Preface

Fundamental safety
instructions 1

Introduction 2
SIMOTION
Getting Started with ST 3
SIMOTION SCOUT
SIMOTION ST Structured Text
ST Fundamentals 4
Functions, Function Blocks,
and Programs 5
Programming and Operating Manual
Object-oriented
programming - OOP (as of 6
kernel V4.5)

Integration of ST in
SIMOTION 7
Error Sources and Program
Debugging 8

Appendix A

Valid as of Version 5.4

07/2021
A5E33437165B
Legal information
Warning notice system
This manual contains notices you have to observe in order to ensure your personal safety, as well as to prevent damage
to property. The notices referring to your personal safety are highlighted in the manual by a safety alert symbol, notices
referring only to property damage have no safety alert symbol. These notices shown below are graded according to
the degree of danger.

DANGER
indicates that death or severe personal injury will result if proper precautions are not taken.

WARNING
indicates that death or severe personal injury may result if proper precautions are not taken.

CAUTION
indicates that minor personal injury can result if proper precautions are not taken.

NOTICE
indicates that property damage can result if proper precautions are not taken.
If more than one degree of danger is present, the warning notice representing the highest degree of danger will be
used. A notice warning of injury to persons with a safety alert symbol may also include a warning relating to property
damage.
Qualified Personnel
The product/system described in this documentation may be operated only by personnel qualified for the specific
task in accordance with the relevant documentation, in particular its warning notices and safety instructions.
Qualified personnel are those who, based on their training and experience, are capable of identifying risks and
avoiding potential hazards when working with these products/systems.
Proper use of Siemens products
Note the following:

WARNING
Siemens products may only be used for the applications described in the catalog and in the relevant technical
documentation. If products and components from other manufacturers are used, these must be recommended or
approved by Siemens. Proper transport, storage, installation, assembly, commissioning, operation and maintenance
are required to ensure that the products operate safely and without any problems. The permissible ambient
conditions must be complied with. The information in the relevant documentation must be observed.

Trademarks
All names identified by ® are registered trademarks of Siemens AG. The remaining trademarks in this publication may
be trademarks whose use by third parties for their own purposes could violate the rights of the owner.
Disclaimer of Liability
We have reviewed the contents of this publication to ensure consistency with the hardware and software described.
Since variance cannot be precluded entirely, we cannot guarantee full consistency. However, the information in this
publication is reviewed regularly and any necessary corrections are included in subsequent editions.

Siemens AG A5E33437165B Copyright © Siemens AG 2021.

Digital Industries Ⓟ 04/2021 Subject to change All rights reserved
Postfach 48 48
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Preface

Scope
This document is part of the SIMOTION Programming documentation package.
This document applies to SIMOTION SCOUT, the engineering system of the SIMOTION product
family in product version V5.4 in conjunction with:
• A SIMOTION device with the following versions of a SIMOTION Kernel:
– V5.4
– V5.3
– V5.2
– V5.1
– V4.5
– V4.4
– V4.3
– V4.2
– V4.1 1
– V4.0 1
– V3.2 1
1
V4.5 is the last product version of SIMOTION SCOUT that will support these versions of the
SIMOTION Kernel.
• The relevant version of the following SIMOTION Technology Packages, depending on the
kernel:
– Cam
– Path (Kernel as of V4.1)
– Cam_ext
– TControl
This document describes the syntax and implementation of the SIMOTION ST Structured Text
programming language for this version of SIMOTION SCOUT. It also includes information on the
following topics:
• ST Editor and Compiler with program example
• Data storage and data management on SIMOTION devices
• Options for diagnosis and troubleshooting
The scope of the SIMOTION ST programming language may contain new syntax elements
compared to earlier versions. These have only been tested using the current version of the
SIMOTION kernel and are released only for this kernel version or higher versions.

SIMOTION ST Structured Text

Programming and Operating Manual, 07/2021, A5E33437165B 3
Preface

Conversion of existing projects to the current SIMOTION SCOUT version

It is possible to upgrade existing projects to the current version of SIMOTION SCOUT and the
SIMOTION ST programming language. In some cases, recompilation using the current version of
the compiler can change the version identifiers in the data storage areas of the programs, thus
resulting in deletion and initialization of all retentive and non-retentive data on the
SIMOTION device. In exceptional cases, minor changes to the program source files may also be
required.
If new syntax elements of the SIMOTION ST programming language are used on a
SIMOTION device with an older version of the SIMOTION Kernel, the compiler outputs warning
16700. If these syntax elements are used anyway, the project can be stored in the old project
format, but can no longer be converted using the compiler of an older version of
SIMOTION SCOUT.

Information in this manual

The following is a list of chapters included in this manual along with a description of the
information presented in each chapter.
• Grouped safety messages (Chapter 1)
• Introduction (Chapter 2)
• Getting Started with ST (Chapter 3)
Requirements for creating programs and a sample program
• ST Basics (Chapter 4)
Elements of the ST programming language, variable and data type declarations, statements
• Functions, Function Blocks and Programs (Chapter 5)
Programming and call of the program organization units (POU)
• Object-Oriented Programming - OOP (as of Kernel V4.5) (Chapter 6)
Programming and calling classes and methods
• Integration of ST into SIMOTION (Chapter 7)
Behavior of variables, access to inputs and outputs, libraries, preprocessor
• Error Sources and Program Test (Chapter 8)
Information on error sources, efficient programming, and program testing
• Appendices
– Formal Language Description (Appendix A.1)
– Compiler Error Messages and Remedies (Appendix A.2)
– Template for Example Unit (Appendix A.3)
• Index
If you want to get started immediately, begin by working through Chapter 2.

SIMOTION Documentation
An overview of the SIMOTION documentation can be found in the SIMOTION Documentation
Overview document.

SIMOTION ST Structured Text

4 Programming and Operating Manual, 07/2021, A5E33437165B
 Preface

This documentation is included as electronic documentation in the scope of delivery of

SIMOTION SCOUT. It comprises ten documentation packages.
The following documentation packages are available for SIMOTION product version V5.4:
• SIMOTION Engineering System Handling
• SIMOTION System and Function Descriptions
• SIMOTION Service and Diagnostics
• SIMOTION IT
• SIMOTION Programming
• SIMOTION Programming - References
• SIMOTION C
• SIMOTION P
• SIMOTION D
• SIMOTION Supplementary Documentation

Hotline and Internet addresses

SIMOTION at a glance
We have compiled an overview page from our range of information about SIMOTION with the
most important information on frequently asked topics - which can be opened with only one
click.
Whether beginner or experienced SIMOTION user – the most important downloads, manuals,
tutorials, FAQs, application examples, etc. can be found at
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109480700

Additional information
Click the following link to find information on the following topics:
• Documentation overview
• Additional links to download documents
• Using documentation online (find and search manuals/information)
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109479653

My Documentation Manager
Click the following link for information on how to compile documentation individually on the
basis of Siemens content and how to adapt it for the purpose of your own machine
documentation:
https://support.industry.siemens.com/My/ww/en/documentation

SIMOTION ST Structured Text

Programming and Operating Manual, 07/2021, A5E33437165B 5
Preface

Training
Click the following link for information on SITRAIN - Siemens training courses for automation
products, systems and solutions:
http://www.siemens.com/sitrain

FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions can be found in SIMOTION Utilities & Applications, which are
included in the scope of delivery of SIMOTION SCOUT, and in the Service&Support pages
in Product Support:
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/de/en/ps/14505/faq

Technical support
Country-specific telephone numbers for technical support are provided on the Internet
under Contact:
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/sc/2090

SIMOTION ST Structured Text

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Preface ................................................................................................................................................... 3
1 Fundamental safety instructions......................................................................................................... 17
1.1 General safety instructions................................................................................................. 17
1.1.1 Malfunctions of the machine as a result of incorrect or changed parameter settings............ 17
1.2 Security information .......................................................................................................... 17
1.3 Note regarding the general data protection regulation........................................................ 18
1.4 Danger to life due to software manipulation when using removable storage media............. 18
2 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 19
2.1 High-level programming language ..................................................................................... 19
2.2 Programming language with technology commands .......................................................... 19
2.3 Execution levels ................................................................................................................. 19
2.4 ST editor with tools for writing and testing programs.......................................................... 20
3 Getting Started with ST ....................................................................................................................... 21
3.1 Integration of ST in SCOUT ................................................................................................. 21
3.1.1 Getting to know the elements of the workbench ................................................................ 23
3.2 Requirements for program creation .................................................................................... 24
3.3 Working with the ST editor and the compiler ...................................................................... 25
3.3.1 Insert ST source file ............................................................................................................ 25
3.3.2 Opening an existing ST source file ...................................................................................... 27
3.3.3 Changing the properties of an ST source file ....................................................................... 27
3.3.4 Working with the ST editor ................................................................................................. 29
3.3.4.1 Syntax coloring.................................................................................................................. 30
3.3.4.2 Drag&drop......................................................................................................................... 30
3.3.4.3 Settings of the ST editor ..................................................................................................... 31
3.3.4.4 Indentations and tabs ........................................................................................................ 33
3.3.4.5 Folds (show and hide blocks) ............................................................................................. 35
3.3.4.6 Splitting the editor window................................................................................................ 39
3.3.4.7 Displaying spaces, tabs and line ends ................................................................................. 40
3.3.4.8 Changing the font size in the ST editor ............................................................................... 41
3.3.4.9 Select text.......................................................................................................................... 42
3.3.4.10 Generating a simple series of numbers (generating a sequence) ......................................... 44
3.3.4.11 Use bookmarks .................................................................................................................. 46
3.3.4.12 Automatic completion........................................................................................................ 48
3.3.4.13 Opening a called block ....................................................................................................... 49
3.3.4.14 Code snippets .................................................................................................................... 50
3.3.4.15 Other help for the ST editor................................................................................................ 52
3.3.4.16 Using the command library ................................................................................................ 53
3.3.4.17 ST editor toolbar ................................................................................................................ 53
3.3.4.18 ST editor context menu ...................................................................................................... 54

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3.3.4.19 Shortcuts........................................................................................................................... 58
3.3.5 Starting the compiler ......................................................................................................... 61
3.3.5.1 Help for the error correction............................................................................................... 61
3.3.6 Making settings for the compiler ........................................................................................ 62
3.3.6.1 Global compiler settings..................................................................................................... 62
3.3.6.2 Local compiler settings....................................................................................................... 65
3.3.6.3 Effectiveness of global or local compiler settings................................................................. 69
3.3.6.4 Meanings of the warning classes ........................................................................................ 72
3.3.6.5 Display of the compiler options .......................................................................................... 72
3.3.7 Know-how protection for ST source files ............................................................................. 74
3.3.8 Making preprocessor definitions ......................................................................................... 74
3.3.9 Exporting, importing and printing an ST source file............................................................. 75
3.3.9.1 Exporting an ST source file as a text file (ASCII) ................................................................... 76
3.3.9.2 Exporting an ST source file in XML format........................................................................... 76
3.3.9.3 Importing a text file (ASCII) as an ST source file ................................................................... 77
3.3.9.4 Importing XML data into ST source files .............................................................................. 77
3.3.9.5 Printing an ST source file .................................................................................................... 78
3.3.10 Using an external editor ..................................................................................................... 78
3.3.11 ST source file menus .......................................................................................................... 80
3.3.11.1 ST source file menu............................................................................................................ 80
3.3.11.2 ST source file context menu................................................................................................ 81
3.4 Creating a sample program ................................................................................................ 82
3.4.1 Requirements .................................................................................................................... 83
3.4.2 Opening or creating a project............................................................................................. 83
3.4.3 Making the hardware known.............................................................................................. 84
3.4.4 Entering source text with the ST editor ............................................................................... 85
3.4.4.1 Functions of the editor....................................................................................................... 86
3.4.4.2 Source text of the sample program..................................................................................... 87
3.4.5 Compiling a sample program.............................................................................................. 87
3.4.5.1 Starting the compiler ......................................................................................................... 87
3.4.5.2 Correcting errors................................................................................................................ 88
3.4.5.3 Example of error messages................................................................................................. 88
3.4.6 Running the sample program ............................................................................................. 89
3.4.6.1 Assigning a sample program to an execution level .............................................................. 89
3.4.6.2 Establishing a connection to the target system ................................................................... 90
3.4.6.3 Downloading the sample program to the target system ...................................................... 91
3.4.6.4 Starting and testing the sample program............................................................................ 92
4 ST Fundamentals ................................................................................................................................. 93
4.1 Language description resources ......................................................................................... 93
4.1.1 Syntax diagram.................................................................................................................. 93
4.1.2 Blocks in syntax diagrams .................................................................................................. 94
4.1.3 Meaning of the rules (semantics) ....................................................................................... 94
4.2 Basic elements of the language .......................................................................................... 94
4.2.1 ST character set ................................................................................................................. 95
4.2.2 Identifiers in ST .................................................................................................................. 95
4.2.2.1 Rules for identifiers ............................................................................................................ 95
4.2.2.2 Examples of identifiers ....................................................................................................... 96
4.2.3 Reserved identifiers............................................................................................................ 96
4.2.3.1 Protected identifiers in the ST programming language ........................................................ 97
4.2.3.2 Reserved identifiers in the ST programming language ....................................................... 102

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4.2.3.3 Additional reserved identifiers .......................................................................................... 103

4.2.4 Numbers and Boolean values ........................................................................................... 104
4.2.4.1 Integers ........................................................................................................................... 104
4.2.4.2 Floating-point numbers ................................................................................................... 105
4.2.4.3 Exponents ....................................................................................................................... 105
4.2.4.4 Boolean values................................................................................................................. 106
4.2.4.5 Data types of numbers ..................................................................................................... 106
4.2.5 Character strings.............................................................................................................. 106
4.3 Structure of an ST source file ............................................................................................ 107
4.3.1 Statements ...................................................................................................................... 109
4.3.2 Comments....................................................................................................................... 109
4.4 Data types ....................................................................................................................... 110
4.4.1 Elementary data types ..................................................................................................... 111
4.4.1.1 Value range limits of elementary data types ..................................................................... 113
4.4.1.2 General data types ........................................................................................................... 113
4.4.1.3 Elementary system data types.......................................................................................... 114
4.4.2 User-defined data types.................................................................................................... 114
4.4.2.1 Syntax of user-defined data types (type declaration) ......................................................... 115
4.4.2.2 Derivation of elementary or derived data types................................................................. 116
4.4.2.3 Derived data type ARRAY .................................................................................................. 117
4.4.2.4 Derived data type - Enumerator........................................................................................ 120
4.4.2.5 Derived data type STRUCT (structure) ............................................................................... 121
4.4.3 Technology object data types ........................................................................................... 129
4.4.3.1 Description of the technology object data types................................................................ 129
4.4.3.2 Inheritance of the properties for axes ............................................................................... 131
4.4.3.3 Examples of the use of technology object data types ........................................................ 131
4.4.4 System data types............................................................................................................ 132
4.5 Variable declaration ......................................................................................................... 133
4.5.1 Syntax of variable declaration .......................................................................................... 133
4.5.2 Overview of all variable declarations ................................................................................ 134
4.5.3 Initialization of variables or data types.............................................................................. 136
4.5.4 Constants ........................................................................................................................ 140
4.6 Value assignments and expressions .................................................................................. 142
4.6.1 Value assignments ........................................................................................................... 142
4.6.1.1 Syntax of the value assignment........................................................................................ 142
4.6.1.2 Value assignments with variables of an elementary data type ........................................... 144
4.6.1.3 Value assignments with variables of the STRING elementary data type.............................. 144
4.6.1.4 Value assignments with variables of a bit data type .......................................................... 145
4.6.1.5 Value assignments with variables of the derived enumerator data type ............................. 147
4.6.1.6 Value assignments with variables of the derived ARRAY data type ..................................... 147
4.6.1.7 Value assignments with variables of the derived STRUCT data type ................................... 148
4.6.2 Expressions...................................................................................................................... 149
4.6.2.1 Result of an expression .................................................................................................... 149
4.6.2.2 Interpretation order of an expression................................................................................ 150
4.6.3 Operands......................................................................................................................... 151
4.6.4 Arithmetic expressions ..................................................................................................... 152
4.6.4.1 Examples of arithmetic expressions .................................................................................. 154
4.6.5 Relational expressions...................................................................................................... 155
4.6.6 Logic expressions and bit-serial expressions...................................................................... 157
4.6.7 Priority of operators ......................................................................................................... 159

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4.7 Control statements .......................................................................................................... 159

4.7.1 IF statement .................................................................................................................... 159
4.7.2 CASE statement ............................................................................................................... 161
4.7.3 FOR statement ................................................................................................................. 164
4.7.4 WHILE statement ............................................................................................................. 166
4.7.5 REPEAT statement ............................................................................................................ 167
4.7.6 EXIT statement ................................................................................................................ 168
4.7.7 CONTINUE statement ....................................................................................................... 168
4.7.8 RETURN statement ........................................................................................................... 169
4.7.9 WAITFORCONDITION statement........................................................................................ 170
4.7.10 GOTO statement .............................................................................................................. 172
4.8 Data type conversions ...................................................................................................... 173
4.8.1 Elementary data type conversion ..................................................................................... 173
4.8.1.1 Implicit data type conversions .......................................................................................... 173
4.8.1.2 Explicit data type conversions .......................................................................................... 175
4.8.2 Supplementary conversions ............................................................................................. 176
5 Functions, Function Blocks, and Programs ........................................................................................ 177
5.1 Creating and calling functions and function blocks ........................................................... 177
5.1.1 Defining functions ........................................................................................................... 177
5.1.2 Defining function blocks................................................................................................... 178
5.1.2.1 Defining classic function blocks ........................................................................................ 178
5.1.2.2 Defining object-oriented function blocks with methods..................................................... 179
5.1.2.3 Defining methods in object-oriented FBs........................................................................... 180
5.1.2.4 Access identifiers within object-oriented FBs..................................................................... 181
5.1.3 Declaration section of FB and FC ...................................................................................... 182
5.1.4 Statement section of FB and FC ........................................................................................ 187
5.1.5 ARRAY with a dynamic length (as of Kernel V4.2).............................................................. 188
5.1.6 Call of functions and function block calls .......................................................................... 190
5.1.6.1 Principle of parameter transfer ......................................................................................... 191
5.1.6.2 Parameter transfer to input parameters ............................................................................ 191
5.1.6.3 Parameter transfer to in/out parameters ........................................................................... 192
5.1.6.4 Parameter transfer to output parameters .......................................................................... 193
5.1.6.5 Parameter access times .................................................................................................... 193
5.1.6.6 Calling a function............................................................................................................. 194
5.1.6.7 Calling function blocks (declaring and calling instances)................................................... 195
5.1.6.8 Accessing the FB's output parameter outside the FB.......................................................... 197
5.1.6.9 Accessing the FB's input parameter outside the FB ............................................................ 197
5.1.6.10 Access an FB’s public variables outside of the FB ............................................................... 198
5.1.6.11 Call methods within and outside of a FB ........................................................................... 198
5.1.6.12 Error sources in FB calls .................................................................................................... 199
5.2 Comparison of functions and function blocks ................................................................... 199
5.2.1 Description of example .................................................................................................... 199
5.2.2 Source file with comments ............................................................................................... 201
5.3 Programs ......................................................................................................................... 203
5.3.1 Assignment of a program in the execution system ............................................................ 203
5.3.2 Calling a program in the program ("program in program")................................................. 203
5.4 Expressions...................................................................................................................... 204

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6 Object-oriented programming - OOP (as of kernel V4.5)................................................................... 209

6.1 Important note on object-oriented programming.............................................................. 209
6.2 Classes and methods........................................................................................................ 210
6.2.1 Creating classes (basic classes) ......................................................................................... 210
6.2.1.1 Defining classes (basic classes) ......................................................................................... 210
6.2.1.2 Declaration subsection of a class ...................................................................................... 210
6.2.1.3 Access identifier within classes ......................................................................................... 211
6.2.2 Creating methods ............................................................................................................ 213
6.2.2.1 Defining methods ............................................................................................................ 213
6.2.2.2 Declaration subsection of methods................................................................................... 214
6.2.2.3 Statement section of methods.......................................................................................... 216
6.2.3 Calling methods within the class ...................................................................................... 217
6.2.3.1 Calling methods............................................................................................................... 217
6.2.3.2 Parameter transfer to input parameters ............................................................................ 218
6.2.3.3 Parameter transfer to in/out parameters ........................................................................... 219
6.2.3.4 Parameter transfer to output parameters .......................................................................... 220
6.2.4 Example classes and methods .......................................................................................... 220
6.2.4.1 Example: Counter as a class.............................................................................................. 220
6.2.5 Creating and using instances of classes ............................................................................ 222
6.2.5.1 Declaring an instance of a class ........................................................................................ 222
6.2.5.2 Calling public methods of a class outside of this class ....................................................... 223
6.2.5.3 Accessing the public variables of a class outside of the class.............................................. 224
6.2.5.4 Example: Call of the counter method................................................................................ 224
6.3 Inheritance of classes and methods .................................................................................. 225
6.3.1 Inheritance of classes....................................................................................................... 225
6.3.2 Overriding methods ......................................................................................................... 226
6.3.3 Example: Counter in steps of 5 through inheritance.......................................................... 227
6.3.4 Example: Call of the methods for both counters................................................................ 228
6.3.5 Initialization of derived classes and their instances ........................................................... 231
6.4 Abstract classes ............................................................................................................... 233
6.5 Object-oriented interface ................................................................................................. 234
6.5.1 Defining an object-oriented interface ............................................................................... 234
6.5.2 Implementation of object-oriented interfaces in classes .................................................... 236
6.5.3 Variables of object-oriented interfaces.............................................................................. 238
6.5.4 Example of interface variables.......................................................................................... 240
6.6 Comparison between abstract class and object-oriented interface..................................... 243
6.7 General references........................................................................................................... 244
6.7.1 Defining general references.............................................................................................. 244
6.7.2 Forming general references.............................................................................................. 245
6.7.3 Operations with general references.................................................................................. 246
6.8 I/O references (as of kernel V5.1)...................................................................................... 248
6.8.1 Forming I/O references..................................................................................................... 248
6.8.2 Linking I/O references to I/O variables ............................................................................... 249
7 Integration of ST in SIMOTION........................................................................................................... 251
7.1 Source file sections .......................................................................................................... 251
7.1.1 Use of the source file sections .......................................................................................... 251
7.1.1.1 Interface section .............................................................................................................. 252

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7.1.1.2 Implementation section ................................................................................................... 254

7.1.1.3 Program organization units (POUs)................................................................................... 256
7.1.1.4 Functions (FCs) ................................................................................................................ 257
7.1.1.5 Function blocks (FBs) ....................................................................................................... 258
7.1.1.6 Programs ......................................................................................................................... 260
7.1.1.7 Expressions...................................................................................................................... 261
7.1.1.8 Classes (as of Kernel V4.5) ............................................................................................... 262
7.1.1.9 Methods .......................................................................................................................... 264
7.1.1.10 Object-oriented interface (as of Kernel V4.5) .................................................................... 265
7.1.1.11 Declaration section .......................................................................................................... 266
7.1.1.12 Statement section............................................................................................................ 267
7.1.1.13 Data type definition ......................................................................................................... 268
7.1.1.14 Variable declaration ......................................................................................................... 269
7.1.2 Declaring ST source files public and using them ................................................................ 272
7.1.2.1 Unit identifier................................................................................................................... 272
7.1.2.2 Interface section of a unit with Declare Public function ..................................................... 273
7.1.2.3 Example of a unit with Declare Public function ................................................................. 274
7.1.2.4 USES statement in a using unit......................................................................................... 275
7.1.2.5 Example of a using unit.................................................................................................... 276
7.2 Variables in SIMOTION ..................................................................................................... 276
7.2.1 Variable model................................................................................................................. 277
7.2.1.1 Unit variables................................................................................................................... 279
7.2.1.2 Non-retentive unit variables ............................................................................................. 280
7.2.1.3 Retentive unit variables .................................................................................................... 281
7.2.1.4 Local variables (static and temporary variables) ................................................................ 282
7.2.1.5 Static variables................................................................................................................. 285
7.2.1.6 Temporary variables......................................................................................................... 286
7.2.1.7 Retentive local variables (as of kernel V4.5) ...................................................................... 286
7.2.2 Use of global device variables........................................................................................... 288
7.2.3 Memory ranges of the variable types................................................................................ 289
7.2.3.1 Example of memory areas................................................................................................ 291
7.2.3.2 Memory requirement of the variables on the local data stack............................................ 293
7.2.4 Time of the variable initialization...................................................................................... 294
7.2.4.1 Initialization of retentive global variables.......................................................................... 294
7.2.4.2 Initialization of non-retentive global variables................................................................... 296
7.2.4.3 Initialization of local variables .......................................................................................... 298
7.2.4.4 Initialization of static program variables ........................................................................... 299
7.2.4.5 Initialization of retentive local variables of programs......................................................... 300
7.2.4.6 Initialization of instances of function blocks (FBs) or classes.............................................. 301
7.2.4.7 Initialization of retentive local variables of function blocks (FBs) and classes ..................... 302
7.2.4.8 Initialization of system variables of technology objects ..................................................... 302
7.2.4.9 Version ID of global variables and their initialization during download .............................. 303
7.2.5 Declaring variables in the Variable declaration dialog box ("on-the-fly" variable
declaration) ..................................................................................................................... 305
7.2.6 Variables and HMI devices ................................................................................................ 309
7.3 Access to inputs and outputs (process image, I/O variables) .............................................. 313
7.3.1 Overview of access to inputs and outputs ......................................................................... 313
7.3.2 Important features of direct access and process image access ........................................... 314
7.3.3 Direct access and process image of cyclic tasks ................................................................. 317
7.3.3.1 Address range of the SIMOTION devices ........................................................................... 319
7.3.3.2 Rules for I/O addresses for direct access and the process image of the cyclical tasks ........... 320

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7.3.3.3 Creating I/O variables for direct access or process image of cyclic tasks.............................. 321
7.3.3.4 Syntax for entering I/O addresses ..................................................................................... 323
7.3.3.5 Possible data types of I/O variables ................................................................................... 324
7.3.3.6 Detailed status of the I/O variables (as of Kernel V4.2) ...................................................... 324
7.3.4 Access to fixed process image of the BackgroundTask........................................................ 326
7.3.4.1 Common process image (as of Kernel V4.2)...................................................................... 328
7.3.4.2 Separate process image (up to Kernel V4.1)...................................................................... 330
7.3.4.3 Absolute access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask (absolute PI access) ..... 332
7.3.4.4 Syntax for the identifier for an absolute process image access ........................................... 333
7.3.4.5 Symbolic access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask (symbolic PI access)..... 334
7.3.4.6 Possible data types for symbolic PI access ......................................................................... 335
7.3.4.7 Example of symbolic PI access .......................................................................................... 336
7.3.4.8 Creating an I/O variable for access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask......... 336
7.3.5 Accessing I/O variables ..................................................................................................... 337
7.4 Using libraries.................................................................................................................. 337
7.4.1 Compiling a library........................................................................................................... 339
7.4.2 Know-how protection for libraries .................................................................................... 340
7.4.3 Using data types, functions and function blocks from libraries .......................................... 341
7.5 Use of the same identifiers and namespaces ..................................................................... 342
7.5.1 Use of the same identifiers ............................................................................................... 342
7.5.2 Namespaces .................................................................................................................... 345
7.5.2.1 Namespaces for libraries and technology packages........................................................... 346
7.5.2.2 Predefined namespaces.................................................................................................... 347
7.5.2.3 Object-oriented namespace ............................................................................................. 349
7.6 Reference data................................................................................................................. 355
7.6.1 Cross-reference list........................................................................................................... 355
7.6.1.1 Generating and updating a cross-reference list ................................................................. 355
7.6.1.2 Content of the cross-reference list .................................................................................... 356
7.6.1.3 Working with a cross-reference list ................................................................................... 358
7.6.1.4 Filtering the cross-reference list........................................................................................ 358
7.6.2 Program structure ............................................................................................................ 359
7.6.2.1 Content of the program structure..................................................................................... 359
7.6.3 Code attributes ................................................................................................................ 360
7.6.3.1 Code attribute contents ................................................................................................... 361
7.6.4 Reference to variables ...................................................................................................... 361
7.7 Controlling the preprocessor and compiler with pragmas.................................................. 362
7.7.1 Controlling the preprocessor ............................................................................................ 363
7.7.1.1 Preprocessor statement.................................................................................................... 364
7.7.1.2 Example of preprocessor statements ................................................................................ 367
7.7.2 Controlling compiler with attributes ................................................................................. 368
7.7.3 Issue non-assigned compiler message .............................................................................. 372
7.8 SIMOTION devices............................................................................................................ 373
7.8.1 Rules for identifiers of the SIMOTION devices .................................................................... 373
7.8.2 Making settings on the device (as of Kernel V4.2) ............................................................. 375
7.9 Forward declarations ....................................................................................................... 375
7.10 Jump statement and label ................................................................................................ 379
8 Error Sources and Program Debugging ............................................................................................. 381
8.1 Notes on avoiding errors and on efficient programming .................................................... 381

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8.2 Program debugging ......................................................................................................... 381

8.2.1 Operating modes for program testing............................................................................... 382
8.2.1.1 Modes of the SIMOTION devices....................................................................................... 382
8.2.1.2 Important information about the life-sign monitoring....................................................... 384
8.2.1.3 Life-sign monitoring parameters....................................................................................... 386
8.2.2 Editing program sources in online mode........................................................................... 386
8.2.3 Symbol Browser ............................................................................................................... 387
8.2.3.1 Properties of the symbol browser ..................................................................................... 387
8.2.3.2 Using the symbol browser ................................................................................................ 388
8.2.4 Monitoring variables in watch table.................................................................................. 391
8.2.4.1 Variables in the watch table ............................................................................................. 391
8.2.4.2 Using watch tables........................................................................................................... 391
8.2.5 Variable status ................................................................................................................. 393
8.2.6 Program run .................................................................................................................... 394
8.2.6.1 Program run: Display code location and call path .............................................................. 394
8.2.6.2 Program run parameters .................................................................................................. 395
8.2.6.3 Program run toolbar......................................................................................................... 396
8.2.7 Program status................................................................................................................. 396
8.2.7.1 Properties of the program status ...................................................................................... 396
8.2.7.2 Using the status program ................................................................................................ 398
8.2.7.3 Call path for program status ............................................................................................. 400
8.2.7.4 Parameter call path status program .................................................................................. 401
8.2.8 Breakpoints...................................................................................................................... 401
8.2.8.1 General procedure for setting breakpoints ........................................................................ 401
8.2.8.2 Setting the debug mode .................................................................................................. 402
8.2.8.3 Define the debug task group ............................................................................................ 403
8.2.8.4 Debug task group parameters .......................................................................................... 405
8.2.8.5 Debug table parameter .................................................................................................... 405
8.2.8.6 Setting breakpoints.......................................................................................................... 406
8.2.8.7 Breakpoints toolbar.......................................................................................................... 408
8.2.8.8 Defining the call path for a single breakpoint .................................................................... 409
8.2.8.9 Breakpoint call path / task selection parameters................................................................ 411
8.2.8.10 Defining the call path for all breakpoints........................................................................... 412
8.2.8.11 Call path / task selection parameters of all breakpoints per POU ........................................ 414
8.2.8.12 Activating breakpoints ..................................................................................................... 414
8.2.8.13 Display call stack .............................................................................................................. 417
8.2.8.14 Breakpoints call stack parameter ...................................................................................... 418
8.2.8.15 Resuming program execution........................................................................................... 418
8.2.9 Task status function bar ................................................................................................... 419
8.2.10 Trace ............................................................................................................................... 420
8.2.11 Project comparison .......................................................................................................... 420
A Appendix............................................................................................................................................ 421
A.1 Formal Language Description ........................................................................................... 421
A.1.1 Language description resources ....................................................................................... 421
A.1.1.1 Formatted rules (lexical rules) .......................................................................................... 421
A.1.1.2 Unformatted rules (syntactic rules)................................................................................... 422
A.1.2 Basic elements (terminals) ............................................................................................... 423
A.1.2.1 Letters, digits and other characters................................................................................... 423
A.1.2.2 Formatting characters and separators in the rules............................................................. 423
A.1.2.3 Formatting characters and separators for constants.......................................................... 424
A.1.2.4 Predefined identifiers for process image access ................................................................. 425

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A.1.2.5 Operators ........................................................................................................................ 426

A.1.2.6 Reserved words ............................................................................................................... 426
A.1.3 Rules ............................................................................................................................... 435
A.1.3.1 Identifiers ........................................................................................................................ 436
A.1.3.2 Notation for constants (literals) ........................................................................................ 436
A.1.3.3 Comments....................................................................................................................... 443
A.1.3.4 Sections of the ST source file ............................................................................................ 445
A.1.3.5 Structures of ST source files .............................................................................................. 445
A.1.3.6 Program organization units (POU) .................................................................................... 448
A.1.3.7 Declaration sections......................................................................................................... 453
A.1.3.8 Structure of the declaration blocks ................................................................................... 456
A.1.3.9 Data types ....................................................................................................................... 466
A.1.3.10 Statement section............................................................................................................ 471
A.1.3.11 Value assignments and operations ................................................................................... 472
A.1.3.12 Call of functions, function blocks and methods................................................................. 478
A.1.3.13 Control statements .......................................................................................................... 481
A.1.3.14 Pragmas .......................................................................................................................... 486
A.2 Compiler Error Messages and Remedies............................................................................ 487
A.2.1 File access errors (1000 ... 1100)...................................................................................... 487
A.2.2 Scanner errors (2001, 2002) ............................................................................................ 488
A.2.3 Declaration errors in POU (3002 ... 3161) ......................................................................... 488
A.2.4 Declaration errors in data type declarations (4001 ... 4105).............................................. 491
A.2.5 Declaration errors in variable declarations (5001 ... 5509) ................................................ 492
A.2.6 Errors in the expression (6001 ... 6302)............................................................................ 496
A.2.7 Syntax errors, errors in the expression (7000 ... 7014) ...................................................... 500
A.2.8 Error when linking a source file (8001 … 8010) ................................................................ 502
A.2.9 Errors while loading the interface of another UNIT or a technology package (10000 ...
10101) ............................................................................................................................ 502
A.2.10 Implementation restrictions (15001 ... 15700) ................................................................ 505
A.2.11 Warnings (16001 .. 16700) .............................................................................................. 506
A.2.12 Non-assigned compiler messages (22000 … 22002)......................................................... 512
A.2.13 Information (32010 ... 32653) ......................................................................................... 513
A.3 Template for Example Unit ............................................................................................... 515
A.3.1 Preliminary information ................................................................................................... 515
A.3.2 Type definition in the interface ......................................................................................... 516
A.3.3 Variable declaration in the interface ................................................................................. 517
A.3.4 Implementation ............................................................................................................... 518
A.3.5 Function .......................................................................................................................... 519
A.3.6 Function block ................................................................................................................. 521
A.3.7 Program .......................................................................................................................... 522
Index .................................................................................................................................................. 525

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Fundamental safety instructions 1
1.1 General safety instructions

WARNING
Danger to life if the safety instructions and residual risks are not observed
The non-observance of the safety instructions and residual risks stated in the associated
hardware documentation can result in accidents with severe injuries or death.
• Observe the safety instructions given in the hardware documentation.
• Consider the residual risks for the risk evaluation.

1.1.1 Malfunctions of the machine as a result of incorrect or changed parameter

settings

WARNING
Malfunctions of the machine as a result of incorrect or changed parameter settings
As a result of incorrect or changed parameterization, machines can malfunction, which in turn
can lead to injuries or death.
• Protect the parameterization against unauthorized access.
• Handle possible malfunctions by taking suitable measures, e.g. emergency stop or
emergency off.

1.2 Security information

Siemens provides products and solutions with industrial security functions that support the
secure operation of plants, systems, machines and networks.
In order to protect plants, systems, machines and networks against cyber threats, it is necessary
to implement – and continuously maintain – a holistic, state-of-the-art industrial security
concept. Siemens’ products and solutions constitute one element of such a concept.
Customers are responsible for preventing unauthorized access to their plants, systems,
machines and networks. Such systems, machines and components should only be connected to
an enterprise network or the internet if and to the extent such a connection is necessary and only
when appropriate security measures (e.g. firewalls and/or network segmentation) are in place.
For additional information on industrial security measures that may be implemented, please
visit (https://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity).

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Fundamental safety instructions
1.4 Danger to life due to software manipulation when using removable storage media

Siemens' products and solutions undergo continuous development to make them more secure.
Siemens strongly recommends that product updates are applied as soon as they are available
and that the latest product versions are used. Use of product versions that are no longer
supported, and failure to apply the latest updates may increase customers' exposure to cyber
threats.
To stay informed about product updates, subscribe to the Siemens Industrial Security RSS Feed
visit (https://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity).

1.3 Note regarding the general data protection regulation

Siemens observes the principles of data protection, in particular the principle of data
minimization (privacy by design). For this product this means:
The product does not process / store any personal data, only technical functional data (e.g. time
stamp). If the user links this data with other data (e.g. shift plans) or stores personal data on the
same medium (e.g. hard disk) and thus establishes a personal reference, the user must ensure
compliance with data protection regulations.

1.4 Danger to life due to software manipulation when using

removable storage media

WARNING
Danger to life due to software manipulation when using removable storage media
The storage of files on removable storage media involves a high risk of infection, e.g. via viruses
or malware. Incorrect parameter assignment can cause machines to malfunction, which can
lead to injuries or death.
• Protect the files on removable storage media against harmful software through appropriate
protective measures, e.g. virus scanners.

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Introduction 2
In addition to conventional open and closed-loop control tasks, today's automation systems are
increasingly required to handle data management functions and complex mathematical
calculations. ST (Structured Text) is specially designed for these tasks. Standardized to IEC
61131-3 (German standard DIN EN-61131-3), this programming language makes your job as a
programmer easier.

2.1 High-level programming language

ST is a high-level, PASCAL-based programming language. This language is based on the IEC
61131-3 standard, which standardizes programming languages for programmable controllers
(PLC). ST is based on the Structured Text part of this standard.
Using a high-level language like ST to program control systems offers the user a wide range of
possibilities, for example:
• Data management
• Process optimization
• Mathematical/statistical calculations

2.2 Programming language with technology commands

In addition to IEC 61131-3 compliance, the SIMOTION ST programming language also contains
commands for SIMOTION devices, motion control and technology.
Technology objects represent a technological functionality, e.g. positioning an axis or assigning
parameters for an output cam. Technology commands are language commands provided by the
technology objects. Such commands may be used, for example, to activate camming or to
control motion sequences, for example, in order to position an axis.

2.3 Execution levels

The SIMOTION execution system provides different execution levels (cyclic, synchronous, time-
controlled, alarm-controlled and sequential) for optimal support of the various tasks involved in
creating user programs.
SIMOTION SCOUT is the engineering system of the SIMOTION product family. ST is the high-level
language for creating user programs; in ST, you can develop user programs for the various
execution levels.
The execution of user programs can be time-driven if you want them to run synchronously with
the system clock or a defined time cycle. They can be interrupt-driven if they are to start and run
once in response to a particular event. Alternatively, they can run sequentially or cyclically at the
round robin execution level.

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Introduction
2.4 ST editor with tools for writing and testing programs

2.4 ST editor with tools for writing and testing programs

An easy-to-use text editor is provided for creating programs.
The ST compiler converts the edited program into executable code and indicates any syntax
errors, specifying the program line and the cause of the error.
SIMOTION SCOUT provides test functions for testing ST programs. You can test and visualize your
programs online.

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Getting Started with ST 3
This chapter uses a simple example to describe how to write a program, compile it into
executable code, run it, and test it.

3.1 Integration of ST in SCOUT

The program environment for ST comprises the following components:
• An editor for creating programs, consisting of functions (FC), function blocks (FB), and user-
defined data types (UDT), etc.
• A compiler for compiling the previously edited ST program into executable machine code
• several diagnostics functions (e.g. program status) for assisting your search for logical
program errors in the running program;
• a detail view, in which, for example, error messages of the compiler are displayed. An
important tab of the detail view is the Symbol browser, where you can monitor and change
variables.
The individual components are easy to use. They are integrated directly in the SIMOTION SCOUT
workbench.
For more information about the operation of the workbench and its tools, refer to the SIMOTION
SCOUT Configuration Manual.

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Getting Started with ST
3.1 Integration of ST in SCOUT

 

① Editor
② Compiler
③ Program status
④ Detail view (Compile/check output tab)
Figure 3-1 Development environment of ST

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3.1 Integration of ST in SCOUT

3.1.1 Getting to know the elements of the workbench

The workbench represents the framework for SIMOTION SCOUT. Its tools allow you to perform
all the steps necessary to configure, optimize and program a machine for your application.




1) Menu bar
2) Toolbars
3) Project navigator
4) Working area
5) Detail view (Symbol browser tab)
Figure 3-2 Workbench elements

The workbench contains the following elements:

• Menus
Menus contain menu commands with which you can control the workbench and call tools,
etc.
• Toolbars
You can execute many of the available menu commands by clicking the corresponding
button in one of the toolbars.

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3.2 Requirements for program creation

• Project navigator
The project navigator displays the entire project and its elements (e.g. CPU, axes, programs,
cams) in a tree structure.
• Working area
This window allows you to perform specific tasks either independently (by programming) or
using wizards (by configuring).
• Detail view
The detail view displays additional information about the elements selected in the project
navigator, e.g. all global variables for a program or the Compile/Test Output window.

3.2 Requirements for program creation

This section describes the general conditions you will need to meet before writing a program.
You will find detailed information in the SIMOTION SCOUT Configuring Manual and the
SIMOTION Motion Control function descriptions.

Add or open a project

The project is the highest level in the data management hierarchy. SIMOTION SCOUT saves all
data which belongs, for example, to a production machine, in the project directory.
This means that the project therefore brackets together all SIMOTION devices, drives, etc.
belonging to one machine.
Once you have created a project, you can:
• Configure hardware
• Insert and configure technology objects

Configuring hardware
Within the project, the hardware used must be made known to the system, including:
• SIMOTION device
• Centralized I/O (with I/O addresses)
• Distributed I/O (with I/O addresses)
A SIMOTION device must be configured before you can insert and edit ST source files.

Insert and configure technology objects

The functionality of axes, output cams, etc. is represented in SIMOTION by technology objects
(TOs).
You cannot program technology objects using system functions and access their system
variables until you have inserted and configured them.

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3.3 Working with the ST editor and the compiler

3.3 Working with the ST editor and the compiler

In this section, you will learn how to use the ST editor and the compiler.

3.3.1 Insert ST source file

ST source files are assigned to the SIMOTION device on which the programs contained in the
source file will subsequently be run (e.g. SIMOTION C240).
They are stored in the project navigator under the SIMOTION device in the PROGRAMS folder.

Note
MCC units, LAD/FBD units and DCC charts are also stored in the PROGRAMS folder under the
SIMOTION device.
For a description of the SIMOTION MCC (Motion Control Chart) programming language, refer to
the SIMOTION MCC Programming and Operating Manual.
For a description of the SIMOTION LAD (Ladder Diagram) and SIMOTION FBD (Function Block
Diagram) programming languages, refer to the SIMOTION LAD/FBD Programming and
Operating Manual.

Procedure
1. Open the appropriate SIMOTION device in the project navigator.
2. Select the PROGRAMS folder.
3. Select the menu Insert > Program > ST source file.
4. Enter the name of the ST source file.
The names of program sources must comply with the rules for identifiers (Page 95): They
are made up of letters (A … Z, a … z), numbers (0 … 9), or single underscores (_) in any order,
whereby the first character must be a letter or underscore. No distinction is made between
upper- and lower-case letters.
The permissible length of the name depends on the SIMOTION Kernel version:
– As of version V4.1 of the SIMOTION Kernel: maximum 128 characters.
– Up to version V4.0 of the SIMOTION Kernel: maximum 8 characters.
Names must be unique within the SIMOTION device.
Protected or reserved identifiers (Page 96) are not permitted.
Existing program sources (e.g. ST source files, MCC units) are displayed.
5. You can also enter an author, version, and a comment.
6. Activate the Open editor automatically checkbox.

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7. If necessary, select further tabs to make local settings (only valid for this ST source file):
– Compiler tab: Local settings of the compiler (Page 65) for code generation and message
display.
– Additional settings tab: Definitions for preprocessor (Page 74)
8. Confirm with OK.

Figure 3-3 Insert ST source file

Note
When you click OK, the ST source file will only be transferred to the project. The data, together
with the project, is only saved to the data carrier if you select, for example, Project >
Save, Project > Save and compile changes, or Project > Save and recompile all.

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3.3.2 Opening an existing ST source file

Procedure
How to open an ST source file:
1. Open the subtree of the appropriate SIMOTION device in the project navigator.
2. Open the PROGRAMS folder.
3. Select the desired ST source file.
4. Select the Edit > Open object menu command.
5. Only for ST source files with know-how protection:
If the ST source file is not already open and the log-in details assigned to it have not yet been
used to log in:
– Enter the corresponding password for the displayed login.
The know-how protection for this source file is canceled temporarily (until the file is
closed).
– If required, activate the "Use login as a standard login" checkbox.
You will be logged in with this login and can now open additional units to which the same
login is assigned without having to re-enter the password.
This ST source file is opened with the saved folding information (Page 35) and bookmarks
(Page 46). Multiple units can be opened.

Note
You can also double-click the required ST source file to open it.

3.3.3 Changing the properties of an ST source file

Procedure
1. Under the SIMOTION device, open the PROGRAMS folder.
2. Select the desired ST source file.

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3. Select the Edit > Object Properties menu command.

4. If necessary, select further tabs to make local settings (only valid for this ST source file):
– General tab: General details for the ST source file, e.g. code size for the last compilation,
time stamp of the last change, storage location of the project (see figure).
– Compiler tab: Local settings of the compiler (Page 65) for code generation and message
display.
– Additional settings tab: Definitions for the preprocessor (Page 74) and display of
compiler options (Page 72) as specified in the current settings of the compiler. You also
have the possibility of setting the ST source as read-only (Read-Only-mode).
– Compilation tab: Display of the compiler options (Page 72) for the last compilation of
the ST source.
– Object address tab: Set the internal object address of the ST source. The object addresses
of the other program sources are displayed.

Figure 3-4 Properties of an ST source file

Changing the name of an ST source file

You can also change the names of the ST source file here. To do this, click the [...] button.
Names for program source files must satisfy the rules for identifiers: They are made up of letters
(A … Z, a … z), numbers (0 … 9), or single underscores (_) in any order, whereby the first

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character must be a letter or underscore. No distinction is made between upper and lower case
letters.
The permissible length of the name depends on the SIMOTION Kernel version:
• As of Version V4.1 of the SIMOTION Kernel: maximum 128 characters.
• Up to Version V4.0 of the SIMOTION Kernel: maximum 8 characters.
Names must be unique within the SIMOTION device.
Protected or reserved identifiers (Page 96) are not allowed.
Existing program sources (e.g. ST source files, MCC units) are displayed.

Note
With versions of the SIMOTION Kernel up to V4.0, a violation of the permissible length of the
program source file name may not be detected until a consistency check or a download of the
program source file is performed!

Read-only ST sources
You can set ST sources as read-only to prevent unintentional code changes during
commissioning. To do this, navigate to "Additional settings" and set the option "Read-Only-
Mode". Functions that would change the ST source are disabled in read-only mode. For this
reason, the corresponding context menu entries and icons are inactive.
The following functions can still be used when an ST source is read-only:
• Status program
• Breakpoints
• Displaying the variable in the tooltip
• Pasting/removing bookmarks, jumping to bookmarks
• Selecting variables
• Searching (Ctrl +F)
• Compiling

3.3.4 Working with the ST editor

The ST editor makes it easier for you to work with the ST source file, variables and technology
objects through the following operator controls:
• Syntax coloring
• Drag and drop
• Menu commands and shortcuts

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3.3 Working with the ST editor and the compiler

Figure 3-5 Opened ST source file in the ST editor

3.3.4.1 Syntax coloring

The ST editor represents language elements in different colors:
• Blue: Keywords and compiler built-in functions
• Magenta: Numbers, values
• Green: Comments
• Black: Technology objects, user code, variables

3.3.4.2 Drag&drop

Drag&drop
A drag-and-drop operation (dragging while keeping the left mouse button pressed) enables you
to:
• Move selected text areas within an ST source file or to another opened ST source file.
• Copy names of variables from the symbol browser to the ST source file.
• Copy names (e.g. of technology objects, functions or function blocks) from the project
navigator to the ST source file.
• Copy system functions from the command library to the ST source file.

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To copy names of variables from the symbol browser to the ST source file:
1. Select the entire line of the desired variable in the symbol browser. To do this, click the line
number at the start of the line.
2. Press the left mouse button and drag the line number to the desired position in the ST source
file.
The name of the selected variable is inserted in the ST source file.

To copy the name of an element (e.g. a technology object, a function or a function block)
from the project navigator to the ST source file:
1. Select the Project tab in the project navigator.
2. Select the element in the project navigator.
3. Press the left mouse button and drag the element to the desired position in the ST source file.
The name of the selected element is inserted in the ST source file.

To copy a system function from the command library to the ST source file:
1. Select the Command Library tab in the project navigator.
2. Select the system function in the command library.
3. Press the left mouse button and drag the system function to the desired position in the ST
source file.
The system function is inserted in the ST source file with its parameters.

3.3.4.3 Settings of the ST editor

Procedure:
1. Select the menu Options > Settings.
2. Select the ST editor / scripting tab.
3. Enter the settings.
4. Click OK or Accept to confirm.

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3.3 Working with the ST editor and the compiler

Figure 3-6 ST editor / scripting settings

The settings also apply to the script editor.

The table below contains a description of the individual parameters.

Table 3-1 ST editor / scripting parameter settings

Parameter Description
Display line numbering If active, the line numbers are displayed.
See: Other ST editor tools (Page 52).
Replace tabs with blanks You select here how text indentation is performed (for the
automatic indentation or by pressing the Tab key):
• If active: By adding the appropriate number of space char‐
acters ($20).
• If inactive: By adding the tab character ($09).
See: Indentations and tabs (Page 33).
Tab width Number of characters skipped by a tab.
See: Indentations and tabs (Page 33).
Tooltip display for function parameters When active, the parameters are displayed as tooltips for the
functions.
Automatic indent/outdent If active, for the text input, source file sections and blocks are
indented automatically by the set tab width.
See: Indentations and tabs (Page 33).

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Parameter Description
Folding active If active, the column with the folding information is displayed
at the left-hand side next to the edit area.
You can then hide blocks in an ST source file so that only the
first line of the block remains visible.
See: Folding (showing and hiding blocks) (Page 35).
Display indentation level If active, you can optically highlight the indent and outdent
for blocks using vertical help lines (in accordance with the set
tab size).
See: Indentations and tabs (Page 33).
Display bracket pairs If active, the associated bracket of the pair that belongs to the
bracket where the cursor is located will be found and optically
highlighted.
See: Other ST editor tools (Page 52).
Code snippets If active, after input of certain keywords (such as IF, WHILE,
VAR), a window opens to display a code snippet for the asso‐
ciated keyword (e.g. IF (condition) … END_IF). This code snip‐
pet can be transferred to the ST source file.
See: Code snippets (Page 50).
Permit Smart-autocomplete (scripting) 1
If active, automatic completion of terms is permitted for the
scripting editor.
Font Font for the display of the text in the ST editor. All non-pro‐
portionally spaced fonts installed on the PC are available for
selection.
Font size Font size (in pt) for the display of the text in the ST editor.
See: Change the font size in the ST editor (Page 41).
Format for status display 2 Format in which the variable values with bit data type are
displayed for the program status or the variable status (for ST
editor only).
See: Properties of the program status (Page 396), variable
status (Page 393)

1 Only for the scripting editor

2 Only for ST editor

3.3.4.4 Indentations and tabs

Specify tab width

The standard tab width for all ST sources is specified in the settings of the ST editor (Page 31).
This setting is used for all ST source files opened subsequently.

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Indent using tabs or spaces

You can select in the settings of the ST editor (Page 31) how the text will be indented (e.g. with
the automatic indent and outdent when the Tab key is pressed):
• By adding the appropriate number of space characters ($20).
• By adding the tab character ($09).
This setting is used for all ST source files opened subsequently.

Automatically indent and outdent blocks

The ST editor recognizes blocks introduced with a keyword and terminated with another
keyword, e.g.:
• INTERFACE / END_INTERFACE
• IMPLEMENTATION / END_IMPLEMENTATION
• Declaration blocks (e.g. TYPE / END_TYPE, VAR / END_VAR)
• Program organization units (e.g. PROGRAM / END_PROGRAM)
• Control statements (e.g. IF / END_IF, FOR / END_FOR)
During the text input, the ST editor can automatically indent text within blocks by the tab size.
The end line of the block will be outdented automatically.
This function is activated in the settings of the ST editor (Page 31).

Note
This setting affects only the behavior during the text input. It does not have any effect on existing
text in the ST sources.

Format current selection

You can use this function to force the blocks (see above) in an existing text to be indented by the
tab size in accordance with their hierarchy. The number of the leading spaces or tabs will be
changed:
• As specified by the current tab size of the ST source file.
• As specified by the current setting for the type of the indent (with tabs or spaces).
Follow these steps:
1. Select the text area in the ST editor that you want to format (see Select text (Page 42)).
2. Select the View > Format current selection context menu.

Note
Leading tabs or spaces will be replaced in a line only when the formatting changes their number.

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Indent or outdent selected area

You can use this function to indent or outdent selected sections of text by one tab width.
Follow these steps:
1. Select the text area that you want to indent or outdent in the ST editor (see Selecting text
(Page 42)).
The selected text area must cover multiple lines.
2. Select the Indent selected area or Undo selected area context menu.

Indent help (Display indent level)

You can optically highlight the indent and outdent for blocks using vertical help lines (in
accordance with the set tab size).

Figure 3-7 ST source with visible indent aid

You can activate or deactivate this function:

• For the active ST source
– Select the View > Indent help context menu.
This setting is not saved when the ST source file is closed.
• For all open ST sources:
– Activate or deactivate the Display indentation level checkbox in the ST editor settings
(Page 31).
This setting is also used for all ST source files opened subsequently.

3.3.4.5 Folds (show and hide blocks)

You can hide blocks in an ST source file so that only the first line of the block remains visible. This
increases legibility when editing or reading a longer ST source file.

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A block is introduced with a keyword and terminated with another keyword, e.g.:
• INTERFACE / END_INTERFACE
• IMPLEMENTATION / END_IMPLEMENTATION
• Declaration blocks (e.g. TYPE / END_TYPE, VAR / END_VAR)
• Program organization units (e.g. PROGRAM / END_PROGRAM)
• Control statements (e.g. IF / END_IF, FOR / END_FOR)
• Block comment (* / *)
Folding must be activated (see below) in order to show and hide blocks. Once this function has
been activated, the column containing the folding information (to the left of the edit area) is
displayed.
How to recognize that a block is displayed with folding activated:
• The (minus) character appears next to the first line of the block.
How to recognize that a block is hidden:
• The (plus) character appears next to the first visible line of the block.
• A hyphen is displayed below this line. This hyphen is visible even if the column containing the
folding information is hidden.

Figure 3-8 ST source file for which all blocks are shown

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Figure 3-9 ST source file with hidden IF block (including block comment)

Activating or deactivating folding

Folding must be activated in order to be able to show and hide blocks. Once this function has
been activated, the column containing the folding information (to the left of the edit area) is
displayed.
How to activate or deactivate folding:
• For the active ST source file:
– Select the View > Folding context menu.
This setting is not saved when the ST source file is closed.
• For all open ST sources:
– Activate or deactivate the Folding active checkbox in the settings of the ST editor
(Page 31).
This setting is also used for all ST source files opened subsequently.

Showing and hiding blocks

You can only show or hide blocks if folding has been activated for the source file in question (see
above). Once this function has been activated, the column containing the folding information
is displayed.

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How to show or hide blocks:

• Hide an individual block (options):
– Click the (minus) character in the column containing the folding information.
– Position the cursor on the corresponding line of the block and press the CTRL+ALT+T
shortcut.
Only the first line of the block remains visible. All subsequent lines of the block (including
lines of subordinate blocks) will be hidden.
The show/hide status of the subordinate blocks is saved. This is reinstated when individual
blocks are shown.
• Show an individual block (options):
– Click the (plus) character in the column containing the folding information.
– Position the cursor on the visible line of the block and press the CTRL+ALT+T shortcut.
All subsequent lines of the block will be shown. Subordinate blocks are shown as follows: If
the show/hide status has been saved (when hiding individual blocks, for example), this will
be reinstated.
• Hide all blocks:
– Press the CTRL+ALT+C shortcut.
All the blocks of the ST source file (including all the subordinate blocks) will be hidden. In each
case, only the first line of the 1st-level blocks remain visible (usually INTERFACE and
IMPLEMENTATION).
• Show all blocks:
– Press the CTRL+ALT+D shortcut.
All the blocks of the ST source file (including all the subordinate blocks) will be shown. All the
lines of the ST source file will be visible.
• Hide subordinate blocks:
– Position the cursor on the corresponding line of the block and press the CTRL+ALT+V
shortcut.
All the subordinate blocks for the current block will be hidden and the current block itself will
be shown. Only the lines of the current block and the first lines of the blocks on the next level
will be visible.
• Show subordinate blocks:
– Position the cursor on the corresponding line of the block and press the CTRL+ALT+R
shortcut.
The current block and all subordinate blocks will be shown. All the lines of these blocks will
be visible.

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Note
The information relating to displayed and hidden blocks is saved in the project when the ST
source file is closed.
This information is not transferred when the ST source file is exported (Page 75).

3.3.4.6 Splitting the editor window

You can split the ST editor window into two segments, giving you two views of the same ST
source file.

Splitting a window or canceling a split

How to split the current editor window into two segments or cancel such a split:
• Select the ST source file > Split window menu command.
Following the split, the cursor is located in the upper window segment.
The settings for splitting the editor window are not saved when the ST source file is closed. ST
source files are always opened in an entire window (i.e. one that is not split).

Note
The editor window cannot be split if the program status (Page 398) test function is being used.
The snippet editor is disabled when split window is used.

Figure 3-10 ST editor with split window

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Adjusting the segment height

You can adjust the height of the two segments to your individual requirements:
1. Use the mouse to move the cursor to the dividing line between the two segments, until it
turns into a double-headed arrow (see screenshot above).
2. Press and hold the left mouse button and drag the dividing line to the required position.

3.3.4.7 Displaying spaces, tabs and line ends

You can display spaces and tabs in the ST source files.

Figure 3-11 ST source file with visible spaces and tabs

In addition, you can display the line end (CR/LF).

Figure 3-12 ST source with visible line end

Procedure
How to specify whether spaces and tabs are displayed in the active ST source file:
1. Set the cursor in the opened ST source.
2. Select the View > Formatting symbols context menu.

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This setting is not saved when the ST source is closed.

3.3.4.8 Changing the font size in the ST editor

You can change the font size of the ST source in the editor. The font size of the line numbers and
the size of other display elements (e.g. fold marks, bookmarks) will also be changed.

Figure 3-13 Increased size display of the ST source

Proceed as follows
You can change the font size:
• For the current ST source
• For ST source files to be opened subsequently

How to change the font size for the current ST source (alternative):
• Press the CTRL key while moving the mouse wheel
• Press concurrently the CTRL key and one of the following keys on the numeric block:
– ADD (+) to increase,
– MINUS (-) to reduce,
– DIV for 100%.

How to change the font size for ST sources to be opened subsequently:

1. Open the settings for the ST editor (see Settings of the ST editor (Page 31)).
2. Enter the required font size.
This setting will used for all ST sources that will be opened subsequently. It does not affect the
currently opened ST sources.

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3.3.4.9 Select text

Selecting lines of text

How to select lines of text:
• With the mouse:
– With pressed left mouse button, scan the text to be selected.
or
• With the keyboard or the mouse:
– Place the cursor with the arrow keys of the keyboard or with the mouse at the start of the
text to be selected.
– Press the Shift key while placing the cursor at the end of the text to be selected. Please
also refer to the keyboard shortcuts (Page 58).

Figure 3-14 ST source with selected lines of text

SIMOTION ST Structured Text

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Selecting columns of text

How to select columns of text:
• With the mouse:
– Press the Alt key while keeping the left mouse button pressed, scan the text to be selected.
or
• With the keyboard or the mouse:
– Place the cursor with the arrow keys of the keyboard or with the mouse at the start of the
text to be selected.
– Press the ALT+SHIFT key combination while placing the cursor at the end of the text to be
selected. Please also refer to the keyboard shortcuts (Page 58).

Figure 3-15 ST source with selected columns of text

Selecting a single line

How to select a single line:
• Left-click to the right of the line number of the appropriate line.

Selecting the complete text

How to select the complete text (alternatives):
• Press the CTRL key while clicking with the left mouse button in the column with the line
numbers.
• Press the CTRL+A key combination.

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3.3.4.10 Generating a simple series of numbers (generating a sequence)

You can generate simple series of integer numbers (sequences) that follow a specific pattern in
the ST editor. This can be useful, for example, for the initialization of a field.

Procedure
1. In the ST editor, select all the numbers that you want to replace with a series of numbers
(column-by-column, for example); see Selecting text (Page 42).
2. Press the CTRL+SHIFT+F7 shortcut.
The ST editor interprets all selected numbers as being possible elements and attempts to identify
the pattern of the series from the initial elements and to calculate the subsequent elements (see
below). The initial elements of the series must represent integer values. After the calculation has
been performed, the ST editor replaces all the selected numbers which follow the initial
elements with the calculated values.

*HQHUDWHQXPHULFDO
6HOHFWFROXPQVRILQGLFHV VHTXHQFH
$/7PRXVH &75/6+,)7)

*HQHUDWHQXPHULFDO
6HOHFWFROXPQVRIYDOXHV VHTXHQFH
$/7PRXVH &75/6+,)7)

Figure 3-16 Example for generating series of numbers in the ST editor

Calculation of the elements

All the numbers selected in the ST editor are interpreted as being possible elements. The initial
elements from which the series is calculated must represent integer values.
When determining the series of numbers, it is assumed that an element an+1 can be determined
from the previous element an using a linear function with the integer coefficients j and k. This
means the following equation applies:

an+1 = f(an) = j · an + k

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Coefficients j and k are calculated from the initial elements in the series:
1. First of all, an attempt is made to determine the integer coefficients j and k from the
three initial elements of the series of numbers a1, a2 and a3 (j ≥ 0).
2. If this is not possible, only the first two elements a1 and a2 are used for the calculation:
– Coefficient j will be set to 1.
– Coefficient k will be determined from the resulting formula a2 = a1 + k.
These values are used to calculate the series of numbers. All selected numbers will be replaced
by the calculated elements; the initial elements of the series which are used remain unchanged.
The following table shows some examples for series of numbers calculated in this manner.

Table 3-2 Examples for linear series of numbers with specified initial elements

Initial elements of the series Calculated result Resulting series of numbers

a1 a2 a3 j k Equation
0 1 2 1 1 an+1 = an + 1 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 …
1 2 3 1 1 an+1 = an + 1 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 …
0 2 4 1 2 an+1 = an + 2 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 …
1 2 4 2 0 an+1 = 2an 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512 …
2 3 5 2 -1 an+1 = 2an - 1 2, 3, 5, 9, 17, 33, 65, 129, 257, 513 …
2 1 1 0 1 an+1 = 1 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 …
3 2 1 1 -1 an+1 = an - 1 3, 2, 1, 0, -1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6 …
0 1 0 1
1 1 an+1 = an + 1 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 …
0 0 21 1 0 an+1 = an 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 …
1
Only the initial elements a1 and a2 of the series are used, a3 is ignored and will be calculated.

Note
The initial elements of the series used for the calculation must represent integer values.
However, they can also be entered as floating-point numbers.
When the series is calculated, the numbers to be taken into account must all be selected.
The selected area must only contain numbers and certain special characters (e.g. opening and
closing brackets, commas).
The first time an impermissible character is encountered in the selected area, the calculation of
the series will be aborted.
See the examples in the following figure.

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6HOHFWFROXPQV *HQHUDWHQXPHULFDO
$/7PRXVH  VHTXHQFH
&75/6+,)7)
(UURU 5HVXOW
1XPEHUVQRWIXOO\ ,QFRUUHFWQXPHULFDO
VHOHFWHG VHTXHQFH

6HOHFWFROXPQV *HQHUDWHQXPHULFDO
$/7PRXVH  VHTXHQFH
&75/6+,)7)
(UURU 5HVXOW
,PSHUPLVVLEOH ,QFRPSOHWH
FKDUDFWHUVVHOHFWHG QXPHULFDOVHTXHQFH

Figure 3-17 Examples of how incorrect selections cause unwanted results when generating a series of
numbers in the ST editor

3.3.4.11 Use bookmarks

You can set bookmarks in the ST editor. This allows you to jump to specific selected lines within
the ST source file.

Figure 3-18 ST source with bookmarks

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Setting and deleting bookmarks

How to set a bookmark for a line of the active ST source file or to delete an existing bookmark:
• With the keyboard and the mouse:
– Press the Ctrl key.
– Simultaneously, click with the left mouse button at the right-hand side next to the line
number of the appropriate line.
• With the mouse:
– Set the cursor in the appropriate line of the ST source.
– Select the Bookmarks > Insert/remove bookmark context menu.

Note
Bookmarks are saved when the ST source file is closed.

Jump to bookmark
How to jump to the next bookmark within the ST source:
• Select the Bookmarks > Next bookmark context menu.
How to jump to the previous bookmark within the ST source:
• Select the Bookmarks > Previous bookmark context menu.

Delete all bookmarks

How to delete all bookmarks in an ST source:
• Select the Bookmarks > Remove all bookmarks context menu.

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3.3.4.12 Automatic completion

In the ST editor, you can automatically complete identifiers. A selection list with identifiers that
begin with the previously entered characters will be displayed.

Figure 3-19 ST editor, automatic completion of an identifier (e.g. END_)

Procedure
How to automatically complete an identifier:
1. Write the first characters of the identifier (e.g. the letters of a word).
2. Press the Ctrl+space key combination.
The selection possibilities are displayed in a window.
3. Expand or refine the selection options displayed:
– Enter additional characters
– Delete characters
– Use the left/right arrow keys to move the cursor
4. Use the up/down arrow keys to select the required identifier.
5. Accept the identifier. The current word is overwritten.

Note
If only a single identifier is offered for selection, the selection window will not be opened and the
identifier completed immediately.

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Functional description
The following identifiers that begin with the specified character will be offered:
• Keywords of the Structured Text language
• Identifiers from the command library
• For technology objects including their system variables and configuration data
• Identifiers of the own ST source:
– Program organization units (POU)
– Data types
– Variables and constants
– Structure elements
• Identifiers from program sources used

Note
Identifiers from the own ST source or from program sources used will be displayed correctly only
when the corresponding program source has been compiled.
The display is made context-sensitive, only those types of identifiers that are appropriate at the
associated location of the ST source will be offered:
• Within a declaration block, only data types and keywords
• Within a program organization unit (POU), no data types
• For a structure (e.g. var_struct.xx), only structure components

3.3.4.13 Opening a called block

From the ST editor you can directly open and edit a user-defined program organization unit
(POU), such as a function or a function block, which is called in the ST source file.
1. Position the cursor in the identifier of a program organization unit (POU), e.g. when calling
a function or declaring an instance of a function block.
2. Select the Open called block context menu.
The subsequent response will depend on the programming language in which the source file of
the called POU was written:
• SIMOTION ST programming language:
The corresponding ST source file is opened, if necessary. The cursor is positioned at the start
of the relevant POU in the implementation section.
The cursor jumps to the start of the POU in the implementation section within the same ST
source file.
If a library is connected with an online CPU and is consistent online, the online functions are
available under this library for all units.
• SIMOTION MCC or SIMOTION LAD/FBD programming languages:
The corresponding POU (MCC chart, LAD/FBD program) is opened in the associated editor.

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3.3.4.14 Code snippets

After the complete input of certain keywords (such as IF, WHILE, VAR), a window opens above
the cursor to display a code snippet for the associated keyword (e.g. IF (condition) … END_IF).
Further keywords with the same initial letter with available code snippets are displayed in the
lower part of this window.
Pressing the TAB key transfers this code snippet to the ST source file. Pressing any other key
closes this window.

Activating and deactivating code snippets

Code snippets must be activated before they can be used.
How to activate or deactivate code snippets:
• For the active ST source file:
– Select the View > Snippet Editor context menu.
This setting is not saved when the ST source file is closed.
• For all open ST source files:
– Activate or deactivate the Code snippets checkbox in the ST editor settings.
This setting is also used for all ST source files opened subsequently.

Creating user-defined snippets

You can create your own snippets for use in the ST editor. To do this, use the snippet editor, which
you can display in the partitioned window at the same time as the ST editor. Observe the
following rules for creation:

Rule Description
Creating and naming You create new snippets with the snippet editor. Enter a unique name. Per‐
snippets missible characters are A-Z, a-z, 0-9 and _.
Renaming snippets You can rename snippets that have already been created.
Deleting snippets You can delete snippets that have already been created. Perform the Save
function afterwards. Only then can the name of the deleted snippet be used
again for new snippets.

Working with the snippet editor

Display the snippet editor via "ST source file > Snippet editor". Alternatively, you can reach the
snippet editor via "ST editor > View > Snippet editor". The snippet editor shares the working area
with the associated ST editor. In this way, the snippet editor is always tied to one, and only one,
existing ST editor window. The snippet editor consists of three main sections:
• Snippet toolbar
• Snippet tree
• Snippet code editor

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Snippet toolbar
The toolbar contains the following functionalities:

Function Description
Load snippets into the ed‐ This function loads the changes that have been made in the snippet editor
itor – without saving into the ST editor.
Save This function saves the selected snippet or all of the snippets under the se‐
lected node in the tree.
Save all This function saves all of the changes that have been made since the last save.
Reject This function rejects the changes that have been made to the selected snip‐
pet or all of the changes in the selected node in the tree.
Reject all This function rejects all of the changes that have been made since the last
save.
Import This function loads the user-defined snippets from the XML input file. The
validity of the file is checked. If there is an error, a corresponding message is
output. All existing user-defined snippers are deleted during the import.
Export This function saves the user-defined snippets into an XML file. For this pur‐
pose, you create a new file or overwrite an existing one. The changes in the
snippet are saved before the export.
Help This function calls the context-sensitive online help.
Close This function closes the snippet editor. Save your snippets before closing the
editor.

Snippet tree
The snippet editor shows the hierarchy of all of the available snippets in a clear tree structure.
The tree has a root node "Snippets" with two subordinate elements by the name of "STSnippets"
for non_OOP- and "STSnippetsOOP for OOP-relevant snippets". Both contain pre-defined and
user-defined snippets. The snippet IDs in the snippet tree are sorted alphabetically and all of the
pre-defined snippets (recognizable by the lock icon) are listed first, in alphabetical order.
Only user-defined snippets can be created, changed, or deleted. Master elements, scope IDs or
pre-defined snippets cannot be changed, deleted, or created. After you have created a new
snippet, the new snippet key (name) will be alphabetically sorted into the user-defined snippets
in the right position in the tree.

Snippet code editor

You insert the snippets in the snippet tree via the context menu. After inserting, assign the name
and edit the snippet in the snippet code editor.
The snippet code editor is a simple text editor field in which you edit the associated part of the
code (the currently selected element in the snippet tree). The text can be entered or inserted
from the clipboard. Pre-defined snippets can be selected and copied, but are not edited.

Navigating between the identifiers

Snippets can have more identifiers marked with #identifier as placeholders to indicate that an
identifier is missing. When a snippet is inserted into the ST source, the first #identifier that can
be overwritten by the correct identifier is always marked. You then need to select all other
identifiers. You jump to the next identifier with TAB. You jump to the previous identifier with Shift
+TAB.

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3.3.4.15 Other help for the ST editor

Display bracket pairs

The two brackets of a bracket-pair can be optically highlighted.
To do this, place the cursor next to a bracket. The editor attempts to find the associated brackets
of the pair and highlights both brackets, where applicable. This simplifies the recognition of
bracket pairs, in particular for nesting.
How to switch this function on or off:
• For the active ST source file:
– Select the View > Display bracket pairs context menu.
This setting is not saved when the ST source file is closed.
• For all open ST sources:
– Activate or deactivate the Display bracket pairs checkbox in the ST editor settings
(Page 31).
This setting is also used for all ST source files opened subsequently.

Showing and hiding line numbering

Line numbers can be displayed in the ST editor:
How to switch this function on or off:
• For the active ST source file:
– Select the View > Line numbering context menu.
This setting is not saved when the ST source file is closed.
• For all open ST sources:
– Activate or deactivate the Display line numbers checkbox in the ST editor settings
(Page 31).
This setting is also used for all ST source files opened subsequently.

Changing upper/lower case

You can change the case of selected text to upper case or lower case:
1. Select the text whose case you want to change; see Selecting text.
2. Select the Selection in upper case or Selection in lower case context menu.

Tool tip display

The ST editor provides support for some identifiers by displaying tool tips. These are shown if you
briefly hover the cursor over the identifier.
For the identifiers of variables, for example, the associated data type is displayed in the tool tip.
More tool tips will be available soon.

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3.3.4.16 Using the command library

The command library is a tab in the project navigator. It contains the available system functions,
system function blocks, and operators.
You can drag these elements from the command library to the ST editor window with drag&drop.

3.3.4.17 ST editor toolbar

This toolbar contains important operating actions for programming:

Table 3-3 ST editor toolbar

Symbol Meaning
Accept and compile
Click this symbol to transfer the active ST source file to the project and compile it into
executable code.
See: Starting the compiler (Page 61).
Insert ST source file
Click this icon to create a new ST source file. The icon is active only when the PROGRAMS
folder where the ST source file is to be saved is selected in the project navigator.
See: Insert ST source file (Page 25).
Program status
Click this icon to start the program status test mode. During the program execution, you
can monitor the values of the variables marked in the ST source.
The following prerequisites are necessary:
1. The program must be compiled with the appropriate compiler option.
2. The project and the program must be loaded into the target system.
3. An online connection to the target system must have been established.
Reclick this icon to end the program status.
See: Using the program status (Page 398).
Note: Status program and the snippet editor cannot be active at the same time.
• Close the snippet editor to open the status program.
Stop monitoring of the program variables
Click this icon in the program status test mode to stop the monitoring of the program
variables.
See Using the program status (Page 398).
Continue monitoring of the program variables
Click this icon in the program status test mode to continue the monitoring of the pro‐
gram variables.
See: Using the program status (Page 398).
Refresh
Click this symbol in the program status test mode to force updating of the values dis‐
played. The monitoring of the program variables must have been activated.
See: Using the program status (Page 398).

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Symbol Meaning
Format current selection
Click this symbol to indent the blocks in the selected text area by one tab width, in
accordance with the block hierarchy.
See Indentations and tabs (Page 33).
Formatting symbols on/off
Click this symbol to show or hide blanks and tabs in the active ST source file.
See Displaying blanks and tabs (Page 40).
Insert/remove bookmark
Click this symbol to set a bookmark in the current line of the active ST source file or to
delete an existing bookmark.
See: Using bookmarks (Page 46).
Next bookmark
Click this symbol to jump to the next bookmark in the active ST source file.
See: Using bookmarks (Page 46).
Previous bookmark
Click this symbol to jump to the previous bookmark in the active ST source file.
See: Using bookmarks (Page 46).
Remove all bookmarks
Click this symbol to remove all bookmarks from the active ST source file.
See: Using bookmarks (Page 46).
Go to start of block
Click this symbol to move the cursor to the start of the current or higher-level block.
Go to end of block
Click this symbol to move the cursor to the end of the current block.
Insert comment character
Click this icon to convert to comment on the selected lines or line fragments or to insert
a comment character.
See Comments (Page 109).
Remove comment character
Click this icon to reactivate commented lines or line fragments.
See Comments (Page 109).

3.3.4.18 ST editor context menu

The ST editor context menu is shown if you right-click in an open ST source file.
Depending on the active application/editor or the mode (ONLINE/OFFLINE), certain commands
are not displayed or cannot be selected.
As far as editor functions are concerned, this context menu also applies to the script editor.

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You can select the following functions:

Table 3-4 ST editor and script editor context menu

Function Meaning/information
Open called block 1
If the cursor is positioned in the identifier of a user-defined program organization
unit (POU), e.g. when calling a function or declaring an instance of a function
block:
Select this command to open and edit the source of this POU (ST source file, MCC
chart, LAD/FBD program).
See: Open called block (Page 49).
Refactoring You can change the case or rename. The function provides a list of suggested
renames of the symbols used in the actual unit, which differ in terms of notation
from the symbols declared in the cross-references. You can decide which changes
need to be applied. To avoid inconsistencies, compile the project afterwards.
Surround with Select this command to surround the selected text with pre-defined code snippets.
E.g. surround the selected variable with an If instruction.
Cut Select this command to cut the selected area from the ST source file and save it to
the clipboard.
Copy Select this command to copy the selected area to the clipboard.
Paste Select this command to insert the contents of the clipboard into the ST source file
at the current cursor position.
Copying text with syntax coloring Select this command to copy the selected area in RTF format to the clipboard. This
allows the insertion of text including syntax coloring into text processing pro‐
grams.
The copied text cannot be inserted into the ST editor.
Delete Select this command to delete the selected area or the character to the right of the
cursor.
Select all Select this command to select all of the text in the ST source file.
See: Select text (Page 42).
View

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Function Meaning/information
Line numbering on/off Select this command to show or hide the line numbers in the active ST source file.
See: Other ST editor tools (Page 52).
Indent help Select this command to highlight the indents and outdents for blocks in the active
ST source file by means of vertical auxiliary lines (in accordance with the set tab
width).
See: Indentations and tabs (Page 33).
Display bracket pairs Select this command to highlight both brackets of a pair in the active ST source
file, if the cursor is positioned at one of the two brackets.
See: Other ST editor tools (Page 52).
Formatting symbols Select this command to show or hide blanks and tabs in the active ST source file.
See: Displaying blanks and tabs (Page 40).
Folding Select this command to activate or deactivate folding in the active ST source file.
The folding information in the active ST source file is then displayed or hidden.
See: Folding (showing and hiding blocks) (Page 35).
Format current selection Select this command to indent the blocks in the selected text area by one tab
width, in accordance with the block hierarchy.
See: Indentations and tabs (Page 33).
Split window Select this command to split the active window of the ST editor into two segments
horizontally, giving you two views of the same ST source file.
See: Splitting the editor window (Page 39).
Code snippets Select this command to activate or deactivate code snippets in the activate ST
source file. If active, after input of certain keywords (such as IF, WHILE, VAR), a
window opens to display a code snippet for the associated keyword (e.g. IF (con‐
dition) … END_IF). This code snippet can be transferred to the ST source file.
See: Code snippets (Page 50).
Bookmarks
Insert/remove bookmark Select this command to set a bookmark in the current line of the active ST source
file or to delete a bookmark which has been set there.
See: Using bookmarks (Page 46).
Next bookmark Select this command to jump to the next bookmark in the active ST source file.
See: Using bookmarks (Page 46).
Previous bookmark Select this command to jump to the previous bookmark in the active ST source file.
See: Using bookmarks (Page 46).
Remove all bookmarks Select this command to remove all bookmarks from the active ST source file.
See: Using bookmarks (Page 46).
Print
Complete source Select this command to print the complete active ST source file.
Selection Select this command to print the selected lines of the active ST source file.
Variable declaration Select this command to declare a variable "on-the-fly".
See: Declaring variables in the Variable declaration dialog box ("on-the-fly" varia‐
ble declaration) (Page 305).
Selection in upper case Select this command to change the selected text to upper case.
See: Other ST editor tools (Page 52).
Selection in lower case Select this command to change the selected text to lower case.
See: Other ST editor tools (Page 52).

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Function Meaning/information
Code indentation Select this command to format the text automatically.
Indent selected area • If no text is selected:
Select this command to move the text on the right of the cursor to the next tab
position.
• If text is selected in one single line:
Select this command to delete the selected text and move the subsequent text
to the next tab position.
• If text is selected in multiple lines:
Select this command to indent the selected area (Page 33).
A tab character ($09) or the equivalent number of spaces ($20) will be inserted,
depending on the settings for the ST editor (Page 31).
Undo selected area • If no text is selected:
Select this command to move the cursor to the previous tab position.
• If text is selected in one single line:
Select this command to cancel the selection and move the cursor to the pre‐
vious tab position.
• If text is selected in multiple lines:
Select this command to outdent the selected area (Page 33).
Go to start of block Select this command to move the cursor to the start of the current or higher-level
block.
Go to end of block Select this command to move the cursor to the end of the current block.
Go to start of block, level 0 Select this command to move the cursor to the start of the higher-level block, 1st
level.
Go to start of block, level 1 Select this command to move the cursor to the start of the higher-level block, 2nd
level.
Go to line Select this command to move the cursor to a specific line. A dialog box for speci‐
fying the line number is opened.
Set/remove breakpoint 1 Select this command to set a breakpoint at the selected code position or to remove
an existing breakpoint.
See: Setting breakpoints (Page 406).
Activate/deactivate breakpoint 1
Select this command to activate or deactivate the breakpoint at the selected code
position.
See: Activating breakpoints (Page 414).
Add to watch table 1
New watch table If the cursor is within a variable or if the variable is selected:
Select this command to create a new watch table and to take it into this variable.
(Name of a watch table) If the cursor is within a variable or if the variable is selected:
Select this command to take the variable into the selected watch table
Go to 1
Local use >> If the cursor is within a variable or if the variable is selected:
Select this command to jump to the next use of the variable in the ST source file.
Local use << If the cursor is within a variable or if the variable is selected:
Select this command to jump back to the previous use of the variable in the ST
source file.

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Function Meaning/information
Declaration position If the cursor is within a variable or if the variable is selected:
Select this command to jump to the declaration position of the variable. If the
variable is declared in a used source or library, the source or library is opened.
Points of use If the cursor is within a variable or if the variable is selected:
Select this command to list all the points of use of the variable in the detail view.
1
Not available in the script editor context menu.

3.3.4.19 Shortcuts
The ST editor also provides keyboard shortcuts. Some commands can also be called via the Edit
or ST editor menus:
The keyboard shortcuts related to editor functions also apply to the script editor.

Table 3-5 Keyboard shortcuts for ST editor and script editor

Shortcuts Description
F2 Jump to the next bookmark.
F3 Find next (menu Edit > Find next).
A search is performed on the last text in the search field, even if it has been closed (see CTRL
+F).
F9 1 Set or remove a breakpoint (menu Debug > Set/remove breakpoint).
F12 1
Activate or deactivate a set breakpoint (menu Debug > Activate/deactivate breakpoint).
BACK Delete the character to the left of the cursor.
INS Switch between insert mode and overwrite mode.
DEL Delete the selected area or the character to the right of the cursor (menu Edit > Delete).
Arrow key Move the cursor.
POS1 Move cursor to the beginning of the line.
END Move cursor to the end of the line.
PG UP Move up one page. The cursor follows.
PG DN Move down one page. The cursor follows.
TAB • If no text is selected:
Move the text on the right of the cursor to the next tab position.
• If text is selected in one single line:
Delete the selected text and move the subsequent text to the next tab position.
• If text is selected in multiple lines:
Indent selected area.
A tab character ($09) or the equivalent number of spaces ($20) will be inserted, depending
on the settings for the ST editor.
SHIFT+F2 Jump to the previous bookmark.
SHIFT+BACK Delete the character to the left of the cursor.
SHIFT+INS Paste clipboard contents (menu Edit > Paste).
SHIFT+DEL Cut the selected area (menu Edit > Cut).
SHIFT+Arrow key Select line of text.
SHIFT+POS1 Select text back to the beginning of the line.

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Shortcuts Description
SHIFT+END Select text to the end of the line.
SHIFT+PG UP Move up one page. Select lines of text up to the new cursor position.
SHIFT+PG DN Move down one page. Select lines of text up to the new cursor position.
SHIFT+TAB • If no text is selected:
Jump to the preceding tab position.
• If text is selected in one single line:
Jump to the preceding tab position.
• If text is selected in multiple lines:
Outdent selected area.
CTRL+A Select all text (menu Edit > Select All).
CTRL+B 1
Accept and compile ST source file (menu ST source file > Accept and compile).
CTRL+C Copy the selected area to the clipboard (menu Edit > Copy).
CTRL+D Duplicate the current line or the area selected.
CTRL+F Find text in ST source file (menu Edit > Find)
If text is selected in a single line, this is taken into the search screen form.
CTRL+H Replace text in ST source file (menu Edit > Replace).
CTRL+J Display the next search result in the project-wide search (menu Edit > Display next position).
CTRL+L Copy the current line or the selected area to the clipboard.
CTRL+U Change selected text to lower case.
CTRL+V Paste clipboard contents (menu Edit > Paste).
CTRL+X Cut the selected area (menu Edit > Cut).
CTRL+Y Redo the last action (menu Edit > Redo).
CTRL+Z Undo the last action (menu Edit > Undo).
CTRL+space Automatic completion
CTRL+F2 Set or remove bookmarks.
CTRL+F4 Close the active window (e.g. menu ST source file > Close).
CTRL+F5 1 Remove all the breakpoints (in all the program source) in the SIMOTION device (menu De‐
bug > Remove all breakpoints).
CTRL+F7 1 Activate or deactivate the program status function (menu ST source file > Program sta‐
tus on/off).
CTRL+F8 1 Continue to execute the program at the activated breakpoint (menu Debug > Continue).
CTRL+BACK Delete the word to the left of the cursor.
CONTROL+INS Copy the selected area to the clipboard (menu Edit > Copy).
CTRL+DEL Delete the word to the right of the cursor.
CTRL+arrow key (left/right) Move cursor left or right by one word.
CTRL+arrow key (up/down) Scroll one row up or down. The cursor remains in the same position for as long as it is visible
in the window.
CTRL+POS1 Move cursor to the beginning of the ST source file.
CTRL+END Move cursor to the end of the ST source file.
CTRL+SHIFT+B Highlight bracket pairs in the current ST source file.
CTRL+SHIFT+F Search for texts within the project (menu Edit > Search in the project)
CTRL+SHIFT+G Replace texts within the project (menu Edit > Replace in the project)
CTRL+SHIFT+H Assign parameters to a call. Under development.
CTRL+SHIFT+L Go to a line in the ST editor.

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Shortcuts Description
CTRL+SHIFT+S Code indentation.
CTRL+SHIFT+U Change selected text to upper case.
CTRL+SHIFT+F2 Remove all bookmarks from the ST source file.
CTRL+SHIFT+F3 Arrange windows, tile horizontally.
CTRL+SHIFT+F5 Arrange windows, tile vertically.
CTRL+SHIFT+F7 Generate a simple series of numbers (sequence) in the selected area.
CTRL+SHIFT+F8 Format selected area.
CTRL+SHIFT+F9 Move cursor to the start of the current or higher-level block.
CTRL+SHIFT+F10 Move cursor to the end of the current block.
CTRL+SHIFT+F11 Move cursor to the start of the higher-level block, 1st level.
CTRL+SHIFT+F12 Move cursor to the start of the higher-level block, 2nd level.
CTRL+SHIFT+BACK Delete text to the left of the cursor up to the beginning of the line.
CTRL+SHIFT+DEL Delete text to the right of the cursor up to the end of the line.
CTRL+SHIFT+arrow key (left/ Select word to the left or right of the cursor.
right)
CTRL+SHIFT+POS1 Select lines of text back to the beginning of the ST source file.
CTRL+SHIFT+END Select lines of text up to the end of the ST source file.
CTRL+ALT+C Folding: Hide all blocks of the current ST source file.
CTRL+ALT+D Folding: Show all blocks of the current ST source file.
CTRL+ALT+F Folding: Show or hide folding information in the current ST source file.
CTRL+ALT+I Show indentation level in the current ST source file.
CTRL+ALT+L Show or hide line numbers in the current ST source file.
CTRL+ALT+O 1 If the cursor is in the identifier of a program organization unit (POU): Open called block,
i.e. open program source of the POU and position the cursor.
CTRL+ALT+R Folding: Show all subordinate blocks.
CTRL+ALT+S Split window or cancel split (menu ST source file > Split window).
CTRL+ALT+T Folding: Show/hide block.
CTRL+ALT+V Folding: Hide all subordinate blocks.
CTRL+ALT+W Show or hide blanks and tabs in the current ST source file.
CTRL+ADD (numeric keypad) Increase font size in the current ST source file.
CTRL+MINUS (numeric keypad) Decrease font size in the current ST source file.
CTRL+DIV (numeric keypad) Change font size in the current ST source file to 100%.
ALT+N Declare variable "on-the-fly" in the Variable declaration dialog box (Page 305).
ALT+SHIFT+L Change selected text to upper case.
ALT+SHIFT+S Activate or deactivate code snippets (Page 50).
ALT+SHIFT+U Change selected text to lower case.
ALT+SHIFT+Arrow key Select text by column.
ALT+SHIFT+POS1 Select columns of text back to the beginning of the line.
ALT+SHIFT+END Select columns of text to the end of the line.
ALT+SHIFT+Pg Up Move down one page. Select columns of text up to the new cursor position.
ALT+SHIFT+PG DN Move down one page. Select columns of text up to the new cursor position.
ALT+Arrow key Moves the selected code section up or down in the editor.
1
Keyboard shortcut does not apply to the script editor.

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Table 3-6 Combined keyboard and mouse actions for ST editor and script editor

Keyboard Mouse Description

Single left-click in text Set cursor.
Double left-click in text Select word.
Press left button and drag mouse Select line of text.
Single left-click on line number Select line.
Turn mouse wheel Scroll vertically. Cursor remains un‐
changed.
SHIFT Single left-click in text Select line of text.
SHIFT Turn mouse wheel Scroll horizontally.
CTRL Single left-click on line number Select all text (menu Edit > Select All).
CTRL Single left-click in bookmark column Set or delete bookmarks.
CTRL Turn mouse wheel Change font size.
ALT Press left button and drag mouse Select text by column.
ALT+SHIFT Single left-click in text Select text by column.

3.3.5 Starting the compiler

Requirement
The ST source file has been opened with the ST editor.

Proceed as follows
1. Click in the window with the ST editor. The dynamic ST source file menu appears.
2. Select the ST source file > Accept and compile menu command.

Note
The ST source file menu is dynamic. It only appears if the window of the ST editor is active.

The compiler checks the syntax of the ST source file. The "Compile/check output" tab of the detail
view displays the successful compilation of the source text or compiler errors. The error details
include: The name of the ST source file, the number of the line in which the error occurred, the
error number and the error description.

3.3.5.1 Help for the error correction

To obtain help during error correction:
• Double-click the error message in the Compile/check output tab of the detail view.

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The cursor is placed at the relevant line in the ST source file.

3.3.6 Making settings for the compiler

You can define the compiler settings (compiler options) as follows:

• Globally for the SIMOTION project, valid for all programming languages, see Global settings
of the compiler (Page 62)
• Locally for an individual ST source file within the SIMOTION project, see Local settings of the
compiler (Page 65)

3.3.6.1 Global compiler settings

The global settings are valid for all programming languages within the SIMOTION project.

Procedure
1. Select the menu Options > Settings.
2. Select the Compiler tab.
3. Define the settings according to the following table.
4. Confirm with OK.

Figure 3-20 Global compiler settings

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Parameter

Table 3-7 Parameters for global compiler settings

Parameter Description
Display warning classes 1
In addition to error messages, the compiler can issue warnings and information. You can set the
scope of the warning messages to be output:
Active: The compiler issues warnings and information for the selected class.
Inactive: The compiler suppresses warnings and information for the respective class.
See also Meanings of the warning classes (Page 72).
Selective linking
1
Active (standard): Unused code is removed from the executable program.
Inactive: Unused code is retained in the executable program.
Use preprocessor 1
Active: Preprocessor is used.
Inactive (standard): Preprocessor is not used.
See Controlling the preprocessor (Page 363).
Enable program status 1
Active: Additional program code is generated to enable monitoring of program variables (in‐
cluding local variables).
Inactive (standard): Program status not possible.
See Properties of the program status (Page 396).
Permit language extensions 1
Active: Language elements are permitted that do not comply with IEC 61131‑3.
• Direct bit access to variables of a bit data type (Page 145)
• Accessing the input parameter of a function block while outside the function block
(Page 197)
• Calling a program while in a different program (Page 203)
Inactive (standard): Only language elements that comply with IEC 61131-3 are permitted.
Only create program instance Active: The local variables of a program are only stored once in the user memory of the unit.
data once1 This setting is required for calling a program while inside a different program (Page 203). This
setting also improves the download in RUN mode, see corresponding section in the Basic
Functions Function Manual.
Inactive (standard): The local variables of a program are stored according to the task assign‐
ment in the user memory of the respective task.
See Memory areas of the variable types (Page 289).

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Parameter Description
Permit additional languages, Active: Additional language elements can be used in accordance with IEC 61131‑3 3rd edition.
IEC61131 3rd edition1 The corresponding keywords are locked as reserved or protected identifiers.
• Nested block comments (Page 109)
• CONTINUE statement (Page 168)
• Standard-compliant system functions LOWER_BOUND and UPPER_BOUND (Page 188) for
determining the limits of a dynamic ARRAY
• Additional system functions (see Basic Functions Function Manual):
– FROM_BIG_ENDIAN
– FROM_LITTLE_ENDIAN
– IS_VALID
– TO_BIG_ENDIAN
– TO_LITTLE_ENDIAN
Inactive (standard): The additional language elements cannot be used. The corresponding
keywords are not locked.
Note
When saving the project in the old project format: Projects in which language elements that
require this compiler option are used cannot be compiled correctly in SIMOTION SCOUT ver‐
sions earlier than V4.5.
Permit object-oriented pro‐ Active: With the ST programming language additional language elements for object-oriented
gramming1 programming can be used in accordance with IEC 61131‑3 3rd edition. The corresponding key
words are locked as reserved or protected identifiers in all programming languages.
Inactive (standard): The keywords for object-oriented programming are not locked in all pro‐
gramming languages. The additional language elements cannot be used with the ST program‐
ming language.
Note
Independently of the setting the program organization units generated in ST sources using
object-oriented programming (e.g. classes, methods) can be used in program sources for all
programming languages.
When saving the project in the old project format: Projects in which language elements that
require this compiler option are used cannot be compiled correctly in SIMOTION SCOUT ver‐
sions earlier than V4.5.
Permit forward declarations Only for the ST programming language.
(ST) Forward declarations enable you to use program organization units (POUs) before they are
fully defined. Prototype declarations of program organization units are possible prior to their
use, but are only required for an instance declaration of a function block or a class.
Active: Forward declarations are permitted.
Inactive (standard): Forward declarations are not permitted.
See Forward declarations (Page 375).
Forward declarations are always permitted with the MCC and LAD/FBD programming languag‐
es.
It is also possible to make a local setting on the ST source file (Page 65). Please also refer to the
description of the effectiveness of global or local compiler settings (Page 69).

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Parameter Description
Permit single step (MCC) Only for the MCC programming language.
Active: An additional program code is created which enables individual program steps to be
monitored.
Inactive: Single step is not possible.
This function facilitates debugging of your program.
See "Tracking single steps in the program" in the MCC Programming Manual.
It is also possible to make a local setting on the MCC unit. Please also refer to the description
of the effectiveness of global or local compiler settings (Page 69).
Permit trace (MCC - only for RT Only for the MCC programming language and for SIMOTION Kernel as of version V4.2.
versions >= 4.2) Active: An additional program code is created which enables monitoring of the program exe‐
cution in program branches which are executed cyclically.
Inactive: Trace is not possible.
This function facilitates debugging of your program.
See "Tracking program execution per trace" in the MCC Programming Manual.
It is also possible to make a local setting on the MCC unit. Please also refer to the description
of the effectiveness of global or local compiler settings (Page 69).
Optimize execution order Only for LAD/FBD programming languages.
(LAD/FBD) Active: LAD/FBD networks are calculated in the optimized execution order.
Inactive: LAD/FBD networks are calculated in the non-optimized execution order.
Default setting Click the button to restore the default setting.
Create detailed message log Here, you can control the scope of the message log that will be displayed in the workbench's
during compilation of the detail view when you call the Save and compile changes command in SIMOTION SCOUT.
project/devices2 Active: A detailed message log is created that is similar to that for single compilation of an ST
source file.
Inactive: A compressed message log is created.
1
Local settings also possible, see Local settings of the compiler (Page 65). Please also refer to the description of the effec‐
tiveness of global or local compiler settings (Page 69).
2
User-specific settings. Valid for all SIMOTION projects that the user processes.

Note
You may have to save and compile the project for the settings to take effect.

3.3.6.2 Local compiler settings

Local settings are configured individually for each ST source file; local settings overwrite global
settings.

Procedure
1. Open the Properties window for the ST source file, see Changing the properties of an ST
source file (Page 27):
Select the ST source file in the project navigator and select the Edit > Object properties menu
command.
2. Select the Compiler tab.

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3. Define the settings according to the following table.

4. Confirm with OK.

Figure 3-21 Local compiler settings for the ST source file

Parameter

Table 3-8 Parameters for the local compiler settings for the ST source file

Parameter Description
Exclude source from the com‐ Active: This source is not compiled upon compilation of the project, the device or the library
pilation (e.g. Menu Project > Save and recompile all). The source is marked accordingly in the project
navigator. Corresponding information is provided upon compilation.
Inactive (standard): The source is compiled upon compilation of the project, the device or the
library.
Use global settings This checkbox is available for every parameter which also has a global setting. It can only be
selected when the "Do not recompile the source if global compiler settings have been changed"
checkbox is inactive. This is where you define whether the global settings are adopted or
whether the local settings will apply.
See the description under "Effectiveness of global or local compiler settings (Page 69)".
Use the second checkbox or the other checkboxes for the relevant parameters (described
below) to define the local settings.
Selective linking1 Active: Unused code is removed from the executable program.
Inactive: Unused code is retained in the executable program.
Gray background (display only): The global setting displayed is adopted (when "Use global
settings" = active).

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Parameter Description
Use preprocessor1 Active: Preprocessor is used.
Inactive: Preprocessor is not used.
Gray background (display only): The global setting displayed is adopted (when "Use global
settings" = active).
See Controlling the preprocessor (Page 363).
Enable program status1 Active: Additional program code is generated to enable monitoring of program variables (in‐
cluding local variables).
Inactive: Program status not possible.
Gray background (display only): The global setting displayed is adopted (when "Use global
settings" = active).
See Properties of the program status (Page 396).
Permit language extensions 1
Active: Language elements are permitted that do not comply with IEC 61131‑3.
• Direct bit access to variables of a bit data type (Page 145)
• Accessing the input parameter of a function block while outside the function block
(Page 197)
• Calling a program while in a different program (Page 203)
Inactive: Only language elements that comply with IEC 61131-3 are permitted.
Gray background (display only): The global setting displayed is adopted (when "Use global
settings" = active).
Permit additional languages, Active: Additional language elements can be used in accordance with IEC 61131‑3 3rd edition.
IEC61131 3rd edition1 The corresponding keywords are locked as reserved or protected identifiers.
• Nested block comments (Page 109)
• CONTINUE statement (Page 168)
• Standard-compliant system functions LOWER_BOUND and UPPER_BOUND (Page 188) for
determining the limits of a dynamic ARRAY
• Additional system functions (see Basic Functions Function Manual):
– FROM_BIG_ENDIAN
– FROM_LITTLE_ENDIAN
– IS_VALID
– TO_BIG_ENDIAN
– TO_LITTLE_ENDIAN
Inactive: The additional language elements cannot be used. The corresponding keywords are
not locked.
Gray background (display only): The global setting displayed is adopted (when "Use global
settings" = active).
Note
When saving the project in the old project format: Projects in which language elements that
require this compiler option are used cannot be compiled correctly in SIMOTION SCOUT ver‐
sions earlier than V4.5.

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Parameter Description
Permit object-oriented pro‐ Active: Additional language elements for object-oriented programming can be used in ac‐
gramming1 cordance with IEC 61131‑3 3rd edition. The corresponding keywords are locked as reserved or
protected identifiers.
Inactive: The additional language elements cannot be used. The corresponding keywords are
not locked.
Gray background (display only): The global setting displayed is adopted (when "Use global
settings" = active).
Note
Independently of the setting the program organization units created in other ST source files
using object-oriented programming (e.g. classes, methods) can be used in this source.
When saving the project in the old project format: Projects in which language elements that
require this compiler option are used cannot be compiled correctly in SIMOTION SCOUT ver‐
sions earlier than V4.5.
Only create program instance Active: The local variables of a program are only stored once in the user memory of the unit.
data once1 This setting is required for calling a program while inside a different program (Page 203). This
setting also improves the download in RUN mode, see corresponding section in the Basic
Functions Function Manual.
Inactive: The local variables of a program are stored according to the task assignment in the
user memory of the respective task.
Gray background (display only): The global setting displayed is adopted (when "Use global
settings" = active).
See Memory areas of the variable types (Page 289).
For further information, refer to the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.
Issue warnings In addition to error messages, the compiler can issue warnings and information. You can set the
Warning classes 1 scope of the warning messages to be issued.
"Issue warnings" checkbox:
Active: The compiler issues the warnings and information according to the warning class
selection that follows.
Inactive: The compiler suppresses all warnings and information concerning this unit. The
checkboxes for the warning classes are hidden.
Gray background (display only): Operating on a global setting basis, the compiler always
issues warnings and information in accordance with the global warning class selection shown
below (if "Use global settings" = active).
"Warning classes" checkboxes (only if "Issue warnings" = active):
Active: The compiler issues warnings and information for the selected class.
Inactive: The compiler suppresses warnings and information for the respective class.
Gray background (display only): The global setting displayed is adopted (when "Use global
settings" = active).
See also Meanings of the warning classes (Page 72).
Permit forward declarations 1
Forward declarations enable you to use program organization units (POUs) before they are
fully defined. Prototype declarations of POUs are possible prior to their use, but only required
for an instance declaration of a function block.
Active: Forward declarations are permitted.
Inactive: Forward declarations are not permitted.
Gray background (display only): The global setting displayed is adopted (when "Use global
settings" = active).
See Forward declarations (Page 375).

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Parameter Description
Permit OPC‑UA / ‑XML (load Active (standard): Symbol information for the unit variables of the ST source file is available
symbols to RT) in the SIMOTION device.
This is required for:
• The _exportUnitDataSet and _importUnitDataSet functions; see the SIMOTION Basic Func‐
tions Function Manual
• The watch function of IT DIAG.
Inactive: Symbol information is not created.
Ignore global compiler set‐ Active: The global settings of the compiler are ineffective for all parameters. The "Use global
tings settings" checkboxes cannot be selected and are grayed out. When changing the global com‐
(The program is not compiled piler settings, the ST source file is not recompiled.
again if the global settings are This setting is required for libraries that have a know-how protection program (Page 74) with
changed or extended.) a "High" level:
• For all program sources in this library.
• For the library itself.
Inactive (standard): The checkboxes "Use Global Settings" can be selected for all parameters
and are presented against a white background. These checkboxes specify whether the global
properties are taken over for the corresponding parameters.
This setting means that in the following case the ST source file is compiled even though all
"Accept global settings" checkboxes are inactive:
• The global settings of the compiler have been changed and the menu Project > Save and
compile changes is selected.
See the description under "Effectiveness of global or local compiler settings (Page 69)".
1
Global setting also possible, see Global settings of the compiler (Page 62). Please also refer to the description of the effec‐
tiveness of global or local compiler settings (Page 69).

3.3.6.3 Effectiveness of global or local compiler settings

You control the effectiveness of the global and local settings of a parameter using the local
compiler settings (Page 65).

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"Ignore global compiler settings" checkbox

With the "Ignore global compiler settings" checkbox, you specify whether the global properties
of the compiler influence the program source.
• Active: The global settings of the compiler are ineffective for all parameters. The "Use global
settings" checkboxes cannot be selected and are grayed out. When changing the global
compiler settings, the ST source file is not recompiled.
This setting is required for libraries that have a know-how protection program (Page 74)
with a "High" level:
– For all program sources in this library.
– For the library itself.
• Inactive: The checkboxes "Use global settings" can be selected for all parameters and are
presented against a white background. These checkboxes specify whether the global
properties are applied to the corresponding parameter.
This setting means that in the following case the program source is compiled even though all
"Use global settings" checkboxes are inactive:
– The global settings of the compiler have been changed and the menu Project > Save and
compile changes is selected.
This causes problems for libraries that have a know-how protection program (Page 74) with
a "High" level: Online inconsistencies can also occur for projects that have been converted
from an earlier version of SIMOTION SCOUT.

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Checkboxes for the other parameters

Every parameter that has a global setting also has at least two checkboxes:
• "Use global settings" checkbox:
You use this checkbox to define whether global settings will be used. It can only be selected
when the "Do not recompile the source if global compiler settings have been changed"
checkbox is inactive.
The following settings are possible:
– Active:
The global settings will be used for the corresponding parameter.
No other checkboxes may be selected for this parameter; they are grayed out and show
the global setting.
– Inactive:
The global settings are ignored for the corresponding parameter. Only the local settings,
which you define with the other checkboxes, are effective.
• One or more checkboxes for current (local) settings:
The function of these checkboxes depends on the "Use global settings" checkbox:
– If the "Use global settings" checkbox is active:
The global settings will be used for the corresponding parameter. The checkboxes for the
current settings cannot be selected. They are grayed out and show the relevant global
setting.
– If the "Use global settings" checkbox is inactive:
The checkboxes for the current settings can be selected and are displayed on a white
background. You can use them to define the local settings for the corresponding
parameter. The global settings are ignored.
This behavior applies to the following compiler settings:
• Selective linking
• Use preprocessor
• Enable program status
• Permit language extensions
• Only create program instance data once
• Permit additional languages, IEC61131 3rd edition
• Permit object-oriented programming
• Issue warnings with warning classes
• Permit forward declarations (only for the ST programming language)
• Permit single step (only in MCC programming language)
• Permit trace (only for the MCC programming language and for SIMOTION Kernel as of version
V4.2)

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Note
You can check the current compiler options which will be effective the next time the program
source is compiled.
• To do this, select the "Additional settings" tab (Page 72) in the Properties window of the
program source.

3.3.6.4 Meanings of the warning classes

The table lists the warning classes and their meanings.

Table 3-9 Meanings of the warning classes

Warning class Meaning

0 Warnings for unreferenced or unused code sections and data
1 Warnings for hidden identifiers
2 Warnings for data type conversion, e.g. for data change
3 Warnings about set compiler options
4 Warnings about semaphores (potentially faulty functions)
5 Warnings about alarm functions
6 Warnings about constructs in libraries (unit variables declared)
7 Messages of the preprocessor

For the detailed description of the compiler error messages, specify which warning classes are
assigned to the individual warnings (Page 506) and information (Page 513).

3.3.6.5 Display of the compiler options

You can view for a program source the following:
• The current compiler options using the global or local settings of the compiler.
• The compiler options used for the last compilation of the program source.

Requirement
The Properties window of the program source (Page 27) is open.

Procedure
To display the current compiler options using the global or local settings of the compiler
(Page 62):
• Select the Additional settings tab.
The current compiler options for the program source are displayed. They are valid for a future
compilation.

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To display the compiler options used for the last compilation of the program source:
• Select the Compiler tab.
The following are displayed for the last compilation of the program source:
– The version of the used compiler.
– The used compiler options.

Meaning of the compiler options

Compiler option Meaning

-c 2
Do not create debug and symbol information.
-C exclude Exclude source from the compilation.
-C lang_enable_oop "Permit object-oriented programming" active.
-C lang_disable_oop "Permit object-oriented programming" inactive.
-C lang_enable_v3ext "Permit language extensions IEC61131 3rd Edition" active.
-C lang_disable_V3ext "Permit language extensions IEC61131 3rd Edition" inactive.
-C lang_ext "Permit language extensions"1 active.
-C lang_iec "Permit language extensions" inactive.
-C opcsym "Permit OPC-UA/-XML"1 active.
-C no_opcsym "Permit OPC-UA/-XML" inactive.
-C opcsym "Use preprocessor"1 active.
-C no_preproc "Use preprocessor" inactive.
-C prog_once "Only create program instance data once"1 active.
-C prog_multi "Only create program instance data once" inactive.
-C scan_twice "Permit forward declarations"1 active.
-C scan_once "Permit forward declarations" inactive.
-D text Preprocessor definition (Page 74).
-e user 2
Only global settings act.
-e local "Do not recompile the source if global compiler settings have been changed"1 active.
Only local settings act.
No details (default): "Do not recompile the source if global compiler settings have been
changed" inactive. Global settings will be augmented with local settings.
-I2 Accept the package settings from device or library.
-l sel "Selective linking"1 active.
-l no_sel "Selective linking" inactive.
-s "Enable program status"1 active.
-s_off "Enable program status" inactive.
-w no_warn "Suppress warnings"1 active.
-w all_warn Display all warnings.
-w n_off Warning class n inactive1.
-w n_on Warning class n active1.
Further options Internal options of the SIMOTION compiler.
1
Meaning of the compiler option: See "Local compiler settings" (Page 65).
2
Only when the compiler is called from the command line, e.g. using scripting.

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Note
The compiler options can also be specified when the compiler is called from the command line,
e.g. using scripting.

3.3.7 Know-how protection for ST source files

You can protect ST source files from access by unauthorized third parties. Protected ST source
files can only be opened or exported as plain text files by entering a password.
The SIMOTION online help provides additional information on know-how protection.

Note
If you export in XML format, the ST source files are exported in an encrypted form. When
importing the encrypted XML files, the know-how protection, including login and password, is
retained.

See also
Know-how protection for libraries (Page 340)

3.3.8 Making preprocessor definitions

You can make definitions for the preprocessor (see Controlling the preprocessor (Page 363)) in
the Properties dialog box of the ST source file. This enables you to control the preprocessor for
ST source files with know-how protection too (see Know-how protection for ST source files
(Page 74)).

Making preprocessor definitions in the Properties dialog box

1. Open the Properties window for the ST source file
(see Changing the properties of an ST source file (Page 27)):
Select the ST source file in the project navigator, followed by the Edit > Object properties
menu command.
2. Select the Additional settings tab.
3. Enter the preprocessor definitions (syntax as shown in the following table).
4. Confirm with OK.

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Figure 3-22 Preprocessor definitions

Table 3-10 Syntax of the preprocessor definitions

Syntax Meaning
Identifier=text The specified identifier is defined and replaced in the ST source file by the
’Identifier=text’ specified text.
"Identifier=text" Permissible characters: See table footnote.
If the expression contains blanks (e.g. in the text), the syntax "Identifi‐
er=text" must be used.
Identifier The specified identifier is defined and replaced in the ST source file by blank
text.
Permissible characters: See table footnote.
Multiple preprocessor definitions are separated by commas: Definition_1, Definition_2, …
Permissible characters:
• For identifiers: In accordance with the rules for identifiers: Series of letters (A … Z, a … z), digits (0 … 9)
or single underscores (_) in any order, whereby the first character must be a letter or underscore. No
distinction is made between upper and lower case letters.
• For text: Sequence of any characters other than \ (backslash), ’ (single quote) and ” (double quote).
The keywords USES, USELIB and USEPACKAGE are not permitted.

Note
Preprocessor definitions, which are made within an ST source file with pragmas, overwrite the
definitions in the Properties dialog box.
Note the information relating to preprocessor statements (Page 364).

3.3.9 Exporting, importing and printing an ST source file

An overview is provided here of the export, import and printing of an ST source file.

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3.3.9.1 Exporting an ST source file as a text file (ASCII)

You can export an ST source file as a text file in ASCII format and then either reimport this file as
an ST source file or edit it with any ASCII editor.

Procedure
To export an ST source file as an ASCII file:
1. Open the ST source file (Page 27), entering the password if necessary (for ST source files
with know-how protection (Page 74)).
2. Make sure that the cursor is in the ST editor.
3. Select the ST source file > Export menu command.
4. Enter the path and file name for the ASCII file and click Save to confirm.
The ST source file is saved as an ASCII file; the file name is given the default extension *.st
Alternatively, you can also proceed as follows:
1. Select the ST source file in the project navigator.
2. Select Export from the context menu.
3. Only for ST source files with know-how protection (Page 74) and which are not already open:
If the user with the log-in details assigned to the ST source file has not yet logged in:
– Enter the corresponding password for the displayed login.
The know-how protection for this unit is temporarily canceled (for this export).
– If required, activate the Use login as a standard login checkbox.
You will be logged in with this login and can now export or open additional units to which
the same login is assigned without having to re-enter the password.
4. Enter the path and file name for the ASCII file and click Save to confirm.

Note
Folding information (Page 35) and bookmarks (Page 46) are not exported.
An ST source file with know-how protection is exported without protection.

3.3.9.2 Exporting an ST source file in XML format

Follow these steps to export an ST source file in XML format:
1. Select the ST source file in the project navigator.
2. Select the context menu Expert > Save project and export object.
3. Specify the path for the XML export, and confirm with OK.

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An XML file with the ST source file name and a folder with additional associated XML files are
saved in the specified path.

Note
Know-how-protected ST source files can also be exported in XML format. The ST source files are
exported encrypted. When importing the encrypted XML files, the know-how protection,
including login and password, is retained.
Folding information (Page 35) and bookmarks (Page 46) are not exported.

3.3.9.3 Importing a text file (ASCII) as an ST source file

To import an ASCII file as an ST source file:
1. Select the PROGRAMS folder under the appropriate SIMOTION device in the project
navigator.
2. Select the menu Insert > External source > ST source file.
3. Select the ASCII file to be imported, and click Open to confirm.
The dialog box for inserting an ST source file is displayed.
4. Enter the name of the ST source file and select the additional options (see Insert ST source file
(Page 25)).
The ASCII file is incorporated into the current project directory as an ST source file and can be
opened.

3.3.9.4 Importing XML data into ST source files

Follow these steps to import XML data into an ST source file:
1. If applicable, insert a new ST source file (see Insert ST source file (Page 25)).
2. Select the ST source file in the project navigator.
3. Select the context menu Expert > Import object.
4. Select the XML data to be imported.
The imported XML data overwrites existing data in the selected ST source file. The entire
project is saved and recompiled.
Alternative:
1. In the project navigator, select the PROGRAMS folder.
2. In the context menu, select Import object.
3. Select the XML data to be imported.
A new ST source file is created, and the XML data is imported. This ST source file is assigned
the name which is saved in the XML data; if a naming conflict occurs, it is automatically
renamed. The entire project is saved and recompiled.

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Note
Note that if the XML data to be imported was exported from an ST source file that was know-how
protected: When importing the encrypted XML data, the know-how protection, including login
and password, is retained.

3.3.9.5 Printing an ST source file

To print an ST source file:
1. Open the ST source file.
2. Make sure that the cursor is in the ST editor.
3. Select the menu Project > Print.
The program is printed with the name and date.

3.3.10 Using an external editor

What external editors can be used?

As an alternative to the default ST editor, you can use any other ASCII editor that supports the
following function:
• External programs (for example, compiler) can be called and run on the active window.
In addition, the editor should be capable of highlighting certain text passages of the ST source
file in color (syntax coloring).

Note
If you use an external editor, the dynamic ST source file menu and its entries are not available.
The corresponding toolbar is also inactive.
It must be possible to start compilation of the ST source file from the external editor.
Program status (Page 398) continues with the ST editor.

Settings for the use of an external editor

The settings are made in the SCOUT workbench:
1. Select the menu Options > Settings.
2. Select the ST external editor tab (see figure).
3. Activate the Use external ST editor checkbox.
4. Enter the path of the external editor:
– Click Browse... and select the path and file name of the editor.

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Figure 3-23 Settings for the use of an external editor

Making settings in the external editor

The following notes are of a general nature. Compare the operator instructions of the external
editor.
1. Configure the path to the ST compiler in the external editor. The compiler is located in the
STEP7 installation directory s7bin\u7wstcax.exe.
2. Syntax files are supplied for various editors. These enable the editor to highlight text passages
in color (syntax coloring). Copy the syntax file to the relevant directory and configure the
editor accordingly.

Note the following when using an external editor:

NOTICE
Data loss possible
If you close a project or exit SIMOTION SCOUT before all windows of the external editor have
been closed, data can be lost!
Close all windows of the external editor before you close a project or exit SIMOTION SCOUT.

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3.3.11 ST source file menus

3.3.11.1 ST source file menu

Depending on the active application/editor or the mode (ONLINE/OFFLINE), certain commands
are not displayed or cannot be selected. The menu is only displayed if the ST editor is active in
the working area.
You can select the following functions:

Table 3-11 ST Source File Menu

Function Meaning/information
Close Select this command to close the active ST source file. In the event of changes, you can decide
whether you want to transfer the changed source file to the project and whether the changes
should be saved in the snippet editor.
Properties Select this command to display the properties of the active ST source file. Several tabs are
provided to make local settings for this source.
See: Changing the properties of an ST source file (Page 27).
Accept and compile Choose this command to transfer the current ST source file to the project and compile into
executable code.
See: Starting the compiler (Page 61).
Execute preprocessor As an option, the preprocessor scans an ST source file before compiling and can, for example,
replace character strings in the file, which will then be taken into account during the compi‐
lation. You can specifically execute the preprocessor statements with this menu command.
Export Select this command to export the active ST source file as text file (ASCII).
See: Exporting an ST source file as a text file (ASCII) (Page 76).
Split window Select this command to split the active window of the ST editor into two segments horizon‐
tally, giving you two views of the same ST source file.
See: Splitting the editor window (Page 39).
Program status on/off Select this command to start the program status test mode. During the program execution,
you can monitor the values of the variables marked in the ST source.
The following prerequisites are necessary:
1. The program must be compiled with the appropriate compiler option.
2. The project and the program must be loaded into the target system.
3. An online connection to the target system must have been established.
Select the command again to close the program status.
See: Using the program status (Page 398).
Save variables You can save retain, unit and global variables with this menu command. You can save these
variables from the RAM/ROM memory of the target device and store them on a data medium
as XML file. When these variables are restored, they can be written from the data medium to
the RAM/ROM memory of the target device.
Restore variables You can restore retain, unit and global variables from the previously exported variables with
this menu command. When these variables are restored, they can be written from the data
medium to the RAM/ROM memory of the target device.

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3.3.11.2 ST source file context menu

The ST source file context menu is shown if you select an ST source file in the project navigator
and then right-click it.
Depending on the active application/editor or the mode (ONLINE/OFFLINE), certain commands
are not displayed or cannot be selected.
You can select the following functions:

Table 3-12 ST source file context menu

Function Meaning/information
Open Select this command to open the selected ST source file.
See: Opening an existing ST source file (Page 27).
Cut The selected ST source files are deleted and saved on the clipboard.
Copy The selected ST source files are copied to the clipboard.
Paste The contents of the clipboard are inserted in the selected folder.
Delete The selected ST source file is deleted, including all the data.
Rename Select this command in order to change the name of the selected ST source file.
Please note that with name changes, it is not possible to change the referencing to
this name and that the new name must comply with the Rules for identifiers
(Page 95).
Save variables You can save retain, unit and global variables with this menu command. You can
save these variables from the RAM/ROM memory of the target device and store
them on a data medium as XML file. When these variables are restored, they can
be written from the data medium to the RAM/ROM memory of the target device.
Restore variables You can restore retain, unit and global variables from the previously exported
variables with this menu command. When these variables are restored, they can
be written from the data medium to the RAM/ROM memory of the target device.
Expert
Import object Select this command to import XML data to the selected ST source file from an ST
source file which you have previously exported to another project. The existing
data in the ST source file being imported is overwritten.
See: Importing XML data into an ST source file (Page 77).
Save project and export object Select this command to export the selected ST source file in XML format. You can
import the exported data into other projects.
See: Exporting an ST source file in XML format (Page 76).
Accept and compile Choose this command to transfer the current ST source file to the project and
compile into executable code.
See: Starting the compiler (Page 61).
Execute preprocessor As an option, the preprocessor scans an ST source file before compiling and can,
for example, replace character strings in the file, which will then be taken into
account during the compilation. You can specifically execute the preprocessor
statements with this menu command.

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Function Meaning/information
Program status on/off Select this command to start the program status test mode. During the program
execution, you can monitor the values of the variables marked in the ST source file.
The following requirements are necessary:
1. The program must be compiled with the appropriate compiler option.
2. The project and the program must be loaded into the target system.
3. An online connection to the target system must have been established.
Select the command again to close the program status.
See: Using the program status (Page 398).
Export Select this command to export the selected ST source file as a text file (ASCII).
See: Exporting an ST source file as a text file (ASCII) (Page 76).
Know-how protection
Set Select this command to protect the selected ST source file from unauthorized
access by third parties. Protected ST source files can only be opened or exported as
plain text files by entering a password.
See: Know-how protection for ST source files (Page 74).
Delete Select this command to cancel the know-how protection for the selected source
file permanently. The password needs to be entered in order to do this.
See: Know-how protection for ST source files (Page 74).
Display reference data An error-free compilation is required for a correct, consistent display of the refer‐
ence data. If required, compile the project, the CPU, the program or the library first.
See: Reference data (Page 355), creating a cross-reference list (Page 355).
Cross references The cross-reference list of the selected ST source file is generated and displayed.
The cross-reference list contains the declaration and uses all the identifiers for the
selected ST source file.
See: Content of the cross-reference list (Page 356).
Program structure The program structure of the selected ST source file is generated and displayed.
The program structure contains all the subprogram calls and their nesting within
the selected ST source file.
See: Content of the program structure (Page 359).
Code attributes The code attributes of the selected ST source file are generated and displayed. The
code attributes contain information about the storage requirements of various
data areas of the selected ST source file.
See: Code attribute contents (Page 361).
Print Select this command to print the selected ST source file. You can choose whether
you wish to print the text of the ST source file and/or their properties.
Print preview Choose this command to generate a preview of the expected print output.
Properties Select this command to display the properties of the selected ST source file. Several
tabs are provided to make local settings for this source file.
See: Changing the properties of an ST source file (Page 27).

3.4 Creating a sample program

In this section, we create a short program to illustrate the steps involved, including starting and
testing. Testing is described in Program test (Page 381).

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Function
The Flash program sets a bit in an output byte of your target system and rotates it within this
byte. This causes each bit of the output byte to be set and reset in succession. After the last bit
of the byte, the first bit is to be set again. You can observe the result of the program at the outputs
of your target system.

3.4.1 Requirements
To create the sample program, you need
• A SIMOTION project and
• A SIMOTION device (e.g. SIMOTION C240) within the project whose output is configured at
address 62.

3.4.2 Opening or creating a project

Projects contain all the information about the hardware and configuration. This includes the
programs you use to control the hardware.

Proceed as follows
If a project does not yet exist, proceed as follows:
1. Select Project in the menu bar.
2. Select New or Open.
3. Specify a name for a new project, and click OK to confirm.
For details, see the online help.

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Figure 3-24 Creating a new project

3.4.3 Making the hardware known

The steps are as follows:

1. Create and configure a new SIMOTION device (e.g. C240 V4.2).
2. Configure an output in HW Config at Address 62.
For more details on steps 1 and 2, refer to the online help.

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Figure 3-25 Change in HW Config

3.4.4 Entering source text with the ST editor

Proceed as follows
1. In the project navigator, open the tree for your SIMOTION device (programs are assigned to
the SIMOTION device on which they are to run).
2. Select the PROGRAMS folder and choose Insert > Program > ST source file.
3. Enter a name for the ST source file consisting of up to 128 characters (see figure), e.g. ST_1,
and click OK to confirm the entries.
The ST editor appears in the working area. The ST source file ST_1 is inserted in the navigator.
4. Enter the source text from Source text of the sample program (Page 87), preferably with
indented lines. To do this, press the TAB key.
The features of the ST editor are described in Working with the ST editor (Page 29); the
structure of an ST source file is described in detail in Structure of the ST source file (Page 107)
and in Source file sections (Page 251).

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3.4 Creating a sample program

5. Use comments as often as possible. Enter your comment after the // characters if the
comment fits on one line of text. If the comment extends across several lines, insert it
between character pairs (* and *).
6. Save the complete project with Project > Save.

Figure 3-26 Naming the ST source file

3.4.4.1 Functions of the editor

In addition to simple text input, the ST editor provides the following advanced/convenience
functions for documenting the functionality of your source text:
• Standard Windows user features (for example, Undo with Ctrl+Z or Redo with Ctrl+Y)
• Syntax coloring (different colors for different language elements)
• Source file printout in an appropriate layout with page number, source file name and printing
date
• Export/import of the source file
• Source file archiving (via the project)

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A detailed description of the functions is contained in Working with the ST editor (Page 29) and
in Making settings for the compiler (Page 62).

3.4.4.2 Source text of the sample program

The table shows the source code of the sample program. You need to enter it in the same way
to create executable code.

Table 3-13 Flash sample program

INTERFACE
VAR_GLOBAL
counterVar : INT := 1; // counter variable
outputVar : BYTE := 1; // auxiliary tag
END_VAR
PROGRAM Flash;
END_INTERFACE

IMPLEMENTATION
PROGRAM Flash
IF counterVar >= 500 THEN // in every 500th pass
%QB62 := outputVar; // set output byte
outputVar := ROL (in := outputVar, n := 1);
(* // rotate bit in byte
one digit to the left*)
counterVar := 0; // reset counter
END_IF;
counterVar := counterVar + 1; // increment counter
END_PROGRAM
END_IMPLEMENTATION

3.4.5 Compiling a sample program

Before you can run or test your program, you must compile it into executable machine code. The
compiler performs this task.

3.4.5.1 Starting the compiler

Before you can run or test your program, you must compile it into executable machine code. The
ST compiler performs this task.
Start the compiler as follows:
1. Click in the window with the ST editor to display the ST source file menu. This menu is a
dynamic menu and is only displayed if the window of the ST editor is active.
2. Start the compiler by selecting the ST source file > Accept and compile menu command.

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3.4.5.2 Correcting errors

The compiler checks the syntax of the ST source file. The Compile/check output tab of the detail
view displays the successful compilation of the source text or compiler errors. The error details
include: Name of the ST source file, the line number where the error occurred, the error number
and an error description.
Proceed as follows to correct an error in the sample program:
1. Double-click the error message. The cursor is placed at the relevant line in the ST source file.
See Example for error messages (Page 88).
2. Start debugging the first error.
3. Start the compilation operation again.
4. Repeat the entire operation until no more errors are displayed (0 errors).
After a successful compilation, you will have created an application program with the name
flash. This program is displayed in the project navigator below the ST_1 program source file.

3.4.5.3 Example of error messages

Figure 3-27 Error messages during ST source file compilation

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The figure shows an example of compiling the ST source file ST_1 (see Source text of the sample
program (Page 87), in which the following change has been made: The semicolon is missing in
the statement "counterVar := counterVar + 1" at the end of line 18.
The compiler does not detect the error until Line19, because it continues with the compilation
after the missing semicolon.
Once the missing semicolon is added, the ST source file is compiled without errors.
A detailed list of all compiler error messages can be found in Compiler error messages and their
correction (Page 487).

3.4.6 Running the sample program

Before you can run the program, you must assign it to an execution level or task. When you have
done this, you can establish the connection to the target system, download the program to the
target system and then start it.

3.4.6.1 Assigning a sample program to an execution level

The execution levels specify the order in which the programs run. Each execution level contains
one or more tasks to which you can assign programs.
The assignment of a program to a task can only be performed after compilation and before the
program is loaded onto the target system.
Assign the sample program to the BackgroundTask. The BackgroundTask is provided for the
programming of cyclic sequences without a fixed time frame. It is executed cyclically in the
round robin execution level, which means it will be automatically restarted on completion.
How to assign the sample program to the BackgroundTask:
1. When you double-click the Execution system element in the project navigator, the window
containing the execution system and the program assignment appears in the working area.
2. Click BackgroundTask to select it for the program assignment.
The program assignment on the left side of the window shows you all the compiled programs
that can be assigned to tasks.
3. In the Programs list, click sample program ST_1.flash. Then, click the >> button to assign the
program to the BackgroundTask.
The result is shown in the following figure. The program ST_1.flash is displayed in
the Programs used list box.
For more information on the execution system and assignment of programs to tasks, see
SIMOTION Motion Control Basic Functions Function Description.

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3.4 Creating a sample program

Figure 3-28 Assigning the sample program to the BackgroundTask

3.4.6.2 Establishing a connection to the target system

Before a connection to the target system can be set up, the PC interface card must be
configured and connected to the target system.
Proceed as follows to connect to the target system:
1. Select the Project > Connect to selected target devices menu command.
The Diagnostics overview tab is opened in the detail view. The diagnostics overview shows
you the operating state, memory allocation and CPU utilization for the device you are
connected to. You can see at the lower right edge of the screen that you are connected to the
target system.
Note
For more detailed information, refer to the SIMOTION SCOUT Configuration Manual and
SIMOTION SCOUT online help.

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Figure 3-29 Establishing a connection to the target system

3.4.6.3 Downloading the sample program to the target system

Proceed as follows to download the sample program to the target system:
1. Switch the target system to STOP.
2. Select the Target system > Download > Download project to target system menu
command.
3. Confirm all further queries.
The Target system output window in the detail view opens and displays the result of the
download.

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Figure 3-30 Downloading the sample program to the target system

3.4.6.4 Starting and testing the sample program

Starting sample program

Proceed as follows to start the sample program:
• Switch your target system to RUN (see hardware description).
The lamps flash in sequence at the outputs of your target system.

Testing a sample program

See Program test (Page 381).

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This section describes the language resources available in ST and how to use them. Please note
that functions, function blocks and the task control system are described in the following
chapters. For a complete formal language description containing all the syntax diagrams, see
Appendix Rules (Page 435).

4.1 Language description resources

Syntax diagrams are used as a basis for the language description in the following sections of the
manual. They provide you with an invaluable insight into the syntactic (i.e. grammatical)
structure of ST.

4.1.1 Syntax diagram

The syntax diagram is a graphical representation of the language structure. The structure is
described by a sequence of rules. A rule can build on existing rules.

5XOHQDPH

6HTXHQFH

%ORFN

%ORFN %ORFN %ORFN

%ORFN

2SWLRQ ,WHUDWLRQ $OWHUQDWLYH

Figure 4-1 Syntax diagram

The syntax diagram in the previous figure is read from left to right. The following rule structures
must be observed:
• Sequence: Sequence of blocks
• Option: Statement(s) that can be skipped
• Iteration: Repetition of one or more statements
• Alternative: Branch

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4.2 Basic elements of the language

4.1.2 Blocks in syntax diagrams

A block is a basic element or an element that is itself composed of blocks. The figure shows the
symbol types used to represent the blocks:

%ORFNV

%DVLFHOHPHQWUHTXLULQJQRIXUWKHU &RPSRVLWHHOHPHQWWKDWLVGHVFULEHG
H[SODQDWLRQ E\IXUWKHUV\QWD[GLDJUDPV

7KHVHDUHSULQWDEOHFKDUDFWHUVDQGVSHFLDO
FKDUDFWHUVUHVHUYHGZRUGVDQGSUHGHILQHG
LGHQWLILHUV
7KHVSHFLILFDWLRQVLQWKHVHEORFNVVKRXOG
EHDFFHSWHGZLWKRXWPRGLILFDWLRQV

Figure 4-2 Blocks

Formatted and unformatted rules must be observed when entering source text, i.e. when
converting the blocks or elements of a syntax diagram into source text, see Help for the
language description (Page 421).

4.1.3 Meaning of the rules (semantics)

Only the formal structure of the language can be represented in the rules. The meaning (i.e.
semantics) is not always apparent. For this reason, additional information is written beside the
rules if the meaning is critical. Examples include:
• Where elements of the same kind have a different meaning, an additional name is appended.
For example, an addition is specified in the date rule for every decimal digit string element
– either year, month or day, see Literals (Page 436). The name indicates the usage.
• Important restrictions are noted next to the rules. For example, in the integer rule for -
(minus), it is noted that the minus can appear only in front of decimal digit strings of data
types SINT, INT, and DINT, see Literals (Page 436).

4.2 Basic elements of the language

The basic elements of the ST language include the ST character set, reserved identifiers
constructed from the ST character set (e.g. language commands), self-defined identifiers and
numbers.
The ST character set and the reserved identifiers are basic elements (terminals) as they are
described verbally and not by another rule. Self-defined identifiers and numbers are not
terminals as they are described by other rules.
In the syntax diagrams, terminals are represented by circles or oval symbols, while composite
elements are represented by rectangles, see Blocks in syntax diagrams (Page 94). Below is a

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selection of the main terminals; for a complete overview, refer to Basic elements (terminals)
(Page 423).

4.2.1 ST character set

ST uses the following letters and digits from the ASCII character set:
• The lower and upper case letters from A to Z
• The Arabic digits from 0 to 9
Letters and digits are the most commonly used characters. For example, identifiers (see
Identifiers in ST (Page 95)) consist of a combination of letters, digits and the underscore. The
underscore is one of the special characters.
Special characters have a fixed meaning in ST, see Basic elements (terminals) (Page 423).

4.2.2 Identifiers in ST

Identifiers are names in ST. These names can be defined by the system, such as language
commands. However, the names can also be user-defined, for example, for a constant, variable
or function.

4.2.2.1 Rules for identifiers

Valid identifiers
Identifiers are made up of letters (A … Z, a … z), numbers (0 … 9) or single underscores (_) in any
order, whereby the first character must be a letter or underscore.
No distinction is made between upper and lower case letters (e.g. Anna and AnNa are
considered to be identical by the compiler).
An identifier can by represented formally by the following syntax diagram:

,GHQWLILHU IRUPDWWHG

/HWWHU /HWWHU

B

/HWWHU 'LJLW

B 8QGHUVFRUH

'LJLW /HWWHU$=D]
8QGHUVFRUH ಺'LJLW

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Figure 4-3 Syntax: Identifier

According to this syntax diagram, the first character of an identifier must be a letter or an
underscore. An underscore must be followed by a letter or number, i.e. more than one
underscore in succession is not allowed. This can be followed by any number or sequence of
underscores, letters or numbers. The only exception here again is that two underscores may not
appear together.

Permissible identifiers, which you can define (user-defined identifiers)

Identifiers which you define yourself, e.g. in variables declarations, data type declarations, and
function names, must not be the same as reserved identifiers (Page 96). When assigning a
name, it is best to choose a unique, meaningful name that contributes to the clarity of the
program.

4.2.2.2 Examples of identifiers

Examples of valid identifiers

The following names are valid identifiers:

x y12 sum temperature P_CONTROLLER

name area myFB table

Examples of invalid identifiers

The following names are not valid identifiers:

Invalid identifier Reason

4ter The first character must be a letter or underscore.
*#AB Special characters (except underscores) are not permitted.
RR__20 Two underscores in succession are not permitted.
S value Blank spaces are not permitted as they are special characters.
Array ARRAY, REAL, and _sizeOf are valid identifiers from a technical point of view, but
REAL they are also reserved identifiers (Page 96), i.e. they may only be used as
predefined. This means you cannot use this name for your own purposes,
_sizeOf for example, for a variable.

4.2.3 Reserved identifiers

Reserved identifiers may only be used as predefined. You may not declare a variable or data type,
for example, with the name of a reserved identifier.

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There is no distinction between upper and lower case notation.

• Protected identifiers in the ST programming language (Page 97)
• Reserved identifiers in the ST programming language (Page 102)
• Other reserved identifiers (Page 103), such as standard functions, system functions, system
variables
A list of all identifiers with a predefined meaning can be found in the SIMOTION Basic Functions
Function Manual.

4.2.3.1 Protected identifiers in the ST programming language

The protected identifiers of the ST language are listed in the table. They can only be used as
predefined. A brief explanation can be found in the Appendix, under Reserved words
(Page 426). The associated syntax diagrams (Page 93) can be found in the Appendix,
under Rules (Page 435).

Table 4-1 Protected identifiers in ST programming language

A
ABS ANYTYPE_TO_LITTLEBYTEARRAY
ABSTRACT 2 ARRAY
ACOS AS
AND ASIN
ANYOBJECT AT
ANYOBJECT_TO_OBJECT ATAN
ANYTYPE_TO_BIGBYTEARRAY
B
BIGBYTEARRAY_TO_ANYTYPE BY
BOOL BYTE
BOOL_TO_BYTE BYTE_TO_BOOL
BOOL_TO_DWORD BYTE_TO_DINT
BOOL_TO_WORD BYTE_TO_DWORD
BOOL_VALUE_TO_DINT BYTE_TO_INT
BOOL_VALUE_TO_INT BYTE_TO_SINT
BOOL_VALUE_TO_LREAL BYTE_TO_UDINT
BOOL_VALUE_TO_REAL BYTE_TO_UINT
BOOL_VALUE_TO_SINT BYTE_TO_USINT
BOOL_VALUE_TO_UDINT BYTE_TO_WORD
BOOL_VALUE_TO_UINT BYTE_VALUE_TO_LREAL
BOOL_VALUE_TO_USINT BYTE_VALUE_TO_REAL
C

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CASE CTD_DINT
CLASS 2 CTD_UDINT
CONCAT CTU
CONCAT_DATE_TOD CTU_DINT
CONSTANT CTU_UDINT
CONTINUE 1 CTUD
COS CTUD_DINT
CTD CTUD_UDINT
D
DATE DO
DATE_AND_TIME DT
DATE_AND_TIME_TO_DATE DT_TO_DATE
DATE_AND_TIME_TO_TIME_OF_DAY DT_TO_TOD
DELETE DWORD
DINT DWORD_TO_BOOL
DINT_TO_BYTE DWORD_TO_BYTE
DINT_TO_DWORD DWORD_TO_DINT
DINT_TO_INT DWORD_TO_INT
DINT_TO_LREAL DWORD_TO_REAL
DINT_TO_REAL DWORD_TO_SINT
DINT_TO_SINT DWORD_TO_UDINT
DINT_TO_STRING DWORD_TO_UINT
DINT_TO_UDINT DWORD_TO_USINT
DINT_TO_UINT DWORD_TO_WORD
DINT_TO_USINT DWORD_VALUE_TO_LREAL
DINT_TO_WORD DWORD_VALUE_TO_REAL
DINT_VALUE_TO_BOOL
E
ELSE END_PROGRAM
ELSIF END_REPEAT
END_CASE END_STRUCT
END_CLASS 2 END_TYPE
END_EXPRESSION END_VAR
END_FOR END_WAITFORCONDITION
END_FUNCTION END_WHILE
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK ENUM_TO_DINT
END_IF EXIT
END_IMPLEMENTATION EXP
END_INTERFACE EXPD
END_LABEL EXPRESSION
END_METHOD 2
EXPT
END_NAMESPACE 2 EXTENDS 2
F

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F_TRIG FROM_BIG_ENDIAN 1
FALSE FROM_LITTLE_ENDIAN 1
FINAL 2 FUNCTION
FIND FUNCTION_BLOCK
FOR
G
GOTO
I
IF INT_TO_SINT
IMPLEMENTATION INT_TO_TIME
IMPLEMENTS 2
INT_TO_UDINT
INSERT INT_TO_UINT
INT INT_TO_USINT
INT_TO_BYTE INT_TO_WORD
INT_TO_DINT INT_VALUE_TO_BOOL
INT_TO_DWORD INTERFACE
INT_TO_LREAL INTERNAL 2
INT_TO_REAL IS_VALID 1
L
LABEL LREAL_TO_REAL
LEFT LREAL_TO_SINT
LEN LREAL_TO_STRING
LIMIT LREAL_TO_UDINT
LITTLEBYTEARRAY_TO_ANYTYPE LREAL_TO_UINT
LN LREAL_TO_USINT
LOG LREAL_VALUE_TO_BOOL
LOWER_BOUND 1 LREAL_VALUE_TO_BYTE
LREAL LREAL_VALUE_TO_DWORD
LREAL_TO_DINT LREAL_VALUE_TO_WORD
LREAL_TO_INT
M
MAX MIN
METHOD 2 MOD
MID MUX
N
NAMESPACE 2 NULL 2
NOT
O
OF OVERLAP
OR OVERRIDE 2
P
PRIVATE 2 PROTECTED 2
PROGRAM PUBLIC 2
R

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R_TRIG REAL_VALUE_TO_DWORD
REAL REAL_VALUE_TO_WORD
REAL_TO_DINT REF 2
REAL_TO_DWORD REF_TO 2
REAL_TO_INT REPEAT
REAL_TO_LREAL REPLACE
REAL_TO_SINT RETAIN
REAL_TO_STRING RETURN
REAL_TO_TIME RIGHT
REAL_TO_UDINT ROL
REAL_TO_UINT ROR
REAL_TO_USINT RS
REAL_VALUE_TO_BOOL RTC
REAL_VALUE_TO_BYTE
S
SEL SINT_TO_WORD
SHL SINT_VALUE_TO_BOOL
SHR SQRT
SIN SR
SINT STRING
SINT_TO_BYTE STRING_TO_DINT
SINT_TO_DINT STRING_TO_LREAL
SINT_TO_DWORD STRING_TO_REAL
SINT_TO_INT STRING_TO_UDINT
SINT_TO_LREAL STRUCT
SINT_TO_REAL StructAlarmId
SINT_TO_UDINT STRUCTALARMID_TO_DINT
SINT_TO_UINT StructTaskId
SINT_TO_USINT SUPER 2
T
TAN TOF
THEN TON
THIS 2
TO_BIG_ENDIAN 1
TIME TO_LITTLE_ENDIAN 1
TIME_OF_DAY TP
TIME_TO_INT TRUE
TIME_TO_REAL TRUNC
TO TYPE
TOD
U

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UDINT UINT_TO_USINT
UDINT_TO_BYTE UINT_TO_WORD
UDINT_TO_DINT UINT_VALUE_TO_BOOL
UDINT_TO_DWORD UNIT
UDINT_TO_INT UNTIL
UDINT_TO_LREAL UPPER_BOUND 1
UDINT_TO_REAL USELIB
UDINT_TO_SINT USEPACKAGE
UDINT_TO_STRING USES
UDINT_TO_UINT USING 2
UDINT_TO_USINT USINT
UDINT_TO_WORD USINT_TO_BYTE
UDINT_VALUE_TO_BOOL USINT_TO_DINT
UINT USINT_TO_DWORD
UINT_TO_BYTE USINT_TO_INT
UINT_TO_DINT USINT_TO_LREAL
UINT_TO_DWORD USINT_TO_REAL
UINT_TO_INT USINT_TO_SINT
UINT_TO_LREAL USINT_TO_UDINT
UINT_TO_REAL USINT_TO_UINT
UINT_TO_SINT USINT_TO_WORD
UINT_TO_UDINT USINT_VALUE_TO_BOOL
V
VAR VAR_OUTPUT
VAR_GLOBAL VAR_TEMP
VAR_IN_OUT VOID
VAR_INPUT
W
WAITFORCONDITION WORD_TO_INT
WHILE WORD_TO_SINT
WITH WORD_TO_UDINT
WORD WORD_TO_UINT
WORD_TO_BOOL WORD_TO_USINT
WORD_TO_BYTE WORD_VALUE_TO_LREAL
WORD_TO_DINT WORD_VALUE_TO_REAL
WORD_TO_DWORD
X
XOR

1 Only with active compiler option "Permit language extensions, IEC61131 3rd edition".
2 Only with active compiler option "Permit object-oriented programming".

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4.2.3.2 Reserved identifiers in the ST programming language

The table contains additional reserved identifiers that are reserved for future expansions to the
ST programming language.

Table 4-2 Reserved identifiers in the ST programming language

A
ACTION ADD_TIME
ADD ADD_TOD_TIME
ADD_DT_TIME
B
BCD_TO_BYTE BCD_TO_LWORD
BCD_TO_DINT BCD_TO_SINT
BCD_TO_DWORD BCD_TO_WORD
BCD_TO_INT BYTE_TO_BCD
C
CONFIGURATION CTU_ULINT
CTD_LINT CTUD_LINT
CTD_ULINT CTUD_ULINT
CTU_LINT
D
DINT_TO_BCD DIVTIME
DIV DWORD_TO_BCD
E
EN END_STEP
END_ACTION END_TRANSITION
END_CONFIGURATION ENO
END_RESOURCE EQ
F
F_EDGE FROM
G
GE GT
I
INITIAL_STEP INT_TO_BCD
L
LE LWORD
LINT LWORD_TO_BCD
LT
M
MUL MULTIME
N
NE
R
R_EDGE RESOURCE

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S
SEMA SUB_DT_DT
SINT_TO_BCD SUB_DT_TIME
STEP SUB_TIME
SUB SUB_TOD_TIME
SUB_DATE_DATE SUB_TOD_TOD
T
TRANSITION
U
ULINT
V
VAR_ACCESS VAR_EXTERNAL
VAR_ALIAS VAR_OBJECT
W
WORD_TO_BCD

4.2.3.3 Additional reserved identifiers

User definitions must avoid not only protected identifiers (Page 97) and reserved identifiers
(Page 102) of the ST programming language, but also identifiers which have a defined meaning
in SIMOTION or which are intended for future expansions.

Identifiers with a defined meaning in SIMOTION

Do not declare any identifiers (in variables declarations or data type declarations, for example)
which are already defined in SIMOTION. If you do, your declarations can hide the identifiers
defined in SIMOTION, which may make it impossible to access them. Under certain
circumstances, the compiler may not be able to issue a corresponding warning if, for example,
the associated technology package is not imported.
The following are defined as identifiers in SIMOTION:
• General standard functions including the associated data types
(see also the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual)
• General standard function blocks including the associated data types
(see also the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual)
• Functions for task control, runtime measurement, and message programming including the
associated data types
(see also the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual)
• System functions and system variables of SIMOTION devices including the associated data
types
(see also the list manuals of the SIMOTION devices)
• System functions, system variables, and configuration data of technology objects including
the associated data types
(see also the list manuals of the technology packages)
• Protected and reserved identifiers of other programming languages

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A list of all identifiers with a defined meaning can be found in the SIMOTION Basic Functions
Function Manual.

Identifiers which are intended for future SIMOTION expansions

Avoid user-defined identifiers which are intended for future SIMOTION expansions. This is a
precaution to ensure that your user-defined identifiers will not hide any identifiers defined in
future versions of SIMOTION.
In particular, all identifiers starting with the following character strings are intended for future
SIMOTION expansions:
• _ (underscore)
• Command
• Enum
• Struct
If you declare an identifier that starts with one of these character strings, a corresponding
warning (e.g. warning number 16026) is issued.

4.2.4 Numbers and Boolean values

Numbers can be written in various ways in ST. A number can contain a sign, a decimal point or
an exponent. The following rules apply to all numbers:
• Commas and blanks may not appear within a number.
• An underscore ( _ ) is allowed as a visual separator.
• The number can be preceded by a plus ( + ) or minus ( – ). If no sign is used, it is assumed that
the number is positive.
• Numbers may not violate certain maximum and minimum values.

4.2.4.1 Integers
An integer contains neither a decimal point nor an exponent. An integer is thus a sequence of
numeric digits that can be preceded with a sign.
The following are valid integers:

0 1 +1 -1
743 -5280 60_000 -32_211_321

The following integers are invalid for the reasons indicated:

123.456 Commas are not permitted.

36. An integer may not contain a decimal point.
10 20 30 Blanks are not permitted.

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In ST, you can represent integers in different number systems. This is achieved by inserting a
keyword prefix for the number system.
The following are used:
• 2# for the binary system
• 8# for the octal system
• 16# for the hexadecimal system.
Valid representations of the decimal number 15 are:

2#1111 8#17 16#F

4.2.4.2 Floating-point numbers

A floating-point number can contain a decimal point or an exponent (or both). A decimal point
must appear between two digits. A floating-point number therefore cannot start or end with a
decimal point.
The following are valid floating-point numbers:

0.0 1.3 -0.2 827,602

0000.0 +0.000743 60_000.15 -315.0066

The following floating-point numbers are invalid:

1. A numeric digit must be present before the decimal point and after the
decimal point.
1,000.0 Commas are not permitted.
1,333,333 Two points are not permitted.

4.2.4.3 Exponents
An exponent can be included to define the position of the decimal point. If no decimal point
appears, it is assumed that it is on the right side of the digit. The exponent itself must be either
a positive or negative integer. Base 10 is expressed by the letter E.
The magnitude 3 x 108 can be represented in ST by the following correct floating-point numbers:

3.0E+8 3.0E8 3e+8 3E8 0.3E+9

0.3e9 30.0E+7 30e7

The following floating-point numbers are invalid:

3.E+8 A numeric digit must be present before the decimal point and after the deci‐
mal point.
8e2.3 The exponent must be an integer.
.333e-3 A numeric digit must be present before the decimal point and after the deci‐
mal point.
30 E8 Blanks are not permitted.

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4.2.4.4 Boolean values

Boolean values are bit constants. They must be represented by a value of zero (0) or one (1) or
by the keywords FALSE or TRUE.
Example:

a := 1; // corresponds to a := TRUE
b := FALSE; // corresponds to b := 0

4.2.4.5 Data types of numbers

The compiler automatically selects the elementary data type that is suitable for the number
depending on its value and use (in an expression or a value assignment).
You can also specify the data type directly: Place the data type (numeric data type or bit data
type) and the character "#" in front of the number.
Examples:

INT#255 INT#16#FF INT#8#377

WORD#255 WORD#16#FF WORD#8#377
REAL#255 REAL#16#FF REAL#8#377
REAL#255.0 REAL#2.55E2 LREAL#255.0

Note
Floating-point numbers can only be assigned to data types REAL and LREAL.

4.2.5 Character strings

What is a character string?

A character string is a sequence of 0 or more characters with an apostrophe at the start and at
the end. Each character is encoded with 1 byte (8 bits) in the string.
A character can be entered as follows:
• As printable characters (ASCII code $20 to $7E, $80 to $FF), except the dollar signs (ASCII
code $24) and apostrophe (ASCII code $27), as these have a special function within the string
• As the two-digit hexadecimal ASCII code of the relevant character preceded by the dollar sign
($)
• As a combination of two characters according to the following table:

Table 4-3 Two-character combinations for special characters in strings

Character combination Meaning

$$ Dollar sign $ ($24)
$’ Apostrophe ’ ($27)

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Character combination Meaning

$L or $l Line Feed LF ($0A)
$N or $n Carriage Return + Line Feed CR + LF ($0D$0A)
$P or $p Form Feed FF ($0C)
$R or $r Carriage Return CR ($0D)
$T or $t Horizontal tab (HT) ($09)

Examples:

'' Empty string (length 0).

’A’ String of length 1 containing the letter A.
’ ’ String of length 1 containing a blank.
’$’’ String of length 1 containing an apostrophe.
’$R$L’ Two equivalent representations for a string of length 2 containing the characters CR
’$0D$0A’ and LF.
’$$1.00’ String of length 5 containing $1.00.
’Text$R$L’ String of length 6 containing the word Text followed by the characters CR and LF.
’ÄÖÜ’ Two equivalent representations for a string of length 3 containing the German um‐
’$C4$D6$FC’ lauts ÄÖü (A, O, u with diaresis).

4.3 Structure of an ST source file

An ST source basically consists of continuous text. This text can be structured by dividing it into
logical sections. Detailed rules for this can be found in Source file modules (Page 251).
A brief summary is given below:
• An ST source file is a logical unit that you create in your project and that can appear several
times. It is often referred to as a unit.
• The logic sections of an ST source file are called Sections (see table).
• A user program is the sum of all program sources (e.g. ST source files, MCC units).
Each logical section of the ST source file has a beginning and end denoted by specific keywords:

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You do not have to program every function yourself. You can also make use of SIMOTION system
components. These are preprogrammed sections such as system functions or the functions of
the technology objects (TO functions).

Table 4-4 Major sections of an ST source file

Source file section Description

Unit statement (optional) Contains the name of the ST
Interface section Contains instructions for making variables, data types and
program organization units (POU) public, and for using
other program sources.
Implementation section Contains instructions for using other program sources and
the executable sections of the ST source file.
POU (program organization unit) Single executable section of the ST source file (program,
function, function block)
Declaration section Contains declarations (e.g. of variables and data types),
can be included in the interface section and the implemen‐
tation section as well as in a POU.
Statement section Contains executable statements of a POU.

Note
An extensively annotated template for example unit is also available in the online help. You can
use it as a template for a new ST source file.
Call the ST editor Help and click the relevant link. Copy the text to the open window of the ST
editor and modify the template according to your requirements.
The section "Template for example unit" (Page 515) contains a copy of this template.

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4.3.1 Statements
The statement section of a program organization unit (POU – program, function, function block)
consists of repeated single statements. It follows the declaration section of a POU and ends with
the end of the POU. There are no explicit keywords for the start and end.
There are three basic types of statements in ST:
• Value assignments
Assignment of an expression to a variable; see Variables declaration (Page 133)
• Control statements
Repetition or branching of statements; see Control statements (Page 159)
• Subroutine execution
Functions (FC) and function blocks (FB); see Functions, function blocks, programs
(Page 177)

Table 4-5 Examples of statements

...
// Value assignment
Status := 17;

// Control statement
IF a = b THEN
FOR c := 1 TO 10 DO
b := b + c;
END_FOR;
END_IF;

// Function call
retVal := Test1(10.0);
...

4.3.2 Comments
Comments are used for documentation purposes and to help the user understand the source
file section. After compilation, they have no meaning for the program execution.
There are two types of comments:
• Line comment
• Block comment
The line comment is preceded by //. The compiler will process the text which follows until the end
of the line as a comment.
You can enter a block comment over several lines if it is preceded by (* and ends with *).
You can also use the corresponding buttons in the ST editor toolbar to show or hide comments.
This is helpful for showing or hiding code positions.

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Please note the following when inserting comments:

• The character pairs (* and *) are ignored within the line comment.
• Nesting of block comments is not allowed as standard. However, you can nest line comments
in block comments.
With activated compiler option “Permit language extensions IEC61131 3rd edition” only:
block comments can be nested.
• You can use the complete extended ASCII character set in comments.
• Comments can be inserted at any position, but not in rules that have to be maintained, such
as in names of identifiers. For more information about these rules, refer to Help for the
language description (Page 421).

Table 4-6 Examples of comments

// This is a one-line comment.
a := 5;

// This is an example of a single-line

// comment used several times in succession.
b := 23;

(* The example above is easier to maintain as a block comment.

*)
c := 87;

(* Block comments can only be nested with compiler option “Admit language
extensions IEC61131 3rd edition".
(* Nested block comment *)
*)

4.4 Data types

A data type is used to determine how the value of a variable or constant is to be used in a program
source.
The following data types are available to the user:
• Elementary data types (Page 111)
• User-defined data types (UDT) (Page 114)
– Simple derivatives
– Arrays
– Enumerators
– Structures (Struct)
• Technology object data types (Page 129)
• System data types (Page 132)

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4.4.1 Elementary data types

Elementary data types define the structure of data that cannot be broken down into smaller
units. An elementary data type describes a memory area with a fixed length and stands for bit
data, integers, floating-point numbers, duration, time, date and character strings.
All the elementary data types are listed in the table below:

Table 4-7 Bit widths and value ranges of the elementary data types

Type Reserv. word Bit width Range of values

Bit data type
Data of this type uses either 1 bit, 8 bits, 16 bits, or 32 bits. The initialization value of a variable of this data type is 0.
Bit BOOL 1 0, 1 or FALSE, TRUE
Byte BYTE 8 16#0 to 16#FF
Word WORD 16 16#0 to 16#FFFF
Double word DWORD 32 16#0 to 16#FFFF_FFFF
Numeric types
These data types are available for processing numeric values. The initialization value of a variable of this data type is 0 (all
integers) or 0.0 (all floating-point numbers).
Short integer SINT 8 -128 to 127 (-2**7 to 2**7-1)
Unsigned short integer USINT 8 0 to 255 (0 to 2**8-1)
Integer INT 16 -32_768 to 32_767 (-2**15 to 2**15-1)
Unsigned integer UINT 16 0 to 65_535 (0 to 2**16-1)
Double integer DINT 32 -2_147_483_648 to 2_147_483_647 (-2**31 to 2**31-1)
Unsigned double inte‐ UDINT 32 0 to 4_294_967_295 (0 to 2**32-1)
ger
Floating-point number REAL 32 -3.402_823_466E+38 to -1.175_494_351E-38,
(per IEEE -754) 0.0,
+1.175_494_351E-38 to +3.402_823_466E+38
Accuracy:
23-bit mantissa (corresponds to 6 decimal places), 8-bit ex‐
ponent, 1-bit sign.
Long floating-point LREAL 64 -1.797_693_134_862_315_7E+308 to
number -2.225_073_858_507_201_4E-308,
(in accordance with 0.0,
IEEE-754) +2.225_073_858_507_201_4E-308 to
+1.797_693_134_862_315_7E+308
Accuracy:
52-bit mantissa (corresponds to 15 decimal places), 11-bit
exponent, 1-bit sign.
Time types
These data types are used to represent various date and time values.

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Type Reserv. word Bit width Range of values

Duration in increments TIME 32 T#0d_0h_0m_0s_0ms to T#49d_17h_2m_47s_295ms
of 1 ms Maximum of 2 digits for the values day, hour, minute, second
and a maximum of 3 digits for milliseconds
Initialization with T#0d_0h_0m_0s_0ms
Date in increments of 1 DATE 32 D#1992-01-01 to D#2200-12-31
day Leap years are taken into account, year has four digits, month
and day are two digits each
Initialization with D#0001-01-01
Time of day in incre‐ TIME_OF_DAY 32 TOD#0:0:0.0 to TOD#23:59:59.999
ments of 1 ms (TOD) Maximum of two digits for the values hour, minute, second
and maximum of three digits for milliseconds
Initialization with TOD#0:0:0.0
Date and time DATE_AND_TIME 64 DT#1992-01-01-0:0:0.0 to DT#2200-12-31-23:59:59.999
(DT) DATE_AND_TIME consists of the data types DATE and TIME
Initialization with DT#0001-01-01-0:0:0.0
String type
Data of this type represents character strings, in which each character is encoded with the specified number of bytes.
The length of the string can be defined at the declaration. Indicate the length in "[" and "]", e.g. STRING[100]. The default setting
consists of 80 characters.
The number of assigned (initialized) characters can be less than the declared length.
String with 1 byte/char‐ STRING 8 You may use all the characters in the extended ASCII character
acter set (ASCII code $00 to $FF).
Default ’ ’ (empty string)

Note
During variable export to other systems, the value ranges of the corresponding data types in the
target system must be taken into account.

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4.4.1.1 Value range limits of elementary data types

The value range limits of certain elementary data types are available as constants.

Table 4-8 Symbolic constants for the value range limits of elementary data types

Symbolic constant Data type Value Hex notation

SINT#MIN SINT -128 16#80
SINT#MAX SINT 127 16#7F
INT#MIN INT -32768 16#8000
INT#MAX INT 32767 16#7FFF
DINT#MIN DINT -2147483648 16#8000_0000
DINT#MAX DINT 2147483647 16#7FFF_FFFF
USINT#MIN USINT 0 16#00
USINT#MAX USINT 255 16#FF
UINT#MIN UINT 0 16#0000
UINT#MAX UINT 65535 16#FFFF
UDINT#MIN UDINT 0 16#0000_0000
UDINT#MAX UDINT 4294967295 16#FFFF_FFFF
T#MIN TIME T#0ms 16#0000_00001
TIME#MIN
T#MAX TIME T#49d_17h_2m_47s_295ms 16#FFFF_FFFF1
TIME#MAX
TOD#MIN TOD TOD#00:00:00.000 16#0000_00001
TIME_OF_DAY#MIN
TOD#MAX TOD TOD#23:59:59.999 16#0526_5BFF1
TIME_OF_DAY#MAX
1
Internal display only

4.4.1.2 General data types

General data types are often used for the input and output parameters of system functions and
system function blocks. The subroutine can be called with variables of each data type that is
contained in the general data type.
The following table lists the available general data types:

Table 4-9 General data types

General data type Data types contained

ANY_BIT BOOL, BYTE, WORD, DWORD
ANY_INT SINT, INT, DINT, USINT, UINT, UDINT
ANY_REAL REAL, LREAL
ANY_NUM ANY_INT, ANY_REAL
ANY_DATE DATE, TIME_OF_DAY (TOD), DATE_AND_TIME (DT)
ANY_ELEMENTARY ANY_BIT, ANY_NUM, ANY_DATE, TIME, STRING
ANY ANY_ELEMENTARY, user-defined data types (UDT), system data types, data
types of the technology objects

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Note
You cannot use general data types as type identifiers in variable or type declarations.
The general data type is retained when a user-defined data type (UDT) is derived directly from
an elementary data type (only possible with the SIMOTION ST programming language).

4.4.1.3 Elementary system data types

In the SIMOTION system, the data types specified in the table are treated in a similar way to the
elementary data types. They are used with many system functions.

Table 4-10 Elementary system data types and their use

Identifier Bit width Use

StructAlarmId 32 Data type of the alarmId for the project-wide unique identification of
the messages. The alarmId is used for the message generation.
Please refer to the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.
Initialization with STRUCTALARMID#NIL
StructTaskId 32 Data type of the taskId for the project-wide unique identification of the
tasks in the execution system.
Please refer to the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.
Initialization with STRUCTTASKID#NIL

Table 4-11 Symbolic constants for invalid values of elementary system data types

Symbolic constant Data type Meaning

STRUCTALARMID#NIL StructAlarmId Invalid AlarmId
STRUCTTASKID#NIL StructTaskId Invalid TaskId

4.4.2 User-defined data types

User-defined data types (UDT) are created with the construct TYPE/END_TYPE in the declaration
subsections of subsequent source file modules (see Breakdown of ST source file (Page 107)
and Source file modules (Page 251)):
• Interface section
• Implementation section
• Program organization unit (POU)
You can continue to use the data types you created in the declaration section. The source file
section determines the range of the type declaration.

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See also
Syntax of user-defined data types (type declaration) (Page 115)
Derivation of elementary or derived data types (Page 116)
Derived data type ARRAY (Page 117)
Derived data type - Enumerator (Page 120)
Derived data type STRUCT (structure) (Page 121)

4.4.2.1 Syntax of user-defined data types (type declaration)

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For each data type to be declared, this is followed by, see figure:
1. Name:
The name of the data type must comply with the rules for identifiers.
2. Data type specification
The term data type comprises, see Derivation of elementary or derived data types
(Page 116):
– Elementary data types
– Previously declared UDTs
– TO data types
– System data types
The following data type specifications are also possible:
– ARRAY data type specification, see Derived data type ARRAY - array (Page 117)
– Enumerator data type specification, see Derived data type enumeration – enumerator
(Page 120)
– STRUCT data type specification, see Derived data type STRUCT – structure (Page 121)
The references in brackets refer to the following sections, in which the respective data type
specification is described in detail.
3. Optional initialization:
You can specify an initialization value for the data type. If you subsequently declare a variable
of this data type, the initialization value is assigned to the variable.
Exception: With the STRUCT data type specification, each individual component is initialized
within the data type specification.
See also Initialization of variables or data types (Page 136).
The complete UDT declaration is terminated with the keyword END_TYPE. You can create any
number of data types within the TYPE/END_TYPE construct. You can use the defined data types
to declare variables or parameters.
UDTs can be nested in any way as long as the syntax in the figure is observed. For example, you
can use previously defined UDTs or nested structures as a data type specification. Type
declarations can only be used sequentially and not in nested structures.

Note
You can learn how to declare variables and parameters in Overview of all variable declarations
(Page 134), and how to assign values with UDT in Syntax for value assignment (Page 142).

Below is a description of individual data type specifications for UDTs and examples
demonstrating their use.

4.4.2.2 Derivation of elementary or derived data types

In the derivation of data types, an elementary or user-defined data type (UDT) is assigned to the
data type to be defined in the TYPE/END_TYPE construct:
TYPE identifier: Elementary data type { := initialization } ; END_TYPE

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TYPE identifier: User-defined data type { := initialization } ; END_TYPE

Once you have declared the data type, you can define variables of derived data type identifier.
This is equivalent to declaring variables as data type elementary data type.

Table 4-12 Examples of derivation of elementary data types

TYPE
I1: INT; // Elementary data type
R1: REAL; // Elementary data type
R2: R1; // Derived data type (UDT)
END_TYPE
VAR
// These variables can be used wherever
// variables of type INT can be used.
myI1 : I1;
myI2 : INT; // No derived data type!

// These variables can be used wherever

// variables of type REAL can be used.
myR1 : R1;
myR2 : R2;
END_VAR
myI1 := 1;
myI2 := 2;
myR1 := 2.22;
myR2 := 3.33;

4.4.2.3 Derived data type ARRAY

The ARRAY derived data type combines a defined number of elements of the same data type in
the TYPE/END_TYPE construct. The syntax diagram in the following figure shows this data type
which is specified more precisely after the reserved identifier OF.
TYPE identifier: ARRAY data type specification { := initialization } ; END_TYPE

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The index specification describes the limits of the array:

• The array limits specify the minimum and maximum value for the index. They can be
specified using constants or constant expressions; the data type is DINT (or can be implicitly
converted to DINT – see Converting elementary data types (Page 173)).
• The array limits must be separated by two periods.
• The entire index specification is enclosed in square brackets.
• The index itself can be an integer value of data type DINT (or it can be implicitly converted to
DINT – see Converting elementary data types (Page 173)).

Note
If array limits are violated during runtime, a processing error occurs in the program (see the
"SIMOTION Basic Functions" Function Manual).

You specify the data type of the array elements with the data type specification (basic data
type). All of the options described in this section can be used as data types, for example, even
user-defined data types (UDT).
You can define the size of the memory space occupied by the ARRAY with _sizeOf (in := array-
name). The following applies: _sizeOf (in := array_of_type) :=
_lengthIndexOf (in := array_of_type) * _sizeOf (in := type). The syntax of these functions is
described in the "SIMOTION Basic Functions" Function Manual.
The _arrayCopy function can be used to copy an area of an array into another array with the same
basic data type. The syntax of these functions is described in the "SIMOTION Basic Functions"
Function Manual.

Note
As of SIMOTION Kernel version V4.2, you can declare arrays with a dynamic length as in-out
parameters in functions and function blocks. For more information, refer to the corresponding
section (Page 188) for the FB and FC declaration subsection (Page 182).

One- and multidimensional arrays

There are several different ARRAY types:
• The one-dimensional ARRAY type is a list of data elements arranged in ascending order.
• The two-dimensional ARRAY type is a table of data consisting of lines and columns. The first
dimension refers to the line number, the second to the column number.
• The higher-dimensional ARRAY type is an expansion of the two-dimensional ARRAY type that
includes additional dimensions.

Table 4-13 Examples of one-dimensional arrays

TYPE
x : ARRAY[0..9] OF REAL;
y : ARRAY[1..10] OF C1;
END_TYPE

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Two-dimensional arrays are comparable to a table with lines and columns. You can create two-
or multi-dimensional arrays by means of a multi-level type declaration, see example:

Table 4-14 Examples of multi-dimensional arrays

TYPE
a : ARRAY[1..3] OF INT; // Single-dimensional array
// (3 columns)
matrix1: ARRAY[1..4] OF a; // Two-dimensional array
// (4 lines with 3 columns)
b : ARRAY[4..8] OF INT; // single-dimensional field
// (5 columns)
matrix2: ARRAY[10..16] OF b; // Two-dimensional array
// (7 lines with 5 columns)
END_TYPE

VAR
m : matrix1; // Variable m of data type
// Two-dimensional array
n : matrix2; // Variable n of data type
// Two-dimensional array
END_VAR

m[4][3] := 9; // Write in matrix1 in line 4, column 3

n[16][8] := 10; // Write in matrix2 in line 7, column 5

In the example, you can define:

1. Table columns a[1] to a[3] as a one-dimensional array that will contain integers.
2. Table lines matrix1[1] to matrix1[4] also as an array, but take as the data type specification
the array a you just created with the columns of the table.
When you specify an array in the data type specification, you create a second dimension. You
can create further dimensions in this way.
Now declare a variable using the data type created for the table. You address each dimension of
the table using square brackets, in this case specifying the line and column.

Redeclaration
The data type definitions of arrays are recognized as identical (even in different sources) if the
following conditions are met:
1. The identifier of the data type is identical.
2. Both array limits are identical.
3. The data type of the array elements is identical.
4. The optional array initialization list is identical (including repeat factors and constant
expressions).

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Initialization
Per default, the array elements are assigned the initialization value of the basic data type.
Optionally the initialization value of the array element can be changed by assigning an array
initialization list enclosed in square brackets [ ], see"Initialization of variables or data types"
(Page 136).

4.4.2.4 Derived data type - Enumerator

In the case of enumeration data types, a restricted set of identifiers or names is assigned to the
data type to be defined in the TYPE/END_TYPE construct:
TYPE identifier: Enumeration data type specification { := initialization } ; END_TYPE

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Figure 4-8 Syntax: Enumeration data type specification

Once you have declared the identifier data type, you can define variables in the enumeration
data type. In the statement section, you can assign only elements from the list of defined
identifiers (enumeration elements) to these variables.
You can also specify the data type directly: Place the enumeration data type identifier and the "#"
sign in front of the enumeration element (see Table Examples of enumeration data types).
You can obtain the first and last value of an enumeration data type with enum_type#MIN and
enum_type#MAX respectively, whereby enum_type is the enumeration data type identifier.
You can obtain the numeric value of an enumeration element with the ENUM_TO_DINT
conversion function. The syntax of these functions is described in the "SIMOTION Basic
Functions" Function Manual.

Example

Table 4-15 Examples of enumeration data types

TYPE
C1 : (RED, GREEN, BLUE);
END_TYPE

VAR
myC11, myC12, myC13 : C1;
END_VAR

myC11 := GREEN;
myC11 := C1#GREEN;
myC12 := C1#MIN; // RED
myC13 := C1#MAX; // BLUE

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Note
You will also find enumeration data types as system data types.
Enumeration data types can be components of a structure, meaning that they can be found at
any lower level in the user-defined data structure.

Redeclaration
The data type definitions of enumeration data types are recognized as identical (even in
different sources) if the following conditions are met:
1. The identifier of the data type is identical.
2. All enumeration elements are identical.
3. The sequence of the enumeration elements is identical, so their numerical values are
identical.
4. The optional initialization value is identical.

Initialization
Per default, an enumeration data type is assigned the 1st value of the enumeration as
initialization value. Optionally the initialization value can be changed by assigning another
enumeration element, see"Initialization of variables or data types" (Page 136).

4.4.2.5 Derived data type STRUCT (structure)

The derived data type STRUCT, or structure, encompasses an area of a fixed number of
components in the TYPE/END_TYPE construct; the data types of these components can vary:
TYPE identifier: STRUCT data type specification; END_TYPE

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Component declaration
Usually, a structure contains the definitions of the individual components between the keywords
STRUCT and END_STRUCT.
The syntax of the component declaration is shown in the following figure. The components are
arranged in the order of their declaration with this syntax. The relative addresses of the
components within the structure are assigned automatically by the compiler.

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The following are permitted as data types:

• Elementary data types
• Previously declared UDTs
• System data types
• TO data types
• ARRAY data type specification

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You also have the option to assign initialization values to the components see "Initialization" in
this section.

Note
The following data type specifications cannot be used directly within a component declaration:
• STRUCT data type specifications
• Enumeration data type specifications
Remedy:
Declare a UDT (user-defined data type) beforehand with the above-mentioned specifications and
use this in the component declaration.
This allows you to nest STRUCT data types.
You will also find STRUCT data types as system data types.

Example
This example shows how a UDT is defined and how this data type is used within a variable
declaration.

Table 4-16 Examples of derived data type STRUCT

TYPE // UDT definition
S1 : STRUCT
var1 : INT;
var2 : WORD := 16#AFA1;
var3 : BYTE := 16#FF;
var4 : TIME := T#1d_1h_10m_22s_2ms;
END_STRUCT;
END_TYPE

VAR
myS1 : S1;
END_VAR

myS1.var1 := -4;
myS1.var4 := T#2d_2h_20m_33s_2ms;

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Redeclaration
The data type definitions of structures are recognized as identical (even in different sources) if
the following conditions are met:
1. The identifier of the data type is identical.
2. All components of the structure are identical in terms of their:
– Sequence
– Identifier
– Data types or ARRAY data type specifications
– Initialization values (including any array or structure initialization lists)

Initialization
Per default, each component is assigned the initialization value of its data type. Optionally, the
initialization value of the component can be changed by assigning an appropriate initialization.
When using the structure in another declaration (e.g. variable or data type declaration), the
initialization values of individual components can be changed by assigning a structure
initialization list, enclosed in round brackets ( ).
See "Initialization of variables or data types" (Page 136).

Component declaration with specification of the relative addresses

You can assign the relative addresses of the components within the structure with the keyword
AT in the component declarations, see following syntax diagram.

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Specify the relative address of the component (byte offset) as follows:

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4.4 Data types

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If you specify relative addresses of the structure components, you must do this for all
components of this structure.
The permissible relative addresses of the components depends on their data type, see following
table:

Table 4-17 Permissible addresses and length of various data types

Data type Permissible address Length

Elementary data types
BOOL, BYTE, SINT, USINT Any 1 byte
WORD, INT, UINT Can be divided by 2 2 bytes
DWORD, DINT, UDINT, REAL Can be divided by 4 4 bytes
TIME, DATE, TIME_OF_DAY (TOD)
LREAL Can be divided by 8 8 bytes
DATE_AND_TIME (DT)
STRING Any address Declared length + 2 bytes
(Default: 82 bytes)
User-defined data types (UDT)
Derived data type Corresponding to the basic data type
ARRAY Corresponding to the basic Corresponding to the index
data type specification and the basic da‐
ta type
Enumerator Can be divided by 4 4 bytes
STRUCT (structure) Corresponding to the largest Corresponding to the declara‐
data type within the structure tion of the structure
Further data types
StructAlarmId, StructTaskId Can be divided by 4 4 bytes
System data type Corresponding to its declaration as STRUCT or enumerator
TO data type, ANYOBJECT Can be divided by 8 8 bytes

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If the above addressing rules are violated, the compiler issues an error message which indicates
the required divisor.

Table 4-18 Example of a structure with specification of the relative address

myLocatedStruct : STRUCT
memb1 AT %B0 : INT; // Relative address 0
// Bytes 0 and 1 assigned
memb2 AT %B8 : REAL; // Relative address 8
// Bytes 8 .. 11 assigned
// Bytes 2 .. 7 not assigned (gap)
END_STRUCT

The declaration order of the components is arbitrary when specifying the relative addresses. The
structure in the following example is identical to that in the previous example.

