PROFICY®SOFTWARE & SERVICES

PROFICY iFIX
HMI/SCADA
Building a SCADA System
Proprietary Notice
The information contained in this publication is believed to be accurate and reliable.
However, GE Vernova assumes no responsibilities for any errors, omissions or
inaccuracies. Information contained in the publication is subject to change without notice.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, or stored in a database or

retrieval system, or transmitted or distributed in any form by any means, electronic,
mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of
GE Vernova. Information contained herein is subject to change without notice.

© 2024 GE Vernova and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

Trademark Notices
“GE VERNOVA” is a registered trademark of GE Vernova. The terms “GE” and the GE
Monogram are trademarks of the General Electric Company, and are used with permission.

Microsoft® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, in the United States and/or

other countries.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

We want to hear from you. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about our
documentation, send them to the following email address:
doc@ge.com
Table of Contents

Building a SCADA System 1

Reference Documents 1

Introduction 2

Database Manager 2

Understanding a Database 2

Understanding Database Blocks 3

Understanding Chains 3

Processing the Database 4

Using the Process Database 5

Trending Process Data 5

Creating Scripts and Schedules with Process Data 5

Archiving Process Data 5

Sample Application 6

Getting Started 7

To get started: 7

Starting and Stopping Database Manager 7

Using the Database Spreadsheet 7

Understanding Spreadsheet Properties 8

Working with the Pop-up Menu 8

Editing the Spreadsheet 8

Exchanging Data 8

Working with the Database Manager Ribbon 9

Setting Database Manager Preferences 9

Creating a Process Database: Overview 9

To create a process database: 10

Implementing a Process Database 11

Sample Process Application 11

Designing a Chain 12

To design a chain: 12

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. i

 Describing the Sample Process Application 13

Analyzing the Sample Process 14

Designing an Automation Strategy for the Sample Process 14

Writing an Automation Algorithm for the Sample Process 15

Matching Process Steps to Block Types 15

Drawing a Flowchart for the Sample Chain 17

Understanding Chain Designs 20

Building Large Databases 21

Saving Large Databases 21

Working with Analog and Digital Blocks 21

Working with Database Blocks 22

Block Types and Descriptions 22

Understanding Primary Blocks 23

Understanding Secondary Blocks 24

Understanding Control Blocks 25

Understanding Statistical Process Control Blocks 26

Understanding Batch Blocks 26

Understanding SQL Blocks 26

Understanding Database Dynamos 27

Database Dynamo Configuration Utility (BTKCFG.exe) 28

To add a Database Dynamo: 28

To remove a Database Dynamo: 28

To change a slot number of a Database Dynamo: 29

Understanding Slot Numbers 29

Block Fields 29

Locating Block Fields 30

Completing Block Dialog Boxes 30

Scan Times 30

Understanding Time-Based Processing 31

Assigning Time-Based Scan Times 31

Example: Assigning Time-Based Scan Times 31

ii © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Understanding Exception-Based Processing 32

Blocks that Work Best with Exception-Based Processing 32

Using Program and Statistical Data Blocks 33

Blocks that Receive Multiple Inputs 33

Blocks that Define a Time Constant 33

Using Analog Alarm and Digital Alarm Blocks 34

Assigning Exception-Based Scan Times 34

Understanding One Shot Processing 34

Phasing 34

Phasing Second and Subsecond Blocks 36

Assigning Phase Times 36

Overphasing 36

Overphasing and Long Scan Times 37

Block Modes 37

Understanding PMAN Mode 39

Example: Blocks in PMAN Mode 39

Understanding Blocks in PAUT Mode 39

Example: Blocks in PAUT Mode 39

Placing Blocks On and Off Scan 40

Blocks with Long Scan Times 41

Example: Placing Blocks with Long Scan Times On Scan 41

Using the S Parameter 41

I/O Drivers 41

OPC Client Driver 41

Simulation Drivers 42

Using the OPC Client I/O Driver 43

To use the OPC I/O Driver: 43

Using the Simulation Driver 43

To use the SIM driver: 44

Examples: SIM Addresses 44

Using Signal Generation Registers in the SIM Driver 45

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. iii

 To assign one of these registers to a block: 45

Example 45

Using the Simulation 2 Driver 46

Accessing SM2 Registers 47

To use the SM2 register: 47

Generating Bad Data with the SM2 Driver 47

Using the SM2 C API 47

Example 47

Understanding Alarm Statuses 50

Connecting to an OPC Server 52

Understanding Signal Conditioning 52

Example: Understanding Signal Conditioning 52

Understanding EGU Limits 53

Changing the EGU Limit Precision 53

Changing the EGU Limit Range 53

EGU Limit Formats 54

Working With the Process Database 55

Creating a New Database 55

Opening and Closing a Database 55

Adding Blocks 55

Support for up to 65534 Tags Per Block Type 56

Adding Multiple Blocks 56

Duplicating Blocks 58

Copying and Pasting Blocks 58

To configure Excel: 59

Moving Blocks 59

Modifying Blocks 60

Displaying Block Information 60

Deleting Blocks 61

Saving a Database 61

Saving a Database from a Script or a Program Block 61

iv © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Locating and Displaying Data 62

Finding Data in a Spreadsheet 62

Find Options 62

Replacing Data 63

Find Options 63

Using Go To 63

Updating and Pausing the Spreadsheet 64

Customizing the Spreadsheet 64

Coloring the Spreadsheet 64

Creating a Non-Scrolling Column 65

Defining a Spreadsheet Layout 65

Saving and Loading Spreadsheet Layouts 66

Overriding the Default Layout 66

Troubleshooting Tag Display 67

To resolve tag display problems: 67

Tag Displays Question Marks (???) for the Current Value Field 68

Querying and Sorting Data 69

Understanding Query Syntax 69

Case Sensitivity 70

Using Boolean Operators 70

Using Wildcards in a Query 70

Examples: Query Wildcards 71

Examples: Using Relational Operators 71

Grouping Queries 71

Editing a Query 71

To locate blank cells in the database: 72

Refining and Expanding a Query 72

Saving and Loading a Query 72

Overriding the Default Query 73

Understanding Sort Orders 73

How Sort Orders Work 73

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. v

 Saving and Loading a Sort Order 73

Changing the Default Sort Order 74

Managing Databases 74

Verifying Databases 74

Correcting Errors 75

To correct errors: 75

Reloading Databases 75

Reloading a Database from a Visual Basic Script 76

Displaying a Database Summary 76

Exporting Databases 77

Exporting a Database from the Command Line 78

Syntax 78

Parameters 78

Error Codes 78

Editing the Export File 79

CSV File Format 79

GDB File Format 79

Importing Databases 80

To change the scanning order of a database's blocks: 81

To combine two process databases: 81

Customizing the Import in the databasemanger.ini 81

Advanced Topics 82

Changing a Database's Scanning Order 82

Understanding a Database's Scanning Order 83

Example: Understanding a Database's Scanning Order 84

Changing the Order of Solve 84

Customizing the Toolbar 85

Customizing the Tools Menu 85

Index 87

vi © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Building a SCADA System

Building a SCADA System is intended for process engineers responsible for designing and building a
process database. This manual shows engineers how to create, modify, and delete blocks and chains. It
also teaches the skills engineers need to sort, query, and optimize iFIX® databases.

Reference Documents
For related information about iFIX, refer to the following documents:

l Understanding iFIX
l Writing Scripts
l Creating Recipes

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 1

 Introduction

iFIX® provides process information for plant managers, supervisors, and operators in the form of
reports, displays, archived data, alarms, messages, and statistical charts. The sources of this inform-
ation are OPC servers or process hardware — the controllers, sensors, motors, switches, and other
devices — required to manufacture your product.

iFIX reads process information from these devices and saves it in one or more process databases resid-
ing on your SCADA servers. The database plays an integral part in your industrial automation strategy; it
is the primary source of process data for most iFIX applications. Whether you collect historical values or
generate shift reports, iFIX enables you to create a database that supports your specific industrial con-
trol and automation needs.

Database Manager
Your main tool for creating and managing process databases is Database Manager. This program lets
you open and configure the database of any SCADA server. You can also:

l Query and sort the database.

l Find and replace database information.
l Import and export a database.
l Generate multiple database blocks automatically.
l Customize your display.

Understanding a Database

Every SCADA server loads a process database at start-up. Once loaded, the database:

l Receives values from an I/O driver or OLE for Process Control (OPC) server.
l Manipulates values according to its configuration (a control strategy).
l Compares the values to alarm limits you define.
l Outputs adjusted values to the I/O driver or OPC server.
l Sends alarms to operator displays, printers, files, and network alarm destinations.

The following figure illustrates how values enter a database, travel through a sequence of blocks, and
exit the database as output.

2 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 I/O Data and the Database

Understanding Database Blocks

The main components of a process database are blocks. Blocks are capable of:

l Receiving values either from another block, OPC server, or directly from an I/O driver.
l Manipulating values according to its configuration.
l Comparing incoming values against pre-defined limits.
l Scaling process values to a specified range.
l Performing calculations.
l Outputting values back to the I/O driver or OPC server.

iFIX provides different types of blocks, each capable of performing a unique function. For a brief descrip-
tion of each block, refer to the section Block Types and Descriptions.

By default, when you install iFIX, it creates an empty database for your SCADA server. Using Database
Manager, you can add the blocks you require to this database.

Next, you configure the block by entering:

l The block's name.

l How it receives data from an I/O driver, OPC server, or from another block.
l Where it sends information.
l If it manipulates values.
l How it reacts to critical value changes (called alarming).
l How it scales values for operator displays.

Understanding Chains

Blocks by themselves perform specific tasks in the database. By combining two or more blocks
together, you can form chains. Each chain performs the tasks of its component blocks by passing data
from one block to the next. When properly configured, chains can generate alarms, acquire data, and
verify, automate, and maintain a process. In automating large processes involving a number of I/O

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 3

 devices, a database can contain many chains, each designed to automate and maintain a specific func-
tion or process step.

Each chain can contain up to 30 blocks, with each block configured to perform a specific processing
function. Note that some blocks are designed to work in chains while others are designed to operate on
their own. Specific types of blocks, their functions, and their relationship to one another are summarized
in the section Block Types and Descriptions.

Familiarize yourself with the available blocks. Having a good understanding of the blocks and their cap-
abilities allows you to quickly design optimum strategies for your application.

Processing the Database

In order for your blocks and chains to function, the Scan, Alarm, and Control program (SAC) processes
them at the time interval you define. SAC processes your blocks and chains by:

l Scanning individual blocks in the chain, reading new I/O values and returning values to the pro-
cess hardware.
l Alarming on incoming values if they exceed pre-defined limits you specify.
l Controlling the automation process by assuring that each block verifies or manipulates incom-
ing values according to its configuration and sends values on to the next block in the chain.

The following figure shows SAC reading process values, sending these values through database
chains, and returning the output values.

SAC Processing I/O Data

4 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

Using the Process Database

Once you create a process database, your SCADA server can monitor process conditions and report
alarms. Alarms occur when an incoming value exceeds a pre-defined limit. Using the iFIX WorkSpace,
you can draw and animate any object by rotating, coloring, or scaling it when an alarm occurs. These
visual cues help operators respond to alarms in a timely fashion. For more information on reporting
alarms, refer to the Implementing Alarms and Messages manual.

For information on trending data, creating scripts and schedules, and archiving data, refer to the fol-
lowing topics:

l Trending Process Data

l Creating Scripts and Schedules with Process Data
l Archiving Process Data

Trending Process Data

SCADA servers can also trend and display real-time and historical values. Process trends enable you to
record and analyze process-critical values and allow you to:

l Archive process variables to meet federal regulations.

l Monitor the efficiency of products.
l Maintain equipment.
l Analyze post-process data.

For more information on collecting historical values, refer to the Trending Historical Data manual. For
more information on trending real-time data for operators, refer to the Creating Pictures manual.

Creating Scripts and Schedules with Process Data

Using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) or the Scheduler, you can adjust database values, place
blocks on scan or off scan, change a block's mode, or launch a script based on a value change or an
alarm. For example, using a time-based schedule, you could set the values of a dozen blocks prior to the
manufacture of your product or you could automatically ramp a value based on an event (such as a valve
closing). Likewise, you could write a script to monitor the value of a block and, when an alarm occurs,
open a diagnostic picture. For more information on using these features, refer to the Writing Scripts and
Mastering iFIX manuals.

Archiving Process Data

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 5

 In addition to using scripts and schedules to write values to the process database, you can use a rela-
tional database. Writing values from a relational database is similar to writing values with a script. In
both cases, values are written at a pre-defined time or when an event occurs (such as a contact open-
ing). However, unlike scripts and schedules, writing data from a relational database requires that you
configure the SQL Trigger and SQL Data blocks in the process database.

These blocks also let you archive data to a relational database. Once the relational database receives
and stores the process data, you can query it to retrieve and analyze any information. For more inform-
ation on setting up and using a relational database, refer to your ODBC manuals and the Using SQL. For
more information on process database blocks, refer to the iFIX Database Reference.
IMPORTANT: If you are working in a secure environment and using the Electronic Signature option, you must
be aware of the impact of unsigned writes to the process database. Unsigned writes can originate from
scripts, schedules, and writes from a relational database. Refer to the Implications of Database Writes With
Electronic Signature section of the Using Electronic Signatures manual for detailed information.

Sample Application

To help you understand how to create process databases for yourself, this manual uses a sample applic-
ation for manufacturing fertilizer and monitoring chemical consumption and equipment usage. The
blocks and chains that comprise the application were developed by the Enviro company which collects
sludge generated by municipal sewage plants and converts it into different grades of agricultural fertilizer
in briquette form. The Enviro company's manufacturing process encompasses:

l Continuous control
l Batch control
l Discrete parts

6 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Getting Started

You can begin creating process databases by verifying that your SCADA servers are set up and func-
tioning. Once you set up these computers, follow the steps.

To get started:
1. Install iFIX on each SCADA server.
2. Configure each server with the System Configuration Utility (SCU). Refer to the Setting up the
Environment manual to learn how to enable SCADA support.
3. Set up the alarm area database for each server. This database contains the alarm areas you can
assign to the blocks on the SCADA server. If you want to share an alarm area database across
multiple servers, change the Alarm Area path in the SCU to reference a file server before you cre-
ate your process databases.

Starting and Stopping Database Manager

You can start Database Manager by clicking the Database Manager button on the Application toolbar
(Classic view) or by selecting Database Manager, in the Process Database group, on the Applications
tab (Ribbon view). As the program starts up, it prompts you to select the SCADA server you want to con-
nect to and establishes a connection to the computer you select. Once Database Manager connects to
the selected SCADA server, the program opens the server's current database.

From the Database Manager, you can open databases from SCADA nodes with iFIX 3.0 or greater
installed. You cannot add, modify, or delete blocks in databases from earlier versions of iFIX, such as
iFIX 2.5 or FIX32.

To exit from the program, in Classic view, select Exit from the File menu or in Ribbon view, click the
Database Manager button, and then click Exit.
NOTE: Connections to remote SCADA servers are established with a physical node name, not logical node
names. Logical and physical node names are identical unless you enable SCADA redundancy. For more
information about this feature, refer to the Mastering iFIX manual.

Using the Database Spreadsheet

Each process database you open appears as a spreadsheet in Database Manager. Blocks appear as
rows, and block fields appear as columns. Click to select a row or field. You can also select multiple
rows and columns by clicking and dragging.

The following topics provide more information about the database spreadsheet:

l Understanding Spreadsheet Properties

l Working with the Pop-up Menu
l Editing the Spreadsheet

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 7

Understanding Spreadsheet Properties

The database spreadsheet has many properties you can configure. Among these are:

l The sort order.

l The default query.
l The display format.
l The color scheme.
l The font properties.

By configuring these properties you can customize the spreadsheet as needed. To learn more about
these properties, refer to the chapters Locating and Displaying Data and Querying and Sorting Data.

Working with the Pop-up Menu

In addition to the properties you can configure, the spreadsheet lets you right-click any row, column, or
cell to display a menu containing a list of frequently-accessed commands. These commands are
identical to commands you can access from the menu bar. For example, Cut on the pop-up menu is
identical to Cut on the Edit menu. Similarly, Add Block on the pop-up menu is identical to Add on the
Blocks menu.

Editing the Spreadsheet

You can edit most spreadsheet cells by selecting them and entering the data you want to display, allow-
ing you to change individual items quickly. Cells in certain columns, such as the Tagname column, are
read-only and cannot be modified.

To change multiple fields for a particular block, you can double-click the block to display its dialog box.
To change the same field for multiple blocks, you can find and replace data in a spreadsheet column.
Refer to the chapter Locating and Displaying Data to learn more about finding and replacing data.

Exchanging Data

Database Manager also lets you edit blocks by copying or exporting them. Whenever you complete
these tasks, the program converts the selected blocks into comma separated value (CSV) format,
enabling you to paste or import the data into your favorite text editor or spreadsheet. Once you edit the
data, you can copy or import the data back to Database Manager.

Often a quicker way to convert blocks into CSV format is by holding down the Control key and dragging
and dropping the blocks from Database Manager and into Microsoft® Excel. The blocks you move
appear in CSV format, allowing you to edit them. When you finish, you can drag them back. To learn
more about using Excel with the Database Manager, refer to the section Copying and Pasting Blocks.

8 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

Working with the Database Manager Ribbon

Across the top of the spreadsheet is the Database Manager Ribbon. The Ribbon, shown in the following
figure, provides access to common database operations such as saving a database or adding a block.

Setting Database Manager Preferences

Database Manager provides preferences for printing, saving, displaying, and editing the database.
These preferences let you adjust how Database Manager handles certain operations. The following table
summarizes the preferences you can enable.

Database Manager Preferences

The... Let you...
Printing Print the database while you configure a block or start another iFIX program.
preferences
Saving pref- Save the current spreadsheet settings or the process database when you exit Database
erences Manager.
Display View or hide:
preferences
l Spreadsheet row numbers
l The status bar
l The Database Manager toolbar

You also have the option to set the automatic refresh rate.
Editing pref- Open block dialog boxes in view or modify mode when you double-click a cell in the
erences spreadsheet. In view mode, you can examine the block configuration but not modify it.
The block and its chain remain on scan at all times. In modify mode, you can examine and
change the block configuration. The block and its chain are placed off scan even if you do
not modify the block.

You also have the option to place edited blocks and chains on scan automatically when
you finish editing them. By default, this option is disabled and Database Manager prompts
you to place modified blocks on scan.

Creating a Process Database: Overview

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 9

You can create a process database by following these steps.

To create a process database:

1. Create primary blocks for your I/O points.

2. Create any additional blocks you need and connect them to your primary blocks to form chains.
3. Verify the database for errors.
4. Correct any errors and fine-tune the database.

