MELSEC iQ-R/MELSEC iQ-F Structured Text (ST)

Programming Guide Book

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
(Read these precautions before using this product.)
Before using this product, please read this manual and the relevant manuals carefully and pay full attention to safety to handle
the product correctly.
The precautions given in this manual are concerned with this product only. For the safety precautions of the programmable
controller system, refer to the user's manual for the CPU module used.
In this manual, the safety precautions are classified into two levels: " WARNING" and " CAUTION".

Indicates that incorrect handling may cause hazardous conditions, resulting in

WARNING death or severe injury.

Indicates that incorrect handling may cause hazardous conditions, resulting in

CAUTION minor or moderate injury or property damage.

Under some circumstances, failure to observe the precautions given under " CAUTION" may lead to serious
consequences.
Observe the precautions of both levels because they are important for personal and system safety.
Make sure that the end users read this manual and then keep the manual in a safe place for future reference.

[Design Precautions]
WARNING
● When data change, program change, or status control are 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.

[Security Precautions]
WARNING
● To maintain the security (confidentiality, integrity, and availability) of the programmable controller and
the system against unauthorized access, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, computer viruses, and other
cyberattacks from external devices via the network, take appropriate measures such as firewalls,
virtual private networks (VPNs), and antivirus solutions.

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 CONDITIONS OF USE FOR THE PRODUCT
(1) MELSEC 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 ELECTRIC 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 ELECTRIC USER'S, 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 Electric 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 Electric 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 Electric representative in your region.
(3) Mitsubishi Electric shall have no responsibility or liability for any problems involving programmable controller trouble and
system trouble caused by DoS attacks, unauthorized access, computer viruses, and other cyberattacks.

2
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC iQ-R series and MELSEC iQ-F series programmable controllers.
This manual describes the programming using Structured Text (ST) in GX Works3.
Before using this product, please read this manual and the relevant manuals carefully and develop familiarity with the
functions and performance of the MELSEC iQ-R series and MELSEC iQ-F series programmable controllers to handle the
product correctly.
When applying the program and circuit examples provided in this manual to an actual system, ensure the applicability and
confirm that it will not cause system control problems.
Description in this manual is based on the use of MELSEC iQ-R series.
For the considerations when using MELSEC iQ-F series, refer to the following:
Page 104 Considerations for Using the MELSEC iQ-F Series

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 CONTENTS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
CONDITIONS OF USE FOR THE PRODUCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
RELEVANT MANUALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
TERMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
GENERIC TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

PART 1 ST PROGRAMMING

CHAPTER 1 WHAT IS STRUCTURED TEXT? 10

1.1 International Standard IEC 61131-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.2 Features of Structured Text Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.3 Proper Use for Programming Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

CHAPTER 2 BASIC RULES FOR DESCRIPTION 13

2.1 Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Character code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Basic component (Token) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.2 Instructions and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.3 Statement and Expression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Expression. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

CHAPTER 3 DESCRIBING PERSPICUOUS PROGRAMS IN STRUCTURED TEXT 18

3.1 Operational Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Assignment (:=) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Basic arithmetic operations (+, -, *, /) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Advanced operations (exponent function, trigonometric function). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Logical operation (AND, OR, XOR, NOT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Comparison (<, >, <=, >=), equality/inequality (=,<>) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.2 Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Selection by boolean value (IF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Selection (CASE) by integer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.3 Iteration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Iteration by boolean condition (WHILE, REPEAT). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Iteration by integer value (FOR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

CHAPTER 4 HANDLING VARIOUS DATA TYPES 29

4.1 Boolean Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.2 Integer and Real Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Value of range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Type conversion which is performed automatically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Data type of the operation result of arithmetic expression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Division of integer and real number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.3 Character String . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4.4 Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Time type variable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

4
 Clock data (date and time) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.5 Array and Structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Array . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Data type combined with structure and array . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

CHAPTER 5 DESCRIBING LADDER PROGRAM IN STRUCTURED TEXT 38

5.1 Describing Contacts and Coils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Open contact and coil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

CONTENTS
Closed contact (NOT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Series connection, parallel connection (AND, OR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Contact and coil of which execution order are complicated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
5.2 Describing Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Instructions that can be used in ladder program and ST program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Instructions that can be described using assignment statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Instructions that can be described using operator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Instructions that can be described in control statement and FUN/FB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.3 Describing Statements of Ladder and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

CHAPTER 6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE 44

6.1 Overview of Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
6.2 Opening ST Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
6.3 Editing ST Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Entering texts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Entering control statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Entering comment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Using labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Creating functions and function blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Entering function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Entering function block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
6.4 Converting and Debugging Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Converting programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Checking error/warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
6.5 Checking Execution on CPU Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Executing programs in the programmable controller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Checking the running program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
6.6 Inserting ST Program in Ladder Program (Inline structured text) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

PART 2 PROGRAM EXAMPLES

CHAPTER 7 OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM EXAMPLE 60

7.1 List of Program Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
7.2 Applying Program Example in GX Works3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

CHAPTER 8 CALCULATOR PROCESSING (BASIC ARITHMETIC OPERATION AND

SELECTION) 62
8.1 Initialization Program: Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
8.2 Basic Arithmetic Operation (FUN): Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
8.3 Rounding Processing (FUN): Rounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

5
 8.4 Fraction Processing (FUN): FractionProcessing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
8.5 Calculator Program: Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
8.6 Post-Tax Price Calculation: IncludingTax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

CHAPTER 9 POSITIONING PROCESSING (EXPONENT FUNCTION,

TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTION AND STRUCTURE) 72
9.1 Rotation Angle Calculation (FUN): GetAngle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
9.2 Distance Calculation (FUN): GetDistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
9.3 X, Y-Coordinate Calculation (FUN): GetXY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
9.4 Command Pulse Calculation (FB): PulseNumberCalculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
9.5 Positioning Control: PositionControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

CHAPTER 10 SORTING OF DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS (ARRAY AND ITERATION

PROCESSING) 79
10.1 Product Check (FB): ProductCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
10.2 Sorting Product Data (FB): Assortment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
10.3 Product Data Management: DataManagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

CHAPTER 11 MEASUREMENT OF OPERATING TIME (TIME AND CHARACTER

STRING) 85
11.1 Operating Time Management: OperatingTime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
11.2 Flicker Timer (FB): FlickerTimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
11.3 Lamp ON/OFF: LampOnOff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
11.4 Conversion from Sec. to Hour/Min/Sec: SecondsToTimeArray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
11.5 Conversion from Time to String: TimeToString . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

APPENDIX 92
Appendix 1 Specifications of Structured Text language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Comment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Constant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Function and function block. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Appendix 2 Instructions That Cannot be Used in ST Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Instructions that can be described in assignment statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Instructions that can be described with operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Instructions that can be described with control statement or function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Unnecessary instructions for ST program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Appendix 3 Considerations for Using the MELSEC iQ-F Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Differences between the MELSEC iQ-F series and MELSEC iQ-R series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

INDEX 105

REVISIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
TRADEMARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

6
RELEVANT MANUALS
Manual name [manual number] Description Available form
MELSEC iQ-R/MELSEC iQ-F Structured Text (ST) Programming using Structured Text (ST) in GX Works3. Fundamental Print book
Programming Guide Book operations and functions are explained using sample programs
e-Manual
[SH-081483ENG](this manual)
PDF
GX Works2 Beginner's Manual (Structured Project) Programming using Structured Text (ST) in GX Works2 Print book
[SH-080788ENG]
PDF
Structured Text (ST) Programming Guide Book Programming using Structured Text (ST) in GX Developer Print book
[SH-080368E] PDF

Detailed specifications of Structured Text language are not described in this manual.
For details, refer to the following:
MELSEC iQ-R Programming Manual (Program Design)
MELSEC iQ-F FX5 Programming Manual (Program Design)

e-Manual refers to the Mitsubishi Electric FA electronic book manuals that can be browsed using a dedicated
tool.
e-Manual has the following features:
• Required information can be cross-searched in multiple manuals.
• Other manuals can be accessed from the links in the manual.
• The hardware specifications of each part can be found from the product figures.
• Pages that users often browse can be bookmarked.

7
 TERMS
Unless otherwise specified, this manual uses the following terms.
Term Description
Device A variable of which name, type, and usage are defined by system.
Engineering tool A tool for setting, programming, debugging, and maintaining programmable controllers.
Execution program A program which has been converted.
This program can be executed in a CPU module.
Function A function that can be used as a POU.
This function always outputs same result for the same input.
Function block A function that can be used as a POU.
This function retains values in the internal variables. It can be used by creating an instance.
Instance An entity of a function block of which devices are assigned to the defined internal variables to be processed and
executed.
One or more instances can be created for one function block.
Label A variable that is defined by user.
POU A unit that configures a program.
Units are categorized and provided in accordance with functions. Use of POUs enables dividing the lower-layer
processing in a hierarchical program into some units in accordance with processing or functions, and creating programs
for each unit.

GENERIC TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Unless otherwise specified, this manual uses the following generic terms and abbreviations.
Generic term/abbreviation Description
FB An abbreviation for function block.
FUN An abbreviation for function.
GX Developer The product name of the software package for the MELSEC programmable controllers.
A generic product name for SW8D5C-GPPW.
GX Works2 The product name of the software package for the MELSEC programmable controllers.
A generic product name for SWnDND-GXW2 and SWnDNC-GXW2. ('n' indicates version.)
GX Works3 The product name of the software package for the MELSEC programmable controllers.
A generic product name for SWnDND-GXW3. ('n' indicates version.)
LD An abbreviation for Ladder Diagram.
ST An abbreviation for Structured Text.

8
 PART 1
PART 1 ST PROGRAMMING

This part explains the ST programming with the MELSEC-iQ-R series and MELSEC iQ-F series.

1 WHAT IS STRUCTURED TEXT?

2 BASIC RULES FOR DESCRIPTION

3 DESCRIBING PERSPICUOUS PROGRAMS IN STRUCTURED TEXT

4 HANDLING VARIOUS DATA TYPES

5 DESCRIBING LADDER PROGRAM IN STRUCTURED TEXT

6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE

9
 1 WHAT IS STRUCTURED TEXT?

1.1 International Standard IEC 61131-3

IEC 61131-3 is the international standard for the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) system, which is established by one of
the international standard association, IEC (International Electrotechinical Commission).
In IEC 61131-3, five programming languages (IL/LD/ST/FBD/SFC) are regulated, and the guidelines for creating programs
are described.

1.2 Features of Structured Text Language

Structured Text language is a description method for programming in text format. This language can be described in the same
manner as a programming language for a personal computer such as C language. By using this language, the visibility of a
program can be improved because the operation and data processing can be described simply.

Operation using mathematical expression

Arithmetic operations and comparison operations can be described in the same manner as the generic expression.

■Multiple operations can be described in one line

Since the operators (such as + and -) can be used, a program can be read much more easily than a ladder program.

Program example
Assign the average from the wValue0 to the wValue2 in the wAverage3.
wAverage3 = (wValue0 + wValue1 + wValue2)  3
ST
wAverage3 := ( wValue0 + wValue1 + wValue2) / 3;

LD

AlwaysON
MOV 0 wTotal

+ wValue0 wTotal

+ wValue1 wTotal

+ wValue2 wTotal

/ wTotal 3 wArray0

MOV wArray0[0] wAverage3

For details of the description method using Structured Text language, refer to the following:
Page 18 Operational Expressions

1 WHAT IS STRUCTURED TEXT?

10 1.1 International Standard IEC 61131-3
■Description of expression regardless of data type
The description method for the expression of which value of decimal place is required to be considered is the same as the
ordinary expression. The complex operations for real number type can be described simply. 1
Program example
Scaling analog data.
Scaling value = (After conversion.Upper limit - After conversion.Lower limit)  (Before conversion.Upper limit - Before
conversion.Lower limit)  (Measured value - Before conversion.Lower limit) + After conversion.Lower limit
ST
eScalingValue := ( stAfter.eUpperLimit - stAfter.eLowerLimit ) / (stBefore.eUpperLimit - stBefore.eLowerLimit) * (eMeasurements - stBefore.eLowerLimit) +
stAfter.eLowerLimit;

For details of the description method using Structured Text language, refer to the following:
Page 29 Integer and Real Number

Complex information processing

By using a selection statement or an iteration statement, a complex processing of which execution contents branches
depending on the condition, and the processing to be repeated can be described more easily than a ladder program.