Table 4-19 Identical structure to the previous example

myLocatedStruct : STRUCT
memb2 AT %B8 : REAL; // Relative address 8
// Bytes 8 .. 11 assigned
memb1 AT %B0 : INT; // Relative address 0
// Bytes 0 and 1 assigned
// Bytes 2 .. 7 not assigned (gap)
END_STRUCT

The address ranges of the components must not overlap except when the structure is declared
with the keyword STRUCT OVERLAP, see following section.

Structure with overlapping address ranges (UNION)

If you make the component declarations with specification of the relative address (see above)
between the keywords STRUCT OVERLAP and END_STRUCT, the address ranges can overlap.
The syntax diagram for the component declaration with relative address (see above) applies for
the component declaration. See Table "Permissible addresses and length of various data types"
for the permissible addresses.

Table 4-20 Example of a structure with overlapping address ranges

myOverLapStruct : STRUCT OVERLAP
memb1 AT %B0 : REAL; // Relative address 0
// Bytes 0 .. 3
memb2 AT %B0 : INT; // Also on relative address 0
// Bytes 0 and 1
ar AT %B0 : ARRAY [0..3] OF BYTE;
// Relative address 0 again
// Bytes 0 .. 3
END_STRUCT

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If the address ranges of two components overlap, the following data types are not permitted in
these components:
• STRING
• ANYOBJECT
• TO data type
They are permitted in components whose address ranges do not overlap. For example, the
following declaration is permitted:

myOverLapStruct_2 : STRUCT OVERLAP

dint_1 AT %B0 : DINT;
udint_1 AT %B4 : UDINT;
ar AT %B0 : ARRAY [0..7] OF BYTE;
//Bytes 0 .. 7 overlapping
pos_1 AT %B8 : PosAxis;
// Bytes 8 .. 15 not overlapping
END_STRUCT

Note
The declaration of a structure with overlapping ARRAY OF BYTE, as specified in the examples,
does not replace the marshalling functions. The byte order (Little Endian or Big Endian) depends
on the respective SIMOTION device. For information on the Little Endian and Big Endian byte
order as well as the marshalling functions, see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.

Visibility of the components with overlapping address ranges

Symbol information (OPC‑XML data) is only generated for the following components:
• Components without overlapping of address ranges
• For several components with overlapping address ranges:
Only for the last declared component that uses the respective address range. The compiler
issues a warning for the hidden components.
Only these components are visible:
• For the watch function of IT DIAG
• For the _exportUnitDataSet and _importUnitDataSet functions, see SIMOTION Basic
Functions Function Manual
• For automatic displays in SIMOTION SCOUT (e.g. symbol browser (Page 387), program status
(Page 396)).

Note
Hidden components can used in the programming. In the ST editor, they are shown in
the "Automatic completion" (Page 48) function.
You can monitor individual hidden components in a watch table (Page 391), see the appropriate
information in Section "Using a watch table" (Page 391).

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As an example, the visible components of the following structure declaration are explained in
the table below.
The following examples of a structure declaration explain the behavior of the visible and hidden
components. The visible components and the associated relative addresses are specified in the
following table.

mystru : STRUCT OVERLAP

a AT %B0 : INT; // Warning: Not visible for OPC-XML
b AT %B6 : INT; // Warning: Not visible for OPC-XML
c AT %B8 : INT; // Visible
ar AT %B0 : ARRAY [0..6] OF BYTE; // Visible
END_STRUCT

Relative address
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Declared compo‐ a b c
nents ar[0] ar[1] ar[2] ar[3] ar[4] ar[5] ar[6]
Visible compo‐ ar[0] ar[1] ar[2] ar[3] ar[4] ar[5] ar[6] - c
nents

A change in the declaration order has an effect on the visible components:

mystru1 : STRUCT OVERLAP

ar AT %B0 : ARRAY [0..6] OF BYTE; // Warning: For OPC-XML
// Not visible
a AT %B0 : INT; // Visible
b AT %B6 : INT; // Visible
c AT %B8 : INT; // Visible
END_STRUCT

Relative address
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Declared compo‐ ar[0] ar[1] ar[2] ar[3] ar[4] ar[5] ar[6]
nents a b c
Visible compo‐ a - - - - b c
nents

Initialization of the components with overlapping addresses

Initialization values are ignored for components that are not visible. The compiler issues an
appropriate warning.
If initialization values are specified for the visible components, they are taken into account.
These initialization values are also valid for the commonly used addresses of hidden
components. The following applies to the addresses of hidden components that are not
overlapped by the other components: They are assigned the default initialization value that was
defined in the declaration of the appropriate data type, or zero.

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The following examples of a structure declaration explain this initialization behavior. The
initialization values of the respective relative addresses are specified in the following table.

mystru_init : STRUCT OVERLAP

a AT %B0 : INT := 16#AAAA; // Initialization value warning
// OPC-XML warning
b AT %B6 : INT := 16#BBBB; // Initialization value warning
// OPC-XML warning
c AT %B8 : INT := 16#CCCC;
ar AT %B0 : ARRAY [0..6] OF BYTE := [7(1)];
END_STRUCT

Relative address
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Declared compo‐ a b c
nents ar[0] ar[1] ar[2] ar[3] ar[4] ar[5] ar[6]
Initialization value 16#0 16#0 16#0 16#0 16#0 16#0 16#0 16#0 16#CCCC
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0

A change in the declaration order has an effect on the initialization values:

mystru_init1 : STRUCT OVERLAP

ar AT %B0 : ARRAY [0..6] OF BYTE := [7(1)];
// Initialization value warning
// OPC-XML warning
a AT %B0 : INT := 16#AAAA;
b AT %B6 : INT := 16#BBBB;
c AT %B8 : INT := 16#CCCC;
END_STRUCT

Relative address
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Declared compo‐ ar[0] ar[1] ar[2] ar[3] ar[4] ar[5] ar[6]
nents a b c
Initialization value 16#AAAA 16#0 16#0 16#0 16#0 16#BBBB 16#CCCC
0 0 0 0

4.4.3 Technology object data types

4.4.3.1 Description of the technology object data types

You can declare variables with the data type of a technology object (TO). The following table
shows the data types for the available technology objects in the individual technology packages.

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For example, you can declare a variable with the data type posaxis and assign it an appropriate
instance of a position axis. Such a variable is often referred to as a reference.

Table 4-21 Data types of technology objects (TO data type)

Technology object Data type Contained in the technology

package
Drive axis DriveAxis CAM, PATH1, CAM_EXT
External encoder ExternalEncoderType CAM, PATH1, CAM_EXT
Measuring input MeasuringInputType CAM, PATH1, CAM_EXT
Output cam OutputCamType CAM, PATH1, CAM_EXT
Cam track _CamTrackType CAM, PATH1, CAM_EXT
Position axis PosAxis CAM, PATH1, CAM_EXT
Following axis FollowingAxis CAM, PATH1, CAM_EXT
Following object FollowingObjectType CAM, PATH1, CAM_EXT
Cam CamType CAM, PATH1, CAM_EXT
Path axis1
_PathAxis PATH1, CAM_EXT
Path object1 _PathObjectType PATH1, CAM_EXT
Fixed gear _FixedGearType CAM_EXT
Addition object _AdditionObjectType CAM_EXT
Formula object _FormulaObjectType CAM_EXT
Sensor _SensorType CAM_EXT
Controller object _ControllerObjectType CAM_EXT
Temperature channel TemperatureControllerType TControl
General data type, ANYOBJECT
to which every TO can be as‐
signed
1
Available as of version V4.1.
You can access the elements of technology objects (configuration data and system variables) via
structures (see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual).

Table 4-22 Symbolic constants for invalid values of technology object data types

Symbolic constant Data type Meaning

TO#NIL ANYOBJECT Invalid technology object

See also
Inheritance of the properties for axes (Page 131)
Examples of the use of technology object data types (Page 131)

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4.4.3.2 Inheritance of the properties for axes

Inheritance for axes means that all of the data types, system variables and functions of the TO
driveAxis are fully included in the TO positionAxis. Similarly, the position axis is fully included in
the TO synchronizedAxis, the following axis in the TO pathAxis. This has, for example, the
following effects:
• If a function or a function block expects an input parameter of the driveAxis data type, you
can also use a position axis or a synchronized axis or a path axis when calling.
• If a function or a function block expects an input parameter of the posAxis data type, you can
also use a synchronized axis or a path axis when calling.

4.4.3.3 Examples of the use of technology object data types

Below, you will see an example of optional use of a variable with a technology object data type
(you will find an example of mandatory use of a variable with a TO data type in the SIMOTION
Basic Functions Function Manual). A second example shows the alternative without using a
variable with TO data type.
A TO function will be used to enable an axis in the main part of a program so that the axis can
be positioned. After the positioning operation, the current position of the axis will be recorded
using a structure access.
The first example uses a variable with TO data type to demonstrate its use.

Table 4-23 Example of the use of a data type for technology objects
VAR
myAxis : posAxis; // Declaration variable for axis
myPos : LREAL; // Variable for position of axis
retVal: DINT; // Variable for return value of the
// TO function
END_VAR
myAxis := Axis1; // The name Axis1 was defined when the axis
// was configured in the project navigator.

// Call of function with variables of TO data type:

retVal := _enableAxis(axis := myAxis, commandId := _getCommandId());

// Axis is positioned.
retVal := _pos(axis := myAxis,
position := 100,
commandId:= _getCommandId() );

// Scan the position using structure access

myPos := myAxis.positioningState.actualPosition;

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The second example does not use a variable with TO data type.

Table 4-24 Example of using a technology object

VAR
myPos : LREAL; // Variable for position of axis
retVal: DINT; // Variable for return value of TO function
END_VAR

// Call of function without variable of TO data type

// The name Axis1 was defined when the axis
// was configured in the project navigator.
retVal := _enableAxis(axis := Axis1,
commandId:= _getCommandId() );

// Axis is positioned.
retVal := _pos(axis := Axis1
position := 100,
commandId:= _getCommandId() );

// Scan the position using structure access

myPos := Axis1.positioningState.actualPosition;

You will find details for configuration of technology objects in the SIMOTION Motion Control
function descriptions.

4.4.4 System data types

There are a number of system data types available that you can use without a previous
declaration. And, each imported technology packages provides a library of system data types.
Additional system data types (primarily enumerator and STRUCT data types) can be found
• In parameters for the general standard functions (see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function
Manual)
• In parameters for the general standard function modules (see SIMOTION Basic Functions
Function Manual)
• In system variables of the SIMOTION devices (see relevant parameter manuals)
• In parameters for the system functions of the SIMOTION devices (see relevant parameter
manuals)
• In system variables and configuration data of the technology objects (see relevant parameter
manuals)
• In parameters for the system functions of the technology objects (see relevant parameter
manuals)

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4.5 Variable declaration

A variable defines a data item with variable contents that can be used in the ST source file. A
variable consists of an identifier (e.g. myVar1) that can be freely selected and a data type (e.g.
BOOL). Reserved identifiers (see Reserved identifiers (Page 96)) must not be used as identifiers.

4.5.1 Syntax of variable declaration

Variables are always created according to the same pattern in the declaration section of a source
file section:
1. Start a declaration block with an appropriate keyword (e.g. VAR, VAR_GLOBAL –
see Overview of all variable declarations (Page 134)).
2. This is followed by the actual variable declarations (see figure); you can create as many of
these as you wish. The order is arbitrary.
3. End the declaration block with END_VAR.
4. You can create further declaration blocks (also with the same keyword).

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Note the following:

• The variable name must be an identifier, i.e. it can only contain letters, numbers or an
underscore, but not special characters.
• The following are permissible as data types:
– Elementary data types
– UDT (user-defined data types)
– System data types
– TO data types
– ARRAY data type specifications
– Designation of a function block (instance declaration – see Calling functions and function
modules (Page 190)).
• You can assign initial values to the variables in the declaration statement. This is known as
initialization (see Initialization of variables or data types (Page 136)).

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Deviations from the pattern presented are as follows:

• For constant declarations (a constant must be initialized with a value, see Constants
(Page 140)),
• For process image access (see Overview of all variable declarations (Page 134)):
– A variable declaration is not required for absolute process image access,
– Initialization is not permitted for symbolic process image access.

Table 4-25 Examples of variable declarations

VAR CONSTANT
PI : REAL := 3.1415;
END_VAR

VAR
// Declaration of a variable ...
var1 : REAL;
// ... or if there are several variables of the same type:
var2, var3, var4 : INT;
// Declaration of a one-dimensional array:
a1 : ARRAY[1..100] OF REAL;
// Declaration of a character string:
str1 : STRING[40];
END_VAR

4.5.2 Overview of all variable declarations

You declare the name, data type, and initial values of variables in the variable and parameter
declarations. You always execute these declarations in the declaration sections of the following
source file sections:
• Interface section
• Implementation section
• POU (program, function, function block, expression)
The source file section also determines which variables you can declare (see table), as well as
their range.
For additional information about source file sections, refer to Breakdown of ST source file
(Page 107) and Source file sections (Page 251).

Table 4-26 Keywords for declaration blocks

Keyword Meaning Declaration in the following dec‐

laration sections
VAR Declaration of temporary or static varia‐ Any POU
bles
See Variable model (Page 277)
VAR_GLOBAL Declaration of unit variables Interface section
See Variable model (Page 277) Implementation section

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Keyword Meaning Declaration in the following dec‐

laration sections
VAR_IN_OUT Variable declaration of in/out parame‐ Function
ter; the POU accesses this variable direct‐ Function block
ly (using a reference) and can change it
Expression
immediately.
Method 1
See Defining functions (Page 177), De‐
fining function blocks (Page 178), Defin‐
ing methods (Page 213)
VAR_INPUT Variable declaration of input parameter, Function
value is externally supplied and cannot Function block
be changed within the POU.
Expression
See Defining functions (Page 177), De‐
Method 1
fining function blocks (Page 178), Defin‐
ing methods (Page 213)
VAR_OUTPUT Variable declaration of output parame‐ Function
ter; value is transmitted from the func‐ Function block
tion block
Method 1
See Defining functions (Page 177), De‐
fining function blocks (Page 178), Defin‐
ing methods (Page 213)
VAR_TEMP Declaration of temporary variables Program
See Variable model (Page 277) Function
Function block
Method 1
RETAIN Declaration of retentive variables Only as a supplement:
See Variable model (Page 277) • To VAR 2 in POU:
– Program
– Function block
– Class 1
• To VAR_GLOBAL in the:
– Interface section
– Implementation section
CONSTANT Declaration of constants Only as a supplement:
See Constants (Page 140) • To VAR in POU:
– Program
– Function
– Function block
– Class 1 2
– Method 1
• To VAR_GLOBAL in the
– Interface section
– Implementation section
1
Only with compiler option (Page 62) "Permit object-oriented programming".
2
Only as of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel.

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4.5 Variable declaration

4.5.3 Initialization of variables or data types

The assignment of initial values to the variables or data types within a declaration is optional;
see Syntax of variables declaration (Page 133) and Syntax of user-defined data types (Page 115).
• If there is no initialization specified in the variable declaration, the compiler automatically
assigns the initialization value specified in the data type declaration to the variables.
The following applies for arrays (ARRAY): The array elements are assigned the initialization
value of the basic data type.
• If there is no initialization specified in the data type declaration either, the compiler assigns
the value of zero to the variables or data types.
Exception:
– For time data types: The initialization value for each data type.
– For enumeration data types: 1st value of the enumeration.
– For arrays (ARRAY): The array elements are assigned the initialization value of the basic
data type.
– For structures (STRUCT): The structure components are assigned the initialization value
of the respective data type.
You preassign a variable or a user-defined data type with initial values by assigning a value (:=)
after the data type specification.
• Assign the elementary data types (or data types derived from elementary data types) a
constant expression in accordance with Figure Syntax: constant expression.
• Assign an array initialization list to an array (ARRAY) in accordance with the
Figure Syntax: Array initialization list.
• Assign a structure initialization list to a structure (STRUCT) in accordance with
Figure Syntax: Structure initialization list (even when the structure is used in other
declarations).
See also the explanation at the end of this section.
• Assign an enumeration element to an enumeration data type.

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The initialization value assigned to a variable is calculated from the constant expression at the
time of the compilation. For information about the syntax of the constant expression, see the
figure titled Syntax: Constant expression.
Note that a variable list (a1, a2, a3, … : INT := … ) can be initialized with a common value. In this
case, you do not have to initialize the variables individually (a1 : INT := … ; a2 : INT := … ; etc.).

Note
The constant expressions used for initialization are calculated in the data type of the declared
variables or in the declared data type.

Variables of a technology object data type cannot be assigned an initialization value. They are
always initialized by the compiler with TO#NIL.

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Table 4-27 Examples of variable initialization

VAR
// Declaration of a variable ...
var1 : REAL := 100.0;
// ... or if there are several variables of the same type:
var2, var3, var4 : INT := 1;
var5 : REAL := 3 / 2;
var6 : INT := 5 * SHL(1, 4);
myC1 : C1 := GREEN;
array1 : ARRAY [0..4] OF INT := [1, 3, 8, 4, 0];
array2 : ARRAY [0..5] OF DINT := [6 (7)];
array3 : ARRAY [0..10] OF INT := [2 (2(3),3(1)),0];
// is equivalent to [2(3),3(1),2(3),3(1)),0]
// Initialization as follows:
// Array elements 0, 1 with 3;
// Array elements 2, 3, 4 with 1;
// Array elements 5, 6 with 3;
// Array elements 7, 8, 9 with 1;
// Array element 10 with 0
myAxis : PosAxis := TO#NIL;
END_VAR

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Table 4-28 Examples of data type initialization

TYPE
// Initialization of a derived data type
type1 : REAL := 10.0;
// Initialization of an enumeration data type
cmyk_colour : (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) := yellow;
// Initialization of structures
var_rgb_colour : STRUCT
red, green, blue : USINT := 255;// white
END_STRUCT;
new_colour : var_rgb_colour := (red := 0, blue := 0);// green
myInt : INT := 9;
myArray : ARRAY [0..5] OF myInt := [1, 2, 3];
// Initialization as follows:
// Array element 0 with 1;
// Array element 1 with 2;
// Array element 2 with 3;
// Array elements 3, 4, 5 with 9
END_TYPE

Information about the circumstances when variables are initialized can be found in Section
"Time of the variable initialization" (Page 294).

Initialization of structures
To initialize a structure (data type STRUCT), assign to it a structure initialization list enclosed in
brackets "(" ")". Assign the initialization value to the desired component in this initialization list,
see the syntax diagram above.
The following methods can be used to initialize components of lower-level structures:
• You assign another structure initialization list enclosed in brackets to a component and then
"nest" the lists inside one another.
• You aggregate the identifiers of the component, subcomponent, etc. as follows (use periods
as separators): comp_name.subcomp_name.subsubsomp_name and assign the
initialization value to this structure.
Note
Saving in an old project format:
Projects in which aggregated identifiers are used cannot be compiled correctly in SIMOTION
SCOUT versions earlier than V4.5.

You can use both notations within the same structure initialization list provided that you are
initializing different components.

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4.5 Variable declaration

You can initialize arrays within structures by assigning an array initialization list enclosed in
square brackets "[" "]" to the component. See example below:

Table 4-29 Examples of structure initialization

TYPE
s_base : STRUCT
i : INT;
j : DINT;
END_STRUCT
s_deri : STRUCT
x : INT;
v_b : s_base := (i := 10);
arr_b : ARRAY [0..2] OF s_base
:= [(i := 10, j := 15), (i := 12), (j := 13)];
END_STRUCT
s_up : STRUCT
vup_d : s_deri := (x := 3);
vup_a : ARRAY [0..1] OF s_deri;
END_STRUCT
END_TYPE
VAR
// Initialization with nested
// structure initialization lists
var_1 : s_up := (vup_d := (v_b := (i := 1) , x := 2));
// Alternative with aggregated component identifiers
var_2 : s_up := ( vup_d.v_b.i := 1, vup_d.x := 2);
// Initialization of arrays of structures
var3 : s_up := (vup_a := [ (v_b := (i := 5)), (v_b.i := 6) ] );
var4 : ARRAY [0..7] OF s_up := [ 5((vup_d := (v_b := (i := 1)))),
3((vup_d.v_b.i := 1)) ];
END_VAR

4.5.4 Constants
Constants are data with a fixed value that you cannot change during program runtime.
Constants are declared in the same way as variables:
• In the declaration section of a POU for local constants (see Figure Syntax: Constant block in
a POU and syntax: Constant declaration).
• In the interface or implementation section of the ST source file for unit constants (see
Figure Syntax: Unit constants in the interface or implementation section and syntax:
Constant declaration). You can import unit constants declared in the interface section into
other ST source files (see Variable model (Page 277)).
The source file section also determines the range of the constant declaration.

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To initialize a constant, see "Initialization of variables or data types (Page 136)". The value
assigned to a constant is calculated from the constant expression at the time of compilation.

Table 4-30 Examples of constants

VAR CONSTANT
PI : REAL := 3.1415;
intConst : INT := 10;
sintConst : SINT := 0;
dintConst : DINT := 10_000;
timeConst : TIME := TIME#1h;
strConst : STRING[40] := 'Example of a string';
Two_PI : REAL := 2 * PI;
END_VAR

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4.6 Value assignments and expressions

4.6 Value assignments and expressions

You have no doubt already created value assignments with the character string :=. This may have
been for a statement as part of an example (see table titled Examples of statements
in Statements (Page 109)) or when initializing variables in the declaration subsection of a source
file module.
However, this is only a small range of the options available for formulating value assignments.
This section of the manual now describes this important topic in detail using a large number of
examples for illustration purposes.

See also
Notes on avoiding errors and on efficient programming (Page 381)

4.6.1 Value assignments

4.6.1.1 Syntax of the value assignment

A value assignment is used to assign the value of an expression to a variable. The previous value
is overwritten. Before a value can be correctly assigned, a variable must be declared in the
declaration section (see Syntax of variable declaration (Page 133)).
As shown in the following syntax diagram, the expression is evaluated on the right side of the
assignment operator :=. The result is stored in the variable whose name is on the left side of the
assignment operator (target variable). All target variables supported from a formal viewpoint
are shown in the figure.

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The following contains explanations and examples for the left side of the value assignment:
• Value assignments with variables of an elementary data type (Page 144) ,
• Value assignments with variables of the derived enumerator data type (Page 147)
• Value assignments with variables of the derived ARRAY data type (Page 147)
• Value assignments with variables of the derived STRUCT data type (Page 148)
• Value assignments with absolute PI access (to addresses of the process image), see: Absolute
access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask (absolute PI access) (Page 332).
How the right side of a value assignment, i.e. an expression, is formed, is described in
Expressions (Page 149).

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4.6 Value assignments and expressions

4.6.1.2 Value assignments with variables of an elementary data type

An expression with an elementary data type (Page 111) can be assigned to a variable when one
of the following conditions is fulfilled:
• Expression and target variable have the same data type.
Note the following information on the STRING data type (Page 144).
• The data type of the expression can be implicitly converted to the data type of the target
variable (see Conversion of elementary data types (Page 173) and Functions for the
conversion of numerical data types and bit data types in the SIMOTION Basic Functions
Function Manual).
Examples

elemVar := 3*3;
elemVar := elemVar1;

See also
Value assignments with variables of a bit data type (Page 145)

4.6.1.3 Value assignments with variables of the STRING elementary data type

Assignments between variables of the STRING data type

There are no restrictions to assignments between variables of the STRING data type (character
strings) that have been declared with different lengths. If the declared length of the target
variable is shorter than the current length of the assigned character string, the character string
is truncated to the length of the target variable.
Exception: The following applies for an in/out assignment (parameter transfer to an in/out
parameter): The declared length of the assigned variable (actual parameter) must be greater
than or equal to the declared length of the target variable (formal in/out parameter). See
Parameter transfer to in/out parameters (Page 192).
Please also refer to Syntax diagram of STRING data type (Page 111):
Examples:

string20 := 'ABCDEFG';
string20 := string30;

Access to elements of a string

The individual elements of a string can be addressed in the same way as the elements of an
array [1..n]. These elements are converted implicitly to the elementary data type BYTE. In this
way assignments between string elements and variables of the BYTE data type are possible.
Examples:

byteVar := string20[5];
string20[10] := byteVar;

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The following special cases have to be taken into account:

1. When assigning a variable of the BYTE data type to a string element
(e.g. stringVar[n] := byteVar):
– The string element to which the value is to be assigned lies outside of the declared length
of the string:
The string remains unchanged, TSI#ERRNO is set to 1.
– The string element to which the value is to be assigned lies outside of the assigned length
of the string (n > LEN(stringVar)), but within the declared length:
The length of the string is adjusted, the string elements between LEN(stringvar) and n are
set to $00.
2. When assigning a string element to a variable of the BYTE data type
(byteVar := stringVar[n]):
– The string element to which the variable is to be assigned lies outside of the assigned
length of the string (n > LEN(stringVar)):
The variable is set to 16#00, TSI#ERRNO to 2.

Editing strings
Various system functions are available for the editing of strings, such as the joining of strings,
replacement and extraction of characters, see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.

Converting between numbers and strings

Various system functions are available for conversion between variables of numeric data types
and strings; see Converting elementary data types (Page 173) and the SIMOTION Basic
Functions Function Manual.

4.6.1.4 Value assignments with variables of a bit data type

Access to individual bits of a bit data type variable

You can also access the individual bits of a variable of data type BYTE, WORD or DWORD:
• With standard functions, see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual:
You can read, write or invert any bit of a bit string with the functions _getBit, _setBit and
_toggleBit.
You can specify the number of the bit via a variable.
• With direct bit access:
You can define the bit of the variable that you want to access as a constant, via a separate
point behind the variable.
You can only specify the number of the bit via a constant.
To be able to use this option, you must activate the "Permit language extensions" compiler
option, see Global compiler settings (Page 62) and Local compiler settings (Page 65).

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4.6 Value assignments and expressions

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Table 4-31 Example of direct bit access

// Only with compiler option "Permit language extensions"
FUNCTION f : VOID
VAR CONSTANT
BIT_7 : INT := 7;
END_VAR
VAR
dw : DWORD;
b : BOOL;
END_VAR
b := dw.BIT_7; // Access to Bit 7
b := dw.3; // Access to Bit 3
// b := dw.33; // Compilation error:
// Bit 33 not permitted.
dw.BIT_7 := b // Access to Bit 7
dw.3 := NOT dw.3 // Access to Bit 3
END_FUNCTION

Note
The access to bits of an I/O variable or system variable can be interrupted by other tasks. There
is therefore no guarantee of consistency.

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Editing variables of the bit data types

You can:
1. Combine several variables of the same data type into one variable of a higher-level data type
(e.g. two variables of the BYTE data type into one of the WORD data type). Various system
functions are available for this, e.g. WORD_FROM_2BYTE.
2. Split one variable into several variables of a lower-level data type (e.g. one variable of the
DWORD data type into four of the BYTE data type). Various system functions are available for
this, e.g. DWORD_TO_4BYTE.
3. Rotate or shift the bits within a variable. The bit string standard functions ROL, ROR, SHL and
SHR are available for this.
These system functions and system function blocks are described in the SIMOTION Basic
Functions Function Manual.

Logic operators
Variables of the bit data types can be combined with logic operators; see Logic expressions and
bit-serial expressions (Page 157).

4.6.1.5 Value assignments with variables of the derived enumerator data type
Each expression and each variable of the derived enumerator data type (see also: Derived
enumerator data type (Page 120)) can be assigned to another variable of the same type.

type1 := BLUE;

4.6.1.6 Value assignments with variables of the derived ARRAY data type
An array consists of several dimensions and array elements, all of the same type (see
also: Derived ARRAY data type (Page 117)).
There are various ways to assign arrays to variables. You can assign complete arrays, individual
elements, or parts of arrays:
• A complete array can be assigned to another array if both the data types of the components
and the array limits (the smallest and largest possible array indices) are the same. Valid
assignments are:

array_1 := array_2;

• An individual array element is addressed by the array name followed by the index value in
square brackets. An index must be an arithmetic expression of the data type SINT, USINT, INT,
UINT or DINT.

elem1 := array [i];

array_1 [2] := array_2 [5];
array [j] := 14;

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• A value assignment for a valid subarray can be obtained by omitting a pair of square brackets
for each dimension of the array, starting at the right. This addresses a partial area of the array
whose number of dimensions is equal to the number of remaining indices (see example
below).
Consequently, you can reference rows and individual components within a matrix but not
closed columns (closed in the sense of from...to). Valid assignments are:

matrix1 [i] := matrix2 [k];

array1 := matrix2 [k];

4.6.1.7 Value assignments with variables of the derived STRUCT data type
Variables of a user-defined data type that contain STRUCT data type specifications are called
structured variables (see also Derived STRUCT data type (Page 121)). They can either represent
a complete structure or a component of this structure.
Valid parameters for a structure variable are:

struct1 // Identifier for a structure

struct1.elem1 // Identifier for a structure component
struct1.array1 // Identifier of a simple array
//within a structure
struct1.array1[5] // Identifier of an array component
//within a structure

There are two ways to assign structures to variables. You can reference complete structures or
structure components:
• A complete structure can only be assigned to another structure if the data type and the name
of both structure components match.
A valid assignment is:

struct1 := struct2;

• You can assign a type-compatible variable, a type-compatible expression or another

structure component to each structure component.
Valid assignments are:

struct1.elem1 := Var1;
struct1.elem1 := 20;
struct1.elem1 := struct2.elem1;
struct1.array1 := struct2.array1;
struct1.array1[10] := 100;

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Note
You also use structured variables in the FBInstanceName.OutputParameter format,
e.g. myCircle.circumference to access the output variables of a function block, i.e. the result of
the function block. For more detailed information about function blocks, refer to the
explanations in Defining functions (Page 177) and Defining function blocks (Page 178).
A further application of structured variables is to access TO variables and the variables of the
basic system.

4.6.2 Expressions

An expression represents a value that is calculated when the program is compiled or executed.
It consists of operands (e.g. constants, variables or function values) and operators (e.g. *, /, +,
-).
The data types of the operands and the operators involved determine the expression type.
ST uses the following types of expression:
• Arithmetic expressions (Page 152)
• Relational expressions (Page 155)
• Logic expressions and bit-serial expressions (Page 157)

4.6.2.1 Result of an expression

The result of an expression can be:
• Assigned to a variable
• Used as a condition for a control statement
• Used as a parameter for a function or function block call.
The data type of the result of an arithmetical or bit-serial expression is determined by the data
types of the operands. The data type used is the lowest common data type to which both
operands can be implicitly converted.
An expression value can only be assigned to a variable (or a parameter of a function or function
block) in the following cases:
• The expression calculated and the variable to be assigned are of the same data type.
• The data type of the calculated expression can be implicitly converted to the data type of the
variable to be assigned.

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4.6 Value assignments and expressions

For more information on this error source and its solution, see SIMOTION Basic Functions
Function Manual.

Note
Expressions containing only the following elements can be used for variable initialization and
index specification in ARRAY declarations (for initialization expressions – see Figure Syntax:
Constant expression in Initialization of variables or data types (Page 136)):
• Constants
• Basic arithmetic operations
• Logic and relational operations
• Bit string standard functions
The constant expressions used for initialization are calculated in the data type of the declared
variables or in the declared data type.

4.6.2.2 Interpretation order of an expression

The interpretation order of an expression depends on the following:
• The priority of the operators used,
• The left-to-right rule,
• The use of parentheses (for operators of the same priority).
Expressions are processed according to specific rules:
• Operators are executed according to priority
(see table in Operator priority (Page 159)).
• Operators of the same priority are executed from left to right.
• A minus symbol in front of an identifier denotes multiplication by -1.
• An arithmetic operator cannot be followed immediately by another.
The expression a * -b is therefore invalid, but a * (-b ) is allowed.
• Parentheses override the operator priority order, i.e. parentheses have the highest priority.
• Expressions in parentheses are treated as individual operands and are always evaluated first.
• The number of opening parentheses must equal the number of closing parentheses.
• Arithmetic operations cannot be used on characters or logic data. For this reason,
expressions such as (n<=0) + (n<0) are invalid.

Table 4-32 Examples of expressions

testVar // Operand
A AND (B) // Logical expression
A AND (NOT B) // Logical expression with negation
(C) < (D) // Comparison expression
3+3*4/2 // Arithmetic expression

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4.6.3 Operands

Definition
Operands are objects which can be used to formulate expressions. Operands can be represented
by the syntax diagram:

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Table 4-33 Examples of operands

intVar
5
%I4.0
PI
NOT TRUE
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4.6.4 Arithmetic expressions

An arithmetic expression is an expression formed with arithmetical operators. These expressions

allow numerical data types to be processed.

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The following table shows for each arithmetic operation:

• The arithmetic operator
• The permitted data types of the operands
• The data type of the result.
Some of the General data types (Page 113) are used here.

Note
Further operations are possible with standard numeric functions, see Standard numeric
functions in the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.
It is recommended to enclose negative numbers in parentheses, even in cases where it is not
absolutely necessary, in order to enhance legibility.
The arithmetic operators are processed in accordance with their rank (Page 159).

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4.6 Value assignments and expressions

Table 4-34 Arithmetic operators

Instruction Operator Data type

1st operand 2nd operand Result1
Exponential ** ANY_REAL 2)
ANY_REAL ANY_REAL3)
(See also EXPT function)
Unary minus - ANY_NUM (None) ANY_NUM
Multiplication * ANY_NUM ANY_NUM ANY_NUM
ANY_BIT 4)
ANY_BIT 4)
ANY_BIT
TIME ANY_NUM TIME
Division / ANY_NUM ANY_NUM 5)
ANY_NUM
ANY_BIT4) ANY_BIT4) 5) ANY_BIT
TIME ANY_NUM 5)
TIME
TIME TIME 5
UDINT
Modulo division MOD ANY_INT ANY_INT5) ANY_INT
ANY_BIT 4)
ANY_BIT 4) 5)
ANY_BIT
Addition + ANY_NUM ANY_NUM ANY_NUM
ANY_BIT 4)
ANY_BIT 4)
ANY_BIT
TIME TIME TIME6)
TOD TIME TOD6)
DT TIME DT7)
Subtraction - ANY_NUM ANY_NUM ANY_NUM
ANY_BIT 4)
ANY_BIT 4)
ANY_BIT
TIME TIME TIME
TOD TIME 8)
TOD
DATE DATE TIME9)
TOD TOD TIME9)
DT TIME DT
DT DT TIME9)
1)
The data type of the result (unless explicitly stated) is the lowest common data type to which both
operands can be implicitly converted.
2)
The 1st operand must be greater than zero.
Exceptions as of version V4.1 of the SIMOTION Kernel:
– If the 2nd operand is an integer, the 1. operand can be less than zero.
– If the 2nd operand is positive, the 1st operand can be equal to zero.
The following applies up to version V4.0 of the SIMOTION Kernel: If the 1st operand is equal to zero, an
error message can be caught with ExecutionFaultTask.
3)
Data type of the 1st operand.
4)
Other than BOOL data type. The calculation is made using the unsigned integer of the same bit width.
5)
The 2nd operand must not be equal to zero.
6)
Addition, possibly with overflow.
7)
Addition with date correction.
8)
Restriction of TIME to TOD before calculation.
9)
These operations are based on the modulo of the maximum value of the TIME data type.

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Note
If the limits of the value range are exceeded in operations with variables of the general
ANY_REAL data type, the result contains the equivalent bit pattern according to IEEE 754.
In order to establish whether the value range was exceeded in the operation, you can verify the
result using the function _finite (see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual).

4.6.4.1 Examples of arithmetic expressions

Examples of arithmetic expressions with numbers

Assuming that i and j are integer variables (e.g. of data type INT) with the values of 11 and -3
respectively, some example integer expressions and their corresponding values are presented
below:

Expression Value
i + j 8
i - j 14
i * j -33
i MOD j -2
i / j -3

Examples of valid arithmetic expressions with time specifications

Assume the following variables:

Variables Content Data type

t1 T#1D_1H_1M_1S_1MS TIME
t2 T#2D_2H_2M_2S_2MS TIME
d1 D#2004-01-11 DATE
d2 D#2004-02-12 DATE
tod1 TOD#11:11:11.11 TIME_OF_DAY
tod2 TOD#12:12:12.12 TIME_OF_DAY
dt1 DT#2004-01-11-11:11:11.11 DATE_AND_TIME
dt2 DT#2004-02-12-12:12:12.12 DATE_AND_TIME

Some expressions with these variables and their values are shown in the example.

Expression Value
t1 + t2 T#3D_3H_3M_3S_3MS
dt1 + t1 DT#2004-01-12-12:12:12.111
t1 - t2 T#48D_16H_1M_46S_295MS
t1 * 2 T#2D_2H_2M_2S_2MS
t1 / 2 T#12H_30M_30S_500MS

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DATE_AND_TIME_TO_TIME_OF_DAY(dt1) TOD#11:11:11.110
DATE_AND_TIME_TO_DATE(dt1) D#2004-01-11

4.6.5 Relational expressions

Definition
A relational expression is an expression of the BOOL data type formed with relational operators
(see figure).

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Figure 4-26 Syntax: Relational operators

Relational operators compare the values of 2 operands (see table) and return a Boolean value as
result.
1st Operand Operator 2nd Operand -> Boolean value

Table 4-35 Meaning of relational operators

Operator Meaning
> 1. operand is greater than the 2nd operand
< 1. operand is less than the 2nd operand
>= 1. operand is greater than or equal to the 2nd operand
<= 1. operand is less than or equal to the 2nd operand
= 1. operand is equal to the 2nd operand
<> 1. operand is not equal to the 2nd operand

The result of the relational expression is:

• 1 (TRUE), when the comparison is satisfied
• 0 (FALSE), when the comparison is not satisfied.
The following table shows permissible combinations of the data types for the two operands and
relational operators.

Table 4-36 Relational expressions: Permissible combinations of the data types and relational operators

Data type Permissible relational opera‐

1. Operand 2. Operand tors

ANY_NUM ANY_NUM1) <, >, <=, >=, =, <>

ANY_BIT ANY_BIT <, >, <=, >=, =, <>

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Data type Permissible relational opera‐

1. Operand 2. Operand tors

DATE DATE <, >, <=, >=, =, <>

TIME_OF_DAY (TOD) TIME_OF_DAY (TOD) <, >, <=, >=, =, <>
DATE_AND_TIME (DT) DATE_AND_TIME (DT) <, >, <=, >=, =, <>
TIME TIME <, >, <=, >=, =, <>
STRING STRING2) <, >, <=, >=, =, <>
Enumerator data type Enumerator data type3) =, <>
ARRAY Field (ARRAY)3) =, <>
Structure (STRUCT) Structure (STRUCT) 3)
=, <>

1) The comparison is made in the lowest common data type to which both operands can be implicitly
converted.
2) Variables of the STRING data type can be compared irrespective of the declared length of the string.
To compare two variables of the STRING data type with different lengths, the shorter character string is
expanded to the length of the longer character string by inserting $00 on the right-hand side. The
comparison starts from left to right and is based on the ASCII code of the respective characters.
Example: ’ABC’ < ’AZ’ < ’Z’ < ’abc’ < ’az’ < ’z’.
3) Data type of the 1. operand.
Relational expressions and variables or constants of the BOOL data type can be combined with
logic operators to form logic expressions (see Logic expressions and bit-serial expressions
(Page 157)). This enables the implementation of queries such as If a < b and b < c, then ….

Note
Relational operators have a higher priority than logic operators in an expression (see Operator
priority (Page 159)). Therefore the operands of a relational expression must be placed in
brackets if they themselves are logic expressions or bit-serial expressions.
Note that errors can occur when comparing REAL or LREAL variables (also the corresponding
system variables, e.g. axis position).

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Table 4-37 Examples of relational expressions

IF A = 2 THEN
; //...
END_IF;

var_1 := B < C; // var_1 of BOOL data type

IF D < E OR var_2 THEN // var_2 of BOOL data type

; // ...
END_IF;

var_3 := 0 < F < 10 // var_3 of BOOL data type, TRUE value

// The calculation is from left to right
// in the following form: (0 < F) < 10
// Initially 0 < F is calculated.
// The result is from the BOOL data type (FALSE or TRUE)
// and is compared with BYTE#10.
// Equivalent expression:
var_3 : = BOOL_TO_BYTE (0 < F) < BYTE#10

4.6.6 Logic expressions and bit-serial expressions

Definition
With the logic operators AND, &, XOR, and OR, it is possible to combine operands and
expressions of the general data type ANY_BIT (BOOL, BYTE, WORD, or DWORD).
With the logic operator NOT it is possible to negate operands and expressions of data type
ANY_BIT.
The table provides information about the available operators:

Table 4-38 Logic operators

Instruction Operator 1. Operand 2. Operand Result1

Negation NOT ANY_BIT - ANY_BIT
Conjunction AND or & ANY_BIT ANY_BIT ANY_BIT
Exclusive disjunc‐ XOR ANY_BIT ANY_BIT ANY_BIT
tion
Disjunction OR ANY_BIT ANY_BIT ANY_BIT
1
The data type of the result is determined by the most powerful data type of the operands.

The expression is designated

• a logic expression, if only operands of data type BOOL are used.
The operators have the effect on the operands stated in the following truth table.
The result of a logic expression is 1 (TRUE) or 0 (FALSE).
• a bit-serial expression, if operands of data type BYTE, WORD, or DWORD are used.
The operators have the effect on individual bits of the operands stated in the following truth
table.

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Table 4-39 Truth table of the logic operators

Operands Result (data type BOOL)

(data type BOOL)
a b NOT a NOT b a AND b a XOR b a OR b
a&b
0 0 1 1 0 0 0
0 1 1 0 0 1 1
1 0 0 1 0 1 1
1 1 0 0 1 0 1

Examples

Expression (let n = 10) Value

(n>0) AND (n<20) TRUE
(n>0) AND (n<5) FALSE
(n>0) OR (n<5) TRUE
(n>0) XOR (n<20) FALSE
NOT ((n>0) AND n<20)) FALSE

Expression Value
2#01010101 AND 2#11110000 2#01010000
2#01010101 OR 2#11110000 2#11110101
2#01010101 XOR 2#11110000 2#10100101
NOT 2#01010101 2#10101010

Expression in query (let value1 be 2#01, let value2 be 2#11)

IF (value1 AND value2) = 2#01 THEN...

Condition returns TRUE, because bit-serial expression returns 2#01.

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4.6.7 Priority of operators

Some general rules for the formulation of expressions were described in Expressions (Page 149).
The table shows you the priority of the individual operators within an expression.

Instruction Symbol Priority

Parentheses (Expression) Highest
Function evaluation Identifier (argument list)
e.g. LN(a), EXPT (a,b), etc.
Negation –
Complement NOT
Exponentiation **
Multiplication *
Division /
Modulo MOD
Addition +
Subtraction –
Comparison <, >, <=, >=
Equal =
Not equal <>
Boolean AND &, AND
Boolean XOR
EXCLUSIVE OR
Boolean OR OR

Lowest

4.7 Control statements

Few source file sections can be programmed such that all statements are executed in sequence
from start to end. Usually, some statements will be executed only if a condition is true
(alternatives) and some will be executed repeatedly (loops). Program control statements within
a source file section are the means for accomplishing this.

4.7.1 IF statement

Description
The IF statement is a conditional statement. It specifies one or more options and selects one (or
none) of its statement sections for execution.
The specified logic expressions are evaluated when the conditional statement is executed. If the
value of an expression is TRUE, the condition is fulfilled, if the value is FALSE, it is not fulfilled.

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Figure 4-27 Syntax: IF statement

Sequence of execution
The IF statement is processed according to the following rules:
1. If the value of the first expression is TRUE, the statement section after the THEN is executed.
The program is subsequently resumed after the END_IF.
2. If the value of the first expression is FALSE, the expressions in the ELSIF branches are
evaluated. If a Boolean expression in one of the ELSIF branches is TRUE, the statement
section following THEN is executed.
The program is subsequently resumed after the END_IF.
3. If none of the Boolean expressions in the ELSIF branches is TRUE, the sequence of statements
after the ELSE is executed (or, if there is no ELSE branch, no further statements are executed).
The program is subsequently resumed after the END_IF.
Any number of ELSIF statements can be programmed.
Note that there may not be any ELSIF branches and/or ELSE branch. This is interpreted in the
same way as if the branches existed with no statements.

Note
An advantage of using one or more ELSIF branches rather than a sequence of IF statements is
that the logic expressions following a valid expression are no longer evaluated. This helps to
reduce the processing time required for the program and to prevent execution of unwanted
program routines.

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Example
The following example illustrates the use of the IF statement:

Example of the IF statement

IF A = B THEN
n:= 0;
END_IF;

IF temperature < 5.0 THEN

%Q0.0 := TRUE;
ELSIF temperature > 10.0 THEN
%Q0.2 := TRUE;
ELSE
%Q0.1 := TRUE;
END_IF;

4.7.2 CASE statement

Description
The CASE statement is used to select 1 of n program sections.
This selection determines a selection expression (selector):
• Expression of general data type ANY_INT
• Variable of an enumeration data type (enumerator)
The selection is made from a list of values (value list), whereby a section of the program is
assigned to each value or group of values.

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Figure 4-28 Syntax: CASE statement

Sequence of execution
The CASE statement is processed according to the following rules:
1. The selection expression (selector) is calculated. It must return a value of general data type
ANY_INT (integer) or an enumeration data type.
2. Then a check is performed to determine whether the selector value is contained in the value
list. Each value in the list represents one of the allowed values for the selection expression.
3. If a match is found, the program section assigned in the list is executed.
4. The ELSE branch is optional. It is executed if no match is found.
5. If the ELSE branch is missing and no match is found, the program is resumed after END_CASE.

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Value list
The value list contains the allowed values for the selection expression.

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Note the following when formulating the value list:

• Each value list can begin with a constant (value), a constant list (value1, value2, value3,
etc.) or a constant range (value1 to value2).
• Values in the value list must be integer constants or elements of the enumeration data type
of the selector.

Note
A value should only occur once in the value lists of a CASE statement.
In the event of multiple occurrence of a value, the compiler will issue an alarm, and only the
section of the statement corresponding to the value list in which the value occurred first is
executed.

Example
The following example illustrates the use of the CASE statement:

Example of the CASE statement

CASE intVar OF
1 : a := 1;
2,3 : b := 1;
4..9 : c := 1; d := 2;
ELSE
e := 5;
END_CASE;

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4.7.3 FOR statement

Description
A FOR statement or a repeat statement executes a series of statements in a loop, whereby values
are assigned to a variable (a count variable) on each pass. The count variable must be a local
variable of type SINT, INT or DINT.
The definition of a loop with FOR includes the specification of a start and end value. Both
variables must be the same data type as the count variable.

Note
You use the FOR statement when the number of loop passes is known at the programming stage.
If the number of cycles is not known, the WHILE or REPEAT statement is more suitable, see WHILE
statement (Page 166) and REPEAT statement (Page 167).

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Sequence of execution
The FOR statement is processed according to the following rules:
1. At the start of the loop, the count variable is set to the start value and is increased (positive
increment) or decreased (negative increment) by the specified increment after each loop
pass until the end value is reached. After the first loop pass, the content of the count variable
is known as the current value.
2. On each pass, the system checks whether the following conditions are true:
– Start value or current value <= end value (for positive increment) or
– Start value or current value >= end value (for negative increment)
If the condition is fulfilled, the sequence of statements is executed.
If the condition is not fulfilled, the loop and, thus, the sequence of statements is skipped and
the program is resumed after END_FOR.
3. If the FOR loop is not executed due to Step 2, the count variable retains the current value.

Rules
The following rules apply to the FOR statement:
• The BY [increment] specification can be omitted. If no increment is specified, the default is +1.
• The start value, end value and increment are expressions, see Expressions (Page 149). The
expression is evaluated once at the beginning of the FOR statement.
• If the start value and end value are of the data type DINT, the amount from (end value - start
value) must be less than DINT#MAX (2**31 - 1), see also Value range limits of elementary
data types (Page 113).
• The count variable contains the value which triggers the loop exit, i.e. it is incremented
before the loop is exited.
• During the loop execution, the count variable (current value) as well as the start value, the
end value and the increment must not be changed.

Example
The following example illustrates the use of the FOR statement:

Example of the FOR statement

FOR k := 1 TO 10 BY 2 DO
l := l + 1;
// ...
END_FOR;

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4.7.4 WHILE statement

Description
The WHILE statement allows a sequence of statements to be executed repeatedly under the
control of an iteration condition. The iteration condition is formulated in accordance with the
rules for a logic expression.

Note
You use the WHILE statement when the number of loop passes is not known at the programming
stage.
If the number of passes is known, the FOR statement (Page 164) is more suitable.

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The statement section after DO is repeated until the iteration condition has the value TRUE.

Sequence of execution
The WHILE statement is processed according to the following rules:
1. The iteration condition is evaluated each time before the statement section is executed.
2. If the value is TRUE, the statement section is executed.
3. If the value is FALSE, the WHILE statement is terminated (this can occur the first time the
condition is evaluated) and the program is resumed after END_WHILE.

Example
The following example illustrates the use of the WHILE statement:

Example of the WHILE statement

WHILE Index <= 50 DO
Index:= Index + 2;
END_WHILE;

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4.7.5 REPEAT statement

Description
A REPEAT statement causes a sequence of statements programmed between REPEAT and UNTIL
to be executed repeatedly until a termination condition is true. The termination condition is
formulated in accordance with the rules for a logic expression.

Note
You use the REPEAT statement when the number of loop passes is not known at the
programming stage.
If the number of passes is known, the FOR statement (Page 164) is more suitable.

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Figure 4-32 Syntax: REPEAT statement

The condition is checked after the statement section is executed. That means the statement
section is executed at least once, even if the termination condition is true at the start.

Sequence of execution
The REPEAT statement is processed according to the following rules:
1. The iteration condition is evaluated each time after the statement section is executed.
2. If the value is FALSE, the statement section is executed again.
3. If the value is TRUE, execution of the REPEAT statement is terminated and program execution
is resumed after END_REPEAT.

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Example
The following example illustrates the use of the REPEAT statement:

Example of the REPEAT statement

Index := 1;
REPEAT
Index := Index + 2;
UNTIL Index > 50
END_REPEAT;

4.7.6 EXIT statement

Description
An EXIT statement is used to exit a loop (FOR, WHILE or REPEAT loop) at any point, irrespective
of whether the termination condition is true or false.
This statement has the effect of jumping directly out of the loop immediately surrounding the
EXIT statement.
The program resumes after the end of the loop (e.g. after END_FOR).

Example
The following example illustrates the use of the EXIT statement:

Example of the EXIT statement

Index := 1;
FOR Index := 1 to 51 BY 2 DO
IF %I0.0 THEN
EXIT;
END_IF;
END_FOR;
(*
The following value assignment is performed after the execution of EXIT or
after the regular end of the FOR loop.
*)
Index_find := Index_2;

4.7.7 CONTINUE statement

Description
The CONTINUE statement is only available if the compiler option Language extensions
IEC61131 3rd edition is enabled, see Global settings of the compiler (Page 62) and Local
settings of the compiler (Page 65).

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It acts as a jump to the start of a loop (FOR, WHILE or REPEAT loop) from any point. Use this to
jump to the start of the repeat statement which immediately surrounds the CONTINUE
statement.
• With a FOR loop the run tag is increased by the programmed increment and compared with
the full-scale value.
• With a WHILE loop the execution condition is reviewed.

Example
The following example illustrates the use of the CONTINUE statement:

Example of the CONTINUE statement:

sum := 0;
FOR i:= 1 TO 3 DO
FOR j:= 1 TO 2 DO
sum:= sum + 1;
IF %I0.0 THEN
CONTINUE;
END_IF;
sum:= sum + 1;
END_FOR;
sum:= sum + 1;
END_FOR;
(*
Once the loop has run the “sum” variable has the following value:
With %I0.0 = FALSE: sum = 15
With %I0.0 = TRUE: sum = 9
*)

4.7.8 RETURN statement

Description
A RETURN statement causes termination of the POU currently being processed (program,
function, function block).
When a function or a function block is terminated, program execution continues in the higher-
level POU after the position where the function or function block was called.

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Example
The following example illustrates the use of the RETURN statement:

Example of the RETURN statement

Index := 1;
FOR Index := 1 to 51 BY 2 DO
IF %I0.0 THEN
RETURN;
END_IF;
END_FOR;
(*
The following value assignment is executed after the regular end of the FOR
loop, but not after the execution of RETURN.
*)
Index_find:= Index_2;

4.7.9 WAITFORCONDITION statement

Description
You can use the WAITFORCONDITION statement to wait for a programmable event or condition
in a MotionTask. The statement suspends execution of the calling MotionTask until the condition
is true. You program this condition in an Expression (Page 204).
More information about the WAITFORCONDITION and expressions in this regard is contained in
the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.

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Figure 4-33 Syntax: WAITFORCONDITION statement

Expression identifier is a construct declared with EXPRESSION; its value defines (together with
WITH edge evaluation, if necessary) whether the condition is considered as been satisfied.
The WITH edge evaluation sequence is optional. Edge evaluation is an expression of data type
BOOL; it determines how the value of expression identifier is interpreted:
• Edge evaluation = TRUE:
The rising edge of expression identifier is interpreted; i.e. the condition is satisfied when the
value of expression identifier changes from FALSE to TRUE.
• Edge evaluation = FALSE:
The static value of expression identifier is evaluated; i.e. the condition is satisfied when the
value of expression identifier is TRUE.
If WITH edge evaluation is not specified, the default setting is FALSE, i.e. the static value of
expression identifier is evaluated.
The statement section must contain at least one statement (empty statements also possible).

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ST Fundamentals
4.7 Control statements

Example
The following example illustrates the use of the WAITFORCONDITION statement:

Example of the WAITFORCONDITION statement

// ...
// Call of the command with name of the expression
WAITFORCONDITION myExpression WITH TRUE DO
// At least one statement here, will be executed with higher priority, e.g.
%Q0.0 := TRUE;
END_WAITFORCONDITION;
// ...

For a complete example, refer to the description for the Expression (Page 204).

4.7.10 GOTO statement

The GOTO statement causes a jump to the jump label specified in the command (see Jump
statement and labeling (Page 379)).
You program jump statements with the GOTO statement and specify the jump label to which you
want to jump. Jumps are only permitted within a POU.

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Note
You should only use the GOTO statement in special circumstances (for example, for
troubleshooting). It should not be used at all according to the rules for structured programming.
Jumps are only permitted within a POU.
The following jumps are illegal:
• Jumps to subordinate control structures (WHILE, FOR, etc.)
• Jumps from a WAITFORCONDITION structure
• Jumps within CASE statements
Jump labels can only be declared in the POU in which they are used. If jump labels are declared,
only the declared jump labels may be used.

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 ST Fundamentals
4.8 Data type conversions

4.8 Data type conversions

This section describes how you can implicitly and explicitly convert between elementary data
types. It also contains an overview of the additional conversion possibilities.

4.8.1 Elementary data type conversion

The table presents an overview of the conversion options between numerical data types and bit
data types. A distinction is made between:
• Implicit conversion (Page 173): Conversion is automatic when different data types are used
in an expression or when values are assigned by the compiler.
• Explicit conversion (Page 175): Conversion is carried out when the user calls a conversion
function (see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual).

Table 4-40 Type conversion of numeric data types and bit data types
Source Target data type
data type BOOL BYTE WORD DWOR USINT UINT UDINT SINT INT DINT REAL LREAL STRING
D
BOOL – Im/Ex Im/Ex Im/Ex Val Val Val Val Val Val Val Val –
BYTE Ex – Im/Ex Im/Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Val Val Elem
WORD Ex Ex – Im/Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Val Val –
DWORD Ex Ex Ex – Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex/Val Val –
USINT Val Ex Ex Ex – Im/Ex Im/Ex Ex Im/Ex Im/Ex Im/Ex Im/Ex –
UINT Val Ex Ex Ex Ex – Im/Ex Ex Ex Im/Ex Im/Ex Im/Ex –
UDINT Val Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex – Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex
SINT Val Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex – Im/Ex Im/Ex Im/Ex Im/Ex –
INT Val Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex – Im/Ex Im/Ex Im/Ex –
DINT Val Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex – Ex Im/Ex Ex
REAL Val Val Val Ex/Val Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex – Im/Ex Ex
LREAL Val Val Val Val Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex – Ex
STRING – Elem – – – – Ex – – Ex Ex Ex –
Im: Implicit data type conversion possible
Ex: Explicit data type conversion possible by means of type conversion function source data type_TO_target data type
Val: Explicit data type conversion possible by means of type conversion functionsource data type_VALUE_TO_target data type
Elem: Implicit data type conversion with an element of the STRING data type

For information on conversion functions for date and time data types: Please refer to the
SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.

4.8.1.1 Implicit data type conversions

Implicit type conversion is always possible if an enlargement of the value range does not cause
any value loss, e.g. from REAL to LREAL or from INT to REAL. The result is always defined.

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ST Fundamentals
4.8 Data type conversions

The following figure provides a graphics-based view of all implicit type conversion chains. Each
stage in the type conversion chain - reading from left to right or from top to bottom - always
represents an enlargement of the value range.

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The following implicit type conversions are supported:

1. Horizontally (from left to right) over one or more levels (e.g. USINT to UDINT)
2. Vertically (from top to bottom) over one level (e.g. UINT to REAL)
The implicit type conversions can be combined in the following order (e.g. INT to LREAL).
All other type conversions cannot be performed implicitly (e.g. UDINT to REAL), that is, you must
use an explicit function (Page 175) (see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual).

Note
In arithmetic expressions, the result is always calculated in the largest number format contained
in the expression.
A value can only be assigned to the expression if:
• The calculated expression and the variable to be assigned are of the same data type.
• The data type of the calculated expression can be implicitly converted to the data type of the
variable to be assigned.
For more information on this error source and its solution: Please refer to the SIMOTION Basic
Functions Function Manual.

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4.8 Data type conversions

Table 4-41 Example of data types in expressions and value assignments

VAR
usint_var : USINT;
real_var : REAL;
byte_var : BYTE;
string_var : STRING[80] := 'example for string';
END_VAR

usint_var := 234 / 10; // Expression data type: USINT

// Result = 23

real_var := 234 / 10; // Expression data type: USINT

// Implicit conversion possible
// Result = 23.0

usint_var := 234 / SINT#10; // Expression data type: INT

// Implicit conversion and
// value assignment not possible

real_var := 234 / 10.0; // Expression data type: REAL

// Result = 23.4

usint_var := 234 / 10.0; // Expression data type: REAL

// Implicit conversion and
// value assignment not possible

byte_var := string_var[5]; // Implicit conversion possible

// Result = 16#70 ('p')

string_var[10] := byte_var; // Implicit conversion possible

// Result = 'example fpr string'

Note
If applicable, specify the data type explicitly for numbers (e.g. UINT#127, if the number 127 is
to be of data type UINT instead of USINT).

4.8.1.2 Explicit data type conversions

Explicit conversion is always required if information could be lost, for example, if the value range
is decreased or the accuracy is reduced, as is the case for conversion from LREAL to REAL.
The conversion functions for numeric data types and bit data types are listed in the SIMOTION
Basic Functions Function Manual.

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4.8 Data type conversions

The compiler outputs warnings when it detects conversions associated with loss of precision.

Note
The type conversion may cause errors when the program is running, which will trigger the error
response set in the task configuration (see "Execution errors in programs" in the SIMOTION Basic
Functions Function Manual).
Special attention is required when converting DWORD to REAL. The bit string from DWORD is
taken unchecked as the REAL value. You must make sure that the bit string in DWORD
corresponds to the bit pattern of a normalized floating-point number in accordance with IEEE.
To do this, you can use the _finite and _isNaN functions.
Otherwise, an error can be triggered (FPU exception) as soon as the REAL value is first used for
an arithmetic operation (for example, in the program or when monitoring in the symbol
browser).

Note
The following applies if the value range limits are exceeded during conversion from LREAL to
REAL:
• Underflow (absolute value of LREAL number is smaller than the smallest positive REAL
number):
Result is 0.0
• Overflow (absolute value of LREAL number is larger than the largest positive REAL number):
The error response specified during task configuration is triggered.

4.8.2 Supplementary conversions

The ST system functions and ST system functions also permit the following conversions:
• Combining bit-string data types
These functions combine multiple variables of a bit string data type into one variable of a
higher-level data type.
• Splitting bit-string data types
These function blocks split up a variable of a bit string data type into multiple variables of a
higher-level data type.
• Converting between any data types and byte arrays
They are commonly used to create defined transmission formats for data exchange between
various devices.
For further information (e.g. on the arrangement of the byte arrays, application example):
Please refer to the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.
• Conversion of technology object data types
It converts variables of a hierarchical TO data type (driveAxis, posAxis, or followingAxis) or of
the general ANYOBJECT type to a compatible TO data type.
For Application Examples and further information: Please refer to the SIMOTION Basic Functions
Function Manual.

SIMOTION ST Structured Text

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Functions, Function Blocks, and Programs 5
This chapter describes how to create and call user-defined functions and function blocks.
Standard functions are already available in the system for type conversion, trigonometry, and bit
string manipulation. The SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual describes how to use
system functions and functions of technology objects (TO functions).
A function (FC) is a logic block with no static data. All local variables lose their value when you
exit the function and are reinitialized the next time you call the function.
A function block (FB) is a code block with static data. Since an FB has memory, its output
parameters can be accessed at any time and from any point in the user program. Local variables
retain their values between calls.
Programs are similar to FBs, but have no parameters. However, they can be assigned execution
levels and tasks (see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual).
FCs and FBs have the advantage that they can be reused, because they are encapsulated source
file sections to which parameters can be assigned.
Functions, function blocks, and programs are program organization units (POUs), i.e. they are
executable source file sections. You will find an overview of all source file sections in Use of the
source file sections (Page 251).

5.1 Creating and calling functions and function blocks

The following description explains how to create and call functions (FCs) and function blocks
(FBs). For a complete example showing the differences between FCs and FBs see Comparison of
functions and function blocks (Page 199).
The order in which you must define and call the stipulated source file sections is given in Use of
the source file sections (Page 251).
For a description of how to make FCs and FBs public at other program sources or make them
available for use by other program sources, see Declaring ST source files public and using them
(Page 272).

5.1.1 Defining functions

You can define a function (FC) within the implementation section of an ST source file in the
section for program organization units (POE). If the compiler option (Page 62) “Allow forward
declaration" is not activated a FC must be defined before the POE (program, FB or FC) in which
it is called.
Use the following syntax:

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Enter in the following sequence, see example in Source file with comments (Page 201)):
• The FUNCTION keyword
• An identifier as FC name
• If the function has a return value, the data type for the return value following a colon
The symbolic data type VOID can also be entered for functions with no return value.
This is then followed by:
• The optional declaration section (Page 182)
• The statement section (Page 187)
• The END_FUNCTION keyword

5.1.2 Defining function blocks

5.1.2.1 Defining classic function blocks

You can define a function block (FB) within the implementation section of an ST source file in the
section for program organization units (POE). If the compiler option (Page 62) “Allow forward
declaration" is not activated a FB must be defined before the POE (program, FB or FC) in which
it is called.
Use the following syntax:

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Enter in the following sequence, see example in Source file with comments (Page 201)):
• The FUNCTION_BLOCK keyword
• An identifier as FB name
This is then followed by:
• The optional declaration section (Page 182)
• The statement section (Page 187)
• The END_FUNCTION_BLOCK keyword

5.1.2.2 Defining object-oriented function blocks with methods

Function blocks can also be defined with methods. Reduced object-oriented programming is
possible with this irrespective of the SIMOTON Kernel version. Only the compiler option
(Page 62) “Permit object-oriented programming" needs to be activated.
You can define object-oriented function blocks (FB) with methods and public variables within
the implementation section of an ST source file in the section for program organization units
(POE). If the compiler option (Page 62) “Allow forward declaration" is not activated a FB must be
defined before the POE (program, FB or FC) in which it is called.
Use the following syntax:

SIMOTION ST Structured Text

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Enter in the following sequence:

• The FUNCTION_BLOCK keyword
• An identifier as FB name
This is then followed by:
• The optional declaration section (Page 182)
• the methods in the function block
• The statement section (Page 187)
• The END_FUNCTION_BLOCK keyword

Note
Object-oriented function blocks cannot be derived. Inheritance is therefore not possible for
methods.

5.1.2.3 Defining methods in object-oriented FBs

Executable statements for an object-oriented function block can be summarized as methods.
The methods are defined within a function block before the statement section for the FB.
A method roughly corresponds to a function (Page 177). Specification of an access identifier
determines the environment from which the method can be called.
If the compiler option (Page 62) "Allow forward declaration" is not activated, a method must be
defined before the program organization unit (program, FB, FC or class) or method in which it
is called.
Use the following syntax:

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5.1 Creating and calling functions and function blocks

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Enter in the following sequence:

• The METHOD keyword.
• The optional FB access identifier (PUBLIC, PRIVATE or INTERNAL), default PRIVATE.
For access identifier, see section "Access identifiers within object-oriented FBs" (Page 181).
• An identifier as method name.
• if the method has a return value, the data type for the return value following a colon.
The symbolic data type VOID can also be entered for a method with no return value.
This is then followed by:
• The optional declaration section (Page 214)
• The statement section (Page 216)
• The END_METHOD keyword

5.1.2.4 Access identifiers within object-oriented FBs

An access identifier may be specified within object-oriented function blocks for declaration
blocks or methods:
• With declaration blocks:
Directly after the keyword for the relevant block (e.g. TYPE, VAR).
The access identifier is valid for all identifiers within this declaration block.
• With methods:
Directly after the keyword METHOD.
The access identifier is valid for the relevant method.

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Functions, Function Blocks, and Programs
5.1 Creating and calling functions and function blocks

You use the access identifier to determine whether the identifiers or the method can be used only
inside or outside of the function block, see the following table.

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Table 5-1 Possible access identifiers within an object-oriented function block

Access identifier Meaning

PRIVATE The identifiers for the relevant declaration block (variables, data types, etc.) or the
method can be used only within this function block.
This is the default when no access identifier is specified.
INTERNAL Only when the identifier is defined within an object-oriented namespace
(Page 349).
The identifiers of the relevant declaration block (variables, data types, etc.) or the
method can be used only within the higher-level namespace.
Within the higher-level namespace, the following apply:
• The declared identifiers can also be accessed outside the function block.
This does not apply to retentive local variables (VAR RETAIN).
• The method can also be called outside the function block.
PUBLIC The identifiers for the relevant declaration block (variables, data types, etc.) or the
method are public.
• The declared identifiers can also be accessed outside the function block and
outside the higher-level object-oriented namespace.
• The method can also be called outside the function block and outside the higher-
level object-oriented namespace.
This access identifier is not permitted in declaration blocks for retentive local vari‐
ables (VAR RETAIN / END_VAR).

5.1.3 Declaration section of FB and FC

A declaration section is subdivided into various declaration blocks that are each identified by a
separate pair of keywords. Each block contains a declaration list for similar data, such as
constants, local variables and parameters. Each type of block may only appear once; the blocks
may appear in any order.
The following options are then available for the declaration section of an FC and an FB, see also
the example in Source file with comments (Page 201):

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5.1 Creating and calling functions and function blocks

Permissible declaration blocks

Table 5-2 Declaration blocks for FC and FB: Options

Data Syntax FB FC Method in FB

Data type TYPE 1
X X –
Declaration list 4

END_TYPE
Constant VAR CONSTANT1 X X X
Declaration list 4
END_VAR
Input parameter VAR_INPUT X X X
Declaration list 4

END_VAR
In/out parameter VAR_IN_OUT X X X
Declaration list 4
END_VAR
Output parameters VAR_OUTPUT X X X
Declaration list 4

END_VAR
Local static variable VAR1 3 X – –
Declaration list 4

END_VAR
Local temporary variable VAR – X X
Declaration list 4
END_VAR
VAR_TEMP X X X
Declaration list 4

END_VAR
Retentive variable VAR RETAIN2 3 X – –
(as of version 4.5 of the Declaration list 4
SIMOTION Kernel)
END_VAR
1
Additional specification of the FB access identifier possible with FB and compiler option (Page 62)
"Permit object-oriented programming" activated: PUBLIC, PRIVATE or INTERNAL, default PRIVATE; see
section "Access identifier within object-oriented FBs (Page 181)". The relevant blocks may occur multiple
times.
2
Additional specification of the access identifier PRIVATE or INTERNAL possible with FB and
activated compiler option (Page 62) "Permit object-oriented programming". The relevant blocks may
occur multiple times.
3
Additional specification of the keyword OVERRIDE possible with FB and activated compiler option
(Page 62) "Permit object-oriented programming". This keyword enables the initialization values of vari‐
ables to be overridden with the PRIVATE access identifier when the instance is declared.
4
Declaration list: The list of identifiers of the type to be declared

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5.1 Creating and calling functions and function blocks

Parameter blocks
Parameters are local data and are formal parameters of a function block, a function or a method
in FB. When the FB or FC is called, the formal parameters are substituted by the actual
parameters, thus providing a means of exchanging information between the called and calling
source file sections.
• Formal input parameters receive the actual input values (data flow inwards).
• Formal output parameters are used to transfer output values (data flow outwards).
• Formal in/out parameters act as input and output parameters.
The following figures show the syntax for the parameter declaration of an FB, an FC or a method
in the FB.

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Apart from variables you can also declare the following in the parameter blocks:
• in the parameter block for in/out parameters:
– Instances of function blocks (Page 195)
– Arrays with a dynamic length (Page 188), as of version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel.
• with functions in the parameter block for input parameters:
– Arrays with a dynamic length (Page 188), as of version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel.
You can use the declared parameters the same as other variables within the FB or FC, with the
following exception: You cannot assign values to input parameters.

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5.1 Creating and calling functions and function blocks

From outside of an FB or an FC, you can access:

• The input and output parameters of an FB by means of structured variables (Page 121).
Input parameters can only be accessed when the compiler option (Page 62) "Permit language
extensions" has been activated.
Data access to the output parameter is possible as standard.
• The return value of an FC by using the function in an expression and assigning this expression
to a variable, for example. Specifying the function name calls the function and returns a
result at the same time.

Note
When saving the project in the old project format:
Projects in which the output parameters for a function are declared cannot be compiled correctly
in SIMOTION SCOUT versions earlier than V4.5.

5.1.4 Statement section of FB and FC

The statement section of the FC or FB contains instructions that are executed when the FC or FB
is called. There is no difference compared to the formal rules for creating a statement section;
however, you should note the information in the following table.

Note
For tips on the efficient use of parameters, please refer to the Runtime-optimized Programming
section in the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.

Table 5-3 Use of parameters and variables in FCs and FBs

Parameter/variable Use
Input parameters With the call of an FC or an FB, assign the current values to the input param‐
eters. These values are used for data processing within the FC or the FB, for
example, for calculations, but cannot be modified themselves.
Only with "Permit language extensions" compiler option enabled (see Global
compiler settings (Page 62) or Local compiler settings (Page 65)): The input
parameters of an FB can be read and written using structured variables, in‐
cluding outside the FB (e.g. in the calling source file module).
In/out parameter You assign a variable to an in/out parameter for the call of the FC or FB. The FC
or the FB accesses this variable directly and can change this directly. Type
conversions are not supported.
The variable assigned to an in/out parameter must be able to be read and
written directly. Therefore, system variables (of the SIMOTION device or a
technology object), I/O variables or process image accesses cannot be as‐
signed to an in/out parameter.

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5.1 Creating and calling functions and function blocks

Parameter/variable Use
Output parameters You assign a variable to an output parameter for the call of an FC or FB using
the => operator. The value of the output parameter (result) is transferred to
the variables when the FC or FB is closed.
The following also applies to FBs: The output parameters of an FB can be read
using structured variables, including outside the FB (e.g. in the calling source
file section).
Local variables Local variables are variables that are declared and used only within the block.
All local variables (VAR … END_VAR or VAR_TEMP … END_VAR) are temporary
in an FC, i.e. they lose their value when the FC is terminated. The next time the
FC is called, they are reinitialized.
A differentiation between static and temporary local variables is made in the
FB:
• Static variables (VAR ... END_VAR) retain their value when the FB is closed.
• Temporary variables (VAR_TEMP ... END_VAR) lose their value when the FB
is closed. The next time the FB is called, they are reinitialized.
The value of a local variable cannot be queried directly by the calling block.
This is only possible using an output parameter.

5.1.5 ARRAY with a dynamic length (as of Kernel V4.2)

Declaration as an in-out parameter

As of SIMOTION Kernel Version 4.2, you can declare arrays with a dynamic length in functions
and function blocks. This is possible:
• With functions:
– in the parameter block for in/out parameters (Page 182) (VAR_IN_OUT / END_VAR).
– in the parameter block for input parameters (Page 182) (VAR_INPUT / END_VAR).
• With function blocks:
in the parameter block for in/out parameters (Page 182) (VAR_IN_OUT / END_VAR).

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5.1 Creating and calling functions and function blocks

Note
When saving the project in the old project format:
Projects in which [*] is used to identify a dynamic array cannot be compiled correctly in
SIMOTION SCOUT versions earlier than V4.5.

Using an ARRAY with a dynamic length

When the function or an instance of the function block is called, arrays of any length of the
declared data type can be transferred. The reference to the transferred array and its index limits
are saved on the local data stack (Page 293).
You can use the _firstIndexOf (in := array-name) and _lastIndexOf (in := array-name) functions
within the function or function block to define the lower and upper index limits. The
_lengthIndexOf (in := array-name) function supplies the number of elements in the ARRAY. The
following applies: _lengthIndexOf (x) := _lastIndexOf (x) - _firstIndexOf (x) + 1.

Note
With compiler option (Page 62) “Permit language extensions IEC61131 3rd edition" enabled the
standardized functions LOWER_BOUND (in := array-name) or UPPER_BOUND (in := array-name)
can be used to determine the lower and upper index limits respectively.

You can define the size of the memory space occupied by the ARRAY with _sizeOf (in := array-
name). The following applies: _sizeOf (in := array_of_type) :=
_lengthIndexOf (in := array_of_type) * _sizeOf (in := type).
The syntax of these functions is described in the "SIMOTION Basic Functions" Function Manual.

Note
The above functions are executed during runtime for an ARRAY with a dynamic length.

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Example

Table 5-4 Example of using an ARRAY with a dynamic length

FUNCTION_BLOCK example_dyn_array
VAR_IN_OUT
flexarray : ARRAY [..] OF DINT;
END_VAR

VAR_TEMP
i : DINT := 0;
END_VAR

i := _firstIndexOf (in := flexarray);

WHILE i <= _lastIndexOf (in := flexArray) DO

flexArray[i] := i;
i := i + 1;
END_WHILE;
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK

PROGRAM test_dyn_array
VAR
array_1 : ARRAY [0 .. 29] OF DINT;
fb_example : example_dyn_array;
END_VAR
// ...
fb_example (flexarray := array_1);
// ...
END_PROGRAM

5.1.6 Call of functions and function block calls

This provides an overview of the call of the functions and function blocks.

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5.1.6.1 Principle of parameter transfer

When you call an FC or FB, data exchange takes place between the calling and the called block.
The parameters to be transferred must be specified as a parameter list in the call. The parameters
are written in parentheses. Several parameters are separated by commas.

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Input and in/out parameters are normally specified as a value assignment. In this way, you assign
values (actual parameters) to the parameters you have defined in the declaration section of the
called block (formal parameters).
The assignment of output parameters is made using the => operator. In this way, you assign a
variable (actual parameter) to the output parameters you have defined in the declaration section
of the called block (formal parameters).

5.1.6.2 Parameter transfer to input parameters

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Figure 5-11 Syntax: Input assignment

You transfer the data (actual parameters) to the formal input parameters of an FB or FC by means
of input assignments. You can specify the actual parameters in the form of expressions. You can
use the formal input parameters in statements within the FB or FC, but you cannot modify their
values.
A short form of parameter transfer is supported, but should not be applied in conjunction with
user-defined FBs. This short form is required only for some FCs, see SIMOTION Basic Functions
Function Manual.
The assignment of actual parameters is optional for an FB. If no input assignment is specified, the
values of the last call are retained because an FB is a source file section with memory.
The assignment of an actual parameter is optional for an FC when an initialization expression
was specified for the declaration of the formal parameter.

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5.1 Creating and calling functions and function blocks

Also refer to the examples in Calling functions (Page 194) and Calling function blocks (instance
calls) (Page 195).
You can also gain read and write access to an FB's input parameter at any time outside the FB.
For further details, see: Accessing the FB's input parameter outside the FB (Page 197).

5.1.6.3 Parameter transfer to in/out parameters

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You transfer the data (actual parameters) to the formal in/out parameters of an FB or an FC using
in/out assignments. You can only assign a variable of the same type to the formal in/out
parameter, data type conversions are not possible.
You can use and change the formal in/out parameters in statements within the FC or the FB. The
FC or the FB accesses the variable of the actual parameter directly and can change it directly.
See also the examples in Calling functions (Page 194) and Calling function blocks (instance calls)
(Page 195).
When using the STRING data type in in/out assignments, the declared length of the actual
parameter must be greater than or equal to the length of the formal in/out parameter (see
following example).

Table 5-5 Example of the use of the STRING data type in in/out assignments
FUNCTION_BLOCK REF_STRING
VAR_IN_OUT
io : STRING[80];
END_VAR
; // Statements
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK

FUNCTION_BLOCK test
VAR
my_fb : REF_STRING;
str1 : STRING [100];
str2 : STRING [50] ;
END_VAR
my_fb (io := str1); // Permissible call
my_fb (io := str2); // Illegal call,
// Compiler error message
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK

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The variable assigned to an in/out parameter must be able to be read and written directly.
Therefore, system variables (of the SIMOTION device or a technology object), I/O variables or
process image accesses cannot be assigned to an in/out parameter.
Please note the different parameter access times!

5.1.6.4 Parameter transfer to output parameters

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You use an output assignment to assign the formal output parameters of an FC or FB to the
variables (actual parameter) that accept the value of the formal output parameter when the FB
is closed.
You can use and change the formal output parameters in statements within the FC or the FB.
See also the examples in Calling functions (Page 194) and Calling function blocks (instance calls)
(Page 195).
Output assignments are optional for the parameter transfer. If there is no output assignment for
an output parameter, the following applies:
• With functions (FC):
The values for the output parameters are lost after the FC is terminated.
• With function blocks (FB):
You can gain read and write access to an FB's output parameter at any time, including outside
the FB. For further details, see: Accessing the FB's output parameter outside the FB
(Page 197).

5.1.6.5 Parameter access times

The types of access and thus the parameter access times are different:
• In the case of input assignments, the values of the actual parameters are copied into the
formal parameters. If large structures, such as arrays, are copied and the FC or FB is called
frequently, this can limit performance.
• Values are not copied in in/out assignments. Rather, in this case a link is established between
the memory addresses of the formal parameters and those of the actual parameters.
Transferring the variables is therefore faster than input assignments (especially where large
volumes of data are involved). However, accessing variables from the FB can be slower.
• If you are using unit variables, nothing is copied to the function or function block because
these variables are valid in the entire ST source file (see Variable model (Page 277)).

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5.1 Creating and calling functions and function blocks

Note
Using in/out parameters instead of input parameters is only faster if a large volume of data is to
be passed to the function block.
If unit variables are used predominantly instead of parameters, the resulting program structure
will be complex and confusing: object orientation, data encapsulation, multiple use of variable
names (encapsulation of validity ranges), etc., are no longer possible.

5.1.6.6 Calling a function

A function is called as follows:

Function with return value (data type other than VOID)

The function is placed on the right-hand side of a value assignment. It can also appear as an
operand within an expression. After calling the function, its return value is used at the
appropriate point to calculate the expression.
Examples:

y := sin(x);
y := sin(in := x);
y := sqrt (1 - cos(x) * cos(x));

Note
In the function itself, the result (return value) is assigned to the function name.

Function without return value (no data type or VOID data type)
The assignment consists only of the function call.
The following example is valid provided a funct1 function has already been defined with the in1
and in2 input parameters along with the inout in/out parameter and the out1 and out2 output
parameters.
Example:

funct1 (in1 := var11, in2 := var12, inout1 := var13, out1 => var14, out2 =>
var15);

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5.1 Creating and calling functions and function blocks

5.1.6.7 Calling function blocks (declaring and calling instances)

Declaring an instance of a function block

Before you call a function block (FB), you must declare an instance. You declare a variable and
enter the name of the function block as the data type. You declare this instance:
• Locally (within VAR/END_VAR in the declaration section of a program or function block)
• Globally (within VAR_GLOBAL/END_VAR in the interface of implementation section)
• As an in/out parameter (within VAR_IN_OUT / END_VAR in the declaration section of a
function block or a function).
Instance-specific initialization of individual local variables of the function block is possible in the
case of function blocks declared in ST source files by means of the compiler option (Page 65)
"Permit object-oriented programming". In this case, you override the initialization values that
were stipulated in the function block declaration. Specification of the variables to be initialized
is similar to the process for initializing a structure, and involves specifying a structure
initialization list (Page 138) that is enclosed in brackets.
You can in all cases initialize public variables of the function block (i.e. variables with the PUBLIC
access identifier) specific to the instance. In order to be able to initialize private variables of the
function block (i.e. variables with PRIVATE access identifier), the keyword OVERRIDE must be
stated at their declaration block after the access identifier.
The following generally applies: The function block must be declared in the ST source file before
an instance can be declared.
Exception: It is sufficient to define a POU prototype (Page 375) beforehand if initialization is not
specified and when compiler option (Page 62) "Permit forward declarations" is activated.

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5.1 Creating and calling functions and function blocks

Example of the instance declaration of an FB with initialization:

FB_inst : FB_name := (Var_publ1 := 12,

Var_publ2 := 123.456);

The instance declaration can also be an array, e.g.:

FB_inst : ARRAY [1..2] OF FB_name;

Note
Pay attention to the different initialization times for different variable types.

Calling an instance of a function block

You call a function block instance in the statement section of a POU (for information about
syntax, see Figure). FB parameters are the input, in-out and output assignments separated by
commas.

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The example in the following table is applicable, assuming that the supply and motor function
blocks have already been defined:
• FB Supply:
Input parameters in1, in2; in/out parameter inout; output parameter out
• FB motor:
In/out parameters inout1, inout2; output parameters out1, out2

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Table 5-6 Example of instance declaration, FB call, and access to output parameters
VAR
Supply1, Supply2: Supply;
Motor1 : Motor;
END_VAR

// Parameter transfer (output assignment) when calling the instance of an FB

Supply1 (in1 := var11, in2 := expr12, inout := var13, out => var14) ;
Supply2 (in1 := var21, in2 := expr22, inout := var23, out => var24) ;
Motor1 (inout1 := var31, inout2 := var32, out1 => var33, out2 => var34);
// ...

// Accessing the FB's output parameter outside the FB

var15 := Supply1.out;
var25 := Supply2.out;
var35 := Motor1.out1;
var36 := Motor1.out2;
var41 := Motor1.out1 * Motor1.out2 * (Supply1.out + Supply2.out);

5.1.6.8 Accessing the FB's output parameter outside the FB

In addition to the output assignment (Page 193) for the call of an FB, it is always possible to
access an FB's output parameter outside the FB.
To do so, use structured variables (Page 121) in the FB instance name.output parameter format,
e.g. Supply1.out.
Also refer to the examples in Calling function blocks (instance calls) (Page 195).
The instance name of the FB itself must not be used in a value assignment!

5.1.6.9 Accessing the FB's input parameter outside the FB

In addition to the input assignment (Page 191) for the call of an FB, it is always possible to read
and write an FB's input parameter outside the FB.
To do so, use structured variables (Page 121) in the FB instance name.input parameter format,
e.g. Supply1.in1.

Note
To be able to use this option, the "Permit language extensions" compiler option must be
activated, see Global compiler settings (Page 62) and Local compiler settings (Page 65).

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5.1 Creating and calling functions and function blocks

The instance name of the FB itself must not be used in a value assignment!

Table 5-7 Example of assignment to input parameter

// Only with compiler option "Permit language extensions" activated
VAR
var_fb : _WORD_TO_2BYTE;
var_word : WORD;
END_VAR
var_fb.wordin := var_word;
// ..
var_fb();

5.1.6.10 Access an FB’s public variables outside of the FB

How to access a public local variable of a function block (i.e. variable with PUBLIC access
identifier):
1. Declare an instance of the FB (unless this has already been done).
See Calling function blocks (declaring and calling instances) (Page 195).
2. For access purposes use a structured variable (Page 148) in the
format FB‑instancename.variablenname, e.g. fb_inst.var_name.
You can have read/write access to the public variable.
You access the public constants or data types of a function block in a similar manner.

5.1.6.11 Call methods within and outside of a FB

Inside a FB you can call all methods defined within this, irrespective of the access identifier
(PUBLIC or PRIVATE). The call works in the same way as with a function, see Calling a function
(Page 194).
You can also call the public methods for a function block (i.e. methods with PUBLIC access
identifier) outside of this FB, e.g. in programs, functions, function blocks or methods from other
function blocks. Proceed as follows:
1. Declare an instance of the FB (unless this has already been done).
See Calling function blocks (declaring and calling instances) (Page 195).
2. To call the method, write the name of the FB instance and a period before the method name
(similar to a structured variable (Page 148)).
The parameter transfer takes place as described in the Calling a function (Page 194) section.

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5.1.6.12 Error sources in FB calls

Note the following when calling a function block instance:
• Only assign in/out parameters with variables that are stored directly in the memory.
Only the following variables are permissible actual parameters:
– Global variables (unit variables and global device user variables)
– Local variables
– Variables of the data type of the TO (TO instances)
The following are not possible, in particular:
– System variables (TO variables)
– Names of technological objects from the Engineering System
– I/O variables
– Absolute and symbolic process image access
• Do not use functions (FCs) as in/out parameters.
The FC return value, i.e. the FC call, cannot be an actual parameter in an in/out assignment.
You must first store the result of the FC in a local variable and then use this variable as an
actual parameter in the in/out assignment.
• Do not use constants as in/out parameters.
Only variables can be used as actual parameters of an in/out assignment because the value
is written back.
• In/out parameters cannot be initialized.

5.2 Comparison of functions and function blocks

The differences between user-defined function blocks (FBs) and functions (FCs) are succinctly
illustrated below using a complete example.

5.2.1 Description of example

The following example illustrates the differences between FBs and FCs. For simplicity, each type
of parameter is used only once, although, in reality, you can define any number of parameters.
The terms used are defined both in the detailed descriptions in Define functions (Page 177) and
Define function blocks (Page 178).
A block will be created as an FB and an FC in the implementation section of an ST source file for
use in calculating the circumference and the area of a circle for a radius input variable:
• An input parameter is defined for the radius.
• An in/out parameter is defined for the circumference of the circle, i.e. the value of the
transferred variable is assigned directly during the call of the FB or the FC.

