Bits of the "dwAlarmActive" variable do not return the state of the active alarms (corrected from V3.9)

Corrected from:
PLC Designer V3.9

L_ApplicationTemplate_PackML project template V3.9

Response of the new version:

In the MVis_scMachineModuleName_PackML structure in the Structs folder of the machine module, for each module application (MAP), a separate "dwAlarmActiveAppx" variable is defined which displays the state of the active alarms.

What happens?
The "dwAlarmActive" variable is declared in the MVis structure of the machine modules in the PackML project template. This variable is connected with the outputs of the instances of the L_EATP_Alarm_PackML function block in the "SetAlarms" method. Contrary to the documentation, the bits of the "dwAlarmActive" variable do not return the state of the active alarms.

When does this behaviour occur?

The above-described behaviour occurs if several module applications (MAP) of the same machine module are used.

Which products are affected?

PLC Designer V3.8

L_ApplicationTemplate_PackML project template V3.8.0.8

Short-term measures:

In the MVis structure, for each module application (MAP), a separate variable must be declared which displays the state of the active alarms in the module application. For this, proceed as follows:

Go to the MVis_scMachineModuleName_PackML structure in the Structs folder of the machine module and replace the declaration:
// VisData - App1
dwAlarmsActive : DWORD;

by the following declaration:

// VisData - App1
dwAlarmActiveApp1 : DWORD;
// VisData - App2
dwAlarmActiveApp2 : DWORD;
// VisData - App3
dwAlarmActiveApp3 : DWORD;
Then go to the "SetAlarms" method in the BasicFunction folder of the corresponding module application and connect the variable declared under 1. to the outputs of the instances of the L_EATP_Alarm_PackML function block.

Evaluation/recommendations:

With the "dwAlarmActive" variable, external visualisation systems shall be in a position to visualise the current alarm state for every machine module. Due to the above function restriction, this is not possible if several module applications of the same machine module are used. This function restriction does not concern the visualisation of the PLC Designer.

URL for linking this AKB article: https://www.lenze.com/en-de/go/akb/201400272/1/