Program example
Set 0 to 3 to the wValue1 depending on the value of the wValue0.
• 100 or 200: 0
• 1 to 99: 1
• 150: 2
• Other than above: 3
ST
CASE wValue0 OF
100, 200: wValue1 := 0;
1..99: wValue1 := 1;
150: wValue1 := 2;
ELSE wValue1 := 3;
END_CASE;

LD

AlwaysON
= wValue0 100 MOV 0 wValue1

= wValue0 200 <= 1 wValue0 <= wValue0 99

K0

MOV 1 wValue1
K0

= wValue0 150 MOV 2 wValue1

MOV 3 wValue1

For details of the description method using Structured Text language, refer to the following:
Page 22 Selection, Page 25 Iteration

1 WHAT IS STRUCTURED TEXT?

1.2 Features of Structured Text Language 11
 1.3 Proper Use for Programming Languages
The features of the five programming languages described in IEC 61131-3 are as follows:
Programming language Features
IL Instruction list This language is suitable for high-speed processing or when CPU has a memory limitation. A
compact program can be described.
LD Ladder diagram This language is suitable for simple relay sequence processing.
ST Structured text This language is suitable for operation using mathematical expressions or complex information
processing. This language is familiar for engineers who are accustomed to a programming
language for a personal computer.
FBD Function block diagram This language is suitable for continuous analog signal processing.
SFC Sequential function chart This language is suitable for step sequence based on the state transition.

To take full advantage of the features of each language, create a program by combining each language in accordance with the
process.
In GX Works3, the combination of the Structured Text and other languages can be used in the following functions.
Function Language Description
Inline Structured LD Describe the part of a relay sequence processing using Structured Text.
Text
FUN/FB LD Define a sub program (subroutine) described in Structured Text as a POU, and call it from other
FBD programs such as LD.

By describing a simple relay sequence process and perspicuous process using the Ladder Diagram, and describing a part of
complex process using the Structured Text of which process can be segmented, an easy-to-see program can be created.
LD with inline structured text

AlwaysON 1 wAverage3 := (wValue0 + wValue1+ wValue2) / 3;

LD with FUN/FB

FbPou_1 ( FbPou )

AlwaysON
B:EN ENO:B

wValue0 W:i_wValue0 o_wValue1:W wValue1

1 WHAT IS STRUCTURED TEXT?

12 1.3 Proper Use for Programming Languages
2 BASIC RULES FOR DESCRIPTION
This chapter explains the basic rules for describing programs in the Structured Text language.

2.1 Characters 2
The Structured Text is a programming language that can be described in text format. This section explains the characters and
symbols that can be used in the Structured Text language.

Character code
GX Works3 supports the characters in the Unicode Basic Multilingual Plane (UTF-16).
Basic characters and symbols in multiple languages such as Japanese, English, and Chinese can be used for not only
comments but also label names and data names.

For the characters (reserved words) that cannot be used for a label name and data name, refer to the
following:
GX Works3 Operating Manual

Basic component (Token)

A term or symbol that configures the program is referred to as a token.
In the Structured Text language describe the program using the following tokens.
Type Example Reference
Operator +, -, <, >, =, &, NOT Page 93 Operator
Keyword of control statement (defined standard identifier) IF, CASE, WHILE, RETURN Page 92 Statement
Identifier Variable X0, Y10, M100, D10, ZR0, Page 94 Device
(Labels, devices, etc.) bSwitch_A (arbitrary name) Page 96 Label
POU BMOV, FunPou (arbitrary name), Page 99 Function and function block
(Function, function block) COUNTER_FB_M_1, FbPou_1 (arbitrary name)
Constant 123, 'Character string', TRUE, FALSE Page 97 Constant
Break character ;, (, ) 

A blank, line feed, and comment can be inserted among tokens.

Type Example Reference
Blank Space, TAB 
Line feed Line feed 
Comment (**), /**/, // Page 93 Comment

Label Device Operator Constant Comment

Control statement

Function
Line feed
Function block
(instance) Delimiter

TAB Space

2 BASIC RULES FOR DESCRIPTION

2.1 Characters 13
 2.2 Instructions and Functions
The instructions which can be used in a ladder program is treated as functions in the Structured Text language.
The instructions and functions can be used in a similar format as function call of C language.
Return value Instruction name Arguments

In GX Works3, the following functions and function blocks can be used.

Type Instruction and function that corresponds to MELSEC-Q/L series
GX Works2 GX Developer
CPU module instruction Common instruction MELSEC function
Module dedicated instruction
Standard function Application function IEC function
Standard function block
Module FB MELSOFT Library 
MELSOFT Library (sample libraries) 
Function and function block that are created by user  

The instructions which are not necessary for Structure Text language (such as contact) are not supported.
Page 101 Instructions That Cannot be Used in ST Programs

For details of the instructions, refer to the following:

MELSEC iQ-R Programming Manual (CPU Module Instructions, Standard Functions/Function Blocks)
MELSEC iQ-R Programming Manual (Module Dedicated Instructions)
MELSEC iQ-F FX5 Programming Manual (Instructions, Standard Functions/Function Blocks)
 FB reference of each module

2 BASIC RULES FOR DESCRIPTION

14 2.2 Instructions and Functions
Function and function block
Function and function block are the POUs in which a subroutine to be called in a program is defined.

■Function
Function is a POU that outputs same result for the same input. Function is suitable for segmenting a simple and independent
processing. 2
Describe the function name and arguments in an ST program as follows:

Return value Function name Arguments

■Function block
Function block is a POU of which internal values can be used for operations. The different result is output for the same input
depending on the value retained in each instance (entity). Function block is suitable for segmenting much more complex
processing than a function, or for processing which is required to be executed repeatedly using the retained value.
To use a function block in an ST program, describe an instance and arguments as follows;

Function block instance name Arguments

For details of the description method using Structured Text language, refer to the following:
Page 99 Function and function block
For details of the functions and function blocks, refer to the following:
MELSEC iQ-R Programming Manual (Program Design)
MELSEC iQ-F FX5 Programming Manual (Program Design)

2 BASIC RULES FOR DESCRIPTION

2.2 Instructions and Functions 15
 2.3 Statement and Expression
This section explains "statement" and "expression" which indicate units that configure an ST program.

Statement
A group of one execution process is referred to as "statement".
A program is described in "statement" units.
Each statement must end with a semicolon ';'.
Structure of statement and type
(Substitution statement) ;

(Selection statement)

(Statement) ;

(Statement) ;

(Iteration statement)

(Statement) ;

Function call statement ;

Function block call statement
;
; (Empty statement)
';' indicates the end of the statement.

The following shows the types of the statements.

Type Description Example
Assignment statement Assigns the evaluation result in the right side to the variable in the Page 18 Assignment (:=)
left side.
Control Selection statement (IF, CASE) Selects an execution statement depending on the condition. Page 22 Selection
statement
Iteration statement (FOR, WHILE, Continues executing the execution statement for multiple times Page 25 Iteration
REPEAT) depending on the end condition.
Exit of an iteration statement (EXIT) Exits an iteration statement. EXIT;
Subprogram Call statement Calls a function or function block. Page 99 Function and function
control block
statement
RETURN statement Ends a process in the middle of a program. RETURN;
Empty statement Nothing is processed. ;

Hierarchization of a control statement can be performed. (Other statements such as a select statement or an iteration
statement can be described among the statements.).

(Statement)

(Statement)

;
;

2 BASIC RULES FOR DESCRIPTION

16 2.3 Statement and Expression
Expression
A description of values which are required for processing for a statement is referred to as "expression".
An expression is configured with variables and operators. The value of an expression is evaluated during the execution of a
program.
The expressions are used in the following position in the statement. 2
• Right side of an assignment statement
• Execution result (EN) or input argument of a function and a function block
• Condition that is specified with a selection statement or iteration statement

Statement usage position

(Right side of the substitution statement)

(Condition of the selection statement)

(Condition of the iteration statement)

(Input argument of function)

(Input argument of function block)

The data type of an expression is recognized at compilation (conversion). The value of an expression is evaluated during the
execution of a program.
An operational expression such as an arithmetic operation and a comparison operation can be described by combining with
constant or variable, and operator in the same manner as a generic expression.
A variable and constant can be used as an expression (primary expression) in the Structured Text language.
The types of expressions are as follows
Type Data type of expression (operation result) Example
Operational Arithmetic expression Integer, real number (depending on the operation target) wValue0 + wValue1
expression
Logical expression Boolean value (TRUE/FALSE) bFlag0 OR bFlag1
Comparison expression Boolean value (TRUE/FALSE) wValue0 > 0
Primary Variable, constant Defined data type X0, wValue0, 123, TRUE
expression
Function call expression Data type of return value FunPou(wValue0, wValue1)

A function which does not have a return value cannot be used as an expression.

2 BASIC RULES FOR DESCRIPTION

2.3 Statement and Expression 17
 3 DESCRIBING PERSPICUOUS PROGRAMS IN
STRUCTURED TEXT
This chapter explains the process which makes it easy to read by describing using Structured Text language.

3.1 Operational Expressions

Complex operations which include decimal point or exponent can be described in the same manner as a general arithmetic
expression using Structured Text language.

Assignment (:=)
The result of an evaluation can be stored to a variable using an assignment statement.
Describe an assignment statement using ':='. This operational expression stores the calculation result of the right side to the
variable in the left side.

<Variable> := <Expression> ;

Assign the result

Use ':=' in the Structured Text language instead of '=' which is used in a general expression.

Basic arithmetic operations (+, -, *, /)

Describe a basic arithmetic operation in the same manner as a general arithmetic expression using the operator (+, -, *, /).
The operation which cannot be described once in a ladder program can be described in one expression in the Structured Text
language.

Program example
The sum from the wValue0 to the wValue2 is assigned to wTotal.
wTotal = wValue0 + wValue1 + wValue2
ST
wTotal := wValue0 + wValue1 + wValue2;

LD

AlwaysON
MOV 0 wTotal

+ wValue0 wTotal

+ wValue1 wTotal

+ wValue2 wTotal

When multiple operational expressions are described in one statement, the operation is processed in order
from high priority operation.
• Priority of basic arithmetic operations (high to low): Multiplication and division (*, /), addition and subtraction
(+, -)
When some operators of which priority is the same are used in one statement, the operators are calculated in
order from the left.

3 DESCRIBING PERSPICUOUS PROGRAMS IN STRUCTURED TEXT

18 3.1 Operational Expressions
An operational expression in parentheses ( ) is calculated first.
Using the parentheses ( ) in complex basic arithmetic operations makes it easy to read the order of the expression.

Program example
The average from the wValue0 to the wValue2 is assigned to the wAverage3.
wAverage3 = (wValue0 + wValue1 + wValue2)  3
ST
wAverage3 := ( wValue0 + wValue1 + wValue2) / 3;

LD 3
AlwaysON
MOV 0 wTotal

+ wValue0 wTotal

+ wValue1 wTotal

+ wValue2 wTotal

/ wTotal 3 wArray0

MOV wArray0[0] wAverage3

3 DESCRIBING PERSPICUOUS PROGRAMS IN STRUCTURED TEXT

3.1 Operational Expressions 19
 Advanced operations (exponent function, trigonometric function)
Describe exponent functions and trigonometric functions using standard functions.
Type Function name Example
General mathematical ST
expression
Absolute value ABS B = |A| eValueB := ABS(eValueA)
Square root SQRT B= A eValueB := SQRT(eValueA);
A
Natural logarithm LN B = log e eValueB := LN(eValueA);
Common logarithm LOG B = log 10A eValueB := LOG(eValueA);
Exponent EXP B = eA eValueB := EXP(eValueA);
Trigonometric Sine, arcsine SIN, ASIN B = SIN A eValueB := SIN (eValueA)
functions
Cosine, arccosine COS, ACOS B = COS A eValueB := COS(eValueA);
Tangent, arctangent TAN, ATAN B = TAN A eValueB := TAN(eValueA);

Describe an exponentiation using '**'.

