General information about DFBs

A DFB (Derived Function Block) is a user function block that has been customized to take the specific nature of your project into consideration. It can be stored in the user-defined library.

To use a DFB in your application, you must:

  • Create a user's function block model called DFB type,

  • Use the available copies of the model called DFB instances in your project.

Online Help for DFB Types (Help on Type)

It is possible to link an HTML help file to each DFB in the user-defined library.

  • This file must have a name that is identical to the linked DFB and the extension must be *.htm.

    • For Windows XP this file must be located in the directory:

      C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Schneider Electric\Control Expert\CustomLibset/Vx.x/Language.

    • for Windows Vista this file must be located in the directory:

      C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric\Control Expert\CustomLibset/Vx.x/Language.

    Language is named ENG, FRE, GER, ITA, SPA or CHI according to the language desired.

Creating Help on Type

Step

Action

1

Create an HTML help file for your DFB (for example with any kind of HTML editor).

Note: The HTML file name must be exactly the same as the name of your DFB.

2

Copy this file into the respective language folder (ENG, FRE ...).

3

Create an additional folder called HELP in the same directory as the language folders.

4

Copy all the files (for example graphics) you are referencing in your HTML file to the HELP folder.

5

Install your user-defined library in Control Expert.

Result:

All the files will be copied to the Libset directory and the HTML help file will be launched when you click the Help on Type button.

Accessing a DFB Type

To create a DFB type, you must use the program Control Expert.

DFB types are accessed via the Derived FB Types directory in the project browser.

NOTE: You can also access the DFB types definition tool via the directory Variables & FB instances.

Accessing DFB Types Via the Derived FB Types Directory

To access the DFB types via the Derived FB Types directory, do the following:

Step

Action

1

In the structural view of the project browser, right-click on the directory Derived FB Types.

Result: A shortcut menu is opened.

2

Activate the Open command.

Result: The data editor window is opened. It is positioned directly under the DFB Types register tab and shows the list of existing DFBs. A double-click on the first available line indicated by an arrow provides access to the creation of a new DFB type.