To learn how to create database blocks, refer to the section Adding Blocks. For information on using
standard VBA naming conventions when creating tags, refer to VBA Naming Conventions. For inform-
ation on verifying and correcting database errors, refer to the section Verifying Databases.

10 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Implementing a Process Database

Implementing a SCADA strategy requires you to collect the following information:

l Flowcharts of your processes.

l A list of I/O driver or OPC server addresses.
l Your alarm requirements.
l The type of signal conditioning and the range of values that your process hardware can measure.
The range of values is called the EGU range.

After you have this data, you are ready to design a database. To help illustrate how to do this, this
chapter walks you through the process of designing a chain for the Enviro company, introduced in the
section Sample Application. Using these examples, you should be able to create your own blocks and
chains for your process database.

As you read this chapter, you may find it helpful to skip ahead and learn how to add a block with Data-
base Manager so that you can create the sample chains described here. By creating sample chains,
working with Database Manager, and correcting errors, you learn how to avoid mistakes before you cre-
ate your actual database.

Sample Process Application

The first step in designing a database is to examine the application that you want to automate. Next,
assign specific processing, maintenance, and monitoring tasks. For example, the Enviro company iden-
tified the following tasks, the specific iFIX features they would use to accomplish them, and the eco-
nomic benefits.

The key elements of this application also apply to processes in other industries, such as chemical pro-
cessing, food processing, and even discrete parts manufacturing.

Automating the Sample Process with iFIX

Production iFIX Application: Economic Benefits:
Tasks:
l Schedule Schedule recipes for batch pro- Increase production through scheduling.
production cessing.
l Produce a higher quality product.
with sales
l Perform super-
orders. l Increase plant availability by
visory control, dir-
scheduling preventative main-
l Process ect digital control,
tenance.
sludge into and alarming.
fertilizer. l Lower operating costs by making
l Download a recipe
better use of materials and lowering
l Produce dif- for each grade of fer-
labor cost.
ferent tilizer.
grades of l Increase responsiveness to market
l Trend chemical
fertilizer on conditions by varying product size,
levels and print
demand. compound, color, and water content.
chemical usage
l Increase profit.

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 11

 l Monitor reports.
chemical
l Trend pump/value
usage and
usage and print
maintain
maintenance
inventory.
reports.
l Maintain
l Historically trend
equipment.
the process.
l Maintain fer-
l Calculate the total
tilizer count.
product weight
l Archive pro- according to batch
cessing and perform stat-
data. istical quality con-
trol.

Designing a Chain

Once you know the tasks you want to accomplish, you can design the chains for your database. The
easiest and most efficient way to design a functional chain is to use the following design steps:

To design a chain:

1. Analyze your process and make a record of the data you need, including:
l I/O addresses of the device controller (a wiring list)
l Device types
l Signal conditioning
l The EGU range
2. Design an automation strategy that explains how you want your process automated. For
example:
l What types of alarms and alarm limits do you want to establish?
l How often do you want the chain processed?
l When do you want operators notified of process events?
l How do you want process disruptions handled?
3. Create an algorithm that combines your process analysis and automation strategy. This determ-
ines how iFIX automates your process and provides the specific processing instructions you will
enter into block dialog boxes.
4. Match the steps in your algorithm to blocks capable of performing these steps.
5. Draw a flowchart listing the block types that perform each step along with the specific processing
instructions for each block.

The example presented in the following subsections illustrates the thought process involved in designing
a simple chain.

12 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 l Describing the Sample Process Application
l Analyzing the Sample Process
l Designing an Automation Strategy for the Sample Process
l Writing an Automation Algorithm for the Sample Process
l Matching Process Steps to Block Types
l Drawing a Flowchart for the Sample Chain

Describing the Sample Process Application

One step in the Enviro company's sludge conversion process is neutralizing acids and alkali in the
sludge. The treatment process involves four steps:

1. Adding and mixing water with the sludge.

2. Adjusting the sludge's pH to neutralize any acid or alkali.
3. Adding potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus to produce different grades of fertilizer.
4. Pumping the prepared sludge to the filter press where excess water is removed to form fertilizer
briquettes.

The remainder of this chapter focuses on the second step: pH adjustment.

Sludge from the collection tank is periodically pumped into a large tank where water is added to make
the sludge easier to mix. A sensor in the tank registers the sludge's pH level. If the sludge is acidic, a
device controller turns on a pump that adds an alkaline solution into the tank to raise the pH; if the sludge
is alkaline, the device controller turns on a pump that adds an acidic solution into the tank to lower the
pH. In either case, the sludge's pH is properly adjusted according to the grade of fertilizer that is needed
before it is pumped to the filter press. The following figure shows the pH adjustment tank and its equip-
ment.

pH Adjustment Tank

The next step is to design a chain that examines and adjusts the sludge's pH by:

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 13

 l Retrieving information from the pH sensor (data acquisition).
l Sequencing pumps and maintaining pH (Direct digital control).

Once you complete these tasks, you can add blocks to monitor pH fluctuations, chemical usage, pump
usage, down time, and other statistical information. You can also historically trend this information, print
it in reports, and display it to operators.

Analyzing the Sample Process

The first step in automating your process is analyzing how the process works. By developing a detailed
process analysis first, you save time because you isolate the tasks that simple chains can complete
and identify those tasks that require more complex chain designs. For example, a task in the Enviro com-
pany might be "if the pH is greater than 8.5, add the acidic solution until it reaches 7.5."

The steps required to adjust the pH are:

1. Test the pH each hour.

2. If the pH is below 5.5, gradually add an alkali solution; if above 8.5, gradually add an acidic solu-
tion.
3. Stop adding the solution when the pH is between 6.5 and 7.5.

Although this analysis describes how the process works, it lacks important information about your con-
trol devices. You need to add detailed information on I/O driver or OPC server addresses, the type of
controller equipment, signal conditioning, and maximum ranges the equipment can accept. In short,
record all detailed information on how the process equipment operates.

After you obtain this information, you can go on to write a detailed analysis of your process. The fol-
lowing table presents a sample analysis of the pH monitoring and adjustment process.

Sample Process Analysis

The pH sensor analog address: 1:1:30001
Acid pump's digital address: 1:1:40004:8
Alkali pump's digital address: 1:1:40004:5
Device controller: MB1
Signal conditioning: LIN
EGU range: 0.0 to 14.0

Designing an Automation Strategy for the Sample Process

The next step in designing a database chain is planning a successful automation strategy. This requires
you to determine how you want to automate the steps recorded in your process analysis. The following
steps provide a sample automation strategy for the pH adjustment process.

1. Receive pH information from the sensor at set intervals.

2. Perform alarming. Set HIHI, HI, LO, LOLO, and ROC (rate of change) alarm limits.

14 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 3. Sequence pumps to maintain pH.
4. If the pH is below 5.5, turn on the alkaline pump.
5. If the pH is above 8.5, turn on the acid pump.
6. Repeat step 1 through 5 at set intervals.

Notice how this automation strategy incorporates an alarming plan for handling process upsets, such as
extreme pH fluctuations (rate of change). This helps to assure that empty drums of acidic and alkaline
solutions do not go unnoticed and equipment failures do not interrupt your treatment process.

Writing an Automation Algorithm for the Sample Process

The next and most important step in designing the pH adjustment chain is writing an algorithm that com-
bines both the process analysis and automation strategy. The following figure shows how the technical
specifications outlined in the process analysis are combined with the automation needs listed in the auto-
mation strategy.

Creating an Automation Algorithm

The algorithm forms the basis of your chain; it identifies the order in which the process proceeds, where
each step acquires information, and how iFIX gathers, processes, and verifies information.

Matching Process Steps to Block Types

The next step is finding the right database blocks to perform the steps outlined in the algorithm. This pro-
cess transforms the algorithm from written steps into a chain schematic. Moreover, this step ensures

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 15

that you incorporate iFIX capabilities into your processing plans. Once you complete this design step,
you can enter your designs into your SCADA server's database.

When matching blocks to steps, select a block that can perform the function of a step. In many cases,
one block type can handle more than one step, whereas some steps may include too many functions or
too many complex operations for any one block.

For your pH adjustment process, the following blocks satisfy the algorithm:

1. An Analog Input block can receive analog signals from the pH sensor's address.

2. The Analog Input block can also accommodate the alarming requirements, so this task is
assigned to this block.

3. The pumps are turned on or off based upon the value that the Analog Input block receives from
the pH sensor. The block required for this step must be able to monitor an analog input and,
depending on the value of the input, open or close a digital output point.

The digital outputs are sent directly to the acid and alkali pump addresses. The On-Off Control
block can perform this function.

16 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Since the On-Off Control block can turn the pumps on and off without the use of any other block,
this completes step 3.

At this point you've identified the blocks that can perform all the steps in your algorithm.

Drawing a Flowchart for the Sample Chain

The last step is to draw a flowchart showing:

l The chained blocks.

l Their names.
l Their I/O addresses.
l Additional instructions on how these blocks handle information.

The flowchart is a visual representation of the chain and shows the instructions you will enter into each
block as you add them to the database. The following figure shows a flowchart for the pH adjustment pro-
cess.

Chain Flowchart

Typically, your chain designs are seldom perfect the first time you implement them. With Database Man-
ager, you can always re-evaluate the design of your chain, add blocks, remove blocks, modify block

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 17

configurations, or change block types to those that accommodate more sophisticated automation func-
tions.

The best approach to re-evaluating the design of your chain is to examine the original automation
algorithm and determine if other blocks provide more flexibility or features over the existing blocks. For
example, after testing the sample chain, Enviro engineers found it works well most of the time, but every
so often the adjustment process exceeds acceptable pH limits by pumping in too much acidic solution,
which lowers the pH beyond acceptable limits. The following figure illustrates this problem.

Sample pH Problem

You want the capability of pumping in acid at short intervals. In the original design, iFIX scans the chain
every four minutes. This allows the acid more time to react with the sludge before more acid enters the
tank. An additional improvement would be to shorten the chain's scan time, providing more pH sampling
to determine which solution needs to be pumped into the tank.

By re-examining the automation algorithm, you can determine where to make improvements to the
chain. Reproduced below is the original automation algorithm that called for the On-Off Control block.

l If the pH is below 5.5, turn on the pump to add an alkaline solution. If the pH is above 8.5, turn on
the pump to add an acid solution.
l Acid pump digital address: 1:1:40004:8
l Alkaline pump digital address: 1:1:40004:5
l If the pH is between 5.5 and 8.5, stop all pumps.

What you want to do is modify this algorithm to run the acid pump for shorter intervals, giving the acid
time to decrease the pH before the acid is turned on again. To do this, you need to examine if other
blocks can perform this task.

One block capable of turning a pump on or off is the Program block. You can replace the On-Off Control
block with the Program block. However, the Program block cannot establish direct digital contact with
the acid and alkali pumps. For this you need to use two Digital Output blocks, one for each pump.

The following figure shows the replacement of the On-Off Control block with the Program block and the
two Digital Output blocks, and represents how information passes from one block to the next.

18 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Chain Modification
NOTE: The figure Chain Modification illustrates how the data flows from one block to another, not the actual
chain structure.

The following figure provides the new programming instructions required to operate the Program and
Digital Output blocks.

Modified Flowchart

With this modification and with the Analog Input block's scan time reduced to one minute, the chain
handles pH adjustment more efficiently by allowing the Program block to run short programs that adjust
the pH. The following figure shows how the modified chain handles pH adjustment.

Proper pH Adjustment Trend

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 19

 With the pH adjustment complete, you might want to consider how to provide more control over the mon-
itoring process. For example, if your operators need to monitor pH fluctuations, you can use a chart to
provide a real-time trend for operators.

Data trended by a chart is not stored. To store the real-time data use a Trend block. Then with a chart
you can view these values directly on an operator display. The following figure shows the same control
chain with a Trend block added to the chain.

Trend Block Insertion

Adding other blocks, such as the Statistical Data block, allows you to display statistical data in a graph.

Understanding Chain Designs

The chain shown from the sample application performs data acquisition and control. These types of
chains usually receive inputs from an I/O driver or OPC server through an input block, manipulate the
inputs with secondary blocks, and return an adjusted value to the I/O driver or OPC server through an
Analog Output, Digital Output, or On-Off Control block, as the following figure shows.

Sample Data Acquisition and Control Chain

You can also create chains that collect data for monitoring purposes. These types of chains usually
receive inputs from an I/O driver or OPC server through an input block but may not return the inputs,
since no process adjustment is required. The following figure shows a sample monitoring chain design.

Sample Monitoring Chain

The number of chains you can construct is limited only by memory.

20 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

Building Large Databases

With Database Manager you can create very large databases. If you do this, keep in mind:

l The size of the database that you can construct is limited by the amount of memory you have
available in your computer.
l Plan your database carefully. A database that implements a good scan time and phasing scheme
will provide better system performance than the same database that has its blocks scanned all at
once.
l iFIX provides a number of features that can aid in processing large databases:
l Exception-based processing (triggered by a change at the I/O address).
l One shot processing.
l Long scan times (up to 24 hours with phasing configurations of up to HRS:HRS,
HRS:MIN, MIN:MIN, MIN:SEC, and so forth).
l Subsecond processing.

For more information on these topics, refer to the section Scan Times.

Saving Large Databases

Make sure you have enough disk space available when saving your database to disk. If your SCADA
server does not have enough disk space, you may lose the changes you have just made. For example, if
you build a 3MB database, make sure you have 3MB of free disk space available.

Working with Analog and Digital Blocks

When planning your automation strategy you may want to consider using Analog Input and Digital Input
blocks, or Analog Register and Digital Register blocks. All four blocks combine read/write capabilities
and eliminate the need for separate output blocks.

Analog Register and Digital Register blocks also have specific addressing and configuration require-
ments:

l Neither block can cross a poll record boundary.

l You select signal conditioning for an Analog Register block when you configure it. This selection
applies to all picture objects associated with the block.
l Offsets to Float or Long data types must be in 2-word (4 byte) increments. This adjusts for the 32-
bit word size of these data types.
l Neither block should be used with exception-based poll records.

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 21

 Although we do not recommend it, if you choose to use Analog Register or Digital Register
blocks with exception-based processing, verify that no database block or offset address points to
the same address as an exception-based database block. For further information, refer to your
I/O driver manual.
If your I/O driver or OPC server supports structured data types (Timers, Counters, etc.), these
data types only support an offset of 0 for Analog and Digital registers.

Working with Database Blocks

Your main task when setting up a SCADA server is creating blocks for your process database. In gen-
eral, you can create a block by completing its dialog box. However, in order to configure a block, you
should understand the basic database concepts, such as scan times and phasing. This chapter dis-
cusses these and other database concepts.

l Block Types and Descriptions

l Block Fields
l Scan Times
l Phasing
l Block Modes
l Placing Blocks On and Off Scan
l I/O Drivers
l Understanding Signal Conditioning

Block Types and Descriptions

Typically, every SCADA server comes with two types of blocks: primary and secondary. The main dif-
ference between these block types is that primary blocks have scan times and are first in a chain. Sec-
ondary blocks do not have scan times and are never first in a chain.

You can also purchase the following types of optional blocks:

Database Options
The option... Provides... Refer to the section...
Control Continuous, PID, direct, and digital control. Understanding Control Blocks to
learn more about control blocks.
Statistical Pro- Statistical data analysis and calculations, Understanding Statistical Process
cess Control alarming, supervisory control, and display of Control Blocks to learn more about
(SPC) statistical data. SPC blocks.
Batch State-driven, interlocked, and batch control. Understanding Batch Blocks to learn
more about batch blocks.
SQL Read and write access to a relational data- Understanding SQL Blocks to learn
base on a remote server. more about SQL blocks.

22 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 The following table summarizes the differences among all the blocks. For detailed information on blocks,
refer to the iFIX Database Reference.

Block Summary
Block Type Primary Secondary Standard Optional
Analog Alarm (AA) x x
Analog Input (AI) x x
Analog Output (AO) x x
Analog Register (AR) x x
Boolean (BL) x x
Calculation (CA) x x
Dead Time (DT) x x (Control)
Device Control (DC) x x (Batch)
Digital Alarm (DA) x x
Digital Input (DI) x x
Digital Output (DO) x x
Digital Register (DR) x x
Event Action (EV) x x
Extended Trend (ETR) x x
Fanout (FN) x x
Histogram (HS) x x (SPC)
Lead Lag (LL) x x (Control)
Multistate Digital Input (MDI) x x
On-Off Control (BB) x x (Control)
Pareto (PA) x x (SPC)
PID (PID) x x (Control)
Program (PG) x x (Batch)
Ramp (RM) x x (Control)
Ratio/Bias (RB) x x (Control)
Signal Select (SS) x x (Control)
SQL Data (SQD) x x (SQL)
SQL Trigger (SQT) x x (SQL)
Statistical Control (SC) x x (SPC)
Statistical Data (SD) x x (SPC)
Text (TX) x x
Timer (TM) x x
Totalizer (TT) x x
Trend (TR) x x
NOTE: iFIX supports up to 65534 tags per block type depending on the composition of the database in rela-
tion to available contiguous shared memory and process memory space.

Understanding Primary Blocks

Primary blocks receive data from an I/O driver or OPC server and generate alarms based upon this
information. Primary blocks are usually associated with one or more pieces of process hardware. For

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 23

 example, a pump, a tank, a temperature sensor, a photo cell, a limit switch are all process hardware with
which you might associate a primary block.

Most primary blocks, listed in the following table, also include a scan time. The scan time controls when
SAC scans the blocks in the database. Refer to the section Scan Times to learn more about them.

Standard Primary Blocks

The block... Function:
Analog Provides read/write access to analog data and lets you set and acknowledge
Alarm (AA) alarms.
Analog Input Provides read/write access to analog data and lets you set alarm limits.
(AI)
Analog Out- Sends analog data to an I/O driver or OPC server when the upstream block, an
put (AO) operator, a Program block, a script, or an Easy Database Access (EDA) pro-
gram supplies a value.
Analog Provides read/write access to analog data only when a Data link connected to
Register the block appears on an operator display.
(AR)
Boolean (BL) Performs boolean calculations based upon up to eight inputs.
Digital Alarm Provides read/write access to digital data and lets you set and acknowledge
(DA) alarms.
Digital Input Provides read/write access to digital data and lets you set alarm limits.
(DI)
Digital Out- Sends digital data to an I/O driver or OPC server when the upstream block, an
put (DO) operator, a Program block, a script, or an Easy Database Access (EDA) pro-
gram supplies a value.
Digital Provides read/write access to digital data only when a Data link connected to
Register the block appears on an operator display.
(DR)
Multistate Retrieves digital data for up to 3 inputs from an I/O driver or OPC server, com-
Digital Input bines the inputs into one raw value, and lets you set alarm limits.
(MDI)
Text (TX) Lets you read and write a device's text information.