Type Operator Example
General mathematical ST
expression
Exponentiation ** B = CA eValueB := eValueC ** eValueA;

Program example
The length of a hypotenuse is obtained.

C
C = ( A 2+ B 2) B
A

ST
eValueC := SQRT((eValueA ** 2.0) + (eValueB ** 2.0));

LD

AlwaysON
POW eValueA 2.0 eTmp1

POW eValueB 2.0 eTmp2

E+ eTmp1 eTmp2

ESQRT eTmp2 eValueC

3 DESCRIBING PERSPICUOUS PROGRAMS IN STRUCTURED TEXT

20 3.1 Operational Expressions
Logical operation (AND, OR, XOR, NOT)
Describe a logical operation not with symbols (such as , , and ) but with an operator, which can easily be input and
understood.

Program example
The logical product (AND) of the bFlag0 and the bFlag1 is assigned to the bResult.
ST
bResult := bFlag0 AND bFlag1; 3
LD

bFlag0 bFlag1 bResult

AND operation can also be described using '&'.

When multiple operational expressions are described in one statement, the operation is processed in order
from high priority operation.
• Priority of logical operator (high to low): NOT operation, AND operation (AND, &), XOR operation, OR
operation
When some operators of which priority is the same are used in one statement, the operators are calculated in
order from the left.

Comparison (<, >, <=, >=), equality/inequality (=,<>)

Describe a comparison operation using an equal sign or an inequality sign, which is the same symbol as a general arithmetic
symbol.

Program example
The comparison result of the wValue0 and the wValue1 (equality: TRUE, inequality: FALSE) is assigned to the bResult.
ST
bResult := wValue0 = wValue1;

LD

bResult
= wValue0 wValue1

In the Structured Text language, '=' is regarded as an operator which compares if the left side and right side of
the statements are equal.
Describe an assignment statement using ':='.

3 DESCRIBING PERSPICUOUS PROGRAMS IN STRUCTURED TEXT

3.1 Operational Expressions 21
 3.2 Selection
In the Structured Text language, the process which branches off depending on the condition can be used in the same manner
as a high-level programming language, such as C language.
By using the selection statement (IF, CASE), the case to be executed and the statement to be executed can be described.

Selection by boolean value (IF)

Describe the process which branches off depending on the condition (TRUE or FALSE) using an IF statement.
The following process is performed in an IF statement.
1. Judgment of IF
IF <Condition 1> THEN
<Statement 1>; When Condition expression 1 is TRUE, the Statement 1 is executed.

ELSIF <Condition 2> THEN

Miltiple ELSIFs
(in the line frame)
2. Judgment of ELSIF
<Statement 2>; are allowable. When the conditional expression above is FALSE, the condition is judged.
ELSE ELSIF, ELSE When the Condition expression 2 is TRUE, the Statement 2 is executed.
<Statement 3>; (in the dashed-line

END_IF;
frame) are omittable. 3. Judgment of ELSE
When all the conditions of 'IF' and 'ELSIF' are FALSE, the Statement 3
after 'ELSE' is executed.

The following items can be specified in the conditional expression of IF statement.

• Operational expression of which result is to be a boolean value
• Variable of boolean type
• Function call expression of which return value is boolean type
Multiple selections using ELSIF (ELSIF<Condition>THEN<Statement>;) can be set.
Describe the selection using ELSIF or ELSE as necessary. (Omittable)

Program example
The different value is set to the wValue0 depending on the condition of the bFlag0.
• When ON (bFlag0 is TRUE): wValue0 = 100
• When OFF (bFlag0 is FALSE): wValue0 = 0
ST
IF bFlag0 THEN
wValue0 := 100;
ELSE
wValue0 := 0;
END_IF;

LD

bFlag0
MOV 100 wValue0

MOV 0 wValue0

3 DESCRIBING PERSPICUOUS PROGRAMS IN STRUCTURED TEXT

22 3.2 Selection
By using the expression in which a logical operation (AND, OR, etc.) or a comparison (<, >, =, etc.) are combined for a
conditional expression of the selection statement, a program which can be branched with complex conditions can be
described.

Program example
0, 1, 2, or 3 is set to the wValue1 depending on the value of the bFlag0 and the wValue0.
• When bFlag0 is FALSE: 0
• When the bFlag0 is TRUE and the wValue0 is 100 or 200: 1
• When the bFlag0 is TRUE and the wValue0 is 1 to 99: 2
3
• Other than above: 3
ST
IF NOT bFlag0 THEN
wValue1 := 0;
ELSIF (wValue0 = 100) OR (wValue0 = 200) THEN
wValue1 := 1;
ELSIF (1 <= wValue0) AND (wValue0<= 99) THEN
wValue1 := 2;
ELSE
wValue1 := 3;
END_IF;

LD

bFlag0
MOV 0 wValue1

= wValue0 100 MOV 1 wValue1

= wValue0 200 <= 1 wValue0

K0

<= wValue0 99 MOV 2 wValue1

K0

MOV 3 wValue1

3 DESCRIBING PERSPICUOUS PROGRAMS IN STRUCTURED TEXT

3.2 Selection 23
 Selection (CASE) by integer
Describe the process of which process branches using integer values with CASE statement.
The following process is performed in a CASE statement.
Selects an execution statement depending on the condition of the integer
CASE <Condition> OF
value.
<Value 1> :
<Statement 1>; Multiple statements 1. Judgment of the Value 1
are allowable.
<Value 2>..<Value 3> : Execute the Statement 1 if the result of the conditional expression is
<Statement 2>; equals to the Value 1.
ELSE
<Statement 3>;
ELSE
(in the dashed-line
2. Judgment of the integer value in the specified range
frame) is omittable. When specifying the range of the integer value to be judged, use '..'.
END_CASE;
When the result of the conditional expression is within the range of the
Value 2 to Value 3, the Statement 2 is executed.

3. Judgment of ELSE
When all the integer values or ranges are equal, the Statement 3 after
'ELSE' is executed.

The following items can be specified in the conditional expression of CASE statement.
• Operational expression of which result is to be an integer (INT or DINT) value
• Variable of integer (INT or DINT) type
• Function call expression of which return value is integer (INT or DINT) type
Multiple selections (<Value>:<Statement>;) determined by an integer value can be set.
Describe the selection using ELSE (ELSE<Statement>) as necessary. (Omittable)
For an integer value to be judged, a label that satisfies the following conditions can be set: the data type is
Word [Signed] or Double Word [Signed], and the class is VAR_CONSTANT.

Program example
0, 1, 2, or 3 is set to the wValue1 depending on the value of the wValue0.
• When 100 or 200: 0
• When 1 to 99: 1
• When 150: 2
• Other than above: 3
ST
CASE wValue0 OF
100, 200: wValue1 := 0;
1..99: wValue1 := 1;
150: wValue1 := 2;
ELSE wValue1 := 3;
END_CASE;

LD

AlwaysON
= wValue0 100 MOV 0 wValue1

= wValue0 200 <= 1 wValue0 <= wValue0 99

K0

MOV 1 wValue1
K0

= wValue0 150 MOV 2 wValue1

MOV 3 wValue1

3 DESCRIBING PERSPICUOUS PROGRAMS IN STRUCTURED TEXT

24 3.2 Selection
3.3 Iteration
By using the iteration statement (WHILE, REPEAT, FOR), the process can be executed for multiple times with the end
condition specified.

Iteration by boolean condition (WHILE, REPEAT)

Describe the process to be repeated depending on the result of its condition (TRUE or FALSE) using WHILE statement or
REPEAT statement. 3
The following process is performed in a WHILE statement.
Execute the execution statement for multiple times depending on the end
WHILE <Condition>
DO condition of the boolean value.
<Statement>; Repeat until the result becomes
FALSE Repeat processing until the result of the conditional expression is FALSE.
END_WHILE;
1. Judgment of the condition
If a conditional expression is FALSE, the process is end.

2. Execution of the process

Execute the execution statement and repeat processing when the
conditional expression is TRUE.
The following process is performed in a REPEAT statement.
Execute the execution statement for multiple times depending on the end
REPEAT
<Statement>;
Repeat until the result becomes condition of the boolean value.
TRUE
UNTIL <Condition> Repeat processing until the result of the conditional expression is TRUE.
END_REPEAT;
1. Execution of the process
Execute the execution statement.

2. Judgment of the condition

If a conditional expression is TRUE, the process is end.
If a conditional expression is FALSE, the process is repeated.

The following items can be specified in the conditional expression of WHILE and REPEAT statement.
• Operational expression of which result is to be a boolean value
• Variable of boolean type
• Function call expression of which return value is boolean type

Program example
When the bFlag0 is TRUE, the wValue0 is incremented.
ST
WHILE bFlag0 DO
wValue0 := wValue0 + 1;
END_WHILE;

LD

P11
bFlag0
CJ P12

AlwaysON
+ 1 wValue0

AlwaysON
CJ P11

P12

3 DESCRIBING PERSPICUOUS PROGRAMS IN STRUCTURED TEXT

3.3 Iteration 25
 By using the expression in which a logical operation (AND, OR, etc.) and a comparison (<, >, =, etc.) are combined for a
conditional expression of the iteration statement, a program of which end condition is complex can be described.

Program example
The wValue0 is incremented until the bFlag0 is TRUE or the wValue0 is 10 or more.
ST
REPEAT
wValue0 := wValue0 + 1;
UNTIL bFlag0 OR (wValue0 >= 10)
END_REPEAT;

LD

P21
AlwaysON
+ 1 wValue0

bFlag0
CJ P21

>= wValue0 K10

3 DESCRIBING PERSPICUOUS PROGRAMS IN STRUCTURED TEXT

26 3.3 Iteration
Iteration by integer value (FOR)
Describe the process which repeats processing until the variable of an integer type meets the condition using FOR statement.
The following process is performed in a FOR statement.
Execute the execution statement for multiple times depending on the end
FOR <Variable> := <Initial (expression)>
condition of the integer value.
TO <End (expression)>
BY (in the The execution is repeated until the variable of the integer type, to which
BY <Increment (expression)> dashed-line (thin) the initial value has been set, is reached at the last value.
frame) is omittable.
DO <Statement>;
1. Initialization of variable 3
END_FOR; Set the initial value to the variable to be a condition.

2. Judgment of the condition

If the variable is reached at the last value, the process is end.

3. Execution of the process

Execute the execution statement.

4. Addition of increment value

Add the increment value to the variable, and repeat processing.

The following items can be specified for the initial value, last value, and increment value of FOR statement.
• Operational expression of which result is to be an integer (INT or DINT) value
• Variable of integer (INT or DINT) type
• Function call expression of which return value is integer (INT or DINT) type
Convert the type in order that the value is to be an integer type.
If the increment value is 1, the addition process of the increment value (BY<Increment (expression)>;) can be
omitted.
After the execution of the FOR statement, the variable set as a condition retains the value at the end of the
FOR statement.

Program example
The element from 10 to 20 of the wArray1 are set to the element from 0 to 10 of the wArray0.
ST
FOR wIndex0 := 0 TO 10 BY 1 DO
wArray0[wIndex0] := wArray1[wIndex0 + 10];
END_FOR;

LD

AlwaysON
RST wIndex0

11
FOR

AlwaysON
wIndex0 K10 wTmp1
+

MOV wArray1 wArray0

[wTmp1] [wIndex0]

+ wIndex0 K1 wIndex0

NEXT

3 DESCRIBING PERSPICUOUS PROGRAMS IN STRUCTURED TEXT

3.3 Iteration 27
 By combining the array type data with iteration statement, the identical data processing can be performed for
multiple array elements.

3 DESCRIBING PERSPICUOUS PROGRAMS IN STRUCTURED TEXT

28 3.3 Iteration
4 HANDLING VARIOUS DATA TYPES
This chapter explains the considerations when handling the variables of each data type, how to specify the data types, and
how to convert using the Structured Text language.
Define the data type of labels at registration of labels. The data type of devices differ depending on the device type.

