GX Works2 Version 1

Operating Manual
(Simple Project, Function Block)
-SW1DNC-GXW2-E

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
(Always read these instructions before using this product.)
Before using this product, thoroughly read this manual and the relevant manuals introduced in this manual
and pay careful attention to safety and handle the products properly.
The precautions given in this manual are concerned with this product. For the safety precautions of the
programmable controller system, refer to the Users Manual for the CPU module.
In this manual, the safety precautions are ranked as "

WARNING" and "

CAUTION".

WARNING

Indicates that incorrect handling may cause hazardous conditions, resulting in

death or severe injury.

CAUTION

Indicates that incorrect handling may cause hazardous conditions, resulting in

minor or moderate injury or property damage.

Note that the

CAUTION level may lead to serious consequences according to the circumstances.
Always follow the precautions of both levels because they are important for personal safety.
Please save this manual to make it accessible when required and always forward it to the end user.

[Design Instructions]

WARNING
When data change, program change, or status control is performed from a personal computer to a running
programmable controller, create an interlock circuit outside the programmable controller to ensure that the whole
system always operates safely.
Furthermore, for the online operations performed from a personal computer to a programmable controller CPU, the
corrective actions against a communication error due to such as a cable connection fault should be predetermined as
a system.

[Startup/Maintenance Instructions]

CAUTION
The online operations performed from a personal computer to a running programmable controller CPU (Program
change when a programmable controller CPU is RUN, operating status changes such as forced input/output
operation and RUN-STOP switching, and remote control operation) must be executed after the manual has been
carefully read and the safety has been ensured.
When changing a program while a programmable controller CPU is RUN, it may cause a program corruption in some
operating conditions. Fully understand the precautions described in GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual
(Common) before use.
The positioning test functions of OPR, JOG, inching or positioning data for QD75/LD75 positioning module must be
executed with the programmable controller set to STOP after the manual has been carefully read and the safety has
been ensured. Specially when executing the function on the network system, ensure the safety thoroughly since the
machinery whose operation cannot be checked by an operator may be activated. The operation failure may cause the
injury or machine damage.

A-1

CONDITIONS OF USE FOR THE PRODUCT

(1) Mitsubishi programmable controller ("the PRODUCT") shall be used in conditions;
i) where any problem, fault or failure occurring in the PRODUCT, if any, shall not lead to any major or
serious accident; and
ii) where the backup and fail-safe function are systematically or automatically provided outside of the
PRODUCT for the case of any problem, fault or failure occurring in the PRODUCT.
(2) The PRODUCT has been designed and manufactured for the purpose of being used in general
industries.
MITSUBISHI SHALL HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED
TO ANY AND ALL RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY BASED ON CONTRACT, WARRANTY, TORT,
PRODUCT LIABILITY) FOR ANY INJURY OR DEATH TO PERSONS OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO
PROPERTY CAUSED BY the PRODUCT THAT ARE OPERATED OR USED IN APPLICATION NOT
INTENDED OR EXCLUDED BY INSTRUCTIONS, PRECAUTIONS, OR WARNING CONTAINED IN
MITSUBISHI'S USER, INSTRUCTION AND/OR SAFETY MANUALS, TECHNICAL BULLETINS AND
GUIDELINES FOR the PRODUCT.
("Prohibited Application")
Prohibited Applications include, but not limited to, the use of the PRODUCT in;
Nuclear Power Plants and any other power plants operated by Power companies, and/or any other
cases in which the public could be affected if any problem or fault occurs in the PRODUCT.
Railway companies or Public service purposes, and/or any other cases in which establishment of a
special quality assurance system is required by the Purchaser or End User.
Aircraft or Aerospace, Medical applications, Train equipment, transport equipment such as Elevator
and Escalator, Incineration and Fuel devices, Vehicles, Manned transportation, Equipment for
Recreation and Amusement, and Safety devices, handling of Nuclear or Hazardous Materials or
Chemicals, Mining and Drilling, and/or other applications where there is a significant risk of injury to
the public or property.
Notwithstanding the above, restrictions Mitsubishi may in its sole discretion, authorize use of the
PRODUCT in one or more of the Prohibited Applications, provided that the usage of the PRODUCT is
limited only for the specific applications agreed to by Mitsubishi and provided further that no special
quality assurance or fail-safe, redundant or other safety features which exceed the general
specifications of the PRODUCTs are required. For details, please contact the Mitsubishi representative
in your region.

A-2

REVISIONS
Print date

Manual number*1

Revision

Nov. 2011

SH(NA)-080984ENG-A

First edition

Jan. 2012

SH(NA)-080984ENG-B

Model Addition
FX3GC
Correction
Section 4.1

May 2012

SH(NA)-080984ENG-C

Model Addition
Q02PH, Q06PH, Q12PH, Q12PRH, Q25PH, Q25PRH
Correction
GENERIC TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS IN THIS MANUAL, Section 1.5.1, Section 2.3.4,
Section 3.1.1, Appendix 3

Sept. 2012

SH(NA)-080984ENG-D

Correction
GENERIC TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS IN THIS MANUAL, Section 2.6, Section 3.1.4,
Appendix 2

Feb. 2013

SH(NA)-080984ENG-E

Model Addition
Q03UDV, Q04UDV, Q06UDV, Q13UDV, Q26UDV, L02S, L06, L26
Addition
Section 4.2.1
Correction
GENERIC TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS IN THIS MANUAL, TERMS, Section 1.5.1,
Section 2.3.3, Section 2.6, Section 3.1.1, Section 3.1.2, Section 4.2.2, Section 5.2,
Appendix 2
Modification
Section 4.2 Section 4.2.2

May 2013

SH(NA)-080984ENG-F

Model Addition
L02S-P, L06-P, L26-P, FX3S
Correction
GENERIC TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS IN THIS MANUAL, Section 2.3.3, Appendix 2

Sept. 2013

SH(NA)-080984ENG-G

Addition
Section 4.2.1, Section 4.2.2
Correction
TERMS, Section 4.2.3
Modification
Section 4.2.1 Section 4.2.3, Section 4.2.2 Section 4.3,
Section 4.3 to Section 4.6 Section 4.4 to Section 4.7

Dec. 2013

SH(NA)-080984ENG-H

Correction
Section 2.1

Mar. 2014

SH(NA)-080984ENG-I

Correction
Section 2.6, Appendix 3

Jun. 2014

SH(NA)-080984ENG-J

Correction
Section 4.2.1, Section 4.2.2, Section 4.2.3, Appendix 3

Sept. 2014

SH(NA)-080984ENG-K

Correction
Section 5.3

Mar. 2015

SH(NA)-080984ENG-L

Correction
Section 4.4

*1 :

The manual number is written at the bottom left of the back cover.
Japanese Manual Version SH-080983-N

This manual confers no industrial property rights or any rights of any other kind, nor does it confer any patent licenses.
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation cannot be held responsible for any problems involving industrial property rights which may occur
as a result of using the contents noted in this manual.

2011 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION

A-3

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Mitsubishi integrated FA software, MELSOFT series.
Before using the product, thoroughly read this manual to develop full familiarity with the functions and performance
to ensure correct use.

CONTENTS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A - 1
CONDITIONS OF USE FOR THE PRODUCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A - 2
REVISIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A - 3
INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A - 4
CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A - 4
MANUALS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A - 7
GENERIC TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS IN THIS MANUAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A - 15
TERMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A - 16

OVERVIEW OF FUNCTION BLOCKS

1.1

Function Blocks (FBs)

1-2

1.2

Features of FBs

1-3

1.3

Labels

1-4

1.4

Programming Flow with FBs

1-5

1.5

1.4.1

FB creation procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 5

1.4.2

Sequence program creation procedure using FBs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 7

Overview of Screen Configuration

1-8

1.5.1

Main frame configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 8

1.5.2

Label setting editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 10

CREATING FUNCTION BLOCKS

2.1

Creating Projects for FBs

2-2

2.2

Creating New FB Data

2-3

2.3

Setting Local Labels

2-4

2.3.1

Setting labels on Function/FB Label Setting screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 4

2.3.2

Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 5

2.3.3

Data types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 6

2.3.4

Selecting data types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 7

2.3.5

Assigning devices automatically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 9

2.4

Creating FB Programs

2 - 12

2.5

Converting FBs

2 - 13

2.6

Considerations when Creating FB Programs

2 - 14

A-4

USING FUNCTION BLOCKS

3.1

3.2

3-2

3.1.1

Pasting FBs to sequence programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 2

3.1.2

Creating input and output circuits of FB instances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 6

3.1.3

Aligning sequence program and FB program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 11

3.1.4

Converting/compiling all sequence programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 12

3.1.5

Writing sequence programs to programmable controller CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 16

Checking Operations of Sequence Programs

3 - 19

MANAGING AND EDITING FUNCTION BLOCKS

4.1

Reading FB Programs from Programmable Controller CPU

4-2

4.2

Reusing FBs from Library (Project)

4-3

4.2.1

Library (project) reusing procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 3

4.2.2

Exporting FBs to other project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 4

4.2.3

Importing FBs from other project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 6

4.3

Copying FBs from Project

4.4

Changing FB Instance Names

4 - 10

4.5

Deleting Unnecessary FB Data from Projects

4 - 11

4.6

Protecting FBs

4 - 13

4.7

Searching/Replacing FB Instance Names

4 - 16

4-9

USING FB LIBRARIES
5.1

Creating Sequence Programs with FBs

Installing FB Library

5-2

5.1.1

Obtaining FB Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 2

5.1.2

Installing FB Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 2

5.2

Using FB Libraries

5-3

5.3

Displaying Reference Manual

5-5

5.4

Uninstalling FB Library

5-6

PROGRAM EXAMPLES USING FUNCTION BLOCKS

6.1

System Configuration of Program Examples

6-2

6.2

Processing of Program Examples

6-3

6.3

Creating Program Examples

6-4

APPENDIX
Appendix 1

Character Strings that cannot be Used for Label Names and FB Data Names/Instance
Names

App - 2

A-5

Appendix 2

Supported CPU modules

App - 5

Appendix 3

Using FBs Created with GX Developer in GX Works2

App - 6

INDEX

A-6

MANUALS

Related manuals are separately issued according to the purpose of their functions in GX Works2.
Related manuals
The manuals related to this product are shown below.
Refer to the following tables when ordering required manuals.
1)

Operation of GX Works2
Manual name

Manual number
(Model code)

GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Common)

Explains the system configuration of GX Works2 and the functions common to Simple project and
Structured project such as parameter setting, operation method for the online function.
(Sold separately)

SH-080779ENG
(13JU63)

GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Simple Project)

Explains methods for such as creating and monitoring programs in Simple project of GX Works2.
(Sold separately)

SH-080780ENG
(13JU64)

GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Structured Project)

Explains methods for such as creating and monitoring programs in Structured project of GX Works2.
(Sold separately)

SH-080781ENG
(13JU65)

GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Intelligent Function Module)

Explains methods of intelligent function module for such as parameter setting, monitoring programs,
and predefined protocol support function in GX Works2.
(Sold separately)

SH-080921ENG
(13JU69)

GX Works2 Beginner's Manual (Simple Project)

Explains fundamental methods for such as creating, editing, and monitoring programs in Simple project
for users inexperienced with GX Works2.
(Sold separately)

SH-080787ENG
(13JZ22)

GX Works2 Beginner's Manual (Structured project)

Explains fundamental methods for such as creating, editing, and monitoring programs in Structured
project for users inexperienced with GX Works2.
(Sold separately)

SH-080788ENG
(13JZ23)

2)

Structured Programming
Manual name

Manual number
(Model code)

MELSEC-Q/L/F Structured Programming Manual (Fundamentals)

Explains the programming methods, types of programming languages, and other information required
to create structured programs.
(Sold separately)

SH-080782ENG
(13JW06)

MELSEC-Q/L/F Structured Programming Manual (Common Instructions)

Explains the specifications and functions of common instructions such as sequence instructions, basic
instructions, and application instructions, that can be used in structured programs. (Sold separately)

SH-080783ENG
(13JW07)

MELSEC-Q/L Structured Programming Manual (Application Functions)

Explains the specifications and functions of application functions that can be used in structured
programs.
(Sold separately)

SH-080784ENG
(13JW08)

MELSEC-Q/L Structured Programming Manual (Special Instructions)

Explains the specifications and functions of special instructions such as module dedicated instruction,
PID control instruction, and built-in I/O function dedicated instruction, that can be used in structured
programs.
(Sold separately)

SH-080785ENG
(13JW09)

FXCPU Structured Programming Manual (Device & Common)

Explains the devices and parameters provided in GX Works2 for structured programming.
(Sold separately)

JY997D26001
(09R925)

FXCPU Structured Programming Manual (Basic & Applied Instruction)

Explains the sequence instructions provided in GX Works2 for structured programming.
(Sold separately)

JY997D34701
(09R926)

FXCPU Structured Programming Manual (Application Functions)

Explains the application functions provided in GX Works2 for structured programming.
(Sold separately)

JY997D34801
(09R927)

A-7

3)

Operation of iQ Works
Manual name

Manual number
(Model code)

Let's start iQ Works Version 2

Explains fundamental methods for such as managing the system using MELSOFT Navigator and using
system labels for users inexperienced with GX Works2.
(Sold separately)

SH-081261ENG
(13JZ79)

The Operating Manuals are included on the CD-ROM of the software package in a PDF file format. Manuals in printed
form are sold separately for single purchase. Order a manual by quoting the manual number (model code) listed in the
table above.

