used to place decorative lines on a Control Diagram.Read More.
GLOSSARY
A B C D E F GHI JKL M N O PQ R S T UV WX YZ
A component on a Control Diagram which contributes to the
functioning of the program which will be loaded into the
target system.
Examples of Active Components:
A means whereby the AmbiLogique PLC Processor Module locates
input and output facilities.
The address is comprised of 4 components:-
The process of making changes to the wiring on the
Control Diagram after components have been placed on it.
Read More.
Refers to a signal which has a range of values rather than
just two (FALSE, TRUE) states.
Analogue signals can have integer (... -2, -1, 0, 1, 2 ...)
values or "real" (floating-point) values.
Integers can represent whole numbers up to 16,777,215 positive or
negative.
Real values can be positive or negative, and represent very small
(down to 2.9E-39) or very large values (up to 1.1E+43).
An input or output pin on a function block which accepts or
generates analogue signals (see above).
If a digital (binary) signal is connected to an analogue input
pin, it is seen as having the values 0.00 (FALSE) or 1.00 (TRUE).
Read More.
The printed circuit board assembly into which the
Power/Comms Module, the Processor Module and any Expansion
Modules plug.
The Backplane carries power and communications signals between
the modules, and provides for Slot address recognition.
The backplane is fitted with clips which secure the entire
assembly to the DIN rail in your system enclosure.
Refers to a signal which has only two possible states, which we call "FALSE" (0) and "TRUE" (1).
A file which carries the essential information in a Control
Diagram, suitable for uploading into a target system.
Read More.
The address of an AmbiLogique "box" i.e. a subsystem
consisting of a Processor Module and any Expansion Modules
fitted to the same backplane.
Read More.
The process of translating the visual Control Diagram
on screen into a form in which it can be uploaded to the
AmbiLogique target hardware.
Read More.
A junction between wires on a Control Diagram which violates
the connection rules.
A junction must have one wire finish and one or two wire starts.
Read More.
A special signal whose value is fixed for the life of a program.
A constant is formed on the Control Diagram by placing a wire
with an open (unconnected) start, and giving it a name which is
entirely numeric (note that 'E' or 'e' representation of real numbers
also works).
Read More.
The arrangement of function blocks and wires which determine how
the AmbiLogique controller will react to its inputs and activate
its outputs.
The Control Diagram is the AmbiLogique controller's user program.
An AmbiLogique Control Diagram can consist of one or more diagram
sheets, each of which carries Function Blocks, Wires, Text and
Decorative Lines.
Read More.
A portion of an AmbiLogique Control Diagram which can be printed
out on a single sheet of paper; and can be viewed on the computer
screen in its entirety.
An AmbiLogique Control Diagram can consist of one or more sheets.
Read More.
A mechanism for connecting points on a Control Diagram which
are inconvenient or impossible to run wires between, for example
on different diagram sheets.
Cross-references with the same signal name will be connected
when the final Control Diagram is compiled.
Read More.
An incoming cross-reference is formed on the Control Diagram
by placing a wire with an open (unconnected) start,
and assigning the cross-reference signal name to it.
Read More.
An outgoing cross-reference is formed on the Control Diagram
by placing a wire with an open (unconnected) finish,
and assigning the cross-reference signal name to it.
Read More.
A cursor symbol, representing a pencil,
used to place decorative lines on a Control Diagram.
Read More.
Remove one or more entities from the Control Diagram. Read How To
The point where a wire ends up.
This is normally the input pin of a function block,
but can also be an outgoing cross-reference.
The destination is what receives the signal.
Read More.
The arrangement of function blocks and wires which determine
how the AmbiLogique controller will react to its inputs and
activate its outputs.
The Control Diagram is the AmbiLogique controller's
user program.
An AmbiLogique Control Diagram can consist of one
or more diagram sheets.
Read More.
A portion of an AmbiLogique Control Diagram which can be printed
out on a single sheet of paper; and can be viewed on the
computer screen in its entirety.
An AmbiLogique Control Diagram can consist of one or more sheets.
Read More.