Understanding Secondary Blocks

Secondary blocks manipulate data according to your instructions. Secondary blocks usually receive
input from an upstream or primary block and perform a specific function with that input, such as perform
a calculation or store several successive input values. Therefore, a secondary block cannot be the first
block of a chain. However, you can connect secondary blocks to create a chain like the one shown in
the following figure.

Chain Showing Secondary Blocks

24 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Note that the first block in the chain is a primary block. This block is the primary source of data for the
next block in the chain and determines the scan time for the entire chain. The following table lists the
available standard secondary blocks.

Standard Secondary Blocks

The Function:
block...
Calculation Performs mathematical calculations using values from the upstream block and up to
(CA) seven other constants or block values.
Event Monitors values or alarm conditions of the upstream block and performs actions based
Action on the upstream block's output.
(EV)
Extended Allows you to collect up to 600 real-time values from an upstream block. You can display
Trend these values as a graph by adding charts to your pictures.
(ETR)
Fanout Sends the value it receives from its upstream block to up to four additional blocks.
(FN)
Signal Samples up to six inputs, manipulating the inputs according to a user-selected mode,
Select and outputs a value to the next block.
(SS)
Timer (TM) Counts time by incrementing or decrementing its value.
Totalizer Maintains a floating-point total for values passed to it from upstream blocks. This block
(TT) sends values up to six digits in precision to other blocks. It can display up to fifteen digits
of precision in an operator display.
Trend (TR) Allows you to collect up to 80 real-time values from an upstream block. You can display
these values as a graph by adding charts to your pictures.

Understanding Control Blocks

Control blocks provide continuous, direct, or digital control capability. The following table lists the avail-
able control blocks.

Control Blocks
The Function:
block...
Dead Delays the transfer of an input value to the next block in the chain for up to 255
Time (DT) seconds. It can store up to 60 values of incoming variables and sends values on a
first in/first out basis.
Lead Lag Lets you simulate process dynamics and includes a digital approximation of the
(LL) exponential equations for lead lag. This block is useful in feed-forward strategies.
PID (PID) Compares analog inputs to a user-defined set point and sends out incremental
adjustments to bring the process variable closer to the set point.
On-Off Receives analog values and outputs digital values.
Control
(BB)
Ramp Increases or decreases values to a target value at a specified rate. You can enter
(RM) the target values manually or they can be retrieved from other blocks. You can
define three distinct stages for the ramp process.

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 25

 Ratio/Bias Lets you change incoming signals by adding a constant (bias) and/or by mul-
(RB) tiplying a constant (ratio) after subtracting an offset from the signal. This block
uses less memory and executes faster than the Calculation block.

Understanding Statistical Process Control Blocks

Statistical Process Control (SPC) provides statistical data analysis and calculations, alarming, super-
visory control, and display of statistical data. The following table lists the available SPC blocks.

Statistical Process Control Blocks

The Function:
block...
Histogram Displays an input value's frequency of occurrence.
(HS)
Pareto Accepts, calculates, and sorts the frequency of up to eight input values. You can display
(PA) these values in an operator display with filled rectangles to create a bar chart.
Statistical Adjusts a process variable based on calculations of the average offset and the rate of devi-
Control ation from a target value, XBARBAR. This block is activated if an alarm is generated by a
(SC) Statistical Data block.
Statistical Observes data from operator input or other blocks and performs statistical calculations.
Data (SD) This block allows for alarming based on standard SPC techniques.

Understanding Batch Blocks

Batch blocks are specifically designed for discontinuous (state-driven, sequenced, interlocked, and
batch) control operations. The following table lists the available batch blocks.

Batch Blocks
The block... Function:
Device Control Coordinates the opening and closing of digital devices based upon user-defined
(DC) conditions.
Program (PG) Runs short programs for batch operations or to increase the degree of automation
in an application.

Understanding SQL Blocks

SQL blocks read and write data to a relational database. The following table lists the available SQL
blocks.

SQL Blocks
The block... Function:
SQL Data Identifies the data to send and retrieve between the process database and your rela-
(SQD) tional database.

26 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 SQL Trigger Triggers the execution of SQL commands and defines how your relational database
(SQT) interacts with the process database.

For more information about how these blocks work and how to use them, refer to the Using SQL manual
and the iFIX Database Reference.

Understanding Database Dynamos

iFIX can process information from one or more Database Dynamo objects, also known as loadable
blocks. Each Database Dynamo is an optional block that adds functionality to the process database. By
using Database Dynamos, you can create new blocks tailored to your needs. For example, you might
create a Dynamo that provides a custom PID or other control algorithm.

You can create a Database Dynamo by using the Database Dynamo Toolkit. After you create one, iFIX
treats your Database Dynamo like any other block in the process database. This feature enables iFIX to
process alarms from the Dynamo, along with the other alarms in the system. Database Dynamos also
enable you to:

l Access the Dynamo's fields from any iFIX application.

l Use Database Manager to create, configure, and manage the operation of the Dynamos in the
process database.

GE also makes the following Database Dynamos available in the iFIX product:

iFIX Database Dynamos

The Database Function:
Dynamo...
Analog Input Essentially the same as an Analog Input block, but will also calculate a
with Freeform slope for EGU limit values when signal conditioning does not apply.
Scaling (AIS)
Analog Register Reads and writes analog values to process hardware. Use the AR2 block if
2 (AR2) you exceed the limit for the number of AR blocks and need a loadable block
with similar functionality.
Breakpoint Lin- Converts a level measurement from a non-linear tank into a volume meas-
earization (BPL) urement.
Transition Counts the transitions of a digital signal.
Counter (CTR)
Digital Register Reads and writes digital values to process hardware. Use the DR2 block if
2 (DR2) you exceed the limit for the number of DR blocks and need a loadable block
with similar functionality.
Extended Trend Allows you to collect up to 600 real-time values from an upstream block.
(ETR) You can display these values as a graph by adding charts to your pictures.
16 Bit Digital Monitors up to 16 bits in a digital register, and enables or disables 16 inde-
Status (D16) pendent messages.
Group Alarm Organizes and consolidates the display of alarm information within a large
(GAB) system.
Signal Gen- Demonstrates, simulates, or tests. A time-based primary block.
erator (GEN)

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 27

 Interval Timer Provides a way to time intervals (normally a digital input). It also includes a
(ITM) GATE input that can be used to disable the timing without having to place
the chain off scan.
Momentary Sends a brief pulse to a digital output block (for example, to start a motor).
Digital Output
(MDO)
Optimized Sends a brief pulse to a digital output block (for example, to start a motor).
Momentary
Digital Output
(ODO)
Persistent Array Provides a way to hold up to 60 numeric or text values, and 60 descriptions
(PAR) of those values. A primary block that operates only in manual mode. Values
are updated only when you explicitly write to it.
Improved PID Essentially the same functionality as the PID block, with more options.
(PI2)
Time Date Takes a snapshot of the time of an event.
Stamp (TDS)
Text Register Monitors devices where the raw data is an ASCII string. Similar to the Text
(TXR) block (TX), but not scanned.
Text Lookup Monitors a status or command register in a PLC. Allows the operator to see
Block (TXT) and enter meaningful strings.
Database Dynamo Configuration Utility (BTKCFG.exe)

Use the Database Dynamo Configuration Utility (BTKCFG.exe) to add the Database Dynamos in the
above table to iFIX. After iFIX is restarted, you will then be able to add blocks of these types in the iFIX
Database Manager.
To add a Database Dynamo:

1. Double-click the Btkcfg.exe file to launch the Database Dynamo Configuration Utility. By default,
this file is located in the iFIX install folder, C:\Program Files (x86)\Proficy\iFIX.
2. In the Available Database Dynamos list, select the Dynamo that you want to add and click Add
(or optionally, click Add All). This moves the specified Database Dynamos to the Configured
Database Dynamos list.
3. On the File menu, click Save.
4. Restart iFIX. After iFIX restarts, you will then be able to add the blocks in the above table within
the iFIX Database Manager.
IMPORTANT: Use caution in removing Database Dynamos (loadable blocks). If you use the Database
Dynamo Configuration Utility (BTKCFG.exe) to remove a loadable block but do not remove the block from the
iFIX database, an error message appears in the Alarm History that a block type is missing and the blocks are
not loaded.

To remove a Database Dynamo:

1. Double-click the Btkcfg.exe file to launch the Database Dynamo Configuration Utility. By default,
this file is located in the iFIX install folder, C:\Program Files (x86)\Proficy\iFIX.
2. In the Configured Database Dynamos list, select the Dynamo that you want to remove and click
Remove (or optionally, click Remove All). This moves the specified Database Dynamos to the
Available Database Dynamos list.

28 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 3. On the File menu, click Save.
4. Restart iFIX.
To change a slot number of a Database Dynamo:

1. Double-click the Btkcfg.exe file to launch the Database Dynamo Configuration Utility. By default,
this file is located in the iFIX install folder, C:\Program Files (x86)\Proficy\iFIX.
2. In the Configured Database Dynamos list, select the Dynamo that you want to change the slot
number for.
3. In the Slot Number field, enter a new number. You can enter any number between 50 to 149 that
is not in use. For more information on slot numbers, refer to the Understanding Slot Numbers sec-
tion.
4. On the File menu, click Save.
5. Restart iFIX.

Understanding Slot Numbers

The database contains approximately 100 slots into which Database Dynamo blocks can be added.
These slots are numbered from 50 to 149. Slots 1 to 49 are reserved for GE database blocks.

The Database Dynamo Configuration Utility generates a default slot for the Database Dynamo that you
are adding to the database. Use this slot. If you must change the Database Dynamo slot, select the
Dynamo in the configured column and enter a new value for the slot in the Slot field.
NOTE: Once a slot is selected, it should never be changed. If you must change the slot, export the database
to an ASCII file first. Change the slot of the block. Delete the database and import the ASCII file into a new
database.

Block Fields

Whenever you add a block, its configuration dialog box appears. The dialog box fields and controls rep-
resent locations in the block called fields. These fields store the information you enter into the dialog
box. This information includes such data as the block's name, description, scan time, I/O address, and
scan status.

Other block fields receive information from your process hardware or from other blocks. For example, a
primary block's current value comes from an I/O device. However, a secondary block receives its cur-
rent value from an upstream block.

All block fields use a common naming convention:

format _ name

The format indicates the type of data that the field stores. The following table lists the available formats:

Field Formats
Format: Description: Used in...
A_ ASCII Data links and objects in pictures.
Format.

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 29

 F_ Floating-point Data links, objects in pictures, and block-to-block references.
Format.
E_ 15-Digit Pre- Data links, objects in pictures, and block-to-block references. Valid values
cision Format. range from +/-3.40282300000000e+/-38, with 15 digits of accuracy.
T_ Graphic Charts.
Format.

Refer to the Creating Pictures manual for more information on Data links, objects in pictures, and charts.

The name indicates the specific information in the field. For example, the current value of a block is iden-
tified by the name:
CV

The combination of the field format and the field name provides you with the information you want. For
example, if you want the current value of a block displayed as a number, you select the field F_CV. If
you want the current value of a block displayed as text, you select the field A_CV.

Locating Block Fields

You can display a list of fields for the currently selected block using the Expression Builder or the iFIX
Database Reference help. Using this information, you can configure Data links or other objects in your
operator displays to extract block field data by specifying a data source. Alternatively, you can write a
Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) script or an Easy Database Access program to extract and display
block field data. For more information about the Expression Builder, specifying data sources, and adding
Data links and objects, refer to the Creating Pictures manual.

Completing Block Dialog Boxes

The iFIX Database Reference provides information to help you complete block dialog boxes. The
remainder of this chapter provides related information for completing common block fields, such as the
scan time, phase, and I/O driver fields. Refer to these sections to learn how to configure these fields for
your blocks.

Scan Times

All primary blocks have a scan time. The scan time determines how often SAC processes the block and
sends the current value to the next block in the chain. SAC processes all secondary blocks chained to a
primary block according to the primary block's scan time.

SAC can process a chain using one of the following methods:

30 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 l Time-based processing
l Exception-based processing
l One shot processing

Time-based processing is best used when you want to regularly scan a block. If you only need to scan a
block when its value changes, use exception-based processing instead. Similarly, you can use one shot
processing if you need to scan a block when the process database initially loads.

Understanding Time-Based Processing

In time-based processing, SAC processes a block at a set time. The following table lists the scan time
ranges you can enter for time-based chains.

Scan Time Ranges

Range Increments by...
5 to 95 subseconds .05 seconds
(0.05 to .95 seconds) (0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, and so forth.)
1 to 60 seconds 1 second
1 to 60 minutes 1 minute
1 to 24 hours 1 hour

SAC scans chains with hour and minute scan times based on the system clock of the local SCADA
server. Scan times are set relative to midnight (00:00:00 hours). SAC scans chains with second and sub-
second scan times based on the computer's start up time, as the following tables describes.

Time-Based Scan Time Examples

When a block has a scan time of... SAC processes it every...
1 hour Hour on the hour.
1 minute Minute on the minute.
10 seconds 10 seconds from your computer's start-up time.

Assigning Time-Based Scan Times

You can assign a time-based scan time to a block by completing its Scan Time field with the following
format:
time unit

The following table lists the valid units and their abbreviations. If you do not enter a unit of time, iFIX
assumes the unit is seconds.

Unit Entry
Minutes M
Hours H

Example: Assigning Time-Based Scan Times

To scan a block every 3 hours, enter:

3H

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 31

 Because SAC processes this scan time based to the system clock, it scans the block at 0:00, 3:00,
6:00, 9:00, and 12:00 regardless of when you place it on scan.

Follow these guidelines when you assign scan times:

l Assign scan times larger than the poll rate assigned in the I/O driver. This ensures that the I/O
driver has time to read and send new values to SAC before SAC scans each block again. See
your I/O driver manual for more information about the poll rate.
l Phase (stagger) scan times to reduce the risk of overloading the CPU. Refer to the section Phas-
ing to learn more about phasing.
l Assign critical process chains a more frequent scan time than non-critical chains. If you need to
have a chain scanned every 2 minutes, assign a 2-minute scan time, not a 5-second scan time.
Remember that very short scan times require more CPU time and SAC processing than longer
scan times.
l If a chain does not need processing at a set time, assign exception-based processing. Doing so
will require less CPU time and improve performance.

Understanding Exception-Based Processing

Exception-based processing lets SAC scan a block or chain by exception, not at scheduled time inter-
vals. An exception is:

l A change in a process value greater than the defined exception dead band; or
l An unsolicited message from your process hardware.

Using exception-based processing generally requires less CPU time and improves performance
because SAC does not have to scan blocks at defined intervals. However, if a block's value changes
very frequently, time-based processing may be more efficient.

You can use exception-based processing only if your I/O driver supports it. Consult your I/O driver client
manual to learn if your I/O driver supports exception-based processing.
NOTE: The SM2 driver supports exception-based processing; the SIM driver does not support exception-
based processing.
CAUTION: Do not assign the same I/O address to exception-based and time-based blocks. Doing so will
cause the exception-based blocks to occasionally miss an incoming value.

Blocks that Work Best with Exception-Based Processing

While you can use exception-based processing with most blocks, certain blocks perform better with
exception-processing than others. You can use the following blocks in exception-based chains as
needed:

l Analog l On-Off
Input Control
l Analog l Pareto
Output
l Digital l Ratio/Bias
Input

32 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Digital
l l SQL Data
Output
l Fanout l Timer
l Histogram l Totalizer
Using Program and Statistical Data Blocks

Typically, the blocks listed in the following table are used as stand-alone blocks and have limitations
when incorporated in an exception-based chain.

Program and Statistical Data Block Considerations

When you add the block... In an exception-based chain, do not use the...
Program CALL, DELAY, WAITFOR, or WAITSTAT commands.
Statistical Data WAIT TIME fields.
Blocks that Receive Multiple Inputs

The Boolean, Calculation, Event Action, and Signal Select blocks can use values from multiple blocks,
but SAC only processes them according to their upstream primary block's scan time. Therefore, use
these blocks with care in exception-based chains.

For example, the following figure shows a sample chain containing a Calculation block that receives val-
ues from Analog Input blocks outside the chain.

Exception-Based Chain Processing

In this chain, if SAC scans AI1 by exception, then CA1 only accesses values from the remaining Analog
Input blocks when that exception occurs. CA1 does not access values based upon the scan times of the
Analog Input blocks outside the chain. This means that regardless of whether AI2 and AI3 change in
value, CA1 does not recalculate its output unless triggered by AI1.

The following figure shows an improved chain design using the blocks from the previous figure. This
chain allows CA1 to recalculate its value whenever an exception occurs to any of the Analog Input
blocks and ensures all blocks are processed before the recalculating the output.

Improved Exception-Based Chain Processing

Blocks that Define a Time Constant

PID, Lead Lag, and Dead Time blocks use the local computer's system time to define a time constant.
For this reason, it is recommended not using them in exception-based chains.

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 33

 Using Analog Alarm and Digital Alarm Blocks

Analog Alarm and Digital Alarm blocks support exception-based processing. However, you must leave
the Re-alarm Time and the Delay Time fields unmodified; otherwise, SAC places these blocks (and their
chains) off scan when iFIX starts or when you reload the database. SAC processes exception-based
Analog Alarm and Digital Alarm blocks only when an operator acknowledges an alarm from the iFIX
WorkSpace. If an operator acknowledges the alarm with the Remote Acknowledge field, SAC does not
process the block.
Assigning Exception-Based Scan Times

You can assign an exception-based scan time to a block by selecting Process by Exception from the
block's dialog box. If you are configuring an exception-based chain with multiple primary blocks, you
must enter 0 in the Scan Time field of every primary block that does not start the chain, and select the
Off Scan option button.

Configuring the primary blocks that do not start the chain in this manner ensures that SAC processes
the chain properly.

Understanding One Shot Processing

You can configure any primary block or chain to be scanned once on start-up by setting the scan time to
zero and placing the block on scan. Once scanned, SAC does not scan the block or chain again until it
restarts, the database is reloaded, or you place the block off scan and then on scan.

Any block with a scan time may be configured for one shot processing. However, the same restrictions
that apply to exception-based chains also apply to one shot-based chains.

Phasing

Phasing staggers the time at which SAC scans your blocks. This is particularly important for large data-
bases because it can dramatically improve performance. Even for small databases, phasing blocks res-
ults in more efficient use of CPU time.

For example, if you have 3 unphased blocks with a 5-second scan time, SAC processes all 3 blocks at
the same time. The following figure shows the CPU usage when SAC processes these blocks sim-
ultaneously.

34 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Processing Blocks Without Phasing

By phasing these blocks, you specify when SAC processes each block. For example, if you specify a 1-
second phase for the first block, SAC scans the block as the following figure shows:

Phasing for Block 1

If you specify a 2-second phase for Block 2, and a 3-second phase for Block 3, you can avoid pro-
cessing the blocks simultaneously and evenly distribute the block processing and the CPU work load,
as the following figure shows.

