Creating a Function Block program

Now that we have covered the basic elements and logic functionality of FBDs, let's start to build our first Function Block routine. The following exercise will create a simple digital alarm routine using the Alarm Digital (ALMD) function block:

1. Open the Controller Organizer pane, expand the tree by navigating to Tasks | Main Tasks | Main Program, and then right-click and select New Routine:

2. Configure a new functional block diagram routine by setting the following values:
   • Name:DIGITAL_ALARMS
   • Description:Digital Alarms
   • Type: Function Block Diagram

The following screenshot shows the New Routine form with the necessary fields completed:

3. In order for our newly created routine to be executed with each scan of the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), we need to add a reference to it in the MainRoutine program...