RSLogix 5000

SequentialFunctionChart(SFC)
&StructuredText(ST)
Languages
This presentation presents the
SFC & ST implementation for the
Logix5000 processor.
Copyright 2002 Rockwell Automation Inc., All Rights Reserved

May 23, 2002

Copyright 2002 Rockwell Automatio

Sequential Function Chart (SFC) Language

Available as an add-on option for RSLogix 5000 Standard or mini, and included with
RSLogix 5000 Full and Professional
Graphical Free-form drawing / programming environment
Place steps, transitional, simultaneous and select branches and draw connections to
determine execution flow
Position and Organize blocks based on application to improve readability
Floating or linked text boxes provide application documentation (Stored off-line)

Embed Structured Text in transitions and actions directly

Improves readability and maintenance
Eliminates extraneous routines
Use ST to call routines in FBD, LD,
SFC or ST when needed

Off-line editing with on-line monitoring

Display Auto-scroll keeps active step
In the view to simply maintenance
Works with Logix5000 engine to
support upload/download of SFC
routines from processor
On-Line editing planned (V13)

IEC1131-3 Compliant language

Applications for Sequential Function Chart

Sequencing of a machines states

High level program / routine execution management

More flexible approach to developing sequencers
Highly visual language is easy to understand
Ideal for machines with repetitive operations

Execution of batch process applications

Provide a foundation for motion or robotic applications using the
Graphical Motion Language (GML)
Embedded Structured Text Motion commands provide streamlined
development environment

RSLogix 5000 SFC Editor

SFC Show/Hide
Grid and
Page Lines

SFC
Runtime
Autoscroll

SFC
Editor / Routine
Overview
Quick Access
Property Dialogs

SFC
Routine
SFC
Language
Editor

Step
Description

Embedded
Structured Text
Transitional

SFC
Element
Toolbar
Specific names
with backing
structure tag
Automatic
Name
Generation
Monitor Tag
of on-line
operation
Embedded
Structured
Text Action

SFC Graphical Drawing Environment

Unlimited drawing space provides free form editing style

Personalized place SFC elements permits chart organization to more closely follow
application or physical machine
Streamlines development and simplifies maintenance

Scale window to increase/decrease view size

Simplifies navigation and permits ability to monitor chart execution more readily

Spreadsheet style grid structure

improves navigation (A1, B2, C3..)
Used by cross-reference to
provide quick navigation
Dashed lines show SFC element
placement within grid (can be
hidden if desired)

Report page boundaries displayed

as solid lines within chart
Helps organize your chart based
on the report outputs

Dashed
Cross-reference
Grid

SFC Elements are automatic

aligned to an invisible internal
grid to provide clean routine
appearance

Solid
Report Page
Boundary

Routine Overview Navigation

Routine overview button in editor provides birds-eye-view of
full SFC routine
All SFC elements scaled to fit a reduced size window above editor
Provides indication of viewable area and permits movement
Lets you know your the area of the chart you are viewing and simplifies
navigation within large routines

Box to indicate
area in view

Move cursor to
Different part
of chart to
change view

SFC Element Entry

Multiple methods available for SFC element entry
Pick the approach that best meets your needs

Context sensitive element toolbar provides two methods

of programming
Click to insert drops
element at current
chart position
Drag & Drop - to manually
position element in chart

Element browser provides

keyboard navigation
Just press [Insert] key

SFC Language Elements

SBR/RET Passes input / output

parameters to/from a chart
Initial Step The start position for the chart
execution
Step Position within a chart that defines
an operating state
Action Portion of a step that defines a
specific behavior
Transitional Decision point to determine
when a steps operation is completed
Stop Termination position for a path within
a chart
Simultaneous Branch defines dual
execution paths in a chart that are both
executed at the same time
Select Branch defines dual execution
paths in a chart where only one path is
executed

Action
SBR/RET
Parameters

Simultaneous
Branch

Initial
Step

Transitional

Select
Branch

Stop
Element

Intelligent SFC Connection Routing

Multiple ways to make SFC element connections

Manually wire the elements together (connect the dots)
Auto-connect by placing a new element adjacent to an existing element
Select the best method for your style of programming