When using the value with the different data type as the defined one, use a type conversion function of a
standard function.

4.1 Boolean Value 4

Boolean is a 1 bit data type that holds 0 or 1.
Use this data type when indicating the ON/OFF for a bit device or TRUE/FALSE for an execution result.
A label to which a bit device or "Bit" data type is set is treated as a variable of boolean value.

4.2 Integer and Real Number

An integer type label, a real number type label, and a word device are treated as a variable of integer or real number.
The basic data type of a value used for each processing is integer type. When handling the value of decimal place, use a
value of real number type.

Value of range
Depending on the type of variable, the effective digits differ. Specify the variable of the appropriate data type depending on the
operation to be executed.
The following shows the ranges that can be handled in operation depending on the data type of the variable.
Data type Range
Integer Word [Unsigned]/Bit String [16-bit] WORD 0 to 65535
Double Word [Unsigned]/Bit String [32-bit] DWORD 0 to 4294967295
Word [Signed] INT -32768 to 32767
Double Word [Signed] DINT -2147483648 to 2147483647
Real FLOAT [Single Precision] REAL -2128 to -2-126, 0, 2-126 to 2128
number FLOAT [Double Precision] LREAL -21024 to -2-1022, 0, 2-1022 to 21024

4 HANDLING VARIOUS DATA TYPES

4.1 Boolean Value 29
 Type conversion which is performed automatically
When using the Structured Text language in GX Works3, data types of an integer and a real number are converted
automatically with the following processing even when a different variable of data type or constant is described.
• Assignment statement
• Pass of the input argument to a function or function block
• Arithmetic operational expression
The data type conversion is performed automatically to the data type of which range is larger.

Ex.
Assignment between Word [Signed] (INT) and Double Word [Signed] (DINT)
ST Operation result
dValue0 := wValue1;  The type conversion from INT to DINT is performed automatically.
wValue1 := dValue0;  A conversion error occurs since the data may be lost at conversion from DINT to INT.
wValue1 := DINT_TO_INT(dValue0);  Perform a type conversion from DTIN to INT using a type conversion function.
If the range of the value before conversion exceeds the range of INT type, an operation error occurs.

The type conversion is not performed automatically under the following situation. In this case, use a type
conversion function.
• Type conversion for the integer which has same data size and different sign
• Type conversion for the type of which data may be lost
• Type conversion other than integer type and real number type

Data type that can be converted automatically

The following shows the combinations of data types which are converted automatically.
Data type before conversion Data type after conversion Remarks
Word [Signed] Double Word [Signed] The value is converted to the sign-extended value
automatically.
FLOAT [Single Precision] The value is converted to the same value before the
conversion automatically.
FLOAT [Double Precision]
Word [Unsigned]/Bit String [16-bit] Double Word [Signed] The value is converted to the zero-extended value
automatically.
Double Word [Unsigned]/Bit String [32-bit]
FLOAT [Single Precision] The value is converted to the same value before the
conversion automatically.
FLOAT [Double Precision]
Double Word [Signed] FLOAT [Double Precision]
Double Word [Unsigned]/Bit String [32-bit]
FLOAT [Single Precision]

The data conversion is also performed automatically when passing the input argument to a standard function, standard
function block, and instruction.
The following shows the combinations of data types which are converted automatically when the input argument is defined as
the generic data type.
Data type of variable (before conversion) Data type definition of input argument Data type after conversion
to be specified to argument
Word [Signed] ANY32, ANY32_S Double Word [Signed]
ANY_REAL, ANY_REAL_32 FLOAT [Single Precision]
ANY_REAL_64 FLOAT [Double Precision]
Word [Unsigned]/Bit String [16-bit] ANY32, ANY32_U Double Word [Unsigned]/Bit String [32-bit]
ANY_REAL, ANY_REAL_32 FLOAT [Single Precision]
ANY_REAL_64 FLOAT [Double Precision]
Double Word [Signed] ANY_REAL, ANY_REAL_64 FLOAT [Double Precision]
Double Word [Unsigned]/Bit String [32-bit]
FLOAT [Single Precision] ANY_REAL_64

4 HANDLING VARIOUS DATA TYPES

30 4.2 Integer and Real Number
Data type of the operation result of arithmetic expression
The operation result of an arithmetic operational expression (basic arithmetic operation) for the Structured Text language is
the same data type as the variable and constant of the operation target. (For an exponentiation (**), the operation result will be
a real number type.)

If the data type of the operator on the right side and left side differ, the data type of the operation result will be
a bigger data type.
• Priority of the data type of an operation result (high to low): FLOAT [Double Precision], FLOAT [Single
Precision], Double Word, Word
[Singed] and [Unsigned] cannot be mixed in binary operation of the integer.
4
Considerations
If the value is outside the range of the data type which can be handled in the operation result, the accurate result (value)
cannot be reflected to the process after the operation.
Convert the data type of the variable for the operation target to the data type within the range of the operation result in
advance.

Ex.
Arithmetic operation of Word [Signed] (INT)
ST Operation result
dValue0 := wValue1 * 10;  If the operation result is out of the range of INT type (-32768 to 32767), the operation resulted in
overflow or underflow is assigned.
dValue1 := INT_TO_DINT(wValue1);  Overflow or underflow does not occur since the operation is processed with DINT type.
dValue0 := dValue1 * 10;
dValue1 := INT_TO_DINT(wValue1) * 10; 

Division of integer and real number

For a division, the operation result may differ depending on the type of variable.
For a division of an integer type variable, the value of decimal place is cut off.
For a division of a real number type variable, the value of decimal place is calculated.
• FLOAT [Single Precision]: 7 effective digits (6 digits of decimal places)
• FLOAT [Double Precision]: 15 effective digits (14 digits of decimal places)

Ex.
Assign the operation result of the expression '(2  10)  10' to D0
Data type ST Operation result
Integer Word [Signed] D0 := (2 / 10) * 10; 0
Real FLOAT [Single Precision] D0:E := (2.0 / 10.0) * 10.0; 2.0
number

For word devices, a data type can be specified by adding ':E' in the Structured Text language.
(Page 94 Type specification of word device)

Remainder of division (MOD)

Calculate the remainder of division by modulus operation (MOD).

Ex.
Calculate the lower two-digits of a five-digits integer
Data type ST Operation result
Integer Word [Signed] D0 := (-32368 MOD 100); -68

4 HANDLING VARIOUS DATA TYPES

4.2 Integer and Real Number 31
 4.3 Character String
Use a character string processing instruction and standard function (character string function) for the processing of the
variable of a character string type.

Program example
The length of a character string is calculated.
ST
wLen0 := LEN(sString0);

Assignment of character string

Describe a character string type variable using an assignment statement.

Program example
The character string 'ABC' is assigned to the sString0 (character string variable) and the wsString1 (character string [Unicode]
type variable).
ST
sString0 := 'ABC';
wsString1 := "ABC";

Enclose ASCII character string constant in single quotes (').

Enclose Unicode character string constant in double quotes (").

Comparison of character strings

Describe a comparison operation (comparison, equality, inequality) of a character string type variable using an operator.

Program example
After the comparison of the character strings, the sString1 is assigned to the sString0 if the characters are not equal.
ST
IF sString0 <> sString1 THEN
sString0 := sString1;
END_IF;

For the character string type variable, a comparison operator (<, >, <=, >=) compares the values using the
value of ASCII code or Unicode.
Depending on the first character code number of which inequality is detected, the comparison result of the
character string is determined.
The details of the comparison conditions are the same as the one as the character string comparison
instruction (LD$<, etc.)

4 HANDLING VARIOUS DATA TYPES

32 4.3 Character String
4.4 Time
Time data is used for the time type variable or clock data (array data used for CPU module instructions).

Time type variable

By using the time type variable, an easy-to-see program in which time data in milliseconds is included can be created.
Describe the time type of constants as follows:
• T#23d23h59m59s999ms
Time unit d (day) h (hour) m (minute) s (second) ms (millisecond)
Range 0 to 24 0 to 23 0 to 59 0 to 59 0 to 999

The time type variable can be set in the range from T#-24d20h31m23s648ms to T#24d20h31m23s647ms. 4
For details on the description method of the time length, refer to the following:
Page 98 Description method of the time length

Assignment of time
Describe a time type variable using as assignment statement.

Program example
The value that indicates 1 hour 30 minutes is assigned to the tmData0 (time type variable).
ST
tmData0 := T#1h30m;

Comparison of time
Describe a comparison operation (comparison, equality, inequality) of a time type variable using an operator.

Program example
If the time data is one day or more, the processing is ended.
ST
IF tmData0 >= T#1d THEN
RETURN;
END_IF;

Basic arithmetic expression for time

Describe a multiplication and division of the time type variable using a standard function (time data type function).
An addition or subtraction can be described using an operator.

Program example
The value in which 10 ms is added and doubled is assigned to the tmData0 (time type variable).
ST
tmData0 := MUL_TIME(tmData0 + T#10ms, 2);

4 HANDLING VARIOUS DATA TYPES

4.4 Time 33
 Clock data (date and time)
Clock data is an array data that is used for CPU module instructions.
• Clock data: An array that stores year, month, day, hour, minute, second, and day of week
• Extended clock data: An array of which millisecond unit is added to a clock data
• Date data: An array only for year, month, and day of clock data
• Time data: An array only for hour, minute, and second of clock data

Clock instruction and clock data

Use the clock instruction of the application instruction to process a clock data (array of Word [Signed] data).

Program example
"year, month, day, hour, minute, second, and day of week" are read from the clock element of the CPU module.

wArray[0] Year (1980 to 2079)

[1] Month (1 to 12)
[2] Day (1 to 31)
Clock elements [3] Hour (24 hours) (0 to 23)
[4] Minute (0 to 59)
[5] Second (0 to 59)
[6] Day of week (0 to 6)

ST
DATERD(TRUE, wArray);

Comparison of date data and time data

The comparison instruction for date data and time data cannot be used in ST programs. (Page 101 Instructions That
Cannot be Used in ST Programs)
To compare a date data and time data, compare each element of the array or convert the data to the time type variable.

4 HANDLING VARIOUS DATA TYPES

34 4.4 Time
4.5 Array and Structure
An array and structure are the data format that can handle multiple data at once.
• Array: A consecutive aggregation of same data type variables
• Structure: A aggregation of different data type variables

Array
Describe only the label name when indicating whole array type variables.
When indicating each element of the array, describe the element number to be specified enclosing with '[ ]' as an index after
the label name.

Display in program bArray1 [0] bArray2 [0,1] 4

Label name Index Label name Index

Type definition bArray1(0..n) bArray2(0..m, 0..n)

[0] [0,0] [0,1] [0,n]

[1] [1,0] [1,1]

[n] [m,0] [m,n]

Assignment of array
Describe an array type variable using the assignment statement to assign the value to the element specified by the index.
By describing the element without index, the value is assigned (copied) to the whole array elements.

Program example
The following data is assigned to the wArray1 (array type variable) of Word [Signed] data.
• Array 0: 10
• Array 1: Array [0,1] of two-dimensional array, wArray2
ST
wArray1[0] := 10;
wArray1[1] := wArray2[0, 1];

Program example
All the elements of wArray0 are assigned to all the elements of the wArray1 (array type variable of Word [Signed] data).
(This program example can be described when the data type and number of array data on the right side and left side are the
same.)
ST
wArray1 := wArray0;

4 HANDLING VARIOUS DATA TYPES

4.5 Array and Structure 35
 Expression of array
Describe the elements of each array using an operational expression as a variable of the defined data type. (Comparison and
basic arithmetic expression can be described.)
However, the array type variable with no index cannot be used in the operational expression.
Array element can be described in an expression in the Structured Text language.

Program example
The following data is assigned to the wArray1 (array type variable) of the Word [Signed] data.
• Element wIndex0+1: Sum of the element 0 and element 1 in the wArray0
ST
wArray1[wIndex0 +1] := wArray0[0] + wArray0[1];

Structure
Define the structure combining the multiple different data types as one data type.
Structure can be used for data management because the arbitrary name of structure type definition and name of each
member can be set.
When indicating whole structure type variables, describe only the label name.
When indicating each member of the structure, list the member names by adding a dot '.' after the label name.

