Nexto XF #54 – Using the BLINK Functional Block

The purpose of this tutorial is to explain how to insert and use the BLINK functional block in a MasterTool X project.

Components

Equipment: 1 computer/laptop.

Software:  MasterTool X

Tutorial Sections

1. ARCHITECTURE
2. DEVELOPMENT

1. ARCHITECTURE

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

Figure 1. Computer running MasterTool X

2. DEVELOPMENT

The BLINK block is used to generate a pulsating signal, automatically alternating between on and off at defined time intervals. It is very useful for applications such as signaling, visual alarms, and logic testing.

Prerequisite

To use the BLINK block, the Util library must be previously added to the project, as this block is not part of the system’s standard resources.

If the library has not yet been added, use the procedure to include libraries through the Library Manager.

Inserting the block into the logic

The BLINK block does not appear directly in the toolbox, so it must be inserted manually.

To do this:

1. Create a new network in the logic
2. Insert a generic box (Box)
   • It can be from the toolbox (General)
   • Or by right-clicking on the network
3. Inside the box, type the block name:
   BLINK

After this, the block will be automatically recognized by the system.

Figure 2. Adding the Blink Functional Block

Block Parameterization

The BLINK block has the following parameters:

ENABLE (BOOL)

• Enables the block operation
• When TRUE, the block starts generating the pulsating signal

TIMELOW (TIME)

• Defines the time the output will remain off (FALSE)

TIMEHIGH (TIME)

• Defines the time the output will remain on (TRUE)

Output

OUT (BOOL)

• Pulsating output of the block
• Automatically alternates between TRUE and FALSE according to the defined times

Operation

When the block is enabled (ENABLE = TRUE):

• The OUT output will be:
  • TRUE for the time defined in TIMEHIGH
  • FALSE for the time defined in TIMELOW

This cycle repeats continuously, generating a square wave type signal.

Example of application

Consider the following parameterization:

Hab_Blink :BOOL := TRUE; //ENABLE

on_blink :TIME := T#2S; // TIMEHIGH

off_blink :TIME := T#1S; // TIMELOW

Result:

• The output will be on for 2 seconds
• Then off for 1 second
• Repeating continuously

Figure 3. Blink block parameterization

Applications in automation

The BLINK block is widely used in:

• Flashing of signaling lamps
• Intermittent visual alarms
• Output operation tests
• Generation of periodic signals

Important note

• The block only works if the Util library is added
• Times must be defined in the TIME (T#) format
• It can be used together with other logic to create more complex behaviors

In summary, the BLINK block is a simple and efficient way to generate pulsating signals in logic, being widely used for signaling and testing within projects in MasterTool  X.

Figure 4. Operation of the Blink block