A-8

 Purpose of this manual

This manual explains the operations for creating sequence programs with function blocks (FB) in
Simple project using the functions supported by GX Works2.
Manuals for reference are listed in the following table according to their purpose.
For information such as the content and number of each manual, refer to the list of 'Related manuals'.
1)

Installation of GX Works2 and the USB driver

Purpose

GX Works2 Installation Instructions

GX Works2 Version 1
Operating Manual
Common

Learning the operating

environment and installation
method

Details

Learning a USB driver installation

method

2)

Details

Operation of GX Works2
GX Works2 Beginner's
Manual

Purpose

Simple
Project

Structured
Project

GX Works2 Version 1
Operating Manual
Simple Project
Common

Learning all functions of GX

Works2

Outline

Learning the project types and

available languages in GX
Works2

Outline

Learning the basic operations

and operating procedures when
creating a simple project for the
first time
Learning the basic operations
and operating procedures when
creating a structured project for
the first time

Intelligent
Function
Module

Details

Details

Learning the functions and

operation methods for
programming

Outline

Learning data setting methods for

intelligent function module

Structured
Project

Details

Learning the operations of

available functions regardless of
project type.

Learning the operations and

operating procedures when using
function blocks (FBs) in Simple
project

Function
Block

Details

Details

Details

Details

A-9

3)

Operations in each programming language

For details of instructions used in each programming language, refer to the section 4 and
the section 5 on the following pages.
GX Works2 Beginner's Manual

Purpose

Ladder
Diagram
Simple
Project

Sequential
Function Chart

Simple
Project

Structured
project

Sequential
Function Chart
Structured Ladder
/FBD
Structured Text

*1 :

MELSAP3 and FX series SFC only

A - 10

Simple
Project

Structured
Project

Outline
Details

*1

Outline

Details

Outline

Structured Text
Ladder
Diagram

Structured
Project

GX Works2 Version 1
Operating Manual

Details

Outline
Details

*1

Outline

Details

Outline
Details

Outline
Details

4)

Details of instructions in each programming language (for QCPU (Q mode)/LCPU)

Purpose

MELSEC-Q/L/F
Structured
Programming
Manual

MELSEC-Q/L
Structured Programming
Manual

Fundamentals

Common
Special
Application
Instructions Instructions Functions

Manual
MELSEC-Q/L
for
MELSEC-Q/L/QnA
Programming
module
Programming Manual to be
Manual
used
Common
Instruction

Learning details
of programmable
controller CPU
All
error codes,
languages
special relays,
and special
registers

Details

Learning the
types and details
of common
instructions

Details

Using
Ladder
Diagram

PID Control
Instructions

SFC

Learning the
types and details
of instructions for
intelligent
function modules

Details

Learning the
types and details
of instructions for
network modules

Details

Learning the
types and details
of instructions for
the PID control
function

Details

Learning details
Using
of specifications,
Sequential
functions, and
Function
instructions of
Chart
SFC (MELSAP3)
Learning the
fundamentals for
creating a
structured
program
Learning the
types and details
of common
instructions
Learning the
types and details
Using
of instructions for
Structured intelligent
Ladder/
function modules
FBD or
Structured Learning the
types and details
Text
of instructions for
network modules
Learning the
types and details
of instructions for
the PID control
function
Learning the
types and details
of application
instructions

Details

Details

Details

Outline

Details

Outline

Details

Details

Outline

Details

A - 11

5)

Details of instructions in each programming language (for FXCPU)

Purpose

MELSEC-Q/L/F
Structured
Programming
Manual
Fundamentals

FXCPU
Structured Programming
Manual
Device &
Common

Sequence
Instructions

Application
Functions

FXCPU
Programming
Manual
FX0, FX0S,
FX0N, FX1,
FXU, FX2C

FX1S, FX1N,
FX3S,
FX2N, FX1NC, FX3G,FX3U,
FX2NC
FX3GC,FX3UC

Using
Ladder
Diagram

Learning the
types and details
of basic/
application
instructions,
descriptions of
devices and
parameters

Details

Details

Details

Using
Sequential
Function
Chart

Learning details
of specifications,
functions, and
instructions of
SFC

Details

Details

Details

Learning the
fundamentals for
creating a
structured
program
Using
Structured
Ladder/
FBD or
Structured
Text

Learning the
descriptions of
devices,
parameters, and
error codes
Learning the
types and details
of sequence
instructions
Learning the
types and details
of application
instructions

A - 12

Details

Details

Details

Details

 How to read this manual

Screen display
Describes the screen display
procedure.
Follow the
and select [(menu)] to
open the screen.
*Screen display may differ
depending on the CPU type.
In that case, typical example is
described.

Chapter heading
Index on the right of the page
number clarifies the chapter of
currently open page.

Section title
Clarifies the section of currently
open page.

Operating procedure
Describes the operating procedure
of the function.

Reference location
leads to the reference location
and reference manual.

A - 13

This manual also uses the following columns:

This explains notes requiring attention or useful functions relating to the information given on the
same page.
Symbols used in this manual
The following shows the symbols used in this manual with descriptions and examples.
1
2
3
4

No.

Symbol
[

(Underline)
<<

>>
""

A - 14

[Project]

Screen name

Q Parameter Setting screen

Tab name on a screen

<<PLC System>>

Item name on a screen

"Timer Limit Setting"

Button on a screen

Example

Toolbar icon

Description
Menu name on a menu bar

Keyboard key

button

GENERIC TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS IN THIS MANUAL

The following are the generic terms/abbreviations of such as software packages and programmable
controller CPUs used in this manual.
Generic term and
abbreviation

Description

GX Works2

Generic product name for SWnDNC-GXW2-E

(n: version)

GX Developer

Generic product name for SWnD5C-GPPW-E, SWnD5C-GPPW-EA, SWnD5C-GPPW-EV, and

SWnD5C-GPPW-EVA
(n: version)

Personal computer

Generic term for personal computers on which Windows operates

Basic model QCPU

Generic term for Q00J, Q00, and Q01

High Performance
model QCPU

Generic term for Q02, Q02H, Q06H, Q12H, and Q25H

Process CPU

Generic term for Q02PHCPU, Q06PHCPU, Q12PHCPU, and Q25PHCPU

Redundant CPU

Generic term for Q12PRHCPU and Q25PRHCPU

Universal model QCPU

Generic term for Q00UJ, Q00U, Q01U, Q02U, Q03UD, Q03UDE, Q03UDV, Q04UDH, Q04UDEH,
Q04UDV, Q06UDH, Q06UDEH, Q06UDV, Q10UDH, Q10UDEH, Q13UDH, Q13UDEH, Q13UDV,
Q20UDH, Q20UDEH, Q26UDH, Q26UDEH, Q26UDV, Q50UDEH, and Q100UDEH

QCPU (Q mode)

Generic term for Basic model QCPU, High Performance model QCPU, Process CPU, Redundant
CPU, and Universal model QCPU

LCPU

Generic term for L02S, L02S-P, L02, L02-P, L06, L06-P, L26, L26-P, L26-BT, and L26-PBT

FXCPU

Generic term for FX0S, FX0, FX0N, FX1, FX1S, FX1N, FX1NC, FXU, FX2C, FX2N, FX2NC, FX3S, FX3G,
FX3GC, FX3U, FX3UC

SFC

Generic term for MELSAP3, MELSAP-L, and FX series SFC

MELSOFT Library

Generic term for components (FB library, sample programs, drawing data) which provide easy
operation of programmable controller related modules and GOTs, and various devices that are
connected to them
Contact your local Mitsubishi representative to obtain components of MELSOFT Library.

FB

Abbreviation for a function block

A - 15

TERMS

The following are the terms used in this manual.

Term
Actual device

An actual device assigned to label after compiling a project with labels,

or a device that is not described using a label

Common instruction

Generic term for sequence instructions, basic instructions, application instructions, data link
instructions, multiple CPU dedicated instructions, and multiple CPU high-speed transmission
dedicated instructions

Special instruction

Generic term for module dedicated instructions, PID control instructions, socket communication
function instructions, built-in I/O function instructions, and data logging function instructions

Simple Project

Generic term for projects created using Ladder Diagram, Sequential Function Chart, Structured
Text

Without labels
With labels
Project without labels

A - 16

Description

Generic term for projects created without selecting "Use Label" when creating new projects
Generic term for projects created with selecting "Use Label" when creating new projects
Generic term for Simple projects that do not use labels

Project with labels

Generic term for Simple projects that use labels and Structured projects

Project with security

Generic term for projects whose securities are set

Utilization

To paste FB to a sequence program

Reuse

To use FB to other project

Library (project)

A project to be used as an FB library

FB instance

An FB pasted to a sequence program

Global label

A label which becomes effective for all program data when multiple program data items are created
in a project

Local label

A label which becomes effective only for each program data

Set for each program data.

Structure

A data type which allows various device types (bit device, word device, etc.) to be stored in single
aggregate (single data)

Array

A data type which allows the same device type to be stored in a consecutive area

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION BLOCKS

2
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

This chapter explains features of FBs, overview of labels, and work flow for using FBs.

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Function Blocks (FBs)

1-2

1.2

Features of FBs

1-3

1.3

Labels

1-4

1.4

Programming Flow with FBs

1-5

1.5

Overview of Screen Configuration

1-8
USING FB
LIBRARIES

1.1

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

1-1

GX Works2

1 OVERVIEW OF FUNCTION BLOCKS

1.1

Function Blocks (FBs)

An FB is designed to convert a ladder block, which is used repeatedly in a sequence program, into a
component to be utilized in a sequence program.
FBs can be used in projects with labels.
This manual explains FBs used in Simple projects. In the operation examples, Ladder Diagram is
selected as a programming language, but Structured Text can also be selected.
Note, however, that FXCPU Simple projects do not support Structured Text.
<After use of FB>
Project A

<Before use of FB>

Project A
Program 1

Program 1

FB

Program 2
Program 2

Convert the
repeatedly-used
ladder block to
a component

FB

Utilize
FB

Project B
Program 3

Project B
FB
Program 3

1-2

1.2 Features of FBs

Consistency of program quality

Converting a program into a component as an FB to utilize the program allows consistency of program
quality, without relying on the technological skills of the program developers. In addition, programming
mistakes which may occur at the time of utilization can be prevented.

Reducing program creation man-hours with FB libraries

With QCPU (Q mode)/LCPU, man-hours for creating a program can be reduced using FB libraries.
There are FB libraries which support various devices such as CPU modules, analog input/output
modules, and counter modules. FB libraries which support partner products are also supplied.

Programming languages according to the intended use are selectable

5
USING FB
LIBRARIES

In Simple projects, Ladder Diagram or Structured Text can be selected as a programming language for
FBs.
The optimum programming language which meets the intended use can be selected to create FBs.
FXCPU Simple project supports only Ladder Diagram.

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Converting a standard program into a component as a single block enables the program to be utilized
easily. As an easy utilization for a sequence program is possible, the efficiency of creating a large-scale
program is improved. In addition, converting a program into a component improves program readability
and eases editing and debugging.

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Creating programs efficiently

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Features of FBs

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

1.2

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

1-3

GX Works2

1 OVERVIEW OF FUNCTION BLOCKS

1.3

Labels

A label is a character string which represents a device.

Using labels allows a program to be created without considering devices in the program.
Therefore, a program with labels can be easily utilized even for a system with different module
configuration.

<Example of program with devices>

<Example of program with labels>

Global labels and local labels

There are two types of labels, global labels and local labels.
Global labels
Global labels are shared among all sequence programs in a project. A specific device can be
assigned to a global label.
Local labels
Local labels are used only in a single sequence program.
They cannot be shared even if local labels with the same name are set for multiple sequence
programs.
Different devices are assigned to local labels for each sequence program.

