Pipe Network Functions for the PLC

After creating the Pipe Network, the complete project has to be compiled before you can use the Pipe Network in your PLCClosed"Programmable Logic Controller" A Programmable Logic Controller, PLC, or Programmable Controller is a digital computer used for automation of industrial processes, such as control of machinery on factory assembly lines. Used to synchronize the flow of inputs from (physical) sensors and events with the flow of outputs to actuators and events Programs. Compiling creates a list of Functions that can be used in the PLC Program. These Functions simplify programming by combining the same function block for all axes in the Pipe Network:

Pipe Network FunctionClosedA function calculates a result according to the current value of its inputs. A function has no internal data and is not linked to declared instances. Function Blocks included (for 2 axis system)
MLPN_ACTIVATE : MLPipeAct( PipeAXIS1 );

MLPipeAct( PipeAXIS2 );
MLPN_CONNECT : MLCNVConnect( CNV1, AXIS1 );

MLCNVConnect( CNV2, AXIS2 );
MLPN_POWER_ON : MLAxisPower( AXIS1 );

MLAxisPower( AXIS2 );
MLPN_POWER_OFF : MLAxisPowerOFF( AXIS1 );

MLAxisPowerOFF( AXIS2 );
MLPN_DEACTIVATE : MLPipeDeact( PipeAXIS1 );

MLPipeDeact( PipeAXIS2 );

For more details on all constant definitions related to Pipe Network, Use the Defines List


  • To see how these functions are used, open a project, go to the Project Explorer, right-click on PipeNetwork and select the Show compiled Code command