the nonvolatile memory of the

controller. This overwrites a project that is currently in the nonvolatile
memory.

ATTENTION

During a store, all active servo axes are turned off.

Before you store a project, make sure that this
will not cause any unexpected movement of an axis.

Before you store the project:

make all the required edits to the logic
download the project to the controller

Steps:
1. Go online with the controller.
2. Put the controller in Program mode (Rem Program or Program).

3.
42627

3. On the Online toolbar, click the controller properties button.

4. Click the Nonvolatile Memory tab.

5.

42865

5. Choose Load/Store.

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Store and Load a Project Using Nonvolatile Memory

Project that is currently in the user memory (RAM)

of the controller.

Project that is currently in the nonvolatile memory of

the controller (if any project is there).

6.
7.
8.

42866

9.

6. When (under what conditions) do you want to load the project

back into the user memory (RAM) of the controller?
If you want to load it:

Then select:

whenever you turn on or cycle

the chassis power

On Power Up

Notes:
During a power cycle, you will lose any online changes, tag values,
and network schedule that you have not stored in the nonvolatile
memory.
With this option, the project also loads when you update the
firmware of the controller. After the load, the controller
automatically goes to the mode that you select from the Load Mode
drop-down list (step 7).
You can always use RSLogix 5000 software to load the project.

whenever there is no project in

the controller and you turn on or
cycle the chassis power

On Corrupt Memory

With this option, the project also loads when you update the
firmware of the controller. After the load, the controller
automatically goes to the mode that you select from the Load Mode
drop-down list (step 7).
You can always use RSLogix 5000 software to load the project.

only through RSLogix 5000

software

User Initiated

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Store and Load a Project Using Nonvolatile Memory

19-5

7. In step 6, which load image option did you select?

If:

Then:

On Power Up

Select the mode that you want the controller to go to

after a load:
remote program
remote run
To go to this mode after a load, turn the keyswitch of
the controller to the REM position.

On Corrupt Memory

User Initiated

Go to step 8.

8. Type a note that describes the project that you are storing, if
desired.
9. Choose < Store.
A dialog box asks you to confirm the store.
10. To store the project, choose Yes.
During the store, the following events occur:
On the front of the controller, the OK LED displays the
following sequence:
flashing green red green
RSLogix 5000 software goes offline.
A dialog box tells you that the store is in progress.
11. Choose OK.
When the store is finished, you remain offline. If you want to be
online, you must manually go online.

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Store and Load a Project Using Nonvolatile Memory

Load a Project

In this task, you use RSLogix 5000 software to load the project from
nonvolatile memory.

ATTENTION

During a load, all active servo axes are turned off.

Before you load a project, make sure that this
will not cause any unexpected movement of an axis.

Steps:
1. Go online with the controller.
2. Did the following dialog box open?

42873

If:

Then:

No

Go to step 3.

Yes

Go to step 5.

3. Put the controller in Program mode (Rem Program or Program).

4.
42627

4. On the Online toolbar, click the controller properties button.

5. Click the Nonvolatile Memory tab.

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Store and Load a Project Using Nonvolatile Memory

19-7

6.
42865

6. Choose Load/Store.
Project that is currently in the nonvolatile memory of
the controller (if any project is there).

Project that is currently in the user memory (RAM)

of the controller.

42866

7.

7. Choose Load >.

A dialog box asks you to confirm the load.
8. To load the project from the nonvolatile memory, choose Yes.

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Store and Load a Project Using Nonvolatile Memory

During the load, the following events occur:

On the front of the controller, the OK LED displays the following
sequence:
red green
RSLogix 5000 software goes offline.
When the load is finished, you remain offline. If you want to be
online, you must manually go online.

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Store and Load a Project Using Nonvolatile Memory

Check for a Load

19-9

When the controller loads a project from nonvolatile memory, it

provides the following information:
logs a minor fault (type 7, code 49)
sets the FAULTLOG object, MinorFaultBits attribute, bit 7
If you want your project to flag that it loaded from nonvolatile
memory, use the following ladder logic:

On the first scan of the project (S:FS is on), the GSV instruction gets the FAULTLOG object,
MinorFaultBits attribute, and stores the value in minor_fault_bits. If bit 7 is on, the controller
loaded the project from its nonvolatile memory.

42867

Where:

Is:

minor_fault_bits

Tag that stores the FAULTLOG object, MinorFaultBits

attribute. Data type is DINT.

NVM_load

Tag that indicates that the controller loaded the project

from its nonvolatile memory.

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Store and Load a Project Using Nonvolatile Memory

Clear Nonvolatile Memory

Typically, you do not have to clear the nonvolatile memory of the

controller. When you store a project, you overwrite the complete
contents of the nonvolatile memory.
If you want to remove a project from the nonvolatile memory,
complete the following steps:
1. Go online with the controller.

2.
42627

2. On the Online toolbar, click the controller properties button.

3. Click the Nonvolatile Memory tab.

4.
42865

4. Is the Load Image option set to User Initiated?

If:

Then:

No

Go to step 5.

Yes

Go to step 11.

5. Choose Load/Store.
6. In the Load Image drop-down list, select User Initiated.

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19-11

7. Choose <- Store.

A dialog box asks you to confirm the store.
8. To store the project, choose Yes.
A dialog box tells you that the store is in progress.
9. Choose OK.
10. Wait until the OK LED on the front of the controller is steady
green. This indicates that the store is finished.
11. Disconnect the battery from the controller.
12. Cycle the power to the chassis.
13. Re-connect the battery to the controller.
14. Go online with the controller.
The Connected To Go Online dialog box opens.
15. Click the Nonvolatile Memory tab.

16.

42865

16. Choose Load/Store.

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Store and Load a Project Using Nonvolatile Memory

42874

17.

17. Choose < Store.

A dialog box asks you to confirm the store.
18. To store the project, choose Yes.
During the store, the following events occur:
On the front of the controller, the OK LED displays the
following sequence:
flashing green red green
RSLogix 5000 software goes offline.
A dialog box tells you that the store is in progress.
19. Choose OK.
When the store is finished, you remain offline. If you want to be
online, you must manually go online.

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Appendix

Fault Codes

When to Use This Appendix

Use this appendix to interpret:

Major Fault Codes
Minor Fault Codes

Major Fault Codes

Use the following table to determine the cause and corrective action
for a major fault. The type and code correspond to the type and code
displayed in these locations:
Controller Properties dialog box, Major Faults tab
PROGRAM object, MAJORFAULTRECORD attribute

Table A.1 Major Fault Types and Codes

Type:

Code:

Cause:

Recovery Method:

The controller powered on in Run mode.

Execute the power-loss handler.

16

A required I/O module connection failed.

Check that the I/O module is in the chassis. Check electronic

keying requirements.
View the controller properties Major Fault tab and the module
properties Connection tab for more information about the fault.

20

Possible problem with the ControlBus chassis.

Not recoverable - replace the chassis.

23

At least one required connection was not

established before going to Run mode.

Wait for the controller I/O light to turn green before changing to
Run mode.

16

Unknown instruction encountered.

Remove the unknown instruction. This probably happened due to a

program conversion process.

20

Array subscript too big, control structure .POS

or .LEN is invalid.

Adjust the value to be within the valid range. Dont exceed the
array size or go beyond dimensions defined.

21

Control structure .LEN or .POS < 0.

Adjust the value so it is > 0.

31

The parameters of the JSR instruction do not

match those of the associated SBR or RET
instruction.

Pass the appropriate number of parameters. If too many

parameters are passed, the extra ones are ignored without any
error.

34

A timer instruction has a negative preset or

accumulated value.

Fix the program to not load a negative value into timer preset or
accumulated value.

42

JMP to a label that did not exist or was

deleted.

Correct the JMP target or add the missing label.

83

The data tested was not inside the

required limits.

Modify value to be within limits.

84

Stack overflow.

Reduce the subroutine nesting levels or the number of parameters

passed.

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A-2

Fault Codes

Table A.1 Major Fault Types and Codes (Continued)

Type:

Code:

Cause:

Task watchdog expired.

Increase the task watchdog, shorten the execution time, make the
User task has not completed in specified period priority of this task higher, simplify higher priority tasks, or move
of time. A program error caused an infinite loop, some code to another controller.
or the program is too complex to execute as
quickly as specified, or a higher priority task is
keeping this task from finishing.

40

Store to nonvolatile memory failed.

42

Load from nonvolatile memory failed because

the firmware revision of the project in
nonvolatile memory does not match the
firmware revision of the controller.

Attempted to place controller in Run mode with Wait for the download to complete and clear fault.
keyswitch during download.

11

Actual position has exceeded positive

overtravel limit.

Move axis in negative direction until position is within overtravel

limit and then execute Motion Axis Fault Reset.

11

Actual position has exceeded negative

overtravel limit.

Move axis in positive direction until position is within overtravel

limit and then execute Motion Axis Fault Reset.

11

Actual position has exceeded position error

tolerance.

Move the position within tolerance and then execute Motion Axis
Fault Reset.

11

Encoder channel A, B, or Z connection is broken. Reconnect the encoder channel then execute Motion Axis Fault
Reset.

11

Encoder noise event detected or the encoder

signals are not in quadrature.

