UNIVERSITY OF THE ORIENTE

MONK NUCLEUS
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
SPECIAL DEGREE COURSES
Automation and Control of Industrial Processes
Industrial Instrumentation and Control

TOPIC 8: PLC PROGRAMMING: FUNCTION BLOCK LANGUAGE

Unit V: PLC
Seminar: Industrial Instrumentation and Control

PLC Team
Sister Viña, María José
Brother Hernández, Leivi Elivel

Tutor: Ing. Edgar Goncalves

MATURÍN, MARCH 2016

 INDEX

INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................3
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK............................................................................................4
1. Programming languages oriented to PLC.....................................................4
2. Functional block diagram (Function block diagram – FBD)...................4
3. FBD language implementing the IEC 1131-3 function blocks.......5
4. Programming with functional blocks.........................................................5
5. Steps for programming with functional blocks...........................................6
5.1 Pasos..................................................................................................................6
5.2 Transitions
5.3 Links..............................................................................................................6
5.4 Conditions.......................................................................................................6
6. PLC simulators with functional block diagrams.....................................7
6.1 ZelioSoft............................................................................................................7
6.2 LogoComfort 5..................................................................................................7
6.3 UnityPro............................................................................................................7
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSIONS
BIBLIOGRAPHY..............................................................................................................10
 INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, industries have the primary goal of being able to control the
different variables of their equipment and machinery in the most effective way possible,
to this end, they must maintain a constant adaptation and update in each of the
implemented mechanisms, based on devices that allow it to monitor the
system and make the relevant decisions in the most efficient way, keeping in mind
that any organization employing different teams such as controllers must
configure it or program it through a programming language that allows for
user write their programs comfortably. This software is usually
graphical and works on personal computers with common operating systems. The
the most common programming systems for programming PLCs are: programming with
ladder diagram, functional block programming, and logic programming
boolena.

Considering that the topic to be developed in this presentation refers to the

block-based programming which has been designed to describe, program and
document the sequence of the control process, all in simple steps. Therefore, every time
the importance given by companies to the programming of devices such as
PLC to control your systems, as the benefits offered by these are extremely
broad since they guarantee a considerable decrease in the probability of presence
of errors during the operation of the equipment, in addition to being as efficient as possible
possible, since a good design of controllers in an organization ensures savings.
of money and time in the industry.
 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

1. Programming languages oriented to PLC

The programming language of a PLC allows for the creation of the program that
it will control your CPU. Through this language, the programmer will be able to communicate with the PLC and
thus entrusting a program to control the activities that the automaton must carry out.
Depending on the programming language used, a more or less complex program can be created.
less complex.

Along with the programming language, all PLC manufacturers provide a

environment software for the user to write their programs easily
comfortable. This software is usually graphical and works on personal computers
with common operating systems.

The most common programming systems for programming PLCs are:

Ladder diagram programming

Programming with functional blocks

Programming with Boolean logic.

2. Functional block diagram (Function block diagram – FBD)

It is a graphical language that allows the user to build complex procedures.

mediante la unión de bloques funcionales prediseñados. Este lenguaje gráfico también
describe a function between input variables and output variables, like a set
of elemental blocks, which are connected by connection lines, just like a
electrical circuit.

They generally use logical symbols to represent the function block.

logical outputs do not require incorporating a output coil, because the output is
represented by a variable assigned to the output of the block.

The logic functions diagram is especially convenient to use.

technicians accustomed to working with logic gate circuits, since the symbolism used
in both is equivalent.
 In addition to the standard and specific logical functions of the
Seller, the FBD language of the IEC 1131-3 standard allows the user to build their
own function blocks, according to the requirements of the control program.

Some characteristics of FBD are:

The outputs of the functional blocks will not connect to each other.

The evaluation of a network will be finished before the next one.

Below you can see a diagram with an excerpt from a program

built using this programming language.

3. FBD language implementing the IEC 1131-3 function block standard

Functional blocks are the equivalents of the integrated circuits used in

electronics, ICs, that represent specialized control functions. The blocks
functional ones contain both data and instructions, being able to store the values of
said variables between successive executions (which is one of the differences with the
functions). It is said therefore that functional blocks have 'memory', a characteristic
which gives them a great potential for use.
They present a well-defined input and output interface and internal code.
hidden, like an integrated circuit or a black box. In this way, they establish a clear
separation between the different levels of programmers, or maintenance staff.
A temperature control loop, PID, is an excellent example of a functional block. A
once defined, it can be used over and over again, in the same program, in different
programs or in different projects. This makes it highly reusable.

4. Programming with functional blocks

Nowadays, to program PLCs, as well as other equipment, an interface is used.
functional block diagram. This type of programming has been designed to describe,
program and document the sequence of the control process, all in simple steps.
 In Europe, a programming language called GRAFCET is used (created in
France, Transition Stage Order Chart). It is an extraordinarily simple language and
easy to understand for people with little knowledge of electrical automation.
It is specially designed to solve problems of sequential automation.
sequential logic, programming with functional blocks is far superior to other forms
of programming, while ladder diagrams and Boolean diagrams are better in logic
combinatorial.