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• There are several ways of defining the area of the circle for the FB and the FC:
– For the FB, an output parameter is defined.
– For the FC, its return value is used; the data type of the return value is defined
appropriately.
• Each FB and FC call will be recorded in a counter (local variable). The explanations for the
example state: We will see that this value will continue to be counted only in the FB.
• In the program section, the FB or the FC is called and the actual parameters assigned to the
following formal parameters:
– For the FB: Input, in/out and output parameters
– For the FC: Input and in/out parameters.
The values for the circumference and the area are available after calling the FB or the FC:
– For the FB: in the actual parameters of the in/out and output parameter.
The output parameter can be read even outside the FB.
– For the FC: in the return value of the function and in the actual parameter of the in/out
parameter.

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5.2.2 Source file with comments

Table 5-8 Example of differences between FB and FC

Function block (FB) Function (FC)

INTERFACE INTERFACE
PROGRAM CircleCalc1; PROGRAM CircleCalc2;
END_INTERFACE END_INTERFACE
IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION
FUNCTION_BLOCK Circle1 FUNCTION Circle2 : LREAL
// Constant declaration // Constant declaration
VAR CONSTANT VAR CONSTANT
PI : LREAL := 3.1415 ; PI : LREAL := 3.1415 ;
END_VAR END_VAR
// Input parameter // Input parameter
VAR_INPUT VAR_INPUT
Radius : LREAL ; Radius : LREAL ;
END_VAR END_VAR
// In-out parameter // In-out parameter
VAR_IN_OUT VAR_IN_OUT
circumference : LREAL ; circumference : LREAL ;
END_VAR END_VAR
// Output parameter // Output parameter
VAR_OUTPUT // Not possible
Area : LREAL ;
END_VAR
// Local variables, static // Local variables, temporary
VAR VAR
Counter : DINT ; Counter : DINT ;
(* Variable retains its value (* Variable will be initialized
between calls *) with 0 for each call *)
END_VAR END_VAR
// Call counter // Call counter
Counter := Counter + 1 ; Counter := Counter + 1 ;
Circumference := 2 * PI * Radius ; Circumference := 2 * PI * Radius ;
Area := PI * Radius**2 ; Circle2 := PI * Radius**2 ;
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK END_FUNCTION
PROGRAM CircleCalc1 PROGRAM CircleCalc2
VAR VAR
myCircle1 : Circle1 ;
myArea1, myArea2 : LREAL ; myArea : LREAL ;
myCircf : LREAL ; myCircf : LREAL ;
END_VAR ; END_VAR ;
myCircle1(Radius := 3 myArea := Circle2(Radius := 3
, Circumference := myCircf , Circumference := myCircf);
, Area => myArea1) ;
myArea2 := myCircle1.Area ;
// myCircf has the value 18,849 // myCircf has the value 18,849
// myArea1 has the value 28,274 // myArea has the value 28,274
// myArea2 has the value 28,274
END_PROGRAM END_PROGRAM
END_IMPLEMENTATION END_IMPLEMENTATION

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5.2 Comparison of functions and function blocks

Table 5-9 Example of the differences between FB and FC for the previous example

Function block (FB) Function (FC)

Comments
Reserved words for the definition: Reserved words for the definition:
FUNCTION_BLOCK and END_FUNCTION_BLOCK FUNCTION and END_FUNCTION
No return value permitted. The data type of the return value must be specified after the
name (VOID data type, if no return value).
Input parameters can be used to transfer values to the FB. Input parameters can be used to transfer values to the FC.
In/out parameters can be used to read and write the transfer‐ In/out parameters can be used to read and write the transfer‐
red variables in the FB. red variables in the FC.
Output parameters can be used to return values from an FB. No output parameters permitted.
The local variables are static, i.e. they retain their value be‐ The local variables are temporary, i.e. they lose their value
tween FB calls. when the function is terminated.
The Counter local variable is incremented; its value is retained Although the Counter local variable is incremented, its value is
when the FB is closed. The variable is, therefore, incremented lost when the FC is exited. The variable is reinitialized (to 0 in
each time the FB is called. the example) at the next FC call.
To see this behavior: Assign the value of the local variables to To see this behavior: Assign the value of the local variables to
a global variable in the FB. Monitor the value of the global a global variable in the FC. The value of the global variable
variable after repeated FB calls. remains unchanged after repeated FC calls.
In the statement section, the results (return values) are as‐ In the statement section, the result (return value) is assigned
signed to the output or in/out parameters. to the function name (except when VOID data type is speci‐
fied).
In the declaration section of the block that executes the call, an
instance of the FB is declared: you declare a variable and spec‐
ify the name of the FB as its data type. You use the declared
instance name to call the FB and to access its output parame‐
ters.
The name of the FB itself must not be used in the statement
section.
• You assign a variable to the in/out parameters when the FB • You assign a variable to the in/out parameters when the FB
instance is called. instance is called.
• With the call, you can assign the output parameters to a • To obtain the return value of the FC:
variable. – Assign the function to a variable.
• You can read an FB's output parameters, even outside the – Use the function in an expression on the right side of a
FB. For this purpose, use structured variables in the fol‐ value assignment.
lowing format:
FB-instancename.outputparameter.
The program that executes the call cannot access variables The program that executes the call cannot access any variables
other than the in/out variables and output parameters of the other than the return value.
FB.
Exception: If the "Permit language extensions" compiler option
is activated (see Global compiler settings (Page 62) or Local
compiler settings (Page 65)), the calling program can also ac‐
cess the input parameters of an FB. For this purpose, use
structured variables in the following format:
FB-instancename.inputparameter.

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5.3 Programs

5.3 Programs
Programs are a series of statements placed between the PROGRAM and END_PROGRAM
keywords.

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Programs are declared in the implementation section (Page 254) of an ST source file and are
comparable with the FB. Static local variables (VAR … END_VAR), retentive local variables
(VAR RETAIN … END_VAR) or temporary local variables (VAR_TEMP … END_VAR) can be created,
for example. However, they do not have any formal parameters and so cannot be called with
arguments. Examples of programs are contained in the Source file with comments
(Page 201) and Source text of the sample program (Page 87) sections.

5.3.1 Assignment of a program in the execution system

By default, programs in the execution system are assigned to a task. The execution behavior of
the programs, e.g. initialization of variables, is determined by the relevant task. For more
information about the execution system and the tasks, refer to the SIMOTION Basic Functions
Function Manual. This requires the program in the interface section (Page 252) of the ST source
file to be specified as a program organization unit to be declared public.

5.3.2 Calling a program in the program ("program in program")

Optionally, a program can also be called within a different program or a function block. This
requires the following compiler options to be activated, see Global compiler settings (Page 62)
and Local compiler settings (Page 65):
1. "Permit language extensions" for the program source of the calling program or function block
and
2. "Create program instance data only once" for the program source of the calling program.

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5.4 Expressions

The call is performed as for a function with parameters and return value, see following example.

Note
The activated "Create program instance data only once" compiler option causes:
• The static variables of the programs (program instance data) to be stored in a
different memory area (Page 289). This also changes the initialization behavior (Page 299).
• All called programs with the same name to use the same program instance data.

Table 5-10 Example for calling a program in a program

PROGRAM my_prog
; // ...
END_PROGRAM

PROGRAM main_prog
; // ...
my_prog();
; // ...
END_PROGRAM

Note
Most of the programming work involved in assigning programs to tasks can be done if programs
are called from within a program. In the execution system, only one calling program needs to be
assigned to the associated tasks in each case.

5.4 Expressions
The expression is a special case of a function declaration:
• The data type of the return value is defined as BOOL and is not specified explicitly.
It is used in conjunction with the WAITFORCONDITION statement (Page 170).
An expression can only be declared in the implementation section of the ST source file.

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Optionally, the following can be declared in the declaration section:

• Local (temporary) variables
• Local constants
• User-defined data types (UDT)
• Input and in/out parameters (as of version V4.1 of the SIMOTION Kernel)
The following can be accessed in the statement section:
• The local variables of the expression
• The input and in/out parameters (provided their declaration is permitted)
• Unit variables
• Global device variables, I/O variables, and the process image
An expression of data type BOOL must be assigned to the expression name in the statement
section of the expression (see figure).

Note
The statement section of the expression cannot contain any function calls or loops.

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5.4 Expressions

Example
The following example assumes that the feeder program is running in a MotionTask. The option
Activation after StartupTask is selected for this MotionTask. The assignment of programs to tasks
is performed in SIMOTION SCOUT (see SIMOTION Motion Control Basic Functions Description of
Functions).

Table 5-11 Example of an EXPRESSION and the WAITFORCONDITION statement

INTERFACE
USEPACKAGE cam;
PROGRAM feeder; // in MotionTask_1
END_INTERFACE

IMPLEMENTATION
// Condition for WAITFORCONDITION statement
EXPRESSION automaticExpr
automaticExpr := IOfeedCam; // Digital input
END_EXPRESSION

PROGRAM feeder
VAR
retVal : DINT ;
END_VAR ;
retVal := _enableAxis (axis := realAxis,
enableMode := ALL,
servoCommandToActualMode := INACTIVE,
nextCommand := WHEN_COMMAND_DONE,
commandId := _getCommandId() );

// Wait until the start condition is satisfied

WAITFORCONDITION automaticExpr WITH TRUE DO
// High-priority execution of all statements
// to the END_WAITFORCONDITION command
retVal := _pos (axis := realAxis,
positioningMode := RELATIVE,
position := 500,
velocityType := DIRECT,
velocity := 300,
velocityProfile := TRAPEZOIDAL,
mergeMode := IMMEDIATELY,
nextCommand := WHEN_MOTION_DONE,
commandId:= _getCommandId() );
END_WAITFORCONDITION;

retVal := _disableAxis (axis := realAxis,

disableMode := ALL,
servoCommandToActualMode := INACTIVE,
nextCommand := WHEN_COMMAND_DONE,
commandId := _getCommandId() );
END_PROGRAM
END_IMPLEMENTATION

Further examples are contained in the SIMOTION Motion Control Basic Functions Function
Manual. In particular, the manual describes how, as of version V4.1 of the SIMOTION Kernel, you

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5.4 Expressions

use an EXPRESSION with parameters and, for example, program a time monitoring in a
WAITFORCONDITION statement.

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5.4 Expressions

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Object-oriented programming - OOP (as of kernel
V4.5) 6
6.1 Important note on object-oriented programming
As of version V4.5 the Structured Text programming language provides options for object-
oriented programming.
You can use the object-oriented programming in individual or in all ST source files under the
following conditions.

Conditions for object-oriented programming

The following conditions must be met in order to use the object-oriented programming in an ST
source file:
• The higher-level SIMOTION device must be configured with a version of the SIMOTION Kernel
as of V4.5.
• The corresponding version of the SIMOTION Kernel must be installed on the target device.
• The ST source file must be compiled with the compiler option Permit object-oriented
programming, see Global compiler settings (Page 62) and Local compiler settings (Page 65).

Note
When using the compiler option Permit object-oriented programming there is an expanded
list of protected identifiers (Page 97) and of reserved identifiers (Page 102)in the ST
programming language.
The aforementioned conditions apply to the entire section Object-Oriented Programming –
OOP in this Manual.

Further information and usage examples of object-oriented programming can be found in the
following references:
Braun, Michael / Horn, Wolfgang: Objektorientiertes Programmieren mit SIMOTION (Object-
Oriented Programming with SIMOTION) Grundlagen, Programmbeispiele und
Softwarekonzepte nach IEC 61131‑3 (Basic Principles, Example Programs and Software
Concepts according to IEC61131-3) 1st edition, Erlangen: Publicis Publishing 2016. ISBN
978‑3‑89578‑455‑2.

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Object-oriented programming - OOP (as of kernel V4.5)
6.2 Classes and methods

6.2 Classes and methods

6.2.1 Creating classes (basic classes)

6.2.1.1 Defining classes (basic classes)

You define a class in the declaration part of the implementation section wherever possible
before the section of the source file (program, FB, FC or class) in which it is called.
Use the following syntax:

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Enter an identifier as the class name after the keyword CLASS and optionally FINAL or ABSTRACT.
Then enter, see example in Table 6-7 Example: Up and Down counter as a class (Page 221):
• The optional declaration section (Page 210)
• The methods
• Keyword END_CLASS

6.2.1.2 Declaration subsection of a class

A declaration section is subdivided into various declaration blocks that are each identified by a
separate pair of keywords. Each block contains a declaration list for similar data, such as
constants and local variables. Each block type may occur multiple times, any sequence is
possible for the blocks.

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6.2 Classes and methods

Permissible declaration blocks

Table 6-1 Declaration blocks of a class: Options

Data Syntax
Data type TYPE Accessidentifier_class (optional)
Declaration list
END_TYPE
Constant VAR CONSTANT Accessidentifier_class (optional)
Declaration list
END_VAR
Local variable (static) VAR Accessidentifier_class (optional) OVERRIDE (optional)
Declaration list
END_VAR
Retentive variable VAR RETAIN access identifier (optional) OVERRIDE (optional)
Declaration list
END_VAR
(Only PROTECTED or PRIVATE access identifier permitted, default PRO‐
TECTED.)
Accessidentifier_class: PUBLIC, PROTECTED, PRIVATE or INTERNAL, default PROTECTED; see
section "Access identifiers within classes" (Page 211).
OVERRIDE: Specifying this keyword enable an override of the initialization values for values with the
access identifier PROTECTED or PRIVATE for the instance declaration (Page 222).
Declaration list: The list of identifiers of the type to be declared

6.2.1.3 Access identifier within classes

An access identifier may be stated within classes with declaration blocks or methods:
• With declaration blocks:
Directly after the keyword for the relevant block (e.g. TYPE, VAR).
The access identifier is valid for all identifiers within this declaration block.
• With methods:
Directly after the keyword METHOD.
The access identifier is valid for the relevant method.
You use the access identifier to determine whether the identifier or the method can only be used
within the class, in its derivations or outside of the class, see following table.

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Object-oriented programming - OOP (as of kernel V4.5)
6.2 Classes and methods

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Table 6-2 Possible access identifiers within a class

Access identifier Meaning

PRIVATE The identifiers for the relevant declaration block (variables, data types, etc.) or the
method can only be used within this class.
These identifiers or the method cannot be used in derived classes.
PROTECTED The identifier for the relevant declaration block (variables, data types, etc.) or the
method can be used within this class and in classes derived from this.
This is the default if there is no access identifier stated.
INTERNAL Only when the identifier is defined within an object-oriented namespace
(Page 349).
The identifiers of the relevant declaration block (variables, data types, etc.) or the
method can be used only within the higher-level namespace.
Within the higher-level namespace, the following apply:
• The declared identifiers can also be accessed outside of the class.
This does not apply to retentive local variables (VAR RETAIN).
• The method can also be called outside of the class.
PUBLIC The identifiers for the relevant declaration block (variables, data types, etc.) or the
method are public.
• The declared identifiers can also be accessed outside the class and outside the
higher-level object-oriented namespace.
• The method can also be called outside the class and outside the higher-level
object-oriented namespace.
This access identifier is not permitted in declaration blocks for retentive local vari‐
ables (VAR RETAIN / END_VAR).

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 Object-oriented programming - OOP (as of kernel V4.5)
6.2 Classes and methods

6.2.2 Creating methods

6.2.2.1 Defining methods

The executable instructions of a class are summarized in methods. Within a class the methods
are defined after the declaration subsection for the class.
A method roughly corresponds to a function (Page 177). Specification of an identifier
determines the environment from which the method can be called.
If the compiler option (Page 62) “Allow forward declaration" is not activated a method must be
defined before the program organization unit (program, FB, FC or class) or method in which it
is called.
Use the following syntax:

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Enter in the following sequence, see Table 6-7 Example: Up and Down counter as a class
(Page 221):
• The METHOD keyword.
• the optional class access identifier (PUBLIC, PROTECTED or PRIVATE), default PROTECTED.
See section “Access identifiers within Classes" (Page 211) for access identifiers.

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Object-oriented programming - OOP (as of kernel V4.5)
6.2 Classes and methods

• The keywords FINAL, ABSTRACT and OVERRIDE are only relevant for methods in classes that
are derived or are to be derived:
– FINAL: Method cannot be overridden in a derived class.
– ABSTRACT: Method cannot be called, it must be overridden in a class to be derived.
Furthermore, this keyword renders the class in which the method is defined an abstract
class. In this case, it is not possible to declare an instance of this class, see "Abstract
classes" (Page 233).
– OVERRIDE: Method overrides the existing method with the same name in a derived class.
• An identifier as method name.
• if the method has a return value, the data type for the return value following a colon.
The symbolic data type VOID can also be entered for a method with no return value.
This is then followed by:
• The optional declaration section (Page 214)
• The statement section (Page 216) (except in methods with keyword ABSTRACT)
• The END_METHOD keyword

6.2.2.2 Declaration subsection of methods

A declaration section is subdivided into various declaration blocks that are each identified by a
separate pair of keywords. Each block contains a declaration list for similar data, such as
constants, local variables and parameters. Each type of block may only appear once; the blocks
may appear in any order.
The following options are then available for the declaration section of a method:

Permissible declaration blocks

Table 6-3 Declaration blocks for methods: Options

Data Syntax
Constant VAR CONSTANT
Declaration list
END_VAR
Input parameters VAR_INPUT
Declaration list
END_VAR
In/out parameter VAR_IN_OUT
Declaration list
END_VAR
Output parameters VAR_OUTPUT
Declaration list
END_VAR

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 Object-oriented programming - OOP (as of kernel V4.5)
6.2 Classes and methods

Data Syntax
Local variable VAR or VAR_TEMP
(temporary) Declaration list
END_VAR
Declaration list: The list of identifiers of the type to be declared

Parameter blocks
Parameters are local data and are formal parameters of a method. When the method is called,
the formal parameters are substituted by the actual parameters, thus providing a means of
exchanging information between the called and calling source file sections.
• Formal input parameters receive the actual input values (data flow inwards).
• Formal output parameters are used to transfer output values (data flow outwards).
• Formal in/out parameters act as input and output parameters.
The following figures show the syntax for the parameter declaration of a method. This is
identical to the syntax for the parameter declaration of a function (FC).

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6.2 Classes and methods

Apart from variables you can also declare the following in the parameter blocks:
• in the parameter block for in/out parameters:
– Instances of function blocks (Page 195)
– Instances of classes (Page 222)
– Arrays with a dynamic length (Page 188), as of version V4.2 of SIMOTION Kernel.
• in the parameter block for input parameters:
– Arrays with a dynamic length (Page 188), as of version V4.2 of SIMOTION Kernel.
You can use the declared parameters in the same way as other variables within a method, with
the following exception: You cannot assign values to input parameters.
From outside the method you can only access the parameters by calling the method (including
return value).

6.2.2.3 Statement section of methods

The statement section of a method contains statements that are executed when the method is
called. There is no difference compared to the formal rules for creating a statement section;
however, you should note the information in the following table.

Note
For tips on the efficient use of parameters, please refer to the Runtime-optimized Programming
section in the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.

Table 6-4 Use of parameters and variables in methods

Parameter/variable Use
Input parameters With the call of a method, assign the current values to the input parameters.
These values are used for data processing within the method, for example, for
calculations, but cannot be modified themselves.
In/out parameter You assign a variable to an in/out parameter for the call of the method. The
method accesses this variable directly and can change it directly. Type con‐
versions are not supported.
The variable assigned to an in/out parameter must be able to be read and
written directly. Therefore, system variables (of the SIMOTION device or a
technology object), I/O variables or process image accesses cannot be as‐
signed to an in/out parameter.
Output parameters You assign a variable to an in/out parameter for the call of a method using
the => operator. The value of the output parameter (result) is transferred to
the variables when the method is closed.
Local variables Local variables are variables that are declared and used only within the block.
All local variables (VAR … END_VAR or VAR_TEMP … END_VAR) are temporary
in methods, i.e. they lose their value when the method is terminated. The next
time the method is called, they are reinitialized.

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Note
The statement section is omitted from methods that are declared with the keyword ABSTRACT.

6.2.3 Calling methods within the class

6.2.3.1 Calling methods

Methods can be called in other methods within a class. As with functions, the call is made by
specifying the method identifier and the parameter list (FC parameters).
The method can also be specified more precisely by stating the keywords THIS or SUPER or by
stating a class identifier, see syntax in the following figure as well as the following table.
• The following applies to methods with no return value or with data type VOID:
The method call is an instruction within a different method.
• The following applies to methods with return values:
The method call is part of an expression on the right side of a value assignment.

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6.2 Classes and methods

Table 6-5 Description of the method specification

Method specification Description

(without) Call of a method in a separate class with static binding. This means:
If the stated method is overridden and called in a derived class, the original method is still
called. Only methods that are defined in a separate class can be specified (i.e. not methods
inherited from the base class).
THIS. Call of a method in a separate class with dynamic binding. This means:
If the stated method in a derived class is overridden and called, the current (overriding) method
is called. All methods that are recognized in the class, including methods inherited from the
base class, can be specified.
SUPER. With derived classes:
Explicit call of a method of the base class (static binding).
Class identifier. Explicit call of a method of the stated class (static binding).
Permitted class identifiers:
Separate class and all base classes within a method implementation
Instance identifier. Call of a method outside of the class, see Calling public methods of a class outside of this class
(Page 223).

6.2.3.2 Parameter transfer to input parameters

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You transfer the data (actual parameters) to the formal input parameters of a method by means
of input assignments. You can specify the actual parameters in the form of expressions. You can
use the formal input parameters in statements within the method, but you cannot modify their
values.
The assignment of an actual parameter is optional when an initialization expression was
specified for the declaration of the formal parameter.
See also Table 6-7 Example: Up and Down counter as a class (Page 221).

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You transfer the data (actual parameters) to the formal in/out parameters of a method by means
of in/out assignments. You can only assign a variable of the same type to the formal in/out
parameter, data type conversions are not possible.
You can use and change the formal in/out parameters in statements within the method. The
method accesses the variable of the actual parameter directly and can change it directly.
The variable assigned to an in/out parameter must be able to be directly read and written.
Therefore, system variables (of the SIMOTION device or a technology object), I/O variables or
process image accesses cannot be assigned to an in/out parameter.
When using the STRING data type in in/out assignments, the declared length of the actual
parameter must be greater than or equal to the length of the formal in/out parameter (see
following example).

Table 6-6 Example of the use of the STRING data type in in/out assignments
METHOD REF_STRING
VAR_IN_OUT
io : STRING[80];
END_VAR
; // Statements
END_METHOD

METHOD test
VAR
str1 : STRING [100];
str2 : STRING [50] ;
END_VAR
REF_STRING (io := str1); // Permissible call
REF_STRING (io := str2); // Illegal call,
// Compiler error message
END_METHOD

Please note the different parameter access times!

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6.2 Classes and methods

6.2.3.4 Parameter transfer to output parameters

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You use an output assignment to assign the formal output parameters of a method to the
variables (actual parameter) that adopt the value of the formal output parameter when the
method is closed.
You can use and change the formal output parameters in statements within the method.
See also example: Table 6-8 Example: Call of the methods in the COUNTER class (Page 224)
Output assignments are optional for the parameter transfer. If there is no output assignment for
an output parameter, the values for the output parameters are lost once the method is
terminated.

6.2.4 Example classes and methods

6.2.4.1 Example: Counter as a class

The classes and methods are explained in the following example using a counter.
In the COUNTER class the two methods UP and DOWN are defined for counting a variable CV up
or down. They have the access identifier PUBLIC so that they can be called from outside, e.g. from
a program.
The UP method increases the CV counter variable with every run-through by the input parameter
INC (default = 1) until the upper limit value MAX_Val is reached.
The DOWN method decreases the CV counter variable with every run-through by the input
parameter DEC (default = 1) until the lower limit value MIN_Val is reached. It calls the UP method
internally and transfers the negative value of the input parameter DEC to it. Adding THIS. before
the call for the UP method means that if the UP method is exceeded in a derived class the UP
method effective there is called.
The declaration of the variables MAX_Val and MIN_Val with the keyword OVERRIDE allows the
initialization values for the instance declaration of the class to be changed.

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The return value for both methods contains the current value of the counter variables CV. The
output parameter QU signals whether the upper limit value MAX_Val has been reached or the
lower limit value MIN_Val has not been reached as relevant.

Table 6-7 Example: Up and Down counter as a class

CLASS COUNTER
VAR
CV : INT; // Current value of the counter
END_VAR
VAR OVERRIDE
MAX_Val : INT := 100;
MIN_Val : INT := 0;
END_VAR

// Method for incrementing by INC

METHOD PUBLIC UP: INT
VAR_INPUT
INC : INT := 1;
END_VAR
VAR_OUTPUT
QU : BOOL;
END_VAR
// Detection of upper limit
IF CV <= MAX_Val - INC THEN
CV := CV + INC; // Increment of the counter CV
QU := FALSE;
ELSE
QU := TRUE; // Upper level limit reached
END_IF;
UP := CV; // Result of the method
END_METHOD
// Method for decrementing by DEC
METHOD PUBLIC DOWN : INT
VAR_INPUT
DEC : INT := 1;
END_VAR
IF CV > MIN_Val THEN
// Internal call for the UP method
DOWN := THIS.UP (INC := - DEC);
END_IF;
END_METHOD
END_CLASS

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6.2 Classes and methods

6.2.5 Creating and using instances of classes

6.2.5.1 Declaring an instance of a class

Declaring an instance of a class

Before using methods or variables of a class you must declare an instance of the class. You
declare a variable and enter the name of the class as the data type. You declare this instance:
• locally:
within VAR / END_VAR in the declaration section of a program, a function block or a class
• globally:
within VAR_GLOBAL / END_VAR in the interface section or implementation section of the ST
source file
• as an in/out parameter:
within VAR_IN_OUT / END_VAR in the declaration section of a function block, a function or a
method
It is in all cases possible to declare the instance of a class in a program source at which the
compiler option (Page 62) "Permit object-oriented programming" is not active.
Exception: The compiler option (Page 62) "Permit object-oriented programming" must be
active at the ST source file in the following cases:
• With local declaration within classes.
The access identifier class (Page 211) (PUBLIC, PROTECTED or PRIVATE) can also be stated as
an option after the keyword VAR.
• With local declaration within function blocks as long as the access identifier FB (PUBLIC or
PRIVATE) is stated after the keyword VAR.
• With declaration as an in/out parameter in methods.
Instance-specific initialization of individual local variables of the class is possible. You thereby
override the initialization values that were stipulated with the declaration of the class.
Specification of the variables to be initialized is similar to the process for initializing a structure,
and involves specifying a structure initialization list (Page 138) in brackets.
You can in all cases initialize public variables of the class (i.e. variables with the PUBLIC access
identifier) specific to the instance. In order to be able to initialize protected or private variables
of the class (i.e. variables with PROTECTED or PRIVATE access identifiers), the keyword OVERRIDE
must be stated at their declaration block after the access identifier.
The following generally applies: The class must be declared in the ST source file before an
instance can be declared.
Exception: It is sufficient to define a POU prototype (Page 375) beforehand if initialization is not
specified and when compiler option (Page 62) "Permit forward declarations" is activated.

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Figure 6-9 Syntax: Instance declaration of a class

Example of the instance declaration of a class:

Class_inst : Class_name := (Var_publ1 := 12,

Var_publ2 := 123.456);

The instance declaration can also be an array, e.g.:

Class_inst : ARRAY [1..2] OF Class_name;

Note
Pay attention to the different initialization times for different variable types.

6.2.5.2 Calling public methods of a class outside of this class

You can also call the public methods for a class (i.e. methods with PUBLIC access identifier)
outside of this class, e.g. in programs, functions, function blocks or methods from other classes.
Proceed as follows:
1. Declare an instance of the class (unless this has already been done).
See Declaring an instance of a class (Page 222).
2. To call the method, write the name of the method instance and a period before the method
name (similar to a structured variable (Page 148)).
The parameter transfer takes place as described in the Calling methods within the class
(Page 217) section.

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6.2 Classes and methods

6.2.5.3 Accessing the public variables of a class outside of the class

How to access a public local variable of a class (i.e. variable with PUBLIC access identifier):
1. Declare an instance of the class (unless this has already been done).
See Declaring an instance of a class (Page 222).
2. For access purposes use a structured variable (Page 148) in the
format class‑instancename.variablenname, e.g. Class_inst.var_name.
You can have read/write access to the public variable.
Access the public constants or data types of a class in a similar manner.

6.2.5.4 Example: Call of the counter method

The following program uses the COUNTER class declared in Table 6-7 Example: Up and Down
counter as a class (Page 221). It calls the methods UP and DOWN defined there. A C1 instance of
the COUNTER class is declared for this, with the initialization values of the variables MAX-Val and
MinVal modified in this process. Provided that Locking = FALSE, method C1.UP is called. Provided
that the upper value is reached (UpValreached = TRUE), Locking becomes TRUE and the method
C1.DOWN is called until the lower value is reached.
This program must be assigned to a cyclic task of the execution system (e.g. BackgroundTask).
The complete ST source file includes the class COUNTER from Table 6-7 Example: Up and Down
counter as a class (Page 221) in front of the program CallCounter.

Table 6-8 Example: Call of the methods in the COUNTER class

PROGRAM CallCounter_ST
VAR
C1 : COUNTER := (MAX_Val := 1000, MIN_Val := 0); // Instance
CountOut : INT;
Locking : BOOL;
UpValreached : BOOL;
END_VAR

// Call of methods for incrementing and decrementing

IF UpValreached = TRUE THEN
Locking := TRUE;
END_IF;
IF Locking = FALSE THEN
CountOut := C1.UP (QU => UpValreached); // Increment
END_IF;
IF Locking = TRUE THEN
CountOut := C1.DOWN (); // Decrement
END_IF;
IF CountOut <= 0 THEN
Locking := FALSE;
UpValreached := FALSE;
END_IF;
END_PROGRAM

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6.3 Inheritance of classes and methods

6.3 Inheritance of classes and methods

6.3.1 Inheritance of classes

In object-oriented programming, it is possible to derive subclasses from an existing class (base
class). When a subclass is derived, it inherits all the properties of the base class, although the
source code is not provided in the derived class:
• all data types that were declared in the base class,
• all variables and constants that were declared in the base class,
• all methods that were declared in the base class,
• all instance declarations of classes and function blocks within the base class.
The complete syntax diagram of a class definition is provided below.

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Use the keyword EXTENDS with the identifier for the base class in order to derive a class.

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6.3 Inheritance of classes and methods

The properties for the derived class can now be adapted to the new circumstances:
• The initialization values for the variables from the base class can be modified:
– public or protected variables (access identifiers PUBLIC or PROTECTED) without
restrictions.
– private variables (access identifier PRIVATE) only when the keyword OVERRIDE has been
stated at their declaration block after the access identifier.
• Additional data types, variables and constants can be declared.
• Additional instances of classes and function blocks can be declared.
• Additional methods can be defined.
• Existing methods can be overridden.

Note
Data types, variables and constants that have been declared with the access identifier PRIVATE
in the base class cannot be accessed in the derived class. Access is only possible via methods
inherited from the base class.
Methods that have been defined with the access identifier PRIVATE in the base class cannot be
called in the derived class. They can only be called from methods inherited from the base class.

6.3.2 Overriding methods

Public or protected methods of the base class (access identifiers PUBLIC or PROTECTED) can be
overridden in a derived class.
For this proceed as described in the “Defining methods" (Page 213) section and use the keyword
OVERRIDE.
The following must be consistent in the overriding method and the methods from the base class:
• Access identifier
• Method name
• Data type of the return value
• Parameters in the declaration subsection of the method:
– Type (input, in/out, output parameters)
– Number and sequence
– Identifier
– Data type
The overriding method and the method from the base class may be different:
• with the temporary variables (VAR / END_VAR or VAR_TEMP / /END_VAR)
• In the statement section
You can also call the same method from the base class in the statement section. Use the
keyword SUPER or the identifier for the base class. See “Calling methods" (Page 217).

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6.3 Inheritance of classes and methods

The following methods from the base class cannot be overridden:

• Methods with the keyword FINAL.
• Methods with the access identifier PRIVATE.
The keyword ABSTRACT can only be used in the overriding method if it was also used in the
method for the base class. Note that a class is abstract if it contains at least one abstract method.
No instances can be declared from abstract classes.

6.3.3 Example: Counter in steps of 5 through inheritance

The following example is based on the COUNTER class from the Table 6-7 Example: Up and Down
counter as a class (Page 221) example. It shows how to obtain a COUNTER_5STEP class whose
methods count up and down in steps of 5 by deriving from the COUNTER class and overriding its
methods.
With the definition of the COUNTER_5STEP class the keyword EXTENDS signifies that this class is
derived from the COUNTER class ( = base class). The derived class inherits from the base class all
variables, constants, instance declarations and methods that have been defined with the PUBLIC
or PROTECTED access identifiers. In the example, these are:
• the variables CV, MAX_Val and MIN_Val,
• the methods UP and DOWN
The UP method is now overridden so that it counts up in steps of 5. With the method definition
the keyword OVERRIDE signals that the method for the base class is overridden. The overriding
method and the method from the base class must be consistent on the following points:
• Access identifier (PUBLIC in the example)
• Method identifier (UP in the example)
• Data type of the return value (INT in the example)
• Parameters in the declaration subsection of the method (input parameter INC and output
parameter QU in the example)
The statement section for the overriding method UP is entirely new. The UP method is called
from the base class with the keyword SUPER and 5x of the input parameter IC of the overriding
class is transferred to it as the input parameter. Similarly the return value and the output
parameter QU of the base function are transferred to the overriding method. It may be confusing
to see the same parameter identifiers in the input and output assignments on both sides.
However, these are functions independent of the parameters. The formal parameters of the

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method of the base class are on the left side of the assignments, the formal parameters of the
overriding class are on the right side as actual parameter.

Table 6-9 Up and Down counter in steps of 5

CLASS COUNTER_5STEP EXTENDS COUNTER

METHOD PUBLIC OVERRIDE UP: INT // Method override
VAR_INPUT
INC : INT := 1;
END_VAR
VAR_OUTPUT
QU : BOOL;
END_VAR

UP := SUPER.UP (INC := 5 * INC, QU => QU);

END_METHOD
END_CLASS

The DOWN method does not need to be overridden. Since the COUNTER_5STEP classes is derived
from the COUNTER class then it also inherits the DOWN method. The DOWN method calls the UP
method with the following statement: DOWN := THIS.UP (INC := - DEC);. The keyword
THIS means that the method applicable there is called in derived classes. Consequently the
DOWN method calls the following methods:
• in the COUNTER class:
the UP method for counting upwards in steps of 1
• in the COUNTER_5STEP class:
the UP method for counting upwards in steps of 5
This means that the DOWN method
• in the COUNTER class counts downwards in steps of 1
• in the COUNTER_5STEP class counts downwards in steps of 5.

6.3.4 Example: Call of the methods for both counters

Call in a program
The following program extends the Table 6-8 Example: Call of the methods in the COUNTER class
(Page 224) program to include the call of the methods in the COUNTER_5STEP class. A C2
instance of the COUNTER_5STEP classes is declared for this: The statements for calling the UP
and DOWN methods of the C1 instance of the COUNTER classes are duplicated and modified
accordingly.
This program must be assigned to a cyclic task of the execution system (e.g. BackgroundTask).

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The complete ST source file also includes the classes COUNTER and COUNTER_5_STEP from Table
6-9 Up and Down counter in steps of 5 (Page 228) and Table 6-7 Example: Up and Down counter
as a class (Page 221) respectively in front of the program CallCounter_ST2.

Table 6-10 Call of the methods of the COUNTER and COUNTER_5STEP classes in stages

PROGRAM CallCounter_ST2
VAR
C1 : COUNTER; // COUNTER instance
C2 : COUNTER_5STEP; // COUNTER_5STEP instance
CountOut : INT;
CountOut2 : INT;
Locking : BOOL;
Locking2 : BOOL;
UpValreached : BOOL;
UpValreached2 : BOOL;
END_VAR
// Call of methods from COUNTER (C1)
IF UpValreached = TRUE THEN
Locking := TRUE;
END_IF;
IF Locking = FALSE THEN
CountOut := C1.UP (QU => UpValreached); // Increment
END_IF;
IF Locking = TRUE THEN
CountOut := C1.DOWN (); // Decrement
END_IF;
IF CountOut <= 0 THEN
Locking := FALSE;
UpValreached := FALSE;
END_IF;
// Call of methods from COUNTER_5STEP (C2)
IF UpValreached2 = TRUE THEN
Locking2 := TRUE;
END_IF;
IF Locking2 = FALSE THEN
CountOut2 := C2.UP (QU => UpValreached2); // Increment
END_IF;
IF Locking2 = TRUE THEN
CountOut2 := C2.DOWN (); // Decrement
END_IF;
IF CountOut2 <= 0 THEN
Locking2 := FALSE;
UpValreached2 := FALSE;
END_IF;
END_PROGRAM

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Call via function

The following example moves the same types of statements which call the methods of both
classes in the above example to the CallSingleCounter function. The class and additional
variables are transferred to the function via in/out parameters. Program maintenance is
essentially simplified because the individual statements for calling the UP and DOWN methods
do not need to be maintained twice.
The program CallCounter_ST3 must be assigned to a cyclic task of the execution system (e.g.
BackgroundTask).
The complete ST source file also includes the classes COUNTER and COUNTER_5_STEP from Table
6-9 Up and Down counter in steps of 5 (Page 228) and Table 6-7 Example: Up and Down counter
as a class (Page 221) respectively in front of the function CallSingleCounter.

Table 6-11 Call of the methods of the COUNTER and COUNTER_5STEP classes via a function

FUNCTION CallSingleCounter : VOID

VAR_IN_OUT
C : COUNTER;
CountOut : INT;
Locking : BOOL;
UpValreached : BOOL;
END_VAR
// Call COUNTER ( C ) for increment/decrement
IF UpValreached = TRUE THEN
Locking := TRUE;
END_IF;
IF Locking = FALSE THEN
CountOut := C.UP (QU => UpValreached); // increment
END_IF;
IF Locking = TRUE THEN
CountOut := C.DOWN (); // decrement
END_IF;
IF CountOut <= 0 THEN
Locking := FALSE;
END_IF;
END_FUNCTION

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PROGRAM CallCounter_ST3
VAR
C1 : COUNTER;
C2 : COUNTER_5STEP;
CountOut : INT;
CountOut2 : INT;
Locking : BOOL;
Locking2 : BOOL;
UpValreached : BOOL;
UpValreached2 : BOOL;
END_VAR
// Call COUNTER (C1) for increment/decrement
CallSingleCounter (
C := C1,
CountOut := CountOut,
Locking := Locking,
UpValReached := UpValReached);
// Call COUNTER_5STEP (C2) for increment/decrement
CallSingleCounter (
C := C2,
CountOut := CountOut2,
Locking := Locking2,
UpValReached := UpValReached2);
END_PROGRAM

6.3.5 Initialization of derived classes and their instances

Initialization of derived classes

As stated in the syntax diagram Figure 6-10 Syntax: Class (Page 225) the initialization values of
the following variables of the base class can be modified when deriving from a class:
• Public and protected variables (access identifiers PUBLIC or PROTECTED) without restrictions.
• Private variables (access identifier PRIVATE) only when the keyword OVERRIDE has been
stated at their declaration block after the access identifier.
How to change the initialization values of the variables of a derived class:
1. Enter the assignment operator := after the name of the base class.
2. Next state the variables to be amended in brackets and their initialization values in the form
of a structure initialization list (Page 138) (similar process as for the initialization with the
user-defined data type structure).
If the base class is itself a derived class, you can modify the initialization values of the
variables inherited from its base class in the following way (as an alternative):
– Enter the base class itself as an element of the structure initialization list or
– Aggregate the identifiers of the base class and the variables in the
form class_name.var_name.
See also section "Initialization of structures" in chapter Initialization of variables or data types
(Page 136) and the example below.

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Example
The example below supplements the example Table 6-9 Up and Down counter in steps of 5
(Page 228).

Table 6-12 Derivation and initialization of the COUNTER class

CLASS COUNTER_5STEP EXTENDS COUNTER

:= (MAX_Val := 500)
// MAX_Val = 500, MIN_Val = 0
// ...
// Override of method UP
END_CLASS

CLASS COUNTER_10STEP EXTENDS COUNTER_5STEP

:= (COUNTER := (MIN_Val := -500))
// Alternative:
// := (COUNTER.MIN_Val := -500)
// MAX_Val = 500, MIN_Val = -500
// ...
// Override of method UP
END_CLASS

Initialization of instances of derived classes

As stated in the syntax diagram Figure 6-9 Syntax: Instance declaration of a class Instance
declaration of a classSyntax (Page 223) the initialization values of the following variables can be
modified with the instance declaration of a class:
• Public variables (access identifier PUBLIC) without restrictions.
• Protected and private variables (access identifier PROTECTED or PRIVATE) only when the
keyword OVERRIDE has been stated at their declaration block after the access identifier.
How to change the initialization values of the variables of an instance:
1. Enter the assignment operator := after the name of the class.
2. Next state the variables to be amended in brackets and their initialization values in the form
of a structure initialization list (Page 138) (similar process as for the initialization with the
user-defined data type structure).
If the class is itself a derived class, you can modify the initialization values of the variables
inherited from its base class in the following way (as an alternative):
– Enter the base class itself as an element of the structure initialization list.
– Aggregate the identifiers of the base class and the variables in the
form class_name.var_name.
See also section "Initialization of structures" in chapter Initialization of variables or data types
(Page 136) and the example below.

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Example
The following example supplements the examples Table 6-8 Example: Call of the methods in the
COUNTER class (Page 224) and Table 6-10 Call of the methods of the COUNTER and
COUNTER_5STEP classes in stages (Page 229).

Table 6-13 Initialization of instances of the COUNTER class and the derivations

VAR
C1 : COUNTER := (MIN_Val := -100);
// MAX_Val = 100, MIN_Val = -100

C2 : COUNTER_5STEP
:= (COUNTER := (MIN_Val := -100));
// Alternative:
// := (COUNTER.MIN_Val := -100);
// MAX_Val = 500, MIN_Val = -100

C3 : COUNTER_10STEP
:= (COUNTER_5STEP := (COUNTER := (MAX_Val := 1000)));
// Alternative:
// := (COUNTER_5STEP.COUNTER.MAX_Val := 1000);
// MAX_Val = 1000, MIN_Val = -500
END_VAR

6.4 Abstract classes

Definition
A class is described as abstract if one of the two following conditions is met:
• The class is marked with the keyword ABSTRACT, see Class syntax diagram (Page 225).
• At least one method of the class is abstract, i.e. is marked with the keyword ABSTRACT,
see Method syntax diagram (Page 213).
No instances can be declared of an abstract class.
In order to be able to declare instances, derived classes must be declared from abstract classes
with all abstract methods overridden and their statement sections formulated. Derived classes
in which not all inherited methods are implemented remain abstract.

Use
Abstract classes are a means of structuring and abstraction often used in object-oriented
programming. The common variables and common methods are defined with their interfaces
(formal parameters) in an abstract class. The methods and specified in the derived classes and
overridden and implemented in accordance with the relevant requirements.
There are different motor types in a machine, e.g. motors that can be switched on directly via a
contactor or via a star-delta switch and speed-controlled drives. The concrete methods for
switching the motors on and off differ. Nevertheless the methods for switching on and off in an

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Object-oriented programming - OOP (as of kernel V4.5)
6.5 Object-oriented interface

abstract class can be stipulated with their signatures (identifier, access identifier, formal
parameters) with variables also defined for the status of the motor (e.g. running, stationary,
starting, stopping, actual speed, error). These methods and variables should be subject to
uniform usage in all classes. In the derived classes the methods are specified in accordance with
the motor type with the corresponding values assigned to the variables.

6.5 Object-oriented interface

6.5.1 Defining an object-oriented interface

Object-oriented interfaces define the call interface for public methods (access identifier PUBLIC).
Method prototypes are defined for this purpose in the object-oriented interface. These methods
with the definition "prototype" are formulated in classes which implement the object-oriented
interfaces.
Object-oriented interfaces are defined in the interface section (Page 252) or implementation
section (Page 254) of an ST source file. In most cases, they are declared in the interface section
because they are generally declared PUBLIC.
They must always be declared in full before they are used in the declaration of an implementing
class or an interface variable. This applies irrespective of the compiler option (Page 62) "Permit
forward declarations".

Note
While object-oriented interfaces start and end with the same keywords as the interface section
(Page 252) of a unit (INTERFACE / END_INTERFACE), they have different meanings and are used
in different ways.

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6.5 Object-oriented interface

Syntax of the object-oriented interface

Use the following syntax:

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Enter an identifier as the interface name after the keyword INTERFACE.

This is then followed by:
• Optionally the keyword EXTENDS and the identifier of a different interface.
This is how you derive an interface from an existing interface (base interface).
• The method prototypes in accordance with the following syntax
• The keyword END_INTERFACE

Method prototype
A method prototype determines the call interface for a method. This call interface includes:
• the method identifier (name),
• optionally the data type of the return value
• the input, in-out parameters and output parameters for the method

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Figure 6-12 Syntax: Method prototype

These method prototypes must be formulated as public methods (access identifier PUBLIC) in the
classes which implement the interface. Observe the following here:
• The following must still be adopted here:
– the method identifier
– the data type of the return value (if present)
– the input, in/out and output parameters in the parameter block
• The following must or can be added:
– Optional: Property of the method (FINAL, ABSTRACT)
– Mandatory: Access identifier PUBLIC
– Optional: Declaration of variables and data types
– Mandatory: Statement section (except for methods with the property ABSTRACT: the
statement section is omitted in this case).

Derivation of an object-oriented interface

With the keyword EXTENDS you can derive an object-oriented interface from an existing one.
Only single derivations are possible, i.e. it is not possible to derive multiple interfaces.
Existing method prototypes cannot be changed or overridden in the derived object-oriented
interface. Only method prototypes can be added.

6.5.2 Implementation of object-oriented interfaces in classes

Object-oriented interfaces are implemented in classes It is essential to declare the interfaces to
be implemented before the implementing class in the ST source file.
The figure below repeats the syntax diagram for the class from the “Inheritance of classes"
(Page 225) section.

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 Object-oriented programming - OOP (as of kernel V4.5)
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Figure 6-13 Syntax: Class

To implement one or more object-oriented interfaces use the keyword IMPLEMENTS, followed
by the lists of the interfaces to be implemented separated by commas. A class can implement
multiple interfaces.
The following must or can be supplemented for the definition of the implementing class:
• Optional: the class property (FINAL, ABSTRACT)
• Mandatory: the class identifier (name)
• Optional: the keyword EXTENDS with the identifier of a base class to be derived as well as the
initialization (if applicable)
• Optional: the declaration subsection with the local variables and data type for the class

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• Mandatory: all methods that have been defined as prototypes in the interfaces to be
implemented.
The following must still be adopted with this:
– the method identifier
– the data type of the return value (if present)
– the input, in/out and output parameters in the parameter block
The following must or can be added:
– Optional: Property of the method (FINAL, ABSTRACT)
– Mandatory: Access identifier PUBLIC
– Optional: Declaration of local variables and data types
– Mandatory: Statement section (except for methods with the property ABSTRACT: the
statement section is omitted in this case).
• Optional: Additional methods (any access identifier possible).
See: Creating methods (Page 213).
All method identifiers must be unique within the class. This means that the object-oriented
interface to be implemented

Derived classes and derived object-oriented interfaces

An object-oriented interface (base interface) is implemented in a class (base class). A further
object-oriented interface containing additional method prototypes is derived from the base
interface. This derived object-oriented interface is now implemented in another class that is also
derived from the base class.
This derived class then inherits all the methods of the base class including those that have been
defined as prototypes in the base interface. The additional method prototypes of the derived
object-oriented interface are then the only elements still to be formulated in the derived class.

6.5.3 Variables of object-oriented interfaces

You can declare variables of object-oriented interfaces in program organization units and classes
(e.g. in programs, function blocks, functions). Enter the name of the interface as its data type.
Interface variables are initialized with "NULL". Only "NULL" is permissible for explicit
specification of the initialization.
All variable types for the relevant program organization unit are permitted with the exception of:
• VAR_IN_OUT.
Arrays, structures, function blocks or classes which contain interface variables may
nonetheless be transferred as VAR_IN_OUT.
• VAR RETAIN or VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN is not meaningful.
The interface variables are non-retentive when saved.
• VAR CONSTANT or VAR_GLOBAL CONSTANT is not meaningful.
The interface variables must be initialized with "NULL".

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Using the interface variables

Interface variables contain references to classes which implement the corresponding object-
oriented interface. They permit access to the methods of the interface with the following
syntax: var_name.method-name.
Once an instance of an implementing class has been assigned to the interface variable with the
assignment operator :=, the method of the referencing class is called with the call in accordance
with the syntax stated above.
An invalid reference is marked with the value "NULL" as the content of the variable. A check for
a valid reference is easy therefore with the sequence IF var_name <> NULL THEN
(* … *) ; END_IF, see example below.

Dynamic type conversion with the operator "?="

the operator ?= allows a dynamic type conversion for interface variables. It takes place during
the program execution time.
A dynamic type conversion is performed if the following two conditions are satisfied:
1. The interface variable to the right of the operator contains the reference to the instance of
a class.
2. This class implements the object-oriented interface that is the data type of the interface
variable to the left of the operator.
In this case, the reference on the right-hand side is converted and transferred to the left-hand
side.
If the type conversion fails, the variable on the left-hand side contains the "NULL" value.
This dynamic type conversion of references makes it easy to determine whether classes have
implemented specific interfaces. The methods defined in the relevant interface can then be
called. It is not necessary to know how the methods have actually been programmed.

Forcing instance-specific initialization in classes and function blocks

When instances of classes and function blocks are set up, their static variables can be initialized
specific to the instance.
Instance-specific initialization can be forced for the variables of object-oriented interfaces. To do
this, specify " := * " after the identifier of the object-oriented interface when declaring these
variables in classes or function blocks. The relevant static variable block must be assigned the
OVERRIDE or PUBLIC identifier so that it can be initialized from an external source.
If a variable is declared in this way, the compiler checks whether all variables of this kind have
been initialized at least with instances in VAR_GLOBAL or in the VAR declaration blocks of
programs. In this case, initialization can take place even the instance was previously included in
other classes or function blocks.
If a class or a function block possesses this kind of variable, the following needs to be noted when
the instance is declared in the VAR blocks of other classes or function blocks:
• Either the instance itself is initialized,
• Or the variable block in which the instance is declared must be capable of initialization
(OVERRIDE or PUBLIC identifier).

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Initialization with NULL is permissible.

This feature can be used to define links between different instances via interfaces and to monitor
by means of the compiler whether they have been meaningfully initialized.

Table 6-14 Example of forcing instance-specific initialization

INTERFACE IfTest
// ...
END_INTERFACE
CLASS cl IMPLEMENTS IfTest
// ...
END_CLASS
CLASS clTest
VAR PROTECTED OVERRIDE
myInterf : IfTest := *;
END_VAR
END_CLASS
PROGRAM prog
VAR
clInst : cl;
testInst : clTest := (myInterf := clInst);
END_VAR
; // ...
END_PROGRAM

6.5.4 Example of interface variables

The example below illustrates the use of interface variables.

INTERFACE ITF1
METHOD m1 END_METHOD
END_INTERFACE
INTERFACE ITF2
METHOD m2 END_METHOD
END_INTERFACE
CLASS A IMPLEMENTS ITF1
METHOD PUBLIC m1 (* ... *) ; END_METHOD
// ...
END_CLASS
CLASS B IMPLEMENTS ITF2
METHOD PUBLIC m2 (* ... *) ; END_METHOD
// ...
END_CLASS
CLASS C IMPLEMENTS ITF1, ITF2
METHOD PUBLIC m1 (* ... *) ; END_METHOD
METHOD PUBLIC m2 (* ... *) ; END_METHOD
// ...
END_CLASS

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FUNCTION func_if1 : VOID

VAR_INPUT i : ITF1; END_VAR
IF i <> NULL THEN
i.m1();
END_IF;
END_FUNCTION
FUNCTION func_if2 : VOID
VAR_INPUT i : ITF2; END_VAR
VAR tmp : ITF1; END_VAR
IF i <> NULL THEN
i.m2();
END_IF;
tmp ?= i;
(* Dynamic type conversion to ITF1 *)
IF tmp <> NULL THEN
tmp.m1();
END_IF;
END_FUNCTION
PROGRAM P
VAR
inst_a : A; // Instance of class A
inst_b : B; // Instance of class B
inst_c : C; // Instance of class C
interf1: ITF1; // interf1 has value NULL
interf2: ITF2; // interf2 has value NULL
END_VAR

interf1 := inst_a;
(* interf1 contains a valid reference to inst_a. *)
func_if1(interf1);
(* The method inst_a.m1() is therefore called within the function. *)

func_if1(inst_a);
(* Equivalent call to the last two code lines *)

interf2 := inst_b;
(* interf2 contains a valid reference to inst_b. *)
func_if2(interf2);
(* The method inst_b.m2() is therefore called within the function.
The method m1() is not called. The variable tmp contains the value NULL after
execution of the operator ?= because the class B does not implement the interface ITF1. *)

interf2 := inst_c;
(* interf2 contains a valid reference to inst_c. *)
func_if2(interf2);
(* The method inst_b.m2() is therefore called within the function.
The method inst_c.m1() is also called. The variable tmp contains a valid reference to
inst_c after execution of the operator ?= because the class C also implements the interface
ITF1. *)
END_PROGRAM

Two object-oriented interfaces (ITF1 and ITF2) are defined in the example shown. Each interface
contains one method as relevant: m1() in ITF1 and m2() in ITF2.

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The following 3 classes implement both of these interfaces:

• Class A implements interface ITF1
• Class B implements interface ITF2
• Class C implements both interfaces ITF1 and ITF2.
For both functions func_if1 and func_if2:
• You have the option of adopting an interface variable via an input variable i with the relevant
interface type.
• You can use the query " i<> NULL" to check whether i contains a valid reference.
If the reference is valid, the functions call the methods of the relevant interfaces.
• Function func_if2 has the additional option of transferring (tmp ?= i) the reference of i to the
tmp variable of type ITF1.
– If i contains a reference that matches interface ITF1, the reference is transferred by the ?
= operator.
– If the reference does not match, a NULL is entered in tmp.
If the reference in tmp is valid, method m1() is called.
The instances of classes A, B and C are generated and the interface variables interf1 and interf2
are declared in program P.
In the program statement section, the class instances are assigned to the relevant interface
variables interf1 and interf2. Following each of these assignments one of the two functions is
called with the corresponding interface variable also transferred. This results in different calls for
the interface methods within the functions:
• First call of func_if1 (with transfer of the interface variables interf1):
Since interf1 contains a valid reference to the instance of class A (inst_a); the function calls
the method m1().
• Second call of func_if1 (with the transfer of instance inst_a):
Since class A implements the interface ITF1, this call is functionally identical to the first call.
• First call of func_if2 (with transfer of the interface variables interf2):
Since interf2 contains a valid reference to the instance of class B (inst_b); the function calls
the method m2().
The method m1() is not called, since the class B only implements the interface ITF2.
• Second call of func_if2 (with transfer of the interface variables interf2):
Since interf2 contains a valid reference to the instance of class C (inst_c); the function calls
both methods m1() and m2().
Class C implements both interfaces (ITF1 and ITF2). The operator ?= therefore transfers the
reference to inst_c successfully to the variable tmp of data type ITF1. The function therefore
also calls the method m1().
This example demonstrates perfectly how interface variables with corresponding check
functions can be handled and the degree of programming flexibility offered by this approach.

Note
This mechanism of course works in exactly the same way in methods, But we have used
functions here instead of methods because the example was simpler.

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This option of forming object references and interface variables makes it possible to
independently develop and test program modules. Interfaces are a description of the interfaces
shared by the program modules containing the program code of the methods to be
implemented. This data description can then be used, for example, to perform a test in a
program area with dummy methods and data supplied by reference transfer. When the
formulated program sections are created later on, the tested sections will function
automatically. Of course, this arrangement will work successfully only if the interfaces are not
changed retrospectively. But the compiler monitors interfaces carefully for any changes.

6.6 Comparison between abstract class and object-oriented interface

If we compare the definition of an abstract class (Page 233) and compare it to the definition of
an object-oriented interface (Page 234), we will find that both constructs are very similar. Both
constructs contain prototype methods for which the appropriate functions must be
programmed in a class.
The programmer must now decide which construct to use for the specific task in hand. The
following information should provide a useful decision-making guide.
The table below compares the properties of the abstract class with the properties of the object-
oriented interface.

Table 6-15 Comparison between abstract class and object-oriented interface

Abstract class Object-oriented interface

Abstract classes can contain abstract methods as An interface may contain only prototype methods
well as fully programmed methods, i.e. real meth‐ (keyword ABSTRACT does not need to be specified).
ods.
Abstract classes can possess defined properties (at‐ An interface cannot possess any properties (attrib‐
tributes). utes).
The properties of methods can be selected (PUBLIC, All methods in the interface are PUBLIC and cannot
PRIVATE, PROTECTED). be changed retrospectively.
An abstract class cannot be instantiated. Interface variables can be created.
The methods of an abstract class must be fully pro‐ All the methods of an interface must be program‐
grammed when they are derived unless the deriva‐ med in the class in which the method is implemen‐
tion itself is also ABSTRACT. ted, or identified as ABSTRACT
A class can be derived from an (abstract) class. An interface can be derived from a base interface.
An (abstract) class can implement multiple interfa‐ -
ces.

Both constructs define methods as prototypes. This guarantees that the methods can be used
according to their definition in the derived or implementing classes. A programmer can thus feel
confident that the use (call) of methods defined as prototypes will function reliably when the
entire program is finished and the individual program sections are joined together.
The basic difference between the two constructs can be summarized as follows:
• An abstract class constitutes a contract for use in the derivation chain, i.e. within the class
hierarchy.
• Object-oriented interfaces constitute an external contract between different program
sections.

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The following decision-making guide can be derived from the above information:
• Object-oriented interfaces are used if the following two conditions are satisfied:
– A more generalized definition between different programs is required.
– The methods should or may be accessed by anyone.
• Abstract classes are used if one of the following conditions is satisfied:
– A structure must be defined for a program area..
– Methods must be concealed (i.e. must not be PUBLIC).
Abstract classes can be combined very effectively with object-oriented interfaces in object-
oriented software and thus provide a wonderful tool for planning and designing the software
structure.
The benefits of abstract classes are:
• Abstract classes allow full programming of methods. thereby reducing the time and effort
involved in writing program sections that can be used by everyone in the same way. The
methods are simply inherited when real classes are derived.
• The specification of access rights to methods enhances the security of programs.
The benefits of object-oriented interfaces are:
• Object-oriented interfaces allow different program sections to be connected in a highly
flexible manner,
• so making it possible for software development teams to work more independently of one
another.

6.7 General references

6.7.1 Defining general references

General references contain the address assignment to a variable or an instance of a function
block or class. To do this, the REF_TO keyword creates a data type that can contain the address
for an existing data type (reference data type).
• In a data type declaration:
TYPE
ref_type : REF_TO data_type
END_TYPE
The declaration is also possible in an ARRAY or as element of a structure.
• In a variable declaration:
A reference already declared as data type or the REF_TO statement can be used directly.
VAR
ref_var : ref_type // or
ref_var := REF_TO data_type
END_VAR
The declaration is also possible in an ARRAY.

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The associated declared data type is "Reference to the data type" (REF_TO data_type).
The following are permitted as data types to which references can be formed:
• Elementary data types (e.g. INT, DINT, REAL, WORD, TIME, STRING)
• User-defined data types (UDT)
• System data types
• Function blocks, provided they contain at least one static variable
• Classes
No references can be formed to the following data types because references exist already:
• Technology object data types
• Object-oriented interfaces
• General references
• I/O references
Variables of general references can be declared in the interface and implementation sections as
well as in all program organization units and classes. The data type to be referenced must be
declared beforehand and lie within the scope of the POU. The declaration as element of a
structure or an ARRAY is also possible.
All variable types for the relevant program organization unit are permitted with the exception of:
• VAR_IN_OUT.
Arrays, structures, function blocks or classes that contain general references may
nonetheless be transferred as VAR_IN_OUT.
• VAR RETAIN or VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN is not permitted.
However, structures that contain at least one element other than reference types (general
references, data types of the technology objects, object-oriented interfaces), can be stored
retentive.
• VAR CONSTANT or VAR_GLOBAL CONSTANT is not meaningful.
General references must be initialized with "NULL".

6.7.2 Forming general references

A reference to a variable is formed with the REF standard function (in := var_name). This
function is described in detail in the "SIMOTION Basic Functions" Function Manual.

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The REF function can be used on the following variables:

• Retentive and non-retentive unit variables or instances of classes or function blocks or their
elements declared as such.
• In methods within classes or function blocks:
– Static variables (VAR) of the higher-level class or function block (including instance
variables for classes or function blocks).
– The THIS keyword. Enables access to the instance variable of the higher-level class or
function block.
• In function blocks:
– Static variables (VAR) of the function block (including instance variables of classes or
function blocks).
– The THIS keyword. Permits access to the instance variable of the function block.
The variable must be able to be read and written.
Not permitted are:
• Variables of technology object data types
• Variables of object-oriented interfaces
• Variables of general references
• Retentive local variables within classes or function blocks
• I/O variables
• Global device variables
• Constants
The return value has the data type "Reference to the data type of the input parameter in". The
return value can be assigned with the assignment operator ":=" to a variable that has REF_TO
type data type. A data type conversion is not possible.

Note
Note for instances of function blocks that are passed as in/out parameter (VAR_IN_OUT):
• The REF function cannot be used for static variables (VAR) of function blocks imported from
technology packages or device-independent libraries.
The restriction does not apply to class instances.

6.7.3 Operations with general references

Assignment operator ":="

For the assignment of a reference variable, the address of the variable rather than the variable
value is passed. Consequently, the reference data types must be identical on both sides of the
operator. No implicit data type conversion is possible.

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The only exception is for references to classes. A reference to a derived class of a reference to the
base class can be assigned here.
For the assignment, no check is made for the validity of the reference; the assignment is always
possible.
An explicit assignment with NULL is also possible.
The validity of references should be checked by comparing with NULL before use.

Dereferencing with operator "^"

The reference content can be accessed with the postfix operator "^", e.g. ref_var^.
If the reference does not contain a valid value at runtime, the processing task is aborted and the
ExecutionFaultTask called.
Before access, a check for validity by comparison with NULL is recommended.
Multilevel dereferencing is possible, e.g. reference to a structure that contains further
references. Dereferenced variables can be used anywhere in expressions.
If a method is called via a reference to a class or function block, the class or function block must
be dereferenced.
Dereferenced values cannot be used as actual parameters for the _releaseSemaphore() and
_testandSetSemaphore() system functions.

Dynamic type conversion with the operator "?="

The operator "?=" can be used for dynamic type conversion only with references to classes and
with interface variables (variables for object-oriented interfaces). It supports the following
variants:
• Assignment between references to classes.
• Assignment of a reference to a class for an interface variable.
Whereby, the reference to a class must be specified with the dereferencing operator "^".
• Assignment of an interface variable for a reference to a class.
• Assignment between interface variables
A dynamic type conversion is performed if the following two conditions are satisfied:
1. The variable to the right of the operator contains the reference to the instance of a class.
2. For the variable to the left of the operator, the following applies:
– The variable is an interface variable:
The object-oriented interface that this variable has as data type must implement the class
on the right-hand side.
– The variable is a reference to a class:
This class corresponds to the class on the right-hand side or is a base class for this class.
In this case, the reference on the right-hand side is converted and transferred to the left-hand
side.
If the type conversion fails, the variable on the left-hand side contains the "NULL" value.

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Comparison operators
Only the comparison operators "=" and "<>" can be used to check for equality or inequality.
The operators ">", "<", ">=", "<=" as well as the MIN and MAX standard functions are not
permitted.

6.8 I/O references (as of kernel V5.1)

6.8.1 Forming I/O references

Declaration of I/O references

I/O references allow symbolic access to I/O variables within classes and function blocks. This
allows the classes and function blocks also to be used in libraries.
The I/O references are declared exclusively in classes and function blocks in the declaration block
for static variables (VAR). The declaration as retentive variable (VAR RETAIN) or constant
VAR CONSTANT is not possible.
var_name AT %I* : data_type ; // for inputs
var_name AT %Q* : data_type ; // for outputs
The following are permissible as data types:
• Bit data types (e.g. BOOL, WORD)
• Integer data types (e.g. SINT, UINT)
• Arrays of these data types, other than arrays of the BOOL data type
Provided the variable block is not identified as PUBLIC, it must be identified with the OVERRIDE
keyword so that the variables can be initialized instance-specific for the instance formation of
the class or function block.

Example

FUNCTION_BLOCK myFB
VAR OVERRIDE
myInput AT %I* : INT; // Declaration input
myOutput AT %Q* : INT; // Declaration output
myOutArr AT %Q* : ARRAY[0..3] OF BYTE;
// Array of outputs
END_VAR
; // ...
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK

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Initialization for the definition

I/O references are initialized with NULL. Only "NULL" is permissible for explicit specification of the
initialization. With the specification of NULL as initialization value, for the instance declaration
of the class or of the function block, the I/O reference must not necessarily be linked with an I/O
variable from the address list. This allows the software to be structured so that, if necessary, it
adapts itself to non-linked I/O references.
An I/O reference identified with NULL in the initialization must be checked for validity before use,
as also usual for all other reference types. A comparison with NULL can be used for this purpose.

FUNCTION_BLOCK myFB
VAR OVERRIDE
myInput AT %I* : INT := NULL;
END_VAR
IF (myInput <> NULL) THEN
// Validity check of the I/O reference
Testvar := myInput;
// Access to the value
END_IF;
// ...
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK

Principle
The following restrictions apply to I/O reference variables:
• I/O references cannot be forwarded as in/out parameters (VAR_INOUT) to other program
organization units (POU).
• I/O references cannot be assigned general references and vice versa. In particular, the REF()
standard function cannot be used on I/O variables to assign I/O references.
• I/O references cannot be passed to input parameters (VAR_INPUT) defined as variable-length
ARRAY.
• I/O references are not displayed in the Symbol browser and in watch tables.
• I/O references cannot be read or written per HMI, Web access or OPC access.
• I/O references must not be declared in retentive variables (VAR RETAIN).
• Bit access is possible to I/O references of the BYTE, WORD or DWORD data type. This also
applies to the associated standard functions (e.g. _setbit() ).
• Use as argument for marshalling and endian functions is not possible.

6.8.2 Linking I/O references to I/O variables

For the instance declaration of the higher-level class or function block, I/O references are linked
with an I/O variable. This is done with the instance-specific initialization of the class or function
block. Whereby, the specified I/O reference is assigned an I/O variable from the address list rather
than a constant.

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The following apply:

• I/O references for inputs (%I*) can be linked with any I/O variable of an appropriate data type.
• I/O references for outputs (%Q*) can be linked only with an I/O variable for an output of an
appropriate data type. This variable may not be identified with the attribute "read only".
For partial initialization, as usual for structures, the initialization value of the associated data
type is used for non-explicitly specified components.
I/O references declared as ARRAY must be linked completely with an appropriate I/O ARRAY
variable of the address list. Individual variables as I/O reference can also be linked with the
individual elements of an I/O ARRAY variable by specifying a constant index value.

VAR_GLOBAL
myFbInst1 : myFB := (myInput := InputVarW3,
myOutput := OutputVarW10);
myFbInst2 : myFB := (myInput := InputVarW4,
myOutput := OutputVarW14);
END_VAR

The compiler checks whether all I/O references are linked with I/O variables at least with
instances in VAR_GLOBAL or in the VAR declaration blocks of programs. Linking is also possible
even such an instance was included previously in other classes or function blocks.
If a class or a function block possesses an I/O reference, the following must be observed when
the instance is declared in the VAR blocks of other classes or function blocks:
• Either the instance itself is initialized,
• Or the variable block in which the instance is declared must be capable of initialization
(OVERRIDE or PUBLIC identifier).
The above-mentioned checks are omitted when the I/O reference for the declaration was
initialized with NULL.

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This section describes the interoperability of ST programs and SIMOTION SCOUT.

7.1 Source file sections

An overview of the meaning of the source file sections has been provided in Structure of an ST
source file (Page 107). There you will find detailed information about, for example:
• the syntax of source file sections (Page 251)
• how you can declare public and use (Page 272) data between different ST source files.

7.1.1 Use of the source file sections

You must follow certain structure and syntax rules in your source file sections so that the ST
source file can be compiled. A few general guidelines are presented here; details on source file
sections are presented later in this section:
• When creating the source file, you should always pay attention to the order of the source file
sections. A section that is to be called must always precede the calling section so that the
former is recognized by the latter.
For example, variables must always be declared before they are used and functions must be
defined before they are called.
• The source text for the most common source file sections – program, function or function
block – consists of the following:
– Start of section with reserved word and identifier
– Declaration section (optional)
– Statement section
– End of section with reserved word
• Identifiers for source file sections – hereinafter referred to as name or name_list - follow the
general syntax rules for identifiers, see Identifiers in ST (Page 95).

Note
A template with all possible source file sections (template for example unit) is available in the
online help.

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7.1.1.1 Interface section

The interface section contains statements for declaring data public and using data (data types,
variables, function blocks, functions, programs). Technology packages and libraries can also be
downloaded.
The interface section has the following syntax:

Syntax
INTERFACE
// Interface statements (optional)
END_INTERFACE
An individual identifier of the section cannot be specified.
Optionally, interface statements exist in the following order between reserved words INTERFACE
and END_INTERFACE.
1. Specification of utilized technology package. Syntax:
USEPACKAGE tp-name [AS namespace];
For more details, refer to the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.
2. Specification of utilized libraries.
Syntax:
USELIB library-name-list [AS namespace];
For more information, see "Using data types, functions and function blocks from libraries
(Page 341)".

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3. Reference to other units in order to use their public components.

The syntax is:
USES unit_name-list;
For more information, see "USES statement in a using unit (Page 275)".
4. Declarations and information regarding declaration as public to other program sources:
– Data type definitions (Page 268):
User-defined data types (UDT) that are public and valid within the entire ST source file
– Variable declarations (Page 269):
Unit variables and unit constants that are public and valid within the entire ST source file.
Permissible keywords: See Section "Variable declaration" (Page 269).
– Object-oriented interfaces (Page 265):
Object-oriented interfaces that are public and valid within the entire ST source file.
As of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel and with compiler option (Page 62) “Permit
object-oriented programming” enabled.
Note
Object-oriented interfaces utilize the same keywords as the interface section
(INTERFACE / END_INTERFACE).

– Specification of the program organization units (POUs) to be declared public.

Syntax:
FUNCTION fc_name;
FUNCTION_BLOCK fb_name;
PROGRAM program_name;
CLASS class_name; (as of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel and with compiler
option (Page 62) "Permit object-oriented programming” enabled)
If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is activated, they are also
interpreted as POU prototypes for the forward declaration (Page 375).
– POU prototypes for the forward declaration (Page 375).
Specification of the prototypes for program organization units with forward declaration
(only effective if the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is activated).
They are also interpreted as POUs to be exported.
All technology packages, libraries, units used, data type declarations, variable declarations,
object-oriented interfaces and program organization units listed in the interface section are
declared public. For further information about declaring public, see "Interface section of a unit
with Declare Public function (Page 273)".

Sequence
The interface section is the first section of an ST source file.

Note
Optionally, the unit statement can precede the interface section, see "Identifier of the unit
(Page 272)".

The order of the interface statements 1 to 4 is fixed.

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Within number 4, any order is permitted. The individual declaration blocks for data type
definitions (including POU prototypes) and variables declarations can appear more than once.
Please note: Identifiers must be declared before they are used.
Only if the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is activated: When declaring
an instance of a function block or a class, it is sufficient for the prototype of the function block
to have been declared beforehand. It is not possible to initialize the function block or the class.

Frequency
Once per ST source file

Mandatory section
Yes

7.1.1.2 Implementation section

The implementation section contains the executable sections, comprising the main part of the
ST source file.
The implementation section has the following syntax:

Syntax
IMPLEMENTATION
// Implementation statements (optional)
END_IMPLEMENTATION
An individual identifier of the section cannot be specified.

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Optionally, implementation statements (main part of the ST source file) exist in the following
order between the reserved words IMPLEMENTATION and END_IMPLEMENTATION:
1. Reference to other units in order to use their public components. Syntax:
USES unit_name-list;
For more information, see "USES statement in a using unit (Page 275)".
2. Declarations
– Data type definitions (Page 268):
User-defined data types (UDT) that are valid within the entire ST source file
– Variable declarations (Page 269):
Unit variables and unit constants that are valid within the entire ST source file.
Permissible keywords: See Section "Variable declaration" (Page 269).
– Object-oriented interfaces (Page 265):
Object-oriented interfaces that are valid within the entire ST source file
As of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel and with compiler option (Page 62) "Permit
object-oriented programming" activated.
– POU prototypes for the forward declaration (Page 375).
Specification of the prototypes for program organization units with forward declaration
(only effective if the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is activated).

Note
Data types, variables or object-oriented interfaces that are to be declared public and used in
other program sources must be fully declared in the interface section (Page 252).

3. Program organization units (Page 256).

Sequence
Always follows the interface section (Page 252).
If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is not activated, the following
applies:
• The order of the implementation statements indicated above is mandatory; within
numbers 2 and 3, any order is permitted.
• All identifiers must be declared before they are used.

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If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is activated, the following applies:
• As regards the order of the interface statements, the following applies:
Numbers 2 and 3 need no longer be strictly separated. Declarations may be freely
programmed between program organization units.
Exception: POU prototypes must be declared before the relevant program organization unit
is defined or used.
• As long as the following conditions are satisfied, the identifiers of program organization units
(Page 256) can be used before they are defined.
– There are no restrictions with respect to functions (Page 257), programs (Page 260),
expressions (Page 261) or methods (Page 264). Any order is permitted.
A POU prototype may be optionally declared in advance for programs or functions.
– This is possible for function blocks (Page 258) or classes (Page 262) subject to the
following restrictions (e.g. when the instance is declared):
Any order is permitted if initialization is not specified. In this case, however, it is absolutely
essential that the prototype of the function block or class is declared beforehand.
If initialization is specified, the function block or the class must be fully defined
beforehand.
• All other identifiers (e.g. data types, variables) must be declared before they are used.

Frequency
Once per ST source file

Mandatory section
Yes

7.1.1.3 Program organization units (POUs)

Program organization units (POUs) are the executable source file sections:
• Functions (FC) (Page 257)
• Function blocks (FB) (Page 258)
• Programs (Page 260)
• Expressions (Page 261)
• Classes (Page 262) (as of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel and with compiler option
(Page 62) "Permit object-oriented programming" activated)

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The following applies for the sequence of the POUs in an ST source file:
• Usually, the called POUs must precede the calling POUs in the source file so that the former
are recognized by the latter.
• Exception: Only if the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is activated.
The sequence is arbitrary: The following applies to the specification of a prototype
for forward declaration (Page 375) in the interface section (Page 252) or the implementation
section (Page 254):
– Essential for declaring instances with function blocks and classes
– Optional when calling functions and programs

7.1.1.4 Functions (FCs)

Functions (FC) are classified as program organization units (POUs). Functions are parameterized
source file sections with temporary data that can be called from programs and function blocks.
All internal variables lose their values when the function is exited and are reinitialized the next
time the function is called.
FCs have the following syntax:

Syntax
FUNCTION name : function_data_type
// Declaration section
// Statement section
END_FUNCTION
name stands for the identifier of the function, while function_data_type stands for the data type
of the return value.
Permissible keywords for the variable declaration in the declaration section (Page 266): See
Section "Variable declaration" (Page 269).
Note the following for functions with function_data_type <> VOID: In the body (Page 267), an
expression of data type function_data_type must be assigned to the function identifier.

Sequence
FCs can only be defined in the implementation section (Page 254).
• If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is not activated, the following
applies:
In the source file, functions must precede the POU from which they are called.
• If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is activated, the following
applies:
The sequence is arbitrary: There is an option to specify a prototype for the forward
declaration (Page 375) in the interface section (Page 252) or the implementation section
(Page 254).
The declaration section (Page 266) must precede the statement section (Page 267).

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Frequency
Any number of times per ST source file

Mandatory section
No

Further information on functions (FC)

See Section "Creating and calling functions and function blocks" (Page 177).

7.1.1.5 Function blocks (FBs)

Function blocks (FB) are classified as program organization units (POUs). They are source file
sections with static data that can be called from programs and assigned parameters (internal
variables retain their value between calls). Since an FB has memory, its output parameters can
be accessed at any time and from any point in the user program.
FBs have the following syntax:

Syntax
FUNCTION_BLOCK name
// Declaration section
// Methods (Only with compiler option (Page 62) "Permit object-oriented programming")
// Statement section
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK
name stands for the identifier of the function block.
Permissible keywords for the declaration of variables in the declaration section: See Section
"Variable declaration" (Page 269).

Special features
Before you call a function block (FB), you must declare an instance: You declare a variable and
enter the identifier of the function block as the data type. You can declare the instance locally
(within VAR / END_VAR in the declaration sections of a program or a function block).

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You can also declare the instance globally (within VAR_GLOBAL/END_VAR in the interface or
implementation section).
• If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is not activated, the following
applies:
This is only possible with FBs which make used program sources and libraries available, but
not with FBs which are defined in the same ST source file.
• If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is activated, the following
applies:
You can declare global instances of FBs which are defined in the same ST source file.
– For instance declaration without specification of initialization:
The instance may be declared before the FB is fully defined. In this case, it is essential that
a prototype for the forward declaration (Page 375) is specified in the interface section
(Page 252) or the implementation section (Page 254).
– For instance declaration with specification of initialization:
The instance must always be declared after the FB is fully defined.
You cannot declare an instance of an FB in functions or methods.

Sequence
FBs can only be defined in the implementation section (Page 254).
• If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is not activated, the following
applies:
In the source file, an FB must precede the POU in which it is used, e.g. in which an instance
of the FB is declared as local variable.
• If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is enabled, the following
applies:
– Without specification of initialization:
The POU which uses the FB may precede the definition of the FB. In this case, it is essential
that a prototype for the forward declaration (Page 375) is specified in the interface section
(Page 252) or the implementation section (Page 254).
– With specification of initialization (only with compiler option (Page 62) "Permit object-
oriented programming"):
The FB must be fully defined before the POU in which it is used.
The declaration section (Page 266) must precede the statement section (Page 267).

Frequency
Any number of times per ST source file

Mandatory section
No

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Further information about function blocks (FB)

See Section "Creating and calling functions and function blocks" (Page 177).

7.1.1.6 Programs
Programs are classified as program organization units (POUs). They are called on the target
system according to their task assignment (see Configuring the execution system in
the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual) and can call functions (FC) and function blocks
(FB), as well as methods in classes and function blocks.
Programs have the following syntax:

Syntax
PROGRAM name
// Declaration section
// Statement section
END_PROGRAM
name stands for the name of the program.
Permissible keywords for the variable declaration in the declaration section: See Section
"Variable declaration" (Page 269).

Sequence
Programs can only be defined in the implementation section (Page 254).
• If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is not activated, the following
applies:
Programs are expediently placed after FCs, FBs, expressions and classes. The program then
recognizes these source file sections and can make use of them.
• If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is enabled, the following
applies:
The sequence is arbitrary: When a program is called within a program, there is an option to
specify a prototype for the forward declaration (Page 375) in the interface section
(Page 252) or the implementation section (Page 254).
The declaration section (Page 266) must precede the statement section (Page 267).

Frequency
Any number of times per ST source file

Mandatory section
No

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Further information on programs

See Section "Programs" (Page 203).

7.1.1.7 Expressions
Expressions are a special case of a function declaration with the specified data type BOOL of the
return value. The expression within the EXPRESSION <expression identifier> ...
END_EXPRESSION reserved words assigned to the function name is evaluated.
You can use the WAITFORCONDITION (Page 170) construct to wait directly for a programmable
event or condition in a MotionTask. The statement suspends the task that called it until the
condition (expression) is true.
Expressions have the following syntax:

Syntax
EXPRESSION name
// Declaration section
// Statement section
END_EXPRESSION
name stands for the identifier of the expression.
Permissible keywords for the variable declaration in the declaration section: See Section
"Variable declaration" (Page 269).
Please note: In the body (Page 267), an expression of data type BOOL must be assigned to the
expression identifier.

Sequence
An expression can only be declared in the implementation section (Page 254) of an ST source file.
• If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is not activated, the following
applies:
Expressions must precede the program organization unit in which they are called from a
WAITFORCONDITION control structure.
• If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is activated, the following
applies:
The sequence is arbitrary: There is no option to specify a prototype for the forward
declaration (Page 375) in the interface section (Page 252) or the implementation section
(Page 254).
The declaration section (Page 266) must precede the statement section (Page 267).

Frequency
Any number of times per ST source file

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Mandatory section
No

Further information on expressions

See Section "Expressions" (Page 204).
Examples in conjunction with the WAITFORCONDITION statement: See SIMOTION Basic
Functions Function Manual

7.1.1.8 Classes (as of Kernel V4.5)

Classes belong to the program organization units (POE). They form a capsule for variables
and methods (Page 264). Only variables and methods that have the access identifier PUBLIC are
visible outside of the class. Another class can be derived from a class (base class). This derived
class inherits all the variables and methods from the base class.
A SIMOTION Kernel as of version V4.5 is mandatory for the purposes of defining and using
classes. Classes can only be defined when compiler option (Page 62) “Permit object-oriented
programming" is enabled.
Classes have the following syntax:

Syntax (simplified)
CLASS name
// Declaration section
// methods
END_CLASS
name stands for the identifier of the class.
Permissible keywords for the variable declaration in the declaration section: See Section
"Variable declaration" (Page 269).
For a complete syntax diagram see Figure 6-10 Syntax: Class (Page 225).

Special features
Before using public methods or variables of a class you must declare an instance of the class: You
declare a variable and enter the identifier of the class as the data type. You can declare the
instance locally (within VAR / END_VAR in the declaration sections of a program, a function block
or a class).

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You can also declare the instance globally (within VAR_GLOBAL/END_VAR in the interface or
implementation section).
• If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is not activated, the following
applies:
This is only possible with classes which make used program sources and libraries available,
but not with classes which are defined in the same ST source file.
• If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is activated, the following
applies:
You can declare global instances of classes which are defined in the same ST source file.
– For instance declaration without specification of initialization:
The instance may be declared before the class is fully defined. In this case, it is essential
that a prototype for the forward declaration (Page 375) is specified in the interface section
(Page 252) or the implementation section (Page 254).
– For instance declaration with specification of initialization:
The instance must always be declared after the class is fully defined.
You cannot declare an instance of a class in functions or methods.

Sequence
Classes can only be defined in the implementation section (Page 254).
• If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is not activated, the following
applies:
In the source file, a class must precede the POU in which it is used, e.g. in which an instance
of the class is declared as a local variable.
• If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is enabled, the following
applies:
– Without specification of initialization:
The POU which uses the class may precede the definition of the class. In this case, it is
essential that a prototype for the forward declaration (Page 225) is specified in
the interface section (Page 252) or the implementation section (Page 254).
– With specification of initialization:
The class must be fully defined before the POU in which it is used.
The declaration section (Page 266) must precede the methods (Page 264).

Frequency
Any number of times per ST source file

Mandatory section
No

Additional information on classes

See “Object-Oriented Programming - OOP (as of kernel V4.5)” (Page 209) section

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7.1.1.9 Methods
Methods belong to the program organization units (POE). They are callable and parameterizable
source file sections with temporary data within classes (Page 262) or function blocks (Page 258).
All internal variables lose their values when the method is exited and are reinitialized the next
time the method is called.
Methods can only be defined when compiler option (Page 62) “Permit object-oriented
programming" is enabled.
Methods have the following syntax:

Syntax
METHOD access-spec name : method_data_type
// Variable declaration
// Statement section
END_METHOD
access-spec stands for the optional access identifier (Page 211):
• In classes: PUBLIC, PROTECTED, PRIVATE. Default setting: PROTECTED.
• In function blocks: PUBLIC, PRIVATE. PRIVATE is default setting.
name stands for the identifier of the method, while method_data_type stands for the data type
of the return value.
Permissible keywords for the variable declaration in the declaration section (Page 266): See
Section "Variable declaration" (Page 269).
Note the methods with method_data_type <> VOID: In the statement section (Page 267), an
expression of data type method_data_type must be assigned to the method identifier!
For a complete syntax diagram see Figure 6-3 Syntax: Method (Page 213).

Special feature
The compiler option (Page 62) “Permit object-oriented programming" needs to be enabled.

Sequence
Methods can only be defined within classes (Page 262) and function blocks (Page 258).
• If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is not activated, the following
applies:
In the source file, methods must precede the POU from which they are called.
• If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is activated.
The sequence is arbitrary:
The declaration section (Page 266) must precede the statement section (Page 267).

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Frequency
Any number of times per class or function block.

Mandatory section
No

Additional information on methods

See “Object-Oriented Programming - OOP (as of kernel V4.5)” (Page 209) section

7.1.1.10 Object-oriented interface (as of Kernel V4.5)

Object-oriented interfaces define the call interface for public methods (Page 264) (access
identifier PUBLIC). Method prototypes are defined for this purpose in the object-oriented
interface. These methods with the definition "prototype" are formulated in classes (Page 262)
which implement the object-oriented interfaces.
Another interface can be derived from an object-oriented interface (base interface). This derived
interface inherits all of the method prototypes of the base interface.

Note
While object-oriented interfaces start and end with the same keywords as the interface section
(Page 252) of a unit (INTERFACE / END_INTERFACE), they have different meanings and are used
in different ways.

Object-oriented interfaces can only be defined and used with a SIMOTION Kernel as of version
V4.5. The compiler option (Page 62) "Permit object-oriented programming" also needs to be
activated.
Object-oriented interfaces have the following syntax:

Syntax (simplified)
INTERFACE name
// Method prototype
METHOD method_name : method_data_type
// Variable declaration (parameters only)
END_METHOD
// Other method prototypes
END_INTERFACE
name stands for the identifier of the object-oriented interface.
For complete syntax diagrams see Figure 6-11 Syntax: Object-oriented interface (Page 235) and
Figure 6-12 Syntax: Method prototype (Page 236).

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Special features
In classes (Page 262) that implement object-oriented interfaces, all methods (Page 264)that are
defined as prototypes in the interfaces must be formulated. These methods must always be
declared public (access identifier PUBLIC). The call interface (input, output and in/out
parameters) specified in the interface must be transferred unchanged.
Variables of object-oriented interfaces can also be declared. Instances of classes that implement
the same object-oriented interface can be assigned to these variables.

Sequence
You can define object-oriented interfaces in the interface section (Page 252) and
the implementation section (Page 254). In most cases, they are declared in the interface section
because they are generally declared PUBLIC.
They must always be declared in full before they are used in the declaration of an interface
variable or an implementing class. This applies irrespective of the compiler option (Page 62)
"Permit forward declarations".

Frequency
Any number of times per ST source file

Mandatory section
No

Further information about object-oriented interfaces

See section "Object-oriented interfaces" (Page 234).

7.1.1.11 Declaration section

The declaration section of a program organization unit (POU) contains the data type definition
and the variable declaration of the POU.
The declaration section has the following structure:

Structure
// Data type definition
// Variable declaration

Sequence
The declaration section has no explicit keywords at the start or end. It begins after the keyword
of the respective program organization unit (POU) and ends with the first executable statement
of the statement section.