Fix encoder cabling then execute Motion Axis Fault Reset.

11

Drive Fault input was activated.

Clear Drive Fault then execute Motion Axis Fault Reset.

11

Synchronous connection incurred a failure.

First execute Motion Axis Fault Reset. If that doesnt work, pull
servo module out and plug back in. If all else fails replace servo
module.

11

Servo module has detected a serious

hardware fault.

Replace the module.

11

Asynchronous Connection has incurred a

failure.

First execute Motion Axis Fault Reset. If that doesnt work, pull
servo module out and plug back in. If all else fails replace servo
module.

11

32

The motion task has experienced an overlap.

The groups course update rate is too high to maintain correct

operation. Clear the group fault tag, raise the groups update rate,
and then clear the major fault.

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Recovery Method:

1. Try again to store the project to nonvolatile memory.

2. If the project fails to store to nonvolatile memory, replace
the memory board.
Update the controller firmware to the same revision level as the
project that is in nonvolatile memory.

Fault Codes

Minor Fault Codes

A-3

Use the following table to determine the cause and corrective action
for a minor fault. The type and code correspond to the type and code
displayed in these locations:
Controller Properties dialog box, Minor Faults tab
PROGRAM object, MINORFAULTRECORD attribute

Table A.2 Minor Fault Types and Codes

Type:

Code:

Cause:

Recovery Method:

An arithmetic overflow occurred in an instruction.

Fix program by examining arithmetic operations (order)

or adjusting values.

The GSV/SSV destination tag was too small to hold all

of the data.

Fix the destination so it has enough space.

35

PID delta time 0.

Adjust the PID delta time so that it is > 0.

36

PID setpoint out of range

Adjust the setpoint so that it is within range.

51

The LEN value of the string tag is greater than the DATA
size of the string tag.

52

The output string is larger than the destination.

Create a new string data type that is large enough for

the output string. Use the new string data type as the
data type for the destination.

53

The output number is beyond the limits of the

destination data type.

Either:
Reduce the size of the ASCII value.
Use a larger data type for the destination.

56

The Start or Quantity value is invalid.

57

The AHL instruction failed to execute because the serial Either:

port is set to no handshaking.
Change the Control Line setting of the serial
port.
Delete the AHL instruction.

Periodic task overlap.

Periodic task has not completed before it is time to
execute again.

49

Project loaded from nonvolatile memory.

Unknown error while servicing the serial port.

The CTS line is not correct for the current configuration. Disconnect and reconnect the serial port cable to
the controller.
Make sure the cable is wired correctly

1. Check that no instruction is writing to the LEN

member of the string tag.
2. In the LEN value, enter the number of characters
that the string contains.

1. Check that the Start value is between 1 and the

DATA size of the Source.
2. Check that the Start value plus the Quantity
value is less than or equal to the DATA size of
the Source.

Simplify program(s), or lengthen period, or raise relative

priority, etc.

Contact GTS personnel.

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A-4

Fault Codes

Table A.2 Minor Fault Types and Codes (Continued)

Type:

Code:

Cause:

Recovery Method:

Poll list error.

A problem was detected with the DF1 masters poll list,
such as specifying more stations than the size of the
file, specifying more then 255 stations, trying to index
past the end of the list, or polling the broadcast address
(STN #255).

Check for the following errors in the poll list:

total number of stations is greater than the
space in the poll list tag
total number of stations is greater than 255
current station pointer is greater than the end of
the poll list tag
a station number greater than 254 was
encountered

DF1 slave poll timeout.

Determine and correct delay for polling.
The poll watchdog has timed out for slave. The master
has not polled this controller in the specified amount of
time.

Modem contact was lost.

DCD and/or DSR control lines are not being received in
proper sequence and/or state.

Correct modem connection to the controller.

10

10

Battery not detected or needs to be replaced.

Install new battery.

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Appendix

IEC61131-3 Compliance

Using This Appendix

Introduction

For information about:

See page:

Operating System

B-2

Data Definitions

B-2

Programming Languages

B-3

Instruction Set

B-4

IEC61131-3 Program Portability

B-4

IEC Compliance Tables

B-5

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has developed a

series of specifications for programmable controllers. These
specifications are intended to promote international unification of
equipment and programming languages for use in the controls
industry. These standards provide the foundation for Logix5000
controllers and RSLogix 5000 programming software.
The IEC programmable controller specification is broken down into
five separate parts each focusing on a different aspect of the
control system:

Part
Part
Part
Part
Part

1:
2:
3:
4:
5:

General Information
Equipment and Requirements Test
Programming Languages
User Guidelines
Messaging Service Specification

The controls industry as a whole has focused on part 3 (IEC61131-3),

Programming Languages, because it provides the cornerstone for
implementing the other standards and provides the most significant
end user benefit by reducing training cost. Because of this, only
IEC61131-3 is addressed here.

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

B-2

IEC61131-3 Compliance

The IEC61131-3 programming language specification addresses

numerous aspects of programmable controller including the operating
system execution, data definitions, programming languages, and
instruction set. Components of the IEC61131-3 specification are
categorized as required by the specification, optional or extensions.
By so doing, the IEC61131-3 specification provides a minimum set of
functionality that can be extended to meet end user application needs.
The downside of this approach is that each programmable control
system vendor may implement different components of the
specification or provide different extensions.

Operating System

The preemptive, multitasking operating system (OS) of Logix5000

controllers complies with the IEC61131-3 definition. In IEC61131-3,
the programmable controllers OS can contain zero or more tasks, that
can execute one or more programs each containing one or more
functions or routines. According to IEC61131-3, the number of each of
these components is implementation dependent. Logix5000
controllers provide multiple tasks, each containing multiple programs
and an unlimited number of functions or routines.
IEC61131-3 provides an option for creating different task execution
classifications. Tasks may be configured as continuous, periodic, or
event based. A continuous task does not need to be scheduled in that
it will utilize any left over processing time when other tasks are
dormant. Periodic tasks are scheduled to operate based on a
reoccurring time period. The IEC61131-3 specification does not
specify a time base for periodic task configuration. An IEC61131-3
event based task is triggered upon detection of the rising edge of a
configured input. Logix5000 controllers support both continuous and
periodic tasks. Additionally, the period for a periodic task is
configurable starting as low as 1 millisecond (ms).

Data Definitions

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

The IEC61131-3 specification provides access to memory through the

creation of named variables. IEC61131-3 names for variables consist of
a minimum of six characters (RSLogix5000 programming software
supports a minimum of 1 character) starting with an underscore "_" or
an alpha character (A-Z), followed by one or more characters
consisting of an underscore "_", alpha character (A-Z) or a number
(0-9). Optionally, lower case alpha characters (a-z) can be supported
as long as they are case insensitive (A = a, B = b, C = c ). Logix5000
controllers provide full compliance with this definition, support the
lower case option, and extend the name to support up to 40
character names.

IEC61131-3 Compliance

B-3

Data variables in IEC61131-3 may be defined such that they are

accessible to all programs within a resource or controller, or limited
access is provided only to the functions or routines within a single
program. To pass data between multiple resources or controllers,
access paths may be configured to define the location of the data
within a system. Logix5000 controllers provide compliance by
providing program scoped, controller scoped data and permits the
configuration of access paths using produced/consumed data.
The memory interpretation of a variable within IEC61131-3 is defined
through the use of either an elementary data type or an optional
derived data type that is created from a group of multiple data types.
Logix5000 controllers support the use of the BOOL (1 bit), SINT (8 bit
integer), INT (16 bit integer), DINT (32 bit integer) and REAL (IEEE
floating point number) elementary data types. Additionally, the
optional derived data types are supported through the creation of user
defined structures and arrays.

Programming Languages

The IEC61131-3 specification defines five (5) different programming

languages and a set of common elements. All languages are defined
as optional but at least one must be supported in order to claim
compliance with the specification. The IEC61131-3 programming
language components are defined as follows:

Common Language Elements

Common Graphical Elements
Instruction List (IL) Language Elements
Structured Text Language (ST) Elements
Ladder Diagram (LD) Language Elements
Sequential Function Chart (SFC) Language Elements
Function Block Diagram (FBD) Language Elements

Logix5000 controllers and RSLogix5000 provide support for the

common language elements and the Ladder Diagram and Function
Block Diagram language options. Additionally, the environment
utilizes an ASCII import/export format based on the Structured Text
language. The instruction set and program file exchange features are
discussed in detail in the sections that follow.

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B-4

IEC61131-3 Compliance

Instruction Set

The instruction set specified by IEC61131-3 is entirely optional. The

specification lists a limited set of instructions that if implemented must
conform to the stated execution and visual representation. IEC61131-3
however, does not limit the instructions set to those listed within the
specification. Each PLC vendor is free to implement additional
functionality in the form of instructions over and above those listed by
the specification. Examples of such extended instructions are those
needed to perform diagnostics, PID loop control, motion control and
data file manipulation. Because extended instructions are not defined
by the IEC61131-3 specification, there is no guarantee that the
implementation between different PLC vendors will be compatible.
Thus utilization of these instructions may preclude the movement of
logic between vendors.
Logix5000 controllers and RSLogix5000 provide a suite of instructions
that execute as defined by the IEC61131-3 specification. The physical
representation of these instructions maintain their look and feel with
existing systems so as to reduce the training cost associated with
working with the environment. In addition to the IEC61131-3
compliant instructions, a full range of instructions from existing
products have been brought forward into the environment so that no
functionality is lost.