A special function block which relates directly to physical
terminals on the Processor Module or an Expansion Module.
There are distinct function blocks for input terminals (TERMIN)
and output terminals (TERMOUT).
Read More.
Digital
Refers to a signal which has only two possible states,
which we call "FALSE" (0) and "TRUE" (1).
Digital signals can represent any quality which has only two
states, for example On/Off; Ready/Not-ready; Up/Down; etc...
A function block pin which is associated with a digital (binary) signal.
A feature of digital pins is that they can be inverted so that the
TRUE/FALSE state of the signal is inverted as it passes through.
Read More.
An error caused by a wire source having a blank name.
This is usually caused by forgetting to name an incoming
cross-reference.
Read More.
Errors in wiring on a Control Diagram which are not apparent
within a single diagram sheet, and are not detected until
the Compile process.
Read More.
Errors in wiring on a Control Diagram which are apparent within
a single diagram sheet, and are detected by the Wire Check process.
Read More.
A kit of Ambilogique components which permits a working
system to be assembled, run and tested straight out of the box.
A typical evaluation kit includes:-
How To examine List Files.
A module which plugs into an expansion slot on an AmbiLogique
backplane, or which is designed to be connected to the PLC
via a bus cable.
Such modules provide additional input and/or output facilities
above those provided on the Processor module.
Read More.
An error message which may be displayed in the Wire Properties dialog. Read More.
Files which provide a readable record of either the function blocks
or the signals (constants and wires) in an AmbiLogique Control
Diagram.
Read More.
How To examine and understand List Files.
An error which is flagged on the
Wire Check.
Any junction should have just one wire finish, and
one or two wire starts attached to it.
Read More.
A component of a Control Diagram which carries out some form
of process on the input signals and generates an output signal.
The output signal is a function of the input conditions and the
function which the block carries out.
For example, an ADD function generates the sum of all the
signals which are connected to its inputs.
Read More.
The area of a function block which lies inside the pins
and within the block outline.
Read More.
A cursor symbol, representing a function block,
which helps you to place a newly chosen function block on your
Control Diagram.
Read More.
A file generated automatically by the Compile process,
which lists the function blocks on the Control Diagram
and their connections.
Read More.
The identifying name given to each function block.
These are assigned automatically by AmbiL_PLC when you first
place the function block on the Control Diagram,
but can be changed later via the 'Properties' option on the
function block right-click popup.
Read More.
The mechanism via which connections are made to function blocks.
In most cases a function block has one output pin and one
or more input pins.
Read More.
A mechanism for picking up a signal from another part of the
Control Diagram where it is inconvenient or impossible to run
a wire (e.g. on another sheet).
An incoming cross-reference is formed on the Control Diagram
by placing a wire with an open (unconnected) start, and
assigning the cross-reference signal name to it.
Read More.
Refers either to a physical connection to an AmbiLogique
system which senses something (such as a sensor, microswitch
or a panel control), or to an input terminal
(TERMI function block) on an Ambilogique Control Diagram
which relates directly to such a physical connection.
Read More.
A pin on a function block which exchanges TRUE for FALSE
and vice versa as the signal passes through it.
If a non-zero analog signal comes into the pin, FALSE comes out;
if the analog signal is zero, TRUE comes out of the pin.
Read More.
A fixed value similar to a constant, but which can be altered
without stopping the PLC.
Unlike constants, which are permanently wired into the Control
Diagram, K-Factors are stored in a special area of the PLC's
Flash memory.
K-Factors are accessed via a special Editor.
Read More.
A cursor symbol, representing a pencil,
used to place decorative lines on a Control Diagram.
Read More.
A file which provides a readable record of either the
function blocks or the signals (constants and wires) in an
AmbiLogique Control Diagram.
Read More.
A numerical value which is used to select individual input
or output facilities from a multiple-facility register.
The selection process is carried out by performing a bitwise
AND on the signal and the mask.
This means that for each '1' in the mask, the corresponding bit
in the signal is carried through: each '0' in the mask carries
a '0' through to the output.
Mask values are provided in the data sheets for processor and
expansion modules.
Read More.
