FUNCTIONS AND

FUNCTION
BLOCKS
Marvick A. Milarpez
BSME V-GM

Apart from the contact and coil

elements, LD provides the unlimited
use functions and function blocks in so
far as this feature is supported by the
controller used.

 Prerequisite for the incorporation of so-called

organization units, is the availability of at least
one Boolean input and one Boolean output of the
block in the question. If this is not the case , a
Boolean input with the formal parameter EN
(enable) is added to the corresponding functions
or function modules as well as a Boolean output
ENO (enable OK). The Boolean inputs / outputs are
required to permit the power flow though the
block.

Incorporation of functions

Invocation of function block

The addition shown in fig. B8.3a is only

undertaken, if a 1-signal is applied at the
input EN. If this is the case, variables
Quantity _1 and Quantity_2 are added and
the result of these variables assigned to
the variable Fillin_level. At the same time,
the value of output ENO indicates, whether
the addition has been executed, activated
and correct (ENO=1). If the block has not
been processed correctly, the output ENO
assumes the value 0.

Function modules such as for instance the

signal delay shown in fig. B8.3b can be
incorporated in the ladder diagram without
additional EN input and ENO output. The
function block is connected with the elements
of the current rung in the usual manner via
the Boolean input IN and the Boolean output
Q. If the input %I1.3 In fig. b8.3b assumes the
value 1, the function block copy T_starup is
processed with the preset time duration of
7sec. The value of output Q of t_startup is
assigned to output %Q2.4.