IEC61131-3 Program
Portability

One of the goals of end-users creating programs in an IEC61131-3

compliant environment is the movement or portability of programs
between controllers developed by different vendors. This area is a
weakness of IEC61131-3 because no file exchange format is defined
by the specification. This means that if any program created in one
vendors environment will require manipulation to move it to another
vendors system.
In order to minimize the effort involved in performing cross-vendor
portability, the RSLogix 5000 programming software for the controllers
includes a full ASCII export and import utility. Additionally, the file
format that is utilized by this tool is based on a hybrid of the
IEC61131-3 Structured Text language definition. Controller operating
system and data definitions follow the appropriate IEC61131-3
formats. Extensions were implemented in order to convert Ladder
Diagram logic into ASCII text since this is not defined by IEC61131-3.
For more information on the ASCII export and import utility of
RSLogix 5000 programming software, see the Logix5000 Controllers
Import/Export Reference Manual, publication 1756-RM084.

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

IEC61131-3 Compliance

IEC Compliance Tables

B-5

Logix5000 controllers and RSLogix5000 comply with the requirements

of IEC61131-3 for the following language features:

Table
Number:(1)

Feature
Number:

Feature Description:

Extensions and Implementation Notes:

Lower case letters

none

3a

Number sign (#)

Used for immediate value data type designation

4a

Dollar sign ($)

Used for description and string control

character

6a

Subscript delimiters ([ ])

Array subscripts

Identifiers using upper case and numbers

Task, program, routine, structure and tag names

Identifiers using upper case, numbers, and

embedded underlines

Task, program, routine, structure and tag names

Identifiers using upper and lower case,

numbers and embedded underlines

Task, program, routine, structure and tag names

Integer literal

12, 0, -12

Real literal

12.5, -12.5

Real literal with exponents

-1.34E-12, 1.234E6

Base 2 literal

2#0101_0101

Base 8 literal

8#377

Base 16 literal

16#FFE0

Boolean zero and one

0, 1

Empty String

Descriptions

String of length one containing a character A

Descriptions

String of length one containing a space

Descriptions

String of length one containing a single quote

character '$

Descriptions

String dollar sign '$$'

Descriptions

String single quote '$''

Descriptions

String Line Feed '$L' or '$l'

Descriptions

String New-line '$N' or '$n'

Descriptions

String From Feed (page) '$P' or '$p'

Descriptions

String Carriage return '$R' or '$r'

Descriptions

String Tab '$T' or '$t'

Descriptions

10

BOOL Data Type

Tag variable definition

10

SINT Data Type

Tag variable definition

10

INT Data Type

Tag variable definition

10

DINT Data Type

Tag variable definition

10

10

REAL Data Type

Tag variable definition

10

12

Time

Tag variable definition, TIMER Structure

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B-6

IEC61131-3 Compliance

Table
Number:(1)

Feature
Number:

Feature Description:

Extensions and Implementation Notes:

10

16

STRING data type

none

11

Data type Hierarchy

none

12

Direct Derivation from elementary types

User Defined data type structures

12

Array data types

Tag variable definition

12

Structured Data types

User defined data type structures

13

BOOL, SINT, INT, DINT initial value of 0

Tag variable definition

13

REAL, LREAL initial value of 0.0

Tag variable definition

13

Time initial value of T#0s

Tag variable definition, reset (RES) instruction

13

Empty String

Descriptions

14

Initialization of directly derived types

Import/export

14

Initialization of array data types

Import/export

14

Initialization of structured type elements

Import/export

14

Initialization of derived structured data types

Import/export

20

Use of EN and ENO

Function present in ladder but not labeled.

Available in FBD.

20

Usage without EN and ENO

Available in FBD

20

Usage with EN and without ENO

Available in FBD

20

Usage without EN and with ENO

Available in FBD

21

Overloaded functions ADD(INT, DINT) or

ADD(DINT, REAL)

All overloaded types that are supported are

documented with each instruction

22

_TO_ conversion function

RAD, DEG instructions Radians to/from

Decimal. Others not needed because of
instruction overloading

22

Truncate conversion function

TRN instruction

22

BCD to INT Convert

FRD instruction

22

INT to BCD Convert

TOD instruction

23

Absolute value

ABS instruction

23

Square root

SQR instruction

23

Natural log

LN instruction

23

Log base 10

LOG instruction

23

Sine in radians

SIN instruction

23

Cosine in radians

COS instruction

23

Tangent in radians

TAN instruction

23

Principal arc sine

ASN instruction

23

10

Principal arc cosine

ACS instruction

23

11

Principal arc tangent

ATN instruction

24

12

Arithmetic add

ADD instruction

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IEC61131-3 Compliance

Table
Number:(1)

Feature
Number:

Feature Description:

Extensions and Implementation Notes:

24

13

Arithmetic multiplication

MUL instruction

24

14

Arithmetic subtraction

SUB instruction

24

15

Arithmetic divide

DIV instruction

24

16

Modulo

MOD instruction

24

17

Exponentiation

XPY instruction

24

18

Value move

MOV instruction in ladder

25

Bit shift left

Functionality contained in BSL instruction in

Ladder for shift of 1

25

Bit shift right

Functionality contained in BSR instruction in

Ladder for shift of 1

25

Bit rotate left

Functionality contained in BSL instruction in

Ladder for shift of 1

25

Bit rotate right

Functionality contained in BSR instruction in

Ladder for shift of 1

26

AND

BAND instruction in FBD

26

OR

BOR instruction in FBD

26

XOR

BXOR instruction in FBD

26

NOT

BNOT instruction in FBD

27

Select

SEL instruction in FBD

27

2a

Maximum select

Functionality contained in ESEL instruction in

FBD

27

2b

Minimum select

Functionality contained in ESEL instruction in

FBD

27

High/Low limit

HLL instruction in FBD

27

Multiplexer

MUX instruction in FBD

28

Comparison greater-than

GRT instruction

28

Comparison greater-than or equal

GRE instruction

28

Comparison equal

EQU instruction

28

Comparison less-than

LES instruction

28

Comparison less-than or equal

LEQ instruction

28

10

Comparison not equal

NEQ instruction

29

String length

Contained as parameter of STRING data type

29

Middle string

MID instruction in ladder

29

String concatenation

CONCAT instruction in ladder

29

String insert

INSERT instruction in ladder

29

String delete

DELETE instruction in ladder

29

Find string

FIND instruction in ladder

32

Input read

FBD editor

B-7

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B-8

IEC61131-3 Compliance

Table
Number:(1)

Feature
Number:

Feature Description:

Extensions and Implementation Notes:

32

Input write

FBD editor

32

Output read

FBD editor

32

Output write

FBD editor

34

Bistable set dominant

SETD instruction in FBD

34

Bistable reset dominant

RESD instruction in FBD

35

Rising edge detector

OSR instruction in ladder and OSRI instruction

in FBD

35

Falling edge detector

OSF instruction in ladder and OSFI instruction in

FBD

36

1b

Up-counter

Functionality contained in CTU and RES

instructions in ladder and in CTUD instruction in
FBD

37

2a

On-delay timer

Functionality contained in TON instruction in

ladder and TONR instruction in FBD

37

3a

Off-delay timer

Functionality contained in TOF instruction in

ladder and TOFR instruction in FBD

38

On-delay timing

Functionality contained in TON instruction in

ladder and TONR instruction in FBD

38

Off-delay timing

Functionality contained in TOF instruction in

ladder and TOFR instruction in FBD

57

1, 2

Horizontal line

Ladder editor, FBD editor

57

3, 4

Vertical line

Ladder editor, FBD editor

57

5, 6

Horizontal / Vertical connection

Ladder editor, FBD editor

57

9, 10

Connection and non-connection corners

Ladder editor, FBD editor

57

11, 12

Blocks with connections

Ladder editor, FBD editor

57

7,8

Line crossings without connection

FBD editor

57

13,14

Connectors

FBD editor

58

Unconditional jump

JMP instruction in ladder

58

Jump target

LBL instruction in ladder

58

Conditional jump

JMP instruction in ladder

58

Conditional return

RET instruction in ladder

58

Unconditional return

RET instruction in ladder

59

Left hand power rail

Ladder editor

59

Right hand power rail

Ladder editor

60

Horizontal link

Ladder editor

60

Vertical link

Ladder editor

61

1, 2

Normally open contact --| |--

XIC instruction in ladder

61

3, 4

Normally close contact --| / |--

XIO instruction in ladder

61

5, 6

Positive transition sensing contact -| P |-

ONS instruction in ladder

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IEC61131-3 Compliance

Table
Number:(1)

Feature
Number:

Feature Description:

Extensions and Implementation Notes:

62

Coil --( )--

OTE instruction in ladder

62

Set (latch) coil

Functionality contained in OTL instruction in

ladder

62

Reset (unlatch) coil

Functionality contained in OTU instruction in

ladder

62

Positive transition sensing coil

OSR instruction in ladder

62

Negative transition sensing coil

OSF instruction in ladder

(1)Table

B-9

associated with languages other than ladder diagram and function block diagram have been skipped.

