Sequential Function Chart / Grafcet

Design Automation Controls Faster

Sequential Function Chart (SFC) is rapidly becoming the method of choice to design structured automation controls. With this module, Automation Studio™ brings a new dimension to building projects easily and efficiently. SFC helps to design sequences of operation quickly and to validate a project prior to implementation. It complements project documentation by helping engineers, customers, and maintenance personnel to understand equipment operations. It’s worth noting that ISO1219-2 recommends the use of SFC for project documentation. SFC also helps to implement air logic or electrical controls by following simple and structured procedures.

A Specialized Editor

AS SFC/Grafcet is more than a symbol library. It includes special editing functions and features especially adapted to create Sequential Function Charts. Combined with the system design features, this provides a user-friendly and efficient environment and helps users gain in productivity. When a user selects an SFC document, a specialized tool bar is accessible to quickly create SFC structures.

SFC/Grafcet Code Import/Export Module

Automation Studio™ can import Grafcet code either in XML or in Cadepa™; software format. This module also allows users to export Automation Studio™ Grafcet into:
• Siemens S7 PLC format that can in turn be imported directly into the Siemens programming software;
• XML format that can be read by a device specific compiler and further create virtually any type of machine code.

Application Monitoring and Supervision with OPC

By using the Automation Studio™ OPC Client module, SFC/Grafcet can be directly animated by the PLCs that are operating, thereby allowing an accurate level of supervision of applications and better troubleshooting whenever problems do occur.

Make Reusable Control Structure Templates

With AS SFC/Grafcet, you can create SFC/Grafcet and save them as templates. This helps to generate libraries of reusable logic structures that are often found in projects, and it also helps to implement more rigorous regulations in managing large projects.

The Benefits of Simulation

The SFC/Grafcet Simulation mode allows users to easily troubleshoot simple and complex projects. With the ability to simultaneously simulate with other libraries and modules of Automation Studio™, I/Os can be directly simulated to test the control logic.
AS SFC/Grafcet becomes an indispensable tool to ensure commissioning of systems, assist in training personnel on operations, and improve the overall quality of projects.

A Structured Approach and a Powerful Tool

Although the interface is simple, there is more depth to this module than meets the eye. During the creation of an SFC/Grafcet diagram, you can access all the internal status variables and SFC/Grafcet control elements to implement fault management. SFC/Grafcet can also be “Forced” or “Frozen” during simulation. Sequence and step execution intervals can also be defined to improve fault management.

A higher hierarchy level can be exploited by defining macro steps from which entire control structures can be created.

Process Control Monitoring

Using AS SFC/Grafcet and the OPC server allows users to monitor their processes by animating the flowcharts steps, transitions and variables.

Commands that Are Easy to Learn

With AS SFC/Grafcet, you don't need to know SFC/Grafcet syntax. Each time you insert an action or a transition, a configuration window appears showing the various commands alongside each description and definition. On-line help is always available for all commands.

Variable Tag Name Listing

While entering commands, you have immediate access to all of the defined variable tag names.
A simple click of the mouse can add a variable to a statement. Should you need to create a new variable, you can have direct access to Automation Studio™ Variable Manager to define new variables and specify their data types and scope of use (local, internal, or global for the project).

Syntax Checking During Editing

When editing your command statements, AS SFC/Grafcet automatically assigns a color code to each word, quickly allowing you to locate possible syntax errors.

Add Comments to Enhance Documentation

Comments can be assigned to every SFC/Grafcet element of your automation project, including steps, transitions, actions, and statements.

AS SFC/Grafcet Guides You

AS SFC/Grafcet guides you when creating SFC/Grafcet elements and writing statements, which eases the process of writing correct syntax.

Quick Operator and Command Keypad

To simplify the process of entering command statements, you can rapidly choose the desired command and click to add it to the statement.

A Completely Configurable Environment

In line with the philosophy governing the other options of Automation Studio™, the SFC/Grafcet editing and simulation environment can be completely configured to your preferences.

The SFC/Grafcet Module, a Logical Addition to your Automation Studio™ Library

Based on the established IEC-61131-3 and DIN-40719 standards for industrial controls, the AS SFC/Grafcet library integrates perfectly with the pneumatic, hydraulic, and other libraries. Often referred to as Grafcet, SFC is the ideal tool to clearly describe operating sequences often found in pneumatic and hydraulic applications.