New functions:
Reloadable components
There is now an easy way to add new hardware, motion libraries, Visual Components Runtimes, and Automation Runtime
versions to your project or programming environment without having to install a new version of Automation Studio.
The user can now connect to the B&R homepage from a dialog box in Automation Studio and search for available Add-Ons,
which can then be loaded and installed. If the workstation does not have internet access, the Add-Ons can be loaded to
another location, saved on a portable media device, and then loaded and installed from the Add-On dialog box in Automation
Studio.
AR010 supports PPs as terminals
With Automation Runtime F2.92 and higher, a terminal (PP100, etc.) can be operated with AR010. The main advantage of this is that the new
Visual Components application is saved on the AR010 and loaded from AR010 to the terminal during runtime. Because of this, no additional
storage media is needed for the application on the terminal.
Starting a batch file when opening a project
A batch file can be executed before a project is opened, in order to perform a copy or save, for example. The path can be absolute or relative; if
relative, the path is relative to the <Project name>.pgp directory.
Outputs from the executed program are displayed in the Automation Studio output window.
USB transponder support
Support for USB transponder reader (model number 5E9000.29) added to Automation Studio.PV2PV mapping
The variable declaration and I/O mapping editors can now map PVs to PVs.
Creating a CF card in Automation Studio
A CompactFlash card can be created directly from the terminal server project using the menu item Tools / Create CompactFlash.
PV2PV mapping
The variable declaration and I/O mapping editors can now map PVs to PVs.
AsIOTrc library
New AsIOTrc library.
This library provides function blocks for using the I/O trace driver (DdxxIoTrace) in Automation Runtime. They offer support
for X2X oscilloscope functions with additional data logging options.
EPL-V2
EPL-V2 MN (managing node) mode is supported. 3rd-party devices with fixed mapping that are capable of using EPL-V2 as
well as the X20BCxx83 and X67BC8321-1 bus controllers can be operated.
As EPLV2 library
This library provides the EPLV2 functions necessary for user tasks. This library is particularly important with regard to
3rd-part devices so that users can use the corresponding 3rd-party device connections without separate I/O drivers.
AR010 as a service
Beginning with Automation Runtime version C2.90, the AR010 (ar010loader.exe loader) can be started as a service in the
Windows system. This makes it possible to change users without having to end AR010.
SNTP support
It is possible to synchronize the system time of Automation Runtime targets on a network using SNTP. SNTP stands for
Simple Network Time Protocol and basically allows time information to be distributed in a network.
In Automation Runtime, an SNTP server and an SNTP client can be configured. The server waits for queries from the client
and then sends its own time back for use on the client.
New hardware - Power Panel
Modules in the PP45, PP300, and PP400 product families are now supported.
New hardware - X20 CPU
A new high-powered CPU has been added to the product line. It can even effectively handle cycle times of 200 µs. Ethernet
and USB are onboard. Network capability and connecting USB devices are therefore possible at no additional cost. In
addition, every CPU has a connection for real-time communication.
New hardware - SGC CPU
A new compact CPU has been added to the product line. A "System Generation Compact CPU" (SGC) refers to CPUs with
µP16 and µP25 embedded processors.
The following CPUs from the X20 family are included: CP0201, CP0291, CP0292, XC0201, XC0202.
Improved module download
The transfer speed of BR modules has been considerably improved by modifying the transfer mechanism. In addition, the
dialog boxes that appeared when downloading modules have been grouped together in a single dialog box.
The newly implemented function "Project / Services / Volatile" now makes it possible to store modules in volatile memory
(DRAM) instead of in the configured target memory. Transferring to volatile memory considerably speeds up the process of
loading modules to the target system since they don't have to be copied to non-volatile memory.
AR remote install
Installing software on B&R Automation Runtime systems can now be done directly from a USB storage device.
The following variants are possible:
· Using B&R Automation Studio and an online connection.
· Using the PVI Transfer tool and an online connection.
· From a visualization application (with PVI services) and an online connection.
· With the Automation Runtime remote install option and a TCP/IP connection from a DHCP server.
· Directly from a USB device.
Terminal mode support for PP300/PP400
With Automation Runtime Version P2.90 and higher, Terminal mode is supported for PP300 and PP400 Power Panels.
Motion Components
Cam editor - Mechanical cam profile
In the cam profile editor, data that is entered in table form (x and y coordinates or just y coordinates) can be inserted. The
polynomials for the cam profile are calculated using a configurable interpolation mode as well as the number of polynomials.
Fixed point and synchronous section list
Fixed point and synchronous section lists can be imported from a file if the data is present in the .CSV file format.
NC Trace
- Multi-axis trace
If the ParID trace configuration contains different NC objects that are entered in the trace configuration, a multi-axis trace is
carried out automatically.
The multi-axis trace is currently only implemented for the ACP10 software.
- Trace configuration
The trace configuration is new and can be saved in its own files using the shortcut menu.
Virtual axis
NC Trace can no longer be configured for virtual axes.
NC Test
PLCopen commands
In NC Test, an automatic global initialization is carried out before a PLCopen command is performed if the initialization has
not yet taken place.
NC Test mode
The NC Test can be operated in parallel and exclusive mode. The following message appears when starting the NC Test:
NC object structure
The NC object structure in NC Test is read cyclically. New values can continue to be entered.
INIT parameter module
If an NC INIT parameter module is uploaded to a project with the "Upload from target" command, then the hardware
mapping is kept in the following circumstances:
· An NC INIT parameter module with the same name is already present.
· The NC INIT parameter module in the project has the exact same hardware mapping.
Visual Components
Bitmap border
Bitmaps can be used to draw a border around a control.