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B-10

IEC61131-3 Compliance

Notes:

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Glossary

alias tag
A tag that references another tag. An alias tag can refer to another
alias tag or a base tag. An alias tag can also refer to a component of
another tag by referencing a member of a structure, an array element,
or a bit within a tag or member. See base tag.
ASCII
A 7-bit code (with an optional parity bit) that is used to represent
alphanumerical characters, punctuation marks, and control-code
characters. For a list of ASCII codes, see the back cover of this manual.
asynchronous
Actions that occur independent of each other and lack a regular
pattern. In Logix5000 controllers, I/O values update asynchronous to
the execution of logic.:
Programs within a task access input and output data directly
from controller-scoped memory.
Logic within any task can modify controller-scoped data.
Data and I/O values are asynchronous and can change during
the course of a tasks execution.
An input value referenced at the beginning of a tasks execution
can be different when referenced later.

ATTENTION

Take care to ensure that data memory contains the

appropriate values throughout a tasks execution.
You can duplicate or buffer data at the beginning of
the scan to provide reference values for your logic.

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Glossary

array
An array lets you group data (of the same data type) under a common
name.
An array is similar to a file.
A subscript (s) identifies each individual element within the
array.
A subscript starts at 0 and extends to the number of elements
minus 1 (zero based).
To expand an array and
display its elements, click
the + sign.

To collapse an array and

hide its elements, click
the sign.

This array contains six

elements of the DINT
data type.

elements of
timer_presets

six DINTs

42367

An array tag occupies a contiguous block of memory in the

controller, each element in sequence.
You can use array and sequencer instructions to manipulate or
index through the elements of an array
An array can have as many as three dimensions. This gives you
the flexibility to identify an element using one, two, or three
subscripts (coordinates).

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Glossary

In an array with two or three dimensions, the right-most

dimension increments first in memory.

This array contains a

two-dimensional grid
of elements, six
elements by six
elements.

42367

When the right-most dimension

starts over, the dimension to the
left increments by one.

The right-most dimension

increments to its maximum value
then starts over.

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Glossary

The total number of elements in an array is the product of each

dimensions size, as depicted in the following examples:
This array:

Stores data like:

For example:

one dimension

Tag name:

Type

Dimension 0

Dimension 1

Dimension 2

one_d_array

DINT[7]

--

--

total number of elements = 7

valid subscript range DINT[x] where x=06
two dimension

Tag name:

Type

Dimension 0

Dimension 1

Dimension 2

two_d_array

DINT[4,5]

--

total number of elements = 4 5 = 20

valid subscript range DINT[x,y] where x=03; y=04
three dimension

Tag name:

Type

Dimension 0

three_d_array

DINT[2,3,4] 2

Dimension 1

Dimension 2

total number of elements = 2 3 4 = 24

valid subscript range DINT[x,y,z] where x=01; y=02, z=03

You can modify array dimensions when programming offline

without loss of tag data. You cannot modify array dimensions
when programming online.
application
The combination of routines, programs, tasks, and I/O configuration
used to define the operation of a single controller. See project.

base tag
A tag that actually defines the memory where a data element is stored.
See alias tag.

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Glossary

bidirectional connection
A connection in which data flows in both directions: from the
originator to the receiver and from the receiver to the originator. See
connection, unidirectional connection.
binary
Integer values displayed and entered in base 2 (each digit represents a
single bit). Prefixed with 2#. Padded out to the length of the boolean
or integer (1, 8, 16, or 32 bits). When displayed, every group of four
digits is separated by an underscore for legibility. See decimal,
hexadecimal, octal.
bit
Binary digit. The smallest unit of memory. Represented by the digits 0
(cleared) and 1 (set).
BOOL
An data type that stores the state of a single bit, where:
0 equals off
1 equals on
branch
There is no limit to the number of parallel branch levels that you can
enter. The following figure shows a parallel branch with five levels.
The main rung is the first branch level, followed by four additional
branches.

input instruction

output instruction

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Glossary

You can nest branches to as many as 6 levels. The following figure

shows a nested branch. The bottom output instruction is on a nested
branch that is three levels deep.
input instruction

output instruction

byte
A unit of memory consisting of 8 bits.

cached connection
With the MSG instruction, a cached connection instructs the controller
to maintain the connection even after the MSG instruction completes.
This is useful if you repeatedly execute the MSG instruction because
initiating the connection each time increases scan time. See
connection, uncached connection.
change of state (COS)
Any change in the status of a point or group of points on an I/
O module.
CIP
See Control and Information Protocol.
communication format
Defines how an I/O module communicates with the controller.
Choosing a communication format defines:
what configuration tabs are available through the
programming software
the tag structure and configuration method

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Glossary

compatible module
An electronic keying protection mode that requires that the vendor,
catalog number, and major revision attributes of the physical module
and the module configured in the software match in order to establish
a connection to the module. See disable keying, exact match.
connection
The communication mechanism from the controller to another module
in the control system. The number of connections that a single
controller can have is limited. Communications with I/O modules,
consumed tags, produced tags, and MSG instructions use connections
to transfer data.
consumed tag
A tag that receives the data that is broadcast by a produced tag over a
ControlNet network or ControlLogix backplane. A consumed tag must
be:
controller scope
same data type (including any array dimensions) as the remote
tag (produced tag)
See produced tag.
continuous task
The task that runs continuously.
The continuous task runs in the background. Any CPU time not
allocated to other operations (such as motion, communications,
and periodic tasks) is used to execute the programs within the
continuous task.
The continuous task restarts itself after the last of its programs
finishes.
A project does not require a continuous task.
If used, there can be only one continuous task.
All periodic tasks interrupt the continuous task.
When you create a project, the default MainTask is the
continuous task. You can leave this task as it is, or you can
change its properties (name, type, etc.).
See periodic task.

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Glossary

Control and Information Protocol

Messaging protocol used by Allen-Bradleys Logix5000 line of control
equipment. Native communications protocol used on the ControlNet
network.
controller fault handler
The controller fault handler is an optional task that executes when
the:
major fault is not an instruction-execution fault
program fault routine:
could not clear the major fault
faulted
does not exist
You can create only one program for the controller fault handler. After
you create that program, you must configure one routine as the main
routine.
The controller fault program does not execute a fault routine.
If you specify a fault routine for the controller fault program, the
controller never executes that routine.
You can create additional routines and call them from the main
routine.
controller scope
Data accessible anywhere in the controller. The controller contains a
collection of tags that can be referenced by the routines and alias tags
in any program, as well as other aliases in the controller scope.
See program scope.
Coordinated System Time (CST)
A 64-bit value that represents the number of microseconds since the
CST master controller started counting.
The CST value is stored as a DINT[2] array, where:
first element stores the lower 32 bits
second element stores the upper 32 bits
You can use the CST timestamp to compare the relative time
between data samples.

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COUNTER
Structure data type that contains status and control information for
counter instructions

data type
A definition of the memory size and layout that will be allocated when
you create a tag of that data type.
decimal
Integer values displayed and entered in base 10. No prefix. Not
padded to the length of the integer. See binary, hexadecimal, octal.
description
Optional text that you can use to further document your application.
You can use any printable character, including carriage return,
tab, and space.
Descriptions do not download to the controller. They remain in
the offline project file.
Descriptions have these length limitations:
For tags, you can use up to 120 characters.
For other objects (tasks, programs, modules, etc.), you can
use up to 128 characters.
dimension
Specification of the size of an array. Arrays can have as many as three
dimensions. See array.
DINT
A data type that stores a 32-bit (4-byte) signed integer value
(-2,147,483,648 to +2,147,483,647). In Logix5000 controllers, use
DINTs for integers:
Logix5000 controllers execute more efficiently and use less
memory when working with 32-bit integers (DINTs) instead of
16-bit integers (INTs) or 8-bit integers (SINTs).
Typically, instructions convert SINT or INT values to an optimal
data type (usually a DINT or REAL value) during execution.
Because this requires additional time and memory, minimize the
use of the SINT and INT data types.

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direct
An I/O connection where the controller establishes an individual
connections with an I/O module. See rack optimized.
disable keying
An electronic keying protection mode that requires no attributes of the
physical module and the module configured in the software to match
and still establishes a connection to the module. See compatible
module, exact match.
download
The process of transferring the contents of a project on the
workstation into the controller. See upload.

elapsed time
The total time required for the execution of all operations configured
within a single task.
If the controller is configured to run multiple tasks, elapsed time
includes any time used/shared by other tasks performing other
operations.
While online, you can use the Task Properties dialog box to view
the maximum scan time and the last scan time in ms for the
current task. These values are elapsed time, which includes any
time spent waiting for higher-priority tasks.
See execution time.
electronic keying
A feature of the 1756 I/O line where modules can be requested to
perform an electronic check to insure that the physical module is
consistent with what was configured by the software. Enables the user
via the software to prevent incorrect modules or incorrect revisions of
modules from being inadvertently used. See compatible module,
disable keying, exact match.