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 35

 Phasing Block Scan Times for Multiple Blocks
Phasing Second and Subsecond Blocks
Normally, when you specify a phase for a block with a second or subsecond scan time, SAC offsets the
block's initial scan by the phase time when iFIX starts or when the database is reloaded. However, SAC
ignores the phase when:

l A Program or an Event Action block places the phased block on scan.

l An operator or script places the block on scan.
l An EDA program places the block on scan.

Assigning Phase Times

You can define the phase time by entering it into the Phase field. The phase you enter must have the
same unit or one unit lower than the scan time unit, as the following table describes.

Phase Time Formats

If the Scan Time is in... The Phase Time must be in...
Hours Hours:Minutes
Minutes Minutes:Seconds
Seconds Seconds
Subseconds Subseconds

For example, if the scan time is 5 minutes, you enter a phase of 1 minute and 30 seconds as follows:
1:30

To specify a 30-second phase instead, enter 0:30.

Overphasing

36 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 You can also overphase your blocks. An overphased block is one that has a larger phase than scan
time. For example, assume you have the chain shown in the Exception-Based Chain Processing figure.
In this chain, AI2 and AI3 have 5-second scan times. AI1 is overphased with a 5-second scan time and a
10-second phase. This delays AI1 by 10 seconds and ensures that SAC scans AI2 and AI3 before AI1.
This means that the Calculation block receives the most recent values on which to perform its functions.
Overphasing and Long Scan Times

SAC only lets you overphase blocks with second or subsecond scan times. For blocks with a scan time
of a minute or more, you can create an initial offset from the time that SAC would normally scan the
block. For example, assume you want to scan a block every 6 hours with an offset of 2 hours and 10
minutes. You can configure the offset by entering the following phase in the Phase field:
2:10

Because the scan time is linked to the system clock, SAC always scans the block at 2:10, 8:10, 14:10,
and 20:10 regardless of when it was placed on scan. Also remember, SAC scans blocks with scan
times of one minute or longer immediately when iFIX starts or when the database is reloaded. To forego
this initial scan, start SAC with the S command line parameter. Refer to the section Controlling SAC
Startup in the Setting up the Environment manual for more information on specifying SAC command line
parameters.

Block Modes

Blocks can receive data from the following sources:

l Other blocks.
l An I/O driver or OPC server.
l The keyboard (using Data links).
l Recipes.
l Easy Database Access programs.
l Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) scripts.

You can control from where a block receives data by setting its mode, as the following figure shows:

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 37

Placing a block in Manual mode does not place it off scan; SAC still processes the block using its last
value. Manual mode only prevents a block from receiving data from an I/O driver, an OPC server, or the
upstream block. SAC also scans exception-based blocks when they change mode (from Automatic to
Manual mode or vice versa). While in Manual mode, SAC accepts any input within the EGU range and
immediately scans the block. No deadband checking is made on these values.

You can toggle a block's mode from an operator display by adding an object to the display and then using
the Toggle Tag Auto/Manual Expert from the Task Wizard. To display a block's mode from an operator
display, add a Data link that references the block's A_AUTO field. If you have enabled in-place data
entry when configuring the data link, you can then modify that block's mode from the operator display by
clicking on the Data link and entering AUTO or MANL. You can also modify a block's mode from the
Database Manager by entering AUTO or MANL in the Curr Mode column for the selected block.
NOTE: Blocks perform alarming in both Automatic and Manual modes.

The exact function of certain blocks depends on their mode, as the following table describes

Blocks in Automatic and Manual Modes

The In automatic mode... And in manual mode...
block...
Analog Reads and writes data every Receives data from operators entering values, scripts, Pro-
Input scan cycle. gram blocks, recipes, or Easy Database Access (EDA) pro-
grams, but does not output values.
Device Executes all statements Suspends execution until the block is placed in Automatic
Control without interruption. mode.
Digital Reads and writes data every Receives data from operators entering values, scripts, Pro-
Input scan cycle. gram blocks, recipes, or EDA programs, but does not out-
put values.
PID Performs PID adjustments. Suspends automatic PID outputs. This allows you to
Set points can be changed change the output from the block. Block values, such as
through a Data link in this the set point and tuning parameters, can be changed from
mode. the keyboard.
Program Executes all statements Suspends execution of its statements until the block is
without interruption. placed in Automatic mode. When the block is switched

38 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 back to Automatic mode, it continues from where it
stopped.
Statistical Feeds information back into Suspends feedback.
Control your process when the Stat-
istical Data block generates
an alarm.
Statistical Performs online statistical pro- Suspends online data observations. Used for off-line stat-
Data cess control on incoming data istical process control.
from other blocks.

Understanding PMAN Mode

As blocks change from Automatic and Manual modes, they enter a pending state. This state indicates
that SAC has acknowledged the mode switch and will change it on the next scan.

Blocks placed into Manual mode enter PMAN mode. The block remains in this state until SAC scans the
block again. While in PMAN mode, SAC continues to scan the block according to its scan time and
phase. Manual entries from an operator or a Program block force SAC to scan the block immediately and
put it into Manual mode. Scans after a manual entry depend on the block's scan time.

Example: Blocks in PMAN Mode

For blocks with short scan times, the next scan time occurs relative to the manual entry. For example,
suppose SAC scans the block AI1 at 1:15:30. This block has a 30-second scan time and a 5-second
phase. If an operator puts AI1 into Manual mode and enters a value at 1:15:45, SAC scans the block
immediately and resets AI1's next scan to 1:16:15 and every 30 seconds thereafter. If the operator sub-
sequently enters another value at 1:15:50, SAC scans AI1 again and reset AI1's next scan to 1:16:20
and every 30 seconds thereafter.

For blocks with scan times of a minute or longer, SAC synchronizes the next scan to the system clock.
For example, assume AI2 has a one hour scan time and a 30-minute phase. If an operator placed the
block into Manual mode and enters a value at 15 minutes past the hour, SAC scans AI2 immediately and
on the half hour.

Understanding Blocks in PAUT Mode

Blocks placed in Automatic mode enter PAUT mode. The block remains in this state until SAC scans
the block again. While in PAUT mode, SAC scans the block as if it were in Automatic mode.

Example: Blocks in PAUT Mode

For blocks with short scan times, this means that the next scan time occurs relative to the last scan. For
example, suppose SAC scans AI1 at 1:15:30. This block has a 30-second scan time. If an operator
changes the block's mode to Automatic, SAC:

1. Puts the block into PAUT mode.

2. Scans the block again at 1:16:00, placing it in Automatic mode.

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 39

 For blocks with long scan times, SAC synchronizes the next scan to the system clock. For example,
assume AI2 has a one hour scan time and a 30-minute phase. If an operator places the block into Auto-
matic mode, SAC:

1. Puts AI2 into PAUT mode.

2. Scans the block again on the half hour, placing it into Automatic mode.

Placing Blocks On and Off Scan

SAC processes all database blocks placed on scan when it starts or a database is loaded. By default,
Database Manager prompts you to place on scan each block you add. SAC stops processing a block or
a chain when:

l From the iFIX WorkSpace, you select an object connected to a primary block and you run a script
that places the block off scan.
l You modify a block with Database Manager. Modifying a block while SAC is processing that
block's chain places the entire chain off scan. As an option, you can set up Database Manager to
automatically place the modified block and its chain on scan when you finish editing it. Refer to
the section Setting Database Manager Preferences to learn more about Database Manager
options.
l You delete any block within a chain. Refer to the section Deleting Blocks to learn more about
removing blocks from the process database.
l Statements in Program blocks, Event Action blocks, or an EDA program place a chain's primary
block off scan.
l You connect the blocks in a chain incorrectly and SAC cannot scan the chain. Use Database
Manager's Verify command to determine which blocks are improperly chained. Refer to the sec-
tion Verifying Databases to learn about examining your database for errors.
l A Program block finishes processing its statements and exits, the Program block does not
execute again until the database is reloaded or the block is turned off and placed back on scan.
l You can place a block off scan from the Scan Status column displayed in the spreadsheet.
l An operator clicks an object with a VBA script that places a block off scan. You can quickly add
such a script to an object with the Turn Tag Off Scan button. To use this button, you must first
drag it from the CommandTasks toolbar category onto a toolbar. To learn how to display toolbar
categories and add a button to a toolbar, refer to the section Customizing Toolbars in the Under-
standing iFIX manual.

Placing a primary block off scan turns that block's entire chain off scan. You can put the chain back on
scan by:

l Opening an operator display, selecting an object connected to the chain's primary block, and run-
ning a script that places the block on scan.
l Setting up a Program or an Event Action block that places the chain back on scan.
l Changing the text in the Scan status column from OFF to ON.

40 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 l Adding or modifying a block with Database Manager or the iFIX WorkSpace. Depending on the
options selected, both programs can automatically place the block on scan.
l An operator clicks an object with a VBA script that places a block on scan. You can quickly add
such a script to an object with the Turn Tag On Scan button. To use this button, you must first
drag it from the CommandTasks toolbar category onto a toolbar. To learn how to display toolbar
categories and add a button to a toolbar, refer to the section Customizing Toolbars in the Under-
standing iFIX manual.
Blocks with Long Scan Times
Blocks that have long scan times react differently to on/off scan changes than blocks that have short
scan times. If you change the block's scan status, it enters a pending state: PON (pending on) or POFF
(pending off). This state indicates that a scan status change was requested and is pending, but SAC has
not placed the block off or on scan. While a block is in PON, new values are ignored.
Example: Placing Blocks with Long Scan Times On Scan
Assume you have a block with a one hour scan time and you place it on scan 45 minutes into its scan
cycle. The block enters the PON state and remains there for 15 minutes in order to synchronize it with
SAC. Once synchronized, SAC changes the block's state and places it on scan.
Using the S Parameter
By default, SAC changes a block's scan status shortly after entering the pending state. However, if
SAC was started with the "S" command line parameter, the block remains in the pending state until SAC
is ready to scan it.

I/O Drivers

In order for each primary block in the database to receive data, you must connect to your I/O using an
I/O driver. The driver you select depends on your process hardware. GE sells drivers for many types of
hardware. Contact your GE Sales Representative, or refer to our web site at at https://di-
gitalsupport.ge.com for a list of available drivers.

After you purchase a driver and install it, you can start specifying I/O points you want the current block
to use. If the I/O point does not exist, Database Manager starts your I/O driver configuration program so
you can add it. Refer to your I/O driver documentation to learn how to add an I/O point to your driver con-
figuration.

iFIX supplies an OPC Client I/O driver, as well as two simulation drivers.

OPC Client Driver

The OPC Client driver provides the interface and communications protocol between OLE for Process
Control servers and iFIX.

The OPC Client driver supports the following features:

l Analog register and digital register database blocks

l Special addressing for analog output and digital output blocks
l Text blocks

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 41

 l Item property I/O addresses for text blocks
l Block writes
l Data arrays
l Exception-based processing
l Latched data
Simulation Drivers
You can use the SIM and SM2 to test your chains before you connect to real I/O. The simulation drivers
are matrixes of addresses. Database blocks read values from and write values to these addresses. If
one block writes to a specific address, other blocks can read the same value from the same address.
You can save these values when you save the process database; however, iFIX removes them from
memory when SAC starts or you reload the database.

Both drivers have the following in common:

l Provide a matrix of addresses that database blocks can read from and write to.
l Support analog and digital database blocks.
l Support text blocks.

The drivers differ in the following ways:

The SM2 driver... The SIM driver...

Provides three independent sets of registers. Provides one set of registers shared by both analog,
Analog blocks automatically access the ana- digital, and text blocks.
log registers, digital blocks automatically use
the digital registers, and Text blocks auto-
matically access the text registers.
Changing a register in one set does not change Changing an analog register in the SIM driver modifies
the same register in the other set. For the register for analog, digital, and text reads. For
example, if you change the value of the analog example, if you change the value of the analog register
register 1000, the value of the digital register 1000, you also modify the value of the same digital
1000 is unchanged. register.
Provides 20,000 analog, 20,000 16-bit digital Provides 2000 analog and digital registers, a total of
registers, and 20,000 text registers. 32,000 bits.
Stores analog values in 4-byte (32-bit) floating Stores analog values in 16-bit integer registers,
point registers, numbered 0 to 19999. Incoming numbered 0 to 2000. Incoming 32-bit values are scaled
values are not scaled. to 16-bit values (0 - 65535).
Digital values are stored in 16-bit integer Digital values are stored in 16-bit integer registers,
registers, numbered 0 to 19999. numbered 0 to 2000.
Text values are stored in 8-bit registers Text values are stored in the same area as analog and
numbered 0 to 19999. Each register holds one digital values, numbered 0 to 2000.
text character for a total of 20,000 bytes of
text.
Provides a register to simulate communication Cannot simulate communication errors. However, the
errors. SIM driver does provide registers RA through RK and
RX through RZ to generate random numbers. For more
information, refer to the Using Signal Generation

42 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Registers in the SIM Driver section.
Supplies a C API that allows applications to Does not support a C API for accessing SIM values.
access SM2 analog, digital, and text values.
Supports exception-based processing. Does not support exception-based processing.
Supports latched data for Analog Input, Analog Does not support latched data.
Alarm, Digital Input, Digital Alarm and Text
blocks when a simulated communication error
is enabled.
Can read and write the individual alarm status Cannot read and write the individual alarm status of
of each SM2 register. any SIM register.
Does not provide alarm counters. Provides alarm counters that show the general alarm
state of a SCADA server. For more information, refer
to the Using Alarm Counters chapter of the Imple-
menting Alarms and Messages manual.

Using the OPC Client I/O Driver

The OPC Client I/O driver allows you to bring OPC data into and out of iFIX. It is automatically installed
with iFIX; however, if you choose to create a customized install program, the OPC Client I/O driver is an
optional component.
To use the OPC I/O Driver:

1. In the Database Manager, in the Driver field for the primary block, select OPC - OPC Client vx.xx
from the list.
2. Click the Browse button next to the I/O Address field. The Browse I/O Address dialog box
appears.
3. Select an I/O point from an available server and group, and then click OK to exit the dialog box.
The I/O Address field will display the following:
Server;Group;ItemID[;AccessPath]

When you click out of the I/O Address field, ;No Access Path will be appended to the existing
text, like this:
Server;Group;ItemID;NoAccessPath

4. If applicable, from the Signal Conditioning list, select a format for mapping the values coming
from your process hardware.
5. If applicable, from the Hardware Options list, select a device control addressing format for the
database block. This selection is overridden if you select a datatype from the Requested Data-
type list on the Item Configuration page of the OPC Client I/O driver Power Tool.

For detailed information, refer to the OPC Client Driver online help.

Using the Simulation Driver

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 43

You may prefer to use the SIM driver over the SM2 driver for one or more of the following conditions:

l Generating a repeating pattern of random and predefined values to help you test your chains.
l Using alarm counters to show the general alarm state of your SCADA server.
To use the SIM driver:

1. In the primary block's Driver field, type SIM.

2. Complete the I/O Address field with the following syntax:
register:bit

For analog values, the register ranges from 0 to 1999. The bit is not used.

For digital values, the register ranges from 0 to 1999. The bit is 0 to 15. The full range of register/bit set-
tings is 0:0 to 1999:15.
NOTE: The SIM driver does not support analog scaling (A_SCALE_* and F_SCALE_* database fields).
Examples: SIM Addresses
0:0
50:2
63:15

The SIM driver shares only one set of registers for Analog and Digital blocks. As a result, you can
address all 2000 registers as analog or digital values. The following table shows the digital bit values
when a SIM register contains an analog value.

SIM Analog and Digital Values

When the Analog Value is... The Bits for Digital Values are...
65535 Bits 15 to 0 are set to 1

32768 Bit 15 is set to 1

Bits 14 to 0 are set to 0

32767 Bit 15 is set to 0

Bits 14 to 0 are set to 1

255 Bits 15 to 8 are set to 0

44 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Bits 7 to 0 are set to 1

Database Manager does not accept entries into the Hardware Options and Signal Conditioning fields
when using the SIM driver. In addition, the SIM driver supports:

l Only five-digit precision instead of the standard seven-digit precision.

l Time-based processing; you cannot use exception-based processing.
l The output of good values. The SIM driver does not output bad values. If you are testing your sys-
tem for fault tolerance, remember that the SIM driver does not send communication errors (BAD
values).

Using Signal Generation Registers in the SIM Driver

To help you test your database with simulated input, the SIM driver provides a set of registers that gen-
erate a repeating pattern of random and predefined values. For example, you could ramp a value to sim-
ulate the performance of specific chains or you might generate a series of random numbers to test the
entire database.
To assign one of these registers to a block:

1. Enter SIM in the block's Driver field.

2. Complete the I/O Address field with the following syntax by entering a two-letter register acronym
as listed in the SIM Signal Generation Registers table:
register:bit

The bit portion is needed only when using a digital block.

Example

To ramp a value with the RA register, enter the following text in the I/O Address field:
RA

The following table lists the available registers.

SIM Signal Generation Registers

The Lets you... Valid
register... Entry
RA Ramp a value from 0 to 100% of the EGU range at a rate controlled by the RY Read only
register.
RB Count from 0 to 65535 at a rate of twenty counts per second. Read only
RC Shift one bit through a 16-bit word at a rate controlled by the RZ register. Read only
RD Generate a sine wave from 0 to 100% of the EGU range at a rate controlled by Read only
the RY register.

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 45

 RE Generate a sine wave from 0 to 100% of the EGU range at a rate controlled by Read only
the RY register. The sine wave is delayed 90 degrees relative to the RD register.
RF Generate a sine wave from 0 to 100% of the EGU range at a rate controlled by Read only
the RY register. The sine wave is delayed 180 degrees relative to the RD
register.
RG Generate random values between 25% and 75% of the EGU range. Read only
RH Ramp up a value to 100% of the EGU range and then ramp it down to 0% again Read only
at a rate controlled by the RJ register.
RI Control the ramp direction of the value in the RH register. When zero, register Numeric
RH ramps down; when one, RH ramps up. The value automatically changes Value (0
when RH reaches 0 or 100% of its EGU value. or 1)
RJ Control the ramp speed (in cycles per hour) for the value in register RH. The Numeric
default value is 60 (1 cycle per minute). Value (2
to 3600)
RK Enable or disable the generation of the value in the RH register. Enter zero to Numeric
freeze (disable) ramp and a non-zero value to enable it. Value (0
or 1)
RX Enable or disable the generation of values in the other registers. Enter zero to Numeric
freeze (disable) all registers and a non-zero value to enable all registers. Value (0
or 1)
RY Control the speed (in cycles per hour) at which new values are generated for Numeric
registers RA, RD, RE, and RF. By default, the RY register is set to 60 (1 cycle Value (2
per minute). to 3600)
RZ Control the speed (in bits per minute) that the register RC changes its value. By Numeric
default, the RZ register is set to 180 (3 bit shifts per second). Value (2
to 1200)

All SIM registers support Analog Input, Analog Register, Digital Input, and Digital Register blocks.
However, as the following table describes, certain blocks provide optimum performance when used with
certain registers.