The process of correcting errors which have been shown up by the
Wire Check or the
Compile process.
Read More.
A mode of operation in which a computer attached to an
AmbiLogique system continuously displays the values of the
internal signals superimposed on the Control Diagram.
Read More.
Techniques for wiring a single source (e.g. function block output pin)
to several destinations (function block input pins).
This is perfectly legitimate.
Read More.
An error which is flagged on the
Wire Check
Any junction should have just one wire finish, and one or two
wire starts attached to it.
Read More.
The identifying name given to each function block.
These are assigned automatically by AmbiL_PLC when you place
the function block on the Control Diagram, but can be changed
later via the 'Properties' option on the function block
right-click popup.
Read More.
The unique name which distinguishes a signal from all others
on the Control Diagram.
Every wire segment which carries the signal will be assigned
the signal name during the
Wire Check.
Signal names are vital for making the
cross-references
work properly.
An option in Wire Properties which enables the wire segment name
to be shown on the Control Diagram.
Read More.
The same as "signal name."
The name which is either assigned automatically or by
you the designer.
This acts as a label which enables AmbiL_PLC to connect
signals of the same name together.
Read More.
An error caused by a wire source having a blank name.
This is usually caused by forgetting to name an
incoming cross-reference.
Read More.
Non-Inverting Digital Pin, Normal Digital Pin
A pin on a function block which passes TRUE and FALSE
digital signals through itself unchanged.
If a non-zero analog signal comes into the pin, TRUE comes out;
if the analog signal is precisely zero, FALSE comes
out of the pin.
Read More.
A mechanism for transmitting a signal to another part of the
Control Diagram where it is inconvenient or impossible to run
a wire (e.g. on another sheet).
An outgoing cross-reference is formed on the Control
Diagram by placing a wire with an open (unconnected) finish,
and assigning the cross-reference signal name to it.
Read More.
Refers either to a physical connection to an AmbiLogique system
which controls something in the external environment
(such as an actuator or a panel indicator), or to
an output terminal (TERMO function block) on an AmbiLogique
Control Diagram which relates directly to such a physical
connection.
Read More.
A component of a Control Diagram which does not contribute
to the functioning of the program which the diagram represents.
Textual notes and decorative lines are examples of
passive components.
Read More.
Programmable Logic Controller.
An electronic device equipped with electrical terminals with
which it is connected to its process, and means of defining
(programming) the relationships between the input and output
devices.
Modern PLCs also provide analogue (continuous) functions.
PLCs are usually programmed by means of Control Diagrams
(ladder, function block, etc.) and execute the entire diagram
several times each second.
Each trip through the diagram is called a "scan."
AmbiLogique controllers are examples of modern PLCs.
A plug-in module which converts the available power supply to
the voltage(s) necessary to run the PLC system, and which also
contains a communications interface.
Power modules which do not have communications interfaces
are just called "Power Modules."
Read More.
A device which supplies power to run the AmbiLogique system.
This might itself be supplied with power from the mains, or
from a vehicle power system or battery.
Read More.
A plug-in module which converts the available power supply to
the voltage(s) necessary to run the system.
Some such modules also contain a communications interface,
in which case they are called "Power/Comms Modules."
Read More.
A plug-in module which contains the "brains" of the
controller, and is also the module in which the user-defined
program (Control Diagram) is stored.
One of the most popular AmbiLogique controllers is the CPDA-02.
Read More.
Otherwise known as a "Programmable Logic Controller"
or "PLC."
An electronic device equipped with electrical terminals with which
it is connected to its process, and means of defining (programming)
the relationships between the input and output devices.
Modern PLCs also provide analogue (continuous) functions.
PLCs are usually programmed by means of Control Diagrams
(function block, ladder, etc.) and execute the entire diagram
several times each second.
Each trip through the diagram is called a "scan."
AmbiLogique controllers are examples of modern PLCs.
A design exercise consisting of connecting an AmbiLogique
controller to its process electrically, then programming
the input-output relationships by means of an AmbiLogique
Control Diagram.
Read More.
Also the main menu item in the AmbiL_PLC software which is used to take the design-develop-implement process through its various stages.
