When you want to closely examine the performance and functionality of an algorithm, you can use the online or debug view capability of Control Studio. While in the online view, you can step through an algorithm element-by-element and see the specific input and output values of a block. This allows you to solve problems, identify areas to increase performance, and gain an understanding of a function. You can also use the online view from DeltaV Operate or the Quick Online View from DeltaV Live to monitor the execution of your control logic. When you are in the debug view, you can also force the values or set and remove breakpoints to debug any problems found in the module. Control Studio only writes out those values that have been changed.
In both online and debug views there are visual indicators to help you quickly recognize the operational status of your modules:
-
(dashed
connection line) a feedback wire. This indicates that the source block is
executing after the destination block in the execution order. The value coming
down the wire reaches the destination block on the next scan of the module.
-
(yellow highlighted question
mark) indicates a non-zero value for BLOCK_ERR parameter. Refer to the
BLOCK_ERR online help and Books Online topics for possible causes.
-
(red X) indicates that the status
of the associated parameter is Bad.
-
(blue question mark) indicates
that the status of the associated parameter is Uncertain.
(bold connection line) indicates
a non-zero value.
Use online or debug view to perform the following tasks:
Some of the following functions (for example, setting a breakpoint) are only available in debug view.
-
monitoring the progress of sequences and the current values of parameters
-
stopping the algorithm from executing
-
running the algorithm once
-
setting a breakpoint and have the algorithm execute until it reaches the breakpoint (in debug mode only)
-
advancing through the algorithm or sections of the algorithm step by step
-
drilling into a composite
-
forcing values to see results
-
disabling steps, transitions, and actions
The modules that you are viewing in either online or debug view must be downloaded in the controller, and some of the changes you make can affect the process.
CAUTION!Editing online or debugging a function block diagram can affect the process that you are currently running.