1-4

1.4 Programming Flow with FBs

Programming Flow with FBs

This manual explains the operating procedures with examples of FBs used on QCPU (Q mode)/LCPU.
For the instructions and functions which are available for FXCPU, refer to the following manuals.
FXCPU user's manuals and programming manuals

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

1.4

2
FB creation procedure
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

1.4.1

Operating procedure
Creating a project for FBs

Create a project with labels.

Section 2.1

Creating new FB data

Procedure
Create new FB data.

Setting local labels

Creating an FB program
Procedure
Create an FB program using labels.

5.

Reference
Section 2.3

USING FB
LIBRARIES

Procedure
Set local labels to be used for the FB program.

4.

Reference
Section 2.2

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

3.

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Reference
Section 2.4

Converting FBs
Procedure
Conversion finalizes the edited FB program content.

Reference
Section 2.5

APPENDIX

2.

Reference

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Procedure

INDEX

1.

1.4.1 FB creation procedure

1-5

GX Works2

1 OVERVIEW OF FUNCTION BLOCKS

Operations for created FBs

Reading programs from programmable controller CPU (Section 4.1)
Utilizing FBs (Section 4.2)
Changing FB instance names (Section 4.4)
Deleting FBs (Section 4.5)
Protecting FBs (Section 4.6)
Searching/replacing FB instance names and labels (Section 4.7)

1-6

1.4.1 FB creation procedure

1.4 Programming Flow with FBs

Sequence program creation procedure using FBs

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

1.4.2

Operating procedure
Pasting FBs
Procedure
Paste FBs to the sequence program.

Creating input/output circuits of an FB instance.

Create input and output circuits of the FB instance.

4
MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Convert/compile the sequence program.

Reference
Section 3.1.4

Writing a program to a programmable controller CPU

Write the sequence program to the programmable controller CPU.

Reference
Section 3.1.5

USING FB
LIBRARIES

Procedure

Checking the operation

Procedure
Monitor the operation of the sequence program written to the programmable controller
CPU.

Reference
Section 3.2

APPENDIX

INDEX

5.

Section 3.1.2

Converting/compiling a sequence program

Procedure

4.

3
Reference

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Procedure

3.

Chapter 5
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Paste FBs of the FB Library to the sequence program.

2.

Reference
Section 3.1.1

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

1.

1.4.2 Sequence program creation procedure using FBs

1-7

GX Works2

1 OVERVIEW OF FUNCTION BLOCKS

1.5

Overview of Screen Configuration

1.5.1

Main frame configuration

This section explains the screen configuration of the main frame (basic screen) of GX Works2 that is
displayed when it is started up. The following is an example of a screen on which a work window and
docked windows are displayed.

Screen display
Title bar
Menu bar
Toolbar

FB component

Navigation
window

Element Selection
window

Sequence
program
FB data
Work
window
FB instance (Entity)

Docked window

Status bar

1-8

1.5.1 Main frame configuration

1.5 Overview of Screen Configuration

Display menu options for executing each function.

Toolbar

Display tool buttons for executing each function.

Work window

A main screen used for operations such as programming,

parameter setting, and monitoring.

GX Works2 Version 1
Operating Manual
(Simple Project)

Navigation

GX Works2 Version 1
Operating Manual
A sub screen to support operations performed on a work window.
(Common)
Display contents of a project in tree format.

Element Selection

Display a list of functions (such as FBs) used for programming.

Docking window

FB component
Output

Display compilation and check results (errors and warnings).

Cross Reference

Display cross reference results.

Device List

Display the device list.

Watch 1 to 4

A screen used for monitoring and changing current device

values.

Intelligent function module

monitor 1 to 10

A screen used for monitoring intelligent function modules.

Find/Replace

A screen used for searching and replacing character strings in

the project.

Debug

A screen used for setting the debug which uses the simulation
function.

Status bar

Section 3.1.1

An FB registered as a component

GX Works2 Version 1
Operating Manual
(Simple Project)

GX Works2 Version 1
Operating Manual
(Common)

Display information about a project being edited.

A program and local labels.

FB data

A program and local labels of FB.

FB instance (entity)

An FB pasted to a sequence program.

5
USING FB
LIBRARIES

Sequence program

2
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Menu bar

Reference

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Description
Display a project name.

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Name
Title bar

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Display contents

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

1.5.1 Main frame configuration

1-9

GX Works2

1 OVERVIEW OF FUNCTION BLOCKS

1.5.2

Label setting editor

This section explains the configurations of label setting editor.

Global Label Setting screen
Define labels that can be used for all sequence programs in the project.
(
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Simple Project))

Local Label Setting screen

Define labels that can be used only for each sequence program.
(
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Simple Project))

Function/FB Label Setting screen

Define labels that can be used only for FBs. (

*1 :

1 - 10

Section 2.3

1.5.2 Label setting editor

*1)

CREATING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

2
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

This chapter explains how to create FBs.

For the basic operations of GX Works2, refer to the following manuals.
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Common)
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Simple Project)

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Creating Projects for FBs

2-2

2.2

Creating New FB Data

2-3

2.3

Setting Local Labels

2-4

2.4

Creating FB Programs

2 - 12

2.5

Converting FBs

2 - 13

2.6

Considerations when Creating FB Programs

2 - 14

USING FB
LIBRARIES

2.1

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

2-1

GX Works2

2 CREATING FUNCTION BLOCKS

2.1

Creating Projects for FBs

This section explains how to create a project with labels for creating FBs.

Operating procedure

1.

Select [Project] [New] (

).

The New Project screen is displayed.

2.

Set the items on the screen.

Item
Series

Select a programmable controller series for the project.

Type

Select a programmable controller type (programmable controller CPU model) used for
the project.

Project Type

Select "Simple Project".

Use Label
Language

3.

Description

Click the

Select the item.

Select a programming language to be used.

button.

A new project is created.

Existing projects
FBs can be created in an existing project with labels.
For a project without labels, select [Project] [Change Project Type] to change the project to a project with labels, and
create FBs.

2-2

2.2 Creating New FB Data

Creating New FB Data

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

2.2

This section explains how to create new FB data in a project with labels.

Operating procedure

1.

Select [Project] [Object] [New] (

).

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

The New Data screen is displayed.

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Set the items on the screen.

Item

3.

Description

Data Types

Select "Function Block".

Data Name

Enter a data name of an FB to be created with a maximum of 32 characters.

For unusable characters, refer to Appendix 1.

Program Language

Select a programming language to be used.

The programming languages available for FB creation in Simple projects are Ladder
Diagram and Structured Text.
FXCPU Simple projects support Ladder Diagram only.

Click the

5
USING FB
LIBRARIES

2.

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

button.

The newly created FB data is added under "FB_Pool" on the Project view, and the FB editing
screen is displayed on the work window.

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

Maximum number of data to be created

Up to 800 FB data including other data types such as programs can be created.

2-3

GX Works2

2 CREATING FUNCTION BLOCKS

2.3

Setting Local Labels

This section explains how to define labels to be used in an FB program.

2.3.1

Setting labels on Function/FB Label Setting screen

Set items such as label classes, label names, and data types.

Screen display
Select Project view "POU" "FB_Pool" "(function block)" "Local Label".

Operating procedure

Set the items on the screen.

Item

Select a label class from the list displayed by clicking

(Section 2.3.2)

Class

Label Name

Maximum number of characters

.

Enter a desired label name.

For unusable characters, refer to Appendix 1.

Ladder Diagram
32 (Input, output, input/output labels:
16)
Structured Text
32

Data Types

Specify a data type from the Data Type Selection screen

displayed by clicking
. (Section 2.3.4)
It can also be entered directly.

128

Constant

Enter a constant value when "VAR_CONSTANT" is selected

for "Class" and simple type is selected for "Data Type".

128

Comment*1,*2

Enter a comment.

1024

*1 :
*2 :

2-4

Description

A new line can be inserted into a cell by pressing the + keys.

Comments on a program editor can be displayed/hidden by selecting [View] [Comment]/[Statement]/[Note].

2.3.1 Setting labels on Function/FB Label Setting screen

2.3 Setting Local Labels

2
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Class setting
When an item other than the class, such as a label name and data type, is set in a blank column, "VAR" is automatically
set for "Class". Change it if necessary.
Characters that cannot be used for label names
Any of the following label names causes an error at compilation.
A label name that includes a space.
A label name that begins with a numeral.
A label name which is same as the one used for devices.
For characters that cannot be used for label names, refer to Appendix 1.
When the local label setting of an FB is changed
When the local label setting of an FB pasted to a sequence program is changed, compile the program or all programs.
The change of input/output label is applied to the sequence program to which the FB is pasted at compilation. Note that
the change is not applied when the FB instance name is not registered in the global label setting or local label setting.

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

The maximum number of input/output labels which can be used in an FB program differs according to
the programming language.
When setting input/output labels with local label setting of FB, set within the number of the input/output
labels shown in the following table.
Applicable number of labels in an FB program

Programming language of FB

Input

Output

Ladder Diagram

1 to 24*1 (Including input/output labels)

Structured Text

0 to 253*2 (Including input/output labels)

For input/output labels, each input label and output label is counted as one label.
When pasting labels to a sequence program in Ladder Diagram, the applicable number of input/output labels is 1 to 24
(including input/output labels). Each input label and output label is counted as one label.

2.3.2

Classes

A class indicates the POU applicability and the usage of label.

Selectable classes differ according to the type of label setting editor.
The following table shows the selectable classes on the Function/FB Label Setting screen.

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

Class

Description

VAR

An internal-variable label that can be used for FB programs.

VAR_CONSTANT

A constant label that can be used for FB programs.

VAR_RETAIN*1

A latch-type label that is used for FB programs.

VAR_INPUT

A label that is used for an input of FB program (input label).

Its value cannot be changed in an FB program.

VAR_OUTPUT

A label that is used for an output of FB program (output label).

VAR_IN_OUT

A label that can be used for both input and output with the same name (input/output label).
Its value can be changed in an FB program.

Not supported by FXCPU.

INDEX

*1 :

5
USING FB
LIBRARIES

*1 :
*2 :

1 to 24*1 (Including input/output labels)

4
MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Maximum number of input/output labels

APPENDIX

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

2.3.2 Classes

2-5

GX Works2

2 CREATING FUNCTION BLOCKS

2.3.3

Data types

Data types of label are shown in the following table.

Note that applicable data types differ according to the programming language.
: Applicable, : Not applicable
Data type

Programming language
Ladder Diagram

Structured Text

Bit

Word [signed]

Double word [signed]

Word [unsigned]/16-bit string

Double word [unsigned]/32-bit string

Single-precision

real*1

Double-precision

real*2

String*3

Time

Timer

*4

Counter

*4

Retentive timer*5

*4

Pointer

*4

*1 :
*2 :
*3 :
*4 :
*5 :

For FXCPU, this item is supported by FX2N, FX2NC, FX3S, FX3G, FX3GC, FX3U, and FX3UC only.
Supported by Universal model QCPU/LCPU only.
For FXCPU, this item is supported by FX3U and FX3UC only.
The data type cannot be used as input/output labels when pasting an FB to a ladder program.
For FXCPU, this item is supported by FX1N, FX1NC, FX2N, FX2NC, FX3S, FX3G, FX3GC, FX3U, and FX3UC only.

For value ranges and details of each data type, refer to the following manuals.
QCPU (Q mode)/LCPU
CPU user's manuals (Function Explanation, Program Fundamentals)
MELSEC-Q/L Programming Manual (Common Instruction)
FXCPU
FXCPU user's manuals and programming manuals

2-6

2.3.3 Data types

2.3 Setting Local Labels

Selecting data types

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

2.3.4

Selecting data type.

A data type can be specified by directly entering the type in text or selecting it on the Data Type
Selection screen.

Operating procedure

1.

Click

on the data type entry field on the Function/FB Label Setting screen.
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

The Data Type Selection screen is displayed.

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Specify this to select a data type from basic types such as bit and word.

Structured Data Types

Specify this to select a data type from the defined structures.

For details of structures, refer to the following manual.
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Simple Project)

Function Blocks

Specify this to select a data type from the defined function blocks.

USING FB
LIBRARIES

Description

Simple Types

On the "Libraries" field, select the reference source such as the defined structure
that is used as the data type.
Item

Description

<ALL>

Browse data types, structures, and function blocks defined in the project, and all libraries.

<PROJECT>

Browse data types, structures, and function blocks defined in the project.
(Not displayed when "Simple Types" is selected.)

Standard Lib

Browse function blocks of application functions.

(Not displayed when "Simple Types" or "Structured Data Types" is selected.)

4.

On the "Data Type" field, select the data type, structure, or function block name.

5.

Click the

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

Item

3.

Select a type for "Type Class".

A
APPENDIX

2.

button when the setting is completed.

INDEX

The settings are displayed on the "Data Type" column on the Function/FB Label Setting screen.