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element
An addressable unit of data that is a sub-unit of a larger unit of data. A
single unit of an array.
You specify an element in an array by its subscript(s):
For this array:

Specify:

one dimension

array_name[subscript_0]

two dimension

array_name[subscript_0,
subscript_1]

three dimension

array_name[subscript_0,
subscript_1, subscript_2]

See array.
exact match
An electronic keying protection mode that requires that all attributes
(vendor, catalog number, major revision, and minor revision) of the
physical module and the module configured in the software match in
order to establish a connection to the module.
execution time
The total time required for the execution of a single program.
Execution time includes only the time used by that single
program, and excludes any time shared/used by programs in
other tasks performing other operations.
When online, use the Program Properties dialog box to view the
maximum scan time and the last scan time (in s) for the current
program. These values are execution times for the program and
do not include any time spent waiting for other programs or
higher-priority tasks.
See elapsed time.
exponential
Real values displayed and entered in scientific or exponential format.
The number is always displayed with one digit to the left of the
decimal point, followed by the decimal portion, and then by an
exponent. See style.

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faulted mode
The controller generated a major fault, could not clear the fault, and
has shut down.
See major fault.
float
Real values displayed and entered in floating point format. The
number of digits to the left of the decimal point varies according to
the magnitude of the number. See style.

hexadecimal
Integer values displayed and entered in base 16 (each digit represents
four bits). Prefixed with 16#. Padded out to length of the boolean or
integer (1, 8, 16, or 32 bits). When displayed, every group of four
digits is separated by an underscore for legibility. See binary, decimal,
octal.

immediate value
An actual 32-bit signed real or integer value. Not a tag that stores
a value.
index
A reference used to specify an element within an array.
instruction
The controller evaluates ladder instructions based on the rung
condition preceding the instruction (rung-condition-in).

input instruction

rung-condition-in

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rung-condition-out

output instruction

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13

Only input instructions affect the rung-condition-in of subsequent

instructions on the rung:
If the rung-condition-in to an input instruction is true, the
controller evaluates the instruction and sets the
rung-condition-out to match the results of the evaluation.
If the instruction evaluates to true, the rung-condition-out is
true.
If the instruction evaluates to false, the rung-condition-out is
false.
An output instruction does not change the rung-condition-out.
If the rung-condition-in to an output instruction is true, the
rung-condition-out is set to true.
If the rung-condition-in to an output instruction is false, the
rung-condition-out is set to false.
In Logix5000 controllers, you can enter multiple output instructions
per rung of logic. You can enter the output instructions:
in sequence on the rung (serial)
between input instructions, as long as the last instruction on the
rung is an output instruction
The following example uses more than one output on a rung.

EXAMPLE

Place multiple outputs on a rung

When running_seconds.DN turns on, running_hours counts up by one and running_seconds resets.
running_seconds.DN

CTU
Count Up
Counter
Preset
Accum

running_hours
500
0

CU
DN

running_seconds
RES

When machine_on turns on, turns on drill_1_on. When both machine_on and drill[1].part_advance
are on, turns on conveyor_on.
machine_on

drill_1_on

drill[1].part_advance

conveyor_on

42362

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INT
A data type that stores a 16-bit (2-byte) integer value
(-32,768 to +32,767). Minimize your use of this data type:
Typically, instructions convert SINT or INT values to an optimal
data type (usually a DINT or REAL value) during execution.
Because this requires additional time and memory, minimize the
use of the SINT and INT data types.
interface module (IFM)
A pre-wired I/O field wiring arm.

listen-only connection
An I/O connection where another controller owns/provides the
configuration data for the I/O module. A controller using a listen-only
connection does not write configuration data and can only maintain a
connection to the I/O module when the owner controller is actively
controlling the I/O module. See owner controller.
load
To copy a project from nonvolatile memory to the user memory
(RAM) of the controller. This overwrites any project that is currently in
the controller. See nonvolatile memory, store.

main routine
The first routine to execute when a program executes. Use the main
routine to call (execute) other routines (subroutines).

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major fault
A fault condition that is severe enough for the controller to shut
down, unless the condition is cleared. When a major fault occurs, the
controller:
1. Sets a major fault bit
2. Runs user-supplied fault logic, if it exists
3. If the user-supplied fault logic cannot clear the fault, the
controller goes to faulted mode
4. Sets outputs according to their output state during program
mode
5. OK LED flashes red
The controller supports two levels for handling major faults:
program fault routine:
Each program can have its own fault routine.
The controller executes the programs fault routine when an
instruction fault occurs.
If the programs fault routine does not clear the fault or a
program fault routine does not exist, the controller proceeds
to execute the controller fault handler (if defined).
controller fault handler:
If the controller fault handler does not exist or cannot clear
the major fault, the controller enters faulted mode and shuts
down. At this point, the FAULTLOG is updated. (See the next
page.)
All non-instruction faults (I/O, task watchdog, etc.) execute
the controller fault handler directly. (No program fault routine
is called.)
The fault that was not cleared, and up to two additional faults that
have not been cleared, are logged in the controller fault log.

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major fault occurs

yes
instruction fault?

controller logs major

fault to current
PROGRAM
MajorFaultRecord

no

yes

program fault
routine exists?

execute current
programs
fault routine

no

yes
fault cleared?

no
continue logic
execution
controller logs major
fault to controller fault
handler PROGRAM
MajorFaultRecord

no

controller fault
handler exists
yes

execute controller
fault handler

yes
fault cleared?

no
continue logic
execution
enter faulted mode
record FAULTLOG
shut down

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See faulted state, minor fault.

major revision
The 1756 line of modules have major and minor revision indicators.
The major revision is updated any time there is a functional change to
the module. See electronic keying, minor revision.
master (CST)
Within a single chassis, one and only one, controller must be
designated as the Coordinated System Time (CST) master. All other
modules in the chassis synchronize their CST values to the
CST master.
member
An element of a structure that has its own data type and name.
Members can be structures as well, creating nested structure
data types.
Each member within a structure can be a different data type.
To reference a member in a structure, use this format:
tag_name.member_name
For example:
This address:

References the:

timer_1.pre

PRE value of the timer_1 structure.

input_load as data type load_info

height member of the user-defined

input_load structure

input_load.height

If the structure is embedded in another structure, use the tag

name of the structure at the highest level followed by a
substructure tag name and member name:
tag_name.substructure_name.member_name
For example:
This address:

References the:

input_location as data type location

height member of the load_info

structure in the input_location
structure.

input_location.load_info.height

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If the structure defines an array, use the array tag, followed by

the position in the array and any substructure and member
names.
array_tag[position].member
or

array_tag[position].substructure_name.member
_name
For example:
This address:

References the:

conveyor[10].source

source member of the 11th element in the

conveyor array (array elements are zero based).

conveyor[10].info.height

height member of the info structure in the 11th

element of the conveyor array (array elements are
zero based).

See structure.
memory
Electronic storage media built into a controller, used to hold programs
and data.
minor fault
A fault condition that is not severe enough for the controller to shut
down:
If this occurs:
problem with an instruction

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The controller:
1. sets S:MINOR
2. logs information about the fault to the
PROGRAM object, MinorFaultRecord
attribute
3. sets bit 4 of the FAULTLOG object,
MinorFaultBits attribute

periodic task overlap

sets bit 6 of the FAULTLOG object, MinorFaultBits

attribute

problem with the serial port

sets bit 9 of the FAULTLOG object, MinorFaultBits

attribute

low battery

sets bit 10 of the FAULTLOG object, MinorFaultBits

attribute

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To clear minor faults:

1. In the controller organizer, right-click the Controller
name_of_controller folder and select Properties.
2. Click the Minor Faults tab.
3. Use the information in the Recent Faults list to correct the cause
of the fault. Refer to "Minor Fault Codes" on page A-3.
4. Click the Clear Minors button.
See major fault.
minor revision
The 1756 line of modules have major and minor revision indicators.
The minor revision is updated any time there is a change to a module
that does not affect its function or interface. See electronic keying,
major revision.
multicast
A mechanism where a module can send data on a network that is
simultaneously received by more that one listener. Describes the
feature of the ControlLogix I/O line which supports multiple
controllers receiving input data from the same I/O module at the
same time.
multiple owners
A configuration setup where more than one controller has exactly the
same configuration information to simultaneously own the same
input module.

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name
Names identify controllers, tasks, programs, tags, modules, etc. Names
follow IEC-1131-3 identifier rules and:
must begin with an alphabetic character (A-Z or a-z) or an
underscore (_)
can contain only alphabetic characters, numeric characters,
and underscores
can have as many as 40 characters
must not have consecutive or trailing underscore characters (_)
are not case sensitive
download to the controller
network update time (NUT)
The repetitive time interval in which data can be sent on a
ControlNet network. The network update time ranges from
2ms-100ms.
nonvolatile memory
Memory of the controller that retains its contents while the controller
is without power or a battery. See load, store.

object
A structure of data that stores status information. When you enter a
GSV/SSV instruction, you specify the object and its attribute that you
want to access. In some cases, there are more than one instance of the
same type of object, so you might also have to specify the object
name. For example, there can be several tasks in your application.
Each task has its own TASK object that you access by the task name.
octal
Integer values displayed and entered in base 8 (each digit represents
three bits). Prefixed with 8#. Padded out to the length of the boolean
or integer (1, 8, 16, or 32 bits). When displayed, every group of three
digits is separated by an underscore for legibility. See binary, decimal,
hexadecimal.
offline
Viewing and editing a project that is on the hard disk of a workstation.
See online.

