VSwitch
Manual
Description: Manual
Edition: 01/2001
Author: Frank Ebel
Layout: 01/2001, Frank Ebel
© Festo Didactic GmbH & Co., D-73770 Denkendorf, 2000
Internet: www.festo.com/didactic
e-mail: [email protected]
The copying, distribution and utilization of this document as well as the
communication of its contents to others without expressed authorization is
prohibited. Offenders will be held liable for the payment of damages. All rights
reserved, in particular the right to carry out patent, utility model or ornamental
design registration.
© Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch 3
1 Contents _______________________________________________________ 3
2 About VSwitch __________________________________________________ 4
3 Installing VSwitch _______________________________________________ 5
3.1 Technical prerequirements ________________________________________ 5
3.2 Installation _____________________________________________________ 5
3.3 Example files included in scope of delivery ___________________________ 9
4 Starting VSwitch _______________________________________________ 10
4.1 How do I begin? ________________________________________________ 10
4.2 Procedure _____________________________________________________ 11
4.3 Creating your own connections____________________________________ 12
5 Examples of applications ________________________________________ 13
5.1 Connection between FluidSIM and EasyPort _________________________ 13
5.1.1 Notes regarding the function of DDE blocks _________________________ 14
5.2 Connection between COSIVIS and real PLCs
using the SIMATIC S7-300 as an example ___________________________ 16
5.3 Connection between FluidSIM and S7-PLCSIM _______________________ 19
6 Appendix ______________________________________________________ 21
6.1 Structure of menu_______________________________________________ 21
6.2 Files __________________________________________________________ 23
6.3 Allocation of keys _______________________________________________ 23
1 Contents
4 © Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch
The VSwitch program transfers the concept of a simple electrical terminal board onto
the DDE communication structure of Windows. Using it you can connect up
programs with DDE server function, typical of control technology. Just as you would
make connections on an electrical terminal board, so would you connect "DDE
items" here.
Many programs (such as PLC simulators and hardware drivers) provide a DDE server
function, without however actively supporting data exchange. Thus values can be
read or written via DDE. However this requires a DDE client, which actively connects
two (passive) servers with one another.
Vswitch has been developed for this purpose. Vswitch enables two DDE servers to
work together without complex adjustments being made to them. VSwitch has not
been developed to be compatible with one particular manufacturer and can thus
communicate with DDE servers produced by a diverse number of manufacturers. The
configuration can be adjusted simply to the requirements of the user, without the
servers being altered.
If a relevant program which works with VSwitch is started, then Vswitch can be
started automatically together with that particular program. It is also possible to
start VSwitch manually.
VSwitch provides the DDE connections using "terminals", whereby each bit is shown
as an LED. The terminals are grouped together as bits, bytes (8 bits) or words (16
bits). There is a right-hand and left-hand terminal side. These are linked by a
connecting configuration.
The user can change the configurations for the left-hand and right-hand terminal and
the connecting configuration.
Festo Didactic provides the terminal configurations and the connecting
configuration. These cannot be altered with VSwitch. If required Festo Didactic can
create additional terminal configurations and connecting configurations.
2 About VSwitch
© Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch 5
This chapter describes how you should install VSwitch onto your computer.
You require
� A personal computer with Pentium processor (or better)
� Microsoft Windows95®
, Microsoft Windows98®
, Microsoft WindowsNT®
or
Microsoft Windows2000®
� The size of the working memory depends in the main on the DDE communication
partners which are to be connected using VSwitch. We recommend that the
working memory is greater than 32 MB.
You have received VSwitch either on two disks or as a download from the Internet.
Installation is described in the following paragraphs. The installation of VSwitch
takes only a few minutes. During installation you will be informed of other Festo
Didactic products.
� Switch on your computer and start Microsoft Windows®
if necessary.
� Click the entry "Execute" in the start menu (or program manager in the file
menu).
A dialog box will open.