Select and Simultaneous branches are determined automatically by

the environment based on where the connections are made
Saves you time when developing the chart
You can add them manually
if you prefer

Auto routing of element connections

All wires run vertically and
horizontally with right angles
visual display of valid
connection points
Sticky wires stay connected
when elements are moved

SFC Element Property / Data Tags

Each of the SFC Element utilize a tag

containing operational information for the
block
Used to assign a name to each element (40
Character)
Pre-defined SFC data-types provide specific
names for element data

Steps SFC_STEP structure

Actions SFC_ACTION Structure
Transitional BOOL
Stop SFC_STOP structure

Contain operational, status and diagnostic

values
Operational Execution Timer, Executing
State, First Scan, Last Scan
Status / Diagnostics Execution Count, Overrun / Under-run alarms...

Simplifies access to element information,

reduces training and maintenance effort

Built-in property displays simplify

configuration and display operating status

Automatic SFC Tag Management

The software optionally does an automatic name generation for steps,

transitions and actions

User-specified prefix for step, transition, action, and stop names

Option to include SFC routine name in prefix
Automatic numbering of elements
Reduces typing to improve development time

If you want more control software can Prompt for Tag Name when element is
added to SFC chart
Avoids extra step to
create and name tags
Provides more effective
development workflow

Option to automatically
delete tag when element is
removed from chart
Eliminates program
modification steps
Avoids orphaned tags
being left in program

Step Elements

Unlimited number of steps in an SFC routine

Step uses a tag as a control structure
40 Character name for each step, automatically generated
Structure contains step configuration and status attributes
Step attributes are accessible from logic
Choice of accessibility / isolation
Created at program scope by default
Ex: StartupLine1.PRE

Tag description provides in-line documentation

Can be modified in SFC Editor,
tag editor and CSV Import/Export
Display of description can be
optionally disabled

Configurable step timer monitors

step execution

Step
Name

Connection
Points

Step timer preset can be a fixed value

or an expression evaluated at run time
Tag or complex calculation

View Step
Attributes

Backing Tag
Comment

View/Hide
Actions
Edit
State

Step Attributes and Built in Diagnostics

Structured step tag provide specific names for step configuration and properties
Includes all IEC61131-3 defined attributes and Logix5000 extensions
Directly accessible via an MMI using names stored in the controller

Built in step diagnostics capabilities eliminates application code commonly added

to most SFC programs
Step execution time alarms - User configurable presets or expressions for step
underrun (AlarmLow) and overrun (AlarmHigh)
Execution count tracks number of times Step is activated - provides immediate
feedback on process execution
Datatype SFC_STEP
Status : DINT;
Status Field containing X,FS,SA...AlarmHi
X : BOOL;
Step executing bit (FS + SA + LS)
FS : BOOL;
First scan bit
SA : BOOL;
Step Active bit (Not FS or LS)
LS : BOOL;
Last scan bit
DN : BOOL;
Step Timer done, T=PRE
OV : BOOL;
Step timer overflow DINT Maximum
AlarmEn: BOOL; Enables Hi/Low Alarming
AlarmLow : BOOL; Low Step Time Alarm Fault
AlarmHi : BOOL; High Step Time Alarm Fault
PRE : DINT;
Step timer preset, sets DN when T=PRE
T : DINT;
Length of time step has executed
TMax : DINT;
Maximum Step Time value detected
Count : DINT;
Number of times step activated
LimitLow : DINT; Low Alarm Step Time
LimitHi : DINT;
High Alarm Step Time
End_Datatype;

Initial
Step

Step State
Bits

Step
Timer
Execution
Count
Alarms
Display
Options

In-line
Expressions

Initial Step Property

This step property allows you to specify the location in the chart you
want to being the execution after a restart

Visualized with double border to help locate within chart

Operates based on restart configuration
One initial step per chart or routine
Can be anywhere in the chart
Same configuration as a normal step