2.3.4 Selecting data types

2-7

GX Works2

2 CREATING FUNCTION BLOCKS

Setting arrays for data type

Define the data type as an array.

To define a data type as an array, set the items of "Array Element" on the Data Type Selection screen.

Operation

1. Click

on the data type entry field on the

Function/FB Label Setting screen.
The Data Type Selection screen is displayed.

2. Select "ARRAY" under "Array Element".

3. Enter the number of elements for "Element".
4. Set the data type of the array element in the
same manner as setting the normal data type.

To change the offset

To change the offset ([Array start value]..[Array end value]) to a value other than 0, edit the offset
value by directly entering the array declaration in text on the Function/FB Label Setting screen.
Enter the array declaration.

To change the array to a two- or three-dimensional array

When the programming language is ST, a two- or three-dimensional array can be set. Edit by directly
entering the array declaration in text on the Function/FB Label Setting screen.
Enter the array declaration.

A label whose class is VAR_CONSTANT

An array cannot be set for the data type. If an array is set, an error occurs at compilation.
Offset values
Minus values can be set for offset values.
Using arrays in ladder programs
The labels of two- or three-dimensional array and structure array cannot be used in ladder programs.

2-8

2.3.4 Selecting data types

2.3 Setting Local Labels

Assigning devices automatically

Devices are automatically assigned to labels when a program is compiled.

The ranges of devices which are automatically assigned to labels can be changed on the Device/Label
Automatic-Assign Setting screen.
Set the ranges not to overlap with devices used in a sequence program.

QCPU (Q mode)/LCPU
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

2.3.5

Screen display
Select [Tool] [Device/Label Automatic-Assign Setting].

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Latch selection
field

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

USING FB
LIBRARIES

Operating procedure

Description

Latch selection field

Select latch (1) or latch (2).

This item can be selected when the range of latch (1) or latch (2) is set on the
<<Device>> tab of PLC parameter.

Device

Display the devices to be assigned automatically.

Digit

Display whether the range of device assignment setting is in decimal or

hexadecimal.

Assignment Selection
Assignment
Range

Start
End

Total Points

PLC Parameter
Device Setting Range

Select the device to be assigned automatically. Multiple devices can be set.

Enter the range of device points to be assigned automatically.
Display the total points of each device range for VAR and VAR_RETAIN.
Display the device point range set on the <<Device>> tab of PLC parameter.
When the latch range is set, display the device point range with the latch range.
Example: When D: 0 to 12287, latch D: 5000 to 6000 are set on the
<<Device>> tab of PLC parameter, display range of D: 0 to 12287,
range of latch D: 5000 to 6000.

APPENDIX

Item

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

Set the items on the screen.

INDEX

2.3.5 Assigning devices automatically

2-9

GX Works2

2 CREATING FUNCTION BLOCKS

FXCPU
Screen display

Select [Tool] [Device/Label Automatic-Assign Setting].

Operating procedure

2 - 10

Select the device type, and set the start and end addresses to be assigned
automatically.

2.3.5 Assigning devices automatically

2.3 Setting Local Labels

Assign devices to labels with the "Device/Label Automatic-Assign Setting" function when a program
is compiled.
(GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Simple Project))
The assigned devices can be checked with the cross reference function.
(GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Common))
Devices within the range set on the Device/Label Automatic-Assign Setting screen cannot be used in
a program.
Considerations when the multiple types of devices are assigned automatically (QCPU (Q
mode)/LCPU)
Refer to Considerations of compilation.
(GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Simple Project))
Device types and setting ranges
The types of automatically assigned devices differ by the type of CPU.
The setting ranges depend on the number of device points set in PLC parameter.
For details of PLC parameter, refer to the following manual.
(GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Common))

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Assigning devices with the "Device/Label Automatic-Assign Setting" function

3
USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

All programs need to be compiled when the range of automatically assigned device is changed.
Compiling all programs changes the device assignment to labels. Therefore, device values set before
the program change remain on the device-assigned labels.
For QCPU (Q mode)/LCPU, reset the programmable controller CPU, clear all device memories
including latches, clear all file registers, then switch the programmable controller CPU to RUN for a
precautionary measure.
(GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Common))
For the considerations for compiling all programs, refer to the following manual.
(GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Simple Project))

4
MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Considerations when changing automatically assigned devices

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Considerations of automatically assigned devices

Considerations when displaying the Device/Label Automatic-Assign Setting screen

When displaying the Device/Label Automatic-Assign Setting screen, an error message may be
displayed.
In this case, terminate GX Works2, copy "vsflex8n.ocx" stored in the folder of GX Works2 installation
destination to "C:\WINDOWS\system32" (for Windows XP), and restart GX Works2.

USING FB
LIBRARIES

6
PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

2.3.5 Assigning devices automatically

2 - 11

GX Works2

2 CREATING FUNCTION BLOCKS

2.4

Creating FB Programs

This section explains how to create an FB program using labels.

Labels set on the Function/FB Label Setting screen and global labels can be used.

Operating procedure

1.

Select Project view "POU" "FB_Pool" "(function block)" "Program".

The FB editing screen is displayed.

2.

Create an FB program.

For the program creation method, refer to the following manual.

GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Simple Project)

2 - 12

2.5 Converting FBs

Converting FBs

For FB programs in Ladder Diagram, the edited content can be confirmed by converting the program.

Operating procedure

1.

Select [Compile] [Build] (

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

2.5

).

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

The Confirm Build Method screen is displayed.

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Select "Convert the selected program" and click the

button.

The edited content of the FB program is confirmed.

USING FB
LIBRARIES

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

2.

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

2 - 13

GX Works2

2 CREATING FUNCTION BLOCKS

2.6

Considerations when Creating FB Programs

This section explains considerations for creating FB programs.

1)

Use of inline structured text in FB programs

Function blocks using inline structured text programs cannot be used in function block programs.

2)

Use of actual devices

Using labels is recommended for creating FB programs.
If an FB program which uses actual devices (X10, Y10, etc.) is used at multiple locations, the program
may not operate normally.
In addition, if an FB program which uses actual devices for the OUT instruction is used at multiple
locations, duplicated coil is resulted. Duplicated coil can be avoided with the SET/RST instruction.

3)

When using master control instructions

When using a master control instruction in an FB program, use the MC instruction and the MCR
instruction together.

4)

When using FBs for a sequence program to be executed multiple times in a single scan
If an FB, which contains a rising instruction, falling instruction, or an instruction that requires multiple
scans before the execution completion, is used in a sequence program to be executed multiple times in a
single scan, the program may not operate normally.
Item

Description
Fixed-cycle execution type program

Program to be executed multiple times in a

single scan

Interrupt program
Subroutine program
FOR-NEXT instruction program
Instruction which requires multiple scans before the execution completion
(JP.READ/JP.WRITE instruction, SORT instruction, SP.FREAD/SP.FWRITE
instruction, etc.)

Unusable instructions for FBs which are

used for above programs

Rising instruction
(P instruction (such as MOVP instruction), PLS, etc.)
Falling instruction
(PLF, LDF, ANDF, ORF, MEF, FCALLP, EFCALLP, etc.)

2 - 14

2.6 Considerations when Creating FB Programs

Example: When the values of index registers Z1 and Z2 are temporarily saved in the FB program
before the execution of the program and the saved values of the index registers are restored
after execution of the program.
Save the index register values in index_reg_tmp before execution of the program.

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

2
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

When using index registers in FB programs

When using index registers in an FB program, a save program and a restore program are required to
protect the index register values.
Through a method that the index register value is set to 0 when its value is temporarily saved, an
operation error, which is detected by the consistency check of index modification (whether if the device
number exceeds the device range), can be prevented.

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

3
Set the index
register values
to "0".

4
MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Run the program.

5
USING FB
LIBRARIES

Restore the values saved in index_reg_tmp after execution of the program to the index registers.

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

5)

2 - 15

GX Works2

2 CREATING FUNCTION BLOCKS

6)

Specification of start I/O numbers of intelligent function modules

When accessing to the buffer memory or input/output signals of an intelligent function module, specify the
start I/O number using an index register.
Receiving the start I/O number as an input variable enables a common FB to be used without changing
the start I/O numbers of the multiple intelligent function modules whose mounting positions differ.
Example 1: When accessing the input/output signals of an intelligent function module
Using an index register enables access to the input/output signals of a target intelligent
function module.

<Sequence program>

Specify the value of i_Start_IO_NO.

<FB program>

Access the input/output signal using the index register.

Example 2: When accessing the buffer memory of an intelligent function module.

1) Enter the start I/O number of the target intelligent function module to the index register.
2) Shift the value rightward 4 bits with the SFR instruction or use the quotient of the value
divided by 16.

#
$

Access the buffer memory.

2 - 16

2.6 Considerations when Creating FB Programs

<For QCPU (Q mode)/LCPU>

Set 1 (ON) to the first bit of int_WordData.

1
OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

When transferring multiple bit data to a word type label

For a ladder program, a label does not allow digit specification (K4i_Counter, etc.)
When transferring multiple bit data to a word type label, use the BSET/BRST instruction or the WOR/
WAND instruction to switch ON/OFF the individual bits of the target word data.

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Set 0 (OFF) to the fifth bit of int_WordData.

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Set OFF to the 1st bit and the 5th bit of int_WordData with the WAND instruction.
* For the specification of the bit position, refer to the following table.
(WAND instruction)
Set a bit to OFF.

0th bit

H0001

HFFFE

1st bit

H0002

HFFFD

2nd bit

H0004

HFFFB

3rd bit

H0008

HFFF7

4th bit

H0010

HFFEF

5th bit

H0020

HFFDF

6th bit

H00 4 0

HFFBF

7th bit

H0080

HFF7F

8th bit

H0100

HFEFF

9th bit

H0200

HFDFF

10th bit

H0 4 00

HFBFF

11th bit

H0800

HF7 FF

12th bit

H1000

HEFFF

13th bit

H2000

HDFFF

14th bit

H4 000

HBFFF

15th bit

H8000

H7 FFF

5
USING FB
LIBRARIES

(WOR instruction)
Set a bit to ON.

6
PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

Bit position

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

A
APPENDIX

<For FXCPU>

Set ON to the 0th bit and the 4th bit of int_WordData with the WOR instruction.
*For the specification of the bit position, refer to the following table.

INDEX

7)

2 - 17

GX Works2

2 CREATING FUNCTION BLOCKS

8)

When handling multiple word data as an array

Input/output labels in an FB program do not allow an array to be used.
In the following method, multiple data can be imported from a sequence program to an FB program.
Example: When loading values for six points from D1000
A) Set the following three labels in the label setting of FB program. Set int_Write_Array as
an array.
Storage destination
of D1000
Specification of the number
of points to be imported
Transferring destination of
multiple word data

B) In the sequence program, save values for six points to D devices from D1000.
D1000

1234 H

D1001

2345 H

D1002

3456 H

D1003

4567 H

D1004

5678H

D1005

6789H

C) For the input of an FB instance, specify D1000.

D) Using the BMOV instruction in the FB program, transfer values for six points from the
input variable (i_Write_Data) to the array (int_Write_Array).

1234 H

int_Write_Array[0]

1234 H

D1001

2345 H

int_Write_Array[1]

2345 H

D1002

3456 H

int_Write_Array[2]

3456 H

D1003

4567 H

int_Write_Array[3]

4567 H

D1004

5678H

int_Write_Array[4]

5678H

D1005

6789H

int_Write_Array[5]

6789H

D1000(i_Write_Data)

2 - 18

Transfer 6
points with
BMOV

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

2
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

This chapter explains how to create a sequence program with FBs.

For the basic operations and screen details of GX Works2, refer to the following manual.
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Common)

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

4
MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

3 - 19

5
USING FB
LIBRARIES

Checking Operations of Sequence Programs

6
PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

3.2

3-2

A
APPENDIX

Creating Sequence Programs with FBs

INDEX

3.1

3-1

GX Works2

3 USING FUNCTION BLOCKS

3.1

Creating Sequence Programs with FBs

This section explains how to create a sequence program using FBs as components.

3.1.1

Pasting FBs to sequence programs

When calling an FB within a ladder program

On the pasted FB instance, label names of I/O variables and their corresponding data types are
displayed.
Paste FBs from the Project view of the Navigation window or from the Element Selection window to a
sequence program. When the FB is pasted, an FB instance name is registered to the local label or the
global label as a label.

Operating procedure

1.

Select an FB from the Project view of the Navigation window and move to a desired
position on the sequence program with the drag-and-drop operation.

The Input FB Instance Name screen is displayed.

2.

Click to

3.

Change the FB instance name if necessary.

select local label or global label to register the FB instance name.

When changing the name, avoid creating the same name in the same program.

3-2

3.1.1 Pasting FBs to sequence programs

3.1 Creating Sequence Programs with FBs

4.