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online
Viewing and editing the project in a controller. See offline.
optimal data type
A data type that a Logix5000 instruction actually uses (typically the
DINT and REAL data types).
In the instruction set reference manuals, a bold data type
indicates an optimal data type.
Instructions execute faster and require less memory if all the
operands of the instruction use:
the same data type
an optimal data type
If you mix data types and use tags that are not the optimal data
type, the controller converts the data according to these rules
Are any of the operands a REAL value?
If:

Then input operands (e.g., source, tag in an expression,

limit) convert to:

Yes

REALs

No

DINTs

After instruction execution, the result (a DINT or REAL value)

converts to the destination data type, if necessary.
Because the conversion of data takes additional time and
memory, you can increase the efficiency of your programs by:
using the same data type throughout the instruction
minimizing the use of the SINT or INT data types
In other words, use all DINT tags or all REAL tags, along with
immediate values, in your instructions.

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The following table summarizes how the controller converts

data between data types:
Conversion:

Result:

larger integer to smaller integer

The controller truncates the upper portion of the larger integer and generates an overflow.
For example:
Decimal

Binary

DINT

65,665

0000_0000_0000_0001_0000_0000_1000_0001

INT

129

0000_0000_1000_0001

SINT

-127

1000_0001

SINT or INT to REAL

No data precision is lost

DINT to REAL

Data precision could be lost. Both data types store data in 32 bits, but the REAL type uses some
of its 32 bits to store the exponent value. If precision is lost, the controller takes it from the
least-significant portion of the DINT.

REAL to integer

The controller rounds the fractional part and truncates the upper portion of the non-fractional
part. If data is lost, the controller sets the overflow status flag.
Numbers round as follows:
Numbers other than x.5 round to the nearest number.
X.5 rounds to the nearest even number.
For example:
REAL (source)

DINT
(result)

-2.5

-2

-1.6

-2

-1.5

-2

-1.4

-1

1.4

1.5

1.6

2.5

owner controller
The controller that creates the primary configuration and
communication connection to a module. The owner controller writes
configuration data and can establish a connection to the module. See
listen-only connection.

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path
A description of the devices and networks between one device and
another. A connection from one device to another follows the
specified path. See connection.
periodic task
A task that is triggered by the operating system at a repetitive period
of time.
Use a periodic task for functions that require accurate or
deterministic execution.
Whenever the time expires, the task is triggered and its
programs are executed.
Data and outputs established by the programs in the task retain
their values until the next execution of the task or they are
manipulated by another task.
You can configure the time period from 1 ms to 2000 s. The
default is 10 ms.

ATTENTION

Ensure that the time period is longer than the sum of

the execution times of all the programs assigned to
the task. If the controller detects that a periodic task
trigger occurs for a task that is already operating, a
minor fault occurs.

Periodic tasks always interrupt the continuous task.

Depending on the priority level, a periodic task may interrupt
other periodic tasks in the controller.
See continuous task.
periodic task overlap
A condition that occurs when a task is executing and the same task is
triggered again. The execution time of the task is greater than the
periodic rate configured for the task. See periodic task.
predefined structure
A structure data type that stores related information for a specific
instruction, such as the TIMER structure for timer instructions.
Predefined structures are always available, regardless of the system
hardware configuration. See product defined structure.

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prescan
A function of the controller where the logic is examined prior to
execution in order initialize instructions and data.
The controller performs prescan when you change the controller from
Program mode to Run mode.
priority
Specifies which task to execute first if two tasks are triggered at the
same time.

The task with the higher priority executes first.

Priorities range from 1-15, with 1 being the highest priority.
A higher priority task will interrupt any lower priority task.
If two tasks with the same priority are triggered at the same
time, the controller switches between the tasks every
millisecond.

postscan
A function of the controller where the logic within a program is
examined before disabling the program in order reset instructions
and data.
power-up handler
An optional task that executes when the controller powers up in the
Run mode. To use the Power-Up Handler, you must create a
power-up program and associated main routine.

42195

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The Power-Up Handler executes as follows:

Did the controller power up

in Run mode?

No

Controller stays in the

current mode.

No

Controller stays in Run

mode and executes its
logic.

Yes

Controller stays in Run

mode and executes its
logic.

Yes
Does the Power-Up Handler
contain a program?
Yes
Major fault, type 1, code 1,
occurs.

Power-Up Handler program

executes.

Is the major fault cleared?

No
Controller enters the
faulted mode.

produced tag
A tag that a controller is making available for use by other controllers.
Produced tags are always at controller scope. See consumed tag.
product defined structure
A structure data type that is automatically defined by the software and
controller. By configuring an I/O module you add the product defined
structure for that module.

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program
A set of related routines and tags.
Each program contains program tags, a main executable routine,
other routines, and an optional fault routine.
To execute the routines in a program, you assign (schedule) the
program to a task:
When a task is triggered, the scheduled programs within the
task execute to completion from first to last.
When a task executes a program, the main routine of the
program executes first.
The main routine can, in turn, execute subroutines using the
JSR instruction.
The Unscheduled Programs folder contains programs that arent
assigned to a task.
If the logic in the program produces a major fault, execution
jumps to a configured fault routine for the program.
The routines within a program can access the following tags:
program tags of the program
controller tags
Routines cannot access the program tags of other programs.
See routine, task.
program scope
Data accessible only within the current program. Each program
contains a collection of tags that can only be referenced by the
routines and alias tags in that program. See controller scope.
project file
The file on your workstation (or server) that stores the logic,
configuration, data, and documentation for a controller.
The project file has an .ACD extension.
When you create a project file, the file name is the name of the
controller.
The controller name is independent of the project file name. If
you save a current project file as another name, the controller
name is unchanged.
If the name of the controller is different than the name of the
project file, the title bar of the RSLogix 5000 software displays
both names.
See application.
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rack optimized
An I/O connection where the 1756-CNB module collects digital I/O
words into a rack image (similar to 1771-ASB). A rack optimized
connection conserves ControlNet connections and bandwidth,
however, limited status and diagnostic information is available when
using this connection type. See direct.
rate
For a periodic task, the rate at which the controller executes the task,
from 1 ms to 2,000,000 ms (2000 seconds). The default is 10 ms.
REAL
A data type that stores a 32-bit (4-byte) IEEE floating-point value, with
the following range:
-3.402823E38 to -1.1754944E-38 (negative values)
0
1.1754944E-38 to 3.402823E38 (positive values)
The REAL data type also stores infinity and NAN, but the software
display differs based on the display format.
Display Format:

Equivalent:

Real

+infinite
- infinite
+NAN
-NAN

1.$
-1.$
1.#QNAN
-1.#QNAN

Exponential

+infinite
- infinite
+NAN
-NAN

1.#INF000e+000
-1.#INF000e+000
1.#QNAN00e+000
-1.#QNAN00e+000

removal and insertion under power (RIUP)

A ControlLogix feature that allows a user to install or remove a
module while chassis power is applied.

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requested packet interval (RPI)

When communicating over a the network, this is the maximum
amount of time between subsequent production of input data.
Typically, this interval is configured in microseconds.
The actual production of data is constrained to the largest
multiple of the network update time that is smaller than the
selected RPI.
Use a power of two times the ControlNet network update time
(NUT).
For example, if the NUT is 5 ms, type a rate of 5, 10, 20, 40 ms,
etc.
See network update time (NUT).
routine
A set of logic instructions in a single programming language, such as a
ladder diagram.
Routines provide the executable code for the project in a
controller (similar to a program file in a PLC or SLC controller).
Each program has a main routine:
When the controller triggers the associated task and executes
the associated program, the main routine is the first routine to
execute.
To call another routine within the program, enter a JSR
instruction in the main routine.
You can also specify an optional program fault routine.
If any of the routines in the associated program produce a
major fault, the controller executes program fault routine
See program, task.

scan time
See elapsed time, execution time.

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scope
Defines where you can access a particular set of tags. When you
create a tag, you assign (scope) it as either a controller tag or a
program tag for a specific program, as depicted below.

tags that all routines and external

devices (e.g., other controllers) can
access

tags that only the routines in

MainProgram can access

42195

You can have multiple tags with the same name:

Each tag must have a different scope. For example, one of the
tags can be a controller tag and the other tags can be program
tags for different programs. Or, each tag can be a program tag
for a different program.
Within a program, you cannot reference a controller tag if a tag
of the same name exists as a program tag for that program.
See controller scope, program scope.
SINT
A data type that stores an 8-bit (1-byte) signed integer value
(-128 to +127). Minimize your use of this data type:
Typically, instructions convert SINT or INT values to an optimal
data type (usually a DINT or REAL value) during execution.
Because this requires additional time and memory, minimize the
use of the SINT and INT data types.

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store
To copy a project to the nonvolatile memory of the controller. This
overwrites any project that is currently in the nonvolatile memory.
See load, nonvolatile memory.
string
A group of data types that store ASCII characters.