Provides flexibility when setting a

chart so that you can organize the
routine around the application
Does not force the execution
to begin at the top

Initial
Step

Step Actions

Unlimited number of actions per step

Three types of actions:
Boolean actions are true when the action
is active otherwise false

Indicator
Tag

View Action
Attributes
Action
Qualifier

Action
Name

Action can be reused by multiple steps

using action tag reference
State of action is logical OR of all references

Reference routines in other languages

LD, FBD, ST, SFC

Embedded Structured Text

Eliminates need to create separate
routines and improves readability
Requires ST Language option

Action uses a tag as a control structure

Show/Hide
Actions
Edit
State

Provides a 40 character name for each action,

automatically generated
Structure contains action configuration and status attributes
Action attributes are accessible from logic
Choice of accessibility / isolation
Created at program scope by default
Ex: Action_001.PRE

Indicator tag provides diagnostic monitoring while running

Multiple
Actions
per Step

Embedded
Structured
Text Code

Action Attributes and Built in Diagnostics

Structured Action tag provide specific names for action configuration and properties

Built in Action execution count tracks number of times action is activated - provides
immediate feedback on process execution

eliminates application code commonly added to most SFC programs

Provides option to include an indicator tag displayed on the action

Includes IEC61131-3 defined attributes and Logix5000 extensions

Directly accessible via an MMI using names stored in the controller

Select any tag available in the local program or controller scope areas
Provide run-time data-value updates to assist in debug an maintenance

Configurable Execution Order

Permits easy access to Action execution order

Simplifies addition of new actions or reworking
scan after development is completed

Datatype SFC_ACTION
Status : DINT;
A : BOOL;
Q : BOOL;
T : DINT;
PRE : DINT;
Count : DINT;

End_Datatype;

Status field containing A and Q

Action is executing
Active except for last scan, P0 or P1
Time accumulated based on action qualifier
Time qualifier preset
Number of times action activated

Action Qualifiers

Action qualifiers determine how an action should execute

Following IEC 1131-3 definitions

None (no qualifier defaults to Non-Stored)
N - Non-Stored (action is active when step is active)
S - Stored (Starts running when step active, continues running even after step goes inactive)
R - Overriding Reset (stops a stored action)
L - Time Limited (starts running when step active, stops when step goes inactive or time
expires)
D - Time Delayed (waits a period of time after step active and executes if step is still active)
P1- Rising Edge Pulse (runs once on step activation)
P0 - Falling Edge Pulse (runs once on step deactivation)
P - Pulse (runs once on step activation and again on deactivation P1+P0)
SL - Stored and Time limited (starts running when step active, stops when time expires)
SD - Stored and Time Delayed (waits a period of time after step active runs regardless of step
state and continues running even after step goes inactive)
DS - Delayed and Stored (waits a period of time after step active, if step is still active, it runs
continuously even after step goes inactive)

Time based action qualifiers

Qualifier preset can be a fixed value
An expression evaluated at run time
Tag or complex calculation

Action Qualifier Timing

Step / Action Preset Expression Builder

Built in expression editor simplifies creation of embedded structured text expressions

for step timer preset value
Quick access to create tags, browser tags, function and operator selection lists

Permits step timer preset to be determined during step operation

Provides more control over step execution with minimal effort
Reduces need for external code to calculate and set the timer preset value

Transition Elements

Unlimited number of transitions in an SFC routine

Two types of transitions
Reference another routine in any ControlLogix language
Embedded Structured Text
Eliminates need to create separate routines
Can use to set always true / false condition

Transition uses a tag for state data

View
Transition
Attributes

Transition
Name

Tag value accessible from logic

Choice of accessibility / isolation
Created at program scope by default
Defined as a BOOL datatype

Provides a 40 character name for each

transition, automatically generated
Tag description provides in-line documentation
Can be modified in SFC Editor, tag editor and
CSV Import/Export
Display of description can be optionally disabled