The block... Works best with the register...

Analog Input RA, RD, RE, RF, RG, and RH
Analog Output RJ, RY, and RZ
Analog Register RA, RD, RE, RF, RF, RH, RI, RJ, RK, RX, RY, and RZ
Digital Input RB and RC
Digital Register RB, RC, RI, RK, and RX

NOTE: The RB and RC registers support Digital Register offsets of A_0 to A_15.

Using the Simulation 2 Driver

You may prefer to use the SM2 driver over the SIM driver when one or more of the following conditions
occur:

46 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 l You have more test data than the SIM driver can hold.
l You want to determine how the database responds to 32-bit values.
l You need to access the driver from a C program.
Accessing SM2 Registers

The SM2 driver matrix consists three independent sets of registers, one for analog values, one for digital
values, and one for text values. Analog database blocks read from and write to analog registers only.
Once a block writes a value, other analog blocks can read the value from the register written to. Digital
database blocks work the same way, reading and writing from the digital registers. iFIX clears all SM2
values when iFIX starts.

The SM2 driver does not use the Hardware Options or Signal Conditioning fields.
To use the SM2 register:

1. Enter SM2 in the primary block's Device field.

2. Complete the I/O Address field with the following syntax:
For Analog values: register
For Digital values: register:bit
For Text values: register

SM2 Address Examples

Analog Examples Digital Examples Text Examples
1000 5000:10 2000
16435 23:15 off

Generating Bad Data with the SM2 Driver

The SM2 driver provides an S register to simulate a communication error. Using this register, all analog
and digital reads return an error as if communication to the process hardware has been lost.

To use this feature, set the S register to 1.

NOTE: The SM2 driver latches data when a simulated communication error is enabled.

Using the SM2 C API

You can access SM2 analog, digital, and text values through the C API that the driver supplies. The file
SM2API.H describes the API and the functions reside in the file SM2API.LIB. You can link this library
file to your C application to access the API's functions. You can find both files in your Base path. By
default, this path is C:\Program Files (x86)\Proficy\iFIX\ or C:\IFIX\, depending where you installed iFIX.
NOTE: You must have the iFIX Integration (EDA) Toolkit installed to use this API.

Example

Suppose you are using the SM2 driver to store data from a legacy system. Using the C API and a num-
ber of preconfigured analog blocks, you can extract your data from the legacy system and store it in your

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 47

process database.

C API Functions
Syntax Values read, written, and returned
UINT16 GetAn- GetAnalog reads an analog value (32-bit float) to the register indicated by 'index'.
alog(UINT16
FE_OK is returned if the operation succeeds.
index, FLOAT
*data); FE_IO_ADDR is returned if the register index is out of range.

FE_RANGE is returned if the analog value exceeds the range of a 32-bit float.

NOTE: GetAnalog and GetDouble access the same table in the SM2.
UINT16 SetAn- SetAnalog writes an analog value (32-bit float) to the register indicated by 'index' and
alog(UINT16 causes an exception for the specified register even if the data has not changed.
index, FLOAT
FE_OK is returned if the operation succeeds.
data);
FE_IO_ADDR is returned if the register index is out of range.

NOTE: SetAnalog and SetDouble access the same table in the SM2.
UINT16 GetDouble reads an analog value (64-bit float) to the register indicated by 'index.'
GetDouble
FE_OK is returned if the operation succeeds.
(UINT16 index,
DOUBLE FE_IO_ADDR is returned if the register index is out of range.
*data);
NOTE: GetAnalog and GetDouble access the same table in the SM2.
UINT16 SetDouble writes an analog value (64-bit float) to the register indicated by 'index' and
SetDouble causes an exception for the specified register even if the data has not changed.
(UINT16 index,
FE_OK is returned if the operation succeeds.
DOUBLE data);
FE_IO_ADDR is returned if the register index is out of range.

NOTE: SetAnalog and SetDouble access the same table in the SM2.
UINT16 GetDi- GetDigital reads 16 digital values (all 16 bits in one of the 20,000 digital registers) to
gital(UINT16 the register indicated by 'index'.
index, UINT16
FE_OK is returned if the operation succeeds.
*data);
FE_IO_ADDR is returned if the register index is out of range.

NOTE: The API can only read and write the entire 16 bit digital register at one time. If
you want to change 1 bit, you can read the register, modify the desired bit and write
the register. However, when you modify a single bit, ensure that only one thread in
one application is accessing a digital register at one time.
UINT16 SetDi- SetDigital writes 16 digital values (all 16 bits in one of the 20,000 digital registers) to
gital(UINT16 the register indicated by 'index' and causes an exception for all 16 bits of the spe-
index, UINT16 cified register even if the data has not changed.
data);
FE_OK is returned if the operation succeeds.

FE_IO_ADDR is returned if the register index is out of range.

NOTE: The API can only read and write the entire 16 bit digital register at one time. If

48 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 you want to change 1 bit, you can read the register, modify the desired bit and write
the register. However, when you modify a single bit, ensure that only one thread in
one application is accessing a digital register at one time.
UINT16 SetDi- SetDigitalEx writes 16 digital values (all 16 bits in one of the 20,000 digital registers)
gitalEx(UINT to the register indicated by 'index' and causes an exception for specific bits selected
index, UINT16 from a mask. An exception is triggered for the bits set in the mask even if the data
data, UINT16 has not changed.
mask)
FE_OK is returned if the operation succeeds.

FE_IO_ADDR is returned if the register index is out of range.

NOTE: The API can only read and write the entire 16 bit digital register at one time. If
you want to change 1 bit, you can read the register, modify the desired bit and write
the register. However, when you modify a single bit, ensure that only one thread in
one application is accessing a digital register at one time.
UINT16 GetText reads the text specified by `data' from text registers starting at the register
GetText indicated by `index'. The number of characters to read is indicated by `size'. GetText
(UINT16 index, does not automatically add a null terminator to the text being read. If you require null-
char *data, int terminated strings, make sure your program adds a null terminator after reading text.
size)
FE_OK is returned if the operation succeeds.

FE_IO_ADDR is returned if the register index is out of range.

UINT16 SetText SetText writes the text specified by `data' to text registers starting at the register
(UINT16 index, indicated by `index'. The number of characters to write is indicated by `size'. Excep-
char *data, int tion-based processing is not supported for text values. SetText does not auto-
size) matically add a null terminator to the text being written. If you require null-terminated
strings, make sure your program adds a null terminator prior to writing the text.

FE_OK is returned if the operation succeeds.

FE_IO_ADDR is returned if the register index is out of range.

UINT16 GetCommError reads the communication error flag to the S register. The flag is a 1 bit
GetCommError integer value.
(UINT16 *data);
FE_OK is returned always.
UINT16 SetCommError writes the communication error flag to the S register. The flag is a 1-
SetCommError bit integer value. You should only pass 0 or 1 to the SetCommError function. Using
(UINT16 data); any other value can have unpredictable results.

FE_OK is returned always.

UINT16 GetAn- GetAnalogAlarm reads an alarm status from an analog register indicated by 'index'.
alogAlarm To learn more about available alarm statuses, refer to Understanding Alarm
(UINT16 index, Statuses.
INT16 *alm);
NOTE: As of iFIX 4.5, only the alarm statuses IA_OK and IA_COMM are supported
for use through the SM2 driver.

FE_OK is returned if the operation succeeds.

FE_IO_ADDR is returned if the register index is out of range.

UINT16 SetAn- SetAnalogAlarm writes an alarm status to an analog register indicated by 'index' and

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 49

 alogAlarm causes an exception for the specified register even if the data or alarm has not
(UINT16 index, changed. To learn more about available alarm statuses, refer to Understanding Alarm
INT16 alm); Statuses.

NOTE: As of iFIX 4.5, only the alarm statuses IA_OK and IA_COMM are supported
for use through the SM2 driver.

FE_OK is returned if the operation succeeds.

FE_IO_ADDR is returned if the register index is out of range.

UINT16 GetDi- GetDigitalAlarm reads an alarm status from a digital register indicated by 'index'. To
gitalAlarm learn more about available alarm statuses, refer to Understanding Alarm Statuses.
(UINT16 index,
NOTE: As of iFIX 4.5, only the alarm statuses IA_OK and IA_COMM are supported
INT16 *alm);
for use through the SM2 driver.

FE_OK is returned if the operation succeeds.

FE_IO_ADDR is returned if the register index is out of range.

UINT16 SetDi- SetDigitalAlarm writes an alarm status to a digital register indicated by 'index' and
gitalAlarm causes an exception even if the data or alarm has not changed. The same alarm is
(UINT16 index, associated with all 16 bits in the digital register. To learn more about available alarm
INT16 alm); statuses, refer to Understanding Alarm Statuses.

NOTE: As of iFIX 4.5, only the alarm statuses IA_OK and IA_COMM are supported
for use through the SM2 driver.

FE_OK is returned if the operation succeeds.

FE_IO_ADDR is returned if the register index is out of range.

UINT16 GetTex- GetTextAlarm reads an alarm status from a text register indicated by `index'. To learn
tAlarm(UINT16 more about available alarm statuses, refer to Understanding Alarm Statuses.
index INT16
NOTE: As of iFIX 4.5, only the alarm statuses IA_OK and IA_COMM are supported
alm)
for use through the SM2 driver.

FE_OK is returned if the operation succeeds.

FE_IO_ADDR is returned if the register index is out of range.

UINT16 SetTex- SetTextAlarm writes an alarm status to a text register indicated by 'index'. When a
tAlarm(UINT16 block reads data from the SM2 driver, the alarm status of the first byte is returned.
index, INT16 The status of additional bytes is ignored. To learn more about available alarm
alm) statuses, refer to Understanding Alarm Statuses.

NOTE: As of iFIX 4.5, only the alarm statuses IA_OK and IA_COMM are supported
for use through the SM2 driver.

FE_OK is returned if the operation succeeds.

FE_IO_ADDR is returned if the register index is out of range.

Understanding Alarm Statuses

50 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 iFIX can process alarm status information from I/O drivers. This information complements the alarms
generated by iFIX database blocks. When an alarm is returned from a driver, iFIX compares the driver
alarm against the block alarm. The alarm with the higher severity is used as the block alarm and the
other alarm is ignored.
NOTE: As of iFIX 4.5, only the alarm statuses IA_OK and IA_COMM are supported for use through the SM2
driver.

iFIX defines the following alarms with the following severity:

Severity Alarm Status Description

16 (highest) IA_COMM Communication error ("BAD" value).
16 (highest) IA_IOF General I/O failure.
16 (highest) IA_OCD Open circuit.
16 (highest) IA_URNG Under range (clamped at 0).
16 (highest) IA_ORNG Over range (clamped at MAX).
16 (highest) IA_RANG Out of range (value unknown).
16 (highest) IA_DEVICE Device failure.
16 (highest) IA_STATION Station failure.
16 (highest) IA_ACCESS Access denied (privilege).
16 (highest) IA_NODATA On poll, but no data yet.
16 (highest) IA_NOXDATA Exception item, but no data yet.
16 (highest) IA_MANL Special code for MANL/MAINT (for inputs).
8 IA_FLT Floating point error.
8 IA_ERROR General block error.
8 IA_ANY Any block alarm.
8 IA_NEW New block alarm.
7 IA_HIHI The block is in the HIHI alarm state (High High).
7 IA_LOLO The block is in the LOLO alarm state (Low Low).
7 IA_COS Change of state.
7 IA_CFN Change From Normal (Digital block only).
7 IA_TIME Time-out alarm.
7 IA_SQL_LOG Not connected to database.
6 IA_HI The block is in the HI alarm state (High).
6 IA_LO The block is in the LO alarm state (Low).
6 IA_RATE Value exceeds rate of change setting since last scan period.
6 IA_SQL_CMD SQL command not found or invalid.
5 IA_DEV Deviation from the set point.
5 IA_DATA_MATCH SQL command does not match data list.
4 IA_FIELD_READ Error reading tag values.
4 IA_FIELD_WRITE Error writing tag values.
1 IA_DSAB Alarms disabled.
0 (lowest) IA_OK The block is in normal state.

Using the preceding table, you can see that if a driver returns a HIHI alarm to a block that is in HI alarm,
iFIX changes the alarm state to HIHI because the driver alarm is more severe. However, if the alarms
are of equal severity, iFIX does not change the alarm state of the block. For example, if the block is in HI
alarm and the driver returns a LO alarm, the block's alarm state does not change because both alarms

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 51

 have equal severity. Once an operator acknowledges the HI alarm, iFIX changes the block's alarm
state.
NOTE: If you set a communication error to the S register with the SetCommError function, then all SM2
registers show a COMM alarm status. When examining the alarm status of text, only the status of the first char-
acter (byte) is read. You can control the alarm status functions of the SM2 driver using its C API only. Refer
more information about this API, refer to the Using the SM2 C API section.

Connecting to an OPC Server

In addition to I/O drivers, the WorkSpace can send and receive data with an OLE for Process Control
(OPC) server. You can configure any database block to receive or send OPC data by completing the
block's I/O driver fields. To do this, select OPC from the Driver field, and then click the I/O Address
field's Browse button to specify an OPC address.

The OPC address has the following syntax:

ServerName;GroupName;ItemID;AccessPath

where ServerName is the name of your OPC server, GroupName is the name of the OPC group you
want to access, and ItemID is the name of the OPC item you want to read or write. Including the
AccessPath is optional and instructs the server how to access its data. For more information about con-
necting to your OPC server, refer to your OPC PowerTool documentation.

Understanding Signal Conditioning

Very often raw values from your process hardware are not meaningful to operators. This is particularly
true when the hardware reports values in a numeric format, such as an unsigned integer, to indicate how
full a tank is. In this situation, what is needed is a way to map the range of values you receive into a dif-
ferent range of values. Many I/O drivers provide this ability by applying signal conditioning.

Signal conditioning converts the data received from the process hardware into a format that is easily
recognizable by operators. You can apply signal conditioning by selecting the type you want to use from
a block's Signal Conditioning field.

Example: Understanding Signal Conditioning

Suppose you have a 700-gallon water tank and you want to display how much water is in the tank. You
can display the tank's water level as:

l Unscaled integer received from your process hardware

l Gallons
l Percent filled

For this example, assume the I/O driver sends an unsigned integer to the process database (that is, 0 to
65535). The following table lists sample high and low EGU limits you could assign to the input block.
These settings scale the incoming values to display the tank's water level in percent filled and in gallons.

52 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Example Block EGU Limits
Operator Display: Limit Settings:
Unsigned Integer 0 to 65535
Percent 0 to 100
Gallons 0 to 700

The following figure shows the values that are displayed when the tank is full, half full, and empty.

Scaling Values

Understanding EGU Limits

EGU limits have a precision and range. The precision is the number of digits after the decimal point. The
range is the span of values. For example, the default range for blocks is 0 to 100.

Changing the EGU Limit Precision

You can change the EGU limits' precision by editing the High Limit and Low Limit fields. When you
change the precision, Database Manager modifies all references to the current block throughout the data-
base. For example, if you create an Analog Input block with EGU limits of 0.0 to 100.0 and then change
the precision to 0.00 to 100.00, Database Manager searches the database for all references to this block
and makes the appropriate changes. In this case, a Program block that contains the following step:
SETOUT AI1 50.0

is adjusted to read:
SETOUT AI1 50.00

Changing the EGU Limit Range

To change the EGU limits' range, you must change all references to this block manually. For example, if
you create an Analog Input block with limits of 0.0 to 100.0 and then change the range to 0.0 to 700.0, all
references to this block's EGU limits are unaffected until you edit them. In this case, assume you have a
Program block that outputs a value equal to half of this block's original range, as shown below:
SETOUT AI1 50.0

You must modify this Program block's SETOUT statement to reflect the new range, as shown below:
SETOUT AI1 350.0

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 53

EGU Limit Formats

Database Manager accommodates the EGU limit formats listed in the table Available EGU Limits. Each
format is accurate to six digits. Because of compiler limitations, round-off errors may occur in the sev-
enth digit. The following figure shows sample values and their accuracy.

Available EGU Limits

Format: Accepts Limits From:
Standard -32768 to 32767 (signed int)
Integer 0 to 65535 (unsigned int)
0 to 999 (3BCD)
0 to 4095 (12 Binary)
Expanded -9999999 to 9999999
Decimal Using this format, you can specify up to six places after the decimal point. Make sure you
Notation enter the same number of decimal places in fields that require both high and low limits.
Note that this range would be -1E7 to +1E7 in scientific notation.
Scientific ±3.4E-38 to ±3.4E+38
Notation Use this format to display large or small numbers. Again, only the first seven digits are
accurate. If you prefer, you can also use scientific notation for numbers that iFIX can dis-
play in decimal notation. Using decimal notation with scientific notation, you can specify
up to six places after the decimal point.
NOTE: Refer to your I/O driver manual for additional integer ranges supported by your equipment.

54 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Working With the Process Database

As you develop your process databases, you need to complete many basic operations including:

l Creating a new database

l Opening and closing an existing database
l Adding blocks to the current database
l Copying, modifying, duplicating, displaying, and deleting database blocks
l Moving blocks from one database to another
l Saving the current database

This chapter describes how to complete these tasks.

Creating a New Database

One of your first tasks when developing a process database is to create a new database. Click the
Create New icon on the Home ribbon in the Process Database area to create a new database. When cre-
ating a new database the empty database, EMPTY.PDB, is used as a template; any existing database
that may be loaded is closed. You must enter a different name for the new database.

Opening and Closing a Database

Before Database Manager can open and display a database, the program establishes a connection to a
SCADA server (either local or remote) on the network. It accomplishes this by prompting you to select
the SCADA server to which you want to connect. Once you select the server, Database Manager estab-
lishes the connection and opens the server's current database.

You can establish a connection with a different server by opening a different database. Once you select
the new server you want to connect to, Database Manager disconnects from the existing server and
opens the selected server's current database.
NOTE: From the Database Manager, you can open databases from SCADA nodes with iFIX 3.0 or greater
installed. You cannot add, modify, or delete blocks in databases from earlier versions of iFIX, such as iFIX 2.5
or FIX32.

You can also disconnect from a SCADA server by closing the database. If the database has unsaved
changes, Database Manager prompts you to save them before breaking the connection.

Adding Blocks

After you open or create a new database, you can begin adding blocks to your database. Database Man-
ager lets you add blocks by:

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 55

 l Double-clicking a blank cell in the spreadsheet.
l Right-clicking a cell in the spreadsheet and selecting Add block from the pop-up menu.
l Clicking the Add button from Database Manager's toolbar (Classic view).
l Clicking Add in the Blocks group on the Home tab (Ribbon view).
l Entering the name of a nonexistent block in the Next field of a block dialog box and clicking the
arrow button. Refer to the VBA Naming Conventions section of the Writing Scripts manual for
information on appropriate names.
l Using the Generate Wizard.