Click the

button.

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

The FB instance is displayed on the editing screen.

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

FB instance name
A name can be set using up to 16 characters. Alphabets are case-sensitive.
Numeric characters cannot be used as the first character. For unusable characters, refer to Appendix 1.
Registering FB instance names to local label or global label
When an FB is pasted, an FB instance name is automatically registered as a label on the setting screen of the label
selected in step 2.

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

FB instance names can be changed later. (Section 4.6)

6
PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

Other pasting methods

FBs can also be pasted from the Element Selection window with the drag-and-drop operation. The Element Selection
window is displayed by selecting [View] [Docking Window] [Element Selection].
When the same FB is pasted repeatedly
Pasting an FB to a sequence program causes the file size to be increased. Pasting the same FB to one sequence
program repeatedly also causes the size increase of the sequence program according to the number of times of
pasting.

USING FB
LIBRARIES

APPENDIX

INDEX

3.1.1 Pasting FBs to sequence programs

3-3

GX Works2

3 USING FUNCTION BLOCKS

Display of FB instance

On the pasted FB instance, label names of I/O variables and their corresponding data types are
displayed.
FB instance name

Data name

Data name

Label name

Label name

The following are the representation of data types.

B: Bit
W: Word [signed]
D: Double word [signed]
E: Single-precision real
L: Double-precision real
S: String

3-4

3.1.1 Pasting FBs to sequence programs

3.1 Creating Sequence Programs with FBs

By entering an FB name in an ST program, the FB can be called in the same manner as pasting an FB
in a ladder program.

Operating procedure

Enter an FB label name, input variable, and output variable in the ST program.

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Values must be specified for entered input variable and output variable.
Note that entering of output variable can be omitted when a result of output variable is not required.

[Details of defined FB]

FB label name: FB_TIMER
Input variable: Setting value 1 second, setting value 10 seconds, setting value 100 seconds, start,
stop
Output variable: In operation, timer up 1, timer up 2
[Data entering example]
Enter data in the ST program as shown below.
Input variable

4
MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

FB label name

Device that assigns a value to

an input variable

FB_TIMER (Setting value 1 second: = X0,

Setting value 10 seconds: = X1,
Setting value 100 seconds: = X2,
Start: = X3, Stop: = X4, In operation: = Y70,
Timer up 1: = Y71, Timer up2: = Y72);

Output variable

3
USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Example: When the defined FB is "TIMER"

Device that assigns a value to an output variable

6
PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

The output of the FB can be obtained by specifying the output variable name with a 'period (.)'
suffixed to the FB name.
Enter an instruction to obtain the output after performing the FB call.
Y70: = FB_TIMER. In operation;

APPENDIX

INDEX

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

When calling an FB within an ST program

USING FB
LIBRARIES

3.1.1 Pasting FBs to sequence programs

3-5

GX Works2

3 USING FUNCTION BLOCKS

3.1.2

Creating input and output circuits of FB instances

Create input and output circuits of the FB instance pasted to a sequence program.

Input circuit

Output circuit

Operating procedure

1.

Select [Compile] [Build].

The Confirm Build Method screen is displayed.

2.

Select "Convert the selected program", and click the

button.

The ladder block is converted, and lines are connected to the input labels and output labels of the
FB instance.

3-6

3.1.2 Creating input and output circuits of FB instances

3.1 Creating Sequence Programs with FBs

3.

Enter elements to the input circuit.

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Enter elements in the same manner as creating normal ladder programs. Create a program
meeting data type of input variable.

<Bit type>

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

If the data type of input variable is not a bit type, enter the device directly on the Enter Symbol
screen.

5
USING FB
LIBRARIES

<Other than bit type>

Enter elements to the output circuit in the same manner as the input circuit.

A
APPENDIX

Edit the program other than FBs as necessary. After finishing the editing, convert/compile the
program.

INDEX

4.

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

3.1.2 Creating input and output circuits of FB instances

3-7

GX Works2

3 USING FUNCTION BLOCKS

Number of contacts that can be created in input circuit and output circuit
By setting "Display Connection of Ladder Diagram", the number of contacts occupied in input circuit or output circuit of
an FB instance is determined as below.
Setting of the number of displayed
contacts

Number of contacts in input circuit

Number of contacts in output circuit

9 contacts

3 contacts

2 contacts + 1 coil

11 contacts

4 contacts

3 contacts + 1 coil

13 contacts

5 contacts

4 contacts + 1 coil

17 contacts

7 contacts

6 contacts + 1 coil

21 contacts

9 contacts

8 contacts + 1 coil

Instructions that exceed the number of occupied contacts cannot be entered. When instructions cannot be placed by
changing the number of displayed contacts, the ladder block is not displayed properly.
For the setting of the number of displayed contacts, refer to the following manual.
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Simple Project)
Comment
A comment can be entered on a program.
Statement
Note

Device comment

Label
comment

There are four types of comments as below.

Type

Description

Device comment

Enter the function of the device.

Label comment

Enter the function of the label.

Statement

Enter the function of the ladder block.

Note

Enter the function of the output instruction.

Reference
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating
Manual (Common)
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating
Manual (Simple Project)

Checking duplicated coils in the ladder programs

When the same devices are used in the source ladder program and the target FB, even if "Check duplicated coil" is
selected under "Program Editor" "Ladder/SFC" "Enter ladder" in the option setting, the duplicated coils are not
detected. Check the duplicated coils in the source ladder program and the target FB by the Cross reference function.
The duplicated coils can be checked by clearing the item for "Program Check" under [Tool] [Options] "Compile"
"Basic Setting".
When using labels in a sequence program
When using labels in a sequence program, refer to the following manual.
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Simple Project)

3-8

3.1.2 Creating input and output circuits of FB instances

3.1 Creating Sequence Programs with FBs

Considerations for using FBs

1)

A single FB can be pasted to a single ladder block.

The output of an FB instance cannot be directly connect to the input of another FB instance.
When connecting FBs each other, use a coil to initially receive the output of a single FB, and then
connect the contact of the coil to the input of the other FB.

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

2)

Wrapping lines cannot be created in the input and output circuits.

Insert a coil to receive the output and use the contact of the coil as the target instruction condition.

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

USING FB
LIBRARIES

3)

Parallel connections cannot be created in the input or output circuit. An error occurs when
the program is converted.

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

A
The data type of the input or output circuit of the FB instance, and the data type of the
contact/coil/application instruction to be connected must be the same.
Using different data types at the connection causes an error at compilation.

5)

If the instance is not registered on the label setting screen when utilizing the FB to the
ladder program, the information of FB name change and FB deletion are not applied to the
label setting and the program.
In this case, delete the FB instance in the program manually, and utilize the FBs again.

APPENDIX

4)

INDEX

3.1.2 Creating input and output circuits of FB instances

3-9

GX Works2

3 USING FUNCTION BLOCKS

6)

When the label setting of FB is changed, compile the program or all programs.
The change of input/output label is applied to the utilization destination ladder program at
compilation. Note that the change is not applied when the FB instance is not registered in the
global label setting or local label setting.

<Example of FB (before changing label setting)>

<Label setting of FB>

Switch input label sequence
Delete output label OUT1
Add output label PLUS3

Execute compilation

<Example of FB (after changing label setting)>

7)

3 - 10

Function blocks using inline structured text programs cannot be used in programs other
than Ladder Diagram.

3.1.2 Creating input and output circuits of FB instances

3.1 Creating Sequence Programs with FBs

Aligning sequence program and FB program

An alignment of a sequence program and an FB program allows a sequence program to be edited

while checking the FB program.

Operating procedure

Move the cursor to the FB instance.

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

1.

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

3.1.3

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Move the cursor to the FB instance.

USING FB
LIBRARIES

Select [View] [Tile FB Horizontally].

The sequence program and the FB program are displayed horizontally.

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

2.

3.1.3 Aligning sequence program and FB program

3 - 11

GX Works2

3 USING FUNCTION BLOCKS

Other display methods

An FB program can also be displayed by moving the cursor to the FB instance and performing any of the following
operations.
++
+ + double-click

3.1.4

Converting/compiling all sequence programs

Convert/compile all sequence programs to be executed on a programmable controller CPU.

Operating procedure

1.

Select [Compile] [Rebuild All] (

).

The following message is displayed.

Clear the check box if the duplicated coil check, ladder program check, and consistency (pairing)
check are not performed after the compilation.

2.

Click the
button after reading and understanding the considerations
described on the message.
All programs are converted/compiled and the result is displayed on the Output window.
By double-clicking the result (errors/warnings only), the corresponding error location in the
program is displayed.

Output window

3 - 12

3.1.4 Converting/compiling all sequence programs

3.1 Creating Sequence Programs with FBs

2
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

When a program is compiled with [Compile]

Since only programs that are not compiled are subjected to compilation, time required for compilation can be reduced.
For considerations of compilation, refer to the following manual.
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Simple Project)
Program size after compilation
When compilation is executed, the FB is applied to a program as an internal processing of a sequence program,
resulting in increase of the program size.
The program size can be checked on the Memory Capacity Calculation Result screen.

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

FB

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Apply the FB to the program

as an internal processing

Calculating memory size (QCPU(Q mode)/LCPU)

Data size required for writing a program to a programmable controller CPU can be checked on the
Memory Capacity Calculation Result screen. Excess of the capacity when writing a program to a
programmable controller CPU can be prevented by checking the memory size.

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Operating procedure
USING FB
LIBRARIES

Select [Tool] [Confirm Memory Size].

The Confirm Memory Size screen is displayed.

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

A
APPENDIX

File list

INDEX

1.

3.1.4 Converting/compiling all sequence programs

3 - 13

GX Works2

3 USING FUNCTION BLOCKS

2.

Set the items on the screen.

Item

Description

Target Memory/Memory Card

Type

Set the memory whose size is to be calculated, and memory card type.
For details of the memory card application, refer to the following manuals.
QCPU User's Manual (Hardware Design, Maintenance and Inspection)
MELSEC-L CPU Module User's Manual (Hardware Design, Maintenance and
Inspection)

File list
Target

3.

Click the

Select data whose size is to be calculated.

button.

The Memory Capacity Calculation Result screen is displayed.

<For online calculation>

Target section
Calculation
result section

Sum total section

Memory status
graph
graph section
section

The offline calculation and online calculation can be switched.

For details of the Memory Capacity Calculation Result screen, refer to the following manual.
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Common)

3 - 14

3.1.4 Converting/compiling all sequence programs

3.1 Creating Sequence Programs with FBs

Calculating memory size (FXCPU)

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Display sizes and capacities of program and symbolic information calculated offline.
Displayed values are values when the program and parameters are written to a programmable
controller CPU.

Operating procedure

Select [Tool] [Confirm Memory Size].

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

The Confirm Memory Size screen is displayed. For details, refer to the following manual.
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Common)

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

USING FB
LIBRARIES

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

3.1.4 Converting/compiling all sequence programs

3 - 15

GX Works2

3 USING FUNCTION BLOCKS

3.1.5

Writing sequence programs to programmable controller

CPU

Write created data to a programmable controller CPU or a memory card.

Before writing data, set a communication route of a personal computer and programmable controller
CPU with the connection destination setting. In addition, set the programmable controller CPU to the
STOP status.
For details of connection destination setting, refer to the following manual.
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Common)

Operating procedure

1.

Select [Online] [Write to PLC] (

).

The Online Data Operation screen is displayed.

3 - 16

3.1.5 Writing sequence programs to programmable controller CPU

3.1 Creating Sequence Programs with FBs

Select the target data.

Symbolic information must be selected. If symbolic information is not written, inconsistency may
occur between the data on the project and the data written to the programmable controller CPU.

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

2.

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

button.

Writing target for symbolic information

When symbolic information is selected, the memory size for the symbolic information is required.
For QCPU(Q mode)/LCPU, the writing target for symbolic information can be changed to standard ROM or memory
card (other than program memory or device memory), resulting that the capacity of program memory can be reserved.
Default writing target for symbolic information
The default writing target for symbolic information can be set for each project.
Select [Tool] [Options] "Symbolic Information", and select a writing target from "Setting for Writing of Symbolic
Information to PLC".

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Click the

4
MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

3.

6
PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

FXCPU
Symbolic information can be read from/write to a programmable controller CPU in a project of FX3U/FX3UC version
3.00 or later only.
When a memory cassette to which the symbolic information has been written is used on an FXCPU other than FX3U/
FX3UC version 3.00 or later, the memory cassette can be used, however, the symbolic information cannot be read
from the memory cassette. When the symbolic information is written to a memory cassette on an FXCPU other than
FX3U/FX3UC version 3.00 or later, the symbolic information may be corrupted.