Display in program Label Type definition

Label (stData0) Structure (StructureDefined)
Label name
Entity of Member1 Member (Member1)

stData0 . Member2
Member Entity of Member2 Member (Member2)
name

Entity of Member3 Member (Member3)

Assignment of structure
Describe a structure type variable using the assignment statement to assign the value to the specified member.
By describing the structure without specifying the member, the value is assigned (copied) to the whole structures.

Program example
The following data is assigned to the member of the stData0 (structure type variable).
• Member1 (FLOAT [Single Precision]): 10.5
• Member2 (Bit): TRUE
ST
stData0.Member1 := 10.5;
stData0.Member2 := TRUE;

Program example
All the elements of stData0 are assigned to all the elements of the stData1 (structure type variable).
(This program example can be described when the data type of the structure (structure type definition) on the right side and
left side are the same.)
ST
stData1 := stData0;

4 HANDLING VARIOUS DATA TYPES

36 4.5 Array and Structure
Data type combined with structure and array
A structure which includes array in the member and a structure type array can be used in ST programs.

Program example
The wArray1 (array type variable) is assigned to the wArray (array member) of the stData0 (structured type variable). (Both of
them are Word [signed] type and same size.)
ST
stData0.wArray := wArray1;

Program example
The member of the element number 1 and the member of element number 0 in the stArray0 (structured array type variable)
4
are compared.
ST
bResult := stArray0[1].Member1 > stArray0[0].Member1;

Structure arrays can be used in the assignment statement in GX Works3.

4 HANDLING VARIOUS DATA TYPES

4.5 Array and Structure 37
 5 DESCRIBING LADDER PROGRAM IN
STRUCTURED TEXT
This chapter explains how to describe ladder symbols and sequence instructions in the Structure Text language.

5.1 Describing Contacts and Coils

The program using contacts and coils of a ladder program can be described with the logical operations such as AND
operation, OR operation, and NOT operation and assignment statements in the Structured Text language.

Open contact and coil

Describe a program configured with an open contact and coil using an assignment statement.

Program example
The bResult0 turns ON/OFF according to the ON/OFF statue of the bFlag0.
ST
bResult0 := bFlag0;

LD

bFlag0 bResult0

Describe an assignment statement using ':='. The calculation result of a right side is stored to a variable on the
left side.

Closed contact (NOT)

Describe a closed contact with the operator of a NOT operation.

Program example
The bResult0 turns OFF when the bFlag0 is ON, and the bResult0 turns ON when the bFlag0 is OFF.
ST
bResult0 := NOT bFlag0;

LD

bFlag0 bResult0

5 DESCRIBING LADDER PROGRAM IN STRUCTURED TEXT

38 5.1 Describing Contacts and Coils
Series connection, parallel connection (AND, OR)
Describe the condition described in a series connection and parallel connection using AND operation(AND, &) or OR
operation.

Program example
The bResult0 turns ON when any of the following conditions is met.
• Condition 1: The bFlag0 is ON and the bFlag1 is ON
• Condition 2: The bFlag2 is ON
ST
bResult0 := bFlag0 AND bFlag1 OR bFlag2;

LD

bFlag0 bFlag1 bResult0

5
bFlag2

When multiple operational expressions are described in one statement, the operation is processed in order
from high priority operation.
• Priority of logical operator (high to low): AND operation(AND, &), XOR operation, OR operation
When some operators of which priority is the same are used in one statement, the operators are operated in
order from the left.

5 DESCRIBING LADDER PROGRAM IN STRUCTURED TEXT

5.1 Describing Contacts and Coils 39
 Contact and coil of which execution order are complicated
The complex combination of contacts and coils can be described in the Structured Text language. By using the parentheses (
), the statements of a complex execution order can be described clearly.

Program example
The bResult0 turns ON when the following condition 1 and condition 2 are met.
The bResult1 turns ON when the following condition 1, condition 2, and condition 3 are met.
• Condition 1: Either the bFlag0 or the bFlag1 is ON
• Condition 2: The bFlag2 is ON
• Condition 3: The bFlag3 is ON
ST
bResult0 := (bFlag0 OR bFlag1) AND bFlag2;
bResult1 := bResult0 AND bFlag3;

LD

bFlag0 bFlag2 bResult0

bFlag1 bFlag3 bResult1

When the above program is executed, the ON/OFF timing of each device are as follows;

bFlag0 ON
OFF

bFlag1 ON
OFF

bFlag2 ON
OFF

bFlag3 ON
OFF

ON
bResult0
OFF

ON
bResult1
OFF

5 DESCRIBING LADDER PROGRAM IN STRUCTURED TEXT

40 5.1 Describing Contacts and Coils
5.2 Describing Instructions
In the Structured Text language, an instruction which can commonly be used with Ladder Diagram is handled as a function.
Some instructions which are not supported by the Structure Text language (Page 101 Instructions That Cannot be Used
in ST Programs) can be described using the format for the Structured Text language such as operators.

Instructions that can be used in ladder program and ST program

Basically, every instructions can be used in a ladder program and ST program. (Page 14 Instructions and Functions)
In accordance with the definitions of each instruction, describe the instruction as a function.

Program example
The bResult0 turns ON for one scan when the bFlag0 is turned ON from OFF.
ST
PLS(bFlag0, bResult0); 5
LD

bFlag0
PLS bResult0

Considerations when entering instructions

Despite the same function, some instruction names differ between Ladder Diagram and Structured Text. (Low-speed timer
instruction (OUT_T) of output instruction, etc.)
When entering an instruction name in the ST editor, the list of the instructions start with the character of the input instruction
name is displayed.
Check if the instruction name can be used in the ST program.

Considerations when entering arguments

The order of arguments for the same instruction may differ between Ladder Diagram and Structured Text.
The format of an instruction is displayed in tooltip when entering an argument in an ST editor.
Input the arguments in accordance with the tooltip.

For details on the instructions, refer to the programming manual. Press the  key with the cursor on the instruction to
display the page of the instruction.

Display by pressing the [F1] key

5 DESCRIBING LADDER PROGRAM IN STRUCTURED TEXT

5.2 Describing Instructions 41
 Instructions that can be described using assignment statements
Describe a data conversion instruction using the type conversion function of a standard function and assignment statement.
Describe a character string transfer instruction ($MOV) using the assignment statement of a string type label.
Page 101 Instructions that can be described in assignment statement

Program example
The eValue0 (FLOAT [Single Precision]) is converted to the wValue1 (16-bit binary data with sign).
ST
wValue1 := REAL_TO_INT( eValue0 );

LD

AlwaysON
FLT2INT eValue0 wValue1

Program example
The sString0 (character string type variable) is transferred (assigned) to the sString1.
ST
sString1 := sString0;

LD

AlwaysON
$MOV sString0 sString1

Instructions that can be described using operator

Describe basic instructions such as comparison operation instructions and arithmetic operation instructions using operators.
Page 101 Instructions that can be described with operator

Program example
Depending on the comparison result of the Word [Signed] (INT) valuable, the two values of Double Word [Signed] (DINT) are
added.
ST
IF (wValue0 < wValue1 ) AND (wValue2 > wValue3 ) OR (wValue4 <> wValue5 ) THEN
dValue1 := dValue0 + dValue1;
END_IF;

LD

< wValue0 wValue1 > wValue2 wValue3 D+ dValue0 dValue1

<> wValue4 wValue5

5 DESCRIBING LADDER PROGRAM IN STRUCTURED TEXT

42 5.2 Describing Instructions
Instructions that can be described in control statement and FUN/
FB
Describe FOR to NEXT instructions of the structured instructions using an iteration statement (Page 25 Iteration).
A program in which a pointer is specified using a subroutine program instruction (such as CALL) or a pointer branch
instruction (such as CJ, SCJ, and JMP) cannot be used in ST program. Structure the program using a selection statement,
function ,or function block.
Page 103 Instructions that can be described with control statement or function

END instruction is not required for the Structured Text language. (Page 103 Unnecessary instructions for
ST program)

5.3 Describing Statements of Ladder and Notes

5
Describe a statement and note of a ladder program as a comment.
The comment of the Structured Text language is more useful than statement and note since it can be described in arbitrary
position.

(* The processing is performed depending on the ten-key input. *)

IF G_wTenKey <> c_wNONE THEN
CASE G_wTenKey OF
0..9 : (* For number-key input (0 to 9) *)
(* Add the input numeric value to the end of the display value. *)
IF G_eDecimal = 0.0 THEN
(* For integer part *)
G_eDisplayValue := (G_eDisplayValue * 10) + G_wTenKey;
ELSE
(* For after decimal point *)
G_eDisplayValue := G_eDisplayValue + (G_eDecimal * G_wTenKey);
G_eDecimal := G_eDecimal * 0.1;
END_IF;
10: (* For input of decimal point key *)
G_eDecimal := 0.1;
11..14: (* For input of addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division key (11 to 14) *)
(* Retain the operation type *)
G_wOperation := G_wTenKey - 10;
(* Move the display value to the previous operation value and then reset the displayed value *)
G_eLastValue := G_eDisplayValue;
G_eDisplayValue := 0.0;
G_eDecimal := 0.0;
15: (* For equal-key input *)
(* Add, subtract, multiply, or divide the displayed value to/from the current value. *)
G_eLastValue := Calculation(G_eLastValue, G_wOperation, G_eDisplayValue);
(* Assign the rounding result to the display value. *)
G_eDisplayValue := FractionProcessing(G_eLastValue, G_wSwitch1, G_wSwitch2);
G_wOperation := 0; (* Clear the operation type *)
G_eDecimal := 0.0;
END_CASE;
(* Clear the key input*)
G_wTenKey := c_wNONE;
END_IF;

5 DESCRIBING LADDER PROGRAM IN STRUCTURED TEXT

5.3 Describing Statements of Ladder and Notes 43
 6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE

6.1 Overview of Procedure

This section explains the creation procedure of a program.

1. Open an ST editor.

2. Edit the ST program.

3. Convert and debug the program.

4. Check the program in the CPU module.

GX Works3 CPU module

Write

Monitor

For details on the operations of GX Works3, refer to the following:

GX Works3 Operating Manual

6.2 Opening ST Editor

Create an ST program using the programming function of the engineering tool (GX Works3).
Select "ST" in "Program Language" and create a new project and program.

ST editor

6.3 Editing ST Programs

This section explains a series of steps from creating a simple program to execute it.
Create the following program as an example.

Program example

6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE

44 6.1 Overview of Procedure
Entering texts
Enter texts in the same manner as a generic text editor in an ST editor.

Operating procedure
1. Enter 'wValue0 := D10 - 123;'.

By pressing the ++ keys, the assignment symbol (:=) can be entered.
Other than the operation from the [Edit] menu, the following generic key operations can be used.
• +/+: Cut/paste
• +/+: Undo/redo

Copying/pasting data among editors

Text data can be copied/pasted among the generic text editors.
• Utilizing the created programs by copying texts from other text editor or PDF and pasting them to an ST editor.
• Creating documents by copying the programs created in an ST editor and pasting them to other text editor. 6

In GX Works3, the rectangle range can be selected by dragging the range while pressing the  key on the
ST editor.

Entering control statement

Enter the control statement (IF statement).

Operating procedure
1. Enter 'IF'.

2. The syntax templates are displayed by pressing the

+ keys.

3. Move the cursor position on '?Condition?'.

(The cursor can be moved by pressing the ++ keys.)

4. Enter "wValue0 < 0" as a conditional expression.

5. Move the cursor position on '?Statement?'.

(The cursor can be moved by pressing the ++ keys.)

6. Enter "bFlag0 := TRUE;" as an execution statement.

• If "TRUE" is entered in lower case, it will be changed to upper
case automatically.
Enter "bFlag0 := FALSE;" as well.

The following functions are used in the operation procedure above.

• [Edit]  [Display Template] (+)
• [Edit]  [Mark Template (Left)] / [Mark Template (Right)] (++/)

6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE

6.3 Editing ST Programs 45
 Collapsing statements
Collapse the control statement ( ) by clicking the icon ( ) displayed on the left side of the control statement.