A file maintained automatically by AmbiL_PLC to keep track
of wire checks, compilation status, communication parameters etc.
Read More.
The folder in which an AmbiLogique project and its design
and control files resides.
Each project has one folder, and each folder has one and
only one project.
Read More.
The address of a particular input or output register
(facility or group of facilites) on a processor or
expansion module.
Read More.
When AmbiL_PLC clears the screen and redraws the Control
Diagram sheet in its entirety.
You can make AmbiL_PLC redraw by left-clicking in an
empty space on the diagram, or by right-clicking
in empty space and selecting 'Redraw' from the pop-up
menu.
This is useful if you have dragged items to a new position.
Redrawing erases the trails left by dragged items.
A window through which an AmbiLogique PLC sees or influences
the outside world, or via which it can access its internals.
Every input and output has a register associated with it.
Registers can be unique to a single facility (usually one which
provides or receives an analogue signal) or can have several
facilities associated with them (usually digital or binary
facilities).
When several facilities share a register, they are separated
out by means of a
Mask.
Read More.
The address of a particular input or output facility on a
processor or expansion module.
Read More.
An operating mode in which the AmbiLogique processor is
scanning and executing its Control Diagram.
This is the normal, or default operating mode of an
AmbiLogique processor.
Read More.
The address field which corresponds to the backplane slot
into which a particular module is plugged.
Read More.
During design - selecting entities on the Control Diagram
can be done either by left-clicking on them (this selects
only one item at a time), holding down the Ctrl or Shift keys
and left-clicking items (this allows multiple items to be
selected) or left-clicking in a blank area of the diagram,
holding the left key down, and dragging a selection
rectangle over the diagram.
When you release the left mouse key, the items which are
inside or partly insisde the rectangle are selected.
Selected entries are outlined in red.
When selected, they can be dragged to a new location,
deleted (using the Del key) or cut to the clipboard (using
menu chain Edit->Cut or Ctrl+X).
On the Control Diagram, the Selection group of function
blocks allows AmbiL_PLC to choose which signal will be routed
through to an output depending on defined criteria.
Criteria include: select according to a number (vector);
highest; lowest; greatest magnitude; least magnitude.
Signal selection is the primary decision-making mechanism
in Ambilogique PLC's.
An option in Wire Properties which forces the wire segment name
to be shown on the Control Diagram.
Without this, only wires which are constants or cross-references
will display their names.
Read More.
A signal travels along a wire on the AmbiLogique Control Diagram.
Every function block (except a TERMOUT) generates a signal.
Signals are the variables with which the AmbiLogique PLC works
to carry out the control functions which you design.
The unique name which distinguishes a signal from all others
on the Control Diagram.
Every wire segment which carries the signal will be assigned
the signal name during the
Wire Check.
Signal names are vital for making the
cross-references
work properly.
Read More.
An option in Wire Properties which enables the wire segment
name to be shown on the Control Diagram.
Read More.
The process of correcting errors which have been shown up
by the Wire Check or the Compile process.
Read More.
The function block output pin which supplies a signal to a wire.
Read More.
In some cases the source of a signal can be a
constant or an
incoming cross-reference.
The backplane slot into which a particular module is plugged.
Processors always go in Slot 0, expansion modules go in slots 1
and upwards.
Power/Comms modules go into a dedicated backplane position which
has no slot number.
Expansion modules and special control devices can be wired into
bus extension cables attached to the backplane.
Modules wired in this way must be fitted with some means such
as a DIP switch to enable their slot address to be defined.
The address field which corresponds to the backplane slot
into which a particular module is plugged.
See "Slot" above for more detail.
Read More.
A package containing sufficient material to construct a
complete working AmbiLogique system.
This will normally contain:-
An indicator on the AmbiLogique processor which provides
information on the operating mode (Running or Stopped)
and the proportion of the available time taken for the
Control Diagram to be scanned and executed.
Read More.
An operating mode in which the AmbiLogique processor is
not scanning and executing its Control Diagram.
The processor must be placed in the Stop condition
before uploading a new diagram into it.
