9.2.3   Block Detail

Block Detail Displays - provide access to detailed information about a multiple parameter block type tag, such as measurement, setpoint, output and tuning parameters.  Block Detail Displays are commonly used to view PID controllers. A single block detail display can be used to view all tags of the same Block Type.  Engineers and technicians can modify these.  Default Block detail displays are provided for many Web Access Device types and Drivers.

There can be multiple pages assigned to a block detail display, numbered *.BD1, *.BD2, *.BD3  etc.  For example, a multiple page for a VAV Block would have VAV.BD1, VAV.BD2 and VAV.BD3. For More information about Blocks, see Blocks, section 5.

The file extension for source (DRAW) files are: *.DXX
The file extension for runtime (VIEW) files are: *.BDX
(where x is an integer starting with 1).

The Block Detail Display allows a single display to be used to view many Block-type Tags of the same Block type.  All "Blocks" of the same Block Type can be viewed using a single Block Detail Display. The classic use of a Block Detail Display is for a PID Controller: Measurement, Setpoint, Output, and tuning parameters for all PID blocks are viewed using the one Block Detail Display. Some Device Types in WebAccess come with pre-built Block Detail Displays.  Users can always build blocks and block type tags.
 

Figure 9.4 Block Detail Display for a PID controller

Blocks are a common "productivity tool" that can reduce display building requirements and allow users to commission new device sand  IO without any display building. . A common application is in Building Automation where hundreds of similar VAV's are monitored. Only one Block Detail Display needs to be built for a VAV Type. The Block Detail Display can have multiple pages.

The Block Detail can be called up from any graphic by:

1.      First select a Tag with the left mouse button,

2.      then either selecting <F7> pushbutton

Alternatively, Right Click then select Block Detail from the GOTO menu.

Block Detail graphics are created using the drawing tools provided in the DRAW, the Graphics Builder. Connections for animation are made using the Parameter name only. Screen Scripts can be generalized for use with Block Detail by referencing the Parameter Name. WebAccess will insert the Tagname when the Block Detail is called up.

Block Details displays can also be called up in VIEW by using the <GOTO>BLOCKDTL=blockname Keymacro and from the Point GOTO dialog box.

The Block Detail, for any Block Tag, can be access from the Overview Display by clicking on the BLOCKDTL Button on the Overview Display for that  Faceplate Group.

Block detail displays are also used for equipment displays. The ADAM 5000 PLC have a Block Detail display for each IO card (and an associated BLOCK for each IO Card).

Figure 9.5 Block Detail Display for an IO card

The Block Detail Display only works with an IO Block-type with the same name.  If the Block Type is PID1, then the Block Detail display must be named PID1.bd1.  The Block Tag name can be anything (e.g. TIC101, PIC227, FlowControl).