Transition forcing overrides program logic

Similar to I/O forcing
Force multiple transitions to true / false
Enable / disable all transition forces at once

Transition
Force State
Connection
Points

Embedded
Condition
Logic

Transition Forcing & Step Through Provide Chart Debug Capabilities

Transition Forcing permits each transition to be forced true / false

True Chart executes the step prior to the transition once then moves to next step
False Chart scan holds on step prior to transition
Enabled either with I/O or independently to provide more control over force
operations

Transition Step Through option is a one shot true force of a transition

Moves chart to next step one time

Provides ability to manually override SFC execution

Monitor and debug directly from the interface
Simplifies equipment startup process
On-Line toolbar
Presents Force Status
For Both I/O & SFC

Enable both
I/O and SFC Forces
together from toolbar

Logic Menu
Provides Control
for Both I/O & SFC

Forced
Transition

Force
Options

Stop Element

The Stop Element terminates execution of a path in the SFC chart

Located at the end of the chart or on a branch leg
If there are no other steps to execute, control reverts to the predefined
initial step
Eliminates need to provide directed link looped back to initial step

Unlimited number of stop elements

Utilizes a tag to name the element, provide a comment in the chart
and store diagnostic information
Activated Bit is set when Stop Element is executed
Built in step execution count tracks number of times the stop is activated provides immediate feedback on process execution

Extension over IEC61131

Datatype SFC_STOP
Status : DINT; Status field containing X
X : BOOL;
Activated
Count : DINT; Number of times Stop activated
End_Datatype

SBR / RET Element

Subroutine Input / Return element provides a means of passing parameters

in/out of a SFC based subroutine

SBR Specifies tag(s) to store input parameters for use in the routine
RET Specifies tag(s) you want to return as output parameters
Unlimited number of parameters
Both atomic and compound data types supported
Passed by value

Permits SFC Routines to be called from other routines within a program

Call from LD, FBD, STX and even another SFC
Provides program development flexibility and supports modular programming
methods

SBR

...

Subroutine
MCR
RET
Return
Status

Simultaneous Branches

Executes multiple chart paths at once

Permits multiple steps to be active at
one time
Unlimited number of branch legs, elements
per leg and nested branches

Flexible branch layout works they

way you want it to work!
permits configuration to closely
resemble process
Avoids useless steps placeholders

Branch
Force

Brach leg forcing enhances chart

debug and maintenance
Permits each branch to be disabled
individually
Displayed in chart both off and on-line

Flexible
Branching

Right Click
to Force

Select Branches

Executes one of many chart paths

Execution
order

Permits process based decisions to alter

the execution flow
Unlimited number of branch legs,
elements per leg and nested branches

Flexible branch layout works

they way you want it to work!

Forced
Transition

Right Click
to Set Order

permits configuration to
closely resemble process
Avoids useless steps placeholders

Configurable evaluation order

Defaults evaluation from Left to right
User defined evaluation order permits
you to determine branch priority
Permits changing order without
reorganizing chart

Transition forcing and step through

provides select branch debug override

Flexible
Flexible
Branching
Branching

Default
Left to Right

User
Configured

Directed Link

Directed link permits you to shift the chart execution forward or

backward to another step
Optional link visualization setting
Wired to the destination step (default)
Hidden wire with source / destination references to reduce wire / chart
congestion
Gives you control over how the link is displayed in the chart
Visible
Wire

Source
reference

Destination
reference
Right Click
to Hide

Grid
location

Documenting Your SFC Routine

Text Box
Free Floating

Text Box Anchored

to Step

Step Tag
Description

Embedded ST
Action Comment
(Stored Online)

