VSwitch Manual

Description: Edition: Author: Layout:

Manual 01/2001 Frank Ebel 01/2001, Frank Ebel

Festo Didactic GmbH & Co., D-73770 Denkendorf, 2000 Internet: www.festo.com/didactic e-mail: did@festo.com The copying, distribution and utilization of this document as well as the communication of its contents to others without expressed authorization is prohibited. Offenders will be held liable for the payment of damages. All rights reserved, in particular the right to carry out patent, utility model or ornamental design registration.

Contents

1 2 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 4 4.1 4.2 4.3 5 5.1 5.1.1 5.2 5.3 6 6.1 6.2 6.3

Contents _______________________________________________________ 3 About VSwitch __________________________________________________ 4 Installing VSwitch _______________________________________________ 5 Technical prerequirements ________________________________________ 5 Installation _____________________________________________________ 5 Example files included in scope of delivery ___________________________ 9 Starting VSwitch _______________________________________________ 10 How do I begin? ________________________________________________ 10 Procedure _____________________________________________________ 11 Creating your own connections____________________________________ 12 Examples of applications ________________________________________ 13 Connection between FluidSIM and EasyPort _________________________ 13 Notes regarding the function of DDE blocks _________________________ 14 Connection between COSIVIS and real PLCs using the SIMATIC S7-300 as an example ___________________________ 16 Connection between FluidSIM and S7-PLCSIM _______________________ 19 Appendix ______________________________________________________ 21 Structure of menu_______________________________________________ 21 Files __________________________________________________________ 23 Allocation of keys _______________________________________________ 23

Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. VSwitch

About VSwitch

The VSwitch program transfers the concept of a simple electrical terminal board onto the DDE communication structure of Windows. Using it you can connect up programs with DDE server function, typical of control technology. Just as you would make connections on an electrical terminal board, so would you connect "DDE items" here. Many programs (such as PLC simulators and hardware drivers) provide a DDE server function, without however actively supporting data exchange. Thus values can be read or written via DDE. However this requires a DDE client, which actively connects two (passive) servers with one another. Vswitch has been developed for this purpose. Vswitch enables two DDE servers to work together without complex adjustments being made to them. VSwitch has not been developed to be compatible with one particular manufacturer and can thus communicate with DDE servers produced by a diverse number of manufacturers. The configuration can be adjusted simply to the requirements of the user, without the servers being altered. If a relevant program which works with VSwitch is started, then Vswitch can be started automatically together with that particular program. It is also possible to start VSwitch manually. VSwitch provides the DDE connections using "terminals", whereby each bit is shown as an LED. The terminals are grouped together as bits, bytes (8 bits) or words (16 bits). There is a right-hand and left-hand terminal side. These are linked by a connecting configuration. The user can change the configurations for the left-hand and right-hand terminal and the connecting configuration. Festo Didactic provides the terminal configurations and the connecting configuration. These cannot be altered with VSwitch. If required Festo Didactic can create additional terminal configurations and connecting configurations.

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Installing VSwitch

This chapter describes how you should install VSwitch onto your computer. 3.1 Technical prerequirements You require A personal computer with Pentium processor (or better) Microsoft Windows95 , Microsoft Windows98 , Microsoft WindowsNT or Microsoft Windows2000 The size of the working memory depends in the main on the DDE communication partners which are to be connected using VSwitch. We recommend that the working memory is greater than 32 MB.

3.2

Installation

You have received VSwitch either on two disks or as a download from the Internet. Installation is described in the following paragraphs. The installation of VSwitch takes only a few minutes. During installation you will be informed of other Festo Didactic products.

Switch on your computer and start Microsoft Windows if necessary. Click the entry "Execute" in the start menu (or program manager in the file menu). A dialog box will open. Enter the memory location of the setup file or a:setup.exe in the entry field "Instruction line". Confirm your entry by clicking "OK".

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3 Installing VSwitch

The initial screen of the installation program will appear shortly afterwards.

Please follow the instructions given by the installation program. If you are unsure about the answers to some of the questions, simply click "Next ".

If you wish to retain the default directory, then click "Next " or enter the name of another directory.

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3 Installing VSwitch

If you wish to keep the default program group, then click "Next ", or select another program group.

Select the Festo Didactic software installed on your computer, so that all of the necessary VSwitch components can be installed. Then click "Next ". If you should install Festo Didactic software which can be selected from this window at a later date, then repeat the installation of VSwitch afterwards.

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3 Installing VSwitch

Select "PLCSIM V4.x / Step /", if this software is installed on your computer, in order that all the necessary VSwitch components can be installed. Then click "Next ". If you should install this software at a later date, then repeat the installation of VSwitch afterwards.

Check the registration data or enter the correct information. Then click "Start".