� Enter the memory location of the setup file or a:setup.exe in the entry field
"Instruction line". Confirm your entry by clicking "OK".
3 Installing VSwitch
3.1 Technical
prerequirements
3.2 Installation
3 Installing VSwitch
6 © Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch
The initial screen of the installation program will appear shortly afterwards.
� Please follow the instructions given by the installation program. If you are unsure
about the answers to some of the questions, simply click "Next ››".
� If you wish to retain the default directory, then click "Next ››" or enter the name
of another directory.
3 Installing VSwitch
© Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch 7
� If you wish to keep the default program group, then click "Next ››", or select
another program group.
� Select the Festo Didactic software installed on your computer, so that all of the
necessary VSwitch components can be installed. Then click "Next ››".
If you should install Festo Didactic software which can be selected from this
window at a later date, then repeat the installation of VSwitch afterwards.
3 Installing VSwitch
8 © Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch
� Select "PLCSIM V4.x / Step /", if this software is installed on your computer, in
order that all the necessary VSwitch components can be installed. Then click
"Next ››".
If you should install this software at a later date, then repeat the installation of
VSwitch afterwards.
� Check the registration data or enter the correct information. Then click "Start".
3 Installing VSwitch
© Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch 9
� Once installation and registration have been completed successfully, you can
either view information about other Festo Didactic products or click "End" to exit
the installation program.
In order to facilitate work with VSwitch whilst it is still unfamiliar to you, files which
you will require for the following application examples have also been copied onto
your PC.
Files for FluidSIM
� Introduction_DDE_01.ct
� StackMagazine_PLCSIM_01.ct
Files for Step 7
� Vswitch.arj
3.3 Example files
included in scope of
delivery
10 © Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch
When you begin to read this, you will have probably already installed VSwitch
successfully. If this is not the case, please do so before continuing.
If you installed VSwitch together with a software package, then special icons for
preconfigured applications were created during installation. You can start these
applications by double clicking these icons. The standard settings of the programs
used will be applied.
Depending on the software installed on your computer, up to 5 different application
examples will be preconfigured:
� VSwitch for Cosivis and EzDDE (EasyPort)
� VSwitch for Cosivis and FluidSIM-P
� VSwitch for Cosivis and PLCSIM
� VSwitch for FluidSIM and PLCSIM
� VSwitch for FluidSIM and EzDDE (EasyPort)
In the case of EzDDE for example, COM2 is set as the standard interface. If you
should wish to connect the devices to another COM interface, please adjust the
setting of the EzDDE, before you start VSwitch. Please proceed in a similar fashion
for other programs with DDE communication.
4 Starting VSwitch
4.1 How do I begin?
4 Starting VSwitch
© Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch 11
The system can be started either manually or automatically.
In the case of a manual start VSwitch is invoked without parameters and the last
connection to be opened or DEFAULT.INI is loaded when no program start has yet
been initiated.
The initial VSwitch screen with Default.ini loaded
The initial VSwitch screen with the connection between FluidSIM-P and PLCSIM
During an automatic start the required drivers or programs are started by VSwitch
using the specified parameters. The program parameters are also transmitted.
4.2 Procedure
Manual start
Automatic start
4 Starting VSwitch
12 © Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch
If you have started Vswtich, you can load an existing connection (*.ini) by clicking
"File open".
The initial VSwitch screen with Default.ini loaded
A new connection can be generated thus:
� Click on the name of the left-hand terminal (*.lni) or right-hand terminal (*.rni). A
window with possible terminal configurations will open.
Example: Selection of the left-hand terminal configuration
� Select the suitable terminals.
� Save the new connection.
4.3 Creating your own
connections
© Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch 13
The following examples of applications describe how DDE communication between
different partners can be established using the program VSwitch.
