The configuration process is greatly simplified when floating-point arithmetic is used to solve control and computing tasks:

• Normalization is not required.
• Virtually unlimited range of values.
• Very high resolution.

Configuration

Configuration instead of programming with CFC

The FM 458-1 DP is configured using the well-known software tools STEP 7 and CFC (Continuous Function Chart) which are also used to program the SIMATIC S7-400.

CFC is an intuitive Windows-based program that is easy to learn. The CFC has been expanded to include the function blocks and the optimized operating system using the D7-SYS add-on software package.

CFC noticeably reduces configuration time when used to create automation programs:

• You can drag & drop function blocks from the block catalog; their inputs and outputs are then automatically connected. Subsequently, you only need to set the application-specific parameters to complete the configuration.
• Detailed documentation automatically created
• The interconnection of standard blocks is faster and less error-prone than programming
• Frequently used program components (plans) can be transferred to a block that is reusable and can be centrally modified.
• Hierarchical CFC plans increase transparency and improve the clarity of the program structure (plan-in-plan method or "top-down").
• "CFC test mode" allows you to quickly execute a graphics-supported startup and trace signals on the screen while the system is running:
  • Viewing and editing values.
  • Entering, editing and deleting connections between function blocks.
  • Inserting or deleting function blocks.
• With the user block generator, you can create individual function blocks in "C" for individual applications and also integrate them into the CFC.