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3 Installing VSwitch

Once installation and registration have been completed successfully, you can either view information about other Festo Didactic products or click "End" to exit the installation program.

3.3

Example files included in scope of delivery

In order to facilitate work with VSwitch whilst it is still unfamiliar to you, files which you will require for the following application examples have also been copied onto your PC. Files for FluidSIM Introduction_DDE_01.ct StackMagazine_PLCSIM_01.ct Files for Step 7 Vswitch.arj

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Starting VSwitch

4.1

How do I begin?

When you begin to read this, you will have probably already installed VSwitch successfully. If this is not the case, please do so before continuing. If you installed VSwitch together with a software package, then special icons for preconfigured applications were created during installation. You can start these applications by double clicking these icons. The standard settings of the programs used will be applied.

Depending on the software installed on your computer, up to 5 different application examples will be preconfigured: VSwitch for Cosivis and EzDDE (EasyPort) VSwitch for Cosivis and FluidSIM-P VSwitch for Cosivis and PLCSIM VSwitch for FluidSIM and PLCSIM VSwitch for FluidSIM and EzDDE (EasyPort) In the case of EzDDE for example, COM2 is set as the standard interface. If you should wish to connect the devices to another COM interface, please adjust the setting of the EzDDE, before you start VSwitch. Please proceed in a similar fashion for other programs with DDE communication.

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4 Starting VSwitch

4.2

Procedure

The system can be started either manually or automatically. In the case of a manual start VSwitch is invoked without parameters and the last connection to be opened or DEFAULT.INI is loaded when no program start has yet been initiated.

Manual start

The initial VSwitch screen with Default.ini loaded

The initial VSwitch screen with the connection between FluidSIM-P and PLCSIM

Automatic start

During an automatic start the required drivers or programs are started by VSwitch using the specified parameters. The program parameters are also transmitted.

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4 Starting VSwitch

4.3

Creating your own connections

If you have started Vswtich, you can load an existing connection (*.ini) by clicking "File open".

The initial VSwitch screen with Default.ini loaded A new connection can be generated thus: Click on the name of the left-hand terminal (*.lni) or right-hand terminal (*.rni). A window with possible terminal configurations will open.

Example: Selection of the left-hand terminal configuration

Select the suitable terminals. Save the new connection.

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Examples of applications

The following examples of applications describe how DDE communication between different partners can be established using the program VSwitch. Data connections between the following communication partners are possible: EasyPort, as of version 3.7 PLCSIM, version 4.0 for Step 7 S7/M7 COSIVIS, version 1.0 FluidSIM, as of version 3.0

5.1

Connection between FluidSIM and EasyPort

You will require the following equipment for this example: Installed software packages FluidSIM P, as of version 3 EzDDE, as of version 3.7 VSwitch, as of version 2.3 Available hardware EasyPort D16 PC data cable RS232 Universal terminal unit I/O data cable, crossed Signal input, electrical Cable with 4 mm safety plugs Double-acting cylinder 5/2 way solenoid valve Compressed air supply In order to start the data connection, proceed as follows: Start FluidSIM Enter the following values under "Options - DDE":

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5 Examples of applications

Load the example circuit diagram "Introduction_DDE_01.ct".

5.1.1 Notes regarding the function of DDE blocks DDE input blocks Incoming DDE data is read by FluidSIM via the DDE input block. This data is then passed onto the simulated circuit in FluidSIM.

DDE output block Outgoing data, generated within FluidSIM is communicated via the DDE output block. The data is processed in a real or virtual control system.

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5 Examples of applications

Start the simulation Construct the external circuit: Connect the EasyPort D16 to your PC with the PC data cable RS232. Connect the universal terminal unit to the EasyPort D16 using the crossed I/O data cable. Connect a supply of 24 VDC to the universal terminal unit and the electrical signal input.
Electrical circuit diagram
24 VDC 1S1
14 13 13

1S2
14

I0

I1

I2

I3

I4

I5

I6

I7

Interface box Q0 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7

1Y1 0 VDC

Pneumatic circuit diagram

1A1

1V1 1Y1

Start ' VSwitch for FluidSIM-P and EzDDE' Now start the data connection in VSwitch Operate the switch 1S1 in the FluidSIM circuit diagram. The cylinder 1A1 in the real construction will extend. Operate button 1S1 of the electrical signal input. The cylinder 1A1 of the FluidSIM simulation will extend.
To stop the data connection: Stop the data connection in VSwitch Only then stop the simulation in FluidSIM

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5 Examples of applications

5.2

Connection between COSIVIS and real PLCs using SIMATIC S7-300 as an example

You will require the following equipment for this example: Installed software packages Siemens Step 7, version 4.02 COSIVIS 1.01p VSwitch, as of version 2.3 Available hardware SIMATIC S7 EduTrainer or SIMATIC S7 EduTrainer plus PC adapter/RS232 cable EasyPort D16 PC data cable RS232 To start the data connection proceed as follows: Start the S7 Manager Dearchive the project "VSwitch.arj" Select a suitable target directory

Open the directory "Blocks" in the directory "'2_Cosivis_S7-300" Mark the block "OB1" and load it into the control system.