Since today process control is mainly programmed with logic

sequential, programming with functional blocks becomes the standard for
program PLC.

This language includes a set of symbols and conventions such as steps,

transitions, connectivities (also called links) and conditions.

[Link] for programming with functional blocks

The steps are a series of individual sequential symbols, which are represented
by numbered squares, squares that can contain names that describe the
step function.

5.1 Steps

The steps are a series of individual sequential symbols, represented by

numbered squares, squares that can contain names that describe the function
of the step.

5.2Transiciones
Transitions are the elements of the diagram that describe the movement of a
I move on to another. Its representation is a short horizontal line.

5.3 Links
The links show the flow of control, which goes from top to bottom, except
unless otherwise indicated.

5.4 Conditions
The conditions are associated with the transitions and must be written on the right.
They describe the environment that must be fulfilled at a given moment.1
 6. PLC simulators with functional block diagram

6.1 ZelioSoft

Programming software for Schneider Electric's Zelio automata. Allows

simulate the functioning of the programs without the need to have the PLC. The
Programming can be done in contact mode (LD) or function block diagram mode (FBD). In addition
it allows you to introduce programs by drawing them, through the editor, or via an interface
that simulates the physical appearance of the chosen Zelio controller.

6.2 LogoComfort 5

Demo version of the programming software for Siemens LOGO! controllers.

This version does not allow connecting to the real automaton, but it allows simulating the programs.
Therefore, it is ideal for learning to program it. Programming can be done in
contacts (KOP) or logical functions (FUP). There are versions for Windows, Linux, and Mac

6.3 UnityPro

Unity is the software/hardware environment of Schneider Electric for the management of its
automation platforms. The same environment is used for different ranges of PLCs
from the brand: Quamtum, Premium, Modicon 340, and Atrium.

Within Unity, the graphic tool UnityPro is the one used for the
development, exploitation, and maintenance of applications for PLCs. That is, UnityPro
it is an all-in-one tool that can be configured, programmed, simulated,
debug and monitor a PLC. In addition, it is possible to do all this in a quite
independent of the PLC hardware, after having performed an initial configuration.
 DISCUSSION

Nowadays, large industries have found themselves in the need to have to

implement different mechanisms and control systems that allow you to have greater
control of the various variables (pressure, level, flow, among others) present in a
instrument or machinery in an automated form. Since they are increasingly greater
companies that make large investments of their budget in order to modernize or mechanize
the different stages of production, significantly reducing the intervention of
man to carry out any phase of manufacturing, which brings as
consequence the necessity of having to acquire the necessary skills to program
such novel and effective systems, such as PLCs.

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) have been an integral part of the

industrial automation and control of industrial processes for decades. PLC of
control of a wide range of applications, from simple lighting functions to
environmental systems to chemical processing plants. These systems perform
many functions, providing a variety of input and output interfaces
analog and digital; signal processing; data conversion; and various protocols
of communication. All the components and functions of the PLC are centered around
the controller, which is programmed for a specific task.

The design of a system for the automated monitoring and control of the process of
mixing and packaging of spices, despite implementing various devices such as
such as sensors, actuators, and controllers that allow it to control, monitor, and supervise
the various activities carried out by the machinery in the mixing process and
packaging, will not apply the PLC programming through functional blocks,
due to the fact that currently the idea of implementing a logic controller is not considered
programmable, since this proposal will be developed in order to automate the
process of system supervision, through the selection of the most devices
efficient but profitable for the Venezuelan agricultural producer.
 CONCLUSIONS

The PLCs can perform arithmetic operations, complex manipulations of

data, have greater storage capacities and can communicate more
efficiently with the programmer and with other controllers and computers in networks of
local area. In addition, many PLCs now include instructions and modules to handle
analog signals and to implement control strategies, more sophisticated than simple ON-
OFF.

When the great potential of PLCs was understood, as powerful computers

what they are and how the evolution of capabilities they now have, which the ancients did not possess, took place
circuits, high-level languages such as the functional block language appeared,
they are very similar to computer programming languages like Basic
and the C, to make programming increasingly user-friendly by increasing the contribution of the
PLC in the industrial field.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

[1] Prieto Paloma. Programming languages. [Online document]. Available at:

[Link]
monographic-programming-languages. Consulted: March 10, 2016.

Open and Distance National University. [Document online]. Available at:

[Link]
/leccin_1632__functional_block_diagram_function_block_diagram__fbd.ht
ml. Consulted: March 10, 2016.

[3] Programming Languages. [Online document]. Available at:

[Link]
Consulted: March 10, 2016.

Programmable Logic Controllers. Simulation Programs. [Online page]. Available at:

[Link] Consulted: March 10 of
2016.

Candelas Francisco. Introduction to UnityPro software and M340 PLCs.

Schneider. [Online document]. Available at: [Link]
/bitstream/10045/18971/1/[Link]. Consulted: March 10, 2016.