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It contains the following in any order:

• Data type definitions (Page 268):
User-defined data types (UDT) that are valid locally in the POU.
Data types cannot be defined within methods.
• Variable declarations (Page 269):
Variables and constants that are valid locally in the POU
Permissible keywords according to the respective POU: See Section "Variable declaration"
(Page 269).
Please note: Identifiers must be declared before they are used.

Frequency
Once per POU

Mandatory section
No

7.1.1.12 Statement section

The statement section of a POU consists of the individual (executable) statements.
The statement section has the following structure:

Configuration
// Statements

Sequence
The statement section has no explicit keywords at the start or end. It begins after the declaration
section and ends with the keyword of the respective POU.

Frequency
Once per POU

Mandatory section
No

Further information on statements

See following sections:
• Value assignments and expressions (Page 142)
• Control statements (Page 159)

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• Call of functions and function block calls (Page 190)

• Calling methods (Page 217)

7.1.1.13 Data type definition

For the data type definition, you specify user-defined data types (UDT). You can use them for
variable declarations. UDTs can be defined in the interface section, the implementation section,
and the declaration section of FCs, FBs, and programs.
The data type definition has the following syntax:

Syntax
TYPE
name : data_type_specification;
// ...
END_TYPE
name represents the name of the individual data type that you use for the Variable declarations.
data_type_specification stands for any data type or a structure. Any number of individual data
types can appear between TYPE and END_TYPE.

Sequence
You can define UDTs as follows:
• In the Interface section:
The UDTs are recognized within the ST source file and will be exported
They can be used in the interface and implementation section for declaration of unit
variables and in all POUs for declaration of local variables.
In addition, they can be used in all units which import this ST source file (in SIMOTION ST with
the USES statement).
• In the Implementation section:
The UDTs are recognized within the ST source file
They can be used in the implementation section for declaration of unit variables and in all
POUs for declaration of local variables.
• In the declaration section of a POU (FC, FB, program, expression, class):
The UDTs are only recognized locally within the POU
They can only be used within the POU for declaration of local variables.
UDTs must be defined before they are used in a variable declaration.

Frequency
The TYPE / END_TYPE declaration block may appear more than once in a source file section; any
number of UDTs are possible within a declaration block.

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Mandatory section
No

Further information on user-defined data types (UDT)

See Section "User-defined data types" (Page 114).

7.1.1.14 Variable declaration

A declaration section contains variable declarations and can itself be contained in FCs, FBs, and
programs (POUs) as well as in the interface section and the implementation section.
The variable declaration has the following syntax:

Syntax
variable_type
name_list : data_type;
// ...
END_VAR
variable_type represents the keyword of the variable type being declared. The permitted
keywords depend on the source file section.
• In the Interface section or Implementation section of an ST source file:
VAR_GLOBAL: Non-retentive unit variable
VAR_GLOBAL CONSTANT: Unit constant
VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN: Retentive unit variable
• In the Declaration section of a function:
VAR: Local variable
VAR CONSTANT: Local constant
VAR_INPUT: Input parameter
VAR_OUTPUT: Output parameters
VAR_IN_OUT: In/out parameter

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• In the Declaration section of a function block:

VAR: Local variable
– With activated compiler option (Page 62) "Permit object-oriented programming", the
following applies: An access identifier (Page 181) (PUBLIC, PRIVATE, INTERNAL) can be
optionally specified after the keyword. Default: PRIVATE.
VAR CONSTANT: Local constant
– With activated compiler option (Page 62) "Permit object-oriented programming", the
following applies: An access identifier (Page 181) (PUBLIC, PRIVATE, INTERNAL) can be
optionally specified after the keyword. Default: PRIVATE.
VAR RETAIN: Retentive variable
– With activated compiler option (Page 62) "Permit object-oriented programming", the
following applies: An access identifier (Page 181) (PRIVATE, INTERNAL) can be optionally
specified after the keyword. Default: PRIVATE.
VAR_TEMP: Temporary variable
VAR_INPUT: Input parameter
VAR_OUTPUT: Output parameter
VAR_IN_OUT: In/out parameter
• In the Declaration section of a program:
VAR: Local variable
VAR CONSTANT: Local constant
VAR_TEMP: Temporary variable
• In the Declaration section of an expression:
VAR: Local variable
VAR CONSTANT: Local constant
VAR_INPUT: Input parameter (as of Version 4.1 of the SIMOTION Kernel)
VAR_IN_OUT: In/out parameter (as of Version 4.1 of the SIMOTION Kernel)
• In declaration section of a class (Page 262) (as of version 4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel):
VAR: Local variable (static)
– An access identifier (Page 211) (PUBLIC, PROTECTED, PRIVATE, INTERNAL) can be
optionally specified after the keyword. Default: PROTECTED.
VAR CONSTANT: Local constant
– An access identifier (Page 211) (PUBLIC, PROTECTED, PRIVATE, INTERNAL) can be
optionally specified after the keyword. Default: PROTECTED.
VAR RETAIN: Retentive variable
– An access identifier (Page 211) (PROTECTED, PRIVATE, INTERNAL) can be optionally
specified after the keyword. Default setting: PROTECTED.

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• In the declaration section of a method (Page 264):

VAR: Local variable
VAR CONSTANT: Local constant
VAR RETAIN: Retentive variable
VAR_INPUT: Input parameters
VAR_OUTPUT: Output parameters
VAR_IN_OUT: In/out parameter
• In the method prototypes within an object-oriented interface (Page 265):
VAR_INPUT: Input parameter
VAR_OUTPUT: Output parameter
VAR_IN_OUT: In-out parameter
name_list is the list of identifiers of the data_type data type to be declared.

Sequence
The variable is declared:
• In the Interface section of the ST source file:
Permissible keywords: See above at Syntax.
The unit variables are recognized within the ST source file and will be exported.
They can be used in all POUs of the ST source file.
In addition, they can be used in all units which import this ST source file (in SIMOTION ST with
the USES statement).
• In the Implementation section of the ST source file:
Permissible keywords: See above at Syntax.
The unit variables are recognized within the ST source file.
They can be used in all POUs of the ST source file.
• In the declaration section of a class:
Permissible keywords: See above under Syntax.
The variables are only recognized locally within the class.
• In the declaration section of a POU (FC, FB, program, expression):
Permissible keywords according to the type of POU: See above at Syntax.
The variables are only recognized locally within the POU.
Exceptions:
– You can also access the output parameters of a function block outside the FB.
– You can access the input parameters of a function block from outside the FB when
the compiler option (Page 62) "Permit language extensions" has been activated.
• In the declaration section of a method:
Permissible keywords: See above under Syntax.
The variables are only recognized locally within the method.
• In the method prototypes within an object-oriented interface (Page 265):
Permissible keywords: See above under Syntax.
The parameters define the call interface of the method.
Variables must be declared before they are used.

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Frequency
The number of times the variable_type / END_VAR declaration block of a specific variable type
can appear depends on the associated source file section:
• In the interface and implementation section of the ST source:
The declaration blocks may appear more than once.
• In the declaration section of a POU (FC, FB, program, expression, class, method):
Each declaration block (other than VAR CONSTANT / END_VAR) may appear just once in the
declaration section.
• In the method prototypes within an object-oriented interface:
Each declaration block may only occur once in each method prototype.
Permitted declaration blocks and keywords depending on the associated source file section: See
above at Syntax.
Any number of variable declarations are possible within a declaration block.

Mandatory section
No

Further information about variable declaration

See Section "Variable declaration" (Page 133).

7.1.2 Declaring ST source files public and using them

ST has a unit concept which can be used to access global variables, data types, functions (FC),
function blocks (FB) and programs from other source files. Thus, for example, you can compile
reusable subroutines and make them available.

7.1.2.1 Unit identifier

Below, unit refers to a program source file (e.g. ST source file, MCC source file). The name of the
program source file defined in SIMOTION SCOUT is applied as the identifier.
Optionally, you can set the unit statement as first statement for an ST source file (preceding the
interface section). Syntax:

UNIT name;

name corresponds to the name of the ST source file defined in SIMOTION SCOUT, see Add ST
source (Page 25) or Change the properties of an ST source file (Page 27).
The unit statement is ignored if the name specified there differs from the name of the ST source
file.

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7.1.2.2 Interface section of a unit with Declare Public function

You can enter the following constructs in the interface section of a unit with Declare Public
function. The syntax of the constructs is only implied here, for details, see "Interface section
(Page 252)".
• The data type declarations to be declared public
TYPE
User-defined data types with their complete declaration.
• The variable declarations to be declared public
VAR_GLOBAL, VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN, or VAR_GLOBAL CONSTANT
Non-retentive and retentive unit variables and unit constants with their complete
declaration.
• The POU to be declared public (functions, function blocks, programs and classes)
Specify each POU (function, function block, program or class) to be declared public with the
relevant keyword (optional within the TYPE / END_TYPE construct). Close each entry with a
semicolon.
– FUNCTION_BLOCK fb_name;
– FUNCTION fc_name;
– PROGRAM program_name;
– CLASS class_name; (as of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel and with compiler option
(Page 62) "Permit object-oriented programming" activated)
If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is activated, they are also
interpreted as POU prototypes for the forward declaration (Page 375).
You program the POU itself in the implementation section (Page 254) of the ST source file.
• The object-oriented interfaces to be declared public as of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION
Kernel with compiler option (Page 62) "Permit object-oriented programming" activated.
INTERFACE if_name … END_INTERFACE
Object-oriented interfaces with their complete declaration.
The information can be specified in any sequence:

Note
The following further specifications are possible in the interface section, they are listed before
the data types, variables and POUs to be declared public:
1. Specification of utilized technology packages (USEPACKAGE …).
2. Specification of utilized libraries (USELIB …).
3. Reference to other units in order to use their public components (USES ...).
These imported technology packages, libraries and units are also declared public. For
inheritance, see "USES statement in a using unit (Page 275)".
You must adhere to the order presented for the specifications in the interface section of a unit
(ST source file), see "Interface section (Page 252)". Otherwise, error-free compilation of the ST
source file will not be possible.

Programs which are to be assigned to a task in the execution system must be listed in the
interface section (see Configuring the execution system in the SIMOTION Basic Functions

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Function Manual). The compiler outputs a warning message if programs are not declared public
in the interface section of an ST source file.
Functions, function blocks, and programs that are only used in the ST source file should not be
listed in the interface section.

7.1.2.3 Example of a unit with Declare Public function

Below is an example of a unit with Declare Public function (myUnit_A). It is imported
by myUnit_B (see Example of a using unit (Page 276)).

Table 7-1 Example of a unit with Declare Public function

UNIT myUnit_A; // Optional, name of the ST source file

INTERFACE
// ... USES statement also possible here
TYPE // Declaration of data types to be declared public
color : (RED, GREEN, BLUE);
END_TYPE
VAR_GLOBAL
cycle : INT := 1; // Declaration of unit variables to be declared public
// unit variables to be exported
END_VAR
FUNCTION myFC; // DECLARE PUBLIC statement of an FC
FUNCTION_BLOCK myFB; // DECLARE PUBLIC statement of an FB
CLASS myClass; // DECLARE PUBLIC statement of a class
// (as of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel)
// and activated compiler option
// "Permit object-oriented programming")
PROGRAM myProgram_A; // Export statement of a program
// (to interface with the execution system)
END_INTERFACE
IMPLEMENTATION
Function myFC : LREAL // Function written out
; // ... (Statements)
END_FUNCTION

Function_BLOCK myFB // Function block formulated

; // ... (Statements)
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK

CLASS myClass // Class formulated

// (as of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel)
// and activated compiler option
// "Permit object-oriented programming")
; // ... (Statements)
END_CLASS;

PROGRAM myProgram_A // Program formulated

; // ... (Statements)
END_PROGRAM
END_IMPLEMENTATION

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7.1.2.4 USES statement in a using unit

Enter the following statement in the interface section or implementation section of a using unit:

USES unit_name-list

unit_name-list is a list of the units to be used separated by commas.

Example:

USES unit_1, unit_2, unit_3;

This enables you to access the following elements that are declared public in the interface
section of the units used (e.g. ST source file, MCC unit):
• User-defined data types (UDT)
• Unit variables and unit constants
• Programs, functions, function blocks and classes
• Used technology packages, libraries and units
You can use the used elements as if they existed in the current unit.

Note
The keyword USES can only occur once in the interface section or in the implementation section
of a unit. When multiple units are to be used, enter them as a list separated by commas after the
keyword USES.

The USES statement can appear in either the interface section or the implementation section of
a unit. This has far-reaching implications:

Table 7-2 Implications regarding placement of USES statement in interface section or in implementation section of the ST
source file

Effect USES statement USES statement

in the interface section in the implementation section
Inheritance The current unit continues declaring the used Inheritance is interrupted.
unit public; the used unit is inherited by all other Example:
units that access the current unit.
1. Unit B uses Unit A in the implementation
Example: section.
1. Unit B uses Unit A in the interface section.
2. Unit C in turn uses Unit B.
2. Unit C in turn uses Unit B.
3. Then Unit C has no automatic access to Unit A.
3. Then Unit C also uses Unit A automatically. Unit C must explicitly use Unit A if it wants to
A→B→C ⇒A→C access Unit A.
Because of inheritance, Unit A need not be used
explicitly in Unit C.
Variable declaration The declaration of a unit variable of a used data The declaration of a unit variable of a used data
type is possible in: type is only possible in the implementation sec‐
• Interface section tion.

• Implementation section

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Note
You will find tips for use of unit variables in the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.

7.1.2.5 Example of a using unit

Below is an example of a using unit (myUnit_B). This uses the myUnit_A unit from the Example
of a unit with Declare Public function (Page 274).

Table 7-3 Example of a using unit

UNIT myUnit_B; // Optional, name of the ST source file
INTERFACE
// ... if applicable USES statement
PROGRAM myProgram_B;
// Specification of declared public programs, FBs, FCs, classes,
// Data types and unit variables
END_INTERFACE

IMPLEMENTATION
USES myUnit_A; // Specification of used unit

VAR_GLOBAL
myInstance : myFB; // Declaration of an instance
// of the public FB of the used unit
mycolor : color; // Declaration of a variable
// of the public data type of the used unit
END_VAR

PROGRAM myProgram_B
mycolor := GREEN; // Value assignment to variables
// of the public data type of the used unit
cycle := cycle + 1; // Value assignment to
// public variables of the used unit
END_PROGRAM
END_IMPLEMENTATION

7.2 Variables in SIMOTION

This summarizes the variables available in ST.

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7.2.1 Variable model

The following table shows all the variable types available for programming with ST.
• System variables of the SIMOTION device and the technology objects
• Global user variables (I/O variables, device-global variables, unit variables)
• Local user variables (variables within a program, a function, a method, a function block or a
class)

System variables

Variable type Meaning

System variables of the SIMO‐ Each SIMOTION device and technology object has specific system variables. These can be
TION device accessed as follows:
System variables of technolo‐ • Within the SIMOTION device from all programs
gy objects • From HMI devices
You can monitor system variables in the symbol browser.

Global user variables

Variable type Meaning

I/O variables You can assign symbolic names to the I/O addresses of the SIMOTION device or the peripherals.
This allows you to have the following direct accesses and process image accesses to the I/O:
• Within the SIMOTION device from all programs
• From HMI devices
You create these variables in the symbol browser after you have selected the I/O element in the
project navigator.
You can monitor I/O variables in the symbol browser.
Global device variables User-defined variables which can be accessed by all SIMOTION device programs and HMI de‐
vices.
You create these variables in the symbol browser after you have selected the GLOBAL DEVICE
VARIABLES element in the project navigator.
Global device variables can be defined as retentive. This means that they will remain stored
even when the SIMOTION device power supply is disconnected.
You can monitor global device variables in the symbol browser.
Unit variables User-defined variables that all programs, function blocks, and functions (e.g. ST source, MCC
source, LAD/FBD source) can access within a unit.
Declare these variables in the unit:
• In the interface section:
These variables are declared public and can be used in other units (e.g. ST source files, MCC
units, LAD/FBD units). They are also available on HMI-device as standard.
• In the implementation section:
You can only access these variables within the associated unit.
You can declare unit variables as retentive. This means that they will remain stored even when
the SIMOTION device power supply is disconnected.
You can monitor unit variables in the symbol browser.

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Local user variables

Variable type Meaning

User-defined variables which can be accessed from within the program (or function, function
block) in which they were defined.
Variable of a program (pro‐ Variable is declared in a program. The variable can only be accessed within this program. A
gram variable) differentiation is made between static, temporary and retentive variables:
• Static variables are initialized according to the memory area in which they are stored.
Specify this memory area by means of a compiler option. By default, the static variables are
initialized depending on the task to which the program is assigned (see SIMOTION Basic
Functions Function Manual).
You can monitor static variables in the symbol browser.
• Temporary variables are initialized every time the program in a task is called.
Temporary variables cannot be monitored in the symbol browser.
• Retentive variables (as of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel) retain their value even
when the SIMOTION device power supply is disconnected.
You can monitor retentive variables in the symbol browser.
Variable of a function or meth‐ Variable is declared in a function (FC) or method. The variable can only be accessed within this
od FC or method.
Variables in functions or methods are temporary; they are initialized each time the FC or
method is called. They cannot be monitored in the symbol browser.
Variable of a function block Variable is declared in a function (FB). The variable can only be accessed within this function
block. A differentiation is made between static, temporary and retentive variables:
• Static variables retain their value when the FB terminates. They are initialized only when the
instance of the FB is initialized; this depends on the variable type with which the instance
of the FB was declared.
You can monitor static variables in the symbol browser.
Only when compiler option "Permit object-oriented programming" is activated: Static var‐
iables with the PUBLIC access identifier can be accessed externally.
• Temporary variables lose their value when the FB terminates. The next time the FB is called,
they are reinitialized.
Temporary variables cannot be monitored in the symbol browser.
• Retentive variables (as of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel) retain their value even
when the SIMOTION device power supply is disconnected.
You can monitor retentive variables in the symbol browser.
Variables of a class (as of ver‐ Variable is declared in a class. A differentiation is made between static and retentive variables:
sion V4.5 of the SIMOTION • Static variables are initialized only when the instance of the class is initialized; this depends
Kernel) on the variable type with which the instance of the class has been declared.
Static variables can only be accessed from within this class and derived classes. Only static
variables with the PUBLIC access identifier can be accessed from outside the class.
• Retentive variables retain their value even when the SIMOTION device power supply is
disconnected.
Retentive variables can only be accessed from within this class and derived classes. They
cannot be accessed from outside the class.
You can monitor the variables in the symbol browser.

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Further information is available from the following sources:

• In the corresponding list manuals, you can find the compressed information on all system
variables of the SIMOTION technology packages and SIMOTION devices.
• For more details on the use of system variables of technology objects, please refer to
the SIMOTION Motion Control Technology Objects Function Manuals.
• In the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual you can find information on how to access
system variables and configuration data.
• This documentation contains information on:
– Accessing I/O addresses with I/O variables (see Direct access and process image of the
cyclic tasks (Page 317))
– Accessing the process image (see Access to the fixed process image of the
BackgroundTask (Page 326))
– Creating and using global device variables (see Using global device variables (Page 288))
– Use of unit variables and local variables (static and temporary variables).

Note
Please note that downloading the ST source file to the target system and running tasks affect
variable initialization and thus the contents of the variables, see Time of the variable
initialization (Page 294).

7.2.1.1 Unit variables

Unit variables are valid throughout the entire ST source file, i.e. they can be accessed in any
source file section.
Unit variables are declared in the interface and/or implementation section of an ST source file;
the location of the declaration determines the validity of the unit variable:
• If you declare the unit variables in the interface section, you create variables that can be used
in other program sources (e.g. ST source files, MMC units). More information about declaring
data public and using public data in other program sources can be found in Declaring ST
source files public and using them (Page 272).
By default, these unit variables are also available on HMI devices. The total size of the unit
variables that can be exported to HMI devices is limited to 64 KB per unit.
• If you declare the unit variables in the implementation section, you create variables that can
be used by all program organization units (POUs) of the current source file.
You can change the default setting for the HMI export of the unit variables using a pragma within
a declaration block, see Variables and HMI devices (Page 309) and Controlling compiler with
attributes (Page 368).

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You can define unit variables with different behavior, e.g. in case of power failure:
• Non-retentive unit variables (keyword VAR_GLOBAL): its value is lost in the event of a power
failure.
• Retentive unit variables (keyword VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN): its value remains in the event of a
power failure.
• Unit constants (keyword VAR_GLOBAL CONSTANT): its value is retained unchanged
(see Constants (Page 140)).
You will find tips for the efficient use of unit variables in the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function
Manual.

7.2.1.2 Non-retentive unit variables

Non-retentive unit variables lose their value in the event of a power failure.

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Figure 7-1 Syntax: Unit variables

This declaration block may appear more than once within an interface or implementation
section. You specify the variable name and data type for the variable declaration (see Overview
of all variable declarations (Page 134) and Initialization of variables or data types (Page 136)).
For the scope of the declaration and the HMI export, see Unit variables (Page 279).

Note
For initialization of the non-retentive unit variables:
• See Initialization of non-retentive global variables (Page 296).
• The behavior during downloading can be set (Options > Settings menu
command, Download tab, Initialize non-retentive program data and global device
variables checkbox)
• The type of version ID and therefore the initialization behavior on downloading depends on
the SIMOTION Kernel version. For details, see Version ID of global variables and their
initialization during download (Page 303).

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Table 7-4 Examples of non-retentive unit variables

INTERFACE
VAR_GLOBAL // These variables are declared public.
rotation1 : INT;
field1 : ARRAY [1..10] OF REAL;
flag1 : BOOL;
motor1 : motor; // Instance declaration
END_VAR
END_INTERFACE

IMPLEMENTATION
VAR_GLOBAL // These variables are not declared public.
rotation2 : INT;
field2 : ARRAY [1..10] OF REAL;
flag2 : BOOL;
motor2 : motor; // Instance declaration
END_VAR
END_IMPLEMENTATION

7.2.1.3 Retentive unit variables

Retentive unit variables permit permanent storage of variable values even throughout a power
failure.

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This declaration block may appear more than once within an interface or implementation
section. You specify the variable name and data type for the variable declaration (see Overview
of all variable declarations (Page 134) and Initialization of variables or data types (Page 136)).

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For the scope of the declaration and the HMI export, see Unit variables (Page 279).

Note
• For initialization of the retentive unit variables:
– See Initialization of retentive global variables (Page 294).
– The behavior during downloading can be set (Options > Settings menu
command, Download tab, Initialize retentive program data and global device
variables checkbox)
– The type of version ID and therefore the initialization behavior on downloading depends
on the SIMOTION Kernel version. For details, see Version ID of global variables and their
initialization during download (Page 303).
• The amount of memory available for retentive variables depends on the device (see quantity
framework in the SIMOTION SCOUT Configuration Manual).
To make efficient use of limited memory space, use the memory in a single ST source file and
sort the variables in descending order!
• Check the capacity utilization of the retentive memory in SIMOTION SCOUT.
In online mode, call the device diagnostics of the SIMOTION device to be checked (see
online help). In the System utilization tab under Retentive data, you can see how much
memory is available.

Table 7-5 Examples of retentive unit variables

VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN
Measuring field : ARRAY[1..10] OF REAL;
Pass : INT;
Switch : BOOL;
END_VAR

7.2.1.4 Local variables (static and temporary variables)

Local variables are valid only in the source file section (e.g. program, FC or FB) in which they were
declared. We distinguish between the following:
• Static variables (Page 285):
Static variables retain their value over all passes of the source file section (block memory).
• Temporary variables (Page 286):
Temporary variables are initialized each time the unit section is called again.
• Retentive local variables (Page 286)
SIMOTION Kernel as of version V4.5.
They retain their value:
– in the event of a power failure
– when the task is started
– over all passes of the source file section

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See also: Initialization of local variables (Page 298).

Note
Local variables cannot be accessed outside the source file section in which they were declared.

The following table provides an overview of the declaration of retentive, static and temporary
variables. It shows the source file sections in which these variables can be declared and the
keywords that can be used to declare them.

Table 7-6 Keywords for declaring retentive, static and temporary variables depending on source file section

Source file sec‐ Keywords for the declaration

tion Static variables Temporary variables Retentive local variables
(as of kernel V4.5)
Function – VAR / END_VAR –
or
VAR_TEMP / END_VAR
or
VAR_INPUT / END_VAR
or
VAR_IN_OUT / END_VAR2
or
VAR_OUTPUT / /END_VAR
Expression – VAR/ END_VAR –
or
VAR_INPUT / END_VAR
or
VAR_IN_OUT / END_VAR2
Function block VAR / END_VAR1 VAR_TEMP / END_VAR VAR RETAIN / END_VAR
or or
VAR_INPUT / END_VAR1 VAR_IN_OUT / END_VAR2
or
VAR_OUTPUT / END_VAR1
Program VAR / END_VAR3 VAR_TEMP / END_VAR VAR RETAIN / END_VAR
Methods (within a – VAR / END_VAR –
class or a function or
block)4 VAR_TEMP / END_VAR
or
VAR_INPUT / END_VAR
or
VAR_IN_OUT / END_VAR2
or
VAR_OUTPUT / /END_VAR
Class4 VAR / END_VAR1 – VAR RETAIN / END_VAR
1
The initialization of the variable depends on initialization of the declared instance. See Initialization of instances of function
blocks (FBs) or classes (Page 301).
2
The reference (pointer) for the transferred variable is temporary.
3
The initialization of the variables depends on the memory area in which they are stored. See Initialization of static program
variables (Page 299).
4
Only with active compiler option “Permit object-oriented programming”.

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Note
Please note that downloading the ST source file to the target system and running tasks affect
variable initialization and thus the contents of the variables, see Time of the variable
initialization (Page 294).

Table 7-7 Examples of static and temporary variables

IMPLEMENTATION
FUNCTION testFkt
VAR // Declaration of temporary variables
flag : BOOL;
END_VAR
END_FUNCTION
FUNCTION_BLOCK testFbst
VAR RETAIN // Declaration of retentive variables
position1 : LREAL
END_VAR

VAR // Declaration of static variables

rotation1 : INT;
END_VAR

VAR_TEMP // Declaration of temporary variables

help1, help2 : REAL;
END_VAR
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK
PROGRAM testPrg;
VAR RETAIN // Declaration of retentive variables
position2 : LREAL
END_VAR

VAR // Declaration of static variables

rotation2 : INT;
END_VAR

VAR_TEMP // Declaration of temporary variables

help1, help2 : REAL;
END_VAR
END_PROGRAM
CLASS testcls
VAR RETAIN // Declaration of retentive variables
position3 : LREAL
END_VAR

VAR // Declaration of static variables

rotation3 : INT;
END_VAR
END_CLASS
END_IMPLEMENTATION

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7.2.1.5 Static variables

Static variables retain their most recent value when the source file section is exited. This value
is used again at the next call.
The following source file sections contain static variables:
• Programs
• Function blocks
• Classes (as of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel and with compiler option “Permit object-
oriented programming” enabled)
Static variables are declared in a static variable block.

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Figure 7-3 Syntax: Static variable block

You can do the following in the static variable block, according to the syntax in the figure:
• Declare variables (name and data type), optionally with initialization.
• Declare symbolic accesses to the process image of the BackgroundTask.
• Declare instances of the function blocks.
• Declaring instances of classes (SIMOTION Kernel as of version V4.5)
For initialization of the static variables:
• In programs: Depending on the execution behavior to which the program is assigned
(see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual).
See also Initialization of static program variables (Page 299).
• In function blocks: Depending on the initialization of the declared instance.
See also Initialization of instances of function blocks (FBs) (Page 301).

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7.2.1.6 Temporary variables

Temporary variables are initialized each time the source file section is called. Their value is
retained only during execution of the source file section.
The following source file sections contain temporary variables:
• Programs
• Function blocks
• Functions
• Methods (within classes or function blocks, with compiler option “Permit object-oriented
programming”)
• Expressions
In functions and expressions, you declare temporary variables in the FB temporary variable block
(see following figure):

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Figure 7-4 Syntax: Temporary variable block in the FB or program

In functions, methods and expressions, you declare temporary variables in the FC temporary
variable block (see following figure):

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7.2.1.7 Retentive local variables (as of kernel V4.5)

You can declare retentive local variables in SIMOTION Kernel as of version V4.5.
They retain their value over all passes of the source file section in the event of a power failure or
if the task is started.
The following source file sections contain retentive local variables:
• Programs
• Function blocks
• Classes (with compiler option “Permit object-oriented programming")
They are declared in the retentive local variable block.

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Figure 7-6 Syntax: Retentive local variable block

You can do the following in the retentive local variable block, according to the syntax in the
figure:
• Declare variables (name and data type), optionally with initialization.
Exception. No variables of data types can be declared in the retentive local variable block if
they exclusively contain elements that cannot be saved (e.g. variables of data types of the
technology objects).
• Declare instances of the function blocks.
Exception: No instances of function blocks can be declared in the retentive local variable
block if they contain the following:
– Retentive local variables
– Instances of system function blocks
• Declaring instances of classes (SIMOTION Kernel as of version V4.5)
Exception: No instances of classes can be declared in the retentive local variable block if they
contain the following:
– Retentive local variables
– Instances of system function blocks
For initialization of retentive local variables:
• In programs: dependent on the compiler option "Only create program instance data once”.
See also Initialization of retentive local variables of programs (Page 300).
• In function blocks or classes: dependent on the initialization of the retentive variables of the
declared instance.
See also Initialization of retentive local variables of function blocks and classes (Page 302).

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7.2.2 Use of global device variables

Global device variables are user-defined variables that you can access from all program sources
(e.g. ST source files, MCC source files) of a SIMOTION device.
Global device variables are created in the symbol browser tab of the detail view; to do this, you
must be working in offline mode.
Here is a brief overview of the procedure:
1. In the project navigator of SIMOTION SCOUT, select the GLOBAL DEVICE VARIABLES
element in the SIMOTION device subtree.
2. In the detail view, select the Symbol browser tab and scroll down to the end of the variable
table (empty row).
3. In the last (empty) row of the table, enter or select the following:
– Name of variable
– Data type of variable (only elementary data types are permitted)
4. Optionally, you can make the following entries:
– Activation of Retain checkbox (This declares the variable as retentive, so that its value will
be retained after a power failure.)
– Field length (array size)
– Initial value (if array, for each element)
– Display format (if array, for each element)
You can now access this variable using the symbol browser or any program of the SIMOTION
device.
In ST source files, you can use a global device variable, just like any other variable.

Note
If you have declared unit variables or local variables of the same name (e.g. var-name), specify
the global device variable with _device.var-name.
An alternative to global device variables is the declaration of unit variables in a separate unit,
which is imported into other units. This has the following advantages:
1. Variable structures can be used.
2. The initialization of the variables during the STOP-RUN transition is possible (via Program in
StartupTask).
3. For newly created global unit variables, a download in RUN is also possible.
Please refer to the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.

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7.2.3 Memory ranges of the variable types

The different variable types are stored in different memory areas, which are initialized at
different times. The table shows:
• The available memory areas for variable types that are declared in ST source files (possibly
dependent on the version of the SIMOTION Kernel).
• The initialization time for each memory area.
An explanation using an example is contained in the Example for memory areas (Page 291)
section.

Table 7-8 Memory areas assigned to different variable types and their initialization

Memory area Assigned variable types Initialization3

Retentive memory • Retentive unit variables During download using the download settings
• As of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel:
Retentive local variables of programs and
function blocks
User memory of unit • Non-retentive unit variables • When the device is switched on
• Function block instances declared with • During download using the download set‐
VAR_GLOBAL, including the associated static tings
variables (VAR, VAR_INPUT, VAR_OUTPUT) • For transition to the RUN mode:
• As of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel: – Version V4.2 and higher of the SIMO‐
Instances of classes declared with VAR_GLOB‐ TION Kernel:
AL, including the associated variables (VAR) By activating the check box on the SIMO‐
Also for the activated "Create program instance TION device, Initialization of non-reten‐
data only once" compiler option (Page 62): tive global variables and program data
• Local variables of the unit programs declared during STOP-RUN transition.
with VAR – As of Version V4.1 of the SIMOTION Ker‐
• Function block instances declared with nel:
VAR_GLOBAL, including the associated static If the associated declaration block speci‐
variables (VAR, VAR_INPUT, VAR_OUTPUT) fies the following pragma:
• As of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel: { BlockInit_OnDeviceRun := ALWAYS; }
Instances of classes declared with VAR within See also Controlling compiler with attrib‐
the programs of the unit, including the asso‐ utes (Page 368)
ciated variables (VAR)
User memory of task For the deactivated "Create program instance da‐ According to execution behavior of task:
ta only once" compiler option (Page 62) (default): • Sequential tasks:
• Local variables declared with VAR of the as‐ Each time task is started
signed programs • Cyclic tasks:
• Function block instances declared with VAR For CPU transition to the RUN mode
within the assigned programs, including the
associated static variables (VAR, VAR_INPUT,
VAR_OUTPUT)
• As of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel:
Instances of classes declared with VAR within
the programs of the unit, including the asso‐
ciated variables (VAR)

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Memory area Assigned variable types Initialization3

Local data stack of task2 • Reference (pointer) to the program called in On each call of the program in the task
the task
• Local variables declared with VAR_TEMP of
the program called in the task
• Reference (pointer) to called function block Each time the function block instance is called
instances
• Local variables of function blocks declared
with VAR_TEMP
• In/out parameters of function blocks declared
with VAR_IN_OUT1
• Variables of called functions or methods de‐ Each time the function or method is called
clared with VAR, VAR_INPUT, VAR_OUTPUT or
VAR_IN_OUT1
• Return value of called functions or methods
1
References (pointers) to the transferred variables.
2
See also Memory requirement of the variables on the local data stack (Page 293).
3
For a detailed description of the initialization behavior of the individual variable types, see Time of the variable initialization
(Page 294).

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7.2.3.1 Example of memory areas

Table 7-9 Example of memory areas of the variable types - Part 1

INTERFACE
// The statements in the interface section specify,
// which source contents are declared public.
FUNCTION FC1;
FUNCTION_BLOCK FB1;
PROGRAM p1;

// Unit variables of the interface section are also visible

// on HMI devices.
VAR_GLOBAL // Non-retentive unit variables
// are present in the UNIT user memory
u1_if : INT;
END_VAR
VAR_GLOBAL CONSTANT // Unit constants are located
// in the unit user memory
END_VAR
VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN // Retentive unit variables are located
// in the retentive (power-fail-safe) memory
END_VAR
END_INTERFACE

IMPLEMENTATION
// The implementation section contains the executable code sections
// in different program organization units (POU)
// A POU can be a program, FC, or FB.
// Unit variables of the implementation section can only be used
// within the source file.
VAR_GLOBAL // Non-retentive unit variables are located
// in the unit user memory
u1_glob : INT;
END_VAR
VAR_GLOBAL CONSTANT // Unit constants are located
// in the unit user memory
END_VAR
VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN // Retentive unit variables are located
// in the retentive (power-fail-safe) memory
END_VAR
//----------------------------------------------------------------------

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Table 7-10 Example of memory areas of the variable types - Part 2

// Continuation
//----------------------------------------------------------------------
FUNCTION_BLOCK FB1 // Declaration of an instance
// instance determines where its data are located:
// - as VAR_GLOBAL in a unit:
// in the unit user memory
// - as VAR in a program:
// in the user memory of the task (default)
// - As VAR in a function block:
// in the user memory of the unit or task,
// depending on the instance declaration of the higher-level FB
// When the instance is called, a pointer to the instance data
// is placed on the stack of the calling task

VAR_INPUT // Input parameters

// are in the user memory
// are written when the instance is called
fb_in : INT;
END_VAR
VAR_OUTPUT // Output parameters
// are in the user memory
fb_out : INT;
END_VAR
VAR_IN_OUT // In/out parameter
// references are in the user memory
// are written when the instance is called
fb_in_out : INT;
END_VAR

VAR // Static variables

// are in the user memory
// can be used locally in the FB
fb_var1 : INT;
END_VAR

VAR_TEMP // Temporary variables

// are on the stack of the calling task
// are initialized on each call
fb_temp1 : INT;
END_VAR

// Code is in the user memory of the unit

fb_var1 := fb_var1 + 1;
fb_out := fb_var1;
fb_temp1 := fb_in_out;
fb_in_out := fb_temp1 + fb_in;
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK
//----------------------------------------------------------------------

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Table 7-11 Example of memory areas of the variable types - Part 3

// Continuation
//----------------------------------------------------------------------
FUNCTION FC1 : INT // The function data is on the
// stack of the calling task; they are initialized each time
// the function is called.
// The return value is on the stack of the calling task

VAR_INPUT // Input parameters

// are on the stack of the calling task
// are written when the function is called
fc_in : INT;
END_VAR

VAR // Temporary variables

// are on the stack of the calling task
fc_var : INT;
END_VAR
// Code is in the user memory of the unit
fc_var := 567;
fc1 := fc_in + fc_var;
END_FUNCTION

PROGRAM p1
VAR // By default, variables are located in the
// in the user memory of the task
p_var : INT;
p_varFB : FB1;
END_VAR

VAR_TEMP // Temporary variables

// are on the stack of the task,
// are initialized on each task pass
p_temp : INT;
END_VAR

// Code is in the user memory of the unit

p_temp := p_var;
p_varFB (fb_in_out := p_temp);
u1_glob := 4711;
END_PROGRAM
END_IMPLEMENTATION

7.2.3.2 Memory requirement of the variables on the local data stack

The variables stored on the local data stack of a task are listed in Memory ranges of the variable
types (Page 289). You set the stack size for each task in the Task configuration tab. For more
information, see the Description for each user task in the Basic Functions Function Manual.
Note the following for memory requirements in the local stack:
• Temporary local variables require their own size on the stack.
• Global variables and static local variables do not require any resources on the stack.
If you are using them as input parameters for a function, however, they require their own
data size on the stack.

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• Even if a function is called more than once in a task, it only uses the stack's resources once.
• Variables of type BOOL require 1 byte on the stack.
You can obtain information about the memory requirements of a POU in the local data stack
using the Program Structure (Page 359) function.

7.2.4 Time of the variable initialization

The timing of the variable initialization is determined by:

• Memory area to which the variable is assigned
• Operator actions (e.g. source file download to the target system)
• Execution behavior of the task (sequential, cyclic) to which the program was assigned.
All variable types and the timing of their variable initialization are shown in the following tables.
You will find basic information about tasks in the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.
The behavior for variable initialization during download can be set: To do this, as a default
setting select the Options > Settings menu and the Download tab or define the setting during
the current download.

Note
You can upload values of unit variables or global device variables from the SIMOTION device into
SIMOTION SCOUT and save them in XML format.
1. Save the required data segments of the unit variables or global device variables as a data set
with the function _saveUnitDataSet.
2. Use the Save variables function in SIMOTION SCOUT.
You can use the Restore variables function to download these data sets and variables back to
the SIMOTION device.
For more information, refer to the SIMOTION SCOUT Configuration Manual.
This makes it possible, for example, to obtain this data, even if it is initialized by a project
download or if it becomes unusable (e.g. due to a version change of SIMOTION SCOUT).

7.2.4.1 Initialization of retentive global variables

Retentive variables retain their last value after a loss of power. All other data is reinitialized when
the device is switched on again.
Retentive global variables are initialized:
• When the backup or buffer for retentive data fails.
• When a memory reset (MRES) is performed.
• With the restart function (Del. SRAM) in SIMOTION P320 or P350.
• By applying the _resetUnitData function, possible selectively for different data segments of
the retentive data.

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• When a download is performed according to the following description.

• With a firmware update (upgrade) or activation of a kernel in accordance with the following
description.

Behavior during download

Table 7-12 Initializing retentive global variables during download

Variable type Time of the variable initialization

Retentive global device The behavior during the download depends on the Initialization of retentive program data and
variables retentive global device variables setting1:
• Yes2: All retentive global device variables are initialized.
• No3: The retentive global device variables are only initialized if their version code is changed.
See: Version code of global variables and their initialization during download (Page 303).
Retentive unit variables The behavior during the download depends on the Initialization of retentive program data and
retentive global device variables setting1:
• Yes2: All retentive unit variables (all units) are initialized.
• No3: A data block (= declaration block)4 of the retentive unit variables in the interface or imple‐
mentation section is only initialized5 if its version code is changed.
See: Version code of global variables and their initialization during download (Page 303).
1
Default setting in the Options > Settings menu, Download tab, or the current setting for the download.
2
The corresponding check box is active.
3
The corresponding check box is inactive.
4
With the SIMOTION ST programming language:
A data block of the retentive unit variables corresponds to a VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN/END_VAR declaration block in the interface
section or implementation section.
With the SIMOTION MCC and SIMOTION LAD/FBD programming languages:
A data block of the retentive unit variables is formed as follows from the variables declared with VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN in the
interface section or implementation section of the declaration table: Pragma lines within a section of the declaration table
separate the variables into different data blocks.
5
Initialization of a changed data block also occurs during a download in RUN mode, provided the following condition is fulfilled:
With the SIMOTION ST programming language
The following attribute has been specified within a pragma: { BlockInit_OnChange := TRUE; }.
With the SIMOTION MCC or SIMOTION LAD/FBD programming languages:
A pragma line is inserted in the declaration table with the following check box enabled in this line: Initialization of VAR_GLOB‐
AL RETAIN during a change. All the variables declared with VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN up to the next pragma line or the end of the
table form a data block accordingly.
For information on the general conditions for a download in RUN, see the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.

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Behavior during upgrade or configuration change

When the SIMOTION device is upgraded to a new version of the SIMOTION Kernel or if the
configuration is changed, the retentive variables are initialized as described below:

Table 7-13 Initialization of retentive global variables during upgrade or configuration change

Variable type Time of the variable initialization

Retentive global device This data is always initialized.
variables
Retentive unit variables This data can be retained.
See section "Retaining retentive data" in the "Basic Functions for Modular Machines" Function Manual.

7.2.4.2 Initialization of non-retentive global variables

Non-retentive global variables lose their value during power outages. They are initialized:
• During the initialization of retentive global variables (Page 294), e.g. during a firmware
update or overall reset (MRES).
• During switch-on.
• By applying the _resetUnitData function, possible selectively for different data segments of
the non-retentive data.
• During a download as described in the following table.
• During the transition from STOP to RUN mode as described at the end of the section.

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Behavior during download

Table 7-14 Initializing non-retentive global variables during download

Variable type Time of the variable initialization

Non-retentive global The behavior during the download depends on the Initialization of non-retentive program data and
device variables non-retentive global device variables setting1:
• Yes2: All non-retentive global device variables are initialized.
• No3: The non-retentive global device variables are only initialized if their version code is changed.
See: Version code of global variables and their initialization during download (Page 303).
Non-retentive unit vari‐ The behavior during the download depends on the Initialization of non-retentive program data and
ables non-retentive global device variables setting1:
• Yes2: All non-retentive unit variables (all units) are initialized.
• No3: A data block ( = declaration block)4 of the non-retentive unit variables in the interface or
implementation section is only initialized5 if its version code is changed.
See: Version code of global variables and their initialization during download (Page 303).
1
Default in the Options > Settings menu, Download tab, or the current setting for the download.
2
The corresponding check box is active.
3
The corresponding check box is inactive.
4
With the SIMOTION ST programming language:
A data block of the non-retentive unit variables corresponds to a VAR_GLOBAL/END_VAR declaration block in the interface
section or implementation section.
With the SIMOTION MCC or SIMOTION LAD/FBD programming languages:
A data block of the non-retentive unit variables is formed as follows from the variables declared with VAR_GLOBAL in the
interface section or implementation section of the declaration table: Pragma lines within a section of the declaration table
separate the variables into different data blocks.
5
Initialization of a changed data block also occurs during a download in RUN, provided the following condition is fulfilled:
With the SIMOTION ST
programming language: The following attribute has been specified within a pragma in the relevant declaration block: { Block‐
Init_OnChange := TRUE; }.
With the SIMOTION MCC or SIMOTION LAD/FBD programming languages:
A pragma line has been pasted into the declaration table and the following check box is activated: Initialization of VAR_GLOBAL
during a change. All the variables declared with VAR_GLOBAL up to the next pragma line or the end of the table form a data
block accordingly.
For information on the general conditions for a download in RUN, see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.

Behavior during STOP-RUN transition

The values of non-retentive global variables are retained by default during the transition from
STOP to RUN mode.

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You can, however, make a setting whereby the non-retentive global variables are initialized
during the STOP-RUN transition:
• As of Version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel, by activating the (Page 375) Initialization of
non-retentive global variables and program data during STOP-RUN transition checkbox
on the SIMOTION device.
With non-retentive unit variables, this setting can be overwritten by a pragma or pragma line
in the relevant data blocks of the program sources.
• As of Version V4.1 of the SIMOTION Kernel, by a pragma or pragma line in the relevant data
blocks of the program sources (only with non-retentive unit variables):
– With the SIMOTION ST programming language:
Specify the following attribute within a pragma in the relevant VAR_GLOBAL/END_VAR
declaration block: { BlockInit_OnDeviceRun := ALWAYS; }
– With the SIMOTION MCC or SIMOTION LAD/FBD programming languages:
Paste a pragma line with the following setting into the declaration table: "Initialization
during STOP-RUN transition = Always". All the variables declared with VAR_GLOBAL up to
the next pragma line or the end of the table form a data block which is initialized during
the STOP-RUN transition.

Note
With SIMOTION devices up to SIMOTION Kernel Version V4.0, non-retentive global variables are
never initialized during the STOP-RUN transition.

7.2.4.3 Initialization of local variables

Local variables are initialized:
• For the initialization of retentive unit variables (Page 294).
• For the initialization of non-retentive unit variables (Page 296).
• Also, according to the following description:

Table 7-15 Initialization of local variables

Variable type Time of the variable initialization

Local program varia‐ Local variables of programs are initialized differently:
bles • Static variables (VAR) are initialized according to the memory area in which they are stored.
See: Initialization of static program variables (Page 299).
• Temporary variables (VAR_TEMP) are initialized every time the program of the task is called.
Local variables of func‐ Local variables of function blocks are initialized differently:
tion blocks (FB) • Static variables (VAR, VAR_IN, VAR_OUT) are only initialized when the FB instance is initialized.
See: Initialization of instances of function blocks (FBs) (Page 301).
• Temporary variables (VAR_TEMP) are initialized every time the FB instance is called.
Local variables of func‐ Local variables of functions are temporary and are initialized every time the function is called.
tions (FC)

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Note
You can obtain information about the memory requirements of a POU in the local data stack
using the Program Structure (Page 359) function.

7.2.4.4 Initialization of static program variables

The following versions affect the following static variables:
• Local variables of a unit program declared with VAR
• Function block instances declared with VAR within a unit program, including the associated
static variables (VAR, VAR_INPUT, VAR_OUTPUT).

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The initialization behavior is determined by the memory area in which the static variables are
stored. This is determined by the "Only create program instance data once" (Page 62) compiler
option.
• For the deactivated "Only create program instance data once" compiler option (default):
The static variables are stored in the user memory of each task which is assigned to the
program.
The initialization of the variables thus depends on the execution behavior of the task to which
the program is assigned (see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual):
– Sequential tasks (MotionTasks, UserInterruptTasks, SystemInterruptTasks, StartupTask,
ShutdownTask): The static variables are initialized every time the task is started.
– Cyclic tasks (BackgroundTask, SynchronousTasks, TimerInterruptTasks): The static
variables are only initialized only during the transition from STOP to RUN operating state.
• For the activated "Only create program instance data once" compiler option:
This setting is necessary, for example, if a program is to be called within a program.
The static variables of all programs from the program source (unit) involved are only stored
once in the user memory of the unit.
They are thus initialized together with the non-retentive unit variables, see Initialization of
non-retentive global variables (Page 296).
They are not initialized by default during the transition from STOP to RUN operating state.
You can, however, make a setting whereby they are initialized during the STOP-RUN
transition:
– As of version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel, by activating the (Page 375) Initialization
of non-retentive global variables and program data during STOP-RUN transition
checkbox on the SIMOTION device.
This setting can be overwritten by a pragma or pragma line in the data block of the
relevant program organization unit (POU).
– As of version V4.1 of the SIMOTION Kernel, by a pragma or pragma line in the data block
of the relevant program organization unit (POU):
With the SIMOTION ST programming language:
Specify the following attribute within a pragma in the VAR/END_VAR declaration block:
{ BlockInit_OnDeviceRun := ALWAYS; }
With the SIMOTION MCC or SIMOTION LAD/FBD programming languages:
The declaration table starts with a pragma line containing the following setting:
"Initialization during STOP-RUN transition = Always". All the variables declared with VAR
in the table are initialized during the STOP-RUN transition.

7.2.4.5 Initialization of retentive local variables of programs

The following versions relate to the following retentive variables:
• Local variables of a unit program declared with VAR RETAIN,
• Function block or class instances declared with VAR RETAIN within a unit program, including
the associated static variables (VAR, VAR_INPUT, VAR_OUTPUT).
• Function block instances declared with VAR within a unit program, or classes for their
associated retentive variables (VAR RETAIN).

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These retentive variables are initialized:

• When retentive unit variables are initialized (Page 294).
• And also when a download is performed according to the following description.
The initialization behavior when downloading is determined by the compiler option (Page 62)
"Only create program instance data once”.
• For the deactivated "Only create program instance data once" compiler option (default):
The retentive variables are initialized in the following cases:
– The data structure of the VAR RETAIN declaration blocks of the instances involved
changes.
– Additional tasks are activated in the execution system.
– The assignment or sequence of the programs with retentive variables changes within a
task.
• For the activated "Only create program instance data once" compiler option:
The retentive variables are initialized in the following cases:
– The data structure of the VAR RETAIN declaration blocks of the instances involved
changes.
– The sequence of the VAR_GLOBAL data blocks or of the programs (PROGRAM) changes in
the implementation section of the source.

7.2.4.6 Initialization of instances of function blocks (FBs) or classes

The initialization of a function block instance (Page 195) or a class instance (as of version V4.5
of the SIMOTION Kernel) (Page 222) is determined by the location of its declaration:
• Global declaration (within VAR_GLOBAL/END_VAR in the interface of implementation
section):
Initialization as for a non-retentive unit variable, see Initialization of non-retentive global
variables (Page 296).
• Local declaration in a program (within VAR / END_VAR):
Initialization as for static variables of programs, see Initialization of static variables of
programs (Page 299).
• Local declaration in a function block (within VAR / END_VAR):
Initialization as for an instance of this function block.
• Declaration as in/out parameter in a function block or a function (within
VAR_IN_OUT / END_VAR):
For the initialization of the POU, only the reference (pointer) will be initialized with the
instance of the function block remaining unchanged.

Note
You can obtain information about the memory requirements of a POU in the local data stack
using the Program Structure (Page 359) function.

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7.2.4.7 Initialization of retentive local variables of function blocks (FBs) and classes
The initialization of retentive variables of a function block (FB) or a class (as of version V4.5 of
the SIMOTION Kernel) is determined by the location at which the instance of a function block
(Page 195) or the instance of a class (Page 222) is declared:
• Global declaration (within VAR_GLOBAL/END_VAR in the interface of implementation
section):
The retentive variables are initialized:
– When retentive unit variables are initialized (Page 294).
– In addition to the download:
The data structure of the VAR RETAIN declaration blocks of the instances involved
changes.
The sequence of the VAR_GLOBAL declaration blocks in the current source changes.
• Local declaration in a program (within VAR / END_VAR):
Initialization as for retentive local variables of programs, see Initialization of retentive local
variables of programs (Page 300).
• Local declaration in a function block (within VAR / END_VAR):
Initialization as with the retentive variables of an instance of this function block.
• Declaration as in/out parameter in a function block or a function (within
VAR_IN_OUT / END_VAR):
For the initialization of the POU, only the reference (pointer) will be initialized with the
instance of the function block remaining unchanged.

Note
You can obtain information about the memory requirements of a POU in the local data stack
using the Program Structure (Page 359) function.

7.2.4.8 Initialization of system variables of technology objects

The system variables of a technology object are usually not retentive. Depending on the
technology object, a few system variables are stored in the retentive memory area (e.g. absolute
encoder calibration).
The initialization behavior (except in the case of download) is the same as for retentive and non-
retentive global variables. See Initialization of retentive global variables (Page 294) and
Initialization of non-retentive global variables (Page 296).
The behavior during the download is shown below for:
• Non-retentive system variables
• Retentive system variables

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Table 7-16 Initializing technology object system variables during download

Variable type Time of the variable initialization

Non-retentive system Behavior during download, depending on the Initialization of all non-retentive data for technology
variables objects setting1:
• Yes2: All technology objects are initialized.
– All technology objects are restructured and all non-retentive system variables are initialized.
– All technological alarms are cleared.
• No3: Only technology objects changed in SIMOTION SCOUT are initialized.
– The technology objects in question are restructured and all non-retentive system variables are
initialized.
– All alarms that are pending on the relevant technology objects are cleared.
– If an alarm that can only be acknowledged with Power On is pending on a technology object
that will not be initialized, the download is aborted.
Retentive system varia‐ Only if a technology object was changed in SIMOTION SCOUT, will its retentive system variables be
bles initialized.
The retentive system variables of all other technology objects are retained (e.g. absolute encoder
calibration).
1
Default in the Options > Settings menu, Download tab, or the current setting for the download.
2
The corresponding checkbox is active.
3
The corresponding checkbox is inactive.

7.2.4.9 Version ID of global variables and their initialization during download

Table 7-17 Version code of global variables and their initialization during download

Data segment Description of version code

Global device variables
Retentive global device • Separate version code for each data segment of the global device variables.
variables • The version code of the data segment changes for:
Non-retentive global
– Add or remove a variable within the data segment
device variables
– Change of the identifier or the data type of a variable within the data segment
• This version code does not change on:
– Changes in the other data segment
– Changes to initialization values1
• During downloading2, the rule is: This data segment is only initialized when the version
code of a data segment is changed.
Unit variables of a unit

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Data segment Description of version code

Retentive unit variables • Several data blocks ( = declaration blocks)3 are possible in each data segment.
in the interface section • Separate version code for each data block.
Retentive unit variables
• The version code of the data block changes for:
in the implementation
section – Add or remove a variable in the associated declaration block
Non-retentive unit vari‐ – Change of variable sequence in the relevant declaration block
ables in the interface – Change of the identifier or the data type of a variable in the associated declaration block
section
– Change of a data type definition (from a separate or imported4 unit) used in the asso‐
Non-retentive unit vari‐ ciated declaration block
ables in the implemen‐
tation section – Add or remove declaration blocks within the same data segment before the associated
declaration block
• This version code does not change on:
– Add or remove declaration blocks in other data segments
– Add or remove declaration blocks within the same data segment after the associated
declaration block
– Changes in other data blocks
– Changes to initialization values1
– Changes to data type definitions that are not used in the associated data block
– Changes to functions
• During downloading2, the rule is: This data block is only initialized when the version code
of a data block is changed5.
• Functions for data backup and initialization take into account the version code of the data
blocks.
Retentive variables of function blocks and classes (The instances are declared as non-retentive unit variables)

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Data segment Description of version code

Non-retentive unit vari‐ Only as of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel.
ables in the interface • The retentive variables of all instances within a declaration block (VAR_GLOBAL / END_VAR)
section are summarized as a separate retentive data block
Non-retentive unit vari‐
• to which a separate version code is assigned.
ables in the implemen‐
tation section • The version code of this retentive data block changes:
– The data structure of the retentive local variables for the instances within the declara‐
tion block changes.
– The sequence of the declaration blocks (VAR_GLOBAL / END_VAR) within the program
source changes.
• During downloading2, the rule is: This data block is only initialized when the version code
of a data block is changed5.
• Functions for data backup and initialization take into account the version code of the data
blocks.
1
Changed initialization values are not effective until the data block or data segment in question is initialized.
2
If Initialization of retentive program data and retentive global device variables = No and Initialization of non-retentive
program data and non-retentive global device variables = No.
In the case of other settings: See the sections "Initialization of retentive global variables (Page 294)" and "Initialization of non-
retentive global variables (Page 296)".
3
With the SIMOTION ST programming language:
A data block corresponds to a VAR_GLOBAL/END_VAR or VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN/END_VAR declaration block in the interface
section or implementation section.
With the SIMOTION MCC or SIMOTION LAD/FBD programming languages:
A data block of the non-retentive unit variables is formed as follows from the variables declared with VAR_GLOBAL or
VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN in the interface section or implementation section of the declaration table: Pragma lines within a section
of the declaration table separate the variables into different data blocks.
4
The use of units depends on the programming language, refer to the relevant section (Page 275).
5
Initialization of a changed data block also occurs during a download in RUN mode, provided that the following condition is
fulfilled:
With the SIMOTION ST programming language
The following attribute (Page 362) has been specified within a pragma (Page 368): { BlockInit_OnChange := TRUE; }.
With the SIMOTION MCC or SIMOTION LAD/FBD programming languages:
A pragma line is inserted in the declaration table with the following check box enabled in this line: Initialization of VAR_GLOBAL
during a change. All the variables declared with VAR_GLOBAL up to the next pragma line or the end of the table form a data
block accordingly.
For information on the general conditions for a download in RUN, see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.

7.2.5 Declaring variables in the Variable declaration dialog box ("on-the-fly"

variable declaration)
You can declare a new variable in an ST source file without placing the cursor in the desired
declaration block. For example, the cursor can remain at the code position in the body of a POU
at which you want to use the new variable. You declare the variable "on-the fly" in the Variable
Declaration dialog box.

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Procedure
To define variables "on-the-fly" in the Variable Declaration dialog box, proceed as follows:
1. Place the cursor at the place of use of the new variable.
2. Optionally, enter the name of the new variable.
3. Select the Variable declaration context menu.
The Variable Declaration dialog box appears.
If necessary, the Name field is preassigned with the name of the new variable.

Figure 7-7 Variable Declaration dialog box

4. Make the other entries in the dialog box according to the following table.
5. Set the desired filter criteria according to the following table and select the desired code
position.
6. Confirm with OK.

Principle

Table 7-18 Variable declaration parameter description

Field Description
Name Enter the name of the variable to be declared. The name must comply with the Rules for
identifiers (Page 95).
The field is preassigned with the word in which the cursor is positioned when the win‐
dow is called.
Absolute identifier You define the variable as access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask
(Page 326) by entering an absolute identifier.
The field is only active when a data type is selected that is contained in the general data
types (Page 113) ANY_BIT or ANY_INT.
Enter the absolute identifier according to the syntax (Page 333).

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Field Description
Variable type Select the variable type.
Available for selection are all permitted keywords for variable types (Page 134).
Default is VAR when the cursor is within a POU when the window is called, otherwise
VAR_GLOBAL.
Data type Enter the data type. You are supported by the "Automatic completion" (Page 48) func‐
tion (CTRL+space).
Array length Not available when an absolute identifier is entered or the variable is a reference.
You can define the variable as an array [0..N-1] by entering an array length N. You have
the following options for entering the array length:
• You can specify a constant positive integer value.
• You can enter a value range with ".." separating the min. and max. values.
• You can enter a constant expression of data type DINT (or of a data type which is
implicitly convertible to DINT).
If the array is empty, a single variable is created rather than an array.
Initial value Not available when an absolute identifier is entered.
You can specify this initialization value as a constant or as an expression. The following
are permissible:
• Constants
• Arithmetic operations
• Bit slice and data conversion functions
Comment A comment can be entered in this column. All characters and special characters are
permitted.
Exportable (for GLOBAL variables) Only available when the keyword for a unit variable or unit constant has been selected
as variable type (e.g. VAR_GLOBAL).
If the checkbox is activated:
• The variable declaration is inserted in the interface section of the ST source file.
If the checkbox is deactivated:
• The variable declaration is inserted in the implementation section of the ST source
file.
Variable is a reference Only available when a valid data type has been entered.
With activated checkbox, a general reference (Page 244) is created for the entered data
type. The keyword REF_TO is set as prefix for the specified data type.
The checkbox is activated automatically when the entered data type starts with the
keyword REF_TO.
Possible code positions

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Field Description
Filter criteria You can select the following as filter criteria:
• An access identifier within classes, function blocks or namespaces
– PUBLIC
– INTERNAL
– PROTECTED
– PRIVATE
– General (default, not an access identifier)
• The keyword OVERRIDE.
List of the code positions A list of the possible code positions is displayed at which the variable can be declared. A
distinction is made between:
• Insertion in an existing variable block
• Creation of a new variable block
The first entry in the list is selected. In the editor window, the code position is displayed
and selected at which the variable or the new variable block will be inserted.
Select from the

Figure 7-8 Example: Variable declaration

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Figure 7-9 Example: Variable declaration (absolute name)

Result
The variable or the new variable block is inserted at the selected code position in the ST source
file.
The cursor is at the same position before the dialog box was called.

7.2.6 Variables and HMI devices

Exported variables
The following variables are exported to HMI devices where they are available:
• System variables of the SIMOTION device
• System variables of technology objects
• I/O variables
• Global device variables
• Retentive and non-retentive unit variables of the interface section (default setting).
Change this default as follows:
– In the SIMOTION ST programming language:
For each declaration block with the following pragma: { HMI_Export := FALSE; }.
See also Controlling compiler with attributes (Page 368).
– In the SIMOTION MCC and SIMOTION LAD/FBD programming languages:
For the variable declarations following a pragma line, if you deactivate the VAR_GLOBAL
for HMI devices or VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN for HMI devices parameters in this pragma line.
The unit variables of a data block identified in this way are not exported to HMI devices. The
HMI consistency check is also omitted for them during the download.

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• Non-retentive static variables (VAR) of programs provided that the compiler option (Page 62)
"Only create program instance data once" is activated
• Non-retentive static variables (VAR) of function blocks
This is the default setting when the compiler option (Page 62) "Permit object-oriented
programming" is enabled. Change this default as follows:
– In the SIMOTION ST programming language:
For each declaration block with the following pragma: { HMI_Export := FALSE; }.
See also Controlling compiler with attributes (Page 368).
The variables of a data block identified in this way are not exported to HMI devices. The HMI
consistency check is also omitted for them during the download.
The pragma is not evaluated if the compiler option "Permit object-oriented programming"
is not activated. The export behavior cannot be changed.
• Non-retentive public variables (VAR PUBLIC) of classes (default setting, as of version V4.5 of
the SIMOTION Kernel)
Change this default as follows:
– In the SIMOTION ST programming language:
For each declaration block with the following pragma: { HMI_Export := FALSE; }.
See also Controlling compiler with attributes (Page 368).
The variables of a data block identified in this way are not exported to HMI devices. The HMI
consistency check is also omitted for them during the download.

Note
The total size of the unit variables that can be exported to HMI devices is limited to 64 KB per unit.
The effect of the { HMI_Export := FALSE; } / { HMI_Export := TRUE; } pragma (or
the VAR_GLOBAL for HMI devices or VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN for HMI devices settings in a pragma
line) depends on the SIMOTION Kernel version:
• As of Version V4.1 of the SIMOTION Kernel:
The pragma affects the export of the corresponding declaration block to HMI devices and the
structure of the HMI address space:
– Only those variables in declaration blocks exported to HMI devices occupy the HMI
address space.
– Within the HMI address space, the variables are arranged according to order of their
declaration.
• Up to Version V4.0 of the SIMOTION Kernel:
The pragma affects only the export of the corresponding declaration block to HMI devices.
The HMI address space is also occupied by unit variables of the interface section whose
declaration blocks are not assigned to HMI devices.
Within the HMI address space, the variables are sorted in the following order:
– Retentive unit variables of the interface section (exported and not exported).
– Retentive unit variables of the implementation section (only exported).
– Non-retentive unit variables of the interface section (exported and not exported).
– Non-retentive unit variables of the implementation section (only exported).
Within these segments, the variables are arranged according to order of their declaration.

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Non-exported variables
The following variables are not exported to HMI devices and are not available there:
• Retentive and non-retentive unit variables of the implementation section (default setting)
Change this default as follows:
– In the SIMOTION ST programming language:
For each declaration block with the following pragma: { HMI_Export := TRUE; }
See also Controlling compiler with attributes (Page 368).
– In the SIMOTION MCC and SIMOTION LAD/FBD programming languages:
For the variable declarations following a pragma line, if you activate the VAR_GLOBAL for
HMI devices or VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN for HMI devices parameters in this pragma line.
The unit variables of a data block identified in this way are exported to HMI devices.
Consequently, they undergo the HMI consistency check during downloading.
• Local variables (VAR, VAR_TEMP) of functions or methods
• Temporary variables (VAR_TEMP) of programs, function blocks or classes
• Retentive local variables (VAR RETAIN) of programs (as of version 4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel)
• Retentive local variables (VAR RETAIN) of function blocks (as of version 4.5 of the SIMOTION
Kernel)
This is the default setting when the compiler option (Page 62) "Permit object-oriented
programming" is enabled. Change this default as follows:
– In the SIMOTION ST programming language:
For each declaration block with the following pragma: { HMI_Export := TRUE; }.
See also Controlling compiler with attributes (Page 368).
The variables of a data block identified in this way are exported to HMI devices. Consequently,
they undergo the HMI consistency check during downloading.
The pragma is not evaluated if the compiler option "Permit object-oriented programming"
is not activated. The export behavior cannot be changed.
• Retentive local variables (VAR RETAIN) of classes (default setting, as of version 4.5 of the
SIMOTION Kernel)
Change this default as follows:
– In the SIMOTION ST programming language:
For each declaration block with the following pragma: { HMI_Export := TRUE; }.
See also Controlling compiler with attributes (Page 368).
The variables of a data block identified in this way are exported to HMI devices. Consequently,
they undergo the HMI consistency check during downloading.

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• Non-retentive static variables (VAR) of programs provided that the compiler option (Page 62)
"Only create program instance data once" is not activated
• Non-retentive protected or private variables (VAR, VAR PROTECTED, VAR PRIVATE) of classes
(default setting, as of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel)
Change this default as follows:
– In the SIMOTION ST programming language:
For each declaration block with the following pragma: { HMI_Export := TRUE; }.
See also Controlling compiler with attributes (Page 368).
The variables of a data block identified in this way are exported to HMI devices. Consequently,
they undergo the HMI consistency check during downloading.

Example for the SIMOTION ST programming language

Table 7-19 Example for the control of the HMI export with the corresponding pragma
INTERFACE
VAR_GLOBAL
// HMI export
x1 : DINT;
END_VAR
VAR_GLOBAL
{ HMI_Export := FALSE; }
// No HMI export
x2 : DINT;
END_VAR
// ...
END_INTERFACE

IMPLEMENTATION
VAR_GLOBAL
// No HMI export
y1 : DINT;
END_VAR
VAR_GLOBAL
{ HMI_Export := TRUE; }
// HMI export
y2 : DINT;
END_VAR
// ...
END_IMPLEMENTATION

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7.3 Access to inputs and outputs (process image, I/O variables)

7.3 Access to inputs and outputs (process image, I/O variables)

7.3.1 Overview of access to inputs and outputs

SIMOTION provides several possibilities to access the device inputs and outputs of the
SIMOTION device as well as the central and distributed I/O:
• Via direct access with I/O variables
Direct access is used to access the corresponding I/O address directly.
Define an I/O variable (name and I/O address) without assigning a task to it. The entire
address space of the SIMOTION device can be used.
It is preferable to use direct access with sequential programming (in MotionTasks); access to
current input and output values at a particular point in time is especially important in this
case.
Further information: Direct access and process image of the cyclic tasks (Page 317).
• Via the process image of cyclic tasks using I/O variables
The process image of the cyclic tasks is a memory area in the RAM of the SIMOTION device,
on which the whole I/O address space of the SIMOTION device is mirrored. The mirror image
of each I/O address is assigned to a cyclic task and is updated using this task. The task remains
consistent throughout the whole cycle. This process image is used preferentially when
programming the assigned task (cyclic programming).
Define an I/O variable (name and I/O address) and assign a task to it. The entire address range
of the SIMOTION device can be used.
Direct access to this I/O variable is still possible: Specify direct access with _direct.var-name.
Further information: Direct access and process image of the cyclic tasks (Page 317).
• Using the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask
The process image of the BackgroundTask is a memory area in the RAM of the SIMOTION
device, on which a subset of the I/O address space of the SIMOTION device is mirrored. The
mirror image is refreshed with the BackgroundTask and is consistent throughout the entire
cycle. This process image is used preferentially when programming the BackgroundTask
(cyclic programming).
The address range 0 .. 63 can be used. Exception: I/O addresses that are accessed using the
process image of the cyclic task can only be used with the setting “Common process image”
(Page 328) (as of Kernel V4.2).
Further information: Access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask (Page 326).
A comparison of the most important properties is contained in "Important properties of direct
access and process image" (Page 314).
You can use I/O variables like any other variable, see "Access I/O variables" (Page 337).

Note
An access via the process image is more efficient than direct access.

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7.3.2 Important features of direct access and process image access

Table 7-20 Important properties of direct access and process image access

Direct access Access to process image of cy‐ Access to fixed process image
clic tasks of the BackgroundTask
Permissible address Entire address range of the SIMOTION device Addresses 0 .. 63.
range Exception: I/O variables comprising more than one byte must not Exception:
contain addresses 63 and 64 contiguously (example: PIW63 or Up to version V4.1 of the SIMO‐
PQD62 are not permitted). TION Kernel or the "Separate
process image" setting, ad‐
dresses used for the process im‐
age of the cyclic tasks are not
permitted.
Address configuration Necessary. The addresses used must be present in the I/O and ap‐ Not necessary. Addresses that
propriately configured. are not present in the I/O or
The "Rules for I/O addresses for direct access and the process image have not been configured can
of the cyclic tasks" (Page 320) must be observed. also be used.
Assigned task None. Cyclic task for selection: BackgroundTask.
• SynchronousTasks,
• TimerInterruptTasks,
• BackgroundTask.
Memory area for proc‐ - Depends on the SIMOTON Kernel version:
ess images • Up to version V4.1:
Separate memory areas in all cases
• As of version V4.2:
Option to select a common memory area

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Direct access Access to process image of cy‐ Access to fixed process image
clic tasks of the BackgroundTask
Update • Onboard I/O of SIMOTION Update occurs with the assigned An update is made with
devices C230-2, C240, and task: the BackgroundTask:
C240 PN: • Inputs are read before the as‐ • Inputs are read before
Update occurs in a cycle signed task is started and the BackgroundTask is star‐
clock of 125 µs. transferred to the process in‐ ted and is transferred to the
• With I/O devices put image. process input image.
– via PROFIBUS DP or PRO‐ • Process output image is writ‐ • Process output image is
FINET on an isochronous ten to the outputs after the written to the outputs
SIMOTION device1 assigned task has been com‐ when the BackgroundTask
pleted. is complete.
– via DRIVE-CLiQ
– Onboard I/O of SIMO‐
TION D devices:
The update is performed in
the position control cycle
clock2.
• With I/O devices
– via PROFIBUS DP or PRO‐
FINET on a non-isochro‐
nous SIMOTION device1
– via P‑Bus:
The update is performed in
the interpolation cycle2 3.
Inputs are read at the start of the
cycle clock.
Outputs are written at the end of
the cycle clock.
Consistency – During the entire cycle of the as‐ During the entire cycle of
signed task. the BackgroundTask.
Exception: Direct access to out‐ Exception: Direct access to out‐
put occurs. put occurs.
Consistency is only ensured for elementary data types.
When using arrays, the user is responsible for ensuring data con‐
sistency.
Use Preferred in MotionTasks Preferred in the assigned task Preferred in the Background‐
Task
Declaration as variable Necessary, for the entire device as an I/O variable in the symbol Possible, but not necessary:
browser. • For the entire device as I/O
Each byte of the address range may only be assigned to a single I/O variable in the symbol
variable. browser
Syntax of I/O address: e.g. PIW1022, PQ63.3. • As unit variable
• As local static variable in a
program
Download of new or Only possible in STOP mode. -
changed I/O variables
Use the absolute ad‐ Not supported. Possible, with the following
dress syntax: E.g. %IW62, %Q63.3.

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7.3 Access to inputs and outputs (process image, I/O variables)

Direct access Access to process image of cy‐ Access to fixed process image
clic tasks of the BackgroundTask
Byte order when form‐ - As supplied by the I/O Depends on the SIMOTION Ker‐
ing the process image nel version and the memory
area setting for the process im‐
ages:
• Up to version V4.1 or the
"Separate process image"
setting:
Always Big Endian
• As of version V4.2 and the
"Common process image"
setting:
As supplied by the I/O
Byte order during ac‐ Depends on I/O Always Big Endian
cess
Writeability of inputs No Depends on the SIMOTION Ker‐ Yes
nel version:
• Up to version V4.1:
No
• As of version V4.2:
Yes
Write protection for Possible; Read only status can Not supported. Not supported.
outputs be selected.
Declaration of arrays Possible. Not supported.
Further information Direct access and process image of the cyclic tasks (Page 317). Access to the fixed process im‐
age of the BackgroundTask
(Page 326).
Responses in the event Error during access from user Error during generation of proc‐ Error during generation of proc‐
of an error program, alternative reactions ess image, alternative reactions ess image, reaction: CPU stop5
available: available: Exception: If a direct access
• CPU Stop4 • CPU stop5 has been created at the same
address, the behavior set there
• Substitute value • Substitute value
applies.
• Last value • Last value
See SIMOTION Basic Functions See SIMOTION Basic Functions Description of Functions.
Description of Functions.
Access
• In the RUN operat‐ Without any restrictions. Without any restrictions. Without any restrictions.
ing state
• During the Startup‐ Possible with restrictions: Possible with restrictions: Possible with restrictions:
Task • Inputs can be read. • Inputs are read at the start of • Inputs are read at the start
• Outputs are not written until the StartupTask. of the StartupTask.
StartupTask is complete. • Outputs are not written until • Outputs are not written un‐
StartupTask is complete. til StartupTask is complete.

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7.3 Access to inputs and outputs (process image, I/O variables)

Direct access Access to process image of cy‐ Access to fixed process image
clic tasks of the BackgroundTask
• During the Shut‐ Without any restrictions. Possible with restrictions: Possible with restrictions:
downTask • Inputs retain status of last • Inputs retain status of last
update update
• Outputs are no longer writ‐ • Outputs are no longer writ‐
ten. ten.
1
A SIMOTION device is considered isochronous if at least one PROFIBUS DP or PROFINET interface is operated isochronously
(constant bus cycle time). For SIMOTION D there is an exception with the DP Integrated interface to which the SINAMICS
Integrated is connected.
2
The following SIMOTION devices are updated in the Servo_fast cycle or IPO_fast cycle, if the cycles are configured: D445‑2 DP/
PN, D455‑2 DP/PN (as of version V4.2) and D435‑2 DP/PN (as of version V4.3).
3 IPO or IPO_2 adjustable, see “Setting system cycle clocks" section in the Basic Functions Function Manual.
4
Call the ExecutionFaultTask.
5
Call the PeripheralFaultTask.

7.3.3 Direct access and process image of cyclic tasks

Property
Direct access to inputs and outputs and access to the process image of the cyclic task always take
place via I/O variables. The entire address range of the SIMOTION device (Page 319) can be used.
A comparison of the most important properties, including in comparison to the fixed process
image of the BackgroundTask (Page 326) is contained in "Important properties of direct access
and process image" (Page 314).

Note
Observe the rules for I/O addresses for direct access and the process image of the cyclical tasks
(Page 320).

It is particularly important that every address used in an I/O variable is available in the I/O and
configured; each byte in the address range may be assigned to no more than one I/O variable
(does not apply to access with data type BOOL).
A detailed status of I/O variables (Page 324) can be read as of version V4.2 of the
SIMOTION Kernel, for example, in order to check the availability of the I/O variables.

Direct access
Direct access is used to access the corresponding I/O address directly. Direct access is used
primarily for sequential programming (in MotionTasks). The access to the current value of the
inputs and outputs at a specific time is particularly important.
For direct access, you define an I/O variable (Page 321) without assigning it a task.

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7.3 Access to inputs and outputs (process image, I/O variables)

Process image of the cyclic task

The process image of the cyclic tasks is a memory area in the RAM of the SIMOTION device, on
which the whole I/O address space of the SIMOTION device is mirrored. The mirror image of each
I/O address is assigned to a cyclic task and is updated using this task. The task remains consistent
throughout the whole cycle. This process image is used preferentially when programming the
assigned task (cyclic programming). The consistency during the complete cycle of the task is
particularly important.
For the process image of the cyclical task you define an I/O variable (Page 321) and assign it a
task.
Direct access to this I/O variable is still possible: Specify direct access with _direct.var-name.

Note
An access via the process image is more efficient than direct access.

Additional properties as of version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel

As of version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel, direct access to inputs/outputs and the process
image of the cyclic tasks offers additional properties:
• As far as the process image of the cyclic tasks is concerned, a common memory area with the
fixed process image of the BackgroundTask can be set (standard with newly created devices)
• As far as the process image of the cyclic tasks is concerned, I/O variables for inputs can be
written to (i.e. they can be assigned values).
• A detailed status of I/O variables (Page 324) can be read, for example, in order to check the
availability of the I/O variables.

Memory area with the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask

• As of version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel, selecting a "Common process image" setting
on the device (Page 375) ensures the memory area for the fixed process image of the
BackgroundTask is a subset of the memory area for the process image of the cyclic tasks.
• Up to version V4.1 of the SIMOTION Kernel or the "Separate process image" setting on the
device (as of version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel), the fixed process image of the
BackgroundTask and the process image of the cyclic tasks occupy different memory areas.

Note
If (and only if) you are also using the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask, it is important
to consider the effects of the "Common process image" or "Separate process image" settings on
the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask (Page 326).

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Table 7-21 Effect of "Common process image" or "Separate process image" settings on the process image of the cyclic tasks

Common process image Separate process image

Availability Only available as of version V4.2 of the Up to version V4.1 of the SIMOTION Ker‐
SIMOTION Kernel: nel applies:
• Setting available for selection • System characteristic, not configura‐
• Standard for newly created devices ble.
The following applies as of version V4.2
of the SIMOTION Kernel:
• Setting available for selection
• Standard with device upgrades
Download of new or changed I/O varia‐ Only possible in STOP mode. Only possible in STOP mode.
bles
Byte order when forming the process im‐ Depends on connected I/O
age and during access
Effects on the fixed process image of the See the relevant table in "Access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask"
BackgroundTask (Page 327).
Further information Common process image (Page 328) Separate process image (Page 330)

7.3.3.1 Address range of the SIMOTION devices

The address range of the SIMOTION devices is specified in the following table according to the
version of the SIMOTION Kernel concerned. The complete address range can be used for direct
access and process image of the cyclical tasks.

Table 7-22 Address range of the SIMOTION devices according to the version of the SIMOTION Kernel

SIMOTION Address range for SIMOTION Kernel version

device V3.2 V4.0 V4.1 4.2 V4.3 As of V4.4
C230‑2 0 .. 2047 3
0 .. 2047 3
0 .. 2047 3
– – –
C240 – 0 .. 4095 3
0 .. 4095 3
0 .. 4095 3
0 .. 4095 3
0 .. 4095 3
C240 PN 1 – – 0 .. 4095 4 0 .. 4095 4 0 .. 4095 4 0 .. 4095 4
D410 DP – – 0 .. 8191 3
0 .. 8191 3
0 .. 8191 3
–
D410 PN – – 0 .. 8191 4
0 .. 8191 4
0 .. 8191 4
–
D410‑2 – – – – 0 .. 8191 3 4 0 .. 8191 3 4
D425 0 .. 4095 3 0 .. 16383 3 4 0 .. 16383 3 4 0 .. 16383 3 4 0 .. 16383 3 4 –
D425‑2 – – – – 0 .. 16383 3 4 0 .. 16383 3 4
D435 0 .. 4095 3 0 .. 16383 3 4 0 .. 16383 3 4 0 .. 16383 3 4 0 .. 16383 3 4 –
D435‑2 – – – – 0 .. 16383 3 4 0 .. 16383 3 4
D445 0 .. 4095 3 0 .. 16383 3 4 0 .. 16383 3 4 0 .. 16383 3 4 – –
D445‑1 1
– – 0 .. 16383 34
0 .. 16383 34
0 .. 16383 34
–
D445‑2 – – – 0 .. 16383 3 4 0 .. 16383 3 4 0 .. 16383 3 4
D455‑2 – – – 0 .. 16383 3 4 0 .. 16383 3 4 0 .. 16383 3 4
P320 2 – – 0 .. 4095 3 0 .. 4095 3 0 .. 4095 3 –

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7.3 Access to inputs and outputs (process image, I/O variables)

SIMOTION Address range for SIMOTION Kernel version

device V3.2 V4.0 V4.1 4.2 V4.3 As of V4.4
P320‑4 – – – – – 0 .. 4095 3
P350 0 .. 2047 3 0 .. 4095 3 0 .. 4095 3 0 .. 4095 3 0 .. 4095 3 –
1
Available as of V4.1 SP2 HF4
2
Available as of V4.1 SP5
3
For distributed I/O (over PROFIBUS DP), the transmission volume is restricted to 1024 bytes per PROFIBUS DP line.
4
For distributed I/O (over PROFINET), the transmission volume is restricted to 4,096 bytes per PROFINET segment.

7.3.3.2 Rules for I/O addresses for direct access and the process image of the cyclical tasks

Note
You must observe the following rules for the I/O variable addresses for direct access and the
process image of the cyclic task (Page 317). Compliance with the rules is checked during the
consistency check of the SIMOTION project (e.g. during the download).
1. Addresses used for I/O variables must be present in the I/O and configured appropriately in
the HW Config.
2. I/O variables comprising more than one byte must not contain addresses 63 and 64
contiguously.
The following I/O addresses are not permitted:
– Inputs: PIW63, PID61, PID62, PID63
– Outputs: PQW63, PQD61, PQD62, PQD63
3. All addresses of an I/O variable comprising more than one byte (e.g. WORD, ARRAY data type)
must be within a continuous address range configured in HW Config, e.g. within the address
range (slot or subslot) of one I/O module.
4. An I/O address (input or output) can only be used by a single I/O variable of data type BYTE,
WORD or DWORD or an array of these data types. Access to individual bits with I/O variables
of data type BOOL is possible.
5. If several processes (e.g. I/O variable, technology object, PROFIdrive telegram) access an I/O
address, the following applies:
– Only a single process can have write access to an I/O address of an output (BYTE, WORD
or DWORD data type).
Read access to an output with an I/O variable that is used by another process for write
access, is possible.
– All processes must use the same data type (BYTE, WORD, DWORD or ARRAY of these data
types) to access this I/O address. Access to individual bits is possible irrespective of this.
Please be aware of the following, for example, if you wish to use an I/O variable to read the
PROFIdrive telegram transferred to or from the drive: The length of the I/O variable must
match the length of the telegram.
– Write access to different bits of an address is possible from several processes; however,
write access with the data types BYTE, WORD or DWORD is then not possible.

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Note
These rules do not apply to accesses to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask
(Page 326). These accesses are not taken into account during the consistency check of the
project (e.g. during download).

7.3.3.3 Creating I/O variables for direct access or process image of cyclic tasks
Create I/O variables for direct access or a process image of the cyclic tasks in the address list of
the detail view.
This is only possible in offline mode.
Here is a brief overview of the procedure:
1. Select the "Address list" tab in the detail view and choose the SIMOTION device
or
In the project navigator of SIMOTION SCOUT, double-click the "ADDRESS LIST" element in the
SIMOTION device subtree.
2. Select the line before which you want to insert the I/O variable and, from the context menu,
select Insert new line
or
Scroll to the end of the table of variables (empty line).
3. In the empty row of the table, enter or select the following:
– Names of the I/O variables
– I/O address
Select the "IN" or "OUT" entries if you wish to assign symbols to the I/O variable (input or
output). As of Version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel the symbolic assignment must be
activated, menu Project > Use symbolic assignment.
Or enter a fixed address according to "Syntax for entering I/O addresses" (Page 323).
– Optional for outputs:
Activate the Read only checkbox if you only want to have read access to the output.
You can then read an output that is already being written by another process (e.g. output
of an output cam, PROFIdrive telegram).
A read-only output variable cannot be assigned to the process image of a cyclic task.
– Data type of the variables in accordance with "Possible data types of the I/O variables"
(Page 324).

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4. Optionally, you can also enter or select the following (not for data type BOOL):
– Array length (array size).
– Process image or direct access:
Can only be assigned if the Read only checkbox is deactivated.
For process image, select the cyclic task to which you want to assign the I/O variable. To
select a task, it must have been activated in the execution system.
For direct access, select the blank entry.
– Strategy for behavior in the event of an error, see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function
Manual.
– Display format (if array, for each element), when you monitor the variable in the address
list
– Substitute value (if array, for each element).
5. Only if you have selected "IN" or "OUT" as the I/O address (symbolic assignment).
– In the Assignment column, click the […] button.
A window opens displaying the possible assignment targets of the SIMOTION device and,
if necessary, of SINAMICS Integrated. Only those assignment targets are displayed that
match the data direction (input/output) and data type.
– Select the assignment target.
The Assignment status column indicates whether the assignment was successful or not.
For details regarding symbolic assignment, refer to the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function
Manual.
You can now access this variable using the address list or any program of the SIMOTION device.
Details on how to manage the address list can be found in the online help.

Note
Note the following for the process image for cyclic tasks:
• A variable can only be assigned to one task.
• Each byte of an input or output can only be assigned to one I/O variable.
In the case of data type BOOL, please note:
• The process image for cyclic tasks and a strategy for errors cannot be defined. The behavior
defined via an I/O variable for the entire byte is applicable (default: direct access or CPU stop).
• The individual bits of an I/O variable can also be accessed using the bit access functions.
Take care when making changes within the I/O variables (e.g. inserting and deleting I/O
variables, changing names and addresses):
• In some cases the internal addressing of other I/O variables may change, making all I/O
variables inconsistent.
• If this happens, all program sources that contain accesses to I/O variables must be
recompiled.

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Note
I/O variables can only be created in offline mode. You create the I/O variables in SIMOTION SCOUT
and then use them in your program sources (e.g. ST sources, MCC sources, LAD/FBD sources).
Outputs can be read and written to, but inputs can only be read.
Before you can monitor and modify new or updated I/O variables, you must download the
project to the target system.

You can use I/O variables like any other variable, see "Access I/O variables" (Page 337).

7.3.3.4 Syntax for entering I/O addresses

Syntax
For the input of the I/O address for the definition of an I/O variable for direct access or process
image of cyclical tasks (Page 317), use the following syntax. This specifies not only the address,
but also the data type of the access and the mode of access (input/output).

Table 7-23 Syntax for the input of the I/O addresses for direct access or process image of the cyclic tasks

Data type Syntax for Permissible address range

Input Output Direct access Process image e.g. direct access
D435 V4.1
BOOL PIn.x PQn.x n: 0 .. MaxAddr -1 n: 0 .. 16383
x: 0 .. 7 x: 0 .. 7
BYTE PIBn PQBn n: 0 .. MaxAddr n: 0 .. MaxAddr n: 0 .. 16383
WORD PIWn PQWn n: 0 .. 62 n: 0 .. 62 n: 0 .. 62
64 .. MaxAddr - 1 64 .. MaxAddr - 1 64 .. 16382
DWORD PIDn PQDn n: 0 .. 60 n: 0 .. 60 n: 0 .. 60
64 .. MaxAddr - 3 64 .. MaxAddr - 3 64 .. 16380
n = logical address
x = bit number
MaxAddr = Maximum I/O address of the SIMOTION device depending on the SIMOTION Kernel version, see Address range
of the SIMOTION devices (Page 319).
1
For data type BOOL, it is not possible to define the process image for cyclic tasks. The behavior defined via an I/O variable for
the entire byte is applicable (default: direct access).