Read More.
A facility consisting of a set of registers which is grouped
separately within a module.
The module is addressed via its Slot address, so the Subslot
represents a portion of a module's interface.
Processors have several subslots; most expansion modules
only have one.
The address of the Subslot in which a desired input,
output or configuration facility lies.
See the "sUbslot" item above.
Read More.
A junction formed by one wire starting or ending part way
along another.
The wires will be connected together on the Wire Check.
Read More.
The AmbiLogique system which is being programmed (Uploaded),
verified or monitored.
The target must be physically and electronically connected
to the design computer for this to happen.
Read More.
Refers either to a physical connection to an AmbiLogique
system, or to a TERMI or TERMO function block on the
Control Diagram.
Read More.
Refers either to a physical connection to an AmbiLogique
system which senses something (such as a sensor, microswitch
or a panel control), or to an input terminal (TERMI function
block) on an Ambilogique Control Diagram which relates
directly to such a physical connection.
Read More.
Refers either to a physical connection to an AmbiLogique
system which controls something in the external environment
(such as an actuator or a panel indicator), or to an output
terminal (TERMO function block) on an AmbiLogique Control
Diagram which relates directly to such a physical connection.
Read More.
A panel containing switches, rotary controls, LEDs and
voltmeters, which can be connected to an AmbiLogique system
to manually stimulate the system inputs and monitor its
output states.
A Test Panel may form part of an Evaluation Kit.
A cursor symbol,
used to place text notes on a Control Diagram.
Read More.
The process of shortening or lengthening a wire or a decorative line.
Read More.
The address of the Subslot in which a desired input output or
configuration facility lies.
Read More.
This is a diagnostic message generated by the compiler.
It has found one or more incoming cross-references which
do not have a corresponding outgoing cross-reference.
All cross-references must have one and one only outgoing.
Read More.
The process of transferring a Control Diagram from the
computer on which it was designed, to the target system.
Read More.
A special feature of some function blocks which enable you
to set values within the function block itself without the
use of wiring.
Input and Output Terminals are examples of function blocks
with value boxes.
In these cases the value boxes allow you to set the addresses
of the terminal facilities your diagram will read or control.
Read More.
The process of confirming that the Control Diagram in
the target processor is the same as the Control Diagram
on the computer screen.
This requires a connection between the computer and the
target system.
Read More.
An active component of all AmbiLogique Control Diagrams which shows
as a black line.
The signal name can be displayed if required.
Every wire is composed of one or more wire segments,
each of which is a straight line with a start and a finish.
Read More.
A process which is carried out on each AmbiLogique Control
Diagram sheet before compilation.
In this process, the diagram sheet is checked for wiring errors,
and certain cleaning-up operations on the wiring are
carried out.
Read More
Read How To.
A text file generated by the AmbiL_PLC compiler,
which lists all the constants and signals in your diagram,
their sources and their destinations.
Read More.
The same as "signal name."
The wire/signal name which is either assigned automatically or by
you the designer.
This acts as a label which enables AmbiL_PLC to connect
signals of the same name together.
Read More.
A straight run of wire from a pin, junction, bend or
cross-reference to a pin, junction, bend or cross-reference.
Read More.
The process of making changes to the wiring on the
Control Diagram after components have been placed on it.
Read More.
The toolbar button
which starts the Wiring Tool
Read More.
The cursor symbol, representing a coil of wire,
which is shown when the Insert Wire mode is active.
Read More.
The address of an AmbiLogique "box" i.e. a subsystem
consisting of a Processor Module and any Expansion Modules
fitted to the same backplane.
Read More.
An attempt to connect two wires which cross at right angles.
This is illegal in AmbiLogique diagrams, and will result in
the two wires not connecting at all.
If you want to connect two wires in this way, you must offset
one of the wire segments so that two 'T' junctions are formed.
Note that you can cross wires, and they will not be connected.
Read More.
This is a diagnostic message generated by the compiler.
It has found one or more incoming cross-references which do
not have a corresponding outgoing cross-reference.
All cross-references must have one and one only outgoing.
Read More.
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