Transition Tag
Description

Text Box Anchored

to Transition

Embedded ST
Transition Comment
(Stored Online)
Routine Description

Tag Comments

Text Box

Embedded ST

Routine property
dialog and routine tooltip

Tag editor and data

monitor, optionally
show/hide in SFC chart

SFC chart Only

SFC chart Action and

Transition expressions

Routine Property
Dialog

Step/ Transition property

dialog, and Tag Editor

SFC chart editor

SFC charts embedded

ST editor

120 Characters

120 Characters

64K Characters

Unlimited

Stored

Off-line

Off-line

Off-line

Off-line & On-line

Import / Export

L5K File

CSV and L5K Files

L5K File

L5K File

N/A

Moves with SFC element

Free-floating or
anchored to element

Moves with embedded

ST code in SFC Element

Visibility

Modification
Size

Element
Linkage

SFC Reports

Both Fit to page report and multi-page

formats
Single page table of contents
Enlarged view of chart sections

Report Page boundaries displayed in

editor view
Configurable page settings
Supports Letter (8.5x11), Legal
(8.5x14), Tabloid (11,17), A4
(210x297mm), and A3 (297x420mm)
Portrait or Landscape

What you see is what you get!

Simplifies development

Cross-reference grid and page

numbers printed on report
Speeds up chart negotiation
Links to cross reference reports

Additional element and crossreference reports provide

configuration detail

Cross-Reference
Provides a listing of any reference to a tag
Destructive and Non-destructive
Direct and alias references
Location where tag is accessed

LD Rung/Instruction
SFC Element Grid Location
FBD Block Grid Location
ST Line Number

Generate reports based on cross-reference

Search & Replace

What you can search for...

Text in tag names, comments or logic
Tags
Component Alias - Will find other tags that
share the same base tag as the specified tag
All Aliases - Will find other tags that can
reference any part of the specified tag

Language Elements (instructions)

Logix edits (I/R/D)

Maintains a list of the last 10 searches

to reduce effort reissue the same search
Where does search operate?
Language editors
Tag editor / Data monitor

Use search to locate individual

references or all references at once
Replace permits the selective replacement
of one string for another

New Instructions for SFC

Three new Ladder Diagram (LD) and Structured Text (STX)

instructions added to Logix5000 to control SFC Operations
SFR- Sequential Function Chart Reset
Resets a specific SFC chart to a specified step
Active steps are post scanned by processor
to reset outputs

SFP Sequential Function Chart Pause

Suspends the operation of the specified
chart as long is rung is true

EOT End of Transitional

Used within a subroutine called by a transitional
to indicate that a steps operation is complete

Execute these in a separate LD/ST subroutine

called by an Action of a step
Provides programmatic control over SFC execution
Develop code to determine machine state and automatically adjust to the
appropriate SFC step to facilitate machine startup and recovery
Provides consistency for applications developed in PLC-5

Configurable SFC Execution Options

Logix5000 provides different type of execution methods to help you

customize the chart control to meet specific needs
Provides more control over execution
Avoids the need to create and manage additional code

Execution model Determines when chart scan terminates

Execute only active step(s) per scan
Execute multiple steps in a single scan till false transition is found

Restart - Determines chart starting

location for processor run mode
transition
Initial step - restarts at the step
you have configured as Initial Step
last active restarts at the step
that was active when the chart
stopped

Configurable SFC Last Scan options

Logix provides multiple options to configure a controller to
selectively reset operations when an SFC step completes
Supports retentive and non-retentive operations
Provides for automatic and controlled shutdown

Gives you full control of step post-scan operations so that

your program operates using the most optimal method
Automatic Reset

Programmatic Reset

No Reset

Step
Post
Scan
Method

Automatically resets when SFC

Steps transition evaluates to
true
CPU Resets outputs, timers and
various instructions
ST bit or numeric assignments
using [:=] are reset to 0

Performs an additional scan of

SFC Actions with LS bit set to true
Utilize Step.LS bit to
programmatically clear values
Or utilize a falling edge P0 Action
to perform programmatic reset

No more scans performed

utilize a falling edge P0 Action
to perform programmatic reset

Benefits

No additional programming
required to clear outputs
Works similar to PLCs SFC
Language

You have control over the reset

operation via the Step.LS bit
Permits reset of values other than
zero
Allows you to leave outputs
energized across multiple steps

Operates like programmatic but

avoids overhead of Last Scan
Permits reset of values other
than zero
Allows you to leave outputs
energized across multiple steps