42811

42812

You can use the default STRING data type.

It stores up to 82 characters.

or

You can create a new string data type to store the

number of characters that you define.

Each string data type contains the following members:

Name:

Data Type:

Description:

Notes:

LEN

DINT

number of characters
in the string

The LEN automatically updates to the new count of characters whenever you:
use the String Browser dialog box to enter characters
use instructions that read, convert, or manipulate a string
The LEN shows the length of the current string. The DATA member may contain
additional, old characters, which are not included in the LEN count.

DATA

SINT array

ASCII characters of the

string

To access the characters of the string, address the name of the tag.
For example, to access the characters of the string_1 tag, enter
string_1.
Each element of the DATA array contains one character.
You can create new string data types that store less or more characters.

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New string data types are useful in the following situations:

If you have a large number of strings with a fixed size that is less
than 82 characters, you can conserve memory by creating a new
string data type.
If you must handle strings that have more than 82 characters,
you can create a new string data type to fit the required number
of characters.

IMPORTANT

Use caution when you create a new string data type.

If you later decide to change the size of the string
data type, you may lose data in any tags that
currently use that data type.
If you:

Then:

make a string data type

smaller

The data is truncated.

The LEN is unchanged.

make a string data type

larger

The data and LEN is reset to zero.

The following example shows the STRING data type and a new string
data type.

This tag uses the default STRING

data type.

This tag is an 20 element array of the default

STRING data type.

42234

This tag uses a new string data type.

The user named the string data
type STRING_24.
The new string data type stores
only 24 characters.

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Glossary

32

structure
Some data types are a structure.
A structure stores a group of data, each of which can be a
different data type.
Within a structure, each individual data type is called a
member.
Like tags, members have a name and data type.
You create your own structures, called a user-defined data
type, using any combination of individual tags and most other
structures.
To copy data to a structure, use the COP instruction. See the
Logix5000 Controllers General Instruction Set Reference Manual,
publication 1756-RM003.
The COUNTER and TIMER data types are examples of commonly
used structures.

To expand a structure and

display its members, click
the + sign.

COUNTER structure
To collapse a structure
and hide its members,
click the sign.

TIMER structure

members of
running_seconds

data types of the

members

42365

See member, user-defined data type.

style
The format that numeric values are displayed in. See ASCII, binary,
decimal, exponential, float, hexadecimal, octal.

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Glossary

33

system overhead time slice

Specifies the percentage of controller time (excluding the time for
periodic tasks) that is devoted to communication and background
functions (system overhead):
The controller performs system overhead functions for up to
1 ms at a time.
If the controller completes the overhead functions in less than
1 ms, it resumes the continuous task.
Communication and background functions include the
following:
communicate with programming and HMI devices (such as
RSLogix 5000 software)
respond to messages
send messages, including block-transfers
re-establish and monitor I/O connections (such as RIUP
conditions); this does not include normal I/O communications
that occur during program execution
bridge communications from the serial port of the controller
to other ControlLogix devices via the ControlLogix backplane
If communications are not completing fast enough, increase the
system overhead timeslice.
The following table shows the ratio between the continuos task and
the system overhead functions:
At this time slice:

The continuous tasks runs for:

And then overhead occurs for up

to:

10%

9 ms

1 ms

20%

4 ms

1 ms

33%

2 ms

1 ms

50%

1 ms

1 ms

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Glossary

34

At the default time slice of 10 %, system overhead interrupts the

continuous task every 9 ms (of continuous task time).
Legend:
Task executes.
Task is interrupted (suspended).

1 ms

1 ms

system overhead
9 ms

9 ms

continuous task
5

10

15

20

25

elapsed time (ms)

The interruption of a periodic task increases the elapsed time (clock

time) between the execution of system overhead.
1 ms

1 ms

1 ms

1 ms

periodic task
1 ms

1 ms

system overhead
9 ms of continuous task time

9 ms of continuous task time

continuous task
5

10

15

20

25

elapsed time (ms)

If you increase the time slice to 20 %, the system overhead interrupts

the continuous task every 4 ms (of continuous task time).
1 ms

1 ms

1 ms

1 ms

1 ms

system overhead
4 ms

4 ms

4 ms

4 ms

4 ms

continuous task
5
elapsed time (ms)

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

10

15

20

25

Glossary

35

If you increase the time slice to 50 %, the system overhead interrupts

the continuous task every 1 ms (of continuous task time).
1 ms
system overhead
1 ms
continuous task
5

10

15

20

25

elapsed time (ms)

If the controller only contains a periodic task (s), the system overhead
timeslice value has no effect. System overhead runs whenever a
periodic task is not running.
periodic task

system overhead
5

10

15

20

25

elapsed time (ms)

To change the system overhead time slice:

1. Open the RSLogix 5000 project.
2. In the controller organizer, right-click the Controller
name_of_controller folder and select Properties.
3. Click the Advanced tab.
4. In the System Overhead Time Slice text box, type or select the
percentage of overhead time (10 -90%).
5. Click OK.

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Glossary

36

tag
A named area of the controllers memory where data is stored.
Tags are the basic mechanism for allocating memory,
referencing data from logic, and monitoring data.
The minimum memory allocation for a tag is four bytes.
When you create a tag that stores a BOOL, SINT, or INT
(which are smaller than four bytes), the controller allocates
four bytes, but the data only fills the part it needs.
User-defined data types and arrays store data in contiguous
memory and pack smaller data types into 32-bit words.
The following examples show memory allocation for various
tags:
start, which uses the BOOL data type:
Memory
allocation
allocation

Bits
31

start

not used

station_status, which uses the DINT data type:

Memory
allocation:
allocation

Bits
31

station_status

mixer, which uses a user-defined data type:

Memory
allocation

Bits
31

24

allocation 1

mixer.pressure

allocation 2

mixer.temp

allocation 3

mixer.agitate_time

allocation 4

unused

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

23

unused

16

15

unused

8 7

bit 0 mixer.inlet
bit 1 mixer.drain
bit 2 mixer.agitate

Glossary

37

temp_buffer, which is an array of four INTS (INT[4] ):

Memory
allocation:

Bits
31

16

allocation 1

temp_buffer[1]

temp_buffer[0]

allocation 2

temp_buffer[3]

temp_buffer[2]

See alias tag, base tag, consumed tag.

task
A scheduling mechanism for executing a program.
By default, each new project file contains a pre-configured
continuous task.
You configure additional, periodic tasks, as needed.
A task provides scheduling and priority information for a set of
one or more programs that execute based on specific criteria.
Once a task is triggered (activated), all the programs assigned
(scheduled) to the task execute in the order in which they are
displayed in the controller organizer.
You can only assign a program to one task at a time.
See continuous task, periodic task.
timestamp
A ControlLogix process that records a change in input data with a
relative time reference of when that change occurred.

uncached connection
With the MSG instruction, an uncached connection instructs the
controller to close the connection upon completion of the mSG
instruction. Clearing the connection leaves it available for other
controller uses. See connection, cached connection.
unidirectional connection
A connection in which data flows in only one direction: from the
originator to the receiver. See connection, bidirectional connection.

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Glossary

38

upload
The process of transferring the contents of the controller into a project
file on the workstation.
If you do not have the project file for a controller, you can upload
from the controller and create a project file. However, not everything
that is stored in a project file is available from the controller. If you
upload from a controller, the new project file will not contain:
rung comments
descriptions for tags, tasks, programs, routines, modules, or
user-defined structures
chains of aliases (aliases pointing to other aliases)
Alias chains are not completely reconstructed from the
controller. If there are several possible names for a data item, the
firmware and software choose a best-fit alias that may not reflect
how the alias was specified in the original project.
See download.
user-defined data type
You can also create your own structures, called a user-defined data
type (also commonly referred to as a user-defined structure). A
user-defined data type groups different types of data into a single
named entity.

Within a user-defined data type, you define the members.

Like tags, members have a name and data type.
You can include arrays and structures.
Once you create a user-defined data type, you can create one or
more tags using that data type.
Minimize your use of the following data type because they
typically increase the memory requirements and execution time
of your logic:
INT
SINT
For example, some system values use the SINT or INT data type.
If you create a user-defined data type to store those values, then
use the corresponding SINT or INT data type.

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Glossary

39

If you include members that represent I/O devices, you must

use ladder logic to copy the data between the members in the
structure and the corresponding I/O tags. Refer to "Buffer I/O"
on page 8-1.
When you use the BOOL, SINT, or INT data types, place
members that use the same data type in sequence:
more efficient

less efficient

BOOL

BOOL

BOOL

DINT

BOOL

BOOL

DINT

DINT

DINT

BOOL

You can use single dimension arrays.

You can create, edit, and delete user-defined data types only
when programming offline.
If you modify a user-defined data type and change its size, the
existing values of any tags that use the data type are set to
zero (0).
To copy data to a structure, use the COP instruction. See the
Logix5000 Controllers General Instruction Set Reference Manual,
publication 1756-RM003.
See structure.