Entering comment
Enter a comment in the ST program.

Operating procedure
1. Enter a comment in the arbitrary position in the
program. (In the figure on the left, enter a comment after
'bFlag0 := TRUE;'.)
• A space or TAB can be inserted anywhere.

2. Enter the delimiter ('(*' and '*)') before and after the
comment.
The range enclosed with the symbols is regarded as a
comment.
Enter "(* OFF *)" after "FALSE" as well.

In GX Works3, '/**/' and '//', which are the same symbols as C language, can be used for comment.
By adding '//' in front of the statement, the statement is regarded as a comment.
By using the following functions, the comment out/disable comment out function can be performed in the
selected range.
• [Edit]  [Comment Out of Selected Range]( +  + )
• [Edit]  [Disable Comment Out of Selected Range]( +  + )

Range that statement is regarded as a comment by the line unit.

Collapsing comments
Collapse the comment ( ) by clicking the icon ( ) displayed on the left side of the comment.

6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE

46 6.3 Editing ST Programs
Using labels
Register a label and use it in an ST program.

Registering labels
Register a label from an ST editor.

Operating procedure
Unregistered label name is displayed as an error.

1. By pressing the  key on the label name, the

"Undefined Label Registration" screen is displayed.
2. Set the following items to register the label, wValue0.
• Registered Destination: Local label
• Class: VAR
• Data Type: Word [Signed]

The registered label is displayed with the color for labels.

3. The registered label is set on the label setting screen.

The following function is used in the operation procedure above.

• [Edit]  [Register Label]()
The colors for each configuration element on the ST editor can be set using the following function.
• [View]  [Color and Font]

6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE

6.3 Editing ST Programs 47
 Registering labels on the label editor
Register labels on the label editor.

Operating procedure
1. Display the "Local Label Setting" screen.

2. Set the following items to register labels.

• Label Name: bFlag0
• Data Type: Bit
• Class: VAR (automatically set)
3. The registered label is displayed with the color for labels
on the ST editor.

Set the following items for the local label as the labels to be used in the program example.
Label Name Data Type Class
wValue0 Word [Signed] VAR
wValue1 Word [Signed] VAR
bFlag0 Bit VAR
bResult Bit VAR

Using registered labels on the ST editor

Enter a label on the ST editor by selecting a label registered on the label editor.

Operating procedure
1. Register the bit type label, bResult.

2. Enter the first two letters ,"bR". The corresponding data

such as registered label names are displayed in a list.

3. Select a label name by pressing the  key and press

the  key to enter the selected label name.

6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE

48 6.3 Editing ST Programs
Creating functions and function blocks
Create a new POU (function and function block) to be used in a program.

Creating function
Create the new data of a function in the project, and define the function program and its local label.

■Creating new data

Create the new data of a function in the project.

Operating procedure
1. Select [Project]  [Data Operation]  [New Data].

2. Set the following items on the "New Data" screen.

Data Type Item Description Setting value in the program
example
Function Data Name An identifier for calling a function. FunPou
Program Language A language to describe a function program. ST
Result Type Set the data type to be returned after the completion of an
execution.
Bit
6
Use EN/ENO When "Yes" is selected, EN and ENO are added to the No
arguments.
• EN: A boolean type input argument to which an execution
condition is to be set.
• ENO: A boolean type output argument to which an execution
result is to be returned.
FUN File of Add Destination Set the name of a file to which a function is to be created is FUNFILE
stored.

The setting items of the created function can be checked on the "Properties" screen.
The "Properties" screen can be displayed with the following operation.
• Select and right-click the data on the Navigation window and select [Property] from the shortcut menu.

■Setting argument and internal variable

Define the arguments and internal variables used in the function.
Set the arguments and internal variables in the local label of the function. Set the following items on the label setting screen.
Label Name Data Type Class
i_wValue Word [Signed] VAR_INPUT
bFlag Bit VAR

A local label of which class is set to "VAR_INPUT" is an input argument.

A local label of which class is set to "VAR_OUTPUT" is an output argument.
The order of arguments when executing a function call will be the order defined in the local label setting.

6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE

6.3 Editing ST Programs 49
 Creating function block
Create the new data of a function block in the project, and define the function block program and its local label.

■Creating new data

Create new data of function block in the project.

Operating procedure
1. Select [Project]  [Data Operation]  [New Data].

2. Set the following items on the "New Data" screen.

Data Type Item Description Setting value in the program
example
Function Block Data Name A data type name of a function block to be defined. FbPou
Program Language A language to describe a function block program. ST
Use EN/ENO When "Yes" is selected, EN and ENO are added to the arguments. No
• EN: A boolean type input argument to which an execution
condition is to be set.
• ENO: A boolean type output argument to which an execution
result is to be returned.
FB Type Set the conversion type of a function block. Macro type or Subroutine Type
subroutine type can be selected.
FB File of Add Destination Set the name of a file to which a function block is to be created is FBFILE
stored.

The setting items of the created function block can be checked on the "Properties" screen.
The "Properties" screen can be displayed with the following operation.
• Select and right-click the data on the Navigation window and select [Property] from the shortcut menu.

■Setting argument and internal variable

Define the arguments and internal variables to be used in the function block.
Set the arguments and internal variables in the local label of the function block. Set the following items on the label setting
screen.
Label Name Data Type Class
i_wValue Word [Signed] VAR_INPUT
o_wValue Word [Signed] VAR_OUTPUT

A local label of which class is set to "VAR_INPUT" is an input argument.

A local label of which class is set to "VAR_OUTPUT" is an output argument.

6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE

50 6.3 Editing ST Programs
Entering function
Enter a function.

A function with a return value can be used as an expression. (Function call expression)
A function with no return value must be described as a call statement. (Function call statement)

Function call statement

Entering function call expression to assignment statement

■Assigning return value to variable
To assign the return value to the variable, describe a function call statement to the right side of the assignment statement.
1. Enter a variable to which a returned value is to be
assigned.

2. Enter the assignment symbol, ":=".

■Entering function name

Select and enter a function name from the undefined functions.
6
Operating procedure
1. Enter the first three letters ,"Fun". The corresponding
functions are displayed in a list.

2. Select a label name by pressing the  key and press

the  key to enter the selected function name.

Instructions can also be entered from the list. (Page 41 Describing Instructions)
By pressing the  key on the instruction, the details of the instruction can be checked on the e-Manual
Viewer.
(To check the instructions, the files of the corresponding programming manuals are required to be registered
to e-Manual Viewer.)

Display by pressing the [F1] key

6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE

6.3 Editing ST Programs 51
 ■Entering arguments
Enter the argument in accordance with the tooltip.

Operating procedure
1. By entering "(", the format of the instruction is displayed
in the tooltip.

2. Enter the argument in accordance with the tooltip.

Delimit the multiple argument using commas ','.
3. Enter ")" at the end of the argument.

4. Enter ";" which indicates the end of the call statement.

For the defined function, the arguments can also be inserted using the template.
By pressing the + keys, the template of the selected function name is displayed.

The argument can be selected by the following functions.

• [Edit]  [Display Template](+)
• [Edit]  [Mark Template (Left)]/[Mark Template (Right)](++/)

Selecting functions from the Navigation window or the Element Selection window
Insert a function by selecting it from the Navigation window or the Element Selection window.

Insert a function from the Navigation window or the Element Selection window by dragging or dropping it to
the ST editor.

Navigation Element
window Selection
window

Drag and drop

6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE

52 6.3 Editing ST Programs
Entering function block
Enter a function block.

Entering function block call statement

■Entering instance of function block
Enter the defined function block.

Operating procedure
1. Enter the instance name, "FbPou_1" (example).

2. By pressing the  key on the instance name, the

"Undefined Label Registration" screen is displayed.

3. Set the following items and register the instance.

• Registered Destination: Local label
• Class: VAR
• Data Type: FbPou
By selecting "Function Block" in "Type Category" at data type selection, the 6
defined function block can be selected.

The registered instance name is displayed with the color for

labels.
■Entering arguments
Enter the argument in accordance with the tooltip.

Operating procedure
1. By entering "(", the format of function block is displayed
in the tooltip.

2. Enter the argument in accordance with the tooltip.

Delimit the multiple argument using commas ','.

3. Enter ")" at the end of the argument.

4. Enter ";" which indicates the end of the call statement.

For the defined function block, the arguments can also be inserted using the template.
By pressing the + keys, the template of the selected instance name is displayed.

The argument can be selected by the following functions.

• [Edit]  [Display Template](+)
• [Edit]  [Mark Template (Left)]/[Mark Template (Right)](++/)

6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE

6.3 Editing ST Programs 53
 Selecting function blocks from the Navigation window or the Element Selection window
Insert a function block by selecting it from the Navigation window or the Element Selection window.

Insert a function block from the Navigation window or the Element Selection window by dragging or dropping
it to the ST editor.

Navigation Element
window Selection
window

Drag and drop

6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE

54 6.3 Editing ST Programs
6.4 Converting and Debugging Programs
The created program is required to be converted to the code which can be executed in the CPU module of a programmable
controller (execution program).
An illegal program is checked at the conversion. Modify the program according to the displayed message.

Converting programs
Convert the created program to the executable code.

Operating procedure
1. Execute [Convert]  [Convert] ().

By performing the conversion (), only the added or changed program is converted.
When converting all programs including the converted programs, perform the following function.
• [Convert]  [Rebuild All] (++)

6
Checking error/warning
An illegal program is checked at the conversion, and an error/warning message is displayed.
Convert the following program as an example.

Program example

The assignment symbol is different.

';' does not exist at the end of statement.

A return value is not used.

The output variable is ':='.

Operating procedure
1. Double-click the error/warning message displayed on
the Output window.

2. The cursor is moved to the corresponding error location.

Modify the program according to the message.

6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE

6.4 Converting and Debugging Programs 55
 If the program cannot be analyzed, check the statement above and below.
An error location is underlined.

';' does not exist at the end of statement.

If only a warning occurs, the conversion is completed.

Conversion is completed despite of occurrence of 'Warning'.

6.5 Checking Execution on CPU Module

Execute the converted execution program by writing it to the CPU module of a programmable controller. Check if the program
is running properly by monitoring the running program.

GX Works3 CPU module

Write

Monitor

Executing programs in the programmable controller

The following shows the procedure to execute an execution program in a CPU module.

Operating procedure
1. Connect a personal computer to the CPU module, and set the connection target in the engineering tool (GX Works3).

2. Change the operation status of the CPU module to 'STOP'.

3. Select [Online]  [Write to PLC] to write "Program".

• Write "Parameter" according to change of the system or device settings.
• When using global labels, write "Global Label Setting".
• When using devices/labels of which initial values are set, write "Local Label Initial Value", "Global Label Initial Value", or
"Device Initial Value".

4. Reset the CPU module.

5. Change the operation status of the CPU module to 'RUN'.

6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE

56 6.5 Checking Execution on CPU Module
Checking the running program
The following shows how to check the running program on the program editor.

Operating procedure
Select [Online]  [Monitor]  [Start Monitoring]()/[Stop Monitoring](+).

6
Display of current values
The following shows the display of the monitoring value on the ST editor.

■Bit type
The monitoring values of bit types are displayed on the program as follows;
• TRUE:
• FALSE:

■Other than bit type

The monitoring values other than bit types are displayed on the right side of the split window.

Place the cursor on the device/label name to display a monitoring value on the tooltip.

Changing current values

The current value of the devices and labels can be changed with the following method.

Operating procedure
1. Select the device/label of which current value is to be changed on the ST editor.

2. Click the + keys. (Or double-click while pressing the  key)
The devices/labels other than bit type are registered to the Watch window. Change the current value on the Watch window.

■Changing current values on the Watch window

The current values of devices/labels registered to the Watch window can be changed by the following method.

Operating procedure
1. Select [Online]  [Watch]  [Start Watching](+)/[Stop Watching](++).
2. Enter a value to which "Current Value" is to be changed directly while monitoring.

