Applications
Programmable Control

There are several ways to program Control Solutions products:

  • Write a program in Basic
  • Write a program in PL/i
  • Draw a program in i.CanDrawIt
  • Fill in some rule templates

Methods vary by product with most products supporting PL/i and i.CanDrawIt. Basic is an alternate. All web based products include rule template programming.

Simple calculate rules can be used in sequence to create more complex formulas. Click here for a 1-page reference guide on how to implement the formula

RT = 1.8*(T2-T1)*F/24

without any "programming" other than filling in the templates. Use this example to create your own formula.

Comparison charts will show you which devices include web servers and which devices support which programming language. If a device supports PL/i, that means it automatically also supports i.CanDrawIt.

The majority of Control Solutions's I/O products are programmable. The programming capability is at a level often referred to as a "Soft PLC". Both line and graphical programming (visual control programming) are supported. If you do not upload a control program, the devices will function as simple slave I/O.

Graphical Programming and Simulation

Line Programming and Simulation

Programming,
Programmable Controllers, and
Programming of
Freely Programmable I/O

 Freely programmable I/O is a name invented for LonWorks I/O that is programmable. Because there is no LonMark standard for programmable controllers, manufacturers are required to certify devices as simply sensors and actuators, or I/O. Programmability is an optional feature of the I/O, and is required by certification standards to not be the primary advertised feature of the product. Thus the term "freely programmable I/O" was invented to primarily advertise I/O but let you know it is programmable.

If you are a Modbus or BACnet user, it is simply a programmable controller. There are no certification requirements that restrict what we call it or how we promote it.

This is one of several Applications pages that may now be found on our web site. It is our goal to continue adding more applications information over time to help you find new tips, techniques, and helpful information for using our network and Internet enabled devices. We welcome your feedback. Please email support@csimn.com with your suggestions about how we can help you more effectively. If you have technical questions that you would like a response to, please open a support ticket - start by clicking Support above.