Data connections between the following communication partners are possible:
� EasyPort, as of version 3.7
� PLCSIM, version 4.0 for Step 7 S7/M7
� COSIVIS, version 1.0
� FluidSIM, as of version 3.0
You will require the following equipment for this example:
� Installed software packages
FluidSIM P, as of version 3
EzDDE, as of version 3.7
VSwitch, as of version 2.3
� Available hardware
EasyPort D16
PC data cable RS232
Universal terminal unit
I/O data cable, crossed
Signal input, electrical
Cable with 4 mm safety plugs
Double-acting cylinder
5/2 way solenoid valve
Compressed air supply
In order to start the data connection, proceed as follows:
� Start FluidSIM
� Enter the following values under "Options - DDE":
5 Examples of applications
5.1 Connection between
FluidSIM and
EasyPort
5 Examples of applications
14 © Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch
� Load the example circuit diagram "Introduction_DDE_01.ct".
5.1.1 Notes regarding the function of DDE blocks
DDE input blocks
Incoming DDE data is read by FluidSIM via the DDE input block. This data is then
passed onto the simulated circuit in FluidSIM.
DDE output block
Outgoing data, generated within FluidSIM is communicated via the DDE output
block. The data is processed in a real or virtual control system.
5 Examples of applications
© Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch 15
� Start the simulation
� Construct the external circuit:
Connect the EasyPort D16 to your PC with the PC data cable RS232.
Connect the universal terminal unit to the EasyPort D16 using the crossed I/O
data cable.
Connect a supply of 24 VDC to the universal terminal unit and the electrical signal
input.
Electrical circuit diagram
1S1
Interface box
1S2
1Y1
14 14
13 13
24 VDC
0 VDC
I0 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 I6 I7
Q0 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7
Pneumatic circuit diagram
15
4
3
2
1Y1
1V1
1A1
� Start ' VSwitch for FluidSIM-P and EzDDE'
� Now start the data connection in VSwitch
� Operate the switch 1S1 in the FluidSIM circuit diagram. The cylinder 1A1 in the
real construction will extend.
� Operate button 1S1 of the electrical signal input. The cylinder 1A1 of the
FluidSIM simulation will extend.
To stop the data connection:
� Stop the data connection in VSwitch
� Only then stop the simulation in FluidSIM
5 Examples of applications
16 © Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch
You will require the following equipment for this example:
� Installed software packages
Siemens Step 7, version 4.02
COSIVIS 1.01p
VSwitch, as of version 2.3
� Available hardware
SIMATIC S7 EduTrainer or SIMATIC S7 EduTrainer plus
PC adapter/RS232 cable
EasyPort D16
PC data cable RS232
To start the data connection proceed as follows:
� Start the S7 Manager
� Dearchive the project "VSwitch.arj"
� Select a suitable target directory
� Open the directory "Blocks" in the directory "'2_Cosivis_S7-300"
� Mark the block "OB1" and load it into the control system.
5.2 Connection between
COSIVIS and real
PLCs using SIMATIC
S7-300 as an
example
5 Examples of applications
© Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch 17
� Now start COSIVIS and load the stack magazine module.
� Do not forget to click on the EMERGENCY STOP!
5 Examples of applications
18 © Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch
� Start ' VSwitch for COSIVIS and EzDDE'
� Start the data connection in VSwitch
� Click on "Workpiece, Add" in the window "Control Panel".
� Operate the START button
� One cycle is executed
� Click on "Workpiece, Remove" in the window "Control Panel".
To stop the data connection:
� Stop the data connection in VSwitch
� Only then stop the other programs
5 Examples of applications
© Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch 19
You will require the following equipment for this example:
� Installed software packages
FluidSIM P, as of version 3
Siemens Step, version 4.02
Siemens PLCSIM, version 4 S7/M7
VSwitch, as of version 2.3
Here you have a computer-supported working environment. To start the data
connection, proceed as follows:
� Start FluidSIM
� Load the example circuit diagram "StackMagazine_PLCSIM_01.ct'
� Start the simulation
� Start the S7 Manager
� Dearchive the project "VSwitch.arj"
� Select a suitable target directory
� Start PLCSIM by clicking on "Simulation on/off"
5.3 Connection between
FluidSIM and S7-
PLCSIM
5 Examples of applications
20 © Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch
� Open the directory "Blocks" in the directory "1_FluidSIM_PLCSIM"
� Mark the block "OB1" and load it into the control system
� Click "RUN-P" in the window "CPU 300/400"
� Start ' VSwitch for FluidSIM-P and PLCSIM'
� Now start the data connection in VSwitch
� Operate the switch 1S1 in the FluidSIM circuit diagram. The process is controlled
by PLCSIM and is executed.
