Rockwell Automation 2711E PanelBuilder 1400e Modbus Communications - Manual (Page 38)

Chapter
6
Publication 2711E-6.12 – August 1997
Defining Tags
Use tags to name controller addresses for easy reference. For more
information about tags and their role, the tag database editor, and
how to create tags, see Chapter 6, “Defining Tags,” in the
PanelBuilder 1400e Configuration Software for Windows User
Manual.
PanelBuilder uses the following types of tags:
This tag
type: Stores this type of data:
Analog Range of values (depends on the data type (integer or floating point)
selected)
These tags can represent complex states such as temperature or the
position of rotary controls.
Digital 0 or 1
These tags can represent devices that can only be on (1) or off (0), such
as push buttons.
String ASCII string, series of characters or whole words (maximum of 82
characters)
These tags are used only when defining ASCII Input and ASCII Display
objects, and for sending alarm messages to the controller.
Block A contiguous bit stream of up to 1024 bits. A block tag is used strictly for
defining the Alarm Triggers tag and Acknowledge to PLC tag when
multiple simultaneous alarms need to be monitored. Use Block Tags when
using bit-triggered alarms. PanelBuilder Version 3 supports Device block
tags as well as Remote I/O block tags.
Read and Write Tags
At runtime, PanelBuilder objects and control functions can read from
or write to controller addresses assigned to any of the tag types. The
terms read tag and write tag will sometimes be used. A read tag is a
tag with a controller address that only needs to be read by
PanelBuilder objects and functions. A write tag is a tag with a
controller address that can be written to by PanelBuilder objects and
functions.
Note: When connected to a Modbus network, the PanelView
terminal is the only device initiating reads and writes (master
device). All other devices are slaves.
Tag Types
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