SFC Off-line & On-line Support

Initially developed as an off-line development tool with on-line support

monitoring and debug support
Develop programs off-line
Download/upload programs to/from controller
Monitor programs on-line
Active step/branch animation
Auto-scroll to keep active step on display

Debug chart execution

Tag data and SFC element property changes

Transition Forcing and Step Through Control
Simultaneous Branch Forcing
Select Branch execution order

Future on-line programming support

Initially available for hardware based Logix5000 controllers

ControlLogix5500, FlexLogix5400, CompactLogix5300, and
DriveLogix5700
SoftLogix5800 support planned for future releases

RSLogix 5000 ST Language

Available as an add-on option for RSLogix 5000 Standard or mini, and included with RSLogix
5000 Professional
Fully functional editor

Red Wavy Underlines annotate undefined tags or programming errors

Syntactic coloring monitoring for commands, tags and comments to improves readability
Instruction format tool-tips simplify code development
Cut/Copy/Paste from other text editor tools

High level programming language similar to Basic, Fortran, Pascal or C

If/Then, Case, Do/While, Do/Until,
and For/Next constructs
Most LD and FBD Instructions
supported, Including Motion and
Process
Call routines in FBD, LD, SFC or ST
when needed

Off-Line development with on-line

monitoring
Works with Logix5000 engine to
support upload/download of ST
routines from processor
Watch-Pane auto tag list, displays
operating tag values
On-Line edit planned (V13)

IEC1131-3 Compliant language

Applications for Structured Text

Easily represent complex mathematical

calculation
Development of specialized array / table
processing
Creation of ASCII String protocol
processing
Imbedded motion control functions
Inclusion of Process / Drive control
functions permits specialized algorithms
Provide a foundation for applications
using the Reliance Automax basic
language
Easily convert text based Basic, C,
Pascal and Fortran code to run on a
Logix5000 controller

ST Decision and Loop Constructs

IF and CASE operations determine execution

Build decisions to meet applications specific needs
Combined with symbolic tags to provide self documented code

FOR, WHILE and REPEAT process repetitive operations

Build custom looping algorithms
Easy way to process tables of information
Performs operation of Ladder file instructions like FAL
IF <Boolean expression> THEN
<statements>
ELSIF <Boolean expression> THEN
<statements>
ELSE
<statements>
END_IF;

FOR <initialize iteration variable>

TO <final value expression>
[BY <increment expression>] DO
<statements>
EXIT
END_FOR;

CASE <any integer or real expression> OF

< selector value 1> : <statements>
< selector value 2> : <statements>

ELSE
< statements>
END_CASE;

WHILE <Boolean expression> DO

<statements>
EXIT
END_WHILE;

REPEAT
<statements>
EXIT
UNTIL <Boolean expression>
END_REPEAT;

ST Instruction Set

Instruction set commonality with Ladder Diagram (LD) and Function Block
Diagram (FBD)
Reduces learning curve
Permits selection of appropriate Language for application

In line operations consistent with common text based programming

languages and IEC 61131-3

Automatic numeric datatype conversion reduces development time by

eliminating need for temporary tags and conversion functions
Supports calls to Logix5000s advanced built instruction set

Assignment operators (retentive := , non-retentive [:=])

Mathematical operations (+,-,*,/,**, Mod)
Comparison operations (=, >=, <=,>,<,<>)
Logical operations (AND, &, OR, NOT, XOR)
Trig Functions

Over 125+ instructions are at your disposal

Advanced Motion Instructions
FBD Process and Drive control blocks
JSR / SBR / RET functions for routine encapsulation

The Most Comprehensive built in Instruction set in the industry

Minimizes development and reduces program debug effort

ST Instruction Programming

Multiple ways to develop structured text code

to minimize program development time
Using a mouse and the
Integrated Instruction Toolbar
Keyboard Alt-Ins provides a
instruction selection dialog complete
with instruction descriptions
Simply type the function name to
receive formatting tool-tip
Provides instruction parameter
configuration

Select the method that best

meets your development needs
Pop-up tool tips for Instructions
and Functions simplify
code development

ST Text Syntactic Color Coding

Language statements, tag names, and comments
displayed in different colors
Makes code easier to read and understand
Simplifies code development
Determine quickly if
code will be executed
or is commented out

Red wavy underlines

denote invalid tags
Locate misspelled or
undefined tag names
Immediate feedback
on programming errors

ST Comments

Both in-line and multi-line comments supported

In-line comments provide a description for a single line of code
Beginning with // and terminate with a CRLF
Can also be used to block a single line of code from execution
Rockwell Automation extension to IEC61131-3

Multi-line comments provide more descriptive information for how the

code performs its function
Two formats available (* comment*) or /* comment */
Can also be used to block a group of code lines from executing

Green context coloring makes comments standout from code

All Structured Text comments are loaded into the controller during
application download
Available on upload even if you
dont have the original source
Maintains program white-space,
tabs, and line-feeds to
preserver presentation
Compressed from 70 to 80 %
to minimize memory needs

ST Tag Manipulation
Multiple ways to specify tags in your code
Using a mouse you can navigate
the context menu to the tag browse
tool to select tags
Using the keyboard, Ctrl-Space
provides a tag selection window
with auto-fill / tag lookup
list locates first tag with
matching name

Eliminates the need

to memorize tag names
Reduces program
development effort

ST On-Line Monitoring

ST Routine highlighted to show running status

Lets you know the processor is in run mode

Tooltips provide access to tag data values

Displays description, datatype and a snapshot of the data value
Preserves routine formatting and avoids having to scroll watch pane to
view a single tag

Lists tags, value and

descriptions
Animated values
change as routine
executed

Tag Info
tooltip

Watch Pane displays

all tags referenced
by the routine

Useful for debug and

maintenance operations

Data Values

Tags referenced
In ST Routine

ST Routine Execution

Each time a Structured Text routine is called (either as a subroutine or as the

main routine in a program) it begins executing from the beginning of the
routine (Similar to Ladder Diagram)
Code within the ST routine is executed based on the constructs used
Using IF and CASE you can selectively choose the code you want to execute
Focuses the execution on specific areas of the code
Helps reduces routine scan time to optimize CPU performance

Using FOR, DO UNTIL, and DO WHILE you can perform repetitive loops
Useful for processing arrays or tables
The CPU watchdog timer continues while ST executes, so infinite loops will be trapped

Structured Text Transitional Instructions

In Ladder Diagram a rung state change is used to trigger various operations within
instructions (timers, counters, one-shots, messaging, motion)
In ST these instructions are handled in one of two ways:
Counters, messaging and motion instructions acts as though the rung has just gone true
each time they are executed in ST
May require additional code to manage the instructions execution

For timers and one-shot instructions external manipulation is required to initialize and
reset

ST Pre-Scan Operation
On power-up the controller performs a pre-scan of each task
to initialize instructions (outputs, non-retentive timers)
Select instructions also perform various operations during pre-scan
Example: ONSR one-shot instruction turns off storage bit...

In ST you can use the bracketed assignment operator [:=]

to force the value to be reset during pre-scan
Resets Bit tags and forces numeric tags to zero
If you want tag left in last state, use the non-bracketed assignment
operator :=
Extension over IEC61131 standard

Minimizes the amount of code you need to write to initialize

your application
Provides more control over what you want retained or reset
Reduces development time

SFC Post Scan Impact on ST

SFC provides an automatic reset operation
Performs a post-scan of the actions associated with a Step once the
transition indicates the step is completed
Perform a controlled shutdown of the code
In ladder diagram routines, output coil (OTE) instructions are turned off and
non-retentive timers are reset...
The SFC Automatic reset is optional and can be overridden by changing a
controller property

ST code embedded in an SFC Steps action directly or ST code called

via a JSR are also post scanned
Depending on the application you can control what occurs during post-scan
Using the bracketed assignment operator [:=] tags are reset to zero (both
Boolean and numeric tags)
Using non-bracketed assignment operator := tags are left in their last state

The Automatic reset combined with the two ST assignment

operators simplify program initialization

ST Off-line & On-line Support

ST programming environment is initially targeted as an off-line

development tool with the ability to monitor running programs

Off-line programming
ST Programs both downloaded and uploaded (with comments)
Tag values in watch pane update with memory changes
Tooltip provides tag snapshot
Future on-line programming support

Initially available for hardware based Logix5000 controllers

ControlLogix5500, FlexLogix5400, CompactLogix5300, and
DriveLogix5700
SoftLogix5800 support planned for future release

RSLogix 5000 Multi Language Support

Fully integrated with other languages within RSLogix 5000
Exists as part of RSLogix 5000, uses existing database, menu structure,
controller organizer, I/O configuration, etc.
Available as an option to mini and standard versions and included with
Professional

LD, FBD, SFC, ST routines can co-exist with other routine types in the
same controller
A routine of any language can
call other SFC, ST, LD or FBD
routines

Works with Logix5000 engine

to support upload/download of
routines from processor
All languages are are native to
Logix5000

IEC1131-3 Compliant
languages

Acquiring SFC / ST
The SFC and ST Languages are available in two
forms
Add on option for RSLogix 5000 Mini Edition (9324RLD200ENE) and Standard Edition (9324RLD300ENE)
9324-RLDSFCE Sequential Function Chart Language Option
9324-RLDSTXE Structured Text Language Option
9324-RLDMLPE Multi-Language Pack Option (Includes FBD,
SFC, and STX)
Permits you to purchase just the language(s) you need

Included with RSLogix 5000 Full Edition (9324RLD600ENE) and Professional Edition 9324RLD700NXENE
All languages are included (LD, FBD, SFC, and ST)
Purchase all languages from a single catalog number

New RSLogix 5000 Full Edition

Complete version of RSLogix 5000
Will Support all Logix5000 Controllers
Provides all of the capabilities of the Standard Edition and
includes support for all optional programming languages
Function Block Diagram (FBD)
Sequential Function Chart (SFC)
Structured Text (STX)

RSNetWorx and RSLogix Emulate5000 are available separately

Targeted SIs and Large End Users needed multiple

languages and already own RSNetWorx
Existing users of Mini and Standard can get the same capabilities
as the Full Edition by purchasing the separate language options

RSLogix 5000 Packages / Options

RSLogix 5000 Enterprise
Series bundles / options

Mini Edition
9324-RLD200ENE

Standard Edition
9324-RLD300ENE

Standard/Network
9324-RLD300NXENE

Full Edition
9324-RLD600ENE

Professional Edition
9324-RLD700ENE

Logix5000 Controllers
Supported

CompactLogix53
00 FlexLogix5400

All

All

All

All

Included

Included

Included

Included

Included

Function Block Diagram1, 2

9324-RLDFBDENE

Separate Option

Separate Option

Separate Option

Included

Included

Sequential Function Chart1, 2

9324-RLDSFCE

Separate Option

Separate Option

Separate Option

Included

Included

Structured Text1, 2
9324-RLDSTXE

Separate Option

Separate Option

Separate Option

Included

Included

PIDE Autoune
9323-ATUNEENE

Separate Option

Separate Option

Separate Option

Separate Option

Separate Option

Lite Included

Lite Included

Lite Included

Lite Included

Pro Included

RSNetWorx CNet & Dnet

9357-ANETL3

Separate Option

Separate Option

Included

Separate Option

Included

Drive Executive Lite

9303-4DTE01ENE

Separate Option

Included

Included

Included

Included

1756-MVI SW Dev Toolkit

Separate Option

Separate Option

Separate Option

Included

Included

Ladder Diagram

RSLinx

Functionality / Value
1.
2.

Limited

Able to upload and download without option. Must purchase option to view, edit and print routines in this language
9324-RLDMLPE Multi-Language pack includes FBD, SFC, and STX

Maximum