Examples
Input at logic address 1022, WORD data type: PIW1022.
Output at logical address 63, bit 3, BOOL data type: PQ63.3.

Note
Observe the rules for I/O addresses for direct access and the process image of the cyclical tasks
(Page 320).

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7.3.3.5 Possible data types of I/O variables

The following data types can be assigned to the I/O variables for direct access and process image
of the cyclical tasks (Page 317). The width of the data type must correspond to the data type
width of the I/O address.
If you assign a numeric data type to the I/O variables, you can access these variables as integer.

Table 7-24 Possible data types of the I/O variables for direct access and the process image of the cyclical
tasks

Data type of I/O address Possible data types for I/O variables
BOOL (PIn.x, PQn.x) BOOL
BYTE (PIBn, PQBn) BYTE, SINT, USINT
WORD (PIWn, PQWn) WORD, INT, UINT
DWORD (PIDn, PQDn) DWORD, DINT, UDINT

For details of the data type of the I/O address, see also "Syntax for entering I/O addresses"
(Page 323).

7.3.3.6 Detailed status of the I/O variables (as of Kernel V4.2)

As of version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel, the status of an I/O variable can be queried
using _quality.var-name, for example, in order to check the availability of the I/O variables. It is
supplied as an OR logic operation of the following status values in the DWORD data type and can
be assigned to an appropriate variable, for example. The value 16#0000_0000 indicates the
connected I/O are operating without error.
The same value is supplied for every I/O variable within an address range (slot or subslot)
configured in HW Config.

Table 7-25 Meanings of status values of I/O variables

Value (DWORD) Bit x = 1 Meaning

16#0000_0000 - No error occurred.
16#0000_0001 0 Maintenance required
The connected module signals that it requires maintenance. The component needs to be
checked within a foreseeable period (e.g. the printer cartridge must be changed within a
period of several days).
16#0000_0002 1 Maintenance demanded
The connected module demands maintenance. The component needs to be checked soon
(e.g. the printer cartridge must be changed immediately).
16#0000_0004 2 Warning pending (drive warning, TM17 warning, etc.)
The connected module has signaled a warning. This has been entered in the diagnostics buf‐
fer. The precise cause can be determined from the documentation for the relevant module.
16#0000_0008 3 Fault pending (diagnostic interrupt, drive fault, TM17 fault, etc.)
The connected module has signaled an error. This has been entered in the diagnostics buffer.
The precise cause can be determined from the documentation for the relevant module.

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Value (DWORD) Bit x = 1 Meaning

16#0000_0010 4 This parameter assignment does not match the parameter assignment being compared.
A difference was detected when this parameter assignment was compared with the parameter
assignment of the connected module. As such, the required functionality cannot be guaran‐
teed.
Remedy: Save the project and compile changes, reload both application and counterpart.
16#0000_0020 5 Application and counterpart are not isochronous (error involving the dynamic life-sign).
Certain telegrams (axis, synchronous operation, output cam, measuring input telegrams) are
synchronized by exchanging cyclic life-signs. Errors are detected when the cyclic life-sign is
checked. This invalidates the data in the telegram.
Remedy: Await synchronization, check the parameter assignment (e.g. does the master ap‐
plication cycle set on the device in HW Config match the position control cycle clock), save the
project and compile changes, reload both application and counterpart.
16#0000_0040 6 I/O cannot be used synchronously in all cycles.
A fast application cycle (Servo_fast) and a slow application cycle (Servo) are running asyn‐
chronously in relation to one another. The I/O can only be used synchronously in the cycles
associated with the bus cycle. Access from other cycles is asynchronous and inconsistent.
Remedy: Call the _synchronizeDpInterfaces() function.
16#0000_0080 7 I/O cannot be used synchronously
The SIMOTION control is the sync slave on a bus. The bus connection is running synchronously
in relation to the sync master, but is not yet running synchronously in relation to the application
cycles of the SIMOTION control. Access to the I/O is asynchronous and inconsistent.
Remedy: Call the _synchronizeDpInterfaces() function.
16#0000_0100 8 Bus connection (sync slave) is not isochronous in relation to the sync master.
The SIMOTION control is the sync slave on a bus and has not yet synchronized its bus connec‐
tion with the sync master.
The isochronous I/O on this bus cannot be used yet.
Remedy: Switch on/connect the sync master.
16#0000_0200 9 DP station is deactivated.
The partner module has been deactivated.
Remedy: Activate the partner module (_activateDpSlave() function).
16#0000_0400 10 The partner of the inputs (e.g. I-device, I-slave) is in STOP.
The connected module is in STOP mode and not sending any new data as a result.
Remedy: Switch the connected module to RUN.
16#0000_0800 11 PROFINET: Failure detected by submodule (e.g. channel error)
The connection to the connected device is OK. The error must be searched for in the connected
device.
Troubleshooting: Diagnostics buffer, device diagnostics with HW Config
16#0000_1000 12 PROFINET: Failure detected by module (e.g. submodule failed, removed, etc.)
The connection to the connected device is OK. The error must be searched for in the connected
device.
Troubleshooting: Diagnostics buffer, device diagnostics with HW Config
16#0000_2000 13 PROFINET: Failure detected by device (e.g. device in STOP, module removed, etc.)
The connection to the connected device is OK. The error must be searched for in the connected
device.
Troubleshooting: Diagnostics buffer, device diagnostics with HW Config

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Value (DWORD) Bit x = 1 Meaning

16#0000_4000 14 PROFINET: Failure detected by controller (e.g. not connected, etc.)
There is no connection to a partner on PROFINET.
Possible cause: Partner is switched off, cable pulled out, incorrect parameter assignment for
connection
Troubleshooting: Best to use the PROFINET topology editor in HW Config.
16#0000_8000 15 Slot/subslot is not connected (disconnection alarm).
The connection to the connected device is OK. The error must be searched for in the connected
device (e.g. module/submodule removed).
Troubleshooting: Diagnostics buffer, device diagnostics with HW Config
16#0001_0000 16 Device is not connected (station failure).
There is no connection to a partner.
Possible cause: Partner is switched off, cable pulled out.
16#0002_0000 17 Substitute value behavior during access
There is no connection to the counterpart (sum signal from bits 9 to 16), i.e. there is no valid
input data or the output data is not reaching the terminal. The substitute value behavior set
(substitute value, last value) takes effect during direct access to this address or during process
image updates.
16#4000_0000 30 Diagnostics address only
No cyclic I/O data is configured for this address. It is possible, however, to query submodule
diagnostic information.
16#8000_0000 31 Address gap
There is no hardware configured for this logical address.

7.3.4 Access to fixed process image of the BackgroundTask

The fixed process image of the BackgroundTask is a memory area in the RAM of the SIMOTION
device on which a subset of the I/O address space of the SIMOTION device is mirrored. Preferably,
it should be used for programming the BackgroundTask (cyclic programming) as it is consistent
throughout the entire cycle.
The size of the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask for all SIMOTION devices is 64 bytes
(address range 0 .. 63).

Note
The fixed process image of the BackgroundTask can be used to access addresses that are not
available in the I/O or not configured in HW Config. These are treated like normal memory
addresses.

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Memory area
• As of Version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel, selecting a "Common process image" setting
on the device (Page 375) ensures the memory area for the fixed process image of the
BackgroundTask is a subset of the memory area for the process image of the cyclic tasks.
I/O addresses can be read and written to using both the fixed process image of the
BackgroundTask and the process image of the cyclic tasks.
• With Version V4.1 and lower of the SIMOTION Kernel or the "Separate process image"
setting on the device (as of Version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel), the fixed process image of
the BackgroundTask and the process image of the cyclic tasks occupy different memory areas.
I/O addresses accessed using the process image of the cyclic tasks cannot be read or written
to using the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask. They are treated like normal memory
addresses.

Table 7-26 Effect of "Common process image" or "Separate process image" settings on the fixed process image of the
BackgroundTask

Common process image Separate process image

Availability Only available as of Version V4.2 of the Version V4.1 and lower of the SIMO‐
SIMOTION Kernel: TION Kernel applies:
• Setting available for selection • System characteristic, not configura‐
• Standard for newly created devices ble
The following applies as of Version V4.2
of the SIMOTION Kernel:
• Setting available for selection
• Standard with device upgrades
Memory area Subset of the memory area for the proc‐ Separate memory area for the process
ess image of the cyclic tasks image of the cyclic tasks
Using I/O addresses accessed using the Possible. Not supported.
process image of the cyclic tasks Updates use the configured cyclic tasks. The addresses are treated like normal
memory addresses.
Byte order when forming the process im‐ As supplied by the I/O Always Big Endian
age
Byte order when accessing the process Always Big Endian Always Big Endian
image
Access to I/O operating in the Little Endi‐ Same result as during direct access or for Results differ depending on the I/O vari‐
an byte order the process image of cyclic tasks (apart ables created for direct access.
from WORD or DWORD data types).
Effects on the process image of the cyclic See the relevant table in "Direct access and process image of the cyclic tasks
tasks (Page 319)".
Further information Common process image (Page 328) Separate process image (Page 330)

For information on the order of the Little Endian and Big Endian bytes, please refer to the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function
Manual.

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A comparison of the most important properties in comparison to the direct access and process
image of the cyclic tasks (Page 317) is contained in "Important properties of direct access and
process image" (Page 314).

Note
The rules for I/O addresses for direct access and the process image of the cyclical tasks
(Page 320) do not apply. Access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask is not taken
into account during the consistency check of the project (e.g. during download).
Addresses not present in the I/O or not configured in HW Config are treated like normal memory
addresses.

You can access the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask by means of:
• Using an absolute PI access (Page 332): The absolute PI access identifier contains the address
of the input/output and the data type.
• Using a symbolic PI access (Page 334): You declare a variable that references the relevant
absolute PI access:
– A unit variable
– A static local variable in a program.
• Using an I/O variable (Page 336): In the symbol browser, you define a valid I/O variable for the
entire device that references the corresponding absolute PI access.

7.3.4.1 Common process image (as of Kernel V4.2)

As of Version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel, the "Common process image" setting (Page 375) can
be selected on the SIMOTION device. This means addresses 0 .. 63 of the process image of the
cyclic tasks and the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask occupy the same memory area.
This is the default for SIMOTION devices newly created in the project as of Version V4.2.

Property of the common process image

1. The memory area for the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask (Page 326) is a subset
of the memory area for the process image of the cyclic tasks (Page 317).
2. This means I/O addresses already accessed using the process image of the cyclic tasks may
also continue to be used for the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask. Updates,
however, use the configured cyclic tasks.
3. The following applies when forming the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask:
The byte order is the same as supplied by the I/O:
– Big Endian, e.g. for I/O via PROFIBUS DP, PROFINET, P‑Bus, DRIVE‑CLiQ
– Little Endian, e.g. for onboard I/O of C240, C240 PN SIMOTION devices
Any I/O variable created for the relevant addresses for the purpose of direct access or the
process image of the cyclic tasks has no effect on the byte order.

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4. Access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask always takes place using the
Big Endian byte order.
5. These last two properties (nos. 3 and 4) affect access to inputs and outputs operating with
the Little Endian byte order (e.g. onboard I/O of C240, C240 PN SIMOTION devices).
If the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask is used for access, this leads to the following
behavior, regardless of whether I/O variables have been created for the relevant addresses for
the purpose of direct access or the process image of the cyclic tasks:
– Access to individual bytes always supplies the same result via an I/O variable or the fixed
process image of the BackgroundTask.
– With the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask, bytes only change places if data type
WORD is used for access.
Please also refer to the example below.
For information on the order of the Little Endian and Big Endian bytes, please refer to the
SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.

Example for common process image: Access to I/O operating with the Little Endian byte order
The digital inputs of the C240 SIMOTION device operate with the Little Endian byte order and
occupy addresses 66 (bits 0 ..7) and 67 (bits 0.. 3) by default. The start address is changed to 60
in HW Config to ensure it is in the range occupied by the fixed process image of the
BackgroundTask. Addresses 60 and 61 are now accessed using various I/O variables and the
process image of the BackgroundTask.
The following three scenarios are considered, which differ in terms of whether and which I/O
variables are created for direct access or the process image of the cyclic tasks:
1. Scenario A:
No I/O variables are created for addresses 60 and 61.
2. Scenario B:
Two I/O variables with data type BYTE are created for addresses 60 and 61: io_byte_60
(PIB60) and io_byte_61 (PIB61).
3. Scenario C:
For adresss 60, one I/O‑Variable with data type WORD is created; this also covers address 61:
io_word_60 (PIW60).
Two additional I/O variables are also created in each of the three scenarios, making it possible to
access bit 3: io_bit_60_3 (PI60.3) and io_bit_61_3 (PI61.3).

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The table below lists which values are generated with the following access types:
• Direct access or access to the process image of the cyclic tasks:
– Access to individual bytes or the word using the relevant I/O variables
– Access to each individual byte using the _getInOutByte function (direct access only)
– Access to the respective bit 3 using the relevant I/O variables
• Access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask:
– Access to individual bytes using an absolute name
– Access to the word using an absolute name
– Access to the respective bit 3 using an absolute name

Table 7-27 "Common process image" setting (as of Kernel V4.2): Different types of access to the process
images of an input operating with the Little Endian byte order

Access using Scenario A 1 Scenario B 1 Scenario C 1

Direct access or access io_byte_60 (PIB60) - 16#08 -
to the process image of io_byte_61 (PIB61) - 16#00 -
the cyclic tasks
io_word_60 (PIW60) - - 16#0008
_getInOutByte (IN, 60) 16#08 16#08 16#08
_getInOutByte (IN, 61) 16#00 16#00 16#00
io_bit_60_3 (PI60.3) TRUE TRUE TRUE
io_bit_61_3 (PI61.3) FALSE FALSE FALSE

Access to the fixed proc‐ %IB60 16#08 16#08 16#08

ess image of the Back‐ %IB61 16#00 16#00 16#00
groundTask
%IW60 16#0800 2 16#0800 2 16#0800 2
%I60.3 TRUE TRUE TRUE
%I61.3 FALSE FALSE FALSE
1
Scenarios A, B, or C determine whether and which I/O variables are created for direct access or the
process image of the cyclic tasks; see the explanation provided in the body of the document.
2
The two bytes in the word change places, as a value saved in the Little Endian byte order is being read
using Big Endian.

7.3.4.2 Separate process image (up to Kernel V4.1)

With Version V4.1 and below of the SIMOTION Kernel, the process image of the cyclic task and
the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask are stored in different memory areas (separate
process image).
As of Version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel, the "Separate process image" setting (Page 375) can
be selected on the SIMOTION device. This setting ensures there is compatibility with earlier
Kernel versions.
It is the default for SIMOTION devices upgraded to Version V4.2 or higher.

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Property of the separate process image

1. The fixed process image of the BackgroundTask (Page 326) and the process image of the
cyclic tasks (Page 317) are stored in different memory areas.
2. This means I/O addresses that are already accessed using the process image of the cyclic tasks
cannot be read or written to using the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask. They are
treated like normal memory addresses.
3. I/O variables for direct access influence the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask:
– The fixed process image of the BackgroundTask is always formed for the relevant
addresses in the Big Endian byte order.
4. Access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask always takes place using the
Big Endian byte order.
5. These last two properties (nos. 3 and 4) affect access to inputs and outputs operating with
the Little Endian byte order (e.g. onboard I/O of C230‑2, C240, C240 PN SIMOTION devices).
If an I/O variable is created for the relevant addresses for the purpose of direct access using
data type WORD and access takes place using the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask,
this leads to the following behavior:
– Access with the data type WORD supplies the same result via the I/O variable and the
fixed process image of the BackgroundTask.
– Access to individual bytes using the _getInOutByte function (see SIMOTION Basic
Functions Function Manual) supplies these in the Little Endian order.
– Access to the individual bytes or bits with the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask
supplies these in the Big Endian order.
Please also refer to the example below.
For information on the order of the Little Endian and Big Endian bytes, please refer to the
SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.

Example for separate process image: Access to I/O operating with the Little Endian byte order
The digital inputs of the C240 SIMOTION device operate with the Little Endian byte order and
occupy addresses 66 (bits 0 ..7) and 67 (bits 0.. 3) by default. The start address is changed to 60
in HW Config to ensure it is in the range occupied by the fixed process image of the
BackgroundTask. Addresses 60 and 61 are now accessed using various I/O variables and the
process image of the BackgroundTask.
The following three scenarios are considered, which differ in terms of whether and which I/O
variables are created for direct access:
1. Scenario A:
No I/O variables are created for addresses 60 and 61.
2. Scenario B:
Two I/O variables with data type BYTE are created for addresses 60 and 61: io_byte_60
(PIB60) and io_byte_61 (PIB61).
3. Scenario C:
For adresss 60, one I/O‑Variable with data type WORD is created; this also covers address 61:
io_word_60 (PIW60).

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Two additional I/O variables are also created in each of the three scenarios, making it possible to
access bit 3: io_bit_60_3 (PI60.3) and io_bit_61_3 (PI61.3).
The table below lists which values are generated with the following access types:
• Direct access:
– Access to individual bytes or the word using the relevant I/O variables
– Access to each individual byte using the _getInOutByte (Page 317) function
– Access to the respective bit 3 using the relevant I/O variables
• Access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask:
– Access to individual bytes using an absolute name
– Access to the word using an absolute name
– Access to the respective bit 3 using an absolute name

Table 7-28 "Separate process image" setting or Kernel up to Version V4.1: Different types of access to
the process images of an input operating with the Little Endian byte order

Access using Scenario A 1 Scenario B 1 Scenario C 1

Direct access io_byte_60 (PIB60) - 16#08 -
io_byte_61 (PIB61) - 16#00 -
io_word_60 (PIW60) - - 16#0008
_getInOutByte (IN, 60) 16#08 16#08 16#08
_getInOutByte (IN, 61) 16#00 16#00 16#00
io_bit_60_3 (PI60.3) TRUE TRUE TRUE
io_bit_61_3 (PI61.3) FALSE FALSE FALSE
Access to the fixed proc‐ %IB60 16#08 16#08 16#00 3
ess image of the Back‐ %IB61 16#00 16#00 16#08 3
groundTask
%IW60 16#0800 2 16#0800 2 16#0008
%I60.3 TRUE TRUE FALSE 3
%I61.3 FALSE FALSE TRUE 3
1
Scenarios A, B, or C determine whether and which I/O variables are created for direct access; see the
explanation provided in the body of the document.
2
The two bytes in the word change places, as a value saved in the Little Endian order is being read using
Big Endian.
3
The two adjacent bytes change places, as the relevant word is saved in the Big Endian order.

7.3.4.3 Absolute access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask (absolute PI
access)
You make absolute access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask (Page 326) by
directly using the identifier for the address (with implicit data type). The syntax of the identifier
(Page 333) is described in the following section.

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You can use the identifier for the absolute PI access in the same manner as a normal variable
(Page 333).

Note
Outputs can be read and written to, but inputs can only be read.

7.3.4.4 Syntax for the identifier for an absolute process image access
For the absolute access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask (Page 332), use the
following syntax. This specifies not only the address, but also the data type of the access and the
mode of access (input/output).
You also use these identifiers:
• For the declaration of a symbolic access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask
(Page 334).
• For the creation of an I/O variables for accessing the fixed process image of the
BackgroundTask (Page 336).

Table 7-29 Syntax for the identifier for an absolute process image access

Data type Syntax for Permissible address range

Input Output
BOOL %In.x %Qn.x n: 0 .. 63 2
or or x: 0 .. 7
%IXn.x 1 %QXn.x1
BYTE %IBn %QBn n: 0 .. 63 2
WORD %IWn %QWn n: 0 .. 63 2
DWORD %IDn %QDn n: 0 .. 63 2
n = logical address
x = bit number
1
The syntax %IXn.x or %QXn.x is not permitted when defining I/O variables.
2
For a separate process image (Page 330), the following applies: No addresses that are used in the
process image of the cyclic tasks. See note below.

Examples
Input at logic address 62, WORD data type: %IW62.

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Output at logical address 63, bit 3, BOOL data type: %Q63.3.

Note
Up to Version V4.1 of the SIMOTION Kernel or the "Separate process image" (Page 330) setting
on the device (as of Version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel), the following applies:
• Addresses accessed using the process image of the cyclic tasks cannot be read or written to
using the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask.
This restriction no longer applies as of Version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel or with
the "Common process image" (Page 328) setting on the device.

Note
The rules for I/O addresses for direct access and the process image of the cyclical tasks
(Page 320) do not apply. Access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask is not taken
into account during the consistency check of the project (e.g. during download).
Addresses not present in the I/O or not configured in HW Config are treated like normal memory
addresses.

Several examples for the assignment of variables of the same type follow:

Table 7-30 Examples of absolute CPU memory access

status1 := %I1.1; // BOOL data type
status2 := %IB10; // BYTE data type
status3 := %IW20; // WORD data type
status4 := %ID20; // DWORD data type

%Q1.1 := status1; // BOOL data type

%QB20 := status2; // BYTE data type
%QW20 := status3; // WORD data type
%QD20 := status4; // DWORD data type

7.3.4.5 Symbolic access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask (symbolic PI
access)
You can access the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask (Page 326) symbolically without
needing to always specify the absolute process image access.
You can declare symbolic access:
• As a static variable of a program (within the VAR/END_VAR structure in the declaration
section)
• As a unit variable (within the VAR_GLOBAL / END_VAR structure in the interface or
implementation section of the ST source file)
The syntax for declaring a symbolic name for the PI access is shown in the figure:

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7.3 Access to inputs and outputs (process image, I/O variables)

6\PEROLF3,DFFHVV XQIRUPDWWHG

,QWHJHUV
GDWDW\SH
DEVROXWH
,GHQWLILHU $7  
3,DFFHVV

%LWGDWDW\SH

:LGWKRIWKHGHFODUHGGDWDW\SH
PXVWFRUUHVSRQGZLWKWKHZLGWKRIWKHDEVROXWH
LGHQWLILHU

Figure 7-10 Declaration of a symbolic access to the process image

For the absolute PI access, see "Syntax for the identifier for an absolute PI access (Page 333)".
The range of the declared integer or bit data type must correspond to the range of the absolute
PI access, see "Possible data types of the symbolic PI access (Page 335)". After declaring a
numerical data type, you can address the contents of the process image as an integer.
See also Example for the declaration (Page 336).

7.3.4.6 Possible data types for symbolic PI access

In the following cases, a data type that differs from that of the absolute PI access can be assigned
to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask (Page 326). The data type width must
correspond to the data type width of the absolute PI access.
• For the declaration of a symbolic PI access (Page 334).
• For the creation of an I/O variable (Page 336).
If you assign a numeric data type to the symbolic PI access or to the I/O variables, you can access
these variables as integer.

Table 7-31 Possible data types for symbolic PI access

Data type of the Possible data types of the

absolute PI access symbolic PI access
BOOL (%In.x, %IXn.x, %Qn.x. %QXn.x) BOOL
BYTE (%IBn, %QBn) BYTE, SINT, USINT
WORD (%IWn, %QWn) WORD, INT, UINT
DWORD (%IDn, %PQDn) DWORD, DINT, UDINT

For the data type of the absolute PI access, see also "Syntax for the identifier for an absolute PI
access (Page 333)".

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7.3.4.7 Example of symbolic PI access

If, for example, you want to access the CPU memory area (absolute PI access (Page 333)) %IB10,
but can respond flexibly to changes in your program, then declare a myInput variable with this
CPU memory area as follows:

VAR
myInput AT %IB10 : BYTE;
END_VAR

If you want to use the integer value of the memory area, declare the myInput variable as follows:

VAR
myInput AT %IB10 : SINT;
END_VAR

If you want to use a CPU memory area other than %IB10 in your program at a later time, you only
need to change the absolute PI access in the variable declaration.

7.3.4.8 Creating an I/O variable for access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask
You create I/O variables for access to the fixed process image for the background task in the
symbol browser in the detail view; you must be in offline mode to do this.
Here is a brief overview of the procedure:
1. Select the "Address list" tab in the detail view and choose the SIMOTION device
or
In the project navigator of SIMOTION SCOUT, double-click the "ADDRESS LIST" element in the
SIMOTION device subtree.
2. Select the line before which you want to insert the I/O variable and, from the context menu,
select Insert new line
or
Scroll to the end of the table of variables (empty line).
3. In the detail view, select the Symbol browser tab and scroll down to the end of the variable
table (empty row).
4. In the empty row of the table, enter or select the following:
– Name of variable.
– Under I/O address, the absolute PI access according to the "Syntax for the identifier for an
absolute PI access" (Page 333)
(exception: The syntax %IXn.x or %QXn.x is not permitted for data type BOOL).
– Data type of the I/O variables according to the "Possible data types of the symbolic PI
access" (Page 335).
5. Select optionally the display format used to monitor the variable in the symbol browser.

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You can now access this variable using the address list or any program of the SIMOTION device.

Note
I/O variables can only be created in offline mode. You create the I/O variables in SIMOTION SCOUT
and use them in your program sources.
Note that you can read and write outputs but you can only read inputs.
Before you can monitor and modify new or updated I/O variables, you must download the
project to the target system.

You can use I/O variables like any other variable, see "Access I/O variables" (Page 337).

7.3.5 Accessing I/O variables

You have created an I/O variable for:
• Direct access or process image of the cyclic tasks (Page 317).
• Access to the fixed process image of the BackgroundTask (Page 326).
You can use this I/O variable just like any other variable.

Note
Consistency is only ensured for elementary data types.
When using arrays, the user is responsible for ensuring data consistency.

Note
If you have declared unit variables or local variables of the same name (e.g. var-name), specify
the I/O variable using _device.var-name (predefined name space, see the "Predefined name
spaces" table in "Name spaces").
It is possible to directly access an I/O variable that you created as a process image of a cyclic task.
Specify direct access with _direct.var-name or _device._direct.var-name.

If you want to deviate from the default behavior when errors occur during variable access, you
can use the _getSafeValue and _setSafeValue functions (see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function
Manual).
For Errors associated with access to I/O variables, see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function
Manual.

7.4 Using libraries

Libraries provide you with user-defined data types , functions and function blocks that can be
used from all SIMOTION devices.

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Libraries can be written in all programming languages; they can be used in all program sources
(e.g. ST source files, MCC units).
You can obtain more details on inserting and managing libraries in the online help.

Note
The same rules as for the names of program source files apply to the library names, see Insert ST
source file (Page 25). In particular, the permissible length of the name depends on the
SIMOTION Kernel version:
• As of Version V4.1 of the SIMOTION Kernel: maximum 128 characters.
• Up to Version V4.0 of the SIMOTION Kernel: maximum 8 characters.
With versions of the SIMOTION Kernel up to V4.0, a violation of the permissible length of the
library name may not be detected until a consistency check or a download of the project is
performed!

There is also the option of having a library make programs available, which can be called from
other programs or function blocks. Please refer to the conditions which apply when calling a
"program in a program" (Page 203). In each case, the static data for the program called is stored
once in the user memory of the device on which the library program is called. The same program
instance data is used every time the program is called on the same device. A library program
cannot be assigned to the execution system.

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7.4.1 Compiling a library

In libraries, you can use all ST commands except for the ones listed in the table. In addition, you
are not allowed to access some variables; these variables are also listed in this table .

Table 7-32 Illegal ST commands and variable access in libraries

Prohibited commands:
• _getTaskId function (see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual).
• _getAlarmId function (see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual).
• _checkEqualTask function (see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual).
• If the library is not device-dependent (i.e. compiled without reference to a SIMOTION
device or SIMOTION Kernel version):
– System functions of SIMOTION devices (see the Parameter Manual for SIMOTION devi‐
ces)
– Version-dependent system functions
Prohibited variable accesses:
• Unit variables (retentive and non-retentive)
• Global device variables (retentive and non-retentive)
• I/O variables
• Instances of the technology objects and their system variables
• Variables of task names and configured messages (_task and _alarm namespaces,
see Namespaces (Page 347), Predefined namespaces table)
• If the library is not device-dependent (i.e. compiled without reference to a SIMOTION
device or SIMOTION Kernel version):
– System variables of SIMOTION devices (see the Parameter Manual for SIMOTION devi‐
ces)
– Configuration data of technology objects (see Parameter Manual of configuration data
for the relevant SIMOTION technology package)

Note
The Program status debug function is not available in libraries.

Compiling an individual library

To compile an individual library, proceed as follows:
1. Select the library in the project navigator.
2. Select the Edit > Object Properties menu command.
3. Select the Technology package tab.

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4. Select the SIMOTION devices (with SIMOTION kernel version) and the technology packet that
you want to use as a basis for compiling the library; see the SIMOTION Basic Functions
Function Manual.
5. Select Accept and compile from the context menu.
The library is compiled with reference to all selected SIMOTION devices, SIMOTION kernel
versions and technology packages (and independently of devices).

Note
If the library to be compiled imports another library, note the following:
1. For the imported library, at least the same devices and SIMOTION kernel versions must be
selected as for the importing library.
Alternatively, the imported library can be compiled independently of devices if the
prerequisites for this are fulfilled (refer to the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual).
2. The imported library must already be compiled individually with reference to all configured
devices, kernel versions and technology packages.
Compilation of the library as part of a project-wide compilation is generally not sufficient.

Compiling a library as part of a project-wide compilation

When you compile the whole SIMOTION project (e.g. by choosing Project > Save and recompile
all or by performing an XML import), the libraries used are also compiled.

Note
When performing project-wide compilation, note the following:
1. The system automatically identifies dependencies between libraries and selects the
appropriate compilation sequence.
2. A library is only compiled with reference to the SIMOTION devices (including versions of the
SIMOTION kernel) that are configured in the project and which use the library.
3. Other SIMOTION devices and kernel versions set for the library are ignored.

7.4.2 Know-how protection for libraries

You can protect libraries and their source files against unauthorized access by third parties.
Protected libraries or sources can only be opened or exported as plain text files by entering a
password.

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You can:
• Provide individual sources of a library with know-how protection:
Only the sources are protected against unauthorized access.
The setting of the SIMOTION devices including the versions of the SIMOTION Kernel and the
technology packages, for which the library is to be compiled, can still be changed and
adapted by the user. Please refer to the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.
The user can thus use the library for other SIMOTION devices and kernel versions.
• Provide the library with know-how protection:
The following is then protected against unauthorized access:
– All sources of the library
– The setting of the SIMOTION device including the versions of the SIMOTION Kernel and
the technology packages for which the library is to be compiled.
You thus prevent that the user can use the library for other SIMOTION devices and kernel
versions.
Only use this setting if this is intended.
The SIMOTION online help provides additional information on know-how protection.

Note
If you export in XML format, the libraries or sources are exported in an encrypted form. When
importing the encrypted XML files, the know-how protection, including login and password, is
retained.

7.4.3 Using data types, functions and function blocks from libraries
Before using data types, functions or function blocks from libraries, you must make them known
to the ST source file. To do so, use the following construct in the interface section of the ST source
file:

USELIB library-name [AS namespace];

In this case, library-name is the name of the library as it appears in the project navigator.
When multiple libraries are to be specified, enter them as a list separated by commas, e.g.:

USELIB library-name_1 [AS namespace_1],

library-name_2 [AS namespace_2],
library-name_3 [AS namespace_1], ...

You can use the optional AS namespace add-on to define a namespace (Page 347).
• You can then access data types, functions, and function blocks in the library that have the
same name as such an ST source file of a SIMOTION device (in the PROGRAMS folder).
• You can also use namespaces to change the names of data types, functions and function
blocks in the library so that they have different names.

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You can also assign the same namespace to different libraries.

Table 7-33 Example of use of namespaces with libraries

INTERFACE
USELIB Bib_1 AS NS_1, Bib_2 AS NS_2;
PROGRAM Main_Program;
END_INTERFACE

IMPLEMENTATION
FUNCTION Function1 : VOID
VAR
ComID : CommandIdType;
END_VAR
ComId := _getCommandId();
END_FUNCTION

PROGRAM Main_program
function1(); // Function from this source
NS_1.Var1:=1;
NS_2.Var1:=2;
NS_1.function1(); // Function from the Bib1 library
NS_2.function1(); // Function from the Bib2 library
END_PROGRAM
END_IMPLEMENTATION

7.5 Use of the same identifiers and namespaces

7.5.1 Use of the same identifiers

General Information
It is possible to use unit variables and local variables (program variables, FB variables, FC
variables) with the same name. When compiling a program source, the compiler searches for
identifiers beginning with the current POU. The smaller validity range always takes priority over
the larger validity range.
You can therefore use the same identifiers in different source file sections, as long as the rules
below are adhered to. If a higher-level identifier is hidden by an identifier in a unit or POU, the
compiler issues a warning.

Note
Under certain circumstances, the compiler may not issue a warning if, for example, the
associated technology package is not imported.

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Identifier in a program organization unit (POU)

All following identifiers in a POU must be unique:
• Local variables of the POU.
• Local data types of the POU.
They must not be identical to the following identifiers either:
• Reserved identifiers.
• Identifiers of the POU itself.
The compiler issues a warning when the following identifiers are hidden:
• Unit variables, data types and POU or the same or imported units
• Standard system functions, standard system function blocks, and associated data types.
• System functions and system data types of the SIMOTION device.
• Program organization units (POUs) and data types from imported libraries
– This can be resolved by entering a user-defined namespace.
• System functions and system data types from imported technology packages.
– This can be resolved by entering a user-defined namespace.
• SIMOTION device variables (system variables, I/O variables, global device variables).
– This can be resolved by entering the predefined namespace _device.
• Technology objects configured on the SIMOTION device
– This can be resolved by entering the predefined namespace _to.

Identifiers in a unit
Public identifiers of all units (unit variables, data types, and POUs) must be unique throughout
the device.
All the following identifiers must be unique within a unit:
• Unit variables (declared in the interface or implementation section)
• Data types (declared in the interface or implementation section)
• Program organization units (POUs)
They must not be identical to the following identifiers either:
• Reserved identifiers.
• Unit variables, data types and POU imported units.
• Standard system functions, standard system function blocks, and associated data types.
• System functions and system data types of the SIMOTION device.

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• Program organization units (POUs) and data types from imported libraries
– This can be resolved by entering a user-defined namespace.
• System functions and system data types from imported technology packages.
– This can be resolved by entering a user-defined namespace.
The compiler issues a warning when the following identifiers are hidden:
• SIMOTION device variables (system variables, I/O variables, global device variables).
– This can be resolved by entering the predefined namespace _device.
• Technology objects configured on the SIMOTION device.
– This can be resolved by entering the predefined namespace _to.

Identifiers on the SIMOTION device (e.g. I/O variables, global device variables)
All the following identifiers on the SIMOTION device must be unique:
• I/O variables
• Global device variables
• System variables of the SIMOTION device
• System functions and system data types of the SIMOTION device.
They must not be identical to the following identifiers either:
• Reserved identifiers.
• Standard system functions, standard system function blocks, and associated data types.

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Example
The following example illustrates this situation. It shows that for use of identical names for unit
variables (large validity range) and FC variables (small variable scope), only the variables
declared in the function are valid within this source file section. The unit variables are only valid
in POUs in which no local variables of the same name were declared. See the example.

Example of identifier validity

TYPE
type_a : (enum1, enum2, enum3);
END_TYPE

VAR_GLOBAL
var_a, var_b : DINT; // Unit variables
END_VAR

FUNCTION fc_1 : VOID

VAR
var_a : type_a; // Declaration hides UNIT variable
var_c : DINT; // Local variable
END_VAR
// Permitted statements
var_a := enum2; // Access to local variable
var_b := 100; // Access to unit variable
var_c := -1; // Access to local variable
// Invalid statement
// var_a := 200;
END_FUNCTION

FUNCTION fc_2 : VOID

VAR
var_b : type_a; // Declaration hides UNIT variable
var_c : type_a; // Local variable
END_VAR
// Permitted statements
var_a := -100; // Access to unit variable
var_b := enum3; // Access to local variable
var_c := enum1; // Access to local variable
// Invalid statement
// var_b := 200;
END_FUNCTION

7.5.2 Namespaces

You can also access data types, unit variables, functions, and function blocks defined outside of
a program source (e.g. in libraries, technology packages, and on the SIMOTION device) using
their names.
When compiling a program source, the compiler searches for identifiers beginning with the
current POU. The data types, variables, functions, or function blocks declared in a program
source therefore hide identifiers with the same name which have been defined outside the
source, see Use of the same identifiers (Page 342). In order to still access these hidden
identifiers, you can use namespaces in certain cases.

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7.5.2.1 Namespaces for libraries and technology packages

In the import statement for libraries and technology packages, you can define namespaces in
order to access the data types, functions, or function blocks of these libraries and technology
packages.

USELIB library-name_1 [AS lib_namespace_1],

library-name_2 [AS lib_namespace_2],
library-name_3 [AS lib_namespace_1], ...

USEPACKAGE tp-name_1 [AS tp_namespace_1],

tp-name_2 [AS tp_namespace_2],
tp-name_3 [AS tp_namespace_1], ...

You can also use namespaces to make names consistent within different libraries.
If you wish to use a data type, a function or a function block from a library or a technology
package, place the namespace identifier in front of the name, separated by a period, for
example, namespace.fc-name, namespace.fb-name, namespace.type-name

Example
The following example shows how to select the Cam technology package, assign it the
namespace Cam1 and use the namespace:

Example of selecting a technology package and using a namespace

INTERFACE
USEPACKAGE Cam AS Cam1;
USES ST_2;
FUNCTION function1;
END_INTERFACE

IMPLEMENTATION
FUNCTION function1 : VOID
VAR_INPUT
p_Axis : posAxis;
END_VAR
VAR
retVal : DINT;
END_VAR

retVal:= Cam1._enableAxis (
axis := p_Axis,
nextCommand := Cam1.WHEN_COMMAND_DONE,
commandId := _getCommandId() );
END_FUNCTION
END_IMPLEMENTATION

Note
If a namespace is defined for an imported library or technology package, this must always be
specified if a function, function block, or data type from this library or technology package is
being used. See above example: Cam1._enableAxis, Cam1.WHEN_COMMAND_DONE.

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7.5.2.2 Predefined namespaces

Namespaces are predefined for device- and project-specific variables as well as TaskID and
AlarmID variables. If necessary, write their designation before the variable names, separated by
a period, for example, _device.var-name or _task.task-name

Table 7-34 Predefined namespaces

Namespace Description
_alarm For AlarmId: The _alarm.name variable contains the AlarmId of the message with
the name identifier (see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual).
_device For device-specific variables (global device variables, I/O variables, and system varia‐
bles of the SIMOTION device).
_direct For direct access to I/O variables – see Direct access and process image of the cyclic
tasks (Page 317).
Local namespace for _device. Nesting as in _device._direct.name is permitted.
_project For names of SIMOTION devices in the project; only used with technology objects on
other devices.
With unique project-wide names of technology objects, used also for these names and
their system variables.
_task For TaskID: The _task.name variable contains the TaskId of the task with the name
identifier (see SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual).
_quality As of version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel: For the detailed status of I/O variables
(Page 324). A value with data type DWORD is supplied.
Local namespace for _device. Nesting as in _device._quality.name is permitted.
_to For technology objects configured on the SIMOTION device, and their system varia‐
bles and configuration data.
Not for system functions and data types of the technology objects. In this case, if
necessary, use the user-defined namespace for the imported technology package

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7.5 Use of the same identifiers and namespaces

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7.5.2.3 Object-oriented namespace

Declaration of object-oriented namespaces

You declare object-oriented namespaces in the interface or implementation section of an ST
source file or within another object-oriented namespace.
Use the following syntax:

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Figure 7-12 Syntax: Object-oriented namespace

Specify an identifier for the name of the namespace after the NAMESPACE and the optional
INTERNAL keywords.

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This is then followed by:

• The statements permitted in the namespace, e.g.:
– Declarations of user-defined data types
– Global variable declarations
– Object-oriented interfaces
– Program organization units, such as classes, functions, function blocks, programs and
their prototypes
– Other namespaces
• The END_NAMESPACE keyword
The INTERNAL keyword is possible only in namespace declarations within a namespace.
Object-oriented namespaces can be nested as required. Whereby, the nesting can be
abbreviated by specifying a structured namespace path of the form
namespace_1.namespace_2.

// Declaration of a nested namespace

NAMESPACE ns1
NAMESPACE INTERNAL ns_int
(* Elements of ns1.ns_int *)
END_NAMESPACE
(* Further elements of ns1 *)
END_NAMESPACE
// Declaration of a nested namespace
// by fully qualified name
// ns1 is public; INTERNAL acts only on the last name part
NAMESPACE INTERNAL ns1.ns_int
(* Elements of ns1.ns_int *)
END_NAMESPACE

As for structured variables, access can be made from outside an object-oriented namespace to
its elements by prefixing the namespace identifier separated with a period to the element
identifier: namespace.element.
The INTERNAL access identifier can be specified for every element defined within a namespace
(default is public). The INTERNAL access identifier immediately follows the associated keyword,
e.g. VAR_GLOBAL, VAR_GLOBAL CONSTANT, TYPE, CLASS, INTERFACE, FUNCTION_BLOCK,
FUNCTION, PROGRAM or NAMESPACE. Methods, type and variable declarations, as well as
constants, can also be declared within INTERNAL classes and function blocks; see sections
"Access identifier within classes (Page 211)" and "Access identifiers within object-oriented FBs
(Page 181)". Access can be made to elements identified with INTERNAL only within the higher-
level namespace.
Name conflicts for elements defined within a namespace are not permitted.
The definition of a namespace does not need to be closed. If a previously defined namespace
with the same name is found, the content of the declaration is included there. This also applies
when the namespace is specified with a USES statement.
Predefined namespaces (Page 347) (e.g. _task, _alarm, _device, _project) cannot be extended.
Consequently, it is not permitted to use these identifiers for a namespace definition. Access per
USING with these namespaces is also not possible.

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If a previously defined namespace (defined in a separate source or imported from a source or

library with USES or USELIB) is redeclared, the previous access identifier must be retained.
• If no access identifier is specified with a new declaration of a previously declared INTERNAL
namespace, a compiler warning is issued and the namespace remains INTERNAL.
• A compiler error message will be issued if an attempt is made to declare a previously
published namespace as INTERNAL subsequently.
• If the same namespace is declared in two different sources or libraries as INTERNAL and
public, and these sources/libraries are used together in another source, the namespace is
indicated as INTERNAL there.
This ensures that the elements of a namespace declared as INTERNAL cannot be made public
subsequently.
If public program organization units (POUs) are classified in namespaces, the namespace must
be specified in the interface section and in the implementation section of the source.

Access to namespaces and their elements

Within a namespace, all included elements can be used without name prefix, even when they
were declared as INTERNAL. If no element was found for an identifier within the namespace, a
search is made for the identifier in the enclosing scope that can also be a namespace or the
global scope of the source. Access without name prefix is also possible to such found elements.
This also applies to elements declared as INTERNAL in the enclosing namespace, because the
lower-level namespace in which the identifier search begins always belongs to the current
namespace.
In addition to the above-mentioned search in the scope, it is also possible to access elements
contained in the namespaces. This requires the complete designation of the namespace written
separated with a period before the element identifier: namespace_1.namespace_11.element.
Because an external access is typically involved, no access is possible to elements declared as
INTERNAL.

Table 7-35 Example: Access to elements of a class declared as INTERNAL

NAMESPACE ns1
CLASS INTERNAL cl_int
METHOD PUBLIC m_public
// Warning: Method is INTERNAL.
// (The complete class is INTERNAL)
;
END_METHOD
METHOD INTERNAL m_internal
;
END_METHOD
END_CLASS
VAR_GLOBAL
vg_clint : cl_int;
// Instance can be created, because within ns1.
END_VAR
END_NAMESPACE

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FUNCTION_BLOCK fb_test
VAR
v_clint : ns1.cl_int;
// Instance cannot be created
// cl_int is INTERNAL in ns1.
END_VAR
ns1.vg_clint.m_public();
(* Access to method m_public not possible Although the instance vg_clint from ns1 is
visible, access is not possible to its elements *)
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK

Table 7-36 Example: Access to elements of a namespace declared as INTERNAL

NAMESPACE ns1
NAMESPACE INTERNAL ns_int
CLASS cl
METHOD PUBLIC m_public ; END_METHOD
METHOD INTERNAL m_internal ; END_METHOD
END_CLASS
END_NAMESPACE
VAR_GLOBAL
vg_cl : ns_int.cl;
// Instance can be created, because within ns1.
END_VAR
END_NAMESPACE
FUNCTION_BLOCK fb_test1
VAR
v_cl : ns1.ns_int.cl;
// Instance cannot be created
// ns_int is INTERNAL in ns1.
END_VAR
ns1.vg_cl.m_public();
// Access possible to method m_public
ns1.vg_cl.m_internal();
// Access not possible to method m_internal
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK

USING directive
The USING directive has the following syntax:
USING namespace-list;
The namespace list is a list of namespace identifiers each separated by a comma.
Example:
USING namespace_1, namespace_2;
The USING directive affects the scope of the source file section in which it is specified. In this
scope, the public elements of the namespaces specified in the USING directive can be used
without details of the namespace identifier. These elements are considered as if they were
declared themselves there.

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This means name conflicts between the elements from different namespaces shown with
USING, and elements of the current scope are not permitted. Compiler error messages are
issued.
The USING directive always acts in the scope of the source file section in which it is specified. It
does not apply to external accesses in this source file section. Consequently, the USING directive
is always restricted to the current source. It has no effect in other sources that the current source
uses.
The namespace identifier specified on the USING directive (possibly cascaded) must reference a
namespace valid at this time. A USING directive does not implicitly declare namespaces.
USING directives can be specified at the following places, possibly several times successively:
• In the interface section of the source:
Immediately after statements for importing technology packages, libraries and other sources
(USEPACKAGE, USELIB, USES).
This allows, for example, declared elements in namespaces for libraries to be shown in the
global namespace.
• For the first declaration of a namespace within a source:
Immediately on the following namespace identifier itself.
• Within a program organization unit (POU), e.g. class, function block, object-oriented
interface, program, method:
Immediately before the declaration section of the POU.

Examples

Table 7-37 Example: USING directive in the interface section of a source

INTERFACE
USELIB mylib; // Link with the mylib library
USING ns_mylib; // Show the elements of the namespace
// ns_mylib in the global namespace of the source
// ...
END_INTERFACE

Table 7-38 Example: USING directive in a namespace

NAMESPACE ns2
USING ns1;
USING ns1.ns11;
// ...
END_NAMESPACE

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Table 7-39 Example: USING directive in the interface section of a program organization unit

CLASS cl
USING ns1;
USING ns1.ns11;
// ...
METHOD m : VOID
USING ns1.ns11.ns111;
;
END_METHOD
END_CLASS

Note
The USING directive cannot be used on namespaces included in the namespace path of the
current source file section.

Table 7-40 Example: USING directive to a higher-level namespace not possible

NAMESPACE ns1.ns11.ns111
CLASS cltest
USING ns11; // Error: ns11 is part of its own declaration path
// ...
END_CLASS
END_NAMESPACE

Note
Namespace identifiers of other USING directives are not visible within a USING directive.

Table 7-41 Example: USING directive for nested namespaces

NAMESPACE ns1.ns11
// ...
END_NAMESPACE
NAMESPACE ns_test
USING ns1;
USING ns11; // Error:
// Namespace ns11 not visible for USING directive
USING ns1.ns11; // Specification must be made as such
END_NAMESPACE

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7.6 Reference data

The reference data provide you with an overview of:
• on utilized identifiers with information about their declaration and use
(Cross-reference list (Page 355)).
• on function calls and their nesting
(Program structure (Page 359))
• on the memory requirement for various data areas of the program sources
(Code attributes (Page 360))

7.6.1 Cross-reference list

The cross-reference list shows all identifiers in program sources (e.g. ST source files, MCC units):
• Declared as variables, data types, or program organization units (program, function,
function block)
• Used as previously defined types in declarations
• Used as variables in the statement section of a program organization unit.

7.6.1.1 Generating and updating a cross-reference list

Initially, the cross-reference list is generated automatically when opening. Open a cross-
reference list, e.g. after selecting an ST source file or library via the Edit > Display reference
data > Cross-references menu. After changes, the update is partly performed automatically
and can always be triggered manually in the detail view via the button. When updating via
the button, a check is performed as to whether a compilation is required. If a compilation is
required, this is indicated by a yellow triangle next to the button.

Update of the cross-reference list when selecting a program

The list is updated automatically when opening the selected program. The local defined
identifiers are therefore up-to-date.
External identifiers in the program are not updated when opening.
The opened cross-reference list is also updated automatically when compiling the program.

Update of the cross-reference list when selecting a tree (CPU, project, library, program
folder)
The cross-reference list is generated automatically when opening the first time. There is no
automatic update when opened again.

Note
An error-free compilation is required for a correct, consistent display of the reference data. If
required, compile the project, the CPU, the program or the library first.

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7.6.1.2 Content of the cross-reference list

The cross-reference list contains all the identifiers assigned to the element selected in the project
navigator. The applications for the identifiers are also listed in a table:
Details of how to work with the cross-reference list are provided in the section titled "Working
with the cross-reference list (Page 358)".

Table 7-42 Meanings of columns and selected entries in the cross-reference list

Column Entry in column Meaning

Name Identifier name
Type Identifier type
Name • Data type of a variable (e.g. REAL, INT)
• POU type (e.g. PROGRAM, FUNCTION)
DERIVED Derived data type
DERIVED ANY_OBJECT TO data type
ARRAY … ARRAY data type
ENUM … Enumerator data type
STRUCT … STRUCT data type
Declaration Location of declaration
Name (UNIT) Declaration in the program source name
Name (LIB) Declaration in the library name
Name (TO) System variable of the technology object name
Name (TP) Declaration in the default library specified:
• Technology package name
• std_fct = IEC library
• device = device-specific library
Name (DV) Declaration on the SIMOTION device name (e.g. I/O variable or global device
variable)
_project Declaration in the project (e.g. technology object)
_device Internal variable on the SIMOTION device (e.g. TaskStartInfo)
_task Task in the execution system
Use Use of identifier
CALL Call as subprogram (static binding)
CALL VTAB Call of a method of the dynamic binding
ENUM name As element when declaring the enumerator data type name
I/O Declaration as I/O variable
R Read access
R (TYPE) As data type in a declaration
R/W Read and write access
STRUCT name As component when declaring the structure name
TYPE Declaration as data type or POU
Variable type (e.g. VAR, Declaration as variable of the variable type specified
VAR_GLOBAL)
W Write access

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Column Entry in column Meaning

Path specification Path specification for the SIMOTION device or program source
Name SIMOTION device name
Name1/Name2 • Program source name2 on SIMOTION device name1
• Program source name2 in library name1
Name/taskbind.hid Execution system of the SIMOTION device name
Range Range within the SIMOTION device or program source
INTERFACE Interface section of the program source
POE type name (i.e. Program Organization Unit (POU) Name within the program source.
CLASS name, • In an MCC chart: Additional
FUNCTION name, serial numbers for the command (block numbers)
FUNCTION_BLOCK name
INTERFACE name • In a LAD/FBD program:
PROGRAM name) Additional serial numbers of the network
I/O address I/O variable
METHOD Name_1::Name_2 Method Name_2 within the class or the function block Name_1
TASK name Assignment for the task name
UNIT Implementation section of the program source, additional specification as POU to
be made public in the interface section of the program source
UNIT - IMPLEMENTATION Implementation section of the program source
_device Global device variable
Language Programming language of the program source
Line/Block • In an ST source:
Line number within the program source
• In an MCC or LAD/FBD source:
Relative line number within the command (block) or network.
Note
The absolute line number within the program source, which you need, for
example, for the trace function "Trigger to code point", is obtained as follows:
– Press the Determine program line button.
– In the dialog box, press the button Copy program line to the clipboard.

Note
Single-step tracking and trace diagnostic functions in MCC programming
Additional variables and functions are created or used for these diagnostics functions:
• The variables TSI#dwuser_1 and TSI#dwuser_2 of the TaskStartInfo are used for the single-
step tracking diagnostic function.
• Various internal functions and variables, whose identifier begins with an underscore, are
automatically created by the compiler for the trace diagnostic function. The
TSI#currentTaskId variable of the TaskStartInfo is also used.
With activated diagnostic function, these variables and functions are used for the control of the
diagnostics function. These variables and functions must not be used in the user program.

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7.6.1.3 Working with a cross-reference list

In the cross-reference list you are able to:
• Sort the column contents alphabetically:
– To do this, click the header of the appropriate column.
• Search for an identifier or entry:
– Click the "Search" button and enter the search term.
• Filter (Page 358) the identifiers and entries displayed.
• Copy contents to the clipboard in order to paste them into a spreadsheet program,
for example.
– Select the appropriate lines and columns.
– Press the CTRL+C shortcut.
• Print the content (Project > Print).
• Open the referenced program source and position the cursor on the relevant line of the ST
source file (or MCC command or LAD/FBD element):
– Double-click on the corresponding line in the cross-reference list.
or
– Place the cursor in the corresponding line of the cross-reference list and click the "Go to
application" button.
Further details about working with cross-reference lists can be found in the online help.

7.6.1.4 Filtering the cross-reference list

You can filter the entries in the cross-reference list so that only relevant entries are displayed:
1. Click the "Filter settings" button.
The "Filter Setting for Cross References" window will appear.
2. Activate the "Filter active" checkbox.
3. If you also want to display system variables and system functions:
– Deactivate the "Display user-defined variables only" checkbox.
4. Set the desired filter criterion for the relevant columns:
– Select the relevant entry from the drop-down list box or enter the criterion.
– If you want to search for a character string within an entry: Deactivate the "Whole words
only" checkbox.
5. Confirm with OK.
The contents of the cross-reference list will reflect the filter settings selected.

Note
A filter is automatically activated after the cross-reference list has been created.

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7.6.2 Program structure

The program structure contains all the function calls and their nesting within a selected element.
You can display the program structure selectively for:
• An individual program source (e.g. ST source file, MCC unit, LAD/FBD source file)
• All program sources of a SIMOTION device
• All program sources and libraries of the project
• Libraries (all libraries, single library, individual program source within a library)
Proceed as follows:
1. In the project navigator, select the element for which you want to display the program
structure.
2. Select the Edit > Display reference data > Program structure menu command.
The cross-reference tab is replaced by the program structure tab in the detail view.

Note
The display data is updated every time the program structure is opened.
You can update the detail view of an opened program structure with the F5 key.

7.6.2.1 Content of the program structure

A tree structure appears, showing:
• as base respectively
– the program organization units (programs, functions, function blocks) declared in the
program source, or
– the execution system tasks used
• below these, the subroutines referenced in this program organization unit or task.

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For structure of the entries, see table:

Table 7-43 Elements of the display for the program structure

Element Description
Base List separated by a comma
(declared POU or task • Identifier of the program organization unit (POU) or task
used)) The specification Name_1::Name_2 means: Method Name_2 within the
class or the function block Name_1.
• Identifier of the program source in which the POU or task was declared, with
add-on [UNIT]
• Minimum and maximum stack requirement (memory requirement of the
POU or task on the local data stack), in bytes [Min, Max]
• Minimum and maximum overall stack requirement (memory requirement of
the POU or task on the local data stack including all called POUs), in bytes
[Min, Max]
Referenced POU List separated by a comma:
• Identifier of called POU
The specification Name_1::Name_2 means: Method Name_2 within the
class or the function block Name_1.
• Optionally: Identifier of the program source / technology package in which
the POU was declared:
Add-on (UNIT): User-defined program source
Add-on (LIB): Library
Add-on (TP): System function from technology package
• with function blocks or methods only: Identifier of the instance of the func‐
tion block or the higher-level class
• with function blocks or methods only: Identifier of program source in which
the instance of the function block or of the higher-level class was declared:
Add-on (UNIT): User-defined program source
Add-on (LIB): Library
• Number of the line in the (compiled) source in which the POE is called; several
line numbers are separated by “/".

7.6.3 Code attributes

You can find information on or the memory requirement of various data areas of the program
sources under code attribute.
You can display the code attributes selectively for:
• An individual program source (e.g. ST source file, MCC unit, LAD/FBD source file)
• All program sources of a SIMOTION device
• All program sources and libraries of the project
• Libraries (all libraries, single library, individual program source within a library)

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Proceed as follows:
1. In the project navigator, select the element for which you want to display the code attributes.
2. Select the Edit > Display reference data > Code attributes menu command.
The Cross-references tab is now replaced by the Code attributes tab in the detail view.

Note
The display data is updated every time the code attributes are opened.
You can update the detail view of the opened code attributes with the F5 key.

7.6.3.1 Code attribute contents

The following are displayed in a table for all selected program sources:
• Identifier of program source,
• Memory requirement, in bytes, for the following data areas of the program source:
– Dynamic data: All unit variables (retentive and non-retentive, in the interface and
implementation sections),
– Retain data: Retentive unit variables in the interface and implementation section,
– Interface data: Unit variables (retentive and non-retentive) in the interface section,
• the Code size during the last compilation in bytes,
• the Number of referenced sources:
The maximum number of connected sources is displayed (including system libraries),
regardless of whether they are downloaded to the target system at a later date.

7.6.4 Reference to variables

If you have selected the identifier of a variable in the open Editor window for each programming
language, you can use the other places of use over the context menu to list or to skip these
variables.
You select the identifier of a variable:
• In SIMOTION ST: In the Editor window of an ST source.
• In SIMOTION MCC: In the input field on the parameter screen of an open MCC command
within an MCC chart
• In SIMOTION LAD/FBD: In the Editor window of a LAD/FBD program

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An identifier is recognized as a variable under the following conditions:

1. The identifier is declared as a variable. The scope of the variable includes the respective
window (ST source, MCC chart, LAD/FBD program).
2. The program source is compiled.
3. The variable is selected as follows (in an open parameter screen within an MCC chart):
– The identifier is fully marked
or
– The cursor is within the identifier.

Note
In arrays and structures, only the variable can be selected, not a single element.

Using the Go to context menu, you have the following options:

• To jump to the next local place of use:
Select the context menu Go to > Local use >>.
The next place of use of the variables within the same Editor window (ST source, MCC chart,
LAD/FBD program) is selected. In an MCC chart, the corresponding MCC command opens.
• Jump to the previous local place of use:
Select the context menu Go to > Local use <<.
The previous place of use of the variables within the same Editor window (ST source, MCC
chart, LAD/FBD program) is selected. In an MCC chart, the corresponding MCC command
opens.
• Jump to the declaration position:
Select the context menu Go to > Declaration position.
The declaration position of the variables is selected. The corresponding program source is
opened, if necessary.
• List all places of use
Select the context menu Go to > Places of use ....
In the detailed view, all places of use of the variables within their scope (including the
declaration position) are listed The structure of this list is similar to the List of cross references
(Page 356).
This is how you jump to a preferred place of use:
– Double-click on the corresponding line.
or
– Place the cursor in the corresponding line and click the "Go to application" button.

7.7 Controlling the preprocessor and compiler with pragmas

A pragma is used to insert an ST source file text (e.g. statements), which influences the
compilation of the ST source file.

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7.7 Controlling the preprocessor and compiler with pragmas

Pragmas are enclosed in { and } brackets and can contain (see figure):
• Preprocessor statements for controlling the preprocessor, see Controlling the preprocessor
(Page 363).
The pragmas with preprocessor statements contained in an ST source file are evaluated by
the preprocessor and interpreted as control statements.
• Attributes for compiler options to control the compiler, see Controlling compiler with
attributes (Page 368).
The pragmas with attributes for compiler options contained in an ST source file are evaluated
by the compiler and interpreted as control statements.
• Non-assigned compiler messages, see Issuing non-assigned compiler messages (Page 372).
Non-assigned compiler messages are issued in the “Compile/check output” tab in the detailed
view.

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Figure 7-13 Syntax: Pragma

Note
Be sure to use the correct pragma syntax (e.g. upper- and lower-case notation of attributes).
Unrecognized pragmas are ignored with no warning message.

7.7.1 Controlling the preprocessor

The preprocessor prepares an ST source file for compilation. For example, character strings can
be defined as replacement texts for identifiers, or sections of the source program can be hidden/
shown for compilation.
The preprocessor is disabled by default. You can activate it as follows:
• Globally for all program source files and programming languages within the project, see
"Global settings of the compiler (Page 62)".
• Local for a program source file, see "Local compiler settings (Page 65)".

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7.7 Controlling the preprocessor and compiler with pragmas

During the compilation of a program source file, you will be informed about the preprocessor
actions. This requires, however, that the display of class 7 warnings is activated, see Meanings
of the warning classes (Page 72). You specify the details for issued warnings and information:
• In the global or local settings of the compiler.
• With the _U7_PoeBld_CompilerOption := warning:n:off or warning:n:on attribute within an
ST source file, see "Controlling compiler with attributes (Page 368)".
Like all compiler messages, information about the preprocessor actions is shown on the
"Compile/check output" tab of the detail view.

Note
You can also view the text of the ST source file modified by the preprocessor:
1. Open the ST source file.
2. Select the ST source file > Execute preprocessor menu command.
The modified source text is shown in the "Compile/check output" tab of the detail view.

7.7.1.1 Preprocessor statement

You can control the preprocessor by means of statements in pragmas. The statements specified
in the following syntax diagram can be used. These statements act on all subsequent lines of the
ST source file.
They can be used in ST source files of a SIMOTION device or a library.
You can make definitions for the preprocessor (see Making preprocessor definitions (Page 74))
in the property dialog box of the ST source file. This enables you also to control the preprocessor
with ST source files with know-how protection (see Know-how protection for ST source files
(Page 74)).

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Figure 7-14 Syntax: Preprocessor statement

Table 7-44 Preprocessor statements

Statement Meaning
#define The specified identifier will be replaced below by the specified text.
Permissible characters: See table footnote.
#undef The replacement rule for the identifier is cancelled.
#ifdef For variant formation (conditional compilation)
If the specified identifier is defined, the following program lines (until the next
pragma that contains #else or #endif) are compiled by the compiler.
#ifndef For variant formation (conditional compilation)
If the specified identifier is not defined, the following program lines (until the next
pragma that contains #else or #endif) are compiled by the compiler.
#else For variant formation (conditional compilation)
Alternative branch to #ifdef or #ifndef.
The following program lines (until the next pragma containing #endif) are com‐
piled by the compiler, if the preceding query with #ifdef or #ifndef was not fulfilled.
#endif Concludes variant formation with #ifdef or #ifndef.
Permissible characters:
• For identifiers: In accordance with the rules for identifiers (Page 95).
• For text: Sequence of any characters other than \ (backslash), ’ (single quote) and ” (double quote).
The keywords USES, USELIB and USEPACKAGE are not permitted.

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7.7 Controlling the preprocessor and compiler with pragmas

Note
Each preprocessor statement must begin with a new line and end with a line break.
Consequently, the curly brackets ({ and }) enclosing the pragma must be placed in separate lines
of the ST source file!
In the case of pragmas with #define statements, please note:
• Pragmas with #define statements in the interface section of an ST source file are declared
public. The defined identifiers can be used with the USES statement into other ST source files
of the same SIMOTION device or of the same library.
• Identifiers defined in pragmas of libraries cannot be imported into ST source files of a
SIMOTION device.
• Redefinition of reserved identifiers is not possible.
You can also make preprocessor definitions in the Properties dialog box of the ST source file. In
the case of different definitions of the same identifiers, #define statements within the ST source
file have priority.

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7.7.1.2 Example of preprocessor statements

Table 7-45 Example of preprocessor statements

ST source file Preprocessor output
With preprocessor statements
INTERFACE INTERFACE
FUNCTION_BLOCK fb1; FUNCTION_BLOCK fb1;
VAR_GLOBAL VAR_GLOBAL
g_var : INT; g_var : INT;
END_VAR END_VAR
// Preprocessor definitions
{ {
#define my_define g_var
#define my_call f(my_define)
} }
// my_define -> g_var
// my_call -> f(g_var)
END_INTERFACE END_INTERFACE

IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION
FUNCTION f : INT FUNCTION f : INT
VAR_INPUT VAR_INPUT
i : INT; i : INT;
END_VAR END_VAR
f := i; f := i;
END_FUNCTION END_FUNCTION

FUNCTION_BLOCK fb1 FUNCTION_BLOCK fb1

VAR_INPUT VAR_INPUT
i_var : INT; i_var : INT;
END_VAR END_VAR
VAR_OUTPUT VAR_OUTPUT
o_var : INT; o_var : INT;
END_VAR END_VAR
my_define := i_var; g_var := i_var;
// Delete the preprocessor definition
// For my_define
{ {
#undef my_define
} }
o_var := my_call + 1; o_var := f(g_var) + 1;
{ {
#ifdef my_define
}
my_define := i_var;
{
#endif
} }
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK END_FUNCTION_BLOCK
END_IMPLEMENTATION END_IMPLEMENTATION

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7.7 Controlling the preprocessor and compiler with pragmas

7.7.2 Controlling compiler with attributes

You can use attributes within a pragma to control the compiler.

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Figure 7-15 Syntax: Attributes for compiler options

Table 7-46 Permissible attributes for compiler options

Attribute identifier Attribute value Meaning

_U7_PoeBld_CompilerOption The attribute affects the output of compiler warnings and information within an ST
source file, as well as all subsequent lines of the ST source file.
warning:n:err Outputs the warning or information specified by the number n as an
error. Permissible values for n:
n = 16000 and higher: Number for a warning or information:
warning:n:off Warnings or information specified by the number n are not displayed.
Permissible values for n:
n = 0 to 7: Warning class, see Meanings of the warning classes
(Page 72).
n = 16000 and higher: Number for a warning or information:
warning:n:on Warnings specified by the number n are displayed
Permissible values for n:
n = 0 to 7: Warning class, see Meanings of the warning classes
(Page 72).
n = 16000 and higher: Number for a warning or information:

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Attribute identifier Attribute value Meaning

HMI_Export The attribute changes the variables available on HMI devices by default. It must be
placed directly after the associated keyword of the following declaration blocks:
• In the interface or implementation section of an ST source file:
– VAR_GLOBAL
– VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN
• In the declaration section of a function block provided that the compiler option
(Page 62) "Permit object-oriented programming" is activated:
– VAR, VAR PUBLIC, VAR PRIVATE
– VAR RETAIN, VAR PRIVATE RETAIN
• In the declaration section of a class (as of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel):
– VAR PUBLIC
– VAR, VAR PROTECTED, VAR PRIVATE
– VAR RETAIN, VAR PROTECTED RETAIN, VAR PRIVATE RETAIN
It affects only the unit variables declared in the associated declaration block.
Detailed description of the HMI export, in particular the effect of the attribute depending
on the version of the SIMOTION kernel: see Variables and HMI devices (Page 309).
FALSE This attribute value is permissible:
• In the interface section of an ST source file
• In the following declaration blocks of a function block provided
that the compiler option (Page 62) “Permit object-oriented pro‐
gramming" is activated:
– VAR, VAR PUBLIC, VAR PRIVATE
• In the following declaration blocks of a class (as of version V4.5
of the SIMOTION Kernel):
– VAR PUBLIC
The variables declared in the associated declaration block are not
available on HMI devices.
TRUE This attribute value is permissible:
• In the implementation section of an ST source file.
• In the following declaration blocks of a function block provided
that the compiler option (Page 62) "Permit object-oriented pro‐
gramming" is activated:
– VAR RETAIN, VAR PRIVATE RETAIN
• In the following declaration blocks of a class (as of version V4.5
of the SIMOTION Kernel):
– VAR, VAR PROTECTED, VAR PRIVATE
– VAR RETAIN, VAR PROTECTED RETAIN, VAR PRIVATE RETAIN
The variables declared in the associated declaration block are avail‐
able on HMI devices.

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Attribute identifier Attribute value Meaning

BlockInit_OnChange The attribute changes the standard definition whether a download in RUN mode is
possible when a change is made to the version identification of the associated declara‐
tion block. It must be placed directly after the associated keyword of the following
declaration blocks:
• VAR_GLOBAL (in the interface and implementation section)
• VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN (in the interface and implementation section)
• VAR (only for programs in a unit if the "Create program instance data only once"
compiler option is active).
It affects only the variables declared in the associated declaration block.
See also Version ID of global variables and their initialization during download
(Page 303).
FALSE Download in RUN mode is not possible when the version identifica‐
tion of the declaration block is changed (default).
TRUE Download in RUN mode is possible despite the change to the version
identification of the declaration block. The variables of the declara‐
tion block are initialized in the process.
BlockInit_OnDeviceRun Only as of Version V4.1 of the SIMOTION kernel.
The attribute changes the standard definition whether the variables of the associated
declaration block will be initialized for the transition to the RUN mode. It must be placed
directly after the associated keyword of the following declaration blocks:
• VAR_GLOBAL (in the interface and implementation section)
• VAR (only for programs in a unit if the "Create program instance data only once"
compiler option is active).
It affects only the variables declared in the associated declaration block.
See also Memory ranges of the variable types (Page 289).
DISABLE The variables declared in the associated declaration block are not
initialized during the transition of the operating mode from STOP to
RUN.
ALWAYS The variables declared in the associated declaration block are initial‐
ized in the transition of the mode from STOP to RUN.
Default:
Up to version V4.1 of the SIMOTION Kernel: DISABLE
Version V4.2 and higher of the SIMOTION Kernel: In accordance with the setting on the
device

Note
Be sure to use the correct upper- and lower-case notation for attributes!

Note
The insertion, deletion or changing of the HMI_Export, BlockInit_OnChange or
BlockInit_OnDeviceRun attributes in a declaration block does not change its version
identification!

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Table 7-47 Example of attributes for compiler options

INTERFACE
VAR_GLOBAL
{ HMI_Export := FALSE;
BlockInit_OnChange := TRUE; }
// No HMI export, download in RUN possible
x : DINT;
END_VAR
FUNCTION_BLOCK fb1;
END_INTERFACE
IMPLEMENTATION
VAR_GLOBAL
{ HMI_Export := TRUE;
BlockInit_OnDeviceRun := ALWAYS; }
// HMI export, initialization for the STOP -> RUN transition
y : DINT;
END_VAR
FUNCTION_BLOCK fb1
VAR_INPUT
i_var : INT;
END_VAR
VAR_OUTPUT
o_var : INT;
END_VAR
{ _U7_PoeBld_CompilerOption := warning:2:on; }
o_var := REAL_TO_INT(1.0); // Warning 16004
{ _U7_PoeBld_CompilerOption := warning:2:off; }
o_var := REAL_TO_INT(1.0); // No warning 16004
{ _U7_PoeBld_CompilerOption := warning:16004:on; }
o_var := REAL_TO_INT(1.0); // Warning 16004
{ _U7_PoeBld_CompilerOption := warning:16004:off; }
o_var := REAL_TO_INT(1.0); // No warning 16004
{ _U7_PoeBld_CompilerOption := warning:2:off;
_U7_PoeBld_CompilerOption := warning:16004:on; }
o_var := REAL_TO_INT(1.0); // Warning 16004
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK
END_IMPLEMENTATION

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7.7 Controlling the preprocessor and compiler with pragmas

7.7.3 Issue non-assigned compiler message

Within a Pragma (Page 362) you are able to prompt the computer to write non-assigned compiler
messages to the “Compile/check output” tab of the detailed view.

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Figure 7-16 Syntax: Non-assigned compiler message

The keywords have the following meaning:

Keyword Message number Description

information 22002 Non-assigned information
warning 22001 Non-assigned warning
error 22000 Non-assigned error message

The text of the non-assigned message is stated after the keyword in brackets as a character string
(Page 106). A semi-colon completes the statement within the pragma.

Note
These pragma statements are not included when checking the backward compatibility of the
project (Menu Project > Old project format > Check the project for backward compatibility).

The non-assigned compiler messages can e.g. be controlled with version formation by using
preprocessor statements (Page 364), see example below.

{ #ifdef test }
; // Statements
{ #else
warning ('This message appears when “test” has not been defined');
#endif }

Pragmas for message output which are in hidden program sequences with the version formation
are not taken into account.

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7.8 SIMOTION devices

7.8 SIMOTION devices

7.8.1 Rules for identifiers of the SIMOTION devices

General device identifiers

Identifiers for SIMOTION devices in the project navigator do not have to comply with the
general Rules for identifiers (Page 95).
All characters of the extended ASCII character set (ASCII code $20 to $7E, $80 to $FF) that can
be displayed are permitted for the identifier of a SIMOTION device, except the following special
characters:
• " (double inverted commas, ASCII code $22),
• & (Et character, ampersand, ASCII code $26),
• * (star, ASCII code $2A),
• : (colon, ASCII code $3A),
• < (less than character, ASCII code $3C),
• > (greater than character, ASCII code $3E),
• ? (question mark, ASCII code $3F),
• \ (backslash, ASCII code $5C),
• | (vertical line, ASCII code $7C).
Identifiers for the SIMOTION devices can only be specified in SIMOTION SCOUT or HW Config and
only used in the programming languages.
Examples of valid device identifiers
• C240.2
• D455-2-DP (1)
• D445-2.PN-1
Device identifiers that do not comply with the general rules for identifiers can be used for
SIMOTION devices of all versions (or all versions of the SIMOTION Kernel).

Note
Projects that contain device identifiers, which do not comply with the general Rules for
identifiers (Page 95), cannot be saved in the old project format (up to and including V4.2).

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7.8 SIMOTION devices

Device identifiers for PROFINET IO (name of station)

Device identifiers that are used as device names in PROFINET IO (name of station), must comply
with the following‑ DNS conventions:
• Permissible lengths: 1 to 127 characters
• Organization using points "." is permissible in several labels; length of a single label: 1 to 63
characters
• Characters permitted within a label:
– Letters "A" to "Z" and "a" to "z".
– Numbers "0" to "9" (not at the beginning of the label)
– Special character hyphen "-" (not at the beginning or end of a label)
– Other special characters (such as accented characters, blank spaces, brackets,
underscores) are not permitted.
• The following identifiers are not permitted for device names:
– Identifiers that start with "port-xyz-" (x, y, z = 0 … 9),
– Identifiers of the form n.n.n.n (n = 0 … 999).

Use of device identifiers in SIMOTION SCOUT

Identifiers for SIMOTION devices that do not comply with the general rules for identifiers must
be enclosed in double inverted commas (", ASCII code $22) when used in SIMOTION SCOUT (e.g.
in the programming languages).
Example:
• "D455-2 DP (1)".axis_1. motionStateData.actualVelocity
Access to the system variable motionStateData.actualVelocity of the technology
object axis_1 on the device D455-2 DP (1).

Note
Device identifiers that comply with the general Rules for identifiers (Page 95) can also be
enclosed in double inverted commas.
Example: The following notations are permitted for access to the system
variable motionStateData.motionState of the technology object axis_2 on the device D435_2:
• D435_2.axis_2.motionStateData.motionState
• "D435_2".axis_2.motionStateData.motionState

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7.9 Forward declarations

7.8.2 Making settings on the device (as of Kernel V4.2)

As of version V4.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel, you can make the following settings, among others,
on the SIMOTION device:
• Memory area for the process image of the cyclic tasks and the fixed process image of the
BackgroundTasks:
– Separate memory areas for both process images - separate process image (Page 330)
– Common process image (Page 328)
• Initialization of non-retentive global variables and program data during STOP-RUN transition
• Perform time synchronization with SINAMICS drive units
• Permit OPC-UA/XML for global device variables or I/O variables
The symbol information of these variables is available in the SIMOTION device. This is
necessary for the watch function of IT DIAG, for example.
• Restrict area for automatic address assignment during the message frame configuration (as
of version V4.3 of the SIMOTION Kernel).
When the checkbox is activated, the specified address area for the automatic message frame
configuration is blocked. Specification of the blocked area has no effect when the message
frames have already been configured.
You will find a detailed description in the online help.

Procedure
Settings on the device can be made as follows:
1. Select the SIMOTION device in the project navigator.
2. Select the Edit > Object Properties menu command.
3. Select the Settings tab.
4. Enter the settings.
5. Click OK to confirm.

7.9 Forward declarations

When creating the source file, you should always pay attention to the order of the source file
modules. A module that is to be called must always precede the calling module so that the
former is recognized by the latter.
For example, variables must be declared before they are used, functions must be defined before
they are called, and function blocks must be defined prior to instance declaration.

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7.9 Forward declarations

Forward declaration for program organization units (POUs)

The compiler option (Page 62) "Permit forward declarations" has the following effect:
• Declarations (e.g. global variable declarations) may be freely programmed between program
organization units in the implementation section of an ST source file.
• The following statements within the TYPE / END_TYPE construct in the interface section
(Page 252) or the implementation section (Page 254) of an ST source file are interpreted as
prototypes of the relevant POU:
– FUNCTION_BLOCKfb-name;
– FUNCTIONfc-name;
– PROGRAMprog-name;
– CLASS class-name; (as of version V4.5 of the SIMOTION Kernel and with compiler option
(Page 62) "Permit object-oriented programming" activated)
See below for syntax diagram.
• After the corresponding POU prototype has been declared for a class or function block, the
following declarations can be programmed before the relevant POU is defined:
– Instance declaration of the function block (Page 195) as a global variable or local variable
in a program, in another function block or in a class
– Instance declaration of the class (Page 222) as a global variable or local variable in a
program, in a function block or in another class
– Use of the function block or class as a parameter in the definition of a function block,
function or method
Instance-specific initialization is not possible in this case.
Note
With instance-specific initialization (only when compiler option (Page 62) "Permit object-
oriented programming" is activated), the following applies:
It is imperative that the function block or class is defined before the instance is declared or
used. Declaration of the relevant POU prototype is not sufficient and therefore superfluous.

• All of the statement sections of program organization units are compiled in a second
compiler run. For this reason, the following calls are possible regardless of the declaration
position:
– Call of a function block instance
– Call of a function (Page 194)
– Call of a method
– Call of a program within a program (Page 203), provided that the other relevant
requirements have been met.
If a function or a program is called before it is implemented, the declaration of the prototype
is optional; the call can still be carried out even if the prototype is not declared. Please note
the additional relevant requirements when calling a program within a program.

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7.9 Forward declarations

POU prototypes

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Figure 7-17 Syntax: POU prototypes

Note
If the POU prototypes are declared within the interface section, the corresponding POUs are
declared public.
DECLARE PUBLIC statements for POUs within the interface section
(e.g. FUNCTION_BLOCK fb‑name;) are also interpreted as prototypes.

If the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option (Page 62) is not activated, the POU
prototypes are ignored. Only the prototypes in the interface section are interpreted as DECLARE
PUBLIC statements for the corresponding POU.

Example

Table 7-48 Sample program with forward declaration

(*
Only if the "Permit forward declarations" compiler option is activated.
*)

(*
The following compiler options also need to be activated due to a program
being called within the program:
"Permit language extensions" and "Only create program instance data once".
*)

INTERFACE
PROGRAM prog_main;
END_INTERFACE

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7.9 Forward declarations

IMPLEMENTATION
TYPE // POU prototypes
FUNCTION_BLOCK fb_1; // Required for instance declaration
FUNCTION fc_1; // Optional
PROGRAM prog_1; // Optional
END_TYPE
// Instance declaration prior to implementation
VAR_GLOBAL
var_fb_1 : fb_1;
END_VAR
PROGRAM prog_main
VAR
var_1, var_2 : DINT;
var_3, var_4 : INT;
END_VAR

var_fb_1 (x_in := var_3, x_out => var_4);

// Call prior to implementation

var_2 := fc_1 (var_1);
prog_1();
END_PROGRAM
// Implementations

FUNCTION_BLOCK fb_1
VAR_INPUT
x_in : INT;
END_VAR

VAR_OUTPUT
x_out : INT;
END_VAR

x_out := x_in;
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK
FUNCTION fc_1: DINT
VAR_INPUT
x_in : DINT;
END_VAR

fc_1 := x_in;
END_FUNCTION
PROGRAM prog_1
VAR
var_int1, var_int2 : INT;
END_VAR

var_int1 := var_int2;
END_PROGRAM
END_IMPLEMENTATION

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7.10 Jump statement and label

7.10 Jump statement and label

As additional control statement (Page 159), a jump statement is also available.
You program a jump statement (Page 172) with the GOTO statement and specify the jump label
to which you want to jump. Jumps are only permitted within a POU.
Enter the jump label (separated by a colon) in front of the statement at which you want the
program to resume.
Alternatively, you can declare the jump labels in the POU (with the structure LABEL/END_LABEL
in the POU). Only the declared jump labels can then be used in the statement section.
Syntax of jump statements and labels:

Example of syntax for jump statements

FUNCTION func : VOID
VAR
x, y, z : BOOL;
END_VAR
LABEL
lab_1, lab_2; // Declaration of the jump labels
END_LABEL

x := y;
lab_1 : y := z; // Jump label with statement
IF x = y THEN
GOTO lab_2; // Jump statement
END_IF;
GOTO lab_1; // Jump statement
lab_2 : ; // Jump label with blank statement
END_FUNCTION

Note
You should only use the GOTO statement in special circumstances (for example, for
troubleshooting). It should not be used at all according to the rules for structured programming.
Jumps are only permitted within a POU.
The following jumps are illegal:
• Jumps to subordinate control structures (WHILE, FOR, etc.)
• Jumps from a WAITFORCONDITION structure
• Jumps within CASE statements
Jump labels can only be declared in the POU in which they are used. If jump labels are declared,
only the declared jump labels may be used.

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7.10 Jump statement and label

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Error Sources and Program Debugging 8
This chapter describes various sources of programming errors and shows you how to program
efficiently. You also learn what options are available for program testing. For all possible
compilation error messages, i.e. compiler errors, see Compiler error messages and their
remedies (Page 487). Possible reactions and remedies are described for each error.

8.1 Notes on avoiding errors and on efficient programming

The SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual lists some common error sources, which hinder
the compilers or prevent the proper execution of a program. There are notes on, e.g.:
• Data types for assigning arithmetic expressions
• Starting functions in cyclic tasks
• Wait times in cyclic tasks
• Errors on download
• CPU does not switch to RUN
• CPU goes to STOP
• Size of the local data stack
• etc.
In addition, you will also find notes on efficient programming there, particularly for
• runtime-oriented programming
• change-optimized programming

8.2 Program debugging

Syntax errors are detected and displayed by the ST compiler during the compilation procedure.
Runtime errors in the execution of the program are displayed by system alarms or lead to the
operating mode STOP. You can find logical programming errors with the test functions of ST, e.g.
with the symbol browser, status program, trace.
To achieve the same results as shown below using the test functions, use of the sample program
in Creating a sample program (Page 82) is recommended.

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8.2 Program debugging

8.2.1 Operating modes for program testing

8.2.1.1 Modes of the SIMOTION devices

Various SIMOTION device operating modes are available for program testing.

Table 8-1 Operating modes of a SIMOTION device

Operating mode Meaning

Process mode Program execution on the SIMOTION device is optimized for maximum system performance.
The following diagnostic functions are available, although they may have only restricted function‐
ality because of the optimization for maximum system performance:
• Monitor variables in the symbol browser or a watch table
• Program status (only restricted):
– Restricted monitoring of variables (e.g. variables in loops, return values for system func‐
tions).
– Maximum of 1 program source (e.g. ST source file, MCC unit, LAD/FBD unit)1 can be moni‐
tored.
• Trace tool (only restricted) with measuring functions for drives and function generator, see
online help:
– Maximum of 1 trace on each SIMOTION device.
Test mode The diagnostic functions of the process mode are available to the full extent:
• Monitor variables in the symbol browser or a watch table
• Program status:
– Monitoring of all variables possible.
– As of version V4.0 of the SIMOTION Kernel:
Several program sources (e.g. ST source files, MCC units, LAD/FBD units)1 can be monitored
per task.
– For version V3.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel:
Maximum of 1 program source (e.g. ST source file, MCC unit, LAD/FBD unit)1 can be moni‐
tored per task.
• Trace tool with measuring functions for drives and function generator, see online help:
– Maximum of 4 traces on each SIMOTION device.
In addition, the following diagnostics function is available:
• Trace for monitoring the program execution in program branches which are executed cyclically
(only for the MCC programming language and for SIMOTION Kernel V4.2 and higher).

Note
Runtime and memory utilization increase as the use of diagnostic functions increases.

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8.2 Program debugging

Operating mode Meaning

Debug mode In addition to the diagnostic functions of the test mode, you can use the following functions:
• Breakpoints
Within a program source, you can set breakpoints (Page 401). When an activated breakpoint is
reached, selected tasks will be stopped.
• Controlling MotionTasks
On the "Task Manager" tab of the device diagnostics, you can use task control commands for
MotionTasks; see the SIMOTION Basic Functions Function Manual.
No more than 1 SIMOTION device of the project can be switched to debug mode. SIMOTION SCOUT
is in online mode, i.e. connected to the target system.
Observe the following section: Important information about the life-sign monitoring (Page 384).
1
Each with 1 MCC chart or 1 LAD/FBD program in a program source.

Selecting the operating mode

How to select the operating mode of a SIMOTION device:
1. Make sure a connection to the target system has been established (online mode).
2. Highlight the SIMOTION device in the project navigator.
3. Select the "Operating mode" context menu.
4. Select the required operating mode (see the table above).
If you have selected "Debug mode":
– Accept the safety information.
– Parameterize the sign-of-life monitoring.
Observe the following section: Important information about the life-sign monitoring
(Page 384).
5. Confirm with OK.
The SIMOTION device switches to the selected operating mode (apart from with debug
mode; see the explanation below).

Special features with debug mode

Debug mode can only be selected for one SIMOTION device.
If you have selected debug mode, only SIMOTION SCOUT switches to it; the SIMOTION device is
in test mode.
• The project navigator indicates that debug mode is activated for SIMOTION SCOUT by means
of a symbol next to the SIMOTION device.
• The breakpoints toolbar is displayed.
Debug mode is not enabled for the SIMOTION device until at least one set breakpoint is
activated. If all breakpoints are deactivated, debug mode is canceled for the SIMOTION device.
The status bar indicates that debug mode is activated for the SIMOTION device.

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8.2 Program debugging

8.2.1.2 Important information about the life-sign monitoring.

WARNING
Dangerous plant states possible
If problems occur in the communication link between the PC and the SIMOTION device, this
may result in dangerous plant states (e.g. the axis may start moving in an uncontrollable
manner).
Therefore, use the debug mode or a control panel only with the life-sign monitoring function
activated with a suitably short monitoring time!
You must observe the appropriate safety regulations.
The function is released exclusively for commissioning, diagnostic and service purposes. The
function should generally only be used by authorized technicians. The safety shutdowns of the
higher-level control have no effect.
Therefore, there must be an EMERGENCY STOP circuit in the hardware. The appropriate
measures must be taken by the user.

In the following cases, the SIMOTION device and SIMOTION SCOUT regularly exchange life-signs
to ensure a correctly functioning connection:
• In debug mode with activated breakpoints.
• When controlling an axis or a drive via the control panel (control priority at the PC):
If the exchange of the life-signs is interrupted longer than the set monitoring time, the following
reactions are triggered:
• In debug mode for activated breakpoints:
– The SIMOTION device switches to the STOP operating state.
– The outputs are deactivated (ODIS).
• For controlling an axis or a drive using the control panel (control priority for the PC):
– The axis is brought to a standstill.
– The enables are reset.

