Smart mode for global variables

 Neuron Power Engineer provides two different modes for →global variables: the IEC mode as well as the smart mode.

In this article:
Smart mode for global variables IEC mode for global variables Smart mode for global variables Information applying to the IEC mode and the smart mode

IEC mode for global variables

If the IEC mode is used, the global variables are created and used according to the →IEC standard. This is the default mode targeted at users who are familiar with the IEC standard and/or the predecessor product of  Neuron Power Engineer.

Observe the following:

• Global variables can be declared in a →configuration, →resource or →program within a PLC object or an ST/FBD object. Furthermore, global variables can also be declared in a global object.

• In the ST program or the PLC object (containing the resource or configuration), an INCLUDE_GLOBALS directive is required. See "Declaration of global variables in global-object and its usage in ST", if you need more information on this directive.

Smart mode for global variables

If the smart mode is used, global variables are handled in a simplified way. To use the smart mode for global variables, it has to be activated. Contact your system integrator if you want to use the smart mode.

Observe the following:

• Global variables can only be declared in a global object. Declarations in a configuration, a resource or a program are reported as errors.

• The INCLUDE_GLOBALS directive is not permitted. When the smart mode is activated, such directives are highlighted as errors.

Information applying to the IEC mode and the smart mode

Good to know
Accessing global variables is achieved by using →external variables in programs, →function blocks and/or →functions. To quickly declare external variables based on global variables, use the content assist in the FBD editor or in the ST editor or drag the global variable into the POU.