To stop the data connection:
� Stop the data connection in VSwitch
� Only then stop the other programs
© Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch 21
The following is a reproduction of the menu structure.
� Open
Opens a connection set. If applicable the DDE connections are started
automatically.
� Save
Saves a connection set.
Note:
The connection set that was saved last will be started the next time the program
is started. Some connection sets are write-protected and should not be altered.
� Save as ...
Here you can save the connection set under a new name
You can print a connection set.
� Print preview
You can view how the connection set will be printed.
� Print setup
� Exit
� Start
Starts the DDE communication.
If necessary the relevant programs are started.
� Stop
Stops the DDE communication.
Programs which have already been started are not stopped.
� Info
Here you receive information concerning the DDE names used and current
values.
� Language
Here you can alter the language of the program. At present you can choose
between German, English and French.
This setting is only active after the program has been restarted.
� Autostart DDE
If this option has been set, the DDE communication will be started as soon as
VSwitch is started.
� Iconic Start
If this option has been set, then the VSwitch screen will be reduced to icon size
when the program is started.
6 Appendix
6.1 Structure of menu
File
DDE
Options
6 Anhang
22 © Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch
You can control the VSwitch screen display using this setting.
� Toolbar
The display for the button bar above the viewing window is switched on or off
using this setting. The current status is shown by a tick.
� Status bar
The display for the status bar under the viewing window can be switched on or
off using this setting. The current status is shown by a tick.
� Zoom
Enlarge
+: enlarge view (Zoom-In)
Reduce
– reduce view (Zoom-Out)
� Fonts
Here you can determine the font style which VSwitch uses.
These menu items provide access to the help functions.
� Index
Here you are provided with the help function for VSwitch
� Using help
Here you are provided with information concerning the use of the help function.
� About VSwitch...
Here you are provided with access to the version data of VSwitch.
View
Help function
6 Anhang
© Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. • VSwitch 23
VSwitch provides you with a series of connections. These are preset for different
program combinations. All of the connection files are installed in the sub-directory
INI.
Ending Meaning
INI Connections
LNI Terminal configuration of the left-hand terminal
RNI Terminal configuration of the right-hand terminal
VLN Connecting configuration
File Meaning
DEFAULT.INI This connection is used when no parameters have been
specified
EASY_COS.INI Connection for EasyPort and COSIVIS
EASY_FH3.INI Connection for EasyPort and FluidSIM-H
EASY_FHA.INI Connection for EasyPort and FluidSIM-H, Autostart
EASY_FP3.INI Connection for EasyPort and FluidSIM-P
EASY_FPA.INI Connection for EasyPort and FluidSIM-P, Autostart
FLH_S7.INI Connection for FluidSIM-H and PLCSIM
FLP_COS.INI Connection for FluidSIM-P and COSIVIS
FLP_S7.INI Connection for FluidSIM-P and PLCSIM
FPC_VIS.INI Connection for FPC connection with COSIVIS
S7_COSI.INI Connection for PLCSIM and COSIVIS
Key Meaning
+ To enlarge view (zoom in)
– To reduce view zoom out)
6.2 Files
File extension
File overview of the
connections
6.3 Allocation of keys
Festo Didactic GmbH & Co.
Postfach 10 07 10
D-73707 Esslingen
Internet: www.festo.com/didactic
e-mail: [email protected]