When any of the first four methods are used, you can select the type of block you want to add. After you
do this, a block configuration dialog box appears. By completing the dialog box and clicking OK, you can
add the block to the database.

For more information on completing a block configuration dialog box, refer to the iFIX Database Refer-
ence help.
NOTE: Whenever you add or delete a block in the database, it is recommended that you resolve your pic-
tures. For more information about resolving pictures, refer to the Creating Pictures manual.

Support for up to 65534 Tags Per Block Type

iFIX supports up to 65534 tags per block type depending on the composition of the database in relation
to available contiguous shared memory and process memory space.
TIP: If you want to see the current size of your database, click the Summary icon in the toolbar of the Data-
base Manager. For more information, see the Displaying a Database Summary section.

Adding Multiple Blocks

The Generate Wizard lets you add many similar blocks to the database quickly, saving development
time. You simply select the type of block you want to create and the block names you want to use.

For the block type, you can select an existing or a new block. This selection determines the specific val-
ues assigned to each block created. For example, when you select a new block, the Wizard creates
blocks with default values. However, when you select an existing block, the Wizard creates blocks with
values of the selected block. This option lets you create many similar blocks quickly without having to
reconfigure them later.

When specifying the block names, you must enter a prefix, suffix, starting number, ending number, and
increment value. The Generate Wizard uses this information to systematically assign names to the
blocks it creates. For example, the following values create blocks with the names F1T1 through F20T1.

Prefix Starting number Ending number Increment Suffix

F 1 20 1 T1

The Generate Wizard cannot create a block with a name that already exists. If the information you spe-
cify results in an existing block name, the Wizard skips that block and continues on to the next one.

Using the Generate Wizard, you also have the option of customizing up to 5 fields. Customizing these
fields lets you fine tune the block's configuration. For example, if you need to create 50 Digital Input

56 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 blocks, each one will have a different I/O address. You can use the Generate Wizard to assign these
addresses if they occur in a sequential order.

You can customize a field by selecting it and entering a prefix, suffix, starting number, ending number,
and increment value. The Wizard handles this information identically to the block name values you
entered. If the resulting sequence of field values ends before the Wizard creates all the new blocks, the
sequence repeats from the beginning. For example, suppose you want to create 10 Analog Input blocks,
AI1 through AI10 and you customize the I/O address of each block with the following information:

Prefix Starting number Ending number Increment Suffix

N 10 50 10 :7

The blocks receive the following addresses:

Block Address
AI1 N10:7
AI2 N20:7
AI3 N30:7
AI4 N40:7
AI5 N50:7
AI6 N10:7
AI7 N20:7
AI8 N30:7
AI9 N40:7
AI10 N50:7

You also have the option of enabling the Use Custom Format check box. When you enable this check
box, the Wizard lets you enter multiple patterns for the five fields you have selected. A pattern acts as a
programming statement for generating a range of numeric or string values. The following table lists the
syntax for each type of pattern.

Pattern Types
Type Syntax Example
Numeric <start:end:increment> <1:10:1> generates a range of num-
bers from 1 to 10.
where start is the initial value of the pattern,
<1:20:3> generates the numbers
end is the ending value, and
1,4,7,10,13,16, and 19.
increment is the amount to add to the current pat-
tern value.
Alphanumeric <"string1", "string2",... "string"> <"A", "B", "C", "D">
List
where string1 is the first string, <"Area A", "Area B", "Area C">

string2 is the second string, and <"Pump 1", "Pump 2", "Pump 3">

string is the last string.

Each string must be enclosed in quotation marks.

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 57

 Literals string Alarms

where string is up to 40 alphanumeric characters. Elapsed Time

Analog Input
Constants "string" "Curr Value > 100"

where string is up to 40 alphanumeric characters, "I/O Addr < 500"

including the quotation marks.
"PLC:N7:"<766:780:1>"/15"

Notice that the difference between literals and constants is minor. Both are strings and can be up 40
characters. However, quotation marks (" ") are required for constants when the string contains any mark
of punctuation or non-alphanumeric symbol such as an angle bracket or a colon. If the string contains
only numbers or letters, the quotation marks are optional.

Also notice that negative and floating point numbers are not supported within patterns. You can generate
these types of numbers by enclosing a minus sign or a decimal point in quotation marks outside of the
pattern. Negative increments are not supported. Consider the following examples:

The pattern... Yields the result...

"-"<1:10:1> -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 -7 -8 -9 -10
<1:5:1>"."<"5"> 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5

By combining different pattern types, you can generate a wide range of block field entries. For example,
if you want to customize the Description field for a group of blocks, you could enter a pattern such as
Alarm Status from Area <"A", "B", "C">. Notice that the text outside the pattern does not require quo-
tation marks.

Duplicating Blocks

Another way you can add similar blocks to the database is by duplicating them. Like the Generate Wiz-
ard, you can duplicate multiple blocks. However, you cannot customize specific block fields; you can
only specify a new name for the duplicated blocks. As a result, the new blocks are identical to the ori-
ginal ones.

For example, suppose you have an Analog Input block monitoring the speed of a pump and want to mon-
itor five other pumps in a similar way. By duplicating the block, you can reproduce it and create the addi-
tional blocks you need.

Copying and Pasting Blocks

Database Manager lets you share block information among your process databases and third-party
applications by copying and pasting them to the clipboard. Copying and pasting blocks between two
databases is a quick way to create new ones. This works best when the database you want to create
contains blocks similar to existing blocks in other databases. By copying existing blocks, you save time

58 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 because you only need to change the information that differs between the original block and the new
copy.

Copying and pasting between Database Manager and a third-party application lets you quickly modify a
block from your text editor or spreadsheet. You can also create new blocks with your third-party applic-
ation and paste them into Database Manager. This feature can be helpful when you do not have access
to iFIX and you want to create new blocks for later inclusion into the process database.

When you copy blocks to the clipboard, Database Manager converts and saves them in comma sep-
arated value (CSV) format. Once saved on the clipboard, you can paste the blocks into any application
that supports CSV files.

Pasting blocks into Excel requires you to configure the program so that it converts and displays the data
correctly. You also need to configure Excel when you drag and drop data from Database Manager or
import a database saved in CSV format.

To configure Excel:

1. Paste your blocks into an Excel spreadsheet.

2. On the Data menu, click Text to Columns.
3. Select Delimited.
4. Click Next.
5. Select the Comma check box.
6. Click Finish.

Pasting CSV-based blocks into Database Manager converts and adds them to the process database in
memory. If the names of these blocks are already in use, Database Manager prompts you to replace the
existing blocks with the ones you are pasting. If you do not replace them, Database Manager generates
an error for each duplicate block. You can avoid creating these errors by loading a database that does
not contain the blocks you are pasting or by modifying the names of the blocks prior to pasting them into
Database Manager.

Database Manager also displays errors if you attempt to paste a block from Excel that is not in the cor-
rect format. The easiest way to ensure the block is in the correct format is to export a block of that type
from the process database or paste a block into Excel, modify it, and paste the modified block back into
Database Manager.

Moving Blocks

In addition to sharing blocks by copying and pasting them, you can cut and paste them. Cutting blocks
from the database is similar to copying them; the main difference is that cut blocks are physically moved
and placed on the clipboard, allowing you to move blocks to other databases.

Prior to removing blocks from their chains, Database Manager takes each chain off scan. Make sure you
place the chain on scan when you finish editing it. iFIX provides several ways to do this. For more inform-
ation about placing a block or chain on scan, refer to the section Placing Blocks On and Off Scan.

If you cut a block from the middle of the chain, Database Manager attempts to connect the two portions
of the chain, as the following figure shows.

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 59

 Removing a Block from a Chain

Modifying Blocks

You can modify any database block displayed in the spreadsheet. Typically, you need to modify a block:

l After you copy it into the database.

l If you discover an incorrect field value.
l Whenever your database needs change.
NOTE: While you can modify Analog Register and Digital Register blocks, we do not recommend that you
modify the current value of these blocks using Database Manager. To learn more about using Analog
Register and Digital Register blocks, refer to the section Working with Analog and Digital Blocks.

Displaying Block Information

Before you modify a block, you can determine the exact fields to change by displaying the block's con-
figuration dialog box. Unlike modifying a block, displaying a block's dialog box leaves the block and its
chain on scan.

60 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

Deleting Blocks

Whenever you find that specific blocks are no longer needed, you can delete them from the database.
Database Manager lets you delete blocks by selecting:

l The blocks you want to remove and cutting them without subsequently pasting them
l The Delete button from Database Manager's toolbar (Classic view)
l The Delete button from the Blocks group on the Home tab (Ribbon View).

The difference between these methods is the Delete button in Classic View or Delete in Ribbon view
removes the selected blocks completely and does not let you retrieve them if you change your mind. By
cutting blocks, you instruct Database Manager to save a copy on the clipboard allowing you to paste
them back into the database until the next copy or cut occurs.

Regardless of the method you choose to remove the blocks, Database Manager displays a message
box with the following text:
Following tag(s) selected for deletion from database

Click Cancel to retain the blocks and continue using Database Manager. If you click Delete All, Data-
base Manager deletes the blocks and takes the chains containing them off scan. Make sure you place
the chain on scan when you finish editing it. iFIX provides several ways to do this. For more information
about placing a block or chain on scan, refer to the section Placing Blocks On and Off Scan.

If the deleted block was in the middle of the chain, Database Manager attempts to connect the two por-
tions of the chain as the Removing a Block from a Chain figure shows.

Saving a Database

When you finish making changes to a database, you can save the database to disk. By saving the data-
base, you enable the SCADA server to reload the database in memory when you restart iFIX.

Make sure you have enough disk space available when saving your database to disk. If your SCADA
server does not have enough disk space, you may lose the changes you have just made. For example, if
you build a 3MB database, make sure you have 3MB of free disk space available.

Saving a Database from a Script or a Program Block

You can also save a database automatically using the RUNTASK command from a Program block or a
script. When you save a database using the Program block, use the following syntax:
RUNTASK DBBSAVE -Nnodename -Ddatabase

The -N command line parameter enables you to save a database on a remote SCADA server. The -D
command line parameter enables you to save a database to another PDB file name. Both command line
parameters are optional; if you do not use them, you save the current database on the local SCADA
server.

When you save a database from a VBA script, use routines similar to the following:

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 61

 Private Sub FixEvent1_OnTrue()
Dim save_pdb As String
Dim return_value As Double
Dim nodename As String
Dim database As String

nodename = "MIXER1"
database = "BACKUP"
save_pdb = System.ProjectPath + "\DBBSAVE" + " -N" + nodename + " -D" + database
return_value = Shell (save_pdb, 0)
End Sub

End SubRefer to the Database Manager online help system for more information about the RUNTASK
from the Program block. For information about the Shell function, refer to the iFIX Automation Interfaces
Help file.

Locating and Displaying Data

Using Database Manager, you can locate and display data in the spreadsheet. This chapter explains
how to accomplish these tasks. Refer to the following topics for detailed information:

l Finding Data in a Spreadsheet

l Replacing data
l Using Go To
l Updating and Pausing the Spreadsheet
l Customizing the Spreadsheet
l Saving and Loading Spreadsheet Layouts
l Overriding the Default Layout

Finding Data in a Spreadsheet

As you develop and test your process database, you may find it necessary to locate specific spread-
sheet values. For example, you may want to locate and adjust the scan times of your primary blocks.

With Database Manager, you can search in any spreadsheet column for text by selecting the column
head of the column you want to search in. You must also enter a search string. The string is the text you
want to locate in the selected column. You can enter up to 29 alphanumeric characters for the search
string.

Once you enter the text you want to locate, Database Manager locates the first occurrence of the string
in the selected column. To locate subsequent occurrences, you can repeat this process.

Find Options
You can toggle the case sensitivity of a search using the Match Case option. When this option is
enabled, Database Manager searches for the exact text and case you enter. The search string is not

62 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 case sensitive when you disable the option. For example, selecting the Tag Name column and entering
the search string:
AI

is the same as entering any of the following search strings:

l ai
l Ai
l aI

You can also find whole or partial words with the Match Whole Word Only option. Database Manager
treats the search string as a whole word when you enable the option. By disabling the option, you can
find the specified string inside other words. For example, if you search for the string "line" with the Match
Whole Word Only option disabled, Database Manager matches the following descriptions with the
search string:

l Alarms for Line 1

l Alkaline Pump
l Linear accelerator for proton chamber

Replacing Data

In addition to finding text, you can find and replace it. Finding and replacing text is similar to just finding
it. Both tasks require you to select the cell or column you want to search in and enter a search string.
However, when finding and replacing data, you can also enter a replacement string. This text is the data
with which you want to replace the search string.

Find Options
You can enter up to 29 alphanumeric characters for both the search and replacement strings. Both
strings also accept the Match Case and Match Whole Words Only options. However, while you can
toggle the case sensitivity of the search string with the Match Case option, the replacement string is
always case sensitive. This means that when replacing data, Database Manager inserts text exactly as
you enter it.

You also have the option to replace the text in the current selection (a cell or column) or the current
column. The Selection option button lets you replace text in the current selection. The Entire Column
option button lets you replace text in the entire column.

Using Go To

While working with your database, you may want to display the text in a specific row or column. When
the number of rows or columns is small, using the scroll bars to move through the spreadsheet is a quick
way to display the necessary information.

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 63

 However, as the spreadsheet grows, you may find scrolling through it slow and time-consuming. To
speed up locating information, you can jump to any row or column. You can also jump to any block in the
spreadsheet when do not know the block's row number by entering its name instead.

Updating and Pausing the Spreadsheet

You can configure Database Manager to automatically update the spreadsheet by enabling the Auto
Refresh option. This option periodically refreshes the values in the spreadsheet. You can enter refresh
rates between 5 and 3600 seconds.

By automatically updating the spreadsheet, you can troubleshoot your database by monitoring specific
blocks. Should you identify an error, you can correct it and immediately see your change's effect.

You can temporarily disable the automatic refresh option by pausing the spreadsheet. Pausing updates
instructs the Database Manager to stop updating the screen. It does not affect SAC or the scan status
of the blocks in the database.
NOTE: Database Manager automatically pauses updating the screen when you add, modify, delete, or gen-
erate blocks or when you print, reload, or import the database.

In addition to automatically refreshing the screen, you can manually update it whenever you want to
refresh the values in the spreadsheet. Manually updating the screen can be particularly helpful when you
automatically update the spreadsheet infrequently, and can be used in conjunction with the automatic
refresh option to update the screen more frequently than every 5 seconds.

Customizing the Spreadsheet

Database Manager lets you customize the spreadsheet by:

l Changing its colors.

l Defining a non-scrolling column.
l Defining a spreadsheet layout.

By completing these tasks, you can create a custom display for yourself and other database developers.

Coloring the Spreadsheet

Changing spreadsheet colors is like changing the colors of a window with the Display dialog box in the
Control Panel. First, you select the item whose color you want to change and then you select the color
for it.

You can change the color of the following spreadsheet properties:

64 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 l Cell text
l Spreadsheet grid
l Row and column head background and text

Creating a Non-Scrolling Column

As its name suggests, a non-scrolling column is one that does not move when you scroll left or right, as
the following figure shows.

Defining a Non-Scrolling Column

Using this feature, you can display related information without resizing or rearranging the spreadsheet
columns. For example, if you configure the Type column to stop scrolling, you can easily relate block val-
ues, names, and types, allowing you to identify the block containing the values in each column.

When you create a non-scrolling column, all columns to the left of it no longer scroll until you unlock
them.

Defining a Spreadsheet Layout

You can define a spreadsheet layout by selecting the:

l Columns you want to display.

l Order these columns appear in the spreadsheet.

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 65

 l Column headings.
l Columns' width.

The columns you can select correspond to common and block-specific fields. Columns corresponding to
common block fields appear with only the field name. For example, the following text appears for the
common field Current Value:
Curr Value

Columns corresponding to block-specific fields use the following naming convention:

typefieldname

The type is a two or three-character abbreviation for the block type and the fieldname is the name of the
block field. For example, suppose you see the following text:
AI Smooth

AI is the block abbreviation and identifies the field as an Analog Input specific field. The text Smooth
indicates the field name and corresponds to a block field (in this case the A_SMOTH field). The Block
Type Abbreviations table lists the abbreviations for each block.
NOTE: If you remove a column from the spreadsheet that Database Manager uses to sort data, the column is
also removed from the sort order.

Saving and Loading Spreadsheet Layouts

If you display database information in different ways, you may want to save your spreadsheet layouts to
a format file. Format files define the following information for each spreadsheet column:

l The column heading.

l The column width.
l The block field to which the column corresponds.

By saving spreadsheet layouts, you eliminate the need to recreate them. Database Manager saves your
spreadsheet layout in format files residing in the FIX Local path by default. These files have the exten-
sion .FMT.

Loading a format file is like creating a spreadsheet layout. It appears in the Properties dialog box, allow-
ing you to modify it as needed. In addition, when Database Manager opens the format file, the program
replaces the current set of spreadsheet columns with the ones listed in the format file. If a block does not
include a field that corresponds to one of the new columns, the text "----" appears in that cell.

Overriding the Default Layout

The first time you run Database Manager, it loads its preset default spreadsheet layout stored in the
format file, DEFAULT.FMT. The following table lists the preset default columns and the corresponding
fields that appear.

66 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Database Manager Default Layout
Default Column Corresponding Field
Tag Name A_TAG
Type A_NAME
Description A_DESC
Scan Time A_SCANT
I/O Dev A_IODV
I/O Addr A_IOAD
Curr Value A_CV

If you prefer a different default arrangement of the spreadsheet columns, you can override the preset
default layout with your own by saving the current settings. You can also restore the original layout as
the default by loading the format file and selecting Save Settings from the Tools menu.

Troubleshooting Tag Display

If the Database Manager displays tag values, but the fields for an open block appear empty in the block
display, try re-registering the Fixdb32egu.ocx, Fixdb32IOAddress.ocx, and Fixdb32Tagname.ocx files.
This should resolve the issue with the tag display. Use the steps below.

To resolve tag display problems:

1. Shut down the iFIX Database Manager.

2. Shut down the iFIX WorkSpace.
3. From the Start menu, click Run. The Run dialog box appears.
4. In the Open field, enter:
REGSVR32 -U "C:\Program Files (x86)\Proficy\iFIX\Fixdb32egu.ocx"

5. Click OK. A message should appear indicating that the "DllUnregisterserver" succeeded.
6. Click OK.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 to properly unregister these files:
l Fixdb32IOAddress.ocx
l Fixdb32Tagname.ocx (making the appropriate substitution for the file name)
8. From the Start menu, click Run. The Run dialog box appears.
9. In the Open field, enter:
REGSVR32 "C:\Program Files (x86)\Proficy\iFIX\Fixdb32egu.ocx"

10. Click OK. A message should appear indicating that the "DllRegisterserver" succeeded.
11. Click OK.
12. Repeat steps 8-11 to properly register these files:
l Fixdb32IOAddress.ocx
l Fixdb32Tagname.ocx (making the appropriate substitution for the file name)

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 67

 13. Restart the iFIX WorkSpace.
14. Start the iFIX Database Manager, open a tag, and confirm all of the proper tag information
appears.

