PLC programming has long been a challenge for end users, relying on outdated techniques that often lead to inefficiency and complexity.
Elimar.com proposes a new approach that streamlines programming routines while ensuring both speed and reliability. This object-oriented programming methodology introduces a hierarchical structure, making it easier to name and locate every element within the system.
Key advantages of this approach include:
- Hardware Independence: I/O is fully parameterized, allowing programming objects to remain unaffected by hardware variations.
- Scalability: Components can be freely increased or reduced with minimal overhead, ensuring flexibility in system design.
- Reusable Program Blocks: Blocks can be easily repurposed across multiple projects, significantly improving efficiency.
- Seamless Integration with SCADA Systems: Variables such as timer settings, maximum values, and other process parameters can be directly updated by external SCADA systems, enhancing adaptability.
By adopting this programming methodology, PLC systems become more structured, scalable, and adaptable to changing industrial requirements.
Download a Tia Portal V18 programing sample at ElimarSoft/TIA-PORTAL-WITH-EXCEL
Questions & Answers about Elimar.com proposal
Are PLC programs monolithic?
Not necessarily. Several monolithic blocks can be included in a PLC, but at the same time, they can be distributed across multiple PLCs—and vice versa. Full scalability is an intrinsic feature of both software and hardware.
Are User Defined Types (UDTs) allowed?
User Defined Types (UDTs) may seem like an elegant solution for programming PLCs, but they can introduce poor programming practices.
- UDTs are global within a PLC, so if two programs with different UDT definitions are combined, it can create significant conflicts.
- Blocks become dependent on UDT definitions, which contradicts modular programming principles.
- UDT hierarchical structures can be complex—modifying the definition of a base structure may affect multiple other structures. Making online changes can lead to unpredictable results.
Do most programming environments support Classes/Objects?
Yes. The TIA Portal software supports the use of Objects (FBs), whereas Rockwell RS-5000 mainly relies on UDTs, at least up to version 19. Ever wonder why Java programs are built with classes? The structured organization of objects makes code more scalable and maintainable.
Does program definition rely on Excel documentation?
Yes, even if you don’t prefer Excel, it remains one of the most powerful and widely recognized tools for organizing and documenting program structures. Using Excel reduces programming time and minimizes errors.
What is a block?
A block is a self-contained unit that can embed other blocks while remaining usable in any environment without modification.
- It interacts with the external world only through defined logic, interfaces, I/O, and clocks—similar to a device that functions as per its user manual.
- A block never accesses the unknown outside world.