USING FB
LIBRARIES

APPENDIX

INDEX

3.1.5 Writing sequence programs to programmable controller CPU

3 - 17

GX Works2

3 USING FUNCTION BLOCKS

Symbolic information

The symbolic information is data that store the program configuration such as labels and FBs.
To restore these data included in the symbolic information when reading a program from the
programmable controller CPU, write/read the symbolic information to/from the programmable controller
CPU.
Data such as labels and FBs included in the symbolic information cannot be restored if only sequence
programs are read.
The following table shows the program data included in the symbolic information.
Item

Included data
Global labels
POU

Symbolic
information

Programs
Local labels
FBs
Structures

3 - 18

3.1.5 Writing sequence programs to programmable controller CPU

3.2 Checking Operations of Sequence Programs

Checking Operations of Sequence Programs

Execute the monitoring function to check the operation of the programs written to the programmable
controller CPU.
FB programs can also be monitored.

Operating procedure
Select [Online] [Monitor] [Start Monitoring] (

).
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

The monitoring starts.

Double-click the FB instance to monitor the FB program.

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

USING FB
LIBRARIES

Double-click the FB instance.

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

3.2

3 - 19

GX Works2

3 USING FUNCTION BLOCKS

Change Instance (Function Block) screen

If monitoring is started on an FB program when FBs are used at multiple locations in a sequence program, the Change
Instance (Function Block) screen is displayed. Select an instance.
The screen can also be displayed by activating the FB program's work window and selecting [Online] [Monitor]
[Change Instance (Function Block)].

Ladder editing mode with option setting

When "Use the Switching Ladder Edit Mode (Read, Write, Monitor, Monitor (Write))" is selected in the option setting,
the ladder programs cannot be edited when Start Monitoring is executed. Execute 'monitor (write mode)' to edit the
programs in the monitoring status.
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Simple Project)

3 - 20

MANAGING AND EDITING

FUNCTION BLOCKS

2
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

This chapter explains how to manage and edit FBs.

For the basic operations and screen details of GX Works2, refer to the following manual.
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Common)

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Reusing FBs from Library (Project)

4-3

4.3

Copying FBs from Project

4-9

4.4

Changing FB Instance Names

4 - 10

4.5

Deleting Unnecessary FB Data from Projects

4 - 11

4.6

Protecting FBs

4 - 13

4.7

Searching/Replacing FB Instance Names

4 - 16

5
USING FB
LIBRARIES

4.2

6
PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

4-2

A
APPENDIX

Reading FB Programs from Programmable Controller

CPU

INDEX

4.1

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

4-1

GX Works2

4 MANAGING AND EDITING FUNCTION BLOCKS

4.1

Reading FB Programs from Programmable Controller CPU

Read FB programs from a programmable controller CPU. When reading FB programs, read symbolic
information with a project with labels using the Read from PLC function.
Before reading data, set a communication route of a personal computer and programmable controller
CPU with the connection destination setting. For details of connection destination setting, refer to the
following manual.
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Common)

Operating procedure

1.

Select [Online] [Read from PLC].

The Online Data Operation screen is displayed.

2.

Select "Symbolic Information".

3.

Click the

button.

FXCPU
For FXCPU projects with labels, created project data can be read from FX3U/FX3UC version 3.00 or later only.

4-2

4.2 Reusing FBs from Library (Project)

Reusing FBs from Library (Project)

This section explains how to reuse the created FBs in another project.
The created FB programs can be used as program assets in multiple projects by using the project
files created in Simple project (with labels) as FB library.

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

4.2

The following shows the procedure for reusing the FBs in the created library (project) to other project.

Operating procedure

Creating a library (project).

Procedure

Reference

Create a Simple project (with labels).

GX Works2 Version 1
Operating Manual (Common)

Name and save the project.

Close the project.

Exporting FBs to a library (project).

Procedure

Reference
GX Works2 Version 1
Operating Manual (Common)

Export FBs to the library (project).

Section 4.2.2

Acquiring FBs from the library (project).

Procedure

5
USING FB
LIBRARIES

Open the project that contains FBs to be reused.

Reference

Open the project to which FBs are to be used.

GX Works2 Version 1
Operating Manual (Common)

Acquire the FBs from the library (project).

Section 4.2.3

A
APPENDIX

3.

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

INDEX

2.

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

1.

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Library (project) reusing procedure

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

4.2.1

4.2.1 Library (project) reusing procedure

4-3

GX Works2

4 MANAGING AND EDITING FUNCTION BLOCKS

4.2.2

Exporting FBs to other project

Export the FBs which are created in the project being edited to other project using the Export FB to
Library (Project) screen. Global labels and structures can be exported at the same time.
An FB whose PLC type is different from that of the project being edited can be exported.
However, FBs created with QCPU(Q mode)/LCPU project cannot be exported to FXCPU project, and
vice versa.

Operating procedure

1.

Select [Project] [Library] [Export FB to Library (Project)]

The Export FB to Library (Project) screen is displayed.

4-4

4.2.2 Exporting FBs to other project

4.2 Reusing FBs from Library (Project)

Select FBs, global labels, and structures to be exported to the target project from
the FB List.
Click the
same time.

button to export the FBs or structures in the selected FBs at the

1
OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

2.

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Click the

4.

Click the

button to select the export target project.

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

3.

button.

The selected FBs, global labels, and structures are exported to the target project.

6
PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

Block password
An FB with a block password cannot be exported. Unlock the block password of the project being edited before export
the FB.
The block password of FB is unset to the export target project.
Considerations for "Indexing Setting for ZR Device"
FBs cannot be exported when the device set for "Indexing Setting for ZR Device" on the <<Device>> tab of PLC
parameter is different between the target project and the project being edited.
Set the same setting for "Indexing Setting for ZR Device" before exporting FBs.
When an FB with the different start number of index register is exported, check the program using the index setting
because the operation of the index setting may be changed.
When the data name of output target data is overlapped
When the data name of each export target FB, global label, or structure is overlapped, the existing data in the target
project is overwritten and deleted.
In this case, change the data name before exporting the data.

USING FB
LIBRARIES

APPENDIX

INDEX

4.2.2 Exporting FBs to other project

4-5

GX Works2

4 MANAGING AND EDITING FUNCTION BLOCKS

4.2.3

Importing FBs from other project

Import the FBs which are created in other project to the project being edited using the Import Library to
Project screen. The global labels and the structures can be imported at the same time.
An FB whose PLC type is different from that of the project being edited can be imported.
However, FBs created with QCPU(Q mode)/LCPU project cannot be imported to FXCPU project, and
vice versa.

Operating procedure

1.

Select [Project] [Library] [Install].

The Import Library to Project screen is displayed.

2.

Select "Select Library (Project)" from the "Library List" combo box.

3.

Click the

4.

Click the

button, and select the other project.

button.

When the other project is modified, click the

4-6

4.2.3 Importing FBs from other project

button and update "FB List".

4.2 Reusing FBs from Library (Project)

Select FBs, global labels, and structures to be imported to the editing project from
the FB List.
Click the
same time.

button to import the FBs or structures in the selected FBs at the

1
OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

5.

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

button.

The imported FBs, global labels, and structures are displayed on the project view.
For utilizing FBs, refer to Chapter 3.

Block passwords
An FB with a block password cannot be imported. Delete the block password of the source project before importing the
FB.
Considerations of "Indexing Setting for ZR Device"
FBs cannot be imported when the device set for "Indexing Setting for ZR Device" on the <<Device>> tab of PLC
parameter is different between the source project and the project being edited.
Set the same setting for "Indexing Setting for ZR Device", and import FBs.
When an FB with the different start number of index register is imported, check the program using the index setting
because the operation of the index setting may be changed.
When the data name of import source data is overlapped
When the data name of each import source FB, global label, or structure is overlapped, the existing data in the target
project is overwritten and deleted.
In this case, change the data name before importing the data.

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Click the

5
USING FB
LIBRARIES

6.

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

4.2.3 Importing FBs from other project

4-7

GX Works2

4 MANAGING AND EDITING FUNCTION BLOCKS

Setting the conversion method for inapplicable instructions

Set the conversion method when the FBs to be added contain instructions or devices which are not
applicable to the target project.

Operating procedure

1.

Click the

2.

Set the item on the screen.

button on the Install screen.

Item

Description

Conversion Method of Invalid Instructions

and Devices

3.

Click the

Select the conversion method for the inapplicable instruction.

button.

The screen returns to the Install screen.

4-8

4.2.3 Importing FBs from other project

4.3 Copying FBs from Project

FBs can be reused by starting another GX Works2, and copying and pasting the FBs from the source
project to the target project.
This section explains how to reuse FBs in an existing project.

1.

Open the source project.

2.

Start another GX Works2, and open the target project.

If the programmable controller types differ between the two projects, match the programmable
controller type. A programmable controller type can be changed by selecting [Project] [Change
PLC Type].

Move the FB data in the source project to "FB_Pool" in the target project with the
drag-and-drop operation.
Source project

Target project

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Operating procedure

3.

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Copying FBs from Project

3
USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

4.3

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

USING FB
LIBRARIES

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

A
APPENDIX

The FB data is copied to the project of

the sequence program, and displayed on
the Project view.

INDEX

When reusing FBs created with GX Developer in GX Works2

Open a project of GX Developer by selecting [Project] [Open Other Data] [Open Other Project].
For considerations, refer to Appendix 3.

4-9

GX Works2

4 MANAGING AND EDITING FUNCTION BLOCKS

4.4

Changing FB Instance Names

This section explains how to change the FB instance name of an FB pasted to a ladder program.
The global label or local label need to be registered/changed to the same name as the changed FB
instance name.

Operating procedure

1.

Move the cursor to the FB instance.

FB instance name

2.

Select [Edit] [Edit FB Instance].

The Edit FB Instance Name screen is displayed.

3.

Enter a new FB instance name, and select "Change All" or "Change Only Selection
FB".

4.

Click the

button.

The FB instance name is changed.

When "Change All" is selected, all the FB instances with the same name are changed.
When "Change Only Selection FB" is selected, only the FB instance on the cursor position is
changed.

FB instance name after change

5.

Open the global label or local label setting screen, and register/change the label
name to the same as the new FB instance name.
If the program is compiled without registering/changing the label, a compilation error occurs.

4 - 10

4.5 Deleting Unnecessary FB Data from Projects

Deleting Unnecessary FB Data from Projects

This section explains how to delete FB data from a project.

FB instances and FB instance names registered to the global label or local label may be deleted at the
same time.

Operating procedure
Select an FB to be deleted on the Project view.

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

1.

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

4.5

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

2.

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Select [Project] [Object] [Delete].

A confirmation message for deleting data is displayed.

USING FB
LIBRARIES

button.

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

Click the

A message for selecting the deletion method is displayed.

APPENDIX

INDEX

3.

4 - 11

GX Works2

4 MANAGING AND EDITING FUNCTION BLOCKS

4.

Select the deletion method, and click the

button.

The following are the targets to be deleted.

Deletion method

Deletion target
FB data

"Delete the function block and the function block

FB instance (including input circuits and output circuits)
in the import target program"
FB instance names registered on the label setting editor
"Delete only function block"

4 - 12

FB data

4.6 Protecting FBs

Protecting FBs

Setting a block password protects created FB programs and disables browsing program contents.
The following operations are disabled when a block password is set.
Displaying and editing FB programs
Editing FB local labels

Copying data to other projects

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Operating procedure

1.

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

4.6

Select [Tool] [Block Password].

The Set Block Password screen is displayed.

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

5
Select an FB to be protected, and click the

button.
USING FB
LIBRARIES

The Change Block Password screen is displayed.

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

2.

4 - 13

GX Works2

4 MANAGING AND EDITING FUNCTION BLOCKS

3.

Enter a password, and click the

button.

On the "Registration Status" field of the Set Block Password screen, "Unlocked" is displayed.

4.

Click the

button.

The protection of the FB by the block password becomes effective when the project is saved and
opened once again.
The lock marks are appended to the FB icons on the Project view.

Changing block passwords

To change a block password, simply set a new password for the POU to which a block password has already been set.
However, the block password must be unlocked before changing it.

4 - 14

4.6 Protecting FBs

Unlock the block password.

Unlock of the block password is valid while the project is being opened. The lock status is restored
when the project is opened again.

Operating procedure

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Unlocking block passwords

Select [Tool] [Block Password].

2.

Select an FB to unlock the block password, and click the

button.

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

1.

The Unlock Block Password screen is displayed.

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Enter a password, and click the

button.

The block password is unlocked, and "Unlocked" is displayed on the "Registration Status" field of
the Set Block Password screen.

Deleting block passwords

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

3.

Delete the block password.

1.

Select [Tool] [Block Password].

2.

Select an FB to delete the block password, and click the

USING FB
LIBRARIES

Operating procedure

button.