Tag Displays Question Marks (???) for the Current Value Field

If one or more of the tags in the iFIX database file displays with question marks (???) in the current value
field:

l Confirm that the tag is On Scan

l Confirm that the tag has a Scan Time

If both of these conditions are true, the ???'s for the Current Value most likely occur due to an issue with
the PLC device communications. You will need to troubleshoot device. Refer to your device or the driver
documentation for details on how to troubleshoot.

68 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Querying and Sorting Data

One of the most powerful features that Database Manager provides is querying a database. A query is a
request to display specific information. For example, you might want to display all the Analog Input
blocks with a scan time of five seconds or less. Alternatively, you might want to display every block in
security area Packaging for a specific device driver. After you create a query, Database Manager
selects the blocks from the database that match the request and displays them, replacing any pre-
viously displayed blocks.

The following topics provide more detailed information about querying and sorting a database.

l Understanding Query Syntax

l Editing a Query
l Refining and Expanding a Query
l Saving and Loading a Query
l Overriding the Default Query
l Understanding Sort Orders
l Saving and Loading a Sort Order
l Changing the Default Sort Order

Understanding Query Syntax

Before you can create a query, you must know the information you want to retrieve from the database.
For example, you might want to display all the Analog Input blocks with a current value greater than 50.
Alternatively, you might want to display every block in alarm area Line5 for a specific I/O driver.

Once you know the information you want to display, you can construct the query using the following syn-
tax:
{column} operator "value"

or
"value" operator {column}

where column is a column heading you want to display, enclosed in curved brackets, operator is one of
the relational operators listed in the table Relational Operators, and value is a number or string enclosed
with quotation marks (" ").

Relational Operators
Operator Meaning
= Equal to
<= Less than or equal to
< Less than
!= Not equal to
>= Greater than or equal to
> Greater than

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 69

 Case Sensitivity
Strings entered in a query are not case sensitive. For example, a query such as:
{Tag Name} = "AI*"

retrieves blocks with names that start with AI. It also retrieves blocks with names that start with:

l Ai
l ai
l aI

When entering a number, the block's EGU range determines the maximum and minimum values you can
enter. The following table lists these limits. To learn more about the EGU range, refer to the section
Understanding EGU Limits.

Available EGU Limits

The format... Accepts EGU Limits From...
Standard Integer -32768 to 32767 (signed int)
0 to 65535 (unsigned int)
0 to 999 (3BCD)
0 to 4095 (12 Binary)
Expanded Decimal Notation -9999999 to 9999999
Scientific Notation +/-3.4E-38 to +/-3.4E+38

Each query you create is evaluated from left to right.

Using Boolean Operators

You can combine two or more queries using one of the boolean operators in the following table. Using
these operators you could build a query such as:
{Scan time} = "3" AND {Security Area 1} = "Packaging"

to display all the blocks in security area Packaging with a scan time of 3 seconds.

Boolean Operators
The operator... Instructs Database Manager to... Example
AND Select the block when both query A and query B are true. A AND B
OR Select the block if either query A or query B is true. A OR B
NOT Invert query. If query A is true, its value becomes false. NOT A
NOR Select the block when both query A and query B are false. A NOR B
XOR Select the block if query A and query B are not both true or both false. A XOR B
NAND Select the block when query A and query B are not both true. A NAND B

Using Wildcards in a Query

You can also include the following wildcards in queries containing the equal to (=) operator.

70 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 The wildcard... Represents...
Asterisk (*) One or more characters.
Question mark (?) Any single character.
Examples: Query Wildcards

The query... Retrieves...

{Type} = "*" Every block in the database.
{Tag Name} ="A*" Every block whose name that begins with an "A."
{Type} = "?I" All Analog Input and Digital Input blocks.

Other operators, such as the greater than (>) or less than (<) operators, treat wildcards literally.
Examples: Using Relational Operators

The query... Retrieves...

{Scan Time} No blocks, because the question mark is treated literally and "1M" through "9M"
> "?M" have a lesser ASCII value than "?M".
{Scan Time} All blocks with a scan time from 1 minute to 9 minutes.
= "?M"

Grouping Queries

You can group queries together using parenthesis. For example, consider the following query:
{Tag name} = "A*" AND ({Type} = "AI" OR {Type} = "AO")

Database Manager evaluates this query from left to right. Expressions enclosed in parenthesis are
treated as a unit. Consequently, as Database Manager evaluates the above query, it retrieves every
block that begins with an "A." From this list of blocks, the program then displays all the Analog Input or
Analog Output blocks.

Be careful where you place parenthesis in a query. The following query yields a very different spread-
sheet compared to the query given above.
({Tag name} = "A*" AND {Type} = "AI") OR {Type} = "AO"

This query displays every Analog Input block that begins with an "A" and every Analog Output block in
the database.

Editing a Query

After you create a query, it remains the current query until you change it. Using this feature, you can
append a new query to the existing one and re-query the database. For example, suppose you create the
following query:
{Type} ="AI" AND {Alarm Areas} ="Boston"

This query displays all the Analog Input blocks in the Boston alarm area. By appending the query:
AND {AI LOLO Alarm}<= "10"

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 71

 you can display only those Analog Input blocks in the alarm area which have a LOLO alarm value less
than or equal to ten.

To locate blank cells in the database:

1. In Classic view, on the View menu, click Properties.

-Or-
In Ribbon view, on the View tab, in the Settings group, click Properties.
2. Select the Query tab and enter the following query.
{TAG NAME} = "*" AND {column_name}=""

For example, to find blank cells in the Description column use the query:
{TAG NAME} = "*" AND {Description}=""

This query displays all the blocks in the database that have no text in their Description fields.

Refining and Expanding a Query

The number of blocks that Database Manager retrieves from a query depends on how broad your request
is. If the query is broad (for example, display all Analog Input blocks) the program retrieves more blocks
than if the query is narrow (for example, display all Analog Input blocks with a scan time of five seconds
and a name that begins with "Q"). You can adjust the number of blocks retrieved by refining or expanding
your query.

One way to refine a query is to start with a simple query and append other queries to it. For example, the
following query displays all the Analog Input blocks in the database.
{Type} = "AI"

Once Database Manager retrieves these blocks, you can refine the query by adding other queries to it.
For example, you could add the following query to display only the Analog Input blocks with a scan time
of two seconds:
AND {Scan Time} = "2"

Similarly, you could increase the number of blocks in the spreadsheet by displaying all the Analog Input
blocks and then, to the original query, add all Analog Output blocks in the database with the following
query:
OR {Type} = "AO"

Saving and Loading a Query

If you find yourself frequently entering and re-entering the same query, you may want to save it to a file.
By saving a query, you cut down on frequent retyping and eliminate the possibility of mistyping the
query. Database Manager saves your queries in separate files. These files reside in the FIX Local path
by default and have the extension .QRY.

72 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Loading a query is like entering one. It appears in the Enter Query field, allowing you to refine or expand
the query as needed. In addition, when Database Manager opens the query file, the program retrieves
the blocks that match the specified criteria.

Overriding the Default Query

By default, Database Manager loads the query file DEFAULT.QRY when you initially start the program.
This query retrieves every block from the database. If you routinely request certain information from the
database, you may want to override the current default query by saving the current settings. You can
also restore the original query, DEFAULT.QRY, as the default, by loading the query file and selecting
Save Settings from the Tools menu.

Understanding Sort Orders

Database Manager automatically sorts all the blocks in the spreadsheet whenever you query or open a
database. The blocks are sorted according to the current sort order. A sort order defines:

l The columns to sort on.

l The column to sort first, the column to sort second, and so on.
l How to sort each column, either in ascending or descending order.

How Sort Orders Work

Database Manager sorts the spreadsheet, by:

1. Identifying which columns to sort.

2. Sorting the first column in ascending or descending order.
3. Repeating the previous step for the remaining columns in the sort order.

When sorting by ascending or descending order, Database Manager sorts:

l Special characters (such as marks of punctuation) by ASCII value.

l Numbers by numeric value.
l Letters in alphabetical order.

For example, suppose you want to sort the spreadsheet by the Type and Scan Time columns in ascend-
ing order. Once you select these columns:

l Database Manager sorts the spreadsheet by the Type column alphabetically (ascending order).
l Next, the program sorts the Scan Time column in numeric order.

Saving and Loading a Sort Order

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 73

 If you sort your database in different ways, you may want to save each sort order to a file. By saving
your sort orders, you eliminate the need to recreate it. Database Manager saves each sort order in a sep-
arate file. These files reside in the FIX Local path by default and have the extension .SRT.

Loading a sort order is like entering one. It appears in the Properties dialog box, allowing you to modify it
as needed. In addition, when Database Manager opens the sort order file, the program re-sorts the
spreadsheet.

Before loading a sort order, verify that the columns Database Manager sorts on appear in the spread-
sheet. If the columns do not appear, add them. For more information about adding columns to the spread-
sheet, refer to the chapter Locating and Displaying Data.
NOTE: Because the Tag Name column only contains unique data, Database Manager never needs to sort
beyond this column. For this reason, when you save or load a sort order containing the Tag Name column,
Database Manager ignores any column that follows. Ignored columns are not saved or loaded.

Changing the Default Sort Order

By default, Database Manager loads the sort order DEFAULT.SRT when you initially start the program.
This sort order arranges the blocks in the spreadsheet by block type and then by block name. If you
prefer a different sort order, you can override the default by saving the current settings. You can also
restore the original sort order, DEFAULT.SRT, as the default, by loading the sort order file and selecting
Save Settings from the Tools menu.

Managing Databases

Database Manager lets you manage your process databases in many different ways. For example, you
can verify them to ensure they do not contain any errors. You can also reload, import, and export your
databases as needed. This chapter describes all these management tools.

l Verifying Databases
l Reloading Databases
l Displaying a Database Summary
l Exporting Databases
l Importing Databases

Verifying Databases

You can ensure a process database contains no configuration errors by verifying it. Verifying a database
also ensures that iFIX can process each block and that the database functions as you intend.

While verifying a process database, Database Manager ensures that each block:

74 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 l Is in only one chain.
l Is linked to an appropriate block (for example, a Statistical Control block can be preceded only by
a Statistical Data block).
l Is used in the correct context (for example, as a stand-alone, a primary, or a secondary block).
l Does not reference non-existent blocks.

If Database Manager detects no errors, it displays a message box to inform you. However, if it encoun-
ters errors, the Verify Database dialog box appears. This dialog box lists each error and the block that
contains it. The following table lists the possible verification errors and how to resolve them.

Resolving Verification Messages

When you see It means... To correct this configuration...
the message...
tagname a:tag- The block, tagname b, has more than Remove one or more links to tagname b.
name b Tag is in one upstream block linked to it. Tag-
more than one name a identifies one of these blocks.
chain
tagname:Tag is You may have a secondary block that Remove the secondary block or add a
not in any chain is not in any chain or is the first block in primary block to the start of the chain.
a chain.
tagname: Block The block, tagname, chains to a block Create a block with the name specified in
not found for that does not exist. the Next field or enter the name of a block
NEXT that exists.
tagname:Chains The block, tagname, contains its own Change the name in the Next field or leave
to itself name in its Next field. it blank. If you want to repeatedly perform
a task, use a Program block instead.
tagname: is not The block, tagname, does not exist Create the block or change the reference
defined and another block references it. to a block that exists.
fieldname No The field, fieldname, does not exist Change the reference to a field that exists.
such field in FDT and it is referenced by a block in the
database.
Exceeding MAX The database contains a chain with Redesign this chain by breaking it into two
chain size of 30 more than 30 blocks. smaller chains or remove any unne-
cessary blocks.
Correcting Errors
You can correct any error by double-clicking it to display the associated block configuration dialog box.

To correct errors:

1. Edit the block to correct the problem.

2. Save the block.
3. Re-verify the database.

Reloading Databases

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 75

 Even though you can create multiple databases for a SCADA server, Database Manager can load and
display only one of them at a time. You can load any database residing on the current SCADA server by
selecting Reload from the Database menu. Reloading a database lets you:

l Switch from one database to another.

l Restore the database to its saved configuration.
l Load a database after completing and saving modifications.
l Place on scan the chains configured to begin processing when SAC starts.

Using the SCU, you can select the default database to load on start-up. When you load another data-
base, it remains in memory until you restart iFIX. Refer to the Setting up the Environment manual for
more information about specifying the database to load on start-up.

Reloading a Database from a Visual Basic Script

If you want operators to reload the database from the iFIX WorkSpace, you can create a script to reload
the database using a routine similar to the following:
Private Sub FixEvent1_OnTrue()
Dim load_pdb As String
Dim return_value As Double
Dim nodename As String
Dim database As String

nodename = "MIXER1"
database = "BACKUP"
load_pdb = System.ProjectPath + "\DBBLOAD" + " -N" + nodename + " -D" + database
return_value = Shell (load_pdb, 0)
End Sub

The -N command line parameter enables you to reload a database on a remote SCADA server. The -D
command line parameter enables you to reload a database other than the currently loaded one. Both
command line parameters are optional; if you do not use them, you reload the open database on the local
SCADA server.

For information about using the Shell function from a script, see the Visual Basic help system.
CAUTION: The DBBLOAD system task does not prompt you to save changes to the database. Be sure you
save your database before executing a script that reloads the database. Otherwise, you will lose all your
changes.

Displaying a Database Summary

Database Manager lets you display a summary of the current database. This summary lists the data-
base's:

l Size in bytes.
l Serial number.

76 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 l Contents.
l I/O count.

Using this information can help you manage your databases. For example, knowing the database's
serial number can help you determine if someone modified your database since its last save. The serial
number is a unique code that Database Manager creates whenever you add or delete a block. By writing
down the serial number after you modify the database, you can subsequently compare the current num-
ber to the previous one.

High-level documentation about the database can also help you manage your databases. You can
provide this level of information by displaying the database's contents. The contents lists by block type
the number of blocks used and allocated. A used block is one you have configured. An allocated block is
a placeholder in memory. To make efficient use of memory and improve performance, all SCADA serv-
ers pre-allocate 10 blocks at a time when you initially create a block of a specific type, as the following
figure shows.

Allocating Memory for Database Blocks

As an option, you can restrict your process database to a specific number of I/O blocks (intended for
small applications that do not require many I/O points). In this environment, the I/O count lets you
determine how many I/O blocks are in use.

Exporting Databases

You can export the current process database to a comma separated value (CSV) or GDB text file. Typ-
ically, you export a database when you want to:

l Complete large editing tasks using a text editor or spreadsheet,

l Change the alarm area database used by the process database; or
l Import it into a relational database for subsequent analysis.

For example, you could export your process database in CSV format and import the data into Microsoft
Excel. By importing the file into Excel, you can:

l Automatically number or enter block values.

l Format values with Excel styles.
l Calculate a value with a spreadsheet formula.
l Automate the creation and modification of blocks by creating and running macros.

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 77

 NOTE: If you export the iFIX Database into CSV format and open the CSV file in Microsoft Excel, you may
notice that some Numeric fields containing decimals display without the decimal in Excel. For example,
100.01 displays as 100.01, however 100.00 displays as 100 in Excel. In order to display the entire number
including the decimal (for instance: 100.00), update the cell format to a Numeric format.

For more information using these features, refer to your Excel documentation.

Database Manager exports all the blocks displayed in the spreadsheet. As a result, you can query the
database to display only the blocks you want to export. For example, to export all the Analog Input
blocks in the database, use the query:
{TYPE} = "AI"

For more information about querying the database, refer to the section Understanding Query Syntax.

Exporting a Database from the Command Line

You can export a database from the command line using the DBExporter.exe command. This command
is used independently of the Database Manager.

The DBExporter.exe command allows you to export all tags currently loaded on local or remote node to a
comma separated value (CSV) or GDB text file. When no command parameters are specified, DBEx-
porter.exe exports tags on local node to PDB name.csv to local PDB path. Typically, this path is: C:\Pro-
gram Files (x86)\Proficy\iFIX\PDB.

Syntax
DBExporter.exe [/NNodeName] [/OOutputFileName>] [/F] [/R]

Parameters

The following table lists the command line parameters available for the DBExporter.exe exporter tool.

Parameter Description
/NNodeName Optionally, specify the remote SCADA node name that you want to to
export the database from. Replace NodeName with the actual node name.
/OOut- Optionally, specify the output file name with full path or no path. If no path is
putFileName specified, output file is created in local PDB path. Typically, this path is:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Proficy\iFIX\PDB. The file name portion requires the
file extension: .csv or .gdb.

Replace OutputFileName with the actual output file name. For example:
MyFile.csv.
/F Optionally, allows you to run a fast export. The export runs as fast as pos-
sible, maximizing CPU usage up to 100%.
/R Optionally, allows you to skip header information (that includes the node
name, database name, file name, and date and time of the export), in the out-
put file.

Error Codes

The following table describes the error codes and descriptions DBExporter.exe exporter tool.

78 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Code Result
0 Successfully exported.
1 General Failure. iFIX is not running; unable to load DatabaseManagerRes.dll, an so on.
2 Invalid commands.
3 Invalid node.
4 Invalid file name.
5 Invalid file extension.
6 Unable to open Export.err file used for recording error details.
7 Empty database.
8 Invalid output file.
9 Exporting failure. The export file had an open or write error, EDA call failure, or other
similar type error during the export process.

Editing the Export File

Once you export the database, you can edit it with any text editor. As you edit the export file, use the fol-
lowing guidelines:

l Verify that each block name is 256 characters or less.

l Ensure each block field is spelled correctly.
l Confirm the block type matches one of the types listed in the Block Type Abbreviations table.

You can also enter comments into the export file by typing an exclamation point (!) as the first character
on a line.

CSV File Format

For more intricate editing of the export file, you need to understand the file format. For example, an
export file saved in CSV format lists each row of the spreadsheet as one row in the CSV file. Each
block's fields appear delimited by commas. The first two fields of each block are:
A_NAME, A_TAG

You only need to enter values for these two fields when creating new blocks. If no additional field values
are present, Database Manager creates the block using the default block values. However, by adding
these optional values to a block entry, you can complete specific dialog box fields when the block is
imported. For example, the following line creates an Analog Input block with a scan time of 1 minute:

AI, AI2, , , , 1M

GDB File Format

The format of the GDB file is different. It uses the syntax:

label :: field_value ; fieldname

The first two lines of each block entry are required and contain the block type and block name. Without
these lines, Database Manager will not add the block to the database when you subsequently import it.

