At a Glance

There are 4 levels of protection enforcement for a DFB type:

  • None: The DFB type is not protected.

  • No modification of version info : The DFB type is not protected except the DFB version number.

  • Read-Only: The DFB type parameters directories (inputs, outputs, inputs/outputs, public, private and sections) are in read only format.

  • No Read & Write : The DFB types parameters directories private and sections are not displayed. All the other the DFB type parameters directories (inputs, outputs, inputs/outputs and public) can be accessed from the data editor in read only format.

NOTE: If a DFB uses a DDT, you can modify the DDT type even if the protection of DFB is enforced.

Password Mechanism

From lowest to highest level of security, the password mechanism of a DFB Type with the reinforced protection can be:

  • Not encrypted

  • Encrypted

  • Encrypted with hardened encryption (except for level of protection enforcement: No modification of version info)

NOTE: Choosing the hardened encryption mechanism contributes to prevention from any export of a DFB Type with the reinforced protection in an unencrypted format. This option increases protection against theft of intellectual property.

Protection Enforcement of a DFB Type

To reinforce the protection of a DFB Type, you must do the following:

Step

Action

1

Open the DFB types register tab in the data editor.

2

Select the DFB Type to reinforce the protection.

3

Select the menu command Edit > Properties .

Result: The respective screen is displayed.

4

Select the protection enforcement level from the drop-down menu.

5

After selecting, enter your password in the Entry field (maximum 8 characters).

6

Confirm your password in the Confirmation field.

7

Check the Password Encrypted check box if an enhanced password protection is required.

NOTE: A DFB Type with an encrypted password can not be edited with Unity Pro 4.0 or earlier.

Unity Pro is the former name of Control Expert for version 13.1 or earlier.

When Password Encrypted option is selected, you can reinforce the security by selecting the option Hardened Encryption check box.

NOTE: A DFB Type with hardened encrypted password can not be edited with Control Expert 14.1 or earlier.

8

Click OK to confirm.

Modification of the protection enforcement level

To change a DFB Type protection enforcement level, you must do the following:

Step

Action

1

Open the DFB types register tab in the variables editor.

2

Select the DFB Type for which you need to change the level of protection enforcement.

3

Select the menu command Edit > Properties .

Result: The respective screen is displayed.

4

Select the attribute Protection and click on the related box in the Value column.

Result: A drop-down menu appears.

5

Select the new protection enforcement level from the drop-down menu (None, No modification of version info, Read-Only, No Read & Write).

6

After selecting, enter the current password if the protection of DFB was already reinforced.

7

Click OK to confirm.

Modify Password

To change a DFB type password, you must do the following:

Step

Action

1

Open the DFB types register tab in the variables editor.

2

Select the DFB type to change the password for.

3

Select the menu command Edit > Properties .

Result: The respective screen is displayed.

4

Enable the attribute Protection by clicking on the + sign.

5

Select the attribute Password and click on the related box in the column Value.

Result: The Change password dialog box is opened.

6

Enter the current password in the Enter password field.

7

Enter your new password in the Entry field (maximum 8 characters).

8

Confirm your new password in the Confirmation field.

9

Check the Password Encrypted check box if an enhanced password protection is required.

NOTE: A DFB Type with a crypted password can not be edited with Unity Pro 4.0 or earlier.

Unity Pro is the former name of Control Expert for version 13.1 or earlier.

When Password Encrypted option is selected, you can reinforce the security by selecting the option Hardened Encryption check box.

NOTE: A DFB Type with a hardened encryption password can not be edited with Control Expert 14.1 or earlier.

10

Click OK to confirm.