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

The following message is displayed.

A
Click the

button.
APPENDIX

The password is deleted.

INDEX

3.

4 - 15

GX Works2

4 MANAGING AND EDITING FUNCTION BLOCKS

4.7

Searching/Replacing FB Instance Names

FB instance names and labels can be searched/replaced.

In this section, the search function is explained as an example.

Operating procedure

1.

Select [Find/Replace] [Find String].

The Find/Replace screen is displayed.

2.

Enter an FB instance name to be searched for "Find In", and click the
button or the
When the

button.
button is clicked, the cursor moves to the corresponding position.

When the
button is clicked, the search result is displayed. By double-clicking the row
in the search result, the cursor jumps to the corresponding character string.

4 - 16

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

USING FB LIBRARIES

2
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

The FB Library is a collection of FBs and it is provided as MELSOFT Library.

This chapter explains how to use the FB Library.
For the overview of the FB Library, refer to the following manual.
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Common)
Note that the FB Library is not supported by FXCPU.

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Installing FB Library

5-2

5.2

Using FB Libraries

5-3

5.3

Displaying Reference Manual

5-5

5.4

Uninstalling FB Library

5-6

5
USING FB
LIBRARIES

5.1

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

5-1

GX Works2

5 USING FB LIBRARIES

5.1

Installing FB Library

Install the FB Library.

Log onto the personal computer to which the FB Library is to be installed as a user with Administrator
privilege, and install the FB Library.

5.1.1

Obtaining FB Library

Contact your local Mitsubishi representative to obtain the FB Library.

Compatible GX Works2 versions

Install an FB library onto a personal computer on which GX Works2 Version 1.12N or a later is installed.
Since compatible GX Works2 versions differ according to FB libraries, contact your local Mitsubishi representative for
details.

5.1.2

Installing FB Library

Operating procedure

1.

Decompress the installer file.

2.

Double-click "setup.exe" in the decompressed

folder.
The installation is executed.
Install the file according to the instructions on the screen.
The FB Library and a reference manual are installed in the
following folder.
When the installation path of GX Works2 is C:\Program
Files\MELSOFT\GPPW2
C:\Program Files\MELSOFT\GPPW2\MELSOFT\Library

5-2

5.1.1 Obtaining FB Library

5.2 Using FB Libraries

Using FB Libraries

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

5.2

Import the installed FB libraries to a project.

Operating procedure

1.

Select [Project] [Library] [Install].

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

The Install screen is displayed.

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Select a library from "Library List", and click the

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

2.

4
button.
"FB List" is updated.

USING FB
LIBRARIES

Select FBs to be imported from "FB List".

APPENDIX

INDEX

3.

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

5-3

GX Works2

5 USING FB LIBRARIES

4.

Click the

button.

The imported FB library is displayed on the Project view.

For the method for utilizing FBs, refer to Chapter 3.
For the method for using FB libraries and the application of labels,
refer to the FB library reference manual. (Section 5.3)

Editing FB libraries
Since a folder which contains FB library project files is for a system use, do not change the folder name or delete the
folder. If the folder name is changed or the folder is deleted, a system malfunction may occur. In addition, do not
store GX Works2 project files or any other files. For a location to which FB library project files are to be stored, refer
to Section 5.1.2.
FB libraries (whose name starts with M+/P+) are read-only files. They can be deleted but cannot be edited. To edit a
library, copy or paste FB library data after importing the library.
Copying FB libraries
FB library data can be copied or pasted even for projects with different programmable controller types as long as
project types are identical.

5-4

5.3 Displaying Reference Manual

Displaying Reference Manual

This section explains how to check the usage of the imported FB library and the application of labels.

Operating procedure
Select an FB from the Project view.

2.

Right-click and select [Data Help] from the shortcut

menu.

2
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

1.

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

5.3

The reference manual of the selected FB data is displayed.

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

4
MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Displaying reference manual from utilized FB

A reference manual can be displayed from the utilized FB of the FB library on the program.
Select an FB on the project and press the key.

USING FB
LIBRARIES

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

5-5

GX Works2

5 USING FB LIBRARIES

5.4

Uninstalling FB Library

This section explains how to uninstall the installed FB Library, using Windows XP as an example.

Operating procedure

1.

Select [Start] [Control Panel] [Add or Remove Programs].

2.

Select "MELSOFT Library (Module Model)".

3.

Click the

button.

Uninstall the FB Library according to the instructions on the screen.

5-6

PROGRAM EXAMPLES
USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

2
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

3
USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

This chapter explains program examples using FBs.

Processing of Program Examples

6-3

6.3

Creating Program Examples

6-4

5
USING FB
LIBRARIES

6.2

6
PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

6-2

A
APPENDIX

System Configuration of Program Examples

INDEX

6.1

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

6-1

GX Works2

6 PROGRAM EXAMPLES USING FUNCTION BLOCKS

6.1

System Configuration of Program Examples

The following shows an example of system configuration.

This system controls the operations of a conveyor using a CPU module, an input module, and an
output module.

Sensor
(X1)

Conveyor

Motor

Control panel
Operation panel
Operation Buzzer
(X0)

(Y1)
(Y0)

#
No.

6-2

Category

Model name

&

'
Description

Base unit

Q33B

Power supply module

Q62P

CPU module

Q02UCPU

Input module

QX40

Connect to the operation switch (X0) and sensor (X1).

Output module

QY40P

Connect to the conveyor driving relay (Y0) and buzzer (Y1).

6.2 Processing of Program Examples

Processing of Program Examples

When the number of boxes to be conveyed is set, and the operation switch is pressed, the conveyor
starts to operate. When conveying the set number of boxes is completed, the conveyor stops.
Buzzer sound is produced for three seconds when the operation is started and stopped.

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

6.2

2
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Start

Turn the operation switch (X0) ON.

3
USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

The buzzer (Y1) sounds

for 3 seconds.

Operation of the conveyor

(Y0) is started.

4
MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

The sensor (X1) detects

the conveyed boxes.

Count the number of

conveyed boxes.

5
NO
USING FB
LIBRARIES

Has the set

number of boxes
been conveyed?

YES

6
PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

The buzzer (Y1) sounds

for 3 seconds again.

Operation of the conveyor

(Y0) is stopped.

A
APPENDIX

End

INDEX

6-3

GX Works2

6 PROGRAM EXAMPLES USING FUNCTION BLOCKS

6.3

Creating Program Examples

This section explains how to set FB local labels, and the examples of FB program and sequence
program using FBs, based on the system configuration and processing aforementioned.

Setting FB local labels

Set label names, classes, and data types as below.

Class
VAR_INPUT

Label name
FB_EN

Data type
Bit

Comment
Operation switch

VAR_INPUT

i_sensor

Bit

Sensor

VAR_OUTPUT

FB_ENO

Bit

FB is running

VAR_OUTPUT

FB_OK

Bit

Normal end

VAR_OUTPUT

o_conveyor

Bit

Conveyor

VAR_OUTPUT

o_buzzer

Bit

Buzzer

VAR_INPUT

i_counter

Word [signed]

Number of boxes to be conveyed

VAR

counter

Word [signed]

Remaining number of boxes to be conveyed

VAR

counter_end

Bit

conveying completed

VAR

conveyor_end

Bit

Conveyor driving ended

VAR

timer1

Word [signed]

3-second measurement (operation start)

VAR

timer2

Word [signed]

3-second measurement (operation stop)

The following is a setting example displayed on the Function/FB Label Setting screen.

6-4

APPENDIX

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

USING FB
LIBRARIES

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Create an FB program using labels which have been set. (Chapter 2)

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

INDEX

6.3 Creating Program Examples

FB program example

6-5

GX Works2

6 PROGRAM EXAMPLES USING FUNCTION BLOCKS

Sequence program example using FBs

Paste FBs to a sequence program to create the input circuit and output circuit. (Chapter 3)
In the program example below, the number of boxes to be conveyed is six.

Sequence program example for increased number of conveyors

Converting conveyor control functions into components as FBs enables a sequence program to be
easily altered when a conveyor which performs the same control is added.

Additional conveyor

Conveyor

6-6

6.3 Creating Program Examples

1
OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

The additional conveyor operation switch, sensor, conveyor driving relay, and buzzer are to be
assigned X2, X3, Y2, and Y3 respectively.
In the program sample below, the number of boxes to be conveyed with the additional conveyor is 12.

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

USING FB
LIBRARIES

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

6-7

GX Works2

6 PROGRAM EXAMPLES USING FUNCTION BLOCKS

MEMO

6-8

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

APPENDIX

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Appendix 3 Using FBs Created with GX Developer in GX

Works2

App - 6

5
USING FB
LIBRARIES

App - 5

6
PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

Appendix 2 Supported CPU modules

A
APPENDIX

App - 2

INDEX

Appendix 1 Character Strings that cannot be Used for Label

Names and FB Data Names/Instance Names

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

App - 1

GX Works2

APPENDIX

Appendix 1

Character Strings that cannot be Used for Label Names and FB Data Names/Instance Names

Character strings used for application function names, common instruction names, special
instruction names, instructions, etc. are called reserved words.
These reserved words cannot be used for label names, FB data names, or FB instance names. If the
character string defined as a reserved word is used, an error occurs during entry or compilation.
The following tables show character strings that cannot be used for FB data names, FB instance
names or label names.
: Applicable, : Not applicable
Character string

FB data name/FB
instance name

Label name

Class identifier

VAR, VAR_RETAIN, VAR_ACCESS, VAR_CONSTANT,

VAR_CONSTANT_RETAIN, VAR_INPUT,
VAR_INPUT_RETAIN, VAR_OUTPUT,VAR_OUTPUT_RETAIN,
VAR_IN_OUT, VAR_IN_EXT, VAR_EXTERNAL,
VAR_EXTERNAL_CONSTANT,
VAR_EXTERNAL_CONSTANT_RETAIN,
VAR_EXTERNAL_RETAIN, VAR_GLOBAL,
VAR_GLOBAL_CONSTANT,
VAR_GLOBAL_CONSTANT_RETAIN, VAR_GLOBAL_RETAIN

Data type

BOOL, BYTE, INT, SINT, DINT, LINT, UINT, USINT, UDINT,

ULINT, WORD, DWORD, LWORD, ARRAY, REAL, LREAL,
TIME, STRING, TIMER, COUNTER, RETENTIVETIMER,
POINTER, Bit, Word [Unsigned]/Bit String [16-bit], Double Word
[Unsigned]/Bit String [32-bit], Word [Signed], Double Word
[Signed], FLOAT (Single Precision), FLOAT (Double Precision),
String, Time, Timer, Counter, Retentive Timer, Pointer

ANY, ANY_NUM, ANY_BIT, ANY_REAL, ANY_INT, ANY_DATE

ANY_SIMPLE, ANY16, ANY32

Device name

X, Y, D, M, T, B, C, F, L, P, V, Z, W, I, N, U, J, K, H, E, A, SD, SM,
SW, SB, FX, FY, DX, DY, FD, TR, BL, , SG, VD, ZR, ZZ*1

Character string recognized

as device (Device name +
Numeral)

Such as X0

NOT, MOD

(, ), -

LD, LDN, ST, STN, S, S1, R, R1, AND, ANDN, OR, ORN, XOR,
XORN, ADD, SUB, , MUL, DIV, GT, GE, EQ, NE, LE, LT, JMP,
JMPC, JMPCN, CAL, CALC, CALCN, RET, RETC, RETCN

LDI, LDP, LDF, ANI, ANDP, ANDF, ANB, ORI, ORP, ORF, ORB,
MPS, MRD, MPP, INV, MEP, MEF, EGP, EGF, OUT(H), SET,
RST, PLS, PLF, FF, DELTA(P), SFT(P), MC, MCR, STOP,
PAGE, NOP, NOPLF

Application instruction in GX
Works2

Application instructions such as DMOD, PCHK, INC(P)

(MELSEC-Q/L Programming Manual (Common Instructions),
MELSEC-Q/L Structured Programming Manual (Common
Instructions)

SFC instruction

SFCP, SFCPEND, BLOCK, BEND, TRANL, TRANO, TRANA,

TRANC, TRANCA, TRANOA, SEND, TRANOC, TRANOCA,
TRANCO, TRANCOC, STEPN, STEPD, STEPSC, STEPSE,
STEPST, STEPR, STEPC, STEPG, STEPI, STEPID, STEPISC,
STEPISE, STEPIST, STEPIR, TRANJ, TRANOJ, TRANOCJ,
TRANCJ, TRANCOJ, TRANCOCJ