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5 Examples of applications

Now start COSIVIS and load the stack magazine module.

Do not forget to click on the EMERGENCY STOP!

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5 Examples of applications

Start ' VSwitch for COSIVIS and EzDDE' Start the data connection in VSwitch
Click on "Workpiece, Add" in the window "Control Panel". Operate the START button One cycle is executed Click on "Workpiece, Remove" in the window "Control Panel".

To stop the data connection: Stop the data connection in VSwitch Only then stop the other programs

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5 Examples of applications

5.3

Connection between FluidSIM and S7PLCSIM

You will require the following equipment for this example: Installed software packages FluidSIM P, as of version 3 Siemens Step, version 4.02 Siemens PLCSIM, version 4 S7/M7 VSwitch, as of version 2.3 Here you have a computer-supported working environment. To start the data connection, proceed as follows: Start FluidSIM Load the example circuit diagram "StackMagazine_PLCSIM_01.ct' Start the simulation

Start the S7 Manager Dearchive the project "VSwitch.arj" Select a suitable target directory Start PLCSIM by clicking on "Simulation on/off"

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5 Examples of applications

Open the directory "Blocks" in the directory "1_FluidSIM_PLCSIM" Mark the block "OB1" and load it into the control system Click "RUN-P" in the window "CPU 300/400"

Start ' VSwitch for FluidSIM-P and PLCSIM' Now start the data connection in VSwitch Operate the switch 1S1 in the FluidSIM circuit diagram. The process is controlled by PLCSIM and is executed.

To stop the data connection: Stop the data connection in VSwitch Only then stop the other programs

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Appendix

6.1 File

Structure of menu

The following is a reproduction of the menu structure.

Open Opens a connection set. If applicable the DDE connections are started automatically. Save Saves a connection set. Note: The connection set that was saved last will be started the next time the program is started. Some connection sets are write-protected and should not be altered. Save as ... Here you can save the connection set under a new name Print You can print a connection set. Print preview You can view how the connection set will be printed. Print setup Exit Start Starts the DDE communication. If necessary the relevant programs are started. Stop Stops the DDE communication. Programs which have already been started are not stopped. Info Here you receive information concerning the DDE names used and current values. Language Here you can alter the language of the program. At present you can choose between German, English and French. This setting is only active after the program has been restarted. Autostart DDE If this option has been set, the DDE communication will be started as soon as VSwitch is started. Iconic Start If this option has been set, then the VSwitch screen will be reduced to icon size when the program is started.

DDE

Options

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6 Anhang

View

You can control the VSwitch screen display using this setting.

Toolbar The display for the button bar above the viewing window is switched on or off using this setting. The current status is shown by a tick. Status bar The display for the status bar under the viewing window can be switched on or off using this setting. The current status is shown by a tick. Zoom Enlarge +: enlarge view (Zoom-In) Reduce reduce view (Zoom-Out) Fonts Here you can determine the font style which VSwitch uses.
Help function These menu items provide access to the help functions.

Index Here you are provided with the help function for VSwitch Using help Here you are provided with information concerning the use of the help function. About VSwitch... Here you are provided with access to the version data of VSwitch.

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6 Anhang

6.2

Files

VSwitch provides you with a series of connections. These are preset for different program combinations. All of the connection files are installed in the sub-directory INI.

File extension

Ending INI LNI RNI VLN File DEFAULT.INI EASY_COS.INI EASY_FH3.INI EASY_FHA.INI EASY_FP3.INI EASY_FPA.INI FLH_S7.INI FLP_COS.INI FLP_S7.INI FPC_VIS.INI S7_COSI.INI

Meaning Connections Terminal configuration of the left-hand terminal Terminal configuration of the right-hand terminal Connecting configuration Meaning This connection is used when no parameters have been specified Connection for EasyPort and COSIVIS Connection for EasyPort and FluidSIM-H Connection for EasyPort and FluidSIM-H, Autostart Connection for EasyPort and FluidSIM-P Connection for EasyPort and FluidSIM-P, Autostart Connection for FluidSIM-H and PLCSIM Connection for FluidSIM-P and COSIVIS Connection for FluidSIM-P and PLCSIM Connection for FPC connection with COSIVIS Connection for PLCSIM and COSIVIS

File overview of the connections

6.3

Allocation of keys

Key

Meaning To enlarge view (zoom in) To reduce view zoom out)

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Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. Postfach 10 07 10 D-73707 Esslingen Internet: www.festo.com/didactic e-mail: did@festo.com