Accept safety notes

After selecting the debug mode or a control panel, you must accept the safety notes. You can set
the parameters for the life-sign monitoring.
Proceed as follows:
1. Click the Settings button.
The "Debug Settings" window opens.
2. Read there, as described in the following section, the safety notes and parameterize the life-
sign monitoring.

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Parameterizing the life-sign monitoring

In the "Life-Sign Monitoring Parameters" window, proceed as described below:
1. Read the warning!
2. Click the Safety notes button to open the window with the detailed safety notes.
3. Do not make any changes to the defaults for life-sign monitoring.
Changes should only be made in special circumstances and in observance of all danger
warnings.
4. Click Accept to confirm you have read the safety notes and have correctly parameterized the
life-sign monitoring.

Note
The life-sign monitoring also responds in the following cases:
• Pressing the spacebar.
• Switching to a different Windows application.
• Too high a communication load between the SIMOTION device and SIMOTION SCOUT (e.g.
by uploading task trace data).
The following reactions are triggered:
• In debug mode for activated breakpoints:
– The SIMOTION device switches to the STOP operating state.
– The outputs are deactivated (ODIS).
• For controlling an axis or a drive using the control panel (control priority for the PC):
– The axis or the drive is brought to a standstill.
– The enables are reset.

WARNING
Dangerous plant states possible
This function is not guaranteed in all operating states.
Therefore, there must be an EMERGENCY STOP circuit in the hardware. The appropriate
measures must be taken by the user.

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8.2 Program debugging

8.2.1.3 Life-sign monitoring parameters

Table 8-2 Life-sign monitoring parameter description

Field Description
Life-sign monitoring The SIMOTION device and SIMOTION SCOUT regularly exchange
life-signs to ensure a correctly functioning connection. If the ex‐
change of the life-signs is interrupted longer than the set moni‐
toring time, the following reactions are triggered:
• In debug mode for activated breakpoints:
– The SIMOTION device switches to the STOP operating state.
– The outputs are deactivated (ODIS).
• For controlling an axis or a drive using the control panel (con‐
trol priority for the PC):
– The axis is brought to a standstill.
– The enables are reset.
The following parameterizations are possible:
• Checkbox active:
If the checkbox is activated, life-sign monitoring is active.
The deactivation of the life-sign monitoring is not always pos‐
sible.
• Monitoring time:
Enter the timeout.

Prudence
Do not make any changes to the defaults for life-sign monitoring,
if possible.
Changes should only be made in special circumstances and in
observance of all danger warnings.
Safety information Please observe the warning!
Click the button to obtain further safety information.
See: Important information about the life-sign monitoring
(Page 384)

8.2.2 Editing program sources in online mode

Online editing in process or test mode

If SIMOTION SCOUT is connected to a target system which is in the "process mode" or "test mode"
operating mode, program sources (e.g. ST source files, MCC units with MCC charts) can
generally be edited, compiled, and loaded to the target system in STOP operating mode. For
information on downloading in RUN operating mode, see the corresponding section in the
"SIMOTION Basic Functions" Function Manual.

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8.2 Program debugging

However, you can only activate the "program status", "monitor program execution" (only for
MCC), and trace (only for MCC) test functions for a program source or a program organization
unit (POU) if the following conditions are met:
1. This program source or any POU of this source (e.g. MCC chart) does not contain any changes
which have not been saved.
2. The program source (unit) in SCOUT is consistent with the target system.

Note
If the "program status" test function is activated, editing of the corresponding program source
or one of its POUs is disabled.
If an MCC unit or MCC chart is changed and the "monitor program execution" or trace test
functions are active for that unit or chart, the test functions are canceled.

Online editing in debug mode

If SIMOTION SCOUT is in debug mode, editing is possible as long as the SIMOTION device is not
in debug mode, i.e. no breakpoints are activated.
You can only activate breakpoints and, as a result, switch the SIMOTION device to debug mode
if the corresponding program source and all its POUs are saved, compiled so they are up to date,
and consistent with the target system.
If you attempt to edit a program source or POU when the SIMOTION device is in debug mode, you
are requested to deactivate all breakpoints and, as a result, to switch the SIMOTION device out
of debug mode.

Note
If breakpoints have been activated and the SIMOTION device is in debug mode:
Entering a space switches the SIMOTION device to STOP operating mode and deactivates all
outputs (ODIS).

8.2.3 Symbol Browser

8.2.3.1 Properties of the symbol browser

In the symbol browser, you can view and, if necessary, change the name, data type, and variable
values. In particular, you can: see the following variables:
• Unit variables and static variables of a program or function block
• System variables of a SIMOTION device or a technology object
• I/O variables or global device variables.

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8.2 Program debugging

For these variables, you can:

• View a snapshot of the variable values
• Monitor variable values as they change
• Change (modify) variable values
However, the symbol browser can only display/modify the variable values if the project has been
loaded in the target system and a connection to the target system has been established.

8.2.3.2 Using the symbol browser

Requirements
• Make sure that a connection to the target system has been established and a project has been
downloaded to the target system. To load the project with the sample program, see
"Executing the sample program (Page 89)".
• You can run the user program, but you do not have to. If the program is not run, you only see
the initial values of the variables.
The procedure depends on the memory area in which the variables to be monitored are stored.

Procedure
Proceed as follows:
1. Select the appropriate element in the project navigator in accordance with the following
table.
2. In the detail view, click the Symbol browser tab.
The corresponding variables are displayed in the symbol browser.
3. Select how each variable in the "Display format" column should be displayed.

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8.2 Program debugging

Table 8-3 Elements in the project navigator and variables to be monitored in the symbol browser

Variables to be monitored in the symbol browser Element to be selected in the

project navigator
For variables in the user memory of the unit or in the retentive memory, refer to Memory Program source (unit)
areas of the variable types (Page 289):
• Retentive and non-retentive unit variables of the interface section of a program
source (unit)
• Retentive and non-retentive unit variables of the implementation section of a pro‐
gram source (unit)
• Static variables of the function blocks whose instances are declared as unit variables.
• In addition, if the program source (unit) has been compiled with the "Only create
program instance data once" compiler option (Page 62):
– Static variables of the programs.
– Static variables of the function blocks whose instances are declared as static
variables of programs.
Variables in the user memory of the task, refer to Memory areas of the variable types EXECUTION SYSTEM
(Page 289):
If the program source (unit) was compiled without the "Only create program instance
data once" (default) compiler option (Page 62), the user memory of the task to which the
program was assigned contains the following variables:
• Static variables of the programs.
• Static variables of the function blocks whose instances are declared as static varia‐
bles of programs.
System variables of a SIMOTION device SIMOTION device
System variables of a technology object Instance of the technology object
Global device variables GLOBAL DEVICE VARIABLES
I/O variables (in the Address list tab of the detail view). ADDRESS LIST
The Address list tab of the detail view can be opened by double-clicking the ADDRESS
LIST element in the project navigator.

Note
You can monitor temporary variables (together with unit variables and static variables)
with Program status (see Properties of the program status (Page 396)).

Note
Trace diagnostic function for MCC programming
Various internal variables, whose identifier begins with an underscore, are automatically created
by the compiler for the trace diagnostic function. These variables are displayed in the symbol
browser.
With activated diagnostic function, these variables are used for the control of the diagnostics
function. These variables must not be used in the user program.

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8.2 Program debugging

Figure 8-1 Viewing variables in the symbol browser

Status and controlling variables

In the Status value column, the current variable values are displayed and periodically updated.
You can change the value of one or several variables. Proceed as follows for the variables to be
changed:
1. Enter a value in the Control value column.
2. Activate the checkbox adjacent to this column
3. Click the Control button.
The values you entered are written to the selected variables.

WARNING
Dangerous plant states possible
You assign the entered values to the variables during control. This can result in dangerous plant
states, e.g. unexpected axis motion.

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Note
Note when you change the values of several variables:
The values are written sequentially to the variables. It can take several milliseconds until the next
value is written. The variables are changed from top to bottom in the symbol browser. There is
therefore no guarantee of consistency.

Working with the symbol browser

The functions of the symbol browser and how you work with them are described in detail in the
online help.

Display invalid floating-point numbers

Invalid floating-point numbers are displayed as follows in the symbol browser (independently of
the SIMOTION device):

Table 8-4 Display invalid floating-point numbers

Display Meaning
1.#QNAN Invalid bit pattern in accordance with IEEE 754 (NaN Not a Number). There is no
-1.#QNAN distinction between signaling NaN (NaNs) and quiet NaN (NaNq).
1.#INF Bit pattern for + infinity in accordance with IEEE 754
-1.#INF Bit pattern for – infinity in accordance with IEEE 754
-1.#IND Bit pattern for indeterminate

8.2.4 Monitoring variables in watch table

8.2.4.1 Variables in the watch table

With the symbol browser you see only the variables of an object within the project. With program
status you see only the variables of an ST source file within a freely selectable monitoring area.
With watch tables, in contrast, you can monitor selected variables from different sources as a
group (e.g. program sources, technology objects, SINAMICS drives - even on different devices).
You can see the data type of the variables in offline mode. You can view and modify the value of
the variables in online mode.

8.2.4.2 Using watch tables

You can group variables from various program sources, technology objects, SIMOTION devices,
etc. (even on different devices), in a watch table where you can monitor them together and, if
necessary, change them.

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Creating a watch table

Procedure for creating a watch table and assigning variables:
1. In the Project navigator, select the MONITOR folder.
2. Select Insert > Watch table to create a watch table, and enter the name of the watch table.
A watch table with this name appears in the MONITOR folder.
3. In the project navigator, click the object from which you want to move variables to the watch
table.
4. In the symbol browser, select the corresponding variable line by clicking its number in the left
column.
5. From the context menu, select Add to watch table and the appropriate watch table,
e.g. Watch table_1.
6. If you click the watch table, you will see in the detail view of the Watch table tab that the
selected variable is now in the watch table.
7. Repeat steps 3 to 6 to monitor the variables of various objects.

Status and controlling variables

If you are connected to the target system, you can monitor the variable contents.
In the Status value column, the current variable values are displayed and periodically updated.
You can change the value of one or several variables. Proceed as follows for the variables to be
changed:
1. Enter a value in the Control value column.
2. Activate the checkbox in this column
3. Click the Immediate control button.
The values you entered are written to the selected variables.

WARNING
Dangerous plant states possible
You assign the entered values to the variables during control. This can result in dangerous plant
states, e.g. unexpected axis motion.

Note
Note when you change the values of several variables:
The values are written sequentially to the variables. It can take several milliseconds until the next
value is written. The variables are changed from top to bottom in the watch table. There is
therefore no guarantee of consistency.

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Working with the watch table

The functions of the symbol browser and how you work with them are described in detail in the
online help.

Display invalid floating-point numbers

Invalid floating-point numbers are displayed as follows in the watch table (independently of the
SIMOTION device):

Table 8-5 Display invalid floating-point numbers

Display Meaning
1.#QNAN Invalid bit pattern in accordance with IEEE 754 (NaN - Not a Number). There is no
-1.#QNAN distinction between signaling NaN (NaNs) and quiet NaN (NaNq).
1.#INF Bit pattern for + infinity in accordance with IEEE 754
-1.#INF Bit pattern for – infinity in accordance with IEEE 754
-1.#IND Bit pattern for indeterminate

8.2.5 Variable status

"Variable status" enables you to monitor the current value for an individual variable, selected
using the cursor, in an open program source or program organization unit (e.g. ST source file,
MCC chart, LAD program).

Requirements
• Make sure that a connection to the target system has been established and a project has been
downloaded to the target system. For information on loading a project, see "Running the
sample program (Page 89)".
• The program source containing the program organization unit (POE) whose variables you
want to monitor must be consistent with the target system.
• The associated source (e.g. ST source file, MCC chart, LAD program) must be open.
• With the MCC programming language only: The parameter screen form for the command in
which the variable you want to monitor is being used must be open.
• You can run the user program, but you do not have to. If the program is not run, you only see
the initial values of the variables.

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Procedure
To monitor an individual variable using variable status:
1. Position the cursor above the identifier for a variable.
– With the ST programming language: in the open ST source file
– With the ST programming language: within an input field in the open parameter screen
form
– With the LAD/FBD programming language: within a network of the LAD/FBD program
2. Briefly position the cursor above the identifier.
The tool tip shows the current value of the variable. If you keep the cursor above the identifier
for a longer period, the value is updated on an ongoing basis.

Note
With "variable status", the current value for the variable is displayed, wherever the selected
variable is being used.

The "variable status" function enables you to monitor all those variables you are also able to
monitor in the symbol browser (Page 388) or the address list. These are:
• System variables of SIMOTION devices
• System variables of technology objects
• Global device variables
• Retentive and non-retentive unit variables of the interface section of a program source (unit)
• Retentive and non-retentive unit variables of the implementation section of a program
source (unit)
• Static variables of the programs
• Static variables of the function blocks whose instances are declared as unit variables
• Static variables of the function blocks whose instances are declared as static variables of
programs
• I/O variables

8.2.6 Program run

8.2.6.1 Program run: Display code location and call path

You can display the position in the code (e.g. line of an ST source file) that a MotionTask is
currently executing along with its call path.

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Follow these steps:

1. Click the Show program run button on the Program run toolbar.
The "Program run call stack (Page 395)" window opens.
2. Select the desired MotionTask.
3. Click the Update button.
The window shows:
• The position in the code being executed (e.g. line of the ST source file) stating the program
source and the POU.
• Recursively positions in the code of other POUs that call the code position being executed.
The following names are displayed for the SIMOTION RT program sources:

Table 8-6 SIMOTION RT program sources

Name Meaning
taskbind.hid Execution system
stdfunc.pck IEC library
device.pck Device-specific library
tp-name.pck Library of the tp-name technology package,
e.g. cam.pck for the library of the CAM technology package

8.2.6.2 Program run parameters

You can display the following for all configured tasks:
• the current code position in the program code (e.g. line of an ST source file)
• the call path of this code position

Table 8-7 Program run parameter description

Array Description
Selected CPU The selected SIMOTION device is displayed.
Refresh Clicking the button reads the current code positions from the SIMO‐
TION device and shows them in the open window.
Calling task Select the task for which you want to determine the code position
being executed.
All configured tasks of the execution system.
Current code position The position being executed in the program code (e.g. line of an ST
source file) is displayed (with the name of the program source, line
number, name of the POU).
is called by The code positions that call the code position being executed within
the selected task are shown recursively (with the name of the program
source, line number, name of the POU, and name of the function block
instance, if applicable).

For names of the SIMOTION RT program sources, refer to the table in Program run (Page 394).

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8.2.6.3 Program run toolbar

You can display the position in the code (e.g. line of an ST source file) that a MotionTask is
currently executing along with its call path with this toolbar.

Table 8-8 Program run toolbar

Symbol Meaning
Display program run
Click this symbol to open the Program run call stack window. In this window, you can
display the currently active code position with its call path.
See: Program run: Display code position and call path (Page 394)

8.2.7 Program status

8.2.7.1 Properties of the program status

Status program enables monitoring the variable values accurately to the cycle during program
execution.
You can select a monitoring area in the ST source file and monitor, in addition to global and static
local variables, also temporary local variables (e.g. within a function) there.
The values of the following variables are displayed:
• Simple data type variables (INT, REAL, etc.)
• Individual elements of a structure, provided an assignment is made
• Individual elements of an array, provided an assignment is made
• Enumeration data type variables
Return values of the system function _trcVal are also displayed. This way interim results can be
displayed in expressions. For the _trcVal function please refer to the “SIMOTION Basic Functions
Function Manual”.

Note
The values of constants are not displayed.
Due to the restricted buffer capacity and the requirement for minimum runtime corruption, the
following variables cannot be displayed:
• Complete arrays
• Complete structures
Individual array elements or individual structure elements are displayed, however, provided an
assignment is made in the ST source file.

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Method of operation of program status

On the SIMOTION device:
• While the selected monitoring range is running in the ST source file, the buffer for the
variables to be monitored is filled with the corresponding values.
The recording of the values depends on the operating mode (Page 382) (process mode or
test mode) of the SIMOTION device, see following table.
• Only after leaving the selected monitoring range or abort of the recording is the buffer
displayed in SIMOTION SCOUT.
SIMOTION SCOUT calls the values which have been made available at regular intervals and
displays them in the format you selected in the ST editor settings (Page 31) under "Format for
status display".
In the case of functions and function blocks, you can select a location in an ST source file where
a function or instance of a function block is called (call path). This enables you to observe the
variable values specifically for this call.

Table 8-9 Differences between process mode and test mode in Program Status

Process mode Test mode

Optimization of program execution For maximum system performance, only For full diagnosis options
restricted diagnostics are possible.
Maximum number of monitored pro‐ Maximum of 1 program source1 • As of version V4.0 of the SIMOTION
gram sources (e.g. ST source files, Kernel:
MCC units, LAD/FBD units) Multiple program sources1 per task
• For version V3.2 of the SIMOTION Ker‐
nel:
Maximum of 1 program source1 per
task
Loops (e.g. WHILE, REPEAT, FOR) The recording is interrupted on the first re‐ If there are repeats, the recording contin‐
peat loop. The values are provided. ues correctly.
Therefore, the following applies for com‐ Therefore, the following applies for com‐
pletely selected loops: pletely selected loops:
• The appropriate values are displayed • As long as the loop is being run
after the first run of the loop. through, no values are displayed.
• Changes or the values are not dis‐ • Only after leaving the monitoring
played during further runs. range are the values displayed on the
last run of the loop.
System functions that contain inter‐ The recording is interrupted during the ex‐ The recording is performed correctly dur‐
nal loops (e.g. functions for process‐ ecution of the system function. ing the call of the system function.
ing strings) Values are not correctly displayed in some Values are displayed correctly.
cases.
1
Each with 1 MCC chart or 1 LAD/FBD program in a program source

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Note
Program status requires additional CPU resources.
Please note if you want to monitor several programs at the same time with the status program:
• Test mode must be activated (see Operating modes of the SIMOTION devices (Page 382)).
• In version V3.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel, the programs must be assigned to various tasks.

8.2.7.2 Using the status program

Before you can work with the Status program, you must instruct the system to run in a special
mode:
1. Make sure that the ST source file generates the additional debug code during compilation:
– Select the ST source file in the project navigator and select the Edit > Object properties
menu command.
– Select the Compiler tab to change the local settings of the compiler (Page 65).
– Make sure that the Enable Status program checkbox is activated and confirm with OK.
You can also change this compiler option at global settings of the compiler (Page 62).
2. Open the ST source file and recompile it with ST source file > Accept and compile.
3. Download and start the program in the usual way.
4. Click the button for program status in the ST editor toolbar (Page 53) to start this test
mode.
The ST editor window is now divided vertically:
• In the left-hand pane of the window, you can see the ST source file. You can select an area
here.
• The right-hand pane of the window displays the variables for the selected area and their
values.

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Figure 8-2 Part of an ST program in program status test mode

Follow the procedure below to test with program status:

1. In the left-hand pane, select the section of the ST source file you want to test.
2. If you have selected a section of a POU that is called by several positions in a program source
file or several tasks:
Enter the call path for program status (Page 400).
The right-hand pane of the window displays the variables for the selected area and their values.
The display of the variable values is updated cyclically. Variables with bit data type are updated
cyclically and correspond to the format you selected in the ST editor settings (Page 31) under
"Format for status display":
• Values that have changed in the current pass are displayed in red.
• Values that have not changed are displayed in black.
• Variables without values, e.g. variables in an unused IF branch are shown in green and
marked with a question mark.

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If the display of the variable values changes too fast:

• Click the button for Stop monitoring of program variables in the ST editor toolbar
(Page 53) to stop the display.
• Click the button for Continue monitoring of program variables in the ST editor toolbar
(Page 53) to continue the display.
You can force the update of the displayed values:
• Click the button for Update on the ST editor toolbar (Page 53).
The buffer of the SIMOTION device is read, even if the selected monitoring range has not yet
been completely processed and the values are incomplete. This can be useful, for example,
if the program is waiting for a WAITFORCONDITION statement.
The monitoring of the program variables must have been activated.

8.2.7.3 Call path for program status

You can specify the call path when monitoring variable values of functions and function blocks.
This enables you to observe the variable values specifically for this call.
For this purpose, the Call path window automatically opens in the following cases:
• You have selected a section of a function:
The function is called at various points in the program source files (e.g. ST source files) of the
SIMOTION device.
• You have selected a section of a function block:
There are several instances of the function block or the instance is called at various points in
the program source files (e.g. ST source files) of the SIMOTION device.
• You have selected a section of a program:
The program is assigned to more than one task.

How to select the call path:

In the Call path status program window, the marked section of the POU (code position) is
displayed (with the name of the ST source file, line number, name of the POU).
1. If the code position is called in several tasks:
– Select the task.
2. Select the code position to be called (in the calling POU).
You can select from the following:
– The code positions to be called within the selected task (with the name of the program
source, line number, name of the POU).
If the selected calling code position is in turn called by several code positions, further lines
are displayed in which you proceed similarly.
– All:
All displayed code positions are selected. Moreover, all code positions (up to the top level
of the hierarchy) are selected from which the displayed code positions are called.

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8.2.7.4 Parameter call path status program

Table 8-10 Program status call path parameter description

Field Description
Calling task Select the task.
All tasks in which the selected code position is called are available for
selection.
Current code position The selected section of the POU (code position) is shown (with the
name of the ST source file, line number, name of the POU)
is called by Select the calling code position.
The following are available:
• The code positions to be called within the selected task (with the
name of the program source, line number, name of the POU).
If the selected calling code position is in turn called by several code
positions, further lines are displayed in which you proceed similarly.
• All:
All displayed code positions are selected. Moreover, all code posi‐
tions (up to the top level of the hierarchy) are selected from which
the displayed code positions are called.

8.2.8 Breakpoints

8.2.8.1 General procedure for setting breakpoints

You can set breakpoints within a POU of a program source (e.g. ST source, MCC chart, LAD/FBD
source). On reaching an activated breakpoint, the task in which the POU with the breakpoint is
called is stopped. If the breakpoint that initiated the stopping of the tasks is located in a program
or function block, the values of the static variables for this POU are displayed in the "Variables
status" tab of the detail display. Temporary variables (also in/out parameters for function blocks)
are not displayed. You can monitor static variables of other POUs or unit variables in the symbol
browser.

Requirement:
• The program source with the POU (e.g. ST source file, MCC chart, LAD/FBD program) is open.

Procedure
Follow these steps:
1. Select "Debug mode" for the associated SIMOTION device; see Setting debug mode
(Page 402).
2. Specify the tasks to be stopped, see Specifying the debug task group (Page 403).
3. Set breakpoints, see Setting breakpoints (Page 406).

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4. Define the call path, see Defining a call path for a single breakpoint (Page 409).
5. Activate the breakpoints, see Activating breakpoints (Page 414).

8.2.8.2 Setting the debug mode

WARNING
Dangerous plant states possible
If problems occur in the communication link between the PC and the SIMOTION device, this
may result in dangerous plant states (e.g. the axis may start moving in an uncontrollable
manner).
Therefore, use the debug mode only with activated life-sign monitoring (Page 384) with a
suitably short monitoring time!
You must observe the appropriate safety regulations.
The function is released exclusively for commissioning, diagnostic and service purposes. The
function should generally only be used by authorized technicians. The safety shutdowns of the
higher-level control have no effect!
Therefore, there must be an EMERGENCY STOP circuit in the hardware. The appropriate
measures must be taken by the user.

Requirement
1. A connection to the target system must have been established (online mode)
2. Debug mode must not be selected for any SIMOTION device.

Procedure
To set the debug mode, proceed as follows:
1. Highlight the SIMOTION device in the project navigator.
2. Select Operating mode from the context menu.
3. Select Debug mode (Page 382).
4. Accept the safety information
5. Parameterize the sign-of-life monitoring.
See also section: Important information about the life-sign monitoring (Page 384).
6. Confirm with OK.
SIMOTION SCOUT switches to debug mode for this device; the SIMOTION device itself remains
in "test mode", as long as at least one breakpoint is activated:
The project navigator indicates that debug mode is activated for SIMOTION SCOUT by means of
a symbol next to the SIMOTION device.
The breakpoints toolbar (Page 408) is displayed.

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As long as no breakpoints are activated, you can edit program sources in debug mode
(Page 386).
Debug mode is not enabled for the SIMOTION device until at least one set breakpoint is
activated. If all breakpoints are deactivated, debug mode is canceled for the SIMOTION device.
The status bar indicates that debug mode is activated for the SIMOTION device.

Note
Pressing the spacebar or switching to a different Windows application causes the following to
happen if the SIMOTION device is in debug mode (breakpoints activated):
• The SIMOTION device switches to the STOP operating state.
• The outputs are deactivated (ODIS).

WARNING
Dangerous plant states possible
This function is not guaranteed in all operating states.
Therefore, there must be an EMERGENCY STOP circuit in the hardware. The appropriate
measures must be taken by the user.

8.2.8.3 Define the debug task group

On reaching an activated breakpoint, all tasks that are assigned to the debug task group are
stopped.

Requirement
1. A connection to the target system must have been established (online mode).
2. SIMOTION SCOUT is in debug mode for the corresponding SIMOTION device; see Setting
debug mode (Page 402).

Procedure
How to assign a task to the debug task group:
1. Highlight the relevant SIMOTION device in the project navigator.
2. Select Debug task group from the context menu.
The Debug Task group window opens.
3. Select the tasks to be stopped on reaching the breakpoint:
– If you only want to stop individual tasks (in RUN operating state): Activate the Debug task
group selection option.
Assign all tasks to be stopped on reaching a breakpoint to the Tasks to be stopped list.
– If you only want to stop individual tasks (in HOLD operating state): Activate the All tasks
selection option.
In this case, also select whether the outputs and technology objects are to be released
again after resumption of program execution.

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Note
Note the different behavior when an activated breakpoint is reached, see the following table.

Table 8-11 Behavior at the breakpoint depending on the tasks to be stopped in the debug task group.

Property Tasks to be stopped

Single selected tasks All tasks
(debug task group)
Behavior on reaching the breakpoint
Operating state RUN STOP
Stopped tasks Only tasks in the debug task group All tasks
Outputs Active Deactivated (ODIS activated)
Technology Closed-loop control active No closed-loop control (ODIS activated)
Runtime measurement of the Active for all tasks Deactivated for all tasks
tasks
Time monitoring of the tasks Deactivated for tasks in the debug task Deactivated for all tasks
group
Real-time clock Continues to run Continues to run
Behavior on resumption of program execution
Operating state RUN RUN
Started tasks All tasks in the debug task group All tasks
Outputs Active The behavior of the outputs and the tech‐
Technology Closed-loop control active nology objects depends on the 'Continue'
activates the outputs (ODIS deactiva‐
ted) checkbox.
• Active: ODIS will be deactivated. All
outputs and technology objects are re‐
leased.
• Inactive: ODIS remains activated. All
outputs and technology objects are on‐
ly enabled for one STOP-RUN transition.

Note
You can only make changes to the debug task group if no breakpoints are active.

The settings of the debug task group are retained after exiting "Debug mode".

Proceed as follows:
1. Set breakpoints (see Setting breakpoints (Page 406)).
2. Define the call path (see Defining a call path for a single breakpoint (Page 409)).
3. Activate the breakpoints (see Activating breakpoints (Page 414)).

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8.2.8.4 Debug task group parameters

Use this window to define the debug task group. On reaching an activated breakpoint, all tasks
that are assigned to the debug task group are stopped.
This requires that the relevant SIMOTION device is in debug mode, see Modes of the SIMOTION
devices (Page 382).

Table 8-12 Debug settings parameter description

Field Description
Debug task group Select this selection option if you only want to stop individual tasks. The
SIMOTION device remains in RUN mode after an activated breakpoint is
reached. Outputs and technology objects remain activated.
Assign all tasks to be stopped on reaching a breakpoint to the Tasks to
be stopped list.
All tasks Select this selection option if you only want to stop all user tasks. The
SIMOTION device remains in STOP mode after an activated breakpoint
is reached, all outputs and technology objects will be deactivated (ODIS
activated).
In this case, also select whether the outputs and technology objects are
to be released again after resumption of program execution.
'Resume' activates the outputs Only if All tasks is selected.
(ODIS deactivated). Activate the checkbox, to release again the outputs and technology
objects after program execution has been resumed.
All outputs and technology objects can only be released after a down‐
load of the project with deactivated checkbox.

Note
Note the different behavior at the activated breakpoint depending on the tasks to be stopped,
see table in Define the debug task group (Page 403).
You can only make changes to the debug task group if no breakpoints are active.

8.2.8.5 Debug table parameter

The debug table shows all breakpoints in the program sources of a SIMOTION device.

Table 8-13 Debug table parameter description

Field Description
Debug points (table)
Active The activation state of the corresponding breakpoint is dis‐
played and can be modified:
Active: The breakpoint is activated.
Inactive: The breakpoint is deactivated.
See: Activating breakpoints (Page 414).
Source, line (POU) The code position is shown with the set breakpoint (with the
name of the program source file, line number, name of the POU).

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Field Description
Call path Click the button to define the call path for the breakpoint.
See: Defining the call path for a single breakpoint (Page 409).
All breakpoints ...
Activate Click the button to activate all breakpoints (in all program sour‐
ces) of the SIMOTION device.
See: Activating breakpoints (Page 414).
Deactivate Click the button to deactivate all breakpoints (in all program
sources) of the SIMOTION device.
See: Activating breakpoints (Page 414).
Delete Click the button to clear all breakpoints (in all program sources)
of the SIMOTION device.
See: Setting breakpoints (Page 406).

8.2.8.6 Setting breakpoints

Requirements:
1. The program source with the POU (e.g. ST source file, MCC chart, LAD/FBD program) is open.
2. A connection to the target system must have been established (online mode).
3. SIMOTION SCOUT is in debug mode for the corresponding SIMOTION device; see Setting
debug mode (Page 402).
4. The tasks to be stopped are specified, see Specifying the debug task group (Page 403).

Procedure
How to set a breakpoint:
1. Select the code location where no breakpoint has been set:
– SIMOTION ST: Place the cursor on a line in the ST source file that contains a statement.
– SIMOTION MCC: Select an MCC command in the MCC chart (except module or comment
block).
– SIMOTION LAD/FBD: Set the cursor in a network of the LAD/FBD program.
2. Perform the following (alternatives):
– Select the Debug > Set/remove breakpoint menu command (shortcut F9).
– Click the button in the Breakpoints toolbar.
To remove a breakpoint, proceed as follows:
1. Select the code position with the breakpoint.
2. Perform the following (alternatives):
– Select the Debug > Set/remove breakpoint menu command (shortcut F9).
– Click the button in the Breakpoints toolbar.

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To remove all breakpoints (in all program sources) of the SIMOTION device, proceed as follows:
• Perform the following (alternatives):
– Select the Debug > Remove all breakpoints menu command (shortcut CTRL+F5).
– Click the button in the Breakpoints toolbar.

Note
You cannot set breakpoints:
• For SIMOTION ST: In lines that contain only comment.
• For SIMOTION MCC: On the module or comment block commands.
• For SIMOTION LAD/FBD: Within a network.
• At code locations in which other debug points (e.g. trigger points) have been set.
You can list the debug points in all program sources of the SIMOTION device in the debug table:
• Click the button for "debug table" in the Breakpoints toolbar.
In the debug table, you can also remove all breakpoints (in all program sources) of the SIMOTION
device:
• Click the button for "Clear all breakpoints".
The breakpoints set also remain saved after leaving debug mode; they are displayed in debug
mode only.

You can use the program status (Page 398) diagnosis functions and breakpoints together in a
program source or POU. However, the following restrictions apply depending on the program
languages:
• SIMOTION ST: For version V3.2 of the SIMOTION Kernel, the (marked) ST source file lines to
be tested with program status must not contain a breakpoint.
• SIMOTION MCC and LAD/FBD: The commands of the MCC chart (or networks of the LAD/FBD
program) to be tested with program status must not contain a breakpoint.

Proceed as follows
1. Define the call path, see Defining a call path for a single breakpoint (Page 409).
2. Activate the breakpoints, see Activating breakpoints (Page 414).

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8.2.8.7 Breakpoints toolbar

This toolbar contains important operator actions for setting and activating breakpoints:

Table 8-14 Breakpoints toolbar

Symbol Meaning
Set/remove breakpoint
Click this icon to set at breakpoint for the selected code position or to remove an existing
breakpoint.
See: Setting breakpoints (Page 406).
Activate/deactivate breakpoint
Click this icon to activate or deactivate the breakpoint at the selected code position.
See: Activating breakpoints (Page 414).
Edit the call path
Click this icon to define the call path for the breakpoints:
• If a code position with breakpoint is selected: The call path for this breakpoint.
• If a code position without breakpoint is selected: The call path for all breakpoints of
the POU.
See: Defining the call path for a single breakpoint (Page 409), Defining the call path for
all breakpoints (Page 412).
Activate all breakpoints of the active POU
Click this symbol to activate all breakpoints in the active program source or POU (e.g. ST
source file, MCC chart, LAD/FBD program).
See: Activating breakpoints (Page 414).
Deactivate all breakpoints of the active POU
Click this symbol to deactivate all breakpoints in the active program source or POU
(e.g. ST source file, MCC chart, LAD/FBD program).
See: Activating breakpoints (Page 414).
Remove all breakpoints of the active POU
Click this symbol to remove all breakpoints from the active program source or POU
(e.g. ST source file, MCC chart, LAD/FBD program).
See: Setting breakpoints (Page 406).
Debug table
Click this icon to display the debug table.
See: Debug table parameters (Page 405).
Display call stack
Click this icon after reaching an activated breakpoint to:
• View the call path at the current breakpoint.
• View the code positions at which the other tasks of the debug task group have been
stopped together with their call path.
See: Displaying the call stack (Page 417).
Resume
Click this icon to continue the program execution after reaching an activated breakpoint.
See: Resuming program execution (Page 418), Displaying the call stack (Page 417).

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Symbol Meaning
Next step (SIMOTION Kernel as of version V4.4)
Only available for the MCC and LAD/FBD programming languages:
Click this icon to resume the program execution until the next MCC command or LAD/FBD
network is reached.
See: Resume program execution in single steps.
Step through the subprogram (SIMOTION Kernel as of version V4.4)
Only available for the MCC programming language.
Click this icon to jump to the called subprogram and stop at the first command. The
subprogram must be created in the MCC or LAD/FBD programming language.
See: Resume program execution in single steps.

8.2.8.8 Defining the call path for a single breakpoint

Requirements:
1. The program source with the POU (e.g. ST source file, MCC chart, LAD/FBD program) is open.
2. A connection to the target system must have been established (online mode).
3. SIMOTION SCOUT is in debug mode for the corresponding SIMOTION device; see Setting
debug mode (Page 402).
4. The tasks to be stopped are specified, see Specifying the debug task group (Page 403).
5. Breakpoint is set, see Setting breakpoints (Page 406).

Procedure
To define the call path for a single breakpoint, proceed as follows:
1. Select the code location where a breakpoint has already been set:
– SIMOTION ST: Set the cursor in an appropriate line of the ST source.
– SIMOTION MCC: Select an appropriate command in the MCC chart.
– SIMOTION LAD/FBD: Set the cursor in an appropriate network of the LAD/FBD program.
2. Click the button for "edit call path" in the Breakpoints toolbar.
In the Call path / task selection breakpoint window, the marked code position is displayed
(with the name of the program source, line number, name of the POU).
3. Select the task in which the user program (i.e. all tasks in the debug task group) will be
stopped when the selected breakpoint is reached.
The following are available:
– All calling locations starting at this call level
The user program will always be started when the activated breakpoint in any task of the
debug task group is reached.
– The individual tasks from which the selected breakpoint can be reached.
The user program will be stopped only when the breakpoint in the selected task is
reached. The task must be in the debug task group.
The specification of a call path is possible.

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4. Only for functions and function blocks: Select the call path, i.e. the code position to be called
(in the calling POU).
The following are available:
– All calling locations starting at this call level
No call path is specified. The user program is always stopped at the activated breakpoint
if the POU in the selected tasks is called.
– Only when a single task is selected: The code positions to be called within the selected
task (with the name of the program source, line number, name of the POU).
The call path is specified. The user program will be stopped at the activated breakpoint
only when the POU is called from the selected code position.
If the POU of the selected calling code position is also called from other code positions,
further lines are displayed successively in which you proceed similarly.
5. If the breakpoint is only to be activated after the code position has been reached several
times, select the number of times.

Note
You can also define the call path to the individual breakpoints in the debug table:
1. Click the button for "debug table" in the Breakpoints toolbar.
The "Debug table" window opens.
2. Click the appropriate button in the "Call path" column.
3. Proceed in the same way as described above:
– Specify the task.
– Define the call path (only for functions and function blocks).
– Specify the number of passes after which the breakpoint is to be activated.

Proceed as follows:
• Activate the breakpoints, see Activating breakpoints (Page 414).

Note
You can use the "Display call stack (Page 417)" function to view the call path at a current
breakpoint and the code positions at which the other tasks of the debug task group were
stopped.

See also
Defining the call path for all breakpoints (Page 412)

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8.2.8.9 Breakpoint call path / task selection parameters

Table 8-15 Breakpoint call path / task selection parameter description

Field Description
Selected CPU The selected SIMOTION device is displayed.
Calling task Select the task in which the user program (i.e. all tasks in the debug task
group) will be stopped when the selected breakpoint is reached.
The following are available:
• All calling locations starting at this call level
The user program will always be started when the activated break‐
point in any task of the debug task group is reached.
• The individual tasks from which the POU with the selected break‐
point can be reached.
The user program will be stopped only when the breakpoint in the
selected task is reached. The task must be in the debug task group.
The specification of a call path is possible.
Current code position The code position is shown with the set breakpoint (with the name of
the program source file, line number, name of the POU).
Is called by Only for functions and function blocks:
Select the call path, i.e. the code position to be called (in the calling
POU).
The following are available:
• All calling locations starting at this call level
No call path is specified. The user program will always be stopped
at the activated breakpoint when the POU in the tasks is reached.
• Only when a single task is selected: The code positions to be called
within the selected task (with the name of the program source, line
number, name of the POU).
The call path is specified. The user program will be stopped at the
activated breakpoint only when the POU is called from the selected
code position.
If the POU of the selected calling code position is also called from
other code positions, further lines are displayed successively in
which you proceed similarly.
The breakpoint will be activa‐ If you do not want the breakpoint to be activated until the code position
ted at each nth pass. has been reached a certain number of times, set this number.

Note
You can only make changes to the debug task group if no breakpoints are active.

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8.2.8.10 Defining the call path for all breakpoints

With this procedure, you can:
• Select a default setting for all future breakpoints in a POU (e.g. MCC chart, LAD/FBD program
or POU in an ST source file).
• Accept and compare the call path for all previously set breakpoints in this POU.

Requirements
1. The program source with the POU (e.g. ST source file, MCC chart, LAD/FBD program) is open.
2. A connection to the target system must have been established (online mode).
3. SIMOTION SCOUT is in debug mode for the corresponding SIMOTION device; see Setting
debug mode (Page 402).
4. The tasks to be stopped are specified, see Specifying the debug task group (Page 403).

Procedure
To define the call path for all future breakpoints of a POU, proceed as follows:
1. Select the code location where no breakpoint has been set:
– SIMOTION ST: Set the cursor in an appropriate line of the ST source.
– SIMOTION MCC: Select an appropriate command in the MCC chart.
– SIMOTION LAD/FBD: Set the cursor in an appropriate network of the LAD/FBD program.
2. Click the button for "edit call path" in the Breakpoints toolbar.
In the "Call path / task selection all breakpoints for each POU" window, the marked code
position is displayed (with the name of the program source, line number, name of the POU).
3. Select the task in which the user program (i.e. all tasks in the debug task group) will be
stopped when a breakpoint in this POU is reached.
The following are available:
– All calling locations starting at this call level
The user program will always be started when an activated breakpoint of the POU in any
task of the debug task group is reached.
– The individual tasks from which the selected breakpoint can be reached.
The user program will be stopped only when a breakpoint in the selected task is reached.
The task must be in the debug task group.
The specification of a call path is possible.

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4. Only for functions and function blocks: Select the call path, i.e. the code position to be called
(in the calling POU).
The following are available:
– All calling locations starting at this call level
No call path is specified. The user program is always stopped at an activated breakpoint
when the POU in the selected tasks is called.
– Only when a single task is selected: The code positions to be called within the selected
task (with the name of the program source, line number, name of the POU).
The call path is specified. The user program will be stopped at an activated breakpoint only
when the POU is called from the selected code position.
If the selected calling code position is in turn called by other code positions, further lines
are displayed successively in which you proceed similarly.
5. If a breakpoint is only to be activated after the code position has been reached several times,
select the number of times.
6. If you want to accept and compare this call path for all previously set breakpoints in this POU:
– Click Accept.

Proceed as follows:
• Activate the breakpoints, see Activating breakpoints (Page 414).

Note
You can use the "Display call stack (Page 417)" function to view the call path at a current
breakpoint and the code positions at which the other tasks of the debug task group were
stopped.

See also
Defining the call path for a single breakpoint (Page 409)

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8.2.8.11 Call path / task selection parameters of all breakpoints per POU
Here you can define a presetting for the call path of all future breakpoints to be set in a POU.
Moreover, you can also accept this setting for all previously set breakpoints of this POU.

Table 8-16 Call path / task selection parameter description of all breakpoints per POU

Field Description
Selected CPU The selected SIMOTION device is displayed.
Calling task Select the task in which the user program (i.e. all tasks in the debug task
group) will be stopped when a breakpoint in this POU is reached.
The following are available:
• All calling locations starting at this call level
The user program will always be started when an activated break‐
point of the POU in any task of the debug task group is reached.
• The individual tasks from which the selected breakpoint can be
reached.
The user program will be stopped only when an activated break‐
point in the selected task is reached. The task must be in the debug
task group.
The specification of a call path is possible.
Current POU The POU in which the cursor is located is displayed (with the name of
the program source file, name of the POU).
Is called by Only for functions and function blocks:
Select the call path, i.e. the code position to be called (in the calling
POU).
The following are available:
• All calling locations starting at this call level
No call path is specified. The user program will always be stopped
at an activated breakpoint when the POU in the selected tasks is
called.
• Only when a single task is selected: The code positions to be called
within the selected task (with the name of the program source, line
number, name of the POU).
The call path is specified. The user program will be stopped at an
activated breakpoint only when the POU is called from the selected
code position.
If the POU of the selected calling code position is also called from
other code positions, further lines are displayed successively in
which you proceed similarly.
The breakpoint will be activa‐ If you do not want the breakpoint to be activated until the code position
ted at each nth pass. has been reached a certain number of times, set this number.
Apply this call path to all previ‐ Click the Apply button, if you want to apply the call path to all previ‐
ous breakpoints of this POU ously set breakpoints of the current POU. Any existing settings will be
overwritten.

8.2.8.12 Activating breakpoints

Breakpoints must be activated if they are to have an effect on program execution.

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Requirements
1. The program source with the POU (e.g. ST source file, MCC chart, LAD/FBD program) is open.
2. A connection to the target system must have been established (online mode).
3. SIMOTION SCOUT is in debug mode for the corresponding SIMOTION device; see Setting
debug mode (Page 402).
4. The tasks to be stopped are specified, see Specifying the debug task group (Page 403).
5. Breakpoints are set, see Setting breakpoints (Page 406).
6. Call paths are defined, see Defining a call path for a single breakpoint (Page 409).

Activating breakpoints
How to activate a single breakpoint:
1. Select the code location where a breakpoint has already been set:
– SIMOTION ST: Set the cursor in an appropriate line of the ST source file.
– SIMOTION MCC: Select an appropriate command in the MCC chart.
– SIMOTION LAD/FBD: Set the cursor in an appropriate network of the LAD/FBD program.
2. Perform the following (alternatives):
– Select the Debug > Activate/deactivate breakpoint menu command (shortcut F12).
– Click the button in the Breakpoints toolbar.
To activate all breakpoints (in all program sources) of the SIMOTION device, proceed as follows:
• Perform the following (alternatives):
– Select the Debug > Activate all breakpoints menu command.
– Click the button in the Breakpoints toolbar.
Once the first breakpoint has been activated, the SIMOTION device switches to debug mode. It
remains in this mode until the last breakpoint is deactivated.

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In the Task status function bar, (Page 419) the tasks with activated breakpoints are highlighted
in gray ( ).

Note
Breakpoints of all program sources of the SIMOTION device can also be activated and
deactivated in the debug table:
1. Click the button for "debug table" in the Breakpoints toolbar.
The "Debug Table" window opens.
2. Perform the action below, depending on which breakpoints you want to activate or
deactivate:
– Single breakpoints: Check or clear the corresponding checkboxes.
– All breakpoints (in all program sources): Click the corresponding button.
The following applies up to version V4.3 of the SIMOTION Kernel:
• In the case of activated breakpoints, the "Single step" test function of the SIMOTION MCC
programming language cannot be used.
The following applies as of version V4.4 of the SIMOTION Kernel:
• The "Single step" test function of the SIMOTION MCC programming language is not available
in the Debug mode.
Breakpoints cannot be activate if the control priority is at the axis control panel. Conversely, you
cannot fetch the control priority for the axis control panel when a breakpoint activated.

Behavior at the activated breakpoint

On reaching an activated breakpoint (possibly using the selected call path (Page 409)), all tasks
assigned to the debug task group will be stopped. The behavior depends on the tasks in the
debug task group and is described in "Defining a debug task group (Page 403)". The breakpoint
is highlighted.
In the Task status function bar, (Page 419) the task in which the breakpoint was reached is
highlighted in red ( ).
The following applies to the programming languages MCC or LAD/FBD: If the debug task group
is stopped by a breakpoint, then the user has the option to change to another task, belonging
to the debug task group, in the combo box. Always the breakpoint of the currently selected task
is visualized.
If the breakpoint that initiated the stopping of the tasks is located in a program or function block,
the values of the static variables for this POU are displayed in the "Variables status" tab of the
detail display. Temporary variables (also in/out parameters for function blocks) are not
displayed. You can monitor static variables of other POUs or unit variables in the symbol browser
(Page 388).
You can use the "Display call stack (Page 417)" function to:
• View the call path at the current breakpoint.
• View the code positions with the call path at which the other tasks of the debug task group
have been stopped.

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Resuming program execution

You can resume the execution of the stopped tasks, see "Resuming program execution"
(Page 418).
As of version V4.4 of the SIMOTION Kernel, you can resume the task in single steps that has been
stopped at the activated breakpoint in the MCC and LAD/FBD programming languages, see
Resuming program execution in single steps.

Deactivate breakpoints
To deactivate a single breakpoint, proceed as follows:
1. Select the code position with the activated breakpoint.
2. Perform the following (alternatives):
– Select the Debug > Activate/deactivate breakpoint menu command (shortcut F12).
– Click the button in the Breakpoints toolbar.
To deactivate all breakpoints (in all program sources) of the SIMOTION device, proceed as
follows:
• Perform the following (alternatives):
– Select the Debug > Deactivate all breakpoints menu command.
– Click the button in the Breakpoints toolbar.
Once the last breakpoint has been deactivated, the SIMOTION device switches to "test mode";
SIMOTION SCOUT continues to run in debug mode.

8.2.8.13 Display call stack

You can use the "Display call stack" function to:
• View the call path at the current breakpoint.
• View the code positions with the call path at which the other tasks of the debug task group
have been stopped.

Requirement
The user program is stopped at an activated breakpoint, i.e. the tasks of the debug task group
(Page 403) have been stopped.

Procedure
To call the "Display call stack" function, proceed as follows:
• Click the button for "display call stack" in the Breakpoints toolbar.
The "Breakpoint call stack" dialog opens. The current call path (including the calling task and
the number of the set passes) is displayed.
The call path cannot be changed.

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To use the "Display call stack" function, proceed as follows:

1. Keep the "Breakpoint call stack" dialog open.
2. To display the code position at which the other task was stopped, proceed as follows:
– Select the appropriate task. All tasks of the debug task group can be selected.
The code position, including the call path, is displayed. If the code position is contained in a
user program, the program source with the POU (e.g. ST source file, MCC chart, LAD/FBD
program) will be opened and the code position marked.
3. How to resume program execution:
– Click the button for "resume" (Ctrl+F8 shortcut) on the Breakpoint toolbar.
When the next activated breakpoint is reached, the tasks of the debug task group will be
stopped again. The current call path, including the calling task, is displayed.
4. Click OK to close the "Breakpoint call stack" dialog box.
For names of the SIMOTION RT program sources, refer to the table in "Program run (Page 394)".

8.2.8.14 Breakpoints call stack parameter

When an activated breakpoint (Page 414) is reached, you can display the following for each task
in the debug task group (Page 403):
• The position in the program code (e.g. line of an ST source file) at which the task stopped.
• The call path of this code position.

Table 8-17 Breakpoint call path parameter description

Field Description
Selected CPU The selected SIMOTION device is displayed.
Calling task Select the task for which you want to display the code position at which
the task was stopped.
All tasks of the debug task group can be selected.
Current code position The position in the program code (e.g. line of an ST source file) at which
the selected task was stopped is displayed (with the name of the pro‐
gram source file, line number, name of the POU).
is called by The code positions that call the current code position within the selec‐
ted task are shown recursively (with the name of the program source
file, line number, name of the POU, and name of the function block
instance, if applicable).

For names of the SIMOTION RT program sources, refer to the table in "Program run (Page 394)".

8.2.8.15 Resuming program execution

How to resume program execution:
• Perform the following (alternatives):
– Select the Debug > Continue menu command (shortcut CTRL+F8).
– Click the button on the Breakpoint toolbar (Page 408) to "Continue".

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The stopped task is continued until the next active breakpoint is reached.

8.2.9 Task status function bar

In a combo box, the Task status function bar displays all tasks of the active SIMOTION device, to
which a program is assigned.
They are displayed under the following conditions:
1. SIMOTION SCOUT is in online mode.
2. The affected SIMOTION device is active, e.g.
– In the project navigator, the SIMOTION device or an element in its subtree is selected
(such as program source, technology object).
– In the working area, an open window is active that belongs to an element in the subtree
of the SIMOTION device.
3. The SIMOTION device is consistent.
A background color highlights the occurrence of specific events in the affected task, see the
following table. The task in question is displayed in the combo box of the function bar according
to the event priority.

Table 8-18 Meaning of background colors in the Task status function bar

Background color Meaning Priority

Cyan The affected task waits for a command at the "Single Highest
step" test function (only for SIMOTION MCC program‐
ming language).
Red The affected task is located at a breakpoint (Page 414).
Blue In the affected task, the "Single step" test function is ac‐
tivated (only for SIMOTION MCC programming lan‐
guage)
Gray In the affected task, at least 1 breakpoint (Page 414) is
activated.
Yellow In the affected task, the "Monitoring" test function is ac‐
tivated (only for SIMOTION MCC programming lan‐
guage).
White In the affected task, none of the above-mentioned test
functions are activated. Lowest

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Note
A selection of a task in the combo box is only possible:
• For the following test functions of the SIMOTION MCC programming language:
– Monitoring
– Single step
– Trace
• at activated breakpoints (Page 414) in the MCC or LAD/FBD programming languages.

8.2.10 Trace
Using the trace tool, you can record and store the course of variable values over time (z. B. unit
variables, local variables, system variables, I/O variables). This allows you to document the
optimization, for example, of axes.
You can set the recording time, display up to four channels, select trigger conditions,
parameterize timing adjustments, select between different curve displays and scalings, etc.
Aside from isochronous recording, you can also select Recording at code position. This lets you
record the values of variables whenever the program runs through a specific point in the ST
source file.
The trace tool is described in detail in the online help.

8.2.11 Project comparison

SIMOTION SCOUT has a project comparison function (start this via the Start object
comparison button) for comparing objects within the same project and/or objects from
different projects (online or offline).
Project comparison allows you to establish any differences and, if necessary, run a data transfer
to rectify them.
Objects are devices and their sub-objects, programs, technology objects (TOs) or drive objects
(DOs), and libraries. Comparing projects is useful if you need to carry out service work on the
system.
Further information on project and detail comparisons can be found in the SIMOTION Project
Comparison Function Manual.

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Appendix A
A.1 Formal Language Description
In this chapter, you will find overviews of the basic elements of ST and a complete compilation
of all syntax diagrams with the language elements. This appendix summarizes the basic features
of the ST language.

A.1.1 Language description resources

Syntax diagrams are used as a basis for the language description in the individual sections. They
provide you with an invaluable insight into the syntactic (i.e. grammatical) structure of ST.
Instructions for using syntax diagrams were presented in Language description resources.
Information about the difference between formatted and unformatted rules, of interest to the
advanced user, is presented below.

A.1.1.1 Formatted rules (lexical rules)

The lexical rules describe the structure of the elements processed by the compiler during lexical
analysis. This means that the notation is formatted and the rules must be followed. In particular,
that means:
• Insertion of formatting characters is not allowed.
• Block and line comments cannot be inserted.
• Attributes for identifiers cannot be inserted.
The following figure shows a lexical rule for legal identifiers.

,GHQWLILHU IRUPDWWHG

/HWWHU /HWWHU

B

/HWWHU 'LJLW

B 8QGHUVFRUH

'LJLW /HWWHU$=D]
8QGHUVFRUH ಺'LJLW

Figure A-1 Example of a lexical rule

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Appendix
A.1 Formal Language Description

Valid examples according to this rule include:

R_CONTROLLER3
_A_ARRAY
_100_3_3_10

A.1.1.2 Unformatted rules (syntactic rules)

The syntactic rules build on the lexical rules and describe the structure of ST. You can write your
ST program unformatted within the framework of these rules.
The unformatted property means:
• Formatting characters can be inserted anywhere.
• Block and line comments can be inserted.
The following example shows the syntactic rule for assigning a value in a statement.

9DOXHDVVLJQPHQW XQIRUPDWWHG

9DULDEOHRIWKH
HOHPHQWDU\GDWDW\SH

9DULDEOHRIWKH
HQXPHUDWRUGDWDW\SH

$UUD\YDULDEOH

6WUXFWXUHGYDULDEOH

$EVROXWH3,DFFHVV   ([SUHVVLRQ

2XWSXWVRQO\

([WHUQDOWDJ

$FFHVVWR)%LQSXWSDUDPHWHUV !

'LUHFWELWDFFHVV !

!2QO\IRUDFWLYDWHG3HUPLWODQJXDJHH[WHQVLRQVFRPSLOHURSWLRQ

Figure A-2 Example of a syntactic rule

Valid examples according to this rule include:

VARIABLE_1 := 100; SWITCH := FALSE;

//'This is a comment
VARIABLE_2:=3.2 +VARIABLE_1;

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A.1 Formal Language Description

A.1.2 Basic elements (terminals)

A terminal is a basic element that is declared verbally and not by a further rule. It is represented
in the syntax diagrams by an oval or circle.

A.1.2.1 Letters, digits and other characters

Letters and digits are the most commonly used characters. The identifier, for example, consists
of a combination of letters, digits, and the underscore. The underscore is one of the special
characters.

Table A-1 Letters and digits

Characters Subgroup Character set elements

Letter Upper case A .. Z
Lower case a .. z
Digit Decimal digit 0 .. 9
Octal digit Octal digit 0 .. 7
Hexadecimal digit Hexadecimal digit 0 .. 9, A .. F, a .. f
Bit Binary digit 0, 1

You can use the complete extended ASCII character set in comments. You can use all printable
ASCII code characters starting from decimal equivalent 32 (blank).
For language commands, identifiers, constants, expressions and operators, you can use special
characters, i.e. characters other than letters and digits, only according to certain rules.

A.1.2.2 Formatting characters and separators in the rules

Formatting characters and separators are used differently in formatted (lexical) and
unformatted (syntactic) rules. Language description resources (Page 421) describes the
differences between syntactic and lexical rules.
In the tables below, you will find the formatting characters and separators of the lexical and
syntactic rules. You are also provided with a description and a list of all rules in which the
formatting characters and separators are used as terminals (see Rules (Page 435)).

Table A-2 Formatting characters and separators in lexical rules

Characters Description Lexical rule

: Separator between hours, minutes, Time of day information
and seconds
. Separator for floating-point represen‐ Floating-point representation, time-of-day in‐
tation, time interval representation, formation, decimal representation, access to
absolute addressing local or global instance
_ Separator for identifiers, separator for Identifiers, decimal digit string, binary digit
Underscore numerical values in constants string, octal digit string, hexadecimal digit
string, sequence representation
% Prefix for direct identifier on CPU mem‐ Simple memory access
ory access

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Characters Description Lexical rule

// Comment Line comment
(**) Comment Block comment

Table A-3 Formatting characters and separators in syntactic rules

Characters Description Syntactic rule

: Separator for type information Function, variable declaration, component
declaration, CASE statement, instance decla‐
ration
; Ends a declaration or statement Constant block, statement, variable declara‐
tion, instance declaration, component decla‐
ration, statement section
, Separator for lists Variable declaration, array initialization list, in‐
stance declaration, ARRAY data type specifica‐
tion, FB parameter, FC parameter, value list
.. Range information Array data type specification, value list
. Structure access Structured variable
() Initialization list for arrays, parenthe‐ Array initialization list, expression, simple mul‐
ses in expressions, function and func‐ tiplication, operand, exponent, FB call, func‐
tion block calls tion call
[] Array declaration, structured variable Array data type specification
section of array

See also
Language description resources (Page 93)

A.1.2.3 Formatting characters and separators for constants

Below, you will find all formatting characters and separators for constants with information on
the lexical rule in which they are used.

Table A-4 Formatting characters and separators for constants

Characters Code for Lexical rule

2# Integer constant Binary digit string
8# Integer constant Octal digit string
16# Integer constant Hexadecimal digit string
E Separator for floating-point constants Exponent
E Separator for floating-point constants Exponent
D# Time information Date
DATE# Time information Date
DATE_AND_TIME# Time information Date and time
DT# Time information Date and time
T# Time information Duration

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Characters Code for Lexical rule

TIME# Time information Duration
TIME_OF_DAY# Time information Time of day
TOD# Time information Time of day
d Separator for time interval (day) Days (rule: Sequence representation)
h Separator for time interval (hours) Hours
(rule: Sequence representation)
m Separator for time interval (minutes) Minutes
(rule: Sequence representation)
ms Separator for time interval (millisec‐ Milliseconds
onds) (rule: Sequence representation)
s Separator for time interval (seconds) Seconds
(rule: Sequence representation)

A.1.2.4 Predefined identifiers for process image access

Below is a list of all predefined variables in ST that you can use to access CPU memory areas
(absolute identifiers). Note that you can read and write outputs but you can only read inputs.

Table A-5 Absolute identifier

Identifier Description Lexical rule

%In.x CPU input range with byte and bit Absolute PI access
or address
%IXn.x
%IBn CPU input range with byte ad‐ Absolute PI access
dress
%IWn CPU input range with word ad‐ Absolute PI access
dress
%IDn CPU input range with double Absolute PI access
word address
%Qn.x CPU output range with byte and Absolute PI access
or bit address
%QXn.x
%QBn CPU output range with byte ad‐ Absolute PI access
dress
%QWn CPU output range with word ad‐ Absolute PI access
dress
%QDn CPU output range with double Absolute PI access
word address

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A.1.2.5 Operators
Below is a list of all ST operators and the syntactic rules in which they are used.

Table A-6 ST operators

Operator Description Rule

:= Assignment operator (also for Value assignment, input assignment, in/out
initialization values) assignment, variable declaration, constant
declaration, user-defined data types, compo‐
nent declaration, instance declaration
+, – Arithmetic operators: Unary Expression, exponent
operators, sign
+, –, *, / Basic arithmetic operators Expression, basic arithmetic operator
MOD
** Arithmetic operators: Power Expression
operator
NOT Logic operators: Negation Expression, operand
AND, &, OR, XOR Basic logic operators Basic logic operator
<, >, <=, >=, =, <> Relational operator Relational operator
=> Assignment operator Output assignment
?= 1 Dynamic type conversion Dynamic type conversion
^ Dereferencing operator Dereferencing of general references
1
Only with compiler option "Permit object-oriented programming".

A.1.2.6 Reserved words

Below is an alphabetical list of keywords, predefined identifiers, and standard functions of the
basic ST system. You are also provided with a description and the syntactic rule from rules in
which they are used as terminals. An exception is standard functions, which are included only
implicitly in the syntactic rule for function calls as the standard function name.

Note
Variables must not be assigned the names of keywords or predefined identifiers. For more
information about identifiers, see Identifiers in ST. You will find an overview of the identifiers
reserved for technology objects and other reserved identifiers in Reserved identifiers.

Table A-7 ST keywords and predefined identifiers in the basic ST system

Keyword/identifier Description Rule

ABS Standard numeric function Function call
ABSTRACT 2 Keyword Class (Page 449), Method in
class (Page 450)
ACOS Standard numeric function Function call
AND Logic operator Basic logic operator
ANYOBJECT General data type for technology objects TO data type

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Keyword/identifier Description Rule

ANYOBJECT_TO_OBJECT Standard function for type conversion (technolo‐ Function call
gy objects)
ANYTYPE_TO_BIGBYTEARRAY Standard function (marshalling) Function call
ANYTYPE_TO_LITTLEBYTEARRAY Standard function (marshalling) Function call
ARRAY Introduces the specification of an array and is fol‐ ARRAY data type specification
lowed by the index list between [ and ]
AS Introduces a namespace –
ASIN Standard numeric function Function call
AT Keyword for address specification Component declaration with
relative address, symbolic PI
access
ATAN Standard numeric function Function call
BIGBYTEARRAY_TOANYTYPE Standard function (marshalling) Function call
BOOL Elementary data type for binary data Bit data type
BOOL_TO_BYTE Standard function for type conversion Function call
BOOL_TO_DWORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
BOOL_TO_WORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
BOOL_VALUE_TO_DINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
BOOL_VALUE_TO_INT Standard function for type conversion Function call
BOOL_VALUE_TO_LREAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
BOOL_VALUE_TO_REAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
BOOL_VALUE_TO_SINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
BOOL_VALUE_TO_UDINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
BOOL_VALUE_TO_UINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
BOOL_VALUE_TO_USINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
BY Introduces the increment FOR statement (Page 483)
BYTE Elementary data type Bit data type
BYTE_TO_BOOL Standard function for type conversion Function call
BYTE_TO_DINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
BYTE_TO_DWORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
BYTE_TO_INT Standard function for type conversion Function call
BYTE_TO_SINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
BYTE_TO_UDINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
BYTE_TO_UINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
BYTE_TO_USINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
BYTE_TO_WORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
BYTE_VALUE_TO_LREAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
BYTE_VALUE_TO_REAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
CASE Introduces a control statement for selection CASE statement
CLASS 2
Introduces the class Class (Page 449)
CONCAT Standard function for string editing Function call
CONCAT_DATE_TOD Standard function for type conversion Function call
CONSTANT Introduces a constant definition Constant block
CONTINUE 1 Jump directly to the beginning of a loop CONTINUE statement

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Keyword/identifier Description Rule

COS Standard numeric function Function call
CTD Down counter Function block call
CTD_DINT Down counter Function block call
CTD_UDINT Down counter Function block call
CTU Up counter Function block call
CTU_DINT Up counter Function block call
CTU_UDINT Up counter Function block call
CTUD Up/down counter Function block call
CTUD_DINT Up/down counter Function block call
CTUD_UDINT Up/down counter Function block call
DATE Elementary data type for date Time data type
DATE_AND_TIME Elementary data type for date and time Time data type
DATE_AND_TIME_TO_DATE Standard function for type conversion Function call
DATE_AND_TIME_TO_TIME_OF_DAY Standard function for type conversion Function call
DELETE Standard function for string editing Function call
DINT Elementary data type for double precision inte‐ Numeric data type
ger with value range -2**31 .. 2**31‑1
DINT_TO_BYTE Standard function for type conversion Function call
DINT_TO_DWORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
DINT_TO_INT Standard function for type conversion Function call
DINT_TO_LREAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
DINT_TO_REAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
DINT_TO_SINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
DINT_TO_STRING Standard function for type conversion Function call
DINT_TO_UDINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
DINT_TO_UINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
DINT_TO_USINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
DINT_TO_WORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
DINT_VALUE_TO_BOOL Standard function for type conversion Function call
DO Introduces the body for a FOR statement, WHILE FOR statement (Page 483),
statement, or WAITFORCONDITION statement WHILE statement (Page 483),
WAITFORCONDITION state‐
ment (Page 485)
DT Shorthand notation for DATE_AND_TIME Time data type
DT_TO_DATE Standard function for type conversion Function call
DT_TO_TOD Standard function for type conversion Function call
DWORD Elementary data type for double word Bit data type
DWORD_TO_BOOL Standard function for type conversion Function call
DWORD_TO_BYTE Standard function for type conversion Function call
DWORD_TO_DINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
DWORD_TO_INT Standard function for type conversion Function call
DWORD_TO_REAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
DWORD_TO_SINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
DWORD_TO_UDINT Standard function for type conversion Function call

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Keyword/identifier Description Rule

DWORD_TO_UINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
DWORD_TO_USINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
DWORD_TO_WORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
DWORD_VALUE_TO_LREAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
DWORD_VALUE_TO_REAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
ELSE Introduces the clause to be executed if no condi‐ IF statement, CASE statement
tion true
ELSIF Introduces alternative condition IF statement
END_CASE Ends the CASE statement CASE statement
END_CLASS 2
Ends class Class (Page 449)
END_EXPRESSION Ends the EXPRESSION statement Expression (Page 448)
END_FOR Ends the FOR statement FOR statement (Page 483)
END_FUNCTION Ends the function Function (Page 448)
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK Ends the function block Function block (Page 448)
END_IF Ends the IF statement IF statement
END_IMPLEMENTATION Ends implementation section Implementation section
END_INTERFACE Ends interface section, Interface section,
ends object-oriented interface 2 object-oriented interface
(Page 451)
END_LABEL Ends the LABEL statement Jump label declaration
(Page 462)
END_METHOD 2 Ends method Method in class (Page 450),
Method in FB (Page 452),
Method prototype (Page 451)
END_NAMESPACE 2 Ends the namespace Namespace
END_PROGRAM Ends the program Program (Page 449)
END_REPEAT Ends the REPEAT statement REPEAT statement (Page 484)
END_STRUCT Ends the specification of a structure STRUCT data type specifica‐
tion
END_TYPE Ends the UDT definition User-defined data type
END_VAR Ends a declaration block Variable block, parameter
block, constant block
END_WAITFORCONDITION Ends the control statement for a task waiting for WAITFORCONDITION state‐
a programmable event ment (Page 485)
END_WHILE Ends the WHILE statement WHILE statement (Page 484)
ENUM_TO_DINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
EXIT Direct exit from loop execution EXIT statement (Page 484)
EXP Standard numeric function Function call
EXPD Standard numeric function Function call
EXPRESSION Programmable event for waiting task Expression (Page 448)
EXPT Standard numeric function Function call
EXTENDS 2
Derivation of a class Class (Page 449)
F_TRIG Detects falling edge Function block call
FALSE Predefined Boolean constant: Logical condition –
false, value equal to 0

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Keyword/identifier Description Rule

FINAL 2 Keyword Class (Page 449), Method in
class (Page 450)
FIND Standard function for string editing Function call
FOR Introduces the control statement for loop execu‐ FOR statement (Page 483)
tion
FROM_BIG_ENDIAN 1 Standard function for endian conversion Function call
FROM_LITTLE_ENDIAN 1 Standard function for endian conversion Function call
FUNCTION Introduces the function Function (Page 448)
FUNCTION_BLOCK Introduces the function block Function block (Page 448)
GOTO Jump GOTO statement (Page 485)
IF Introduces a control statement for selection IF statement
IMPLEMENTATION Introduces the implementation section Implementation section
IMPLEMENTS 2
Implements object-oriented interfaces Class (Page 449)
INSERT Standard function for string editing Function call
INT Elementary data type for single precision integer Numeric data type
with value range -2**15.. 2**15‑1
INT_TO_BYTE Standard function for type conversion Function call
INT_TO_DINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
INT_TO_DWORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
INT_TO_LREAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
INT_TO_REAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
INT_TO_SINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
INT_TO_TIME Standard function for type conversion Function call
INT_TO_UDINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
INT_TO_UINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
INT_TO_USINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
INT_TO_WORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
INT_VALUE_TO_BOOL Standard function for type conversion Function call
INTERFACE Introduces interface section, Interface section,
introduces object-oriented interface 2 object-oriented interface
(Page 451)
IS_VALID 1 Standard validity check function Function call
LABEL Definition of jump labels Jump label declaration
(Page 462)
LEFT Standard function for string editing Function call
LEN Standard function for string editing Function call
LIMIT Standard function for selection Function call
LITTLEBYTEARRAY_TOANYTYPE Standard function (marshalling) Function call
LN Standard numeric function Function call
LOG Standard numeric function Function call
LOWER_BOUND 1
Standard function for lower array boundary Function call
LREAL Elementary data type for 64-bit double-precision Numeric data type
floating-point number (long real)
LREAL_TO_DINT Standard function for type conversion Function call

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Keyword/identifier Description Rule

LREAL_TO_INT Standard function for type conversion Function call
LREAL_TO_REAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
LREAL_TO_SINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
LREAL_TO_STRING Standard function for type conversion Function call
LREAL_TO_UDINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
LREAL_TO_UINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
LREAL_TO_USINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
LREAL_VALUE_TO_BOOL Standard function for type conversion Function call
LREAL_VALUE_TO_BYTE Standard function for type conversion Function call
LREAL_VALUE_TO_DWORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
LREAL_VALUE_TO_WORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
MAX Standard function for selection Function call
METHOD 2 Introduces the method Method in class (Page 450),
Method in FB (Page 452),
Method prototype (Page 451)
MID Standard function for string editing Function call
MIN Standard function for selection Function call
MOD Arithmetic operator for division remainder Basic arithmetic operator
MUX Standard function for selection Function call
NOT Logic operator, belongs to the unary operators Expression, operand
NAMESPACE 2 Introduces the namespace Namespace
NULL Invalid reference -
OF Keyword ARRAY data type specifica‐
tion, CASE statement
OR Logic operator Basic logic operator
OVERLAP Introduction for a structure with overlapping ad‐ STRUCT data type specifica‐
dress ranges tion
OVERRIDE 2 Keyword Method in class (Page 450),
Static variable block, Reten‐
tive local variable block
PRIVATE 2 Access identifier Class access identifier
(Page 450), FB access identifi‐
er (Page 452)
PROGRAM Introduces the program Program (Page 449)
PROTECTED 2
Access identifier Class access identifier
(Page 450)
PUBLIC 2 Access identifier Class access identifier
(Page 450), FB access identifi‐
er (Page 452)
R_TRIG Detects rising edge Function block call
REAL Elementary data type for 32-bit single precision Numeric data type
floating-point number (real)
REAL_TO_DINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
REAL_TO_DWORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
REAL_TO_INT Standard function for type conversion Function call

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Keyword/identifier Description Rule

REAL_TO_LREAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
REAL_TO_SINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
REAL_TO_STRING Standard function for type conversion Function call
REAL_TO_TIME Standard function for type conversion Function call
REAL_TO_UDINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
REAL_TO_UINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
REAL_TO_USINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
REAL_VALUE_TO_BOOL Standard function for type conversion Function call
REAL_VALUE_TO_BYTE Standard function for type conversion Function call
REAL_VALUE_TO_DWORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
REAL_VALUE_TO_WORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
REF 2
Formation of general references General reference
REF_TO 2 Declaration of general references General reference
REPEAT Introduces the control statement for loop execu‐ REPEAT statement (Page 484)
tion
REPLACE Standard function for string editing Function call
RETAIN Declaration of buffered variables Retentive variable block
RETURN Control statement for returning from subprogram RETURN statement (Page 484)
RIGHT Standard function for string editing Function call
ROL Bit string standard functions Function call
ROR Bit string standard functions Function call
RS Bistable function block Function block call
(priority reset)
RTC Real-time clock Function block call
SEL Standard function for selection Function call
SHL Bit string standard functions Function call
SHR Bit string standard functions Function call
SIN Standard numeric function Function call
SINT Elementary data type for short integer with value Numeric data type
range -128 .. 127
SINT_TO_BYTE Standard function for type conversion Function call
SINT_TO_DINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
SINT_TO_DWORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
SINT_TO_INT Standard function for type conversion Function call
SINT_TO_LREAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
SINT_TO_REAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
SINT_TO_UDINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
SINT_TO_UINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
SINT_TO_USINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
SINT_TO_WORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
SINT_VALUE_TO_BOOL Standard function for type conversion Function call
SQRT Standard numeric function Function call
SR Bistable function block (set as priority) Function block call

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Keyword/identifier Description Rule

STRING Elementary data type for character strings String data type
STRING_TO_DINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
STRING_TO_LREAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
STRING_TO_REAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
STRING_TO_UDINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
STRUCT Introduces the specification of a structure and is STRUCT data type specifica‐
followed by a list of components tion
StructAlarmId Data type for AlarmId –
StructAlarmId_TO_DINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
StructTaskId Data type for TaskId –
SUPER 2 Keyword for calling the method of the base class Class method call
TAN Standard numeric function Function call
THEN Introduces subsequent actions if condition true IF statement
THIS 2 Keyword for calling the currently valid method Class method call, FB method
call
TIME Elementary data type for time information Time data type
TIME_OF_DAY Elementary data type for time of day Time data type
TIME_TO_INT Standard function for type conversion Function call
TIME_TO_REAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
TO Introduces end value FOR statement (Page 483)
TOD Shorthand notation for TIME_OF_DAY Time data type
TOF OFF delay Function block call
TON ON delay Function block call
TO_BIG_ENDIAN 1 Standard function for endian conversion Function call
TO_LITTLE_ENDIAN 1 Standard function for endian conversion Function call
TP Pulse Function block call
TRUE Predefined Boolean constant: Logical condition –
true, value not equal to 0
TRUNC Standard numeric function Function call
TYPE Introduces the UDT definition User-defined data type
UDINT Elementary data type for unsigned double preci‐ Numeric data type
sion integer with value range 0 .. 2**32‑1
UDINT_TO_BYTE Standard function for type conversion Function call
UDINT_TO_DINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
UDINT_TO_DWORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
UDINT_TO_INT Standard function for type conversion Function call
UDINT_TO_LREAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
UDINT_TO_REAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
UDINT_TO_SINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
UDINT_TO_STRING Standard function for type conversion Function call
UDINT_TO_UINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
UDINT_TO_USINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
UDINT_TO_WORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
UDINT_VALUE_TO_BOOL Standard function for type conversion Function call

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A.1 Formal Language Description

Keyword/identifier Description Rule

UINT Elementary data type for unsigned single preci‐ Numeric data type
sion integer with value range 0 .. 2**16‑1
UINT_TO_BYTE Standard function for type conversion Function call
UINT_TO_DINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
UINT_TO_DWORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
UINT_TO_INT Standard function for type conversion Function call
UINT_TO_LREAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
UINT_TO_REAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
UINT_TO_SINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
UINT_TO_UDINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
UINT_TO_USINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
UINT_TO_WORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
UINT_VALUE_TO_BOOL Standard function for type conversion Function call
UNIT Introduces the UNIT section Unit section
UNTIL Introduces exit condition for REPEAT statement REPEAT statement (Page 484)
UPPER_BOUND 1 Standard function for upper array boundary Function call
USELIB Introduces the library name –
USEPACKAGE Introduces the package name –
USES Introduces a reference to other units –
USING 2
Use of a namespace Namespace
USINT Elementary data type for unsigned short integer Numeric data type
with value range 0 .. 255
USINT_TO_BYTE Standard function for type conversion Function call
USINT_TO_DINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
USINT_TO_DWORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
USINT_TO_INT Standard function for type conversion Function call
USINT_TO_LREAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
USINT_TO_REAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
USINT_TO_SINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
USINT_TO_UDINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
USINT_TO_UINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
USINT_TO_WORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
USINT_VALUE_TO_BOOL Standard function for type conversion Function call
VAR Introduces a declaration block for local variables Static variable block, tempo‐
or constants rary variable block in FC, con‐
stant block
VAR_GLOBAL Introduces a declaration block for unit variables Unit variables, unit constants
(global variables) or unit constants
VAR_IN_OUT Introduces a declaration block Parameter block
VAR_INPUT Introduces a declaration block Parameter block
VAR_OUTPUT Introduces a declaration block Parameter block
VAR_TEMP Introduces a declaration block Temporary variable block in
FB/program
VOID No return value for function Function (Page 448)

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Keyword/identifier Description Rule

WAITFORCONDITION Introduces the control statement for a task wait‐ WAITFORCONDITION state‐
ing for a programmable event ment (Page 485)
WHILE Introduces the control statement for loop execu‐ WHILE statement (Page 484)
tion
WITH Use in conjunction with WAITFORCONDITION WAITFORCONDITION state‐
ment (Page 485)
WORD Elementary data type for word Bit data type
WORD_TO_BOOL Standard function for type conversion Function call
WORD_TO_BYTE Standard function for type conversion Function call
WORD_TO_DINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
WORD_TO_DWORD Standard function for type conversion Function call
WORD_TO_INT Standard function for type conversion Function call
WORD_TO_SINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
WORD_TO_UDINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
WORD_TO_UINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
WORD_TO_USINT Standard function for type conversion Function call
WORD_VALUE_TO_LREAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
WORD_VALUE_TO_REAL Standard function for type conversion Function call
XOR Logic operator Basic logic operator

1 Only with active compiler option "Permit language extensions, IEC61131 3rd edition".
2 Only with active compiler option "Permit object-oriented programming".

A.1.3 Rules

The following syntax rules of the ST language are subdivided into rules with formatted notation
(lexical rules) and unformatted notation (syntactic rules). Language description resources
describes the differences between syntactic and lexical rules.

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A.1.3.1 Identifiers

,GHQWLILHU IRUPDWWHG

/HWWHU /HWWHU

B

/HWWHU 'LJLW

B 8QGHUVFRUH

'LJLW /HWWHU$=D]
8QGHUVFRUH ಺'LJLW

Figure A-3 Identifier

1XPEHU IRUPDWWHG

'LJLW

'LJLW

Figure A-4 Number

A.1.3.2 Notation for constants (literals)

Literals

/LWHUDO IRUPDWWHG

,QWHJHU

)ORDWLQJSRLQWQXPEHU

7LPHOLWHUDO

&KDUDFWHUVWULQJ

Figure A-5 Literal

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A.1 Formal Language Description

,QWHJHU IRUPDWWHG


,QWHJHUV 'HFLPDO
GDWDW\SH  GLJLWVWULQJ



%LWGDWDW\SH 
%LQDU\GLJLWVWULQJ

2FWDOGLJLWVWULQJ

2QO\IRUGDWDW\SHV
6,17,17DQG',17
+H[DGHFLPDOGLJLWVWULQJ

Figure A-6 Integer

)ORDWLQJSRLQWQXPEHU IRUPDWWHG



)ORDWLQJSRLQWQXPEHU
GDWDW\SH 

  

'HFLPDOGLJLW  'HFLPDOGLJLW
([SRQHQW
VWULQJ VWULQJ



 $WOHDVWRQHRSWLRQPXVWEHRIIHUHG

Figure A-7 Floating-point number

([SRQHQW IRUPDWWHG

( 

'HFLPDOGLJLWVWULQJ

H 

Figure A-8 Exponent

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A.1 Formal Language Description

7LPHOLWHUDO IRUPDWWHG

'DWH

7LPHRIGD\

'DWHDQGWLPH

'XUDWLRQ

Figure A-9 Time literal

&KDUDFWHUVWULQJ IRUPDWWHG

675,1*

 

$SRVWURSKH $SRVWURSKH
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Note the following when inserting comments:
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• Nesting of block comments is not allowed as standard. However, you can nest line comments
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Figure A-41 Syntax: Function block (FB) with methods

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A.1.3.8 Structure of the declaration blocks

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A.1.3.13 Control statements

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A.1.3.14 Pragmas

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A.2 Compiler Error Messages and Remedies

This section provides an overview of the compiler error messages and their correction.

A.2.1 File access errors (1000 ... 1100)

Table A-8 File access errors (1000 ... 1100)

Error Description
1000 A read/write error has occurred on file access.
1001 Unable to load the file with the plain text error messages; cannot output error message texts. Please
refer to the online help using the error number!
1002 The created code could not be stored. Please close some windows and recompile!
1003 A read/write error has occurred on opening the file. Please close the application and try again!
1100 The option for stating a preprocessor definition contains an invalid identifier as the defined token. The
correct syntax of the call option is: -D identifier[=[text]]
Examples:
• -D myident // Definition of myident; this can be queried using #ifdef.
• -D myident= // myident is defined as empty character string
• -D "myident=This is a text" // myident is defined as character string 'This is a text'. The quotation
marks only have to be used if the replacement text contains a blank.

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A.2.2 Scanner errors (2001, 2002)

Table A-9 Scanner errors (2001, 2002)

Error Description
2001 The specified character is illegal.
2002 The specified identifier contains illegal characters or combinations of characters. According to
IEC 61131, an identifier must start with a letter or an underscore. Any number of letters, digits, or
underscores may follow, but no more than one underscore in a row.

A.2.3 Declaration errors in POU (3002 ... 3161)

Table A-10 Declaration errors in POU (3002 ... 3100)

Error Description
3002 Keyword "IMPLEMENTATION" to identify the code section of the load unit is expected.
3003 The specified declaration block is not permitted in this context.
3004 The VAR, VAR_INPUT, VAR_OUTPUT, VAR_IN_OUT, VAR CONSTANT, VAR RETAIN variable declaration
blocks are permitted only once for each POU.
3005 TASK statement: The task link has already been made in the source file for the specified task. Further
task linking not possible.
3006 Incorrect stack size for task specified. Only positive integers are permitted.
3007 The specified identifier must be a task identifier; see task configuration.
3008 The specified identifier must be a program identifier. The declaration is made in the statement PRO‐
GRAM xx … END_PROGRAM.
3009 The EXPRESSION keyword must be followed by an identifier. The declaration is made in the statement
EXPRESSION xx … END_EXPRESSION.
3010 The specified identifier is not an EXPRESSION identifier. Check whether the declaration was made
using the statement EXPRESSION xx … END_EXPRESSION.
3011 The TASK statement is not permitted in the unit. Use the task configuration in the Workbench.
3012 The specified identifier has already been declared at another position. It cannot be used again as a
function identifier.
3013 The specified identifier has already been declared at another position. It cannot be used again as a
function block identifier.
3014 The UNIT statement is expected. The following forms are permissible:
• UNIT myunit;
• UNIT myunit : dvtype;
The UNIT statement is only required when compiling at the ASCII file level. It is optional when the
compiler is called from the Workbench.
3015 The source file is not ended with END_IMPLEMENTATION. Observe the structure for a source file!
3016 No further statements may be specified after keyword END_IMPLEMENTATION.
3017 The task declaration is not ended with END_TASK. Observe the structure for a source file!
3018 The POU declaration is not ended with END_FUNCTION, END_FUNCTION_BLOCK, or END_PROGRAM.
Observe the structure for a source file!
3019 A POU starting with keywords FUNCTION, FUNCTION_BLOCK, or PROGRAM is expected.

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Error Description
3020 The task linking statement is expected. Structure: TASK tname … END_TASK;
3021 Methods can only be declared within classes, function blocks or interfaces. In this case, no further
statements may be inserted between the variable or data type declaration and the methods.
3022 The keyword INTERFACE is expected. See the structure for a source file.
3023 Keyword INTERFACE or IMPLEMENTATION is expected. See the structure for a source file.
3024 Syntax error in TASK statement. Correct structure: TASK tname … END_TASK;
3025 The specified identifier has already been declared at another position. It cannot be used again as a
program identifier.
3026 The WAITFORCONDITION statement cannot be used recursively. An attempt was made to use a
WAITFORCONDITION statement a second time within a WAITFORCONDITION statement. This is not
possible.
3027 An attempt was made to insert a WAITFORCONDITION statement within an EXPRESSION … END_EX‐
PRESSION block. This is not possible. The WAITFORCONDITION statement cannot be used within an
expression.
3028 The specified identifier has already been declared at another position. It cannot be used again as a
class identifier.
3029 The specified identifier has already been declared at another position. It cannot be used again as an
interface identifier.
3040 The specified identifier does not reference a namespace. It cannot be used in the USING statement.
3041 The specified identifier references a namespace that cannot be accessed. The namespace is declared
INTERNAL.
3042 The specified identifier references a namespace whose symbols could not be added to the current
context.
3043 The specified identifier references a namespace used system-internal. The identifier cannot be used
as user namespace.
3050 A class definition starting with the keyword CLASS is expected.
3051 The class definition does not end with END_CLASS. Observe the structure for a source file.
3052 A method definition starting with the keyword METHOD is expected.
3053 A method definition ends with END_METHOD. The method definition contains a syntax error. Observe
the structure for a source file.
3060 It is not permissible to use the specified access identifier at this position. For example, the access
identifier PROTECTED cannot be used within a FUNCTION_BLOCK.
3061 The specified method property cannot be accepted. For example, OVERRIDE, ABSTRACT or FINAL
cannot be declared for a method within a FUNCTION_BLOCK. OVERRIDE can be used for methods in
CLASS only if a base class exists in which the method has already been declared. In this case, OVER‐
RIDE cannot be declared for PRIVATE methods.
3062 If a method is overridden in a derived class, the access identifiers must be identical. Accordingly, a
PROTECTED method can only be overridden with PROTECTED and a PUBLIC method only with PUBLIC.
3063 If a method is to be overridden in a derived class, it is absolutely essential to specify the keyword
OVERRIDE in the method declaration.
3064 A method that is already defined in the base class cannot be overridden with "ABSTRACT".
3065 The keyword "OVERRIDE" is used in the declaration of the specified method. Since the method is not
defined in the base class, it is not permissible to specify this keyword.
3066 The method signatures are different in the specified classes. This is not compatible with override
mechanisms. For example, not all the parameters have the same name or they are defined in a
different sequence or they have different data types. Even the return value must have the same data
type.

