Nexto XF – #07 Linking Names to XF I/Os

The objective of this tutorial is to explain how to link names to the integrated variables of the Nexto XF.

Components

Equipment: 1 computer/notebook.

Software: MasterTool X

Tutorial Sections

1. ARCHITECTURE
2. DEVELOPMENT

1. ARCHITECTURE

A computer/notebook will be required to use MasterTool X.

Figure 1. Computer running MasterTool X

2. DEVELOPMENT

To facilitate reading, maintenance, and understanding of the program, it is possible to link symbolic names to the integrated input and output channels of the PLC, both digital and analog.

• Accessing the project CPU

1. In the project tree, located on the left side of the screen, locate the CPU icon.
2. Double-click on the CPU icon to access its settings.
3. On the screen that opens, locate the Integrated I/O Mapping field.

Figure 2. Menu for mapping integrated PLC variables

Viewing integrated inputs and outputs

Within Integrated I/O Mapping, the areas corresponding to:

• Digital I/O
• Analog I/O

By expanding these menus, the user will see the segmentation of inputs and outputs, separated into:

• Digital inputs
• Digital outputs
• Analog inputs
• Analog outputs

Each of these areas can be expanded individually, allowing you to view the channels point by point, that is, each physical address available in the PLC.

Figure 3. Detailed Mapping of integrated variables

• Assigning a name to the channel (Mapping)

After expanding the menus to the desired level:

1. Locate the channel (point) you want to use.
2. In the Mapping column, type a symbolic name for this address.

Important:

The name assigned in the Mapping field must follow specific rules. When mapping, it's as if the user is creating a variable and assigning it directly to a physical address in the PLC. Therefore, the name must follow the software's variable naming rules and clearly represent the function of that channel.

When creating variable names, do not use spaces, periods, or special characters. Use only letters, numbers, and underscores (_), always starting the name with a letter.

This is necessary because the variable name is treated by the software as a logical identifier, and the use of invalid characters can generate compilation errors.

After mapping, this name can be used directly in the Ladder logic, replacing the direct use of physical addresses.

Figure 4. Assigning names to the PLC's integrated variables

• Adding a description (comment)

In addition to mapping, the user can document the channel:

1. In the Description column, enter a descriptive comment about the function of that point.
2. This field can be used to indicate, for example:
   • The connected device
   • The function of the input or output
   • Useful information for maintenance

This description does not interfere with the logic, but significantly improves the organization and understanding of the project. Additionally, you can use spaces, periods, or special characters.

Figure 5. Assigning comments to the integrated PLC variables

After mapping the channels, the user can link these names directly to the logic objects, such as contacts and coils.

It is important to remember that MasterTool IEC XE is not case-sensitive, meaning the software does not differentiate between uppercase and lowercase letters. Even so, it is recommended to maintain a consistent writing style to facilitate reading the program.

Figure 6. Assigning variables to the application's logic objects
 

To enable the display of variable comments in the Ladder logic, follow the steps below:
1. Access the Tools menu.

2. Click on Options.

3. Select FBD, LD, and IL Editors.

4. On the General tab, check the "Show symbol comment" option.

5. Click OK.

Figures 7 and 8. Enabling the visibility of logic comments

After this configuration, the comment (Description) associated with the variable will be displayed directly in the logic, facilitating the understanding and maintenance of the program.

Figure 8. Logic with comment visibility enabled