ST code body

RETURN, IF, THEN, ELSE, ELSIF, END_IF, CASE, OF,

END_CASE, FOR, TO, BY, DO, END_FOR, WHILE,
END_WHILE, REPEAT, UNTIL, END_REPEAT, EXIT, TYPE,
END_TYPE, STRUCT, END_STRUCT, RETAIN, VAR_ACCESS,
END_VAR, FUNCTION, END_FUNCTION, FUNCTION_BLOCK,
END_FUNCTION_BLOCK, STEP, INITIAL_STEP, END_STEP,
TRANSITION, END_TRANSITION, FROM, UNTILWHILE

Category

Data type hierarchy

ST operator

IL operator

App - 2

Appendix 1 Character Strings that cannot be Used for Label Names and FB Data Names/Instance Names

Function name in application

Function names in application functions such as AND_E, NOT_E
function

Function block name in

application function

Function block names in application functions such as CTD, CTU

Symbol

/, \, *, ?, <, >, |,", :, [, ], ,, =, +, %, ', ~, @, {, }, &, ^, ., tab character,

;, !, #, $, `

Date and time literal

DATE, DATE_AND_TIME, DT, TIME, TIME_OF_DAY, TOD

Others

ACTION, END_ACTION, CONFIGURATION,

END_CONFIGURATION, CONSTANT, F_EDGE, R_EDGE, AT,
PROGRAM, WITH, END_PROGRAM, TRUE, FALSE,
READ_ONLY, READ_WRITE, RESOURCE, END_RESOURCE,
ON, TASK, EN, ENO, BODY_CCE, BODY_FBD, BODY_IL, ,
BODY_LD, BODY_SFC, BODY_ST, END_BODY,
END_PARAMETER_SECTION, PARAM_FILE_PATH,
PARAMETER_SECTION, SINGLE, RETAIN, INTERVAL

String that starts with K1 to

K8

Such as K1AAA

Address

Such as %IX0

Statement in Ladder
Diagram

;FB BLK START, ;FB START, ;FB END, ;FB BLK END,
;FB IN, ;FB OUT, ;FB_NAME, ;INSTANCE_NAME, ;FB,
;INSTANCE

Common instruction

Such as MOV

Windows reserved word

COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4, COM5, COM6, COM7, COM8,

COM9, LPT1, LPT2, LPT3, LPT4, LPT5, LPT6, LPT7, LPT8,
LPT9, AUX, CON, PRN, NUL

4
MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Whether to handle a device name indexed with ZZ device as a reserved word depends on the parameter setting.
When Z device is specified for 32-bit index setting: Not handled as a reserved word.
When ZZ device is specified for 32-bit index setting: Handled as a reserved word.

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

USING FB
LIBRARIES

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

*1 :

1
OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Label name

Character string

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

FB data name/FB
instance name

Category

App - 3

GX Works2

APPENDIX

Considerations for using labels

In a function, the same name as the function cannot be used for a label.
Inapplicable character strings differ between label names and data names such as FB data
names and structure names. Therefore, if a label name which contains an FB data name or
structure name is set when setting a label of instance or structure, an error may occur.
A space cannot be used.
A numeral cannot be used at the beginning of label name.
A label name is not case-sensitive. An error may occur at compilation when the same label
names with different cases (example: 'AAA' and 'aaa') are declared.
In ST programs, the same label name can be used for a global label and local label by setting
the following option.
Select "Use the same label name in global label and local label" under [Tool] [Options]
"Compile" "Basic Setting".
An underscore (_) cannot be used at the beginning or end of label name.
Consecutive underscores (_) cannot be used for a data name or a label name.
For Simple projects, function names and function block names in common instructions and
application functions can be used.

App - 4

Appendix 2 Supported CPU modules

Supported CPU modules

The following are the programmable controller CPUs with which the FBs can be used in GX Works2.
Programmable controller
series

Programmable controller type

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Appendix 2

Basic model QCPU (Q00J, Q00, Q01)

High-performance model QCPU (Q02, Q02H, Q06H, Q12H, Q25H)
Redundant CPU (Q12PRH, Q25PRH)
Universal model QCPU (Q00UJ, Q00U, Q01U, Q02U, Q03UD, Q03UDE, Q03UDV, Q04UDH,
Q04UDEH, Q04UDV, Q06UDH, Q06UDEH, Q06UDV, Q10UDH, Q10UDEH, Q13UDH, Q13UDEH,
Q13UDV, Q20UDH, Q20UDEH, Q26UDH, Q26UDEH, Q26UDV, Q50UDEH, Q100UDEH)

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

5
USING FB
LIBRARIES

FX1S, FX1N, FX1NC, FX2N, FX2NC, FX3S, FX3G, FX3GC, FX3U, FX3UC

6
PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

FXCPU

A
APPENDIX

L02S, L02S-P, L02, L02-P, L06, L06-P, L26, L26-P, L26-BT, L26-PBT

INDEX

LCPU

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Process CPU (Q02PH, Q06PH, Q12PH, Q25PH)

QCPU (Q mode)

App - 5

GX Works2

APPENDIX

Appendix 3

Using FBs Created with GX Developer in GX Works2

FBs created with GX Developer can be used by selecting [Open Other Project] under [Project]
[Open Other Data], and open the project in GX Works2.
Note that GX Works2 and GX Developer differ in the following points.
Character strings that cannot be used for label names
For unusable character strings with GX Developer, refer to the following manual.
GX Developer Version 8 Operating Manual
Usable instructions with ST programs
Instruction names differ between GX Developer ST and GX Works2 ST.
If compilation results in an error, change the relevant part to the instruction name of GX Works2.
For the ST instructions of GX Developer and GX Works2, refer to the following.
GX Works2 Version 1 Operating Manual (Common)'s "ST instruction table for GX Works2 and
GX Developer"
Alternatively, select "Use Dedicated Instruction for GX Developer, GX IEC Developer" under [Tool]
[Options] "Project" "Common Setting" "Other Project Dedicated Instruction Setting".

App - 6

Appendix 3 Using FBs Created with GX Developer in GX Works2

Correction method

Number of steps after

compilation

Since a temporary variable is

assigned to the argument of FB,
the number of steps will be
increased after compilation.

Since an input/output variable is

directly assigned to the argument
of FB, the number of steps after
the compilation will be decreased
compared to that of GX
Developer.

Check the influence of scan time due to

decrease the number of steps.

Input variable

The value of an input variable can

be changed in FB.

The value of an input variable

cannot be changed in FB.

When changing the value of an input

variable in FB, substitute the value to
the label whose class is VAR.

Initial value of Initial value will be undefined

output variable value.

Initial value will be the value of

device/label assigned to the
argument.

When using the initial value, initialize

the output variable in FB.

Connectable
device

DY device can be connected.

DY device cannot be connected.

When output the value to DY device,

modify the program.*1

Value of I/O
variable

The value of input side of device/

label is not changed.
The operation result is returned
only to device/label of the output
side.

The value of input side and output

side will be the same.

To make the value of device/label of

input side not to be changed, modify the
local label setting of the FB.*2

Connectable
elements

Two or more contacts or the

comparison operation contact can
be connected to input side.

When connecting two or more contacts

Two or more contacts or the
or comparison operation contact to FB,
comparison operation contact
modify the local label settings of the
cannot be connected to input side.
FB.*3

Connection of
constant

A constant can be connected to

input side.

A constant cannot be connected

to input side.

When connecting a constant to I/O

variable, modify the local label settings
of the FB.*4

*1 :

Output FB to other device/label once, and then output it to DY in a rung other than the FB is used as follows:

*2 :

Use VAR_INPUT and VAR_OUTPUT instead of VAR_IN_OUT as follows:

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS
MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS
USING FB
LIBRARIES

A
APPENDIX

I/O variable

INDEX

Output
variable

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

Operation in GX Developer and

when option is not selected in
GX Works2

Operation when the option is

selected in GX Works2

Difference

2
CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Depending on the selection status of "Enable calling function block and using inline ST" in "Enable
calling function block and using inline ST" under [Tool] [Options] "Compile" "Basic Setting",
the program after compilation will differ.
When the option item is unselected, the program after the compilation matches with GX Developer,
therefore, calling function blocks created with Structured Text from ladder programs and calling
function blocks created with Ladder Diagram from ST programs are enabled.
Alternatively, when the option item is selected, calling an inline structured text and calling FBs from
FB program are enabled.
However, the program after the compilation will be differ from that of GX Developer. Modify the
program as necessary.
The differences with GX Developer are as follows:

OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

"Enable calling function block and using inline ST" in the option setting

App - 7

GX Works2

APPENDIX

*3 :

Use VAR_INPUT and VAR_OUTPUT instead of VAR_IN_OUT as follows:

*4 :

Use VAR_INPUT and VAR_OUTPUT instead of VAR_IN_OUT as follows:

App - 8

INDEX

APPENDIX

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

USING FB
LIBRARIES

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

INDEX
OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Index - 1

GX Works2

INDEX

[A]
Assigning devices automatically ...................................... 2-9
FXCPU .................................................................... 2-10
QCPU (Q mode)/LCPU ............................................. 2-9

[B]
block password .............................................................. 4-13
Deleting ................................................................... 4-15
Setting ..................................................................... 4-13
Unlocking ................................................................ 4-15

[C]
Calculating memory size (FXCPU) ................................ 3-15
Calculating memory size (QCPU(Q mode)/LCPU) ........ 3-13
Change Instance (Function Block) screen ..................... 3-20
Checking Operations of Sequence Programs ................ 3-19
Classes ............................................................................ 2-5
Comment ......................................................................... 3-8
Compatible CPU ..........................................................App-5
Compile .......................................................................... 3-12
Considerations of automatically assigned devices ........ 2-11
Converting ...................................................................... 2-13
Converting/compiling ..................................................... 3-12
Creating Projects for FBs ................................................. 2-2
Creating Sequence program ............................................ 3-2

[D]

Displaying the Reference Manual ............................. 5-5

Importing to a project ................................................ 5-3
Installing .................................................................... 5-2
Obtaining .................................................................. 5-2
Uninstalling ............................................................... 5-6
FB Programs .................................................................. 2-12
Aligning programs ................................................... 3-11
Considerations ........................................................ 2-14
Converting ............................................................... 2-13
Creating .................................................................. 2-12
Reading from Programmable Controller CPU ........... 4-2
FBs
Considerations for using FBs .................................... 3-9
Paste ......................................................................... 3-2
FBs Created with GX Developer ..................................App-6
Function Blocks (FB)
Features of FBs ........................................................ 1-3

[G]
Global labels .................................................................... 1-4

[L]
Label name ....................................................... 2-4, 3-2, 3-4
Labels ............................................................................... 1-4
Character strings that cannot be used ..................App-2
Ladder editing mode ...................................................... 3-20
Local labels ...................................................................... 1-4
Setting ....................................................................... 2-4

Data name ........................................................ 2-3, 3-2, 3-4

Character strings that cannot be used ..................App-2
Data types ........................................................................ 2-6
Device/Label Automatic-Assign Setting ........................... 2-9
Docking window ............................................................... 1-9

Maximum number of input/output labels .......................... 2-5

Monitor ........................................................................... 3-19

[E]

Navigation window ........................................................... 1-9

Element Selection window ............................................... 1-9

[F]
FB .................................................................................... 1-2
Create FBs ................................................................ 2-1
Creating New FB Data .............................................. 2-3
Programming Flow with FBs ..................................... 1-5
Protecting ................................................................ 4-13
FB component .................................................................. 1-9
FB data ............................................................................ 1-9
Deleting ................................................................... 4-11
FB instance ...................................................................... 1-9
Creating input and output circuits ............................. 3-6
FB instance name ............................................................ 3-2
Changing ................................................................ 4-10
Character strings that cannot be used ..................App-2
Searching/Replacing ............................................... 4-16
FB Label Setting screen ..........................................1-10, 2-4
FB Libraries ...................................................................... 5-1

Index - 2

[M]

[N]

[O]
Output window ............................................................... 3-12

[P]
password ........................................................................ 4-13
Program examples ........................................................... 6-1
Program size after compilation ....................................... 3-13

[R]
Read from PLC ................................................................ 4-2
Rebuild All ...................................................................... 3-12
Reusing ............................................................................ 3-2

[S]
Selecting data types ......................................................... 2-7
Setting arrays for data type .............................................. 2-8

1
OVERVIEW OF
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Symbolic information ......................................................3-18

Default writing target ...............................................3-17
Writing target ...........................................................3-17

[U]
Utilizing .............................................................................4-9

[W]

CREATING
FUNCTION
BLOCKS

Work window ....................................................................1-9

Write to PLC ...................................................................3-16
Writing sequence programs ...........................................3-16

USING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

MANAGING AND
EDITING FUNCTION
BLOCKS

USING FB
LIBRARIES

PROGRAM
EXAMPLES USING
FUNCTION BLOCKS

APPENDIX

INDEX

Index - 3

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