1. INTRODUCTION
Figure 17: Commissioning Features
The values of declared variables for example are displayed in the program code. These values can be changed or forced
without any difficulty. By setting breakpoints and then stepping through the code line by line, errors can easily be detected.
Breakpoints in MasterTool IEC XE can be assigned to certain conditions to achieve even more precision in the debugging
process. In a single cycle operation, the user can follow the execution of the application through a complete cycle.
If the application is modified, only the actual modifications are compiled, and then loaded and activated without having
to stop the controller or running the risk of losing variable values. Changes to several POUs (Program Organization Units),
variables or data types are also possible. This functionality is called online change. Shorter development cycles and a faster
production process lead to reduced costs and increased competitiveness.
The sampling trace is a very useful tool when the user wants to record data or even trigger events for testing or commis-
sioning purposes. This digital storage media, which is completely integrated in MasterTool IEC XE, can, of course, also be
used to visualize application data.
1.1.6.5.
Simulation
One feature that enables the user to evaluate and test many logic and algorithms is the simulation tool. This feature enables
the design and test of user applications without the need of a connected controller. This feature is also interesting for training,
documentation and test cases evaluation. Of course, since it is a simulator, some limitations may apply when deploying the
application to the end controller.
1.1.6.6.
Web page development
MasterTool IEC XE supports not only the creation of the user process control logic according to norm IEC61131-3, but
it also encompasses a screen development feature to enable supervision and operation of these automated processes. These
screens are developed in a simple way through a graphic editor with several predefined objects, which are vectorially stored
along with the project’s logic. Among these objects you will find geometrical shapes, bar and arrow meters, variable edit and
visualization controls, images, and much more.
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