Function Blocks
Function blocks are ready-made building blocks for typical automation tasks such as delays, counters, averages or threshold switches. A function block continuously calculates its value from another tag (the source) or from the current time and provides the result as a tag itself.
The result can be visualized, recorded and used for alarms just like any other tag. In addition, a function block can serve as a source for another tag, which then switches something or is processed further programmatically in a PLC program or a script.
Create a function block
In the object tree, a new function block can be created in the Function Blocks node using the icon. After selecting the desired block, the function parameters of the block are defined in addition to the general properties such as name and unit.
Available function blocks
| Function block | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| On/Off-Delay Timer (TON/TOF) | Switches the output on and/or off with a delay. | |
| Pulse Timer (TP) | Switches the output on for a fixed duration, e.g. for a staircase light function. | |
| Operating Hours Counter (OPH) | Counts the time during which the source is active. | |
| Integrator (INT) | Sums up a flow rate or a power into a total quantity. | |
| Moving Average (MOV) | Calculates the average over a moving time window. | |
| Threshold Switch / Two-Point Controller (HYST) | Switches on when a turn-on threshold is reached and off when a turn-off threshold is reached. | |
| Timer (SCHED) | Switches based on a weekly schedule with special days. | |
| Sunrise/Sunset Switch (ASTRO) | Switches depending on the position of the sun at the location. |