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 79

 Subsequent lines in a block entry appear for each field on the block's configuration dialog box. Including
these additional lines is optional. If no additional lines are present, Database Manager creates the block
using the default block values. However, by adding these optional lines to a block entry, you can com-
plete specific dialog box fields when the block is imported. For example, to set the scan time of the block
AI1 to 5 seconds, the export file should contain the following information:
Block Type:: AI ;A_NAME
Tag Name :: AI1 ;A_TAG

Scan Time :: 5 ; A_SCANT

Block Type Abbreviations

Block Type Abbreviation
Analog Alarm AA
Analog Input AI
Analog Output AO
Analog Register AR
Boolean BL
Calculation CA
Dead Time DT
Device Control DC
Digital Alarm DA
Digital Input DI
Digital Output DO
Digital Register DR
Event Action EV
Extended Trend ETR
Fanout FN
Histogram HS
Lead Lag LL
Multistate Digital Input MDI
On-Off Control BB
Pareto PA
PID PID
Program PG
Ramp RM
Ratio/Bias RB
Signal Select SS
SQL Data SQD
SQL Trigger SQT
Statistical Control SC
Statistical Data SD
Text TX
Timer TM
Totalizer TT
Trend TR

Importing Databases

80 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Using Database Manager, you can import any database into memory. Importing a database merges it
with the database currently in memory.
NOTE: Before you import a database, stop any I/O drivers, OPC servers, or OPC UA server you may have run-
ning.
IMPORTANT: The iFIX Database Manager uses ANSI encoding. Configuration Hub supports only UTF-8
encoded files. Prior to importing files that were exported from Configuration Hub into the Database Manager,
ensure that the CSV file is in ANSI encoding. To do so, open the CSV file in the Windows Notepad editor and
perform a SAVE AS with ANSI encoding selected, and then save the file as a CSV. Likewise, if you want to
import a file from the iFIX Database Manager into Configuration Hub, save the file with UTF-8 encoding
before importing the file into Configuration Hub.

Typically, you import a database when you want to:

l Change the scanning order of the blocks in the database.

l Combine two databases.

To change the scanning order of a database's blocks:

1. Export a database. For more information about exporting a database, refer to the section Export-
ing Databases.
2. Change the order in which the blocks are listed in the export file. For more information on a data-
base's scanning order, refer to the section Changing a Database's Scanning Order.
3. In Classic view, on Database Manager's toolbar, click the New button.
-Or-
In Ribbon view, click the Database Manager button, and then click New.
4. Import the edited export file.

This process ensures that only the original database resides in memory when Database Manager
imports your database.

To combine two process databases:

1. Export each database.

2. Examine each export file. Verify that each block in each database has a unique name. If two
blocks have the same name, change one. Remember to also change the text in the Next field of
the previous block so that the chain remains intact.
3. Into an empty database, import one of the databases you want to merge.
4. Import the other database.

Import errors encountered by Database Manager are stored in the file IMPORT.ERR. This file resides in
the Database path.

Customizing the Import in the databasemanger.ini

Using the databasemanger.ini file you can customize the import by setting the block allocation size used
on import. This value controls the number of incremental block memory allocated during import. The
BlockAllocationSize defaults to 1000. The range is between 10-5000. Be aware that a small value
causes many more reallocations of memory and can be a performance limiter during large imports.
[Options]

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 81

 SaveDisplaySettingsOnExit=1
SaveDatabaseOnExit=0
MruListPresent=1
MruListSize=4
PrintInBackGround=0
EnableSprAutoRefresh=0
SpreadsheetRefreshPeriod=
DispSprRowNumbers=1
AutoBlockOnScanPostEdit=0
ModifyBlocksOnMouseDoubleClick=1
Ribbon=1
StatusBar=1
ToolBar=1
BlockAllocationSize=1000

Advanced Topics

After you put a database into production, you may find that SAC scans certain blocks in an order you did
not intend. This chapter explains how you can fine-tune your database and change the scanning order.

This chapter also describes how to customize Database Manager's toolbar and Tools menu. Cus-
tomizing the toolbar lets you select only the toolbar buttons you require. Customizing the Tools menu
lets you add menu items that launch other applications from Database Manager. Refer to sections Cus-
tomizing the Toolbar and Customizing the Tools Menu for more information on these features.

Changing a Database's Scanning Order

You can control the precise order you want SAC to scan your blocks and chains by adjusting the data-
base's scanning order, called the order of solve. Typically, you only need to adjust the order of solve
when the value of one block depends on the value of another. For example, suppose you are calculating
a value from three Analog Input blocks as the following figure shows.

Sample Calculation Chain

Also assume that by default SAC scans AI1 first, AI2 second, and AI3 third. Because SAC scans AI1
first, it processes the entire chain, computing the value of the Calculation block, before it scans AI2 and
AI3. If either of these values change during the current scan cycle, the Calculation does not receive
them until AI1 is processed again.

82 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 Changing the scanning order addresses this potential problem. By scanning AI1 last, you ensure SAC
has updated values for both AI2 and AI3 prior to computing the value of the Calculation block.

You can also phase the blocks so that SAC scans AI1 last. To learn more about phasing, refer to the
Phasing section.

Understanding a Database's Scanning Order

On each scan cycle:

1. Regardless of their order in the database, SAC processes blocks that output a value to an I/O
device (using a Cold Start value). SAC does not examine these values for alarm conditions.
2. SAC updates all primary blocks according to the scan time and phase. Blocks with the same
scan time and phase update in the following order.
a. Analog Input blocks
b. Analog Output blocks
c. Digital Input blocks
d. Digital Output blocks
e. Ramp blocks
f. Multistate Digital Input blocks
g. Statistical Data blocks
h. Boolean blocks
i. Device Control blocks
j. Analog Alarm blocks
k. Digital Alarm blocks
l. Pareto blocks
m. Text blocks
n. Program blocks
NOTE: Analog Register and Digital Register blocks do not require SAC processing. Instead, iFIX pro-
cesses them only when an operator opens a picture containing a link to either block or when a script
that references either block runs. When either event happens, iFIX processes the blocks before the
Ramp block.
3. When SAC scans a primary block, it:
a. Processes that block's entire chain.
b. Scans the next primary block.
4. SAC scans primary blocks of the same type, scan time, and phase in the order these blocks
occur in the database, as the following example shows.

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 83

 Example: Understanding a Database's Scanning Order

Suppose you create the five identical Analog Input blocks, shown in the following figure. SAC scans
these blocks in the order shown.

Blocks Assigned to a Scan Sequence

Now, assume you delete the third Analog Input block because you no longer need it. This creates an
empty space in the database, as the following figure shows. SAC now scans the blocks as shown.

Blocks Deleted from a Scan Sequence

You subsequently discover you need to add two new Analog Input blocks, AI6 and AI3. The first new
block, AI6, fills in the space left by deleting a block. The second new block, AI3, is added after AI5. SAC
now scans the blocks in the order shown by the following figure.

Blocks Added to a Scan Sequence

Changing the Order of Solve

You can change the order of solve by exporting the database and editing the export file. Database Man-
ager exports primary blocks in the order SAC scans all primary blocks. This results in all Analog Input
blocks appearing first in the export file, followed by all Analog Output blocks, and so on. Once the
primary block types are exported, Database Manager exports the secondary blocks.

For example, using the blocks in the Sample Calculation Chain figure, you can ensure SAC scans AI1
after AI2 and AI3 as follows:

1. Export the database.

2. Locate AI2's and AI3's entries in the export file.
3. Move both entries to the start of the file.
4. Save the export file and import it into an empty database.

84 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 For more information about completing these tasks, refer to the sections Exporting Databases and
Importing Databases.

Customizing the Toolbar

As an option, Database Manager lets you customize its toolbar by arranging and removing the toolbar
buttons. Customizing the toolbar lets you display the buttons to frequently-used functions. For example,
while developing a database you might display the buttons that let you add, modify, and delete blocks.
However, when the database is complete, you might want to remove these buttons from the toolbar.

Once you remove a button, you can always add it back to the toolbar. Adding custom buttons is not sup-
ported. By default, the toolbar comes pre-configured with all the available buttons added for you.
NOTE: This feature is not available in Ribbon view.

Customizing the Tools Menu

Depending on your needs, you may want to start other applications after launching Database Manager.
For example, if you routinely drag blocks to an Excel spreadsheet for modification, you may want to start
Excel after Database Manager opens.

By customizing Database Manager's Tools menu, you can add menu items that launch any iFIX or third-
party application. You can also arrange and delete these menu items as needed.

Adding a menu item requires you to enter:

l An application's path and name.

l The text that appears in the Tools menu.
l The arguments (command line parameters) you want to use when the application runs. As an
option, you can configure Database Manager to prompt you for arguments when the specified
application runs.

Once you specify this information, Database Manager creates the menu item and saves it as part of its
default configuration. You can subsequently select the menu item to launch the associated application.

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 85

86 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.
 Index blocks

adding 55

adding multiple 56
A
adding to Database Manager 3
adding
allocating memory 77
blocks to the process database 55
batch 26
multiple blocks to the process database 56
configuring 3
alarm area database 7
control 25
setting up on each server 6
copying 8
alarms 5
copying and pasting 58
described 5
Database Dynamos 27
allocated blocks 76
deleting 61
archiving 5
described 3
Auto Refresh option 64
displaying information 60
database spreadsheet 64
duplicating 58
automatic mode 38
exception-based processing 32
described 37
function 3
function by block type 37
how processed by SAC 4

importing 8
B
in the database spreadsheet 7
batch blocks 26
matching process steps to block types 15
block fields 29
modifying 60
block name 29
moving 59
described 29
off scan 40
formats 29
on scan 40
locating 30
one shot processing 34
naming convention 29
optional 22
block modes 37
pasting into Excel 58
described 37
pattern type syntax 56
function by block type 37
phasing 34
block types 79
planning your automation strategy 21
abbreviations 79

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 87

 primary 22 columns 65

reaction to on/off scan changes 40 adding in a spreadsheet 65

saving 61 creating a non-scrolling 65

scan order 82 modifying in a spreadsheet 65

scan times 30 removing from a spreadsheet 65

scan times for large databases 21 configuration errors 74

secondary 22 checking the database for 74

sort order in database spreadsheet 73 resolving 75

SQL 26 configuring blocks 3

Statistical Process Control (SPC) 26 control blocks 25

summary 27 copying and pasting blocks in the process data-

base 1
time-based processing 31
creating 9
types and descriptions 22
process database 9
boolean operators in queries 70
CSV 77
building large databases 21
block data format conversion 8
C Editing an export file 79

chains 15 exporting process database to 77

adjusting the design 17 customizing 64

described 3 Database Manager toolbars 85

designing 12 Database Manager Tools menu 85

drawing a flowchart 17 database spreadsheet 64

how processed by SAC 4

D
maximum size 3
database
scanning order 82
changing the scanning order 83
understanding the design 20
designing 11
writing an automation algorithm 15
displaying a summary 76
closing the process database 55
editing an export file 79
collecting process information 10
exporting 77
color 64
importing 80
changing in a database spreadsheet 64
order of solve 84

88 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 reloading 75 sort orders 73

reloading from a Visual Batch script 76 starting 7

verifying 74 toolbar 9

Database Dynamos 27 understanding chain designs 20

function 27 updating a spreadsheet 64

toolkit 27 using Go To in a spreadsheet 63

Database Manager 15 working with analog and digital blocks 21

adding blocks 3 writing an automation algorithm 15

adjusting the chain design 17 database spreadsheet 7

block types 22 coloring 64

building large databases 21 commands 8

configuring blocks 3 creating a non-scrolling column 65

customizing a spreadsheet 64 customizing 64

customizing the Tools menu 85 defining the layout 65

described 1 editing 8

designing a chain 12 loading layouts 66

designing an automation strategy 14 overriding the default layouts 66

displaying a database summary 76 pausing 64

drawing a flowchart for the chain 17 properties 8

exiting 7 replacing data 63

gathering process information 10 restoring the default layouts 66

matching process steps to block types 15 saving layouts 66

pausing a spreadsheet 64 searching 62

queries 68 updating 64

replacing data in a spreadsheet 63 using Go To 63

right mouse menu 8 using in Database Manager 7

saving databases from a script or Program DBExporter.exe command 78

block 61
deleting blocks from the process database 60
saving large databases 21
designing 11
saving spreadsheet layouts 66
chains 12
searching a spreadsheet 62
process database 11
setting preferences 9

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 89

 displaying Statistical Data block considerations 32

any row in a spreadsheet 63 understanding 32

block information from the process export file

database 60
editing 79
blocks in a database spreadsheet 63
exporting process data to 77
columns in a database spreadsheet 63
exporting a process database 77
database summary 76

rows in a database spreadsheet 63 F

duplicating blocks in the process database 58 field formats 29

freezing columns in a spreadsheet 65

E

editing 8 G

EGU limit 53 GDB 77

precision and range 53 editing an export file 79

errors exporting process database to 77

correcting verification 74 Generate Wizard 56

example 6 adding blocks 55

Enviro company overview 6 adding multiple blocks 56

Excel 59 automatic block name assignment 56

converting block data 8 customizing block fields 56

pasting blocks into 59 entering patterns 56

exception-based processing 32 Go To 63

Analog Alarm block considerations 32 using in a spreadsheet 63

Boolean block considerations 32

H
Calculation block considerations 32
historical trends 5
Dead Time block considerations 32
function 5
Digital Alarm block considerations 32

Event Action block considerations 32 I

Lead Lag considerations 32
I/O data 4
PID considerations 32
and the database 3
Program block considerations 32
how processed by SAC 4
Signal Select block considerations 32

90 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 I/O drivers moving blocks to the process database 59

defining an OPC server 52

N
described 41
non-scrolling column 65
OPC Client driver 43
creating in a spreadsheet 65
signal conditioning 52

SIM driver 44 O
SM2 driver 46
objects 27
iFIX 7
Database Dynamo 27
installing 6
off scan blocks 40
importing a process database 80
on scan blocks 40
importing blocks 8
one shot processing 34

OPC Client driver 43

L
OPC server 52
layout 65
opening the process database 55
defining in a database spreadsheet 65
optional blocks 22
loadable blocks (see Database Dynamos) 27
list 22
loading 66
order of solve 84
queries 72
overphasing blocks 36
spreadsheet layouts 66
overriding 66
locking columns in a spreadsheet 65
default query 73
M default spreadsheet layout 66

manual mode 38
P
described 37
pasting blocks into Excel 59
function by block type 37
pattern types 57
memory 21
syntax 57
allocating for blocks 76
pausing a spreadsheet 64
building large databases 21
PAUT mode 39
saving databases from a script or Program
block 61 function 39

saving large databases 21 understanding 39

modifying blocks in the process database 60

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 91

 phasing 34 changing the scanning order 83

assigning 36 closing 55

second and subsecond blocks 36 copying and pasting blocks 58

what it does 34 creating 9

planning 10 customizing a spreadsheet 64

block scan times 21 deleting blocks 61

designing the process database 10 described 1

gathering process information 10 describing 13

PMAN mode 39 designing 11

function 39 designing a chain 12

precision designing an automation strategy 14

EGU limits 53 displaying a summary 76

preferences 9 displaying block information 60

Database Manager 9 drawing a flowchart for the chain 17

primary blocks duplicating blocks 58

described 22 editing an export file 79

function 24 example 6

scan times 30 exporting 77

standard 24 functions 2

summary 27 gathering process information 10

process analyzing 14 importing 80

process data matching process steps to block types 15

archiving 5 modifying blocks 60

trending 5 moving blocks 59

process database opening 55

adding blocks 55 order of solve 84

adding multiple blocks 56 overriding the default spreadsheet layout 66

adjusting the chain design 17 pausing a spreadsheet 64

basic operations 54 reloading 75

before you begin creating 6 reloading from a Visual Batch script 76

building large databases 21 replacing data in a spreadsheet 63

92 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 restoring the default spreadsheet layout 66 saving 72

sample application 11 syntax 69

saving blocks 61 wildcard examples 70

saving databases from a script or Program wildcards 70

block 61

saving large databases 21 R

saving spreadsheet layouts 66 range

searching a spreadsheet 62 EGU limits 53

understanding chain designs 20 refreshing the screen 64

updating a spreadsheet 64 database spreadsheet 64

using 5 relational database 6

using Go to in a spreadsheet 63 functions 5

using the database spreadsheet 7 reloading 75

verifying 74 database from a Visual Basic script 76

working with analog and digital blocks 21 process database 75

writing an automation algorithm 15 replacing data in a database spreadsheet 63

processing large databases 21 restoring 73

default spreadsheet layout 66

Q
preset default query 73
queries 70
right mouse menu 8
appending 71

boolean operators 70 S

described 68 SAC 31

editing 71 block phasing 34

expanding 72 changing the database scanning order 82

grouping 71 exception-based processing 32

loading 72 function 4

overriding the default 73 one shot processing 34

refining 72 processing I/O data 4

relational operator examples 70 time-based processing 31

relational operators 69 saving 66

restoring the preset default 73 blocks to the process database 61

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 93

 databases from a script or Program block 61 SIM driver 44

queries 72 analog values 44

spreadsheet layouts 66 described 43

SCADA servers 5 digital values 44

establishing a connection from Database generating random values 45

Manager 55
signal generation registers 45
loading process database from 75
using 43
monitoring and reporting functions 5
slot numbers 29
trending and display capabilities 5
SM2 driver 47
scan time
C API 47
block reaction to on/off scan changes 40
generating bad data 47
described 30
sort order 73
examples 31
adding a column 73
exception-based 32
arranging columns 73
one shot 34
changing the default 74
time-based 31
described 73
scanning order
loading 73
changing in the database 82
removing a column 73
described 83
saving 73
Scheduler 5
sorting
adjusting database values using 5
columns in database spreadsheet 73
functions 5
disabling in database spreadsheet 73
SCU 7
SQL blocks 26
configuring each server 6
standard blocks 27
searching a database spreadsheet 62
summary 27
secondary blocks
Statistical Process Control (SPC) blocks 26
described 22
syntax 69
function 24
database query 69
standard 25

summary 27 T

sharing blocks among process databases 58 time-based processing 31

signal conditioning 52 assigning a scan time 31

94 © 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.

 examples 31 using to provide visual cues for alarms 5

understanding 31 writing an automation algorithm 15

toolbar 9

customizing Database Manager 85

Database Manager 9

Toolkit 27

Database Dynamo 27

Tools menu 85

customizing in Database Manager 85

trending 5

historical values 5

unfreezing columns in a spreadsheet 65

unlocking columns in a spreadsheet 65

updating a spreadsheet 64

used blocks 76

using the process database 5

VBA 76

adjusting database values using 5

functions 5

reloading a database from a script 76

verification messages 75

list 75

resolving 75

verifying a process database 74

WorkSpace 5

reloading a database from 76

© 2024 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. 95