PLC Programming

6 - The Resources
Each parameter entry is represented by a line in the parameter list. Each column of the list is
representing one of the parameter attributes. In addition to a certain set of standard attributes also
manufacturer specific attributes might be used for the description of a parameter in the Parameter
Manager.
It depends on the definitions in a target specific description file which attributes (columns) will be
visible and editable in the Parameter Manager and in which way they will be arranged in a parameter
list. If the description file is missing, the complete standard set of attributes will be displayed, each
showing the default value.
Besides lists for project variables and project constants the Parameter Manager also can handle lists
for system parameters. Those are parameters which are fixly defined by the target system. Furtheron
you can create lists for functionblock instances or structure variables which base on user-defined
templates also created in the Parameter Manager.
Due to the fact that the data are stored independently of the IEC-program, a parameter list for
example can be used for saving 'recipes', which are preserved even if the program is replaced by
another version. Furtheron a running PLC can be "feeded" with different recipes without the need of a
re-download the program.
Application example:
Two or more parameter lists can be generated which have identical indexing, the objects of which,
however, have different values. As required, the desired set of values can be loaded into the controller
by loading the corresponding list. This way it is not necessary to "touch" the control program itself.
Note: It is depending on the target system, whether the parameter manager will be regarded at the creation of a
boot project.
6.11.1 Activating the Parameter Manager
In the Resources tab in CoDeSys open the Target Settings, category Networkfunctionality:
Activate option Support parameter manager and insert the desired Index- and Subindex ranges,
which should be valid for the entries in the parameter lists of type 'Parameter' (constants) and
'Variables' (project variables).
CoDeSys V2.3 6-51