Devices/labels can be registered to the Watch window by any of the following operations.
• Drag and drop the devices/labels from the ST editor to the Watch window.
• [Tool]  [Options]  "Monitor"  "ST Editor"  "Setting for Automatic Registration to Watch Window"

6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE

6.5 Checking Execution on CPU Module 57
 6.6 Inserting ST Program in Ladder Program (Inline
structured text)
When describing a part of a ladder program using an ST program, use the Inline structured text function. An ST program can
be described instead of the ladder instructions by using an inline structured text.

AlwaysON 1 wAverage3 := (wValue0 + wValue1+ wValue2) / 3;

Operating procedure
1. Select [Edit]  [Inline Structured Text]  [Insert Inline Structured Text Box](+).

2. Edit the ST program in the inline structured text box.

For details on how to edit the program in an inline structured text box is the same as that of the ST editor.

3. Convert the ladder program.

Inline structured text is compiled (converted) as a part of the ladder program.

Enter 'STB' on the ladder entry dialog to insert an inline structured text box.

6 PROGRAM CREATION PROCEDURE

58 6.6 Inserting ST Program in Ladder Program (Inline structured text)
 PART 2
PART 2 PROGRAM EXAMPLES

This part shows the examples of ST programming with simple functions.

7 OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM EXAMPLE

8 CALCULATOR PROCESSING (BASIC ARITHMETIC OPERATION AND SELECTION)

9 POSITIONING PROCESSING (EXPONENT FUNCTION, TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTION AND

STRUCTURE)

10 SORTING OF DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS (ARRAY AND ITERATION PROCESSING)

11 MEASUREMENT OF OPERATING TIME (TIME AND CHARACTER STRING)

59
 7 OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM EXAMPLE
This chapter explains the list of program examples and their usage.

7.1 List of Program Example

In the part 2, the following program examples are described using the simple applications.
Item Description Reference
Calculator Basic arithmetic Selection statement (IF) Page 64 Initialization Program: Initialization
processing expression Assignment of integer, real number, and boolean
Selection value
Selection statement (CASE) Page 65 Basic Arithmetic Operation (FUN): Calculation
Basic arithmetic expression
Round down/round up/rounds off of integer Page 66 Rounding Processing (FUN): Rounding
Operation of integer and real number Page 67 Fraction Processing (FUN): FractionProcessing
Type conversion of integer and real number Page 69 Calculator Program: Calculator
Hierarchization of selection statement Page 71 Post-Tax Price Calculation: IncludingTax
Positioning Exponent function Trigonometric function (TAN-1) Page 73 Rotation Angle Calculation (FUN): GetAngle
processing Trigonometric Structure type argument Page 74 Distance Calculation (FUN): GetDistance
function
Operation of structure
Structure Exponent function (exponentiation, square root)
Trigonometric function (COS, SIN) Page 75 X, Y-Coordinate Calculation (FUN): GetXY
Structure type return value
Operation of integer and real number Page 76 Command Pulse Calculation (FB):
PulseNumberCalculation
Assignment of structure Page 77 Positioning Control: PositionControl
Argument specification of structure
Sort of defective Array Two dimensional array Page 80 Product Check (FB): ProductCheck
products Iteration processing Operation of array
Array type argument
Hierarchization of iteration statement and
selection statement
Structure which includes array type member Page 82 Sorting Product Data (FB): Assortment
Structure array
Initialization of array element Page 83 Product Data Management: DataManagement
Argument specification of array
Iteration statement (FOR, WHILE, REPEAT)
Measurement of Time Time type data Page 86 Operating Time Management: OperatingTime
running time Character string Contact, coil, and current value of timer
Timer Page 87 Flicker Timer (FB): FlickerTimer
Operation of boolean value Page 88 Lamp ON/OFF: LampOnOff
Clock data (INT type array data) Page 89 Conversion from Sec. to Hour/Min/Sec:
SecondsToTimeArray
Time type data Page 90 Conversion from Time to String: TimeToString
String data

7 OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM EXAMPLE

60 7.1 List of Program Example
7.2 Applying Program Example in GX Works3
This manual shows the program examples to be created in the Structured Text language using GX Works3.

Considerations
The program examples described in this manual do not guarantee the actual operation.
When applying program examples to the actual system, make sure to match the program example with the system and its
required operation.
Assign the devices for the labels used in the program example according to the equipment to be used as necessary.
Set the parameters in accordance with the equipment or devices to be used as necessary.

Application procedure of sample program

Apply the sample program by the following procedure.

1. Set the global labels on the label editor. (Page 48 Registering labels on the label editor)
• When using a structure, create a new structure definition and set the structure.

2. Create a POU.
• Set the local labels. (Page 48 Registering labels on the label editor)
• Apply a program example to the program. (Page 45 Copying/pasting data among editors)
When a POU defined in this manual is used in the sample program, create the function or the function block in the same
project. (Page 49 Creating new data) 7
3. Convert the program. (Page 55 Converting and Debugging Programs)

When reading this manual in PDF or e-Manual format, a sample program can easily be applied by copying
and pasting it.

7 OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM EXAMPLE

7.2 Applying Program Example in GX Works3 61
 8 CALCULATOR PROCESSING (BASIC
ARITHMETIC OPERATION AND SELECTION)
This chapter shows the program examples for the processing such as basic arithmetic operations and selections in the
program that enables calculator processing.
Create the following POUs in the program example.
Data name Data type Description Reference
Initialization Program block Initializes variables when a clear instruction is issued. Page 64 Initialization Program: Initialization
Calculation Function Adds, subtracts, multiplies, or divides two values. Page 65 Basic Arithmetic Operation (FUN):
Calculation
Rounding Function Rounds down/rounds up/rounds off a variable. Page 66 Rounding Processing (FUN): Rounding
FractionProcessing Function Rounds a value right after the specified decimal place. Page 67 Fraction Processing (FUN):
FractionProcessing
Calculator Program block Operates values in accordance with the input. Page 69 Calculator Program: Calculator
IncludingTax Program block Calculates post-tax price and amount of tax, and displays Page 71 Post-Tax Price Calculation: IncludingTax
the post-tax price when a post-tax calculation instruction is
issued.

Overview of function
The following processing are performed.
• When the clear key is input, the current value (previous calculation result) and displayed value are initialized.
• The displayed value is updated according to the input of the ten key. The value after decimal point is rounded depending on
the setting of the slide switches.
• When the post-tax calculation key is input, a post-tax price is displayed.
Device Number Name Description
(1) Decimal part 0 to 5 Specifies the number of digits after a decimal point to be
specification displayed.
switch The values after the specified digits are processed with
1234567 the setting of the Rounding processing switch.
012345F 5/4
(1) (2) Floating point (F) Displays values without rounding.
(2) Rounding Round up () Adds 1 to the specified digit if the digit right after the
(3) TAX C (4)
processing specified digit is other than 0.
switch
(5) 7 8 9 Round off (5/4) Rounds off the value right after the specified digit.
Round down () Rounds down the value under the specified digits.
4 5 6
(3) Post-tax calculation key Calculates post-tax price.
1 2 3
(4) Clear key Initializes current value (previous calculation result) and
0 displayed value.
(5) Ten key 0 to 9, decimal Enters a numerical value.
point (.)
+, -, *, / Specifies the type of basic arithmetic operation.
= Executes the specified basic arithmetic operation.

Global labels to be used

The following shows the global labels and structure definitions used in the program example.
Set the following items in GX Works3.

■Global label
Label Name Data Type Class Assign/Initial Value/ Comment
Constant
G_eDisplayValue FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_GLOBAL  Display value
G_eLastValue FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_GLOBAL  Current value (Previous calculation result)
G_wSwitch1 Word [Signed] VAR_GLOBAL  Setting value of switch (0 to 5: Number of decimal part, 6:
Floating point)

8 CALCULATOR PROCESSING (BASIC ARITHMETIC OPERATION AND SELECTION)

62
Label Name Data Type Class Assign/Initial Value/ Comment
Constant
G_wSwitch2 Word [Signed] VAR_GLOBAL  Setting value of switch (0: Round down, 1: Round up, 2:
Round off)
G_bTax Bit VAR_GLOBAL  Post-tax calculation key input
G_bClear Bit VAR_GLOBAL  Clear-key input
G_wTenKey Word [Signed] VAR_GLOBAL  Ten-key input (0 to 9: Numerical value, 10: Decimal point, 11
to 14: Basic arithmetic operation, 15: =)
G_wOperation Word [Signed] VAR_GLOBAL  Operation type
G_eDecimal FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_GLOBAL Initial Value: 0 Operation for decimal part

■Structure
Do not use.

8 CALCULATOR PROCESSING (BASIC ARITHMETIC OPERATION AND SELECTION)

63
 8.1 Initialization Program: Initialization
This program initializes variables when a clear instruction is issued.
Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.
Data Type Data Name Program Language Title
Program Block Initialization ST Initialization

Program example
(* Initialize the variables when a clear instruction is issued. *)
IF G_bClear THEN
G_eDisplayValue := 0.0;
G_eLastValue := 0.0;
G_wOperation := 0;
G_eDecimal := 0.0;
G_bClear := FALSE;
END_IF;

The values of each variable at first execution depend on the label settings or the setting of the assigned
devices.
Global labels can be used in all programs in the project.
Statements in an IF statement are executed when its conditional expression is TRUE. It is not executed when
the conditional expression is FALSE.

Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3.

■Global label
Label Name Data Type Class Assign/Initial Value/ Comment
Constant
G_bClear Bit VAR_GLOBAL  Clear-key input
G_eDisplayValue FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_GLOBAL  Display value
G_eLastValue FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_GLOBAL  Current value (Previous calculation result)
G_wOperation Word [Signed] VAR_GLOBAL  Operation type
G_eDecimal FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_GLOBAL Initial Value: 0 Operation for decimal part

■Local label
Do not use.

POU
Do not use.

8 CALCULATOR PROCESSING (BASIC ARITHMETIC OPERATION AND SELECTION)

64 8.1 Initialization Program: Initialization
8.2 Basic Arithmetic Operation (FUN): Calculation
This function performs basic arithmetic operation for two values according to the specified operation type.
Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.
Data Type Data Name Program Language Result Type EN/ENO Title
Function Calculation ST FLOAT [Single Precision] No Basic arithmetic operation

Program example
(* Add, subtract, multiply, or divide value 2 to/from value 1. *)
CASE i_wOperation OF
1: (* Operation type is addition: Operation result = Value 1 + Value 2 *)
Calculation := i_eValue1 + i_eValue2;
2: (* For subtraction *)
Calculation := i_eValue1 - i_eValue2;
3: (* For multiplication *)
Calculation := i_eValue1 * i_eValue2;
4: (* For division *)
IF i_eValue2 = 0.0 THEN (* If the value 2 is 0, do not operate. *)
Calculation := i_eValue1;
ELSE
Calculation := i_eValue1 / i_eValue2;
END_IF;
END_CASE;
8
CASE statement selects an execution statement depending on the condition of the integer value. The
statement which does not match the condition is not executed.
Selection statement (IF statement, CASE statement) can be hierarchized.

Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3. Result type can be set in the property of the function.

■Local label
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/Constant Comment
i_eValue1 FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_INPUT  Value 1
i_wOperation Word [Signed] VAR_INPUT  Operation type
i_eValue2 FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_INPUT  Value 2

■Result type
Identifier Data Type Description
Calculation FLOAT [Single Precision] Operation result

POU
Do not use.

8 CALCULATOR PROCESSING (BASIC ARITHMETIC OPERATION AND SELECTION)

8.2 Basic Arithmetic Operation (FUN): Calculation 65
 8.3 Rounding Processing (FUN): Rounding
This function rounds down/rounds up/rounds off the first digit of an integer variable.
Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.
Data Type Data Name Program Language Result Type EN/ENO Title
Function Rounding ST Double Word [Signed] No Rounding processing

Program example
(* Round the first digit with the specified rounding method. *)
CASE i_wType OF
0: (* Round down *)
Rounding := i_dValue / 10 * 10; (* Round down the first decimal place *)
1: (* Round up *)
Rounding := (i_dValue + 9) / 10 * 10; (* Round up the first decimal place *)
2: (* Round off *)
Rounding := (i_dValue + 5) / 10 * 10; (* Round off the first decimal place *)
ELSE (* Input value is returned when the value is other than specified value. *)
Rounding := i_dValue;
END_CASE;

For the division for an integer, the values after decimal point are rounded down.

Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3. Result type can be set in the property of the function.

■Local label
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/Constant Comment
i_wType Word [Signed] VAR_INPUT  Rounding method (0: Round down, 1: Round up, 2:
Round off)
i_dValue Double Word [Signed] VAR_INPUT  Input value

■Result type
Identifier Data Type Description
Rounding Double Word [Signed] Operation result

POU
Do not use.

8 CALCULATOR PROCESSING (BASIC ARITHMETIC OPERATION AND SELECTION)

66 8.3 Rounding Processing (FUN): Rounding
8.4 Fraction Processing (FUN): FractionProcessing
This function rounds a value right after the specified decimal place.
Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.
Data Type Data Name Program Language Result Type EN/ENO Title
Function FractionProcessing ST FLOAT [Single Precision] No Fraction processing

Program example
(* Round a value right after the specified decimal place. *)
(* If the specified digit is out of the range, return the input value. *)
IF (i_wDigits <= 0) OR (i_wDigits > c_wMAX) THEN
FractionProcessing := i_eValue;
RETURN; (* End processing *)
END_IF;
(* Move the decimal point in order that the specified value becomes the first place. *)
wDigits := i_wDigits + 1;
eValue := i_eValue * (10.0 ** wDigits) - 0.5;
(* Perform the specified rounding processing for the first digit of an integer value. *)
dValue := Rounding(i_wType, REAL_TO_DINT(eValue));
(* Change the value to the real number, and move the decimal point back to its original position. *)
FractionProcessing := DINT_TO_REAL(dValue) / (10.0 ** wDigits);

When converting a real number type to an integer type, use the type conversion function such as 8
REAL_TO_DINT.
The call expression of the type conversion function can be described for the terms and arguments of an
operational expression.

Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3. Result type can be set in the property of the function.

■Local label
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/Constant Comment
i_eValue FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_INPUT  Input value
i_wDigits Word [Signed] VAR_INPUT  Number of decimal part to be displayed (Decimal part: 0 to 5
digits)
i_wType Word [Signed] VAR_INPUT  Rounding method (0: Round down, 1: Round up, 2: Round off)
c_wMAX Word [Signed] VAR_CONSTANT Constant: 5 Maximum value of decimal place specification
wDigits Word [Signed] VAR  Digits of decimal part for processing (Decimal part: 1 to 6 digits)
eValue FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR  Real number value (for internal calculation)
dValue Double Word [Signed] VAR  Integer value (for internal calculation)

■Result type
Identifier Data Type Description
FractionProcessing FLOAT [Single Precision] Operation result

POU
For details on the POUs used, refer to the following table.
Data name Data type Description Reference
Rounding Function Rounds down/rounds up/rounds off a variable. Page 66 Rounding Processing (FUN): Rounding

8 CALCULATOR PROCESSING (BASIC ARITHMETIC OPERATION AND SELECTION)

8.4 Fraction Processing (FUN): FractionProcessing 67
 Data name Data type Description Reference
REAL_TO_DINT Standard function Conversion of REAL type  DINT type MELSEC iQ-R Programming Manual (CPU Module
Converts a value from REAL type data to DINT type data. Instructions, Standard Functions/Function Blocks)
MELSEC iQ-F FX5 Programming Manual (Instructions,
DINT_TO_REAL Standard function Conversion of DINT type  REAL type
Standard Functions/Function Blocks)
Converts a value from DINT type data to REAL type data.

8 CALCULATOR PROCESSING (BASIC ARITHMETIC OPERATION AND SELECTION)

68 8.4 Fraction Processing (FUN): FractionProcessing
8.5 Calculator Program: Calculator
This program updates the displayed value according to the input of the ten key. The values after decimal point are rounded
depending on the setting of the Decimal place digit specification switch.
Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.
Data Type Data Name Program Language Title
Program Block Calculator ST Calculator

Program example
(* The processing is performed depending on the ten-key input. *)
IF G_wTenKey <> c_wNONE THEN
CASE G_wTenKey OF
0..9 : (* For number-key input (0 to 9) *)
(* Add the input numeric value to the end of the display value. *)
IF G_eDecimal = 0.0 THEN
(* For integer part *)
G_eDisplayValue := (G_eDisplayValue * 10) + G_wTenKey;
ELSE
(* For after decimal point *)
G_eDisplayValue := G_eDisplayValue + (G_eDecimal * G_wTenKey);
G_eDecimal := G_eDecimal * 0.1;
END_IF;
10: (* For input of decimal point key *)
8
G_eDecimal := 0.1;
11..14: (* For input of addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division key (11 to 14) *)
(* Retain the operation type *)
G_wOperation := G_wTenKey - 10;
(* Move the display value to the previous operation value and then reset the displayed value *)
G_eLastValue := G_eDisplayValue;
G_eDisplayValue := 0.0;
G_eDecimal := 0.0;
15: (* For equal-key input *)
(* Add, subtract, multiply, or divide the displayed value to/from the current value. *)
G_eLastValue := Calculation(G_eLastValue, G_wOperation, G_eDisplayValue);
(* Assign the rounding result to the display value. *)
G_eDisplayValue := FractionProcessing(G_eLastValue, G_wSwitch1, G_wSwitch2);
G_wOperation := 0; (* Clear the operation type *)
G_eDecimal := 0.0;
END_CASE;
(* Clear the key input *)
G_wTenKey := c_wNONE;
END_IF;

If the data type of the operators on the right side and left side differ, the data type of the operation result will be
a bigger data type. (The operation result between INT type (Word [Signed]) and REAL type (FLOAT [Single
Precision]) will be the REAL type (FLOAT [Single Precision]).)

8 CALCULATOR PROCESSING (BASIC ARITHMETIC OPERATION AND SELECTION)

8.5 Calculator Program: Calculator 69
 Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3.

■Global label
Label Name Data Type Class Assign/Initial Value/ Comment
Constant
G_wTenKey Word [Signed] VAR_GLOBAL  Ten-key input (0 to 9: Numerical value, 10: Decimal point, 11
to 14: Basic arithmetic operation, 15: =)
G_eDecimal FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_GLOBAL Initial Value: 0 Operation for decimal part
G_wOperation Word [Signed] VAR_GLOBAL  Operation type
G_eDisplayValue FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_GLOBAL  Display value
G_eLastValue FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_GLOBAL  Current value (Previous calculation result)
G_wSwitch1 Word [Signed] VAR_GLOBAL  Setting value of switch (0 to 5: Number of decimal part, 6:
Floating point)
G_wSwitch2 Word [Signed] VAR_GLOBAL  Setting value of switch (0: Round down, 1: Round up, 2:
Round off)

■Local label
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/Constant Comment
c_wNONE Word [Signed] VAR_CONSTANT Constant: -1 No ten-key input

POU
For details on the POUs used, refer to the following table.
Data name Data type Description Reference
Calculation Function Adds, subtracts, multiplies, or divides a current value to Page 65 Basic Arithmetic Operation (FUN):
an input value. Calculation
FractionProcessing Function Calculates a value by selecting round down/round up/ Page 67 Fraction Processing (FUN):
round off at the specified decimal place. FractionProcessing

8 CALCULATOR PROCESSING (BASIC ARITHMETIC OPERATION AND SELECTION)

70 8.5 Calculator Program: Calculator
8.6 Post-Tax Price Calculation: IncludingTax
This program calculates post-tax price and amount of tax, and displays the post-tax price when a post-tax calculation
instruction is issued.
Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.
Data Type Data Name Program Language Title
Program Block IncludingTax ST Post-tax price calculation

Program example
(* When a post-tax calculation instruction is issued, display the post-tax price. *)
IF G_bTax THEN
(* Calculate the amount of tax. (Calculate the values after decimal point as well.) *)
eTaxAmount := G_eDisplayValue * c_eTaxRate / 100.0;
(* Calculate the post-tax price. (Calculate the values after decimal point as well.) *)
G_eLastValue := G_eDisplayValue + eTaxAmount;
(* Set the post-tax price as a display value. (Values after decimal point are rounded off) *)
dPrice := REAL_TO_DINT(G_eLastValue);
G_eDisplayValue := DINT_TO_REAL(dPrice);
(* Clear the key input *)
G_bTax := FALSE;
END_IF;

When converting a real number type to an integer type, use the type conversion function such as 8
REAL_TO_DINT.
The data after type conversion using REAL_TO_DINT will be the value of which first decimal place is rounded
off of REAL type data.

Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3.

■Global label
Label Name Data Type Class Assign/Initial Value/ Comment
Constant
G_eDisplayValue FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_GLOBAL  Display value
G_eLastValue FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_GLOBAL  Current value (Previous calculation result)
G_bTax Bit VAR_GLOBAL  Post-tax calculation key input

■Local label
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/Constant Comment
c_eTaxRate FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_CONSTANT Constant: 8.0 Rate of tax (%)
eTaxAmount FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR  Amount of tax
dPrice Double Word [Signed] VAR  Post-tax price

POU
For details on the POUs used, refer to the following table.
Data name Data type Description Reference
REAL_TO_DINT Standard Converting REAL to DINT MELSEC iQ-R Programming Manual (CPU Module
function Converts a value from REAL type data to DINT type data. Instructions, Standard Functions/Function Blocks)
MELSEC iQ-F FX5 Programming Manual (Instructions,
DINT_TO_REAL Standard Converting DINT to REAL
Standard Functions/Function Blocks)
function Converts a value from DINT type data to REAL type data.

8 CALCULATOR PROCESSING (BASIC ARITHMETIC OPERATION AND SELECTION)

8.6 Post-Tax Price Calculation: IncludingTax 71
 9 POSITIONING PROCESSING (EXPONENT
FUNCTION, TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTION AND
STRUCTURE)
This chapter shows the examples of programs for calculating position on an X, Y-coordinate and amount of rotation of a
device, and data processing using an exponent function, arithmetic operation of trigonometric function, or structure.
Create the following POUs in the program example.
Data name Data type Description Reference
GetAngle Function Calculates a rotation angle for the target X, Y- Page 73 Rotation Angle Calculation (FUN):
coordinate. GetAngle
GetDistance Function Calculates the distance between two points from X, Page 74 Distance Calculation (FUN):
Y-coordinate. GetDistance
GetXY Function Calculates X, Y-coordinate from radius and angle. Page 75 X, Y-Coordinate Calculation (FUN):
GetXY
PulseNumberCalculation Function block Calculates number of command pulses to a motor Page 76 Command Pulse Calculation (FB):
from the movement amount. PulseNumberCalculation
PositionControl Program block Calculates the angle and length of the arm to be Page 77 Positioning Control: PositionControl
moved from the target X, Y-coordinate.

Overview of function
This function calculates the rotation angle of the arm and number of command pulses of the motor for adjusting the length of
the arm in order to move the head of the arm to the target X, Y-coordinate with the following procedure.

Y
1. Rotate the arm towards the target specified in X, Y-coordinate.
y
Target (x, y) 2. Extend the head of the arm towards the target using a stepping motor.

Arm 2. Extend the head.

1. Revolve the arm.

X
0 500.0 x

Global labels to be used

The following shows the global labels and structure definitions used in the program example.
Set the following items in GX Works3.

■Global label
Label Name Data Type Class Assign/Initial Value/ Comment
Constant
G_stTarget stPosition VAR_GLOBAL  Target (X, Y-coordinate)
G_stArm stPosition VAR_GLOBAL  Head of the arm (X, Y-coordinate)
G_eAngle FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_GLOBAL  Rotation angle (Degree)
G_ePulses FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_GLOBAL  Number of command pulses of the
motor
G_bOneScanOnly Bit VAR_GLOBAL Assign (Device/Label): Turn ON for only 1 scan after RUN
SM402

■Structure
Structure name Label Name Data Type Initial Value Comment
stPosition eXcoordinate FLOAT [Single Precision] 0.0 X-coordinate
eYcoordinate FLOAT [Single Precision] 0.0 Y-coordinate

9 POSITