Echelon SmartServer 2.2 - Manual (Page 252)

SmartServer 2.2 User’s Guide 253
Creating and Configuring Functional Blocks
A functional block encapsulates a set of network variables and configuration properties that perform a
specific device function. For example, a four-port digital input device could have functional blocks for
each of its four switches. Each functional block would contain an output network variable representing
the state or setting of a switch. In addition, each functional block could contain configuration
properties that control how frequently the switch data is transmitted to other functional blocks.
Ultimately, the task that the functional block performs in this example is transmitting the switch data to
other functional blocks (another functional block receiving the switch data could then use it to turn a
lamp on or off).
There are two types of functional blocks: static and dynamic. A static functional block is defined by
the device application. Because static functional blocks are statically defined by the device
application, creating a static functional blocks is simply a method for showing a functional block that
has previously been hidden. Conversely, a dynamic functional block is not pre-loaded on the device;
therefore adding a dynamic functional block actually does modify the device interface. Dynamic
functional blocks are typically added to controllers that have a dynamic interface (the SmartServer
with the v40 interface active, for example). To check whether a device supports dynamic functional
blocks, click the device, click Driver, and view the Maximum Number of Dynamic Functional
Blocks property.
Creating Functional Blocks
To create a functional block, follow these steps:
1. Right-click a L ON W ORKS device, and then select Add Functional Block on the shortcut menu.
2. The Add Functional Block dialog opens: