Updating block calls in FBD - STEP 7

If interface parameters of a called block are changed, the block call can no longer be executed correctly. You can avoid such inconsistent block calls by updating the block calls.

You have the following options for updating the block calls:

• Explicit updating of all inconsistent block calls in the program editor.

  The inconsistent block calls within the open block are updated. The following actions are carried out in the process:

  • New parameters are added.

  • Deleted parameters are removed if they are not connected.

  • Renamed parameters get the new parameter names.

  Note If updating all inconsistent block calls would cause an error in the parameter supply, you cannot use the "Update block calls" command. If this is the case, update each block call individually.

• Explicit updating of a block call in the program editor.

  The "Interface update" dialog is displayed. In this dialog, you have the option of changing the connection of the operands of the new interface. The inconsistent call of this block is then updated. The following actions are carried out in the process:

  • New parameters are added.

  • Deleted parameters are removed if they are not connected.

  • Renamed parameters get the new parameter names.

• Implicit updating during compilation.

  All block calls in the program as well as the used PLC data types will be updated. Note that when you call functions (FCs) before the next compilation process, all new formal parameters must be supplied with actual parameters.

Updating all inconsistent block calls in the program editor

To open all block calls in a block, follow these steps:

1. Open the calling block in the program editor.

2. Click "Update inconsistent block calls" in the toolbar.

Updating a specific block call in the program editor

To update a specific block call in the program editor, follow these steps:

1. Open the calling block in the program editor.

2. Right-click on the block call that you want to update.

3. Select the "Update" command in the shortcut menu.

   The "Interface update" dialog opens. This dialog shows the differences between the block interface in use and the changed interface of the called block.

4. If necessary, change the connection of the operands. To do this, you have the following options:

   • You can use either a drag-and-drop operation or a cut/copy-and-paste operation to move the operand from the old interface to the new interface.

   • You can delete an operand.

   • You can rename an operand.

   • You can specify a new operand via autocompletion.

5. Click "OK" to update the block call. If you want to cancel the update, click "Cancel".

Note Note that the "Update block call" command is only available provided you did not previously update all block calls in the editor with the "Update inconsistent block calls" command.

Update block calls during compilation

Follow these steps to update all block calls and uses of PLC data types during compilation implicitly:

1. Open the project tree.

2. Select the "Program blocks" folder.

3. Select the command "Compile > Software (rebuild all blocks)" in the shortcut menu.