Define symbols

First define the symbols (Motor1, EmergencyStop, etc.) that you want to use in the GRAFCET chart. This has the advantage that the GRAFCET is clearer and easier to understand. Auto-completion helps you enter symbols faster.

Auto-completion

Enter the first letters of the symbol you want to use and then press [CTRL]+[SPACE]. A window with the appropriate symbols opens in which you can quickly select and insert the correct symbol.

Two ways of designing

 Select the step in which you want to insert an action and click on the desired action type, which is then inserted at the correct position.  With this method "Drop at Selected Position" you can draw step chains very quickly. Alternatively, you can move the desired GRAFCET element to any position by dragging and dropping it.

You can also select and duplicate existing elements in the drawing area. This is also a quick method of drawing.

GRAFCET Snippets

 Use the GRAFCET Snippets window to build your own library. Save any GRAFCET constructs as objects and paste them back in at any position.

Zoom without loss of quality  

The user interface of GRAFCET-Studio is completely vector-oriented. The UI including the GRAFCET plan can be scaled without loss of quality. GRAFCET-Studio is displayed in every resolution in the best possible way and with pin-sharp clarity. This is especially noticeable with high-resolution 4K monitors.

Comments with special functions

You can change the font size of the freely placeable comment fields and change the background color.

If you write a symbol in curly brackets, the current value is displayed instead. 

Example:

FillingLevel={FillingLevel}

is displayed in watch mode as follows: FillingLevel=44

Save the GRAFCET plan as an image file.

You can save the entire GRAFCET plan or individual parts as a high-resolution, transparent PNG image.

You can insert the image into your (MS-Word) document and have a high-quality representation of the GRAFCET plan.

Simulation with the I/O-Panel  

With the I/O panel, the states of the digital and analog inputs can be changed in the simulation. The outputs (digital and analog) can be monitored here.

Simulation with a virtual system

GRAFCET-Studio can be connected to PLC-Lab, PLC-Lab-Runtime and FACTORY-I/O.

If it becomes too complex to manipulate the sensors manually, the virtual machine is responsible for supplying suitable sensor data. This makes it possible to simulate even more complex processes very well.

The following pictures from left to right:

PLC-Lab Runtime, FACTORY I/O and SPS-VISU

How does it work?

In order for GRAFCET-Studio to be able to program a device, the GRAFCET-Engine must be installed in the controller. The GRAFCET engine consists of several user modules that must be loaded into the device. After that it can be used with GRAFCET Studio:

• Writing GRAFCET charts into the device
• Loading GRAFCET charts from the device
• Monitoring GRAFCET charts (Diagnosis)

Make the device available in GRAFCET Studio

The window "GRAFCET-Engine" makes a new (external) GRAFCET-Engine available that is installed in a device. In the case of a S7-1200, all you have to do is to set the IP address and you can program the controller with GRAFCET Studio.

Device is connected to GRAFCET Studio

If the connection parameters (IP address) are correct, a connection can be established. The picture on the left shows an active connection with a VIPA MICRO-PLC (S7-300 compatible PLC).

Writing GRAFCET into the device

The "Write" button writes the GRAFCET to the connected device. This usually takes less than 1 second!

www.mhj-wiki.de/en

Read here how to install the GRAFCET-Engine in an S7 controller.

You will also find useful GRAFCET examples for practical use.