Issue:
What are the alternatives available and the correct procedure to export/import IO variables coming from different I/O modules?
Product:
M340,M580 controllers
Environment:
EcoStruxure Control Expert software (previously Unity Pro)
Resolution:
When addressing the inputs and outputs of an I/O module, the following options can be selected:
I/O data type: Topological
I/O data type: Device DDT
- If using I/O data type: DDT
For Control Expert, when inserting the module and selecting DDT addressing the variables are generated automatically:
Here it is necessary to add the modules in the new project and select the data type I/O: DDT to generate the variables.
- I/O data type: Topological
If Topological Address is used, an export of the variables and import of them in a new project is possible, but it is necessary to have the same type of module in the same rack slot of the new project.
Example:
There is an Analog Output module BMXAMO0802 with assigned variables manually in the I/O Objects tab (double click module -> select BMXAMO0802 -> I/O object tab is available) , to export these variables and import them in a new project, the new project needs to have the same type of module in the same slot. See the next images:
Note: XSY file was exported
If the module is in a different rack or slot, it is necessary to modify the address of the variables. An example of the different syntaxes is shown below:
I/O Topological Notation for Direct Addresses.
- %I0.4.5 = Rack 0 slot 4 input 5 (Premium, M340, M580)
- %Q1.4.5 = Rack 1 slot 4 output 5 (Premium, M340, M580)
- %IW\2.3\1.4.5 = bus 2 RIO drop 3 rack 1 slot 4 Analog Input 5, of (Quantum)
- %IW\3.50\0.0.1.5 = bus 3 device 50 of mod 0 of rack 0 channel 1 Data 5.
- Unity Variables Management tool
There is an excel tool for Control Expert, in which it is possible to export variables and insert them in the Excel file, and here it is possible to make a modification of the variables, create or delete variables in a simpler way, then it is only necessary to export the file made in excel and import it again to Control Expert:
The Excel file with a macro generates an .XSY file that then can be used to import into the Control Expert:
FAQ: Is there any tool could define/modify the .xsy file?
Link: https://www.se.com/ww/en/faqs/FA267997/
FAQ: How to manage Unity Pro variables in Excel
Link: https://www.se.com/us/en/faqs/FA283809/