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Glossary

40

watchdog
Specifies how long a task can run before triggering a major fault.
Each task has a watchdog timer that monitors the execution of
the task.
A watchdog time can range from 1 ms to 2,000,000 ms (2000
seconds). The default is 500 ms.
The watchdog timer begins to time when the task is initiated and
stops when all the programs within the task have executed.
If the task takes longer than the watchdog time, a major fault
occurs: (The time includes interruptions by other tasks.)
A watchdog time-out fault (major fault) also occurs if a task
triggered again while it is executing (periodic task overlap). This
can happen if a lower-priority task is interrupted by a
higher-priority task, delaying completion of the lower-priority
task.
You can use the controller fault handler to clear a watchdog
fault. If the same watchdog fault occurs a second time during the
same logic scan, the controller enters faulted mode, regardless
of whether the controller fault handler clears the watchdog fault.

ATTENTION

If the watchdog timer reaches a configurable preset,

a major fault occurs. Depending on the controller
fault handler, the controller might shut down.

To change the watchdog time of a task:

1. Open the RSLogix 5000 project.
2. In the controller organizer, right-click name_of_task and
select Properties.
3. Click the Configuration tab.
4. In the Watchdog text box, type a watchdog time.
5. Click OK.

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Index
A
address
assign indirect 7-1
enter 4-7
alias
create 6-3
use 6-1
array
create 3-10
index through 7-1
organize 3-1
produce large array 11-1
ASCII
build string 13-12
compare characters 13-4
configure serial port 12-3
configure user protocol 12-5
connect device 12-2
convert characters 13-6
decode message 13-8
enter characters 12-21
extract characters 13-2
manipulate characters 13-1
organize data 12-8
read characters 12-9
write characters 12-14

B
bar code
extract characters 13-2
test characters 13-4
branch
enter 4-3
buffer
I/O 8-1

C
chassis size 1-3
clear
major fault 9-4, 15-1
minor fault 17-1
codes
major fault A-1
minor fault A-3
communicate
other controllers 10-1
compare

ASCII characters 13-4

compliance tables B-5
configure
driver 9-1
load from nonvolatile memory 19-1
serial port for ASCII 12-3
user protocol for ASCII 12-5
consume
integers from PLC-5C 10-9
tag 10-1
controller
change properties 1-3
download 9-2
mode 9-3
shut down 16-1
suspend 16-1
verify 2-5
ControlNet
configure driver 9-1
produce and consume data 10-1
convert
ASCII characters 13-6
create
alias 6-3
array 3-10
driver 9-1
project file 1-1
routine 2-3
string 13-12
string data type 12-8
structure 3-8
subroutine 2-3
tag 3-10, 4-7
tag using Excel 3-11
user-defined data type 3-8

D
data
ASCII 12-8
definitions B-2
enter ASCII characters 12-21
force 14-1
produce and consume 10-1
data table 3-1
download 9-2
driver
configure 9-1

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Index

E
enter
address 4-7
ASCII characters 12-21
force 14-2
function block instruction 4-4
ladder instruction 4-3
Ethernet
configure driver 9-1
produce and consume tags 10-1
extract
ASCII characters 13-2

instruction
enter function block 4-4
enter ladder 4-3
instruction set B-4
IREF 4-4

L
LED
force 14-7
load a project 19-1
logic
enter function block instruction 4-4
enter ladder instruction 4-3

F
fault
clear 9-4, 15-1
create user-defined 16-1
develop routine to clear fault 15-1, 18-1
major fault codes A-1
minor fault codes A-3
monitor minor 17-1
test a fault routine 15-4
force
disable 14-6
enable 14-5
enter 14-2
LED 14-7
monitor 14-7
remove 14-6
tag 14-1
function block
controllers that support function blocks 2-1
enter 4-4

M
major fault
codes A-1
create user-defined 16-1
develop fault routine 15-1, 18-1
manipulate string 13-1
message
decode string 13-8
organize tags 10-11
minor fault
clear 17-1
codes A-3
logic 17-1
mode
controller 9-3
monitor forces 14-7

N
nonvolatile memory 19-1

I
I/O
buffer 8-1
synchronize with logic 8-1
ICON 4-4
IEC 1131-3 compliance
data definitions B-2
instruction set B-4
introduction B-1
operating system B-2
program portability B-4
programming language B-3
tables B-5
indirect address 7-1
Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

O
OCON 4-4
open
routine 4-1
operating system B-2
OREF 4-4
organize
array 3-1
strings 12-8
structure 3-1
tag 3-1
tasks 2-2

Index

P
PLC-5C
share data 10-6, 10-7, 10-9
produce
large array 11-1
tag 10-1
tags for PLC-5C 10-6, 10-7
program
portability B-4
program mode 9-3
programming language B-3
project
download 9-2
load from nonvolatile memory 19-1
store in nonvolatile memory 19-1
upload 9-4
project file
create 1-1

R
read
ASCII characters 12-9
routine
create 2-3
enter function block instructions 4-4
enter ladder instructions 4-3
languages 2-1
open 4-1
verify 4-10
RSLinx
configure 9-1
run mode 9-3
rung
enter 4-3

S
save 1-2
see also store a project
save as 1-2
send
ASCII characters 12-14
serial
cable wiring 12-2
configure port for ASCII 12-3
connect an ASCII device 12-2
shut down the controller 16-1
slot number 1-3
status

monitor 5-1, 5-2

store a project 19-1
string
compare characters 13-4
convert characters 13-6
create 13-12
data type 12-8
enter characters 12-21
extract characters 13-2
manipulate 13-1
organize data 12-8
read characters 12-9
write characters 12-14
string data type
create 12-8
structure
create 3-8
organize 3-1
subroutine
create 2-3
suspend
controller 16-1
symbol
create 6-1
system data
access 5-2

T
tag
assign 4-7
create 3-10, 4-7
create alias 6-3
create using Excel 3-11
enter 4-7
force 14-1
organize 3-1
organize for message 10-11
produce and consume 10-1
produce large array 11-1
share with PLC-5C 10-6, 10-7, 10-9
string 12-8
task
organize 2-2
test a fault routine 15-4
test mode 9-3

U
upload 9-4

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

Index

user protocol
configure for ASCII 12-5
user-defined data type
create 3-8

V
verify
controller 2-5

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001

routine 4-10

W
weight
convert 13-6
write
ASCII characters 12-14

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Logix5000 Controllers Common Procedures Programming Manual

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Pub. No.

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Pub. Date

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Part No.

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Other Comments

ASCII Character Codes

Hex

Character

Dec

Hex

Character

Dec

Hex

Character

Dec

Hex

[ctrl-@] NUL 0

$00

SPACE

32

$20

64

$40

96

$60

[ctrl-A] SOH

$01

33

$21

65

$41

97

$61

[ctrl-B] STX

$02

34

$22

66

$42

98

$62

[ctrl-C] ETX

$03

35

$23

67

$43

99

$63

[ctrl-D] EOT

$04

36

$24

68

$44

100

$64

[ctrl-E] ENQ

$05

37

$25

69

$45

101

$65

[ctrl-F] ACK

$06

&

38

$26

70

$46

102

$66

[ctrl-G] BEL

$07

39

$27

71

$47

103

$67

[ctrl-H] BS

$08

40

$28

72

$48

104

$68

[ctrl-I] HT

$09

41

$29

73

$49

105

$69

[ctrl-J] LF

10

$l ($0A)

42

$2A

74

$4A

106

$6A

[ctrl-K] VT

11

$0B

43

$2B

75

$4B

107

$6B

[ctrl-L] FF

12

$0C

44

$2C

76

$4C

108

$6C

[ctrl-M] CR

13

$r ($0D)

45

$2D

77

$4D

109

$6D

[ctrl-N] SO

14

$0E

46

$2E

78

$4E

110

$6E

[ctrl-O] SI

15

$0F

47

$2F

79

$4F

111

$6F

[ctrl-P] DLE

16

$10

48

$30

80

$50

112

$70

[ctrl-Q] DC1

17

$11

49

$31

81

$51

113

$71

[ctrl-R] DC2

18

$12

50

$32

82

$52

114

$72

[ctrl-S] DC3

19

$13

51

$33

83

$53

115

$73

[ctrl-T] DC4

20

$14

52

$34

84

$54

116

$74

[ctrl-U] NAK

21

$15

53

$35

85

$55

117

$75

[ctrl-V] SYN

22

$16

54

$36

86

$56

118

$76

[ctrl-W] ETB

23

$17

55

$37

87

$57

119

$77

[ctrl-X] CAN

24

$18

56

$38

88

$58

120

$78

[ctrl-Y] EM

25

$19

57

$39

89

$59

121

$79

[ctrl-Z] SUB

26

$1A

58

$3A

90

$5A

122

$7A

ctrl-[ ESC

27

$1B

59

$3B

91

$5B

123

$7B

[ctrl-\] FS

28

$1C

<

60

$3C

92

$5C

124

$7C

ctrl-] GS

29

$1D

61

$3D

93

$5D

125

$7D

[ctrl-^] RS

30

$1E

>

62

$3E

94

$5E

126

$7E

[ctrl-_] US

31

$1F

63

$3F

95

$5F

DEL

127

$7F

Character

Dec

Publication 1756-PM001C-EN-P - June 2001 1

Supersedes Publication 1756-PM001B-EN-P - November 2000

PN 957464-72
2001 Rockwell International Corporation. Printed in the U.S.A.