Simply create a new border of type "Bitmap" and adjust the split accordingly.
Split
The horizontal and vertical split sets which parts of the bitmap should be stretched to achieve the desired border effect.
We connect it to the border and place the splitters as close to the middle of the bitmap as possible.
This retains the curves and the narrow side of the bitmap (between the splitters) is reproduced to the desired length.
Multiple text and multiple bitmap on button
- Multiple texts
Texts on the button can now be switched directly at runtime using an index data point.
Using a text snippet is no longer necessary.
- Bitmaps in a bitmap group can be switched on a button control at runtime using an index data point.
Cross reference
Resource links are displayed with this.
The resource's shortcut menu can be used to check where it is being used.
Data point names
A descriptive text for the displayed data point can be output on the touchpad.
A TouchPadMinMax control of type "Description" can then be used on a touchpad.
Event library
Advanced programming interface for a Visual Components application. It contains event mechanisms for responding to user
input as well as access functions for data points and their unit configurations.
Global text groups
There are global text groups. Their texts are available in all visualizations.
They can be found in the "Shared resources" group.
Key actions
There are two additional key action types:
- Clipboard
These key actions (cut, copy, paste, toggle selection mode) can only be used on a touchpad for the Edit control and execute
the action there.
Toggle selection mode means that the cursor highlights the text until the mode is reset.
- MoveTouchpad
This key action is also only available on touchpads. It can transport the touchpad focus to any display edge if it has been
opened at an unsuitable position.
The MoveCursor key action has also been updated:
There are now advanced navigation options in addition to the four directions:
- Jump to first/last position in row.
- Scroll sideways
Functional update
The Import Resource wizard has been updated to include new functions.
Now all parts of a project can be imported with their dependencies.
First, all desired components are selected:
The next page allows more exact specifications to be made about which actions should be carried out for the individual
objects:
Import
Imports the selected resource. This option is selected by default if this resource is not yet present in the target project.
Rename & Modify
Imports the selected object. If this object is already present in the target project, the object is renamed and all imported
objects refer to the new, renamed object.
Redirect
If the object being imported is already inserted in the visualization application (same name and type), then the object is not
imported again.
Remove
Does not import the selected resource and deletes its dependencies. For example, if a text group is imported, then a
language might explicitly be "removed". In this case, the text group is imported without the respective language.
Skip
Same behavior as "Redirect". However, this option is always available, not just when the resource has the same name in the
source and target projects (like "Redirect").
Overwrite
The resource is replaced.
Dynamic decimal point shifting
It is now possible to control the number of decimal places in a numeric entry field using the AddFractionDigitsDatapoint.
This is located in the Numeric control under "Format".
Positive values add decimal places, negative ones remove them.
Edit control
The edit control is a considerably advanced string control that can be used to edit longer texts.
It supports multi-line output, copy/paste, syntax highlighting, etc.
New properties
- ConnectionErrorPage
"ConnectionErrorPage" makes it possible to display an interrupted connection in Terminal mode. A corresponding error
message is generated.
- Backlight data point
The backlight data point makes it possible to determine how much time the background lighting stays lit until it switches off.
- FallBackLanguage
The "FallBackLanguage" specifies the default language. If there is no translation for an entry (e.g. test group), the text from
the FallBackLanguage is displayed in its place.
- TeachIn
"TeachIn" is a preset value for numeric entries.
32-bit true color
For all APCs with an 855 chipset, as well as PP300 and PP400 devices, it is possible to activate 32-bit true color mode, and optionally to set
anti-aliasing.
This mode only works for the output of PNG and GIF using VISAPI functions (VA_LoadBitmap, VA_BlitBitmap, VA_FreeBitmap).
Backlight data point
The backlight data point makes it possible to determine how much time the background lighting stays lit until it switches off.
New controls
- Trend control
Trend control allows you to display trend curves, and can also be used in Terminal mode. Up to 100 curves with various units can bedisplayed
in a trend control, as well as multiple axes.
They can be displayed from an array (user) or taken directly from a data point (online).
You can navigate using key actions or using data points.
- Scale control
With the scale control you can display values with respect to unit groups.
The display can be static
- HTML control
The HTML control makes it possible to display HTML pages from a portable storage device (CF, USB flash drive, etc.). Internet access is not
possible (no HTTP).
The portable storage device, the start, home, and error pages are all configured using a text group.
Control or focus dependent key actions are used to navigate:
Next, Previous, Refresh, Stop, PageUp, PageDown, GotoDocumentEnd, GotoDucumentStart.
- Edit control
The edit control is a considerably advanced string control that can be used to edit longer texts.
It supports multi-line output, copy/paste, syntax highlighting, etc.
AsRfbExt
The new AsRfbExt library provides additional functions for evaluation and control of the VNC connection and for MP40/50 devices.
Advanced (dropdown) ListBox control
Several new features have been added to the ListBox control and the dropdown ListBox.
Indirect data points
Data points can also be shown indirectly on the numeric control.
To do this, the display mode is set to "Indirect" and a data point is entered that contains the data point ID (User ID).
The data point that corresponds to the specified ID is shown. It is displayed in the configured units.
Key repeat
Key repeat can be used to configure the repeat behavior of all keys in the visualization globally.
The delay specifies how long a key must remain pressed before it is sent again.
The rate specifies how often it should be sent thereafter.
New hardware is supported.
- PP300 and PP400: PP300 and PP400 can be used as terminal clients.
A CompactFlash card must be configured that contains an empty project without visualization. VCBoot.br must be added to the system
modules.
- AP800: AP800 extensions can now be used.
- MP40/50: MP40/50 devices are supported.