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Error Description
3067 If a method is declared with the PUBLIC identifier in a base class and a method of the same name is
required by an object-oriented interface to be implemented, this method must already be declared
PUBLIC in the base class. Methods in object-oriented interfaces are always PUBLIC. It is not possible to
change the access level for derivations.
3068 A method that is already defined in the base class and identified as "FINAL" cannot be overridden.
3069 A method cannot be declared ABSTRACT if the class is identified as FINAL. This combination cannot be
used because it is not possible to create any instances of this class.
3070 The specified data type cannot be used as a base class or a base interface. A CLASS can only ever be
derived from another CLASS. An INTERFACE can only ever be derived from another INTERFACE. It is not
possible to use mixtures of the two or to create derivations of other data types.
3071 The specified CLASS is identified with the keyword FINAL. A CLASS identified as FINAL cannot be used
as a base class.
3072 The specified CLASS is not exported in the interface section of the unit or stems from a unit imported
in the implementation section and cannot therefore be used as a base class of an exported CLASS.
• If the CLASS mentioned in the error message is declared in the current unit, it must be exported
in the interface section. CLASS <classname>; must be added there for this purpose.
• If it is a CLASS from another unit, the USES statement for this unit must be moved from the
implementation section to the interface section.
3073 The specified CLASS is identified with the keyword FINAL. However, the relevant class does not im‐
plement all of the methods (in base classes) identified as ABSTRACT and therefore cannot be instan‐
tiated. All ABSTRACT methods must either be implemented in the class, or the class cannot be iden‐
tified as FINAL.
3075 The specified identifier does not refer to an INTERFACE. Only INTERFACE identifiers can be used for
IMPLEMENTS.
3076 The specified INTERFACE is already implemented by the CLASS itself or by the base class(es). An
INTERFACE can only ever be implemented once by a CLASS.
3077 The specified INTERFACE is not exported in the interface section of the unit or stems from a unit
imported in the implementation section and cannot therefore be used at an exported CLASS (IM‐
PLEMENTS).
• If the INTERFACE mentioned in the error message is declared in the current unit, this declaration
must be included in the interface section. For this purpose, the entire declaration must be moved
to the interface section.
• If it is an INTERFACE from another unit, the USES statement for this unit must be moved from the
implementation section to the interface section.
3078 The specified INTERFACE is identified as a prototype. This is a programming error. Object-oriented
interfaces must always be defined in full.
3080 A method that is identified as PRIVATE cannot be declared as either ABSTRACT or FINAL. It must always
be implemented and no override mechanisms of any kind may be used.
3081 A method identifier is concealing a global identifier. This is only permissible if you activate the com‐
piler option 'Permit forward declarations'.
This ensures that calls of this method within the current CLASS or the current FUNCTION_BLOCK
without a preceding name refer to this method in all other methods.
The global identifier can no longer be accessed in the class because it is concealed by the method
identifier.
3100 The specified identifier is already defined and identified as public in the base class. It cannot be
declared again in the derived class.

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Error Description
3150 The specified identifier has already been identified as public without INTERNAL being specified. It is
not possible to declare it INTERNAL again differently.
• If this situation occurs for a POU, this POU has already been identified as public without INTERNAL
in the INTERFACE section of the source. Add the INTERNAL identifier here to use the POU only
within the namespace.
• If this situation occurs for a namespace, an identically named namespace declaration from a
source or library imported via USES/USELIB may also be present. In this case, all declarations must
be either INTERNAL or not INTERNAL.
3151 The specified identifier has already been declared as INTERNAL in the current source or in an imported
source or library. The current declaration location, however, does not contain the INTERNAL identi‐
fier. Add INTERNAL for the declaration of the affected element.
3160 The specification of USING within a namespace is possible only for the first declaration within the
source and then applies to all blocks of the affected namespace. Move the USING statement to this
position.
3161 The specification of USING within a namespace or a POU is permissible only for namespaces not
contained in the declaration path. For example, a namespace NS1 or class, function, etc., declared in
NS1, may not itself contain any USING statement for NS1.

A.2.4 Declaration errors in data type declarations (4001 ... 4105)

Table A-11 Declaration errors in data type declarations (4001 ... 4105)

Error Description
4001 The specified identifier is a standard function identifier that cannot be overwritten. Choose a different
identifier.
4002 The specified identifier has already been used. Use as a type identifier is not possible. Choose a
different identifier.
4003 The specified identifier has already been used. Use as a constant identifier is not possible. Choose a
different identifier.
4004 The specified initialization value has an incorrect format. Choose the initialization value that corre‐
sponds to the data type declaration.
4005 Syntax error in type declaration.
4006 Syntax error in the structure element specification in the structure declaration.
4007 Syntax error in declaration of an ARRAY data type.
4008 Syntax error in the identifier list specification. The identifiers must be separated by commas.
4009 The specified constant identifier has been assigned different values. This occurs when enumeration
data types are declared. Identical enumeration elements in different enumeration data types must be
located in the same position in the type declaration.
4010 The specified type identifier is not exported from the source file, although the POU in which it is used,
is exported. Use a different data type or declare the data type in the implementation section.
4011 A constant declaration requires the specification of an initialization value. Example: x : DINT := 5;

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Error Description
4012 The specified data type cannot be used at the current position.
• When compiler option "Permit object-oriented programming" is not activated, type identifiers
declared locally in the POU may not be used with VAR_INPUT, VAR_OUTPUT, and VAR_IN_OUT
because they must also be known outside the POU for parameter transfer purposes.
• When compiler option "Permit object-oriented programming" is activated, the local data types
used for variables, parameters and other type declarations must have at least the same access
definition as that applicable at the point of use. For example, a local data type used at the transfer
parameters of a PROTECTED method must itself be declared as at least PROTECTED. PRIVATE data
types may only be used at local variables.
4013 The specified value is used several times in the enumeration data type. The values in the enumeration
data type must differ, however.
4020 The specified identifier has already been used as a data type identifier. However, the definition differs
from the current definition. This is not permitted.
Either choose a different identifier or adapt the type definitions. If this message appears on loading
libraries or technology packages, you can use namespaces here too (e.g. USELIB mylib AS Name‐
space_1).
4050 The data type or variable declaration creates a data type that is larger than the specified maximum
permissible data size.
4051 The variable declaration requires a memory area that is larger than the specified maximum permis‐
sible memory size.
4100 The definition of the structure component requires the specification of a user-defined offsets. If off‐
sets are explicitly specified in a structure definition, the offset specification is necessary for all structure
components. Furthermore, the keyword OVERLAP requires the explicit specification of the offsets.
4101 The offset specified in the definition of the structure component is not allowed because a component
without an explicitly specified offset has already been defined. If offsets are explicitly specified in a
structure definition, the offset specification is necessary for all structure components.
4102 The offset value specified in the definition of the structure component is not allowed. The value must
be a multiple of the number specified in the error message so that the data elements are in the correct
alignment.
4103 The offset values declared in the structure definition result in overlaps in the memory layout. This is
only allowed for identification of the structure as OVERLAP.
4105 The overlaps in the memory space are not allowed for the following data types: STRING, ANYOBJECT
and all TO-references derived thereof!

A.2.5 Declaration errors in variable declarations (5001 ... 5509)

Table A-12 Declaration errors in variable declarations (5001 ... 5509)

Error Description
5001 The specified constant value causes the value range to be exceeded and cannot be converted to the
requested type.
5002 The specified identifier has already been used. Use as a variable identifier is not possible. Choose a
different identifier.
5003 Syntax error in variable declaration.
5004 The specification of a data type is expected (simple or derived data type).
5005 The specified constant value has the wrong data type or causes the value range to be exceeded.

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Error Description
5006 Check the number of initialization values for array initialization.
5007 Syntax error in the specification of the time and date literals.
5008 An instance of a function block or a class cannot be created at the specified position. For example,
instances of function blocks or classes cannot be created in functions or methods. The output pa‐
rameters (VAR_OUTPUT) of function blocks cannot be FB instances. Furthermore, classes and func‐
tion blocks that have been compiled under the compiler option "Permit object-oriented extensions"
cannot be used as input parameters (VAR_INPUT). It is not possible to copy classes and function blocks
of the kind that would be created if they were to be used in this way.
5009 The data type specified in the declaration cannot be applied to the variable with absolute address. An
integer or bit data type with matching bit width must be used.
5010 An attempt was made to assign a memory address to a variable. This is not possible at the specified
position. Use this assignment only within the VAR_GLOBAL declaration of a unit or within the VAR
declaration of a PROGRAM.
5011 The data type stated in the declaration cannot be accessed. It is not identified as public. The data type
must be declared as PUBLIC to allow external access and PROTECTED to allow access from a derived
class.
5012 The specified variables cannot be preassigned an initialization value.
5014 Incorrect initialization of a data structure. The initialization value for a component was specified more
than once.
5016 The initialization of variables and data types with technology objects defined in the project is not
possible. Technology objects are themselves variables and so cannot be used for the initialization.
5030 If it is necessary for variable declarations and POU implementations to be compiled in an optional
sequence in the implementation section of the source file, the compiler option "Permit forward
declarations" must be activated.
5040 The specified data type cannot be used within a declaration of retentive variables (VAR RETAIN,
VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN) because it already contains retentive elements (VAR RETAIN).
5041 The specified data type cannot be used within a declaration of retentive variables (VAR RETAIN,
VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN). The data type does not contain any information that can be backed up or
restored in the retentive memory. This message is issued, for example, if a class or a function block
does not contain instance data of any kind. This message is also output for variables of type INTER‐
FACE or with the data type of a technology object.
5042 The specified data type cannot be used within a declaration of retentive variables (VAR RETAIN,
VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN). The data type contains at least one system function block in the instance data
or is one itself. Since its information cannot be restored, this data type cannot be used in retentive
variable declarations.
5050 The class definition is identified as ABSTRACT. As a result, it is not possible to create any instances of
the relevant class.
5051 The specified method is identified as ABSTRACT and has not yet been implemented in a method
override mechanism. As a result, it is not possible to create any instances of the relevant class.
5052 The class in which a method is defined cannot be used as a variable or parameter at methods within
a class declaration. The same applies to function blocks and interfaces. In this case as well, the data
type of the function block or interface cannot be used within the declaration section as a data type
for variables or transfer parameters.
5053 A variable with the specified data type cannot be directly declared as an in/out parameter
(VAR_IN_OUT). Since dynamic type conversion is not supported for in/out parameter calls, it is not
possible, for example, to return an INTERFACE value or a reference to VAR_IN_OUT. Declare the
variable as either VAR_INPUT or VAR_OUTPUT.
5054 The specified class does not possess any instance data. As a result, it is not possible to create any
instances of the relevant class in the form of an ARRAY.

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Error Description
5055 Initialization is only possible with the stated value at the specified position. For example, INTERFACE
variables that are defined within structures, methods or functions, or as VAR_TEMP or VAR_IN_OUT,
cannot be initialized with class instances. In this case, only NULL can be specified as a value. Refer‐
ences to technology objects that are defined within structures, methods or functions, or as VAR_TEMP
or VAR_IN_OUT, may only be initialized with the value TO#NIL.
5056 An initialization value may not contain a variable ARRAY index. An initialization value is not a constant.
5057 The instance variables of classes or function blocks of type INTERFACE may only be initialized with
exported global class instances. They can also be initialized with local class instances defined with the
class or the base classes. They cannot be initialized with class instances from the IMPLEMENTATION
area.
5058 Variables of type INTERFACE can only be initialized with the value NULL or with specified class in‐
stances. They cannot be initialized with the value of other variables of type INTERFACE.
5059 Method arguments of type INTERFACE cannot be initialized with class instances that are declared as
retentive local variables (VAR RETAIN) within the CLASS or the FUNCTION_BLOCK.
5070 The specified variable must be initialized. Please enter a valid initialization value. To do this, use the
valid syntax for instance initialization, i.e.: <var_name> : <var_type> := ( <element_name1> := <val‐
ue1>, <element_name2> := <value2> );
5071 The specified variable must be initialized. The variable must be declared before an initialization value
can be specified:
• either in a declaration section made accessible for initialization with OVERRIDE
• or in a declaration section identified as PUBLIC.
5072 The specified data type has been declared by "forward declaration". It is not possible to specify in‐
stance-specific initialization values at the stated position. If it is a variable in the implementation
section of the source file, check whether you can place it after the declaration of the relevant CLASS
or FUNCTION_BLOCK. It is not generally possible to initialize variables created by "forward declara‐
tion" in the interface section of the source file.
5080 It is not permissible to specify the initialization value " * " for the specified data type. Instance-specific
initialization can be forced using " * "' only for variables of data type INTERFACE or for the references
of technology objects.
5081 The initialization value " * " may only be specified for static variables of the CLASS and FUNC‐
TION_BLOCK. Furthermore, the declaration block that contains the variable(s) must permit initiali‐
zation by OVERRIDE or PUBLIC.
5090 An I/O reference can be declared only within VAR declaration blocks for classes and function blocks.
An attempt was made to declare such a variable in a different declaration section. This is not permit‐
ted.
5091 The specified data type is not permitted. Only the following data types can be used for I/O references:
• Integer data types, e.g. SINT, UINT
• Bit data types, e.g. BOOL, WORD
• Arrays of these elementary data types, other than arrays of the BOOL data type
Other data types cannot be used, because they cannot be specified in the address list.
5092 The I/O reference cannot be linked with the specified I/O variable. The I/O reference requires that the
affected variable must be read/write.
• I/O references declared with %I* can be linked with all variables of an appropriate data type from
the address list.
• I/O references declared with %Q* require a variable from the address list for an output. This
variable may not be identified with the attribute "read only".
5100 The specified variables cannot be preassigned an initialization value.

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Error Description
5110 The following specifications containing the special character $… are permitted: $$, $', $L, $N, $P, $R,
$T. Moreover, the numeric value of a character can be stated using $xx, where xx stands for the two-
digit hexadecimal specification of the character code.
5111 The special character can only be specified via $... . This applies to: $L, $N, $P, $R, $T
5112 Multi-line character string constants are not permitted. To produce a new line in the output, use the
appropriate special character in the character string, e.g. $N, $R$L.
5120 No general reference can be generated to the specified data type. General references can be gener‐
ated for the following data types:
• Elementary data types
• User-defined data types
• Classes
• Function blocks with at least one static variable.
References to the following data types are not permitted:
• General references
• Object-oriented interfaces
• Technology object data types
• Function blocks without static variables.
5200 The data type definition contains a recursion, either directly or indirectly. This is not permitted. Do not
use this data type at the position concerned.
5201 The function call creates a recursion, either directly or indirectly. This is not permitted. Do not call the
function at the position concerned.
5500 The specified jump label identifier was already defined. Choose a different name.
5501 The specified jump label identifier has not been defined. Include this identifier in the LABEL declara‐
tion.
5502 The jump label identifier has been assigned more than once. However, each jump label can only be
used once as a label.
5503 The jump label is specified as a jump destination, but the associated label is missing.
5504 No jumps are possible in subordinate control structures (e.g. WHILE loops). The specified jump label
cannot be used at this position.
5505 No jumps are possible in subordinate control structures (e.g. WHILE loops). The specified jump des‐
tination cannot be reached.
5506 No jumps are possible in WAITFORCONDITION blocks. The specified jump label cannot be used at this
position.
5507 No jumps are possible in WAITFORCONDITION blocks. The specified jump destination cannot be
reached.
5509 Jump labels cannot be used within a CASE statement. The syntax does not allow any differentiation
between a jump label and the value list of the CASE statement.

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A.2.6 Errors in the expression (6001 ... 6302)

Table A-13 Errors in the expression (6001 ... 6302)

Error Description
6001 Syntax error: A statement terminated with a semicolon is expected, e.g. a := b*c;
6002 Syntax error: An expression is expected, e.g. x < y .
6003 The specified identifier is no variable identifier. You must specify a variable identifier. Check whether
the indicated identifier is covered.
Up to and including V4.0, access to global device identifiers was possible within a program or function
block of the same name despite warning 16021.
6004 The index for array access must be the DINT data type. Perform a suitable type conversion or use
another expression.
6005 Type conflict in the expression. One of the operands cannot be converted to the data type of the
calculation, or the result assignment produces a type conflict.
6006 The specified variable cannot be accessed. Therefore it cannot be used in the expression. Possible
causes:
• Variable cannot be read.
• Attempt to access a local variable of a function or function block from outside.
6007 Cannot write specified variable. A value assignment is not possible.
6008 The specified function does not supply a return value. An application in the expression is therefore not
possible (function declared with a return value of VOID).
6009 The specified identifier does not refer to a function or a function block instance. Therefore it cannot
be used as function identifier.
When calling a program, the compiler option "Allow language extensions" should have been set (-C
lang_ext).
6010 The specified identifier is not included as an input parameter (VAR_INPUT) or in/out parameter
(VAR_IN_OUT) in the declaration of the POU (function or function block). It cannot be used in the POU
call.
6011 The number of function arguments in the call differs from the declaration, or the call parameters
required are missing in the call.
6012 RETURN is not permitted syntactically at this position. RETURN may only be used in functions.
6013 EXIT is not permitted syntactically at this position. EXIT can only be used within FOR, WHILE, and
REPEAT.
6014 The specified index value is outside the array limits. Only index values that match the array declaration
are permissible.
6015 The specified task control command cannot be applied to the task. It is not permitted for this type of
task.
6016 The specified task is deactivated in the execution system. It must be enabled before it can be used.
6017 Syntax error on specifying programs within a task. The programs must be listed by name and sepa‐
rated by commas.
6018 The specified identifier does not refer to a PROGRAM. Therefore it cannot be used as a program
identifier.
6019 Multiple assignment of program to task. Only one assignment is possible.
6020 Syntax error on specifying directly displayed variables. Inputs must have the syntax %Ix.y and outputs
the syntax %Qx.y. Further valid address declarations are %IBx or %QBx for byte access operations,
%IWx or %QWx for word access operations and %IDx or %QDx for double word access operations.
6021 The specified byte offset of the directly displayed variables lies outside the permissible address space.

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Error Description
6022 The specified byte offset of the directly displayed variables lies outside the permissible address space.
Values 0 to 7 are permissible.
6023 The return value of the function or method has not been assigned. An assignment is however im‐
perative.
6024 A variable with the specified identifier is not included in the task start information.
6025 The condition variable and condition values of a CASE statement must be of the data type SINT, INT,
DINT, USINT, UINT or UDINT. It must be possible to implicitly convert the condition values to the data
type of the condition variables.
6026 The specified message identifier is not contained in the message configuration. Switch to the message
configuration and add the identifier.
6027 System variable access is only possible directly by means of a technology object reference. Access by
means of a structure or array is not possible. Create a local variable of type TO and assign the TO
reference to this variable. You can then access the required system variable by means of this local TO
variable.
6028 Type conflict in expression at specified operation. One of the operands cannot be converted to the
data type of the calculation, or the result assignment produces a type conflict. The specified data type
in the expression is expected.
6029 The specified function parameter does not have a default value, so it is imperative to specify a value
when the function is called.
6030 An attempt was made to transfer an expression to an in/out parameter (VAR_IN_OUT). This is not
possible. User variables must be specified as in/out parameters.
6031 An attempt was made to transfer a system variable (TO, I/O direct access) to an in/out parameter
(VAR_IN_OUT). This is not possible. User variables must be specified as in/out parameters.
6032 An attempt was made to transfer a variable in the process image to an in/out parameter
(VAR_IN_OUT). This is not possible. User variables must be specified as in/out parameters.
6033 An attempt was made to transfer a variable with a non-matching data type to an in/out parameter
(VAR_IN_OUT). However, an Implicit type conversion is not possible. User variables with the correct
data type must be specified as in/out parameters.
6034 An attempt was made to transfer a read only variable to an in/out parameter (VAR_IN_OUT). This is not
possible. In/out parameters must be read/write.
6035 An attempt was made to transfer a constant to an in/out parameter (VAR_IN_OUT). This is not pos‐
sible. In/out parameters must be user variables.
6036 An operation is applied to a constant. The value of the constant is outside the definition range for the
function. Examples are:
• Application of SQRT to a negative number.
• Use of logarithmic functions on a number <= 0.
• Use of ASIN or ACOS on a number outside the interval [0..1]
6037 An attempt was made to divide a constant by zero. This operation is not permitted.
6038 The specified function parameter occurs more than once in the argument list.
6039 The specified POU (function or function block) cannot be used. Possible causes:
• The definition of the POU in the implementation section is missing. Only the prototype was
specified in the interface section.
• The POU is fully defined only after its use (e.g. call, instance declaration). If necessary, move this
POU in the program source before the POU in which it is used.
• An instance of the function block cannot be declared as unit variable in the same program source
in which this function block is defined.
6040 Only simple variables may be used as semaphores; indexing is not possible.

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Error Description
6041 The message function requires an auxiliary value of the specified data type. Type conversion is not
possible.
6042 The message function requires that you specify a message number. The specified message number is
invalid.
6043 Only simple variables that belong to the static instance data of the class can be used as semaphores.
6050 There is a type conflict in the expression for the specified operation / variables. One of the operands
cannot be converted to the type of the calculation, or the result assignment produces a type conflict.
A conversion between source file type and target type is not possible.
6051 The expression contains a type conflict for the specified operation. One of the operands cannot be
converted to the data type of the other operand to perform the calculation, or the operand data types
are not permitted for this operation.
6052 Type conflict in the expression. The specified data type cannot be used for the operation (see mar‐
shalling functions).
6053 The expression contains a type conflict for the specified operation. This operation is not permissible
on the specified data type.
6054 Type conflict in the expression. The specified variable cannot be used as indexed array variable.
6055 The expression contains a type conflict for the specified operation. Dynamic data type conversion is
not permitted for the operand.
6060 At the function call, there is a mixture of assignments of function arguments and setting parameters.
Use one form of the function call. Example:
• f (x, y); or
• f (in1 := x, in2 := y);
6061 The specified parameter of the function or the function block is an in/out parameter. Consequently,
a variable must be assigned when the POU is called.
6062 The specified identifier cannot be used as a function argument. Only variables from the declaration
blocks VAR_INPUT and VAR_IN_OUT are permitted.
6063 The specified identifier cannot be used as a function argument. Only variables from the declaration
blocks VAR_INPUT and VAR_IN_OUT are permitted.
6064 The specified POU is a prototype, for which there is no implementation. Therefore, calling is not
possible.
6070 Access to configuration data is only possible for variables that have been specified completely. Append
the name according to the configuration data for the selected technology object.
6071 Access to configuration data is only possible for variables that have been specified completely. There‐
fore, array indices, which cannot be resolved until runtime, may not be used.
6080 The specified variable is no input or output variable that can be directly accessed. Such a variable must
be declared in the I/O container of the associated device; it must have the syntax PI* or PQ*.
6085 The specified variable has been declared within the source file with a data type declared by forward
declaration. It is not possible in this instance to use public subcomponents of this variable in other
declaration sections as initialization values for other interface variables or references. The use of
subcomponents by means of ARRAY access is also not possible.
6100 The specified construct can only be compiled if the device type to be used is stated. To do this, set the
required device variants at the library. It is not possible to compile the construct as a device-neutral
library.
6110 The specified construct cannot be used in libraries.
6111 The specified construct cannot be used in libraries.
6112 The specified construct cannot be used in libraries.
6113 Access to technology objects and devices is not permitted in libraries.

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Error Description
6114 A function block from a different source of the same library has been used. This is only possible within
a library if the declaring source is compiled with the "Permit forward declarations" compiler setting
activated.
6130 The specification of an interval is not permissible for the data type indicated in the CASE statement.
6140 The specification of a constant in ENUM_TO_DINT requires specifying the data type in the form of
enum_type#value.
6141 An attempt has been made to access a value of an enumeration data type (ENUM) that cannot be
assigned in the current scope. The specified value must be preceded by the declaration scope of the
enumeration data type. This is the name of the CLASS, the FUNCTION_BLOCK or the NAMESPACE
within which the relevant enumeration data type has been declared. Furthermore, you should enter
the identifier of the enumeration data type before you specify the value. Use the following notation:
<scope_name>.<enum_type_name>#<enum_value>.
6150 The specified bit offset lies outside the valid range for the specified data type.
6160 The stated array type without length specification is only permitted:
• when VAR_IN_OUT parameters are declared in functions, function blocks or methods,
• when VAR_INPUT parameters are declared in functions and methods.
These kinds of variables cannot be declared in any other declaration sections.
6161 The direct assignment between arrays without length specification is not possible. You need to iterate
over the elements for the assignment.
6170 The specified identifier is no variable identifier. You must specify a variable identifier. It should be
noted that local variables of a POU are not usable in an independent EXPRESSION (condition).
6180 The specified function is not usable for variables that contain structures with overlapping memory
spaces (OVERLAP).
6200 Only with compiler option "Permit language extensions" (-C lang_ext):
The called PROGRAM contains instance data (VAR … END_VAR declaration block) stored in the user
memory of the assigned task. This means a call of the PROGRAM from another POU is not possible.
Compile the source file with the "Create program instance data only once" compiler option (-
C prog_once) or remove the instance data.
6201 Only with compiler option "Permit language extensions" (-C lang_ext):
The call of a PROGRAM is not supported in functions. Such calls can be made only in function blocks
or another PROGRAM.
6250 The specified method is not declared public. It has not been declared PUBLIC and cannot therefore be
called.
6251 SUPER cannot be used in the current context. SUPER can be used in class methods only if the relevant
class has a base class (EXTENDS required).
6252 The specified method is implemented in the base class. It cannot be called directly. To call the method,
use either SUPER (call the method of the base class with static binding) or THIS (call with dynamic
binding). A call that is not preceded by these names is supported only for methods implemented
directly in the current class. The call syntax without a preceding name cannot be used for methods of
the base class.
An error message is also issued if a method without a preceding name is called that is programmed
to be overridden after the current call point. In this case, the source file can be successfully compiled
after the compiler option "Permit forward declarations" has been set.
6253 The specified method is not identified as public in the base class. It has not been declared as PUBLIC
or PROTECTED and cannot therefore be called.

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Error Description
6254 The specified method is implemented in the base class. To be able to recognize any method override
mechanism programmed in the current class, this method must either be specified before it is called
for the first time or the compiler option "Permit forward declarations" must be activated. The method
can be successfully compiled with this option even if the method is not to be overridden.
6260 A reference cannot be generated on the specified variable. References can only be generated on
elements that are in the global memory of the controller (VAR_GLOBAL). It cannot be ensured that the
specified variable is in the global memory of the controller. It is therefore not possible to generate
references to the following variables:
• Input parameters (VAR_INPUT) and output parameters (VAR_OUTPUT) for functions or methods
• In/out parameters (VAR_IN_OUT) for functions, function blocks or methods
• Temporary variables (VAR_TEMP as well as VAR in functions and methods)
• Retentive local variables (VAR RETAIN)
• Variables of technological objects
• Variables of the address list
6261 A reference cannot be generated on the specified variable. Variables to which references are gener‐
ated must be read/write. It is therefore not possible to generate references to constants.
6262 A reference cannot be generated on the specified variable. Type conversion and dereferencing is not
possible within REF().
6300 Only when pragma "ToHookApplicable = YES" is specified: The call to the specified POU is not possible
since this POU is not marked as ToHookApplicable. Only the other functions suitable for this can be
used in hook functions.
6301 Only when pragma "ToHookApplicable = YES" is specified: The access to the specified variable is not
possible while compiling for use in TO hooks. In TO hooks, the following variables cannot be accessed:
• Variables of technology objects
• I/O variables
• Global device variables
6302 Only when pragma "ToHookApplicable = YES" is specified: It is not possible to call the specified method
because this method requires a dynamic call (i.e. via the VTable). Only static method calls may be used
in hook functions.

A.2.7 Syntax errors, errors in the expression (7000 ... 7014)

Table A-14 Syntax errors, errors in the expression (7000 ... 7014)

Error Description
7000 A syntax error has occurred. Possible causes:
• Incorrectly ended control structures (e.g. END_IF missing)
• Statements not terminated with ;
• Missing brackets
7001 The specified identifier does not refer to a constant. Please enter one constant per value or identifier.
7002 A signed integer is expected. The integer can be of data type SINT, INT, or DINT.
7003 When specifying the interval, the initial value must be less than or equal to the end value. This applies
to the declaration of arrays and the specification of the interval in CASE selection conditions.

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Error Description
7004 An initialization value is expected. The value must be a constant. Constants can be assigned as
follows:
• Directly per value
• Symbolically via a preceding constant declaration
• As an expression containing constants only
7005 If identical data types are to be initialized in different sources, this requires an identical initialization
value too. Adapt the initialization values.
7009 An expression that supplies data type BOOL is expected as condition for WHILE, REPEAT, and IF. This
can be specified as a variable of data type BOOL or via a comparison expression. You can also specify
a function with a return value of data type BOOL.
7010 A syntax error has occurred. Possible causes:
• Incorrectly terminated control structures (e.g. END_IF missing)
• Statements not terminated with ;
• Missing brackets
7011 A syntax error has occurred. Possible causes:
• Incorrectly terminated control structures (e.g. END_IF missing)
• Statements not terminated with ;
• Missing brackets
7012 A syntax error in the statement, that starts at the specified line, has occurred. Possible causes:
• Incorrectly terminated control structures (e.g. END_IF missing)
• Statements not terminated with ;
• Missing brackets
7013 A syntax error has occurred. An illegal construct is being used.
7014 A syntax error has occurred. Possible causes:
• Incorrectly terminated control structures (e.g. END_IF missing)
• Statements not terminated with ;
• Missing brackets
7068 A source is being used by another source with incorrect RT interface stamp. Compile the used sources
individually. In case of doubt, select "Project > Save and compile all".

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A.2.8 Error when linking a source file (8001 … 8010)

Table A-15 Error when linking a source file (8001 … 8010)

Error Description
8001 The specified POU has been exported to the INTERFACE section, but an IMPLEMENTATION section is
missing. Either delete the export statement or specify a valid implementation.
8002 The data structure of the specified POU cannot be determined. The cause of the problem is that the
POU contains other POUs that are resulting in recursion in the data structure, or that POUs are used
that have not been implemented. The message is issued in conjunction with the compiler option
'Permit forward declarations'. Note further error messages indicating the exact error location at which
recursion or lack of implementation has been detected.
8010 The interface method is not implemented by the specified class. Since the interface is referenced at
the class by IMPLEMENTS, it is absolutely essential that the method is implemented. This also applies
if a base class already contains a method implementation of the same name. When an interface is
linked, this implementation must be explicitly overridden in the class in which the interface link is
programmed.

A.2.9 Errors while loading the interface of another UNIT or a technology package
(10000 ... 10101)

Table A-16 Errors while loading the interface of another UNIT or a technology package (10000 ... 10101)

Error Description
10000 The specified unit has an invalid file format. Probably, the unit was created using an older version of
the compiler or compiled using incompatible options. If a unit is involved, it should compiled first.
Then repeat the current compilation. If a package is involved, a newer version should be installed.
10001 The unit name has an invalid format. The rules for identifiers in ST are also true for unit names; the
following restrictions apply to their length:
• Up to version V4.0 of the SIMOTION Kernel: 8 characters.
• As of version V4.1 of the SIMOTION Kernel: 128 characters.
10002 Error while loading the interface of another UNIT, a library or technology package. The specified
identifier is contained in two different imported units, libraries or technology packages.
• Remove a unit, library or technology package from the import list or
• Establish uniqueness between the identifiers in imported units, libraries or technology packages.
Change the exporting units in the interface section or specify a namespace for a library or a
technology package (USELIB … AS namespace; USEPACKAGE … AS namespace; ).
10003 The specified data type has an invalid memory layout. Probably, the unit was created using an older
version of the compiler or compiled using incompatible options. If a unit is involved, it should com‐
piled first. Then repeat the current compilation. You can also perform "Save and recompile every‐
thing".
If a package is involved, a newer version should be installed.
If the error persists, inform the support department.
10004 The exported symbols of the stated unit could not be loaded. Compile the specified unit and try again.
Alternatively, perform "Save and compile changes".
10005 A recursion was detected on loading packages. The specified package has already been loaded with
USEPACKAGE and cannot be specified a second time.

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Error Description
10006 A recursion was detected on loading the unit. The specified unit has already been loaded with USES
and cannot be specified a second time.
10007 The maximum number of imported units which can be referenced in a unit was exceeded. A maxi‐
mum of 223 imported units per load unit are permissible. This number includes units that are im‐
ported directly with USES as well as units containing used variables or POUs that are indirectly im‐
ported by these units.
10008 The number of imported packages that can be referenced in a unit has been exceeded. A maximum
of 127 imported packages per load unit are permissible.
10009 The specified package is used in the unit, but it is not available on the device. This error message
occurs when you compile with the "implicit package utilization" option and have programmed a
USEPACKAGE statement that has a different content than the packages specified on the device.
10010 The specified package is used in unit <a>, but not in unit <b>. This error message occurs when
different packages have been specified with USEPACKAGE in units that reference each other with
USES. Correct the USEPACKAGE statements.
10011 The specified unit is used directly or indirectly by itself via one or more units. Correct the USES
statements.
10012 The specified unit is imported directly or indirectly into several units in different compilation versions.
Recompile all units that reference the specified unit in the USES statement.
10013 The specified unit has not yet been compiled, or an error occurred during the last compilation. Com‐
pile this unit first to ensure successful compilation.
10014 The type of specified technology object (TO) is not supported by the package specified previously
during compilation with USEPACKAGE. Use a package that contains the TO type.
10015 The maximum number of technology objects (TO) which can be referenced in a unit was exceeded.
A maximum of 65535 TOs can be referenced.
10016 The device type parameter is not available. If the unit to be compiled is not allocated to a device, use
the statement UNIT <unitname> : <typname>;
10017 The device type has not been specified uniquely. The statement UNIT <unitname> : <typname>; has
been used to specify a device type in the unit that is different from the device type detected from the
assignment of the unit to the device or library.
10018 The specified unit could not be found. Check whether the unit name is available in the PROGRAM
container of Workbench or whether the specified file is contained in the current working directory
(only u7bt00ax - command line).
10019 The specified technology package could not be found. Observe the preceding error outputs.
10020 Error occurred while loading the technology package. Observe further error outputs.
10021 The technology package is used in the specified source file, however, it is not selected on the device.
Correct the USEPACKAGE statement, or select the technology package on the device.
10022 The specified technology package is being used with different versions. Correct the settings for the
technology package selection on the device and, if required, in the library. Only one version of a
technology package can be used on a device. If this message is issued after the CPU version has been
upgraded, select "Save and recompile all".
10024 The specified technology package does not contain any components which can be used in the pro‐
gramming environment. Therefore, it cannot be used in the USEPACKAGE statement either.
10025 The specified identifier is not an identifier for a valid or an installed technology package. Therefore, it
cannot be used in the USEPACKAGE statement either. If this technology package is an OEM package,
the error message can be eliminated by installing this package. Otherwise remove the identifier from
the statement.
10026 The technology package is used in the specified source file; however, it is not selected for the current
device type on the library. Correct the USEPACKAGE statement in the source file or select the tech‐
nology package for the device type.

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Error Description
10027 The specified source file is imported directly or indirectly into several units in different compilation
versions. Recompile all units that use the specified unit. Do this using "Save and recompile all".
10030 The device type has not been specified uniquely. In the unit, the statement UNIT xx : dvtype; specifies a
different device type than the one determined via the assignment of the unit to the library container.
10031 The specified library is used directly or indirectly by itself via one or more libraries. Correct the USELIB
statements.
10032 The specified library could not be found. Check your project.
10033 A recursion was detected on loading the library. The specified library has already been loaded with
USELIB and cannot be specified a second time.
10034 The specified library is not compiled for the required device type. Possible causes:
• The device type is not selected at the library.
• The specified library has not yet been compiled.
The message might also be displayed if an error occurred in the last compilation. To remedy the
situation, check the device settings at the library and compile the library.
10035 The specified library could not be found. Check whether the library name is available in the Work‐
bench project or whether the specified file is contained in the current working directory (only
u7bt00ax command line).
10036 The specified package is used in the source file, but it is not available in the library. Libraries are
generally compiled against the package versions specified in the library container. You have pro‐
grammed a USEPACKAGE statement that has a different content than the packages specified in the
library. Either select the correct package version or remove the USEPACKAGE statement from the
source file.
10037 The code variant for the current device type is not selected for the specified library. This means this
library cannot be used. Activate the code variant for this library.
10038 A DCC library can only be used in the DCC. It is not permissible to integrate such a library into
different programming languages.
10039 Compiling a library requires access to the sources. Access to the specified source is not possible due
to the selected protection level of the know-how protection. You have to log in for compiling.
10050 All POUs exported by the specified libraries are identical. Simultaneous use of these libraries is not
possible. Modify at least one exported element in one of the relevant libraries.
Note: Typically, this error occurs in conjunction with know-how protected libraries when they are
imported and used jointly in the project used to create the library.
10051 The specified POUs are identical. Simultaneous use of these classes and therefore these libraries is not
possible.
Note: Typically, this error occurs in conjunction with know-how protected libraries when they are
imported and used jointly in the project used to create the library or when copies of such libraries are
used jointly.
10100 The specified type of a technology object is contained in several packages that were referenced by the
source file. Please choose the technology package that meets your requirements.
10101 The specified technology object is not compatible with the types of technology objects supported by
the loaded packages Update the package or change the type of technology object.

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A.2.10 Implementation restrictions (15001 ... 15700)

Table A-17 Implementation restrictions (15001 ... 15700)

Error Description
15001 The specified construct is not supported by the current version of the compiler.
15002 The currently selected device does not support the specified function. Select a different device version
if you want to use this function. To do so, replace the CPU in the hardware catalog and, if necessary,
update the firmware.
15003 The specified identifier is a keyword that is not supported and therefore cannot be used as user-
specific in order to ensure compatibility with later compiler versions.
15004 The specified identifier denotes a standard function that is not supported and cannot be used as user-
specific identifier in order to ensure compatibility with later compiler versions.
15005 The specified identifier denotes a non-supported standard function and cannot be used as user-
specified identifier in order to ensure compatibility with later compiler versions.
15006 The specified construct can only be used in source files generated with MCC. Usage in ST is not
possible.
15007 A source/library/package is used in the implementation section either directly or indirectly without
specifying a namespace. In the interface section, it is used with a namespace. Solve this conflict by
specifying a namespace in the interface section for the specified source/library/package.
15008 The specified source uses the library or the technology package with different namespace specifica‐
tion between the interface and implementation section. For successful compilation, the library or the
technology package must have already been homed to the interface section with USELIB or USE‐
PACKAGE.
15010 The current device setting does not support the specified function. Select a different device version
if you want to use this function.
15060 The currently selected device does not support the specified function. Select a different device version
if you want to use this function. To do this, exchange the CPU in the hardware catalog and, if neces‐
sary, update the firmware. For example, use of the keyword CLASS or INTERFACE requires a CPU
version as of V4.5.
15061 The current device setting does not support the specified function. Select a different device version
for the library if you want to use this functionality. For example, use of the keyword CLASS or INTER‐
FACE requires a CPU version as of V4.5.
15070 The specified construct does not conform to the language standard; however, for compatibility rea‐
sons, it is supported for old platforms. Convert the usage to the specified alternative.
15152 A USES, USELIB, or USEPACKAGE statement was found in a source file section hidden by conditional
compilation. This is not permitted. Source file sections that contain these statements cannot be
complied conditionally.
15153 The specified definition is not considered during code generation. It is not possible to define keywords
differently.
15154 It is not permitted to apply a line comment and to use multi-line comments in the definition section.
15200 The specification of a bit offset for a bitstring variable requires activation of the "Permit language
extensions" compiler option (-C lang_ext).
15700 The specified construct is not supported by the version of SIMOTION SCOUT into which conversion is
to be performed.

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A.2.11 Warnings (16001 .. 16700)

You can control the output of warnings and information:
• In the global compiler settings
• In the local compiler settings
• In an ST source file by specifying the following attribute within a pragma:
{ _U7_PoeBld_CompilerOption := warning:n:on } or
{ _U7_PoeBld_CompilerOption := warning:n:off }, where n is the warning class or the number
for the warning or information.
You can also redefine individual warnings and information as errors:
• In an ST source file by specifying the following attribute within a pragma:
{ _U7_PoeBld_CompilerOption := warning:n:err }, where n is the number of the warning or
information.

Table A-18 Warnings (16001 .. 16700)

Error Description
16001 (Warning class: 0)
Only in conjunction with the "Selective Linking" compiler option. The specified function, the function
block, or the program are neither exported nor called in the current unit. No code is generated.
16002 (Warning class: 0)
Only in conjunction with the "Selective Linking" compiler option. The specified unit does not contain
any exported PROGRAM nor any task link. No code is generated for the unit.
16003 (Warning class: 2)
The operands of the comparison operation do not contain any explicit type definition. The data type
listed in the comparison can be seen in the warning message issued. Specify the data type of the used
constants explicitly with <type>#<value>.
16004 (Warning class: 2)
The specified type conversion may cause the variable value to change due to the reduced display
width or inadequate accuracy of the target data type.
16005 (Warning class: 2)
During type conversion, the dependency of the variable value can cause the sign to change.
16006 (Warning class: 2)
The specified value will be rounded to the next displayable value due to insufficient display width. This
is generally the value 0.0.
16007 (Warning class: 2)
A loss of accuracy occurred during type conversion. Not all decimal places are considered.
16008 (Warning class: 2)
A loss of accuracy occurred during initialization of the specified variables. The constant will be con‐
verted to the specified data type. Not all decimal places are considered.
16009 (Warning class: 0)
Not in conjunction with compiler option "Selective linking". The specified unit does not contain any
exported PROGRAMs nor a task link. Unable to access unit code. Unable to call relevant POU.
16010 (Warning class: 0)
Specified program not exported to unit; therefore unable to use it in configuration of the execution
level.

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Error Description
16011 (Warning class: 0)
The source file does not contain any exported global variables. No data is loaded to the target system.
16012 (Warning class: 0)
The specified source file name was taken over from the PROGRAMS container of the selected device.
The designation of the source file in the UNIT statement was ignored.
16013 (Warning class: 2)
Because of the marshalling function, the specified data type is not portably convertible. Only use
SIMOTION devices in conjunction with this data type, or perform an explicit conversion of the data
type.
16014 (Warning class: 2)
With the specified operation, a data type conversion is performed between signed and unsigned.
Because the bit string is adopted in this case, the resulting numerical value can differ from the
specified value.
16015 (Warning class: 2)
For the assignment of the character string constants to the variables, only part of the character string
constants is transferred, because the length of the variable is insufficient to accept all characters.
16016 (Warning class: 2)
The operands in the expression do not contain any explicit type definition. The data type of the
operation is determined by specifying the values. The resulting data type in which the expression is
calculated can be seen in the issued warning message. To define the data type:
• Specify the data type of the used constants explicitly with <type>#<value> or
• Use an explicit data type conversion.
16017 (Warning class: 2)
The operands in the expression contain only constants. The data type of the operation can be deter‐
mined by specifying the data type (in the form <type>#<value>) or explicit data type conversion.
This output is used for troubleshooting, in particular, for the use of symbolic constants, because the
data type of the operation cannot normally be determined easily.
16018 (Warning class: 2)
The data type of the comparison operation is defined using the value of a constant that has a larger
value range than the contained variable. The comparison is performed with the data type of the
constant.
16019 (Warning class: 1)
The declaration conceals the identifier declared in the scope of the class or the function block. This
identifier can no longer be accessed from the POU in which the identifier is declared.
16020 (Warning class: 1)
The declaration hides the specified identifier which has been globally defined in its own source file or
an imported source file. Access to the global identifier is no longer possible from the POU where this
identifier is declared locally.
16021 (Warning class: 1)
The declaration hides the specified identifier which is defined on the device. You can access the global
device identifier with _device.<name>.
16022 (Warning class: 1)
The declaration conceals the specified identifier which is defined in the project (e.g. technology object
or device). You can access the global project identifier with _project.<name>.
16023 (Warning class: 1)
The declaration hides the specified identifier for the data type of a technology object. Access to the
data type identifier is no longer possible.

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Error Description
16024 (Warning class: 1)
The declaration hides the access to the technology object on the device. You can access this TO with
_to.<name>.
16025 (Warning class: 1)
The declaration hides the IEC standard function with the identical name. Access to this function is no
longer possible in the current context.
16026 (Warning class: 1)
The specified identifier is reserved by SIEMENS for potential extensions. The use of this identifier can
cause compiler errors in later versions. If you want to avoid this, change this identifier.
16027 (Warning class: 1)
The specified identifier which is reserved for access to I/O qualities, is already assigned on the device.
This means that I/O qualities cannot be accessed.
16030 (Warning class: 1)
A label has been specified several times in a CASE statement. Only the first label is ever evaluated.
Other specifications have no effect.
16040 (Warning class: 1)
Within a CASE statement, the stated identifier is interpreted as a jump label and not as a CASE selector.
This may occur if a LABEL is defined in a control structure within a CASE statement:
CASE sel OF
first_val: IF TRUE THEN
second_val: // -> warning 16040
result := 2; END_IF;
third_val: result := 3;
END_CASE;
This warning will not be issued if the jump label has been explicitly declared between LABEL and
END_LABEL.
16102 (Warning class: 3)
The option for output of code for the program status diagnosis function is ignored because no debug
information was generated. Output of debug information was deactivated via compiler options.
16103 (Warning class: 3)
The option for outputting code at the library for the program status diagnosis function is ignored. The
code for program status is generated as defined in the option in the individual source files.
16110 (Warning class: 3)
The specified pragma statement is not supported in the current version.
16111 (Warning class: 3)
The specified pragma statement is not supported in the used context. The position of the pragma in
the source text is not correct.
16112 (Warning class: 3)
A valid pragma has been used. However, the value specified for the pragma is not valid. Use a valid
value.
16113 (Warning class: 3)
The pragma contains a syntax error in an attribute declaration. The valid syntax is as follows: <At‐
tribute identifier> := <Attribute value>; .

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Error Description
16150 (Warning class: 7)
A new definition has been made for the specified identifier. Consequently, the previous definition is
invalid.
This warning enables the work of the preprocessor to be tracked.
16151 (Warning class: 7)
An attempt has been made to delete the definition of the specified identifier with #undef. However,
the identifier is not defined or the definition is already deleted.
This warning enables the work of the preprocessor to be tracked.
16152 (Warning class: 7)
The specified definition is not considered during code generation. This may be caused by the pre‐
processor being deactivated for the compiled source.
16153 (Warning class: 7)
The preprocessor is not active in the current source, even though preprocessor statements are used.
Activate the preprocessor or remove the statements.
16154 (Warning class: 10)
The preprocessor cannot be used to control the contents of USEPACKAGE, USELIB, and USES state‐
ments. It is no longer possible to automatically determine the dependencies between sources for the
"Save project and compile changes" and "Save project and recompile all" functions.
16170 (Warning class: 10)
The definitions from sources imported using USES are not considered during code generation.
16171 (Warning class: 10)
The definition from the specified source imported using USES could not be loaded. Compile the
specified source file beforehand.
16200 (Warning class: 4)
The use of a semaphore requires a global variable to enable access to it from a different task. Local task
operations do not have to be blocked via semaphores.
16210 (Warning class: 4)
The basis of the exponential function (EXPT standard function or ** operator) is negative. The op‐
eration can be executed at run time only under the following conditions:
1. It can be used on a device with a version of the SIMOTION Kernel as of V4.1.
2. The exponent is an integer.
The ExecutionFaultTask will be initiated for non-integer exponents or for use on a device with a
version of the SIMOTION Kernel up to V4.0. The program will be aborted at this position.
16220 (Warning class: 4)
The condition of an IF statement, WHILE statement or REPEAT statement is a constant expression.
16230 (Warning class: 4)
The expression with the specified values does not cause any change to the result; optimized code will
be created.
16240 (Warning class: 4)
The expression with the specified values exceeds the definition range of the operation. The result may
be incorrect.
16250 (Warning class: 4)
A modification of the control variable of a FOR loop occurs inside this loop. This modification is either
not effective or may cause an unexpected result when editing this loop. If the modification of the
variables inside the loop is necessary, then use WHILE or REPEAT at this point instead of FOR.

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Error Description
16260 (Warning class: 4)
With the values assigned to the specified function, it has no effect. Optimized code is generated.
16261 (Warning class: 4)
The return value of the function or method has not been assigned. The result of the function is thus
lost.
16270 (Warning class: 4)
The operation for the dynamic type conversion is executed as assignment operation. The associated
variables enable an evaluation at the time of the compilation. As a result of this message, it may be
determined that a type conversion is not possible. An error message is output as for an assignment
of the variables.
16280 (Warning class: 4)
The INTERNAL access identifier was specified for an element not contained in any NAMESPACE. The
identifier is ignored and the element is PUBLIC.
16281 (Warning class: 4)
The specified identifier has already been declared as INTERNAL in the current source or in an imported
source or library. The current declaration location, however, does not contain the INTERNAL identi‐
fier. Add INTERNAL for the declaration of the affected element.
16282 (Warning class: 4)
The specified NAMESPACE was identified as public in one source and declared as INTERNAL in another
source. This conflict is resolved by declaring the NAMESPACE as INTERNAL. Consequently, the con‐
tained elements can be accessed only in accordance with the rules that apply to INTERNAL.
16283 (Warning class: 4)
Rather than the PUBLIC access identifier specified for the data type declaration, INTERNAL is used,
because the complete POU was declared as INTERNAL. This identifies contained elements as INTER‐
NAL, because they may not be accessed outside the NAMESPACE.
16300 (Warning class: 5)
The auxiliary value has a data type that cannot be converted to the data type configured for the
message.
16301 (Warning class: 5)
The specified auxiliary value is not evaluated during output of the message.
16302 (Warning class: 5)
The data type of the auxiliary value cannot be determined from the message configuration. The
specified data type is used.
16303 (Warning class: 5)
No auxiliary value has been specified for the function although the message configuration requires
such a value. A default value of the corresponding data type was added.
16304 (Warning class: 5)
An alarm accompanying value is specified using a constant or a constant expression. The resulting
data type of the alarm accompanying value can be seen in the issued warning message. To define the
data type:
• Specify the data type of the used constants explicitly with <type>#<value> or
• Use an explicit data type conversion.
16400 (Warning class: 6)
A global variable has been declared in a library. This may mean that the library cannot be used more
than once.

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Error Description
16401 (Warning class: 6)
A PROGRAM has been declared in a library. This cannot be used in the process system. Set the compiler
option "Only create program instance data once" (-C prog_once) or declare a FUNCTION_BLOCK.
16420 (Warning class: 6)
The return value has not been assigned within the function or a method. If such a function or method
is called, it returns a random value.
16421 (Warning class: 6)
A variable that has neither been assigned nor read in the code has been declared.
The output of this warning can only be suppressed for a POU by means of a pragma.
16430 (Warning class: 6)
An attempt is being made to use a function block, which is either a system function block itself or
includes one, as a temporary variable. This can result in runtime problems when using the block in a
cyclic level.
16440 (Warning class: 10)
A global variable that does not contain any user data that can be backed up has been created in the
retentive memory area. These kinds of variables should not be declared in RETAIN areas. It is not
meaningful to specify RETAIN in this case and this specification is supported only for compatibility
reasons
TO references are an example of a data type for which this message is output.
16441 (Warning class: 6)
The specified data type contains some variables that cannot be restored in addition to those that can
be backed up in RETAIN areas. Data types of this kind include, for example, TO references and IN‐
TERFACE variables.
16450 (Warning class: 10)
A global variable has been created in the retentive memory range. This declaration is not permissible
at the specified position.
16451 (Warning class: 10)
The initialization of large arrays with values other than 0 causes a high data volume in the controller.
This results in long load times as well as high memory utilization.
16452 (Warning class: 10)
The specified program has a large quantity of instance data to be initialized. This can lead to a runtime
violation when the task is started because both the initialization code and the user code are being
executed. In particular, caution is advised in the case of SynchronousTasks.
16470 (Warning class: 10)
The specified construct does not conform to the language standard; however, for compatibility rea‐
sons, it is supported for old platforms. Convert the usage to the specified alternative.
16600 (Warning class: 6)
The specified variable is not contained in the initialization list. The default initialization value is used.
16601 (Warning class: 6)
The specified variable is not contained in the initialization list. The default initialization value is used.
16602 (Warning class: 6)
The specified variable is not contained in the initialization list. The default initialization value is used.
16603 (Warning class: 6)
The specified function block does not contain any instance data and, as a result, has a size of 0 bytes.
When transferred as a non-dimensional array for referencing purposes, the size of the element is
defined as 1 element.

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Error Description
16604 (Warning class: 6)
The data type used in the declaration has no unique initialization value. The initial value known last
is used. In order to achieve a unique behavior at this point, the initial value for the variable or data type
declaration must be specified explicitly.
16605 (Warning class: 6)
The memory space of the specified variable overlaps with another variable. Thus, the initialization
value cannot be included. The remaining memory space is assigned the default value 0.
16606 (Warning class: 6)
The memory space of the specified variable overlaps with another variable. Thus, the data type cannot
be transferred to the OPC XMP information. The component is symbolically unavailable and also not
included in backups using _exportUnitDataSet.
16607 (Warning class: 6)
The specified function block does not contain any instance data and, as a result, has a size of 0 bytes.
The instance declaration in the form of an ARRAY is not appropriate.
16700 (Warning class: 3)
The SIMOTION device can also be processed with previous versions of the SIMOTION SCOUT. The
specified construct is not supported by all the earlier versions of the compiler.

See also
Global compiler settings (Page 62)
Local compiler settings (Page 65)
Controlling the preprocessor and compiler with pragmas (Page 362)
Controlling compiler with attributes (Page 368)

A.2.12 Non-assigned compiler messages (22000 … 22002)

You create non-assigned compiler messages within a pragma (Page 362). Enter the desired
message text as a character string (Page 106) enclosed in brackets after the keyword
"information", "warning" or "error". End the statement within the pragma with a semi-colon.
See "Issuing non-assigned compiler message" (Page 372).

Table A-19 Non-assigned compiler messages (22000 … 22002)

Error Description
22000 This message is a user-defined error message. See error text.
22001 (Warning class: 0)
This message is a user-defined warning. See warning text.
22002 (Warning class: 0)
This message is a user-defined information message. See information text.

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A.2.13 Information (32010 ... 32653)

You control this output of information together with the warnings (Page 506):

Table A-20 Information (32010 ... 32653)

Error Description
32010 (Warning class: 6)
The specified jump label identifier has been declared but not used.
32020 (Warning class: 10)
The specified variable was declared globally in this source file or in another source file with the
indicated data type. This may be a variable, a constant, or another identifier.
This information helps when searching for the cause of compilation errors. It is issued together with
error messages.
32021 (Warning class: 10)
The specified variable was declared on the device as an I/O variable, a global device variable, or a
system variable.
This information helps when searching for the cause of compilation errors. It is issued together with
error messages.
32022 (Warning class: 10)
The specified variable was declared in the project as a global identifier. This may be a device identi‐
fier, a technology object or another identifier from the project.
This information helps when searching for the cause of compilation errors. It is issued together with
error messages.
32023 (Warning class: 10)
Until now, no valid declaration has been found for the specified identifier.
This information is issued together with error messages.
32024 (Warning class: 0)
The specified variable has been declared as a global identifier in the current unit or in an importing
unit.
This information helps when searching for the cause of compilation errors. It is issued together with
error messages.
32025 (Warning class: 10)
The specified identifier was declared in this source or in another source in the specified namespace.
In order to be able to use this identifier, it must be prefixed with the identifier of the namespace. This
may be a variable, a constant or another identifier.
This information is helpful when searching for the cause of compilation errors. It is issued together
with error messages.
32026 (Warning class: 0)
The specified identifier is a standard function that can be activated via a compiler option. In order to
use the function, activate the required compiler options for language extensions.
32030 (Warning class: 0)
The stated array initialization does not conform to IEC 61131-3. For portable programs, you should
enclose the array initialization values in square brackets. Example of field initialization in compliance
with the standard:
x : ARRAY [0 to 1] OF INT := [1, 2];

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Error Description
32050 (Warning class: 0)
The maximum size that can be reached via an HMI is 65536 bytes. This limit has been exceeded with
the specified variable. All subsequent variables cannot be reached either.
32060 (Warning class: 0)
The specified identifier is a keyword that can be activated via a compiler option. In order to use the
keyword, activate the compiler option "Language extensions IEC61131-3rd Edition".
This message is output as a guide for debugging syntax errors.
32061 (Warning class: 0)
The specified identifier is a keyword that can be activated via a compiler option. In order to use the
keyword, activate the compiler option "Permit object-oriented programming".
This message is output as a guide for debugging syntax errors.
32300 (Warning class: 1)
A label has been specified several times in a CASE statement. Only the first label is ever evaluated.
Other specifications have no effect.
32650 (Warning class: 7)
The specified identifier will be replaced thereafter by the output text.
This information enables the work of the preprocessor to be tracked.
32651 (Warning class: 7)
The definition of the specified identifier has been deleted with #undef.
This information enables the work of the preprocessor to be tracked.
32652 (Warning class: 7)
The identifier will be used with the specified replacement text in the source file. Compilation takes
place with the replacement text.
This information enables the work of the preprocessor to be tracked.
32653 (Warning class: 7)
The specified identifier will be replaced thereafter by the output text. This information appears if
additional replacements are loaded with a USES statement.
This information enables the work of the preprocessor to be tracked.

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A.3 Template for Example Unit

A.3.1 Preliminary information

This chapter presents a comprehensively annotated template that you can call in the online help.
You can use it as a template for a new ST source file.

//============================================================================
//(organization)
//(division / place)
//(c)Copyright 2009 All Rights Reserved
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
// project name: (name)
// file name: (name as soon as saved)
// library: (that the source is dedicated to)
// system: (target system)
// version: (SIMOTION / SCOUT version)
// application: (relation to project/ product/ usage)
// restrictions:
// requirements: (hardware, technological package, memory needed, etc.)
// search items: (with the purpose of browser usage)
// functionality: (that is implemented)
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
// change log table:
// version date expert in charge changes applied
//
//=============================================================================

INTERFACE
// All statements added between INTERFACE and END_INTERFACE/
// Keywords are used to define which source contents
// (variables, functions, function blocks, etc.) also in other
// sources (units) are available or exported.

USEPACKAGE cam;
// The technology packages to be used are known here and thus
// made usable in the source. Technology object (TO)-specific
// Commands can be used in this UNIT only when the
// appropriate package has been included.
// If a source file that uses USEPACKAGE cam is integrated via USES,
// it will be "inherited". USEPACKAGE can then be omitted.
// The package used in this example is "cam". However, other
// technology packages can also be used (see documentation).
// USELIB testlib;

// If library functions are to be used in the source file, they must be made
// known in the source, too. If the library
// with the name "testlib" does not exist in the project,
// the error message
// "Error 10035, "testlib.lib" library could not be loaded"
// "Error 10032, "testlib" library could not be loaded"
// will be output.
// If libraries are not being used, this line can be
// deleted..

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// USES header;

// USES is used to import contents exported from a different source

// exported content imported and made usable in "sttemp_l_de".
// If the source with the name "header" does not exist in the project,
// the error message
// "Error 10018, "header" source could not be loaded"
// will be output.

A.3.2 Type definition in the interface

// ******************************************************
// * Type definition in the INTERFACE *
// ******************************************************

VAR_GLOBAL CONSTANT
PI : REAL := 3.1415;
ARRAY_MAX1 : INT := 4;
ARRAY_MAX2 : INT := 4;
COLLECTION_MAX : INT := 6;
GLOBARRAY_MAX : INT := 12;
END_VAR
// Declaration of a global constant. In the source file
// no other value can be assigned to the identifier.
// User defined variable types (UDT) are
// defined between TYPE and END_TYPE.
TYPE
ai16Dim1 : ARRAY [0..ARRAY_MAX1-1] OF INT;
// Definition of a one-dimensional array with four array elements from
// type INT under the name "ai16Dim1". With "ai16Dim1" as the data type
// in all source file segments, one-dimensional arrays can now
// be declared by type INT.
aaDim2 : ARRAY [0..ARRAY_MAX2-1] OF ai16Dim1;
// A two-dimensional array is an array of one-dimensional arrays.
// Here a two-dimensional field with 16 elements occurs
// of the type INT under the name "aaDim2"
eTrafficLight : (RED, YELLOW, GREEN);
// Definition of enumerator "eTrafficLight" as a
// user-defined variable type. Variables of this type can
// only accept the values "RED", "YELLOW" and "GREEN".

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sCollection : STRUCT
toAxisX : posaxis;
aInStructDim1 : ai16Dim1;
eTrafficInStruct : eTrafficLight;
i16Counter : INT;
b16Status : WORD;
END_STRUCT;
// A user-defined structure is created here. It is possible to
// combine elementary data types (here INT and WORD) or already defined
// user data types (here "array1dim" and "eTrafficLight") into
// one structure. In addition, types
// of technology objects can also be used.
// In the example, the structure contains an element of
type // a position axis (posaxis).
// In the definition, make certain to sort the variables
// by size in increasing sequence
// (ARRAY, STRUCT, LREAL, DWORD, INT, BOOL ...)
aCollection : ARRAY [0..5] OF sCollection;
// Nesting is also possible. The type "aCollection"
// contains a field comprising six elements of type "sCollection"
END_TYPE

A.3.3 Variable declaration in the interface

// ******************************************************
// * Variable declaration in the INTERFACE *
// ******************************************************

VAR_GLOBAL // In the user memory of the UNIT.

// Also visible using HMI services.
gaMyArray : ARRAY [0..GLOBARRAY_MAX-1] OF REAL := [3 (2(4), 2(18))];
// Example of a declaration of a one-dimensional array without
// previous type declaration. The initialization performed here is
// read as follows:
// Two elements each are initialized with the value 4,
// two elements with the value 18. This pattern is used in the array
// "gaMyArray" three times in succession.
// The field elements are thus assigned as follows:
// 4, 4, 18, 18, 4, 4, 18, 18, 4, 4, 18, 18.
gaMy2dim : aaDim2;
// Example of a declaration of a two-dimensional array
gaMy1dim : ai16Dim1;
// Example of a declaration of a one-dimensional array with
// use of a type declaration.
gsMyStruct : sCollection;
// Variable of the type or with the structure of
// user_struct.
gaMyArrayOfStruct : aCollection;
// The variable generated here contains a field from
// structural elements as declared in section TYPE/END_TYPE
//.

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gtMyTime : TIME := T#0d_1h_5m_17s_4ms;

// ...as elementary time types and derived data types.
geMyTraffic : eTrafficLight := RED;
// An enumerator of type "eTrafficLight" is created here and
// assigned the value "RED".
gi16MyInt : INT := -17;
// Variables of an elementary numerical data type can
// also be declared in variable declarations...

END_VAR
VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN
END_VAR
// The variables declared with the add-on RETAIN are
// RETAIN stored in the data area of the hardware platform used and
// are therefore safe from network failure.

// The declaration of VAR, VAR CONSTANT, VAR_TEMP, VAR_INPUT, VAR_OUTPUT

// and VAR_IN_OUT is not permissible here.
// Variables that are defined in this section and thus exported
// can be reimported by means of the USES "sttemp_l_de" into another source file (UNIT)
.
FUNCTION FCmyFirst;
FUNCTION_BLOCK FBmyFirst;
PROGRAM myPRG;
// The function blocks (FBs),
// functions (FCs) and programs defined in the interface part are exported
// so that they can be used in other units.
// Non-exported FBs and FCs can only be used in this source file
// ("information hiding", placing in the interface only
// what other units absolutely need).
// A program that has not been exported cannot be assigned to any TASK
//.

END_INTERFACE

A.3.4 Implementation

// ******************************************************
// * IMPLEMENTATION section *
// ******************************************************

IMPLEMENTATION
// In the IMPLEMENTATION section of a unit, the executable code sections
// are stored in various program organization units (POUs).
// A POU can be a program, FC, or FB.

VAR_GLOBAL CONSTANT
END_VAR

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TYPE
END_TYPE
// The type definition can also be made in the IMPLEMENTATION section.
// However, this definition cannot be imported in another source file.
The type definition can, however, be used for variables
// in all POUs of the source file "sttemp_l_de". The definition of types must
// be performed before the declaration of a variable.
VAR_GLOBAL // In the user memory of the UNIT
gboDigInput1 : BOOL;
// Boolean variable for "EXPRESSION" example (see below).
END_VAR
VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN
END_VAR
// The variables declared with the add-on RETAIN are
// stored in the RETAIN data area of the hardware platform used and
// are therefore safe from network failure.
// Variable declaration in the IMPLEMENTATION section.
// The declaration of VAR, VAR CONSTANT, VAR_TEMP, VAR_INPUT, VAR_OUTPUT
// and VAR_IN_OUT is not permissible here.
EXPRESSION xCond
xCond := gboDigInput1;
END_EXPRESSION
// Definition of an EXPRESSION.
// An EXPRESSION is a special function case, which recognizes only the
// return value TRUE and FALSE. It is used in conjunction with the
// statement WAITFORCONDITON (see myPRG) and should only be used
// if the program is executed as part of
// a MotionTask. If "gboDigInput1" (usual in a digital input or a
// condition in the program) takes on the value 1, the return value of the
// EXPRESSION TRUE.

A.3.5 Function

// ******************************************************
// * FUNCTION *
// ******************************************************

// The declaration of an FB or FC must be placed in the source file

// before the actual use (the call), so that the code of the
// block is already known to the calling point.

FUNCTION FCmyFirst : INT

// The statement section of the POU FUNCTION begins here. The return value
// of the function has the type integer in this case.
// The stack of the calling TASK is initialized on each call
//. The return value is located on the stack and is
// written by the FUNCTION.
VAR CONSTANT
END_VAR

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TYPE
END_TYPE
// The type declaration can also be made in POUs. The
// basic difference is the validity of the
// type declaration. A type declared in a POU can only
// be used for variables within associated POU.
VAR_INPUT // In the stack of the calling TASK, will be placed on
// stack on call, assignment optional.
END_VAR
VAR // In the stack of the calling TASK,
// is used in FUNCTION.
END_VAR
// Variable declaration in an FC.
// The declaration of VAR_GLOBAL, VAR_GLOBAL CONSTANT,
// VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN and VAR_RETAIN is not permissible here.

// The use of unit-global variables for data acceptance in FCs

// and FBs is the fastest option for the runtime. The use
// of the input parameters VAR_INPUT and the return via the
// return value is slower, since the values are copied respectively.

// Comment: Variables declared with VAR and VAR CONSTANT are

// temporary. On the next call, the contents from the latest
// call are no longer available, in contrast to the FB.
// ********************************************
// * Area for FC code or statements *
// ********************************************)
// Code is in the user memory.

geMyTraffic := YELLOW; // e.g. change the traffic light.

FCmyFirst := 17;
// In this example, the function returns the value "17" to the
// calling program.

END_FUNCTION

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A.3.6 Function block

// ******************************************************
// * FUNCTION_BLOCK *
// ******************************************************

// The declaration of an FB or FC must be placed in the source file

// before the actual use (the call), so that the code of the
// block is already known to the calling point.

FUNCTION_BLOCK FBmyFirst
// The statement section of the POU FUNCTION_BLOCK begins here.
// Instance data are dependent where the instance is formed
// (see comments at the template end) in the user memory of UNIT
// or TASK and are initialized with STOP->RUN or starting the TASK

// The pointer to the instance data is transferred during the call.

VAR CONSTANT
END_VAR
// Variables declared with VAR and VAR CONSTANT are
// static, i.e., on the next block call, their contents remain
// available and valid.
TYPE
END_TYPE
// The type definition can also be made in POUs. The
// basic difference is the validity of the
// Type definition. A type defined in a POU can only
// be used for variables within associated POU.
VAR_INPUT // In the user memory of the UNIT or TASK,
// assignment optional on call.
END_VAR
VAR_IN_OUT // In the user memory of the UNIT or TASK,
// reference must be assigned on call.
END_VAR
VAR_OUTPUT // In the user memory of the UNIT or TASK.
END_VAR
VAR // In the user memory of the UNIT or TASK,
// can be used in the FB.
END_VAR
VAR_TEMP // In the stack of the calling TASK,
// is initialized on each call.
END_VAR
// Variable declaration in an FB.
// The declaration of VAR_GLOBAL, VAR_GLOBAL CONSTANT and
// VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN is not permissible here.
// ********************************************
// * Area for FB code or statements *
// ********************************************

geMyTraffic := GREEN; // e.g. change the traffic light.

END_FUNCTION_BLOCK

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A.3.7 Program

// ******************************************************
// * PROGRAM *
// ******************************************************

PROGRAM myPRG
// The statement section of the POU PROGRAM begins here.
VAR CONSTANT
END_VAR
TYPE
END_TYPE
// The type definition can also be made in POUs. The
// basic difference is the validity of the
// type definition. A type defined in a POU can only
// be used for variables within associated POU.
VAR // In the user memory of the TASK.
instFBMyFirst : FBmyFirst;
// In order to be able to call an FB, an area for static
// variables (forming an instance) must be generated. This has to do with
// the "memory" of the FB.

retFCMyFirst : INT;
// Variable for the return value of the function.
END_VAR
VAR_TEMP // In the stack of the TASK, initialized in each pass.
END_VAR
// Variable declaration in a PROGRAM.
// The declaration of VAR_GLOBAL, VAR_GLOBAL CONSTANT,
// VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN, VAR_INPUT, VAR_OUTPUT and VAR_IN_OUT
// is not permissible here.
// Comment: Whether the local variables declared via VAR
// are temporary variables depends on the task context in which the
// PROGRAM is used.
//
// In non-cyclic tasks (StartupTask, ShutdownTask, MotionTasks,
// SystemInterruptTasks and UserInterruptTasks), the previous
// contents of VAR and VAR_TEMP are no longer available.
// The variables are thus temporary.
//
// In cyclic tasks (BackgroundTask, IPOsynchronousTask,
// IPOsynchronousTask_2 and TimerInterruptTasks), the contents
// of variables declared in the VAR section remain the same
// for the following run. The variables are thus static.
// Variables from VAR_TEMP are always temporary.

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instFBMyFirst ();
// FB call with a valid instance.

retFCMyFirst := FCmyFirst();
// FC call and assignment of return value.

WAITFORCONDITION xCond WITH TRUE DO

// The statements programmed here come immediately for
// execution if the condition EXPRESSION defined in the associated
// "xcond" is logically true.
;
END_WAITFORCONDITION;
// WAITFORCONDITION is generally used only in MotionTasks.
These remain in the location and the
// condition defined in the EXPRESSION is checked with high priority.

END_PROGRAM

END_IMPLEMENTATION

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Index
_ControllerObjectType, 130
_device, 337, 347
- _direct, 313, 318, 337, 347
_FixedGearType, 130
-, 153
_FormulaObjectType, 130
-1.#IND, 391, 393
_getSafeValue
-1.#INF, 391, 393
Application, 337
-1.#QNAN, 391, 393
_PathAxis, 130
_PathObjectType, 130
_project, 347
" _quality, 324, 347
" _SensorType, 130
Dereferencing, 247 _setSafeValue
Application, 337
_task, 347
# _to, 347
_U7_PoeBld_CompilerOption, 368
#define, 365
#else, 365
#endif, 365
#ifdef, 365
+
#ifndef, 365 +, 153
#undef, 365

<
* <, 155
*, 153 <=, 155
**, 153 <>, 155

/ =
/, 153 =, 155
=>, 193, 220

:
:, 115, 133
>
:=, 143, 191, 192, 218, 219, 246 >, 155
>=, 155

?
?=, 247
1
1.#INF, 391, 393
1.#QNAN, 391, 393
_
_AdditionObjectType, 130
_alarm, 347
_CamTrackType, 130

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Index

Breakpoint, 401
Activating, 414
A Call path, 409, 412
Call stack, 417
Absolute identifier
Deactivating, 417
Overview, 425
remove, 406
Access times
Setting, 406
Parameter, 193
Toolbar, 408
ANY, 113
BYTE, 111
ANY_BIT, 113
ANY_DATE, 113
ANY_ELEMENTARY, 113
ANY_INT, 113
C
ANY_NUM, 113 Call path
ANY_REAL, 113 Breakpoint, 409, 412
ANYOBJECT, 130 Call stack, 417
Arithmetic operators, 152 Program run, 394
ARRAY Program status, 400
Data type, 117 CamType, 130
With a defined length, 117 CASE statement
With a dynamic length, 189 Description, 161
Arrays Character set, 95, 423
Data type, 117 Class
Value assignments, 147, 148 Instances, 222
With a defined length, 117 Names, 222
With a dynamic length, 189 Source file section, 262
AT, 124 Code attributes, 360
Attribute Commands
Compiler option, 368 Overview of the basic system, 426
Availability ST programming language overview, 102
I/O variable, 324 Comments, 109
Source file section, 109
Syntax, 443
B Compiler, 87
Attribute, 368
Base class
Correcting errors, 61, 88
definition, 210
Declaration errors in data type declarations, 491
Structure, 210
Declaration errors in POU, 488
Syntax, 210
Declaration errors in variable declarations, 492
Basic elements
Error when linking a source file, 502
of ST, 94
Errors in expression, 496
Basic functions, 152
Errors while loading the interface of another UNIT
Bit constants, 106
or technology package, 502
Bit data types, 111
File access errors, 487
BlockInit_OnChange, 370
Implementation restrictions, 505
BlockInit_OnDeviceRun, 370
Information, 513
Blocks, 94
Scanner errors, 488
Bookmarks, 46
setting, 62
BOOL, 111
Start, 87
Boolean data, 106
starting, 61
Branches
Syntax errors, errors in expression, 500
Syntax, 481
Warnings, 506
Compiler option, 62, 73

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Compiling elementary, 111

Library, 339 Elements, syntax, 466
Compound data types, 117, 121 Enumeration, 120
CONSTANT, 135, 141 Enumerators, 120
Constant block Explicit conversions, 175
Syntax, 456 Implicit conversions, 173
Constants Inheritance, 131
Bit, 106 Initialization, 136
Data types for constants, 110 Numeric, 111
Date and time, syntax, 441 STRING, 112
Digit strings, syntax, 440 STRUCT, 121
Floating-point number, 105 Structure, 121
Formatting characters and separators, 424 Syntax, 466
Globally valid, 280 Technology object, 129
Integer, 104 Time, 111
Literals, syntax, 436 TYPE, 115
Symbolic names, 140 User-defined, 115
Time specifications, 111 User-defined, syntax, 469
Unit constants, 280 DATE, 112
CONTINUE statement DATE_AND_TIME, 112
Description, 168 Debug mode, 383, 402
Control statements, 159 Declaration
CPU memory access Parameter, 134
Identifiers for process image access, 425 Variable ("on-the-fly"), 306
Variable model, 277 Variables, 134
Cross-reference list, 355 Declaration section
Displayed data, 356 Syntax, 453
Filtering, 358 Declarations
Generating, 355 Syntax, 462
Single-step monitoring (MCC), 356 Derivation of simple data types, 116
Sorting, 358 Derived data type
Trace (MCC), 356 Array, 117
TSI#currentTaskId, 356 ARRAY, 117
TSI#dwuser_1, 356 Enumeration, 120
TSI#dwuser_2, 356 Enumerator, 120
Cyclic program execution STRUCT, 121
Effect on I/O access, 313, 318, 326 Structure, 121
Effect on variable initialization, 294 Device
Rules for identifiers, 373
Settings, 375
D DINT, 111
DINT#MAX, 113
Data model, 277
DINT#MIN, 113
Data type specification
Direct access, 313, 317
ARRAY, 117
Properties, 314, 315, 316, 317
elementary, 116
Rules for I/O variables, 320
Enumeration, 120
Update, 315
STRUCT, 121
Variable model, 277
Data types
Download
ARRAY, 117
Effect on variable initialization, 294
Bit data type, 111
DriveAxis, 130
Conversions, 173
DT, 112
Derivation of simple types, 116

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DWORD, 111 Expressions

Arithmetic, 152
Logic, 159
E Relational expressions, 155, 159
Rules for formulation, 150, 159
Editor
ExternalEncoderType, 130
Example for program, 86
External, 78
Internal, 29
Operation, 86
F
ST editor, 29 FB, 177
Toolbar, 53 FB/FC variables
Elementary data types Definition, 282
Overview, 111 Variable model, 277
Enumeration FC, 177
Defining, 120 File
Example, 120 See Source file, 107
Enumeration data types, 120 Floating-point number
Enumerators, 120 Data types, 111
Error Description, 105
FB or FC call, 199 Notation, 105
Error messages FollowingAxis, 130
Declaration errors in data type declarations, 491 FollowingObjectType, 130
Declaration errors in POU, 488 FOR statement
Declaration errors in variable declarations, 492 Description, 164
Error when linking a source file, 502 Formatting characters, 423
Errors in expression, 496 Forward declaration, 376
Errors while loading the interface of another UNIT Function, 177
or technology package, 502 Call, 194
File access errors, 487 Call path, 400
Implementation restrictions, 505 definition, 177
Information, 513 Error sources during a call, 199
Scanner errors, 488 Example, 199
Syntax errors, errors in expression, 500 In/out parameter, 187
Warnings, 506 Input parameters, 187
Example, complete Local variables, 188
FBs and FCs, 199 Output parameters, 188
Rotate bit in output byte, 82 Source file section, 257, 264
ST source file (template), 515 Structure, 177
User-defined data types, 123 Syntax, 177
Using data types of TOs, 131 Function block, 177
EXIT statement Call path, 400
Description, 168 Call, syntax, 196
Explicit data type conversions, 175 Calling, 195
Exponent definition, 178, 179
Description, 105 Difference to the FC, 199
Exponentiation, 153 Error sources during a call, 199
Export Example, 199
ST source file, 76 In/out parameter, 187
EXPRESSION Input parameters, 187
Description, 261 Instances, 195
Syntax, 205 Local variables, 188
Names, 195

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object-oriented, syntax, 179 Implementation

Output parameters, 188 Source file section, 254
Source file section, 258 Implicit data type conversions, 173
Structure, 178, 179 Import
Syntax, 178 ST source file, 77
Function block with methods In/out assignment
Syntax, 179 Syntax, 193, 219, 220
In/out parameter
Function, 187
G Function block, 187
Method, 216
General reference
Transfer, 192, 219
define, 244
Inheritance
form, 245
For technology objects, 131
Operations, 246
when declaring public/using, 275
Global device user variables
Initialization
Defining, 288
Data types, 136
Variable model, 277
Syntax, 464
GOTO statement
Time of the variable initialization, 294
Description, 172
Variables, 136
Use, 379
Input assignment
Syntax, 191, 218
Input parameters
H Access in the function block, 197
Hardware Function, 187
Setting up, 84 Function block, 187
Hiding validity ranges, 342 Method, 216
HMI_Export, 369 Transfer, 191, 218
Instance declaration of a class
Syntax, 222, 223
I Instance declaration of FB
Syntax, 195
I/O variable
INT, 111
Availability, 324
INT#MAX, 113
Creating, 321, 336
INT#MIN, 113
Direct access, 313, 317
Integer
Process image, 313, 318
Data types, 111
Process image of the BackgroundTask, 328
Description, 104
Rules, 320
Notation, 104
Status, 324
Integer number
Update, 315
See Integer, 104
Variable model, 277
Interface
Identifier
Source file section, 252
Predefined, 425
Interface, object-oriented
Reserved for ST, 102, 426
Source file section, 265
Rules for formulating, 95
Syntax, 235
Rules for SIMOTION devices, 373
INTERNAL, 182, 212, 349
Syntax, 95
Identifiers
Syntax, 436
IF statement
J
Description, 159 Jump label, 379

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Jump labels
Syntax, 462
Jump statement, 379 N
Names, 95
Namespace
K for libraries, 346
Key combination for technology packages, 346
Script editor, 58 Predefined, 347
ST editor, 58 New
Keyboard shortcuts, 58 I/O variable, 321, 336
Know-how protection Number systems
Libraries, 340 Notation, 105
Source files, 74 Numbers
Data types for numbers, 110
Description, 104
L Notation, 104
Numeric data types, 111
LABEL declaration, 379
Language description
Resources, 93, 421, 423
Library, 337
O
Compiling, 339 Opening
Using, 341 ST source file, 27
Line numbering, 52 Operands
Local data stack, 289, 293 Syntax, 474
Local variables Operating mode
Variable model, 277 Debug mode, 383, 402
Logic expression; bit-serial expression; expressions Process mode, 382
logic; expressions: bit-serial; operators:logic, 157 Test mode, 382, 398
Lower case, 52 Operators, 426
LREAL, 111 Priority, 159
Relational operators, 155
Syntax, 477
M Output parameters
Access in the function block, 197
MeasuringInputType, 130
Function, 188
Memory requirement, 289, 293
Function block, 188
Method
Method, 216
define, 180
Transfer, 193, 220
definition, 213
OutputCamType, 130
In/out parameter, 216
OVERLAP, 126
Input parameters, 216
Local variables, 216
Output parameters, 216
Structure, 180, 213
P
Syntax, 180, 213 Parameter
MOD, 153 Access times, 193
Monitoring variables Block (syntax), 184, 215
Variable status, 393 Declaration, 182, 214
Multi-element variables, 147, 148 Declaration, general, 134
Function and function block, 182, 214
Transfer (in/out parameter), 192
Transfer (input parameter), 191

SIMOTION ST Structured Text

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Transfer (output parameter), 193 Program section

Transfer (principle), 191 See Source file section, 251
Parameter blocks Program structure, 359
Syntax, 459 Program structuring, 159
Parameters program variables
Transfer (in/out parameter), 219 Definition, 282
Transfer (input parameter), 218 In the data model, 281
Transfer (output parameter), 220 Variable model, 277
PosAxis, 130 Programming environment, 21
Pragma Project
Attribute, 368 Opening, 83
Preprocessor statement, 364 Project comparison
Preprocessor, (See preprocessor) Overview, 420
Activating, 63, 67 PROTECTED, 212
Controlling, 363 Prototype
Preprocessor statement, 364 Program organization unit, 376
Using, 63, 67 Prototypes, 273
Warning class, 72 PUBLIC, 182, 212
Preprocessor statement
Example, 368
Printing R
ST source file, 78
REAL, 111
PRIVATE, 182, 212
Real number
Process image
See Floating-point number, 105
Cyclic tasks, 318
REF, 245
principle and use, 313, 326
REF_TO, 244
Properties, 314, 315, 316, 317
Reference, 129
Rules for I/O variables, 320
define, 244
Symbolic access, 334
form, 245
Update, 315
general, 244
Process image of the BackgroundTask, 313
Operations, 246
Process image of the cyclic tasks, 313
Reference data, 355
Process mode, 382
References, 4
Program
Relational expressions, 155
Assigning tasks, 89
REPEAT statement
Call path, 400
Description, 167
Compiling, 87
Repetition statements and jump statements
Connecting to target system, 90
Syntax, 483
Creating (example), 86
Reserved identifiers, 96, 426
Download, 91
RETAIN, 135, 281
Executing, 89, 92
Retentive variables
Locating errors, 381
Definition, 281
Source file section, 260
Variable model, 277
starting, 89, 92
RETURN statement
Status (test tool), 396
Description, 169
Testing, 381
Rules
Program organization units
Formatted, 421, 435
Source file section, 256
Semantics, 94
Syntax, 448
Unformatted, 422, 435
Program run, 394
RUN
Toolbar, 396
Effect on variable initialization, 294

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ST source file section

See Source file section, 251
S Standard functions, 152
Statement
SCOUT Workbench > See Workbench, 21
Source file section, 109, 267
sections
Statement section
Syntax, 445
Syntax, 471
Separators, 423
Status
Sequential program execution
I/O variable, 324
Effect on I/O access, 313, 317
Program (test tool), 396
Effect on variable initialization, 294
STOP to RUN
setting
Effect on variable initialization, 294
Compiler, 62
STRING, 112
Shortcuts, 58
Assignment, 144
SIMOTION device
Edit, 145
Rules for identifiers, 373
Element, 144
Settings, 375
Syntax diagram, 112
Simple data types
STRUCT, 122
Derivation, 116
STRUCT OVERLAP, 126
Single-element variables, 144
StructAlarmId, 114
SINT, 111
STRUCTALARMID#NIL, 114
SINT#MAX, 113
StructTaskId, 114
SINT#MIN, 113
STRUCTTASKID#NIL, 114
Source file
Structure
Structure, 107
Defining, 121
Source file section, 251
Example, 123
Class, 262
Structured variables, 147, 148
Data type declaration, 268
Structures
Declaration section; declaration section:source file
Syntax, 445
section, 266
Symbol Browser, 387
Function, 257, 264
Symbolic access to I/O address space
Function block, 258
Process image, 334
Implementation, 254
Syntax diagram, 93
Interface, 252
System functions
Object-oriented interface, 265
Inheritance, 131
Program, 260
System variables
Program organization unit, 256
Inheritance, 131
Statement, 109
Variable model, 277
Statement section, 267
Unit statement, 272
Variable declaration, 269
ST compiler. See Compiler, 61
T
ST editor, 29 T#MAX, 113
On-the-fly variables declaration, 306 T#MIN, 113
Pairs of brackets, 52 Target variable, 142
ST source file Task
exporting, 76 Assigning programs, 89
Importing, 77 Effect on variable initialization, 294
Opening, 27 Technology object
Printing, 78 Data type, 129
See Source file, 107 Inheritance, 131
Template (example), 515 TemperatureControllerType, 130

SIMOTION ST Structured Text

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 Index

Template Upper case, 52

ST source file, 515 USELIB, 252, 346
Terminals, 94 USEPACKAGE, 252, 346
Test mode, 382, 398 User-defined data type
Testing a program, 381 Syntax, 115
TIME, 112 USES, 253, 255, 275
Time types USING, 352
Conversions, 173 USINT, 111
Functions, 152 USINT#MAX, 113
Overview, 111 USINT#MIN, 113
TIME#MAX, 113
TIME#MIN, 113
TIME_OF_DAY, 112 V
TIME_OF_DAY#MAX, 113
Value assignments
TIME_OF_DAY#MIN, 113
Description, 142
TO#NIL, 130
Syntax, 472
TOD, 112
VAR, 134, 285, 286
TOD#MAX, 113
VAR CONSTANT, 135, 141
TOD#MIN, 113
VAR RETAIN, 135, 287
Tool tip, 52
VAR_GLOBAL, 134, 280
Trace tool, 420
VAR_GLOBAL CONSTANT, 135, 141
TSI#currentTaskId
VAR_GLOBAL RETAIN, 135, 281
Cross-reference list, 356
VAR_IN_OUT, 135, 184, 185, 186, 215
TSI#dwuser_1
VAR_INPUT, 135, 184, 185, 186, 215
Cross-reference list, 356
VAR_OUTPUT, 135, 184, 185, 186, 215
TSI#dwuser_2
VAR_TEMP, 135, 286
Cross-reference list, 356
Variable blocks
TYPE, 115
Syntax, 456
Type conversion functions, 173
Variable status
Type declaration, 115
Monitoring variables, 393
Variables, 133
ARRAY, 147, 148
U Battery-backed, 281
UDINT, 111 Declaration, 134
UDINT#MAX, 113 Declaration ("on-the-fly"), 306
UDINT#MIN, 113 Declaration (source file section), 269
UDT elementary, 144
See User-defined data type, 114 Enumerator data type, 147
UINT, 111 Function, 188
UINT#MAX, 113 Function block, 188
UINT#MIN, 113 Hiding validity ranges, 342
UNION, 126 Identical names, 342
Unit Initialization, 136
Source file section, 272 Instance declaration of a class, 222
Template (example), 515 Instance declaration of FB, 195
UNIT, 272 Local, 282
Unit constants Method, 216
Definition;, 280 Parameter declaration, 182, 214
Unit variables, 280 Process image, 313, 326
Definition, 279 Retentive, 281
Non-retentive, 280 Static, 282
Variable model, 277 structured, 148

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Index

Temporary, 282
timing of initialization, 294
Unit variable, 280
Validity, 277
Watch tables, 391

W
WAITFORCONDITION statement
Description, 170
Example, 172
Warning class, 72, 364
Watch tables, 391
WHILE statement
Description, 166
WORD, 111
Workbench
Elements, 23
Programming environment, 21

SIMOTION ST Structured Text

534 Programming and Operating Manual, 07/2021, A5E33437165B