Nexto XF #75 – Using the execute operator

This tutorial will show how to use the execute operator in a project in MasterTool X.

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 EXECUTE operator is used when you want to insert Structured Text (ST) logic directly inside a Ladder network, being very useful to implement calculations or more complex conditions without leaving the graphical language.
 

Concept

The EXECUTE operator works as a “code box,” where the programmer can write ST instructions that will be executed within the Ladder logic.

This allows:

• Greater flexibility
• Reduction of blocks in the logic
• Implementation of more elaborate conditions

Inserting the operator

To add the EXECUTE operator:

1. Open the Toolbox
2. Go to the General tab
3. Select the EXECUTE operator
4. Click and drag it into the Ladder network

Figure 2. Inserting the Execute operator in Ladder network

Variable declaration

Create the variable used in the example:

ivar : INT;

led_01 : BOOL;

Logic implementation

Inside the EXECUTE block, the logic in Structured Text will be inserted:

IF ivar >= 100 THEN

    led_01 := TRUE;

ELSE

    led_01 := FALSE;

END_IF;

Operation

• If the value of ivar is greater than or equal to 100:
  • The variable led_01 = TRUE
• Otherwise:

  • led_01 = FALSE

     

Figure 3. Configuration of the execute operator

Applications in automation

The EXECUTE operator is widely used in:

• More complex conditional logics
• Mathematical calculations
• Data processing
• Reduction of blocks in Ladder
• Integration between Ladder and ST

Important notes

• The syntax inside EXECUTE must follow the rules of Structured Text
• You can use IF, mathematical operators, assignments, etc.
• It facilitates writing more advanced logic
• Organization should be maintained to avoid making reading difficult

Figure 4. Operation of the execute operator