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How Does SFC Programming Work

Sequential Function Charts (SFCs) are used to execute operations in steps until a transition condition is met, facilitating both sequential and parallel operations in control systems. Each SFC consists of steps connected by transitions, with specific conditions that must be satisfied for progression. The SFC programming language visually represents these operations, making it easier to design complex sequential systems, such as those found in washing machines.

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12 views

How Does SFC Programming Work

Sequential Function Charts (SFCs) are used to execute operations in steps until a transition condition is met, facilitating both sequential and parallel operations in control systems. Each SFC consists of steps connected by transitions, with specific conditions that must be satisfied for progression. The SFC programming language visually represents these operations, making it easier to design complex sequential systems, such as those found in washing machines.

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princeessien09
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Sequential Function Charts (SFCs) operate on the principle

of carrying out operations in steps until a transition condition is


met. This is simply carrying out the operation in each step until
such time as the state of the transition changes.
A step sequence is the alternating sequence of steps that trigger
certain actions respectively, and transitions that cause a step to
change into another one as soon as the corresponding step
enabling condition is met. Each step sequence has exactly one
start step and one end step and in addition any number of
intermediate steps that are connected respectively through
oriented edges by means of interposed transitions. The diagrams
may also generate feedback through loops within the step
sequence. They also can include parallel or alternative branches.
However, in this case it has to be ensured during the design that
the sequence does not contain segments that are unsafe or
unavailable.
Sequential controls allow for processing sequential and parallel
operations in a mode that is discrete with respect to time or
events. They are used to coordinate different continuous
functions as well as controlling complex process sequences.
Depending on defined states or events, operating and mode
changes are generated in the existing logic control systems and
as a result, the desired sequential performance is implemented.
They are implemented through one or several step sequences.
Sequential controls include processing sequential and parallel
operations that are discrete in terms of time or events, mainly to
control complex process sequences. SFC programming language
makes it easier to visualize and design complex sequential
systems. In this programming language, the operations are
described as separate steps that are sequentially connected.
An example of this sequential connection can be seen in the
operation of a washing machine. When a program is selected on
the washing machine, it has multiple steps that come one after
the other. When one step is over, the next automatically begins.
The terms ‘steps’ and ‘state’ represent the same concept in SFC
programming.
In SFC programming, states or steps are represented by
rectangular boxes. A vertical straight line connects the different
steps, and each step has a corresponding output. There is a
transition condition between steps. Figure 1 below shows the
general diagram for the sequential function chart.
Figure 1. SFC diagram that shows the separate steps that
are sequentially connected.

The first box represents the start of the operation. Two states are
connected with a vertical line. The horizontal lines between boxes
represent transition conditions. Sometimes, transition conditions
can be denoted by a much smaller rectangle between the larger
states.
After a step is completed, the process moves on to the next state
only if the transition condition(s) is also satisfied.
Each of the states also has corresponding outputs. Outputs are
represented as rectangular boxes linked horizontally to their
respective state.
Two conditions must be followed for every SFC:
1. There should be a transition condition between two steps.
2. A step should always separate two transition conditions.
Every SFC can be represented by an equivalent ladder
logic. Figure 2 shows an example.
Figure 2. SFC diagram representated by an equivalent
ladder logic.

The first rung of the ladder is equivalent to Step 1. Only if IN 1


occurs will OUT 1 also activate. The second rung is equivalent to
Step 2. Only if OUT 1 and IN 2 occur will OUT 2 activate.
SFCs can be summed as a combination of:
 Steps with corresponding actions
 Transitions with associated logic conditions
 Links between steps and transitions which are direct and
with direction
Reference:

https://www.automation.siemens.com/sce-static/learning-training-
documents/pcs7/v7-0/p01-07-sequential-function-chart-rc1012-
en.pdf

https://control.com/technical-articles/an-overview-of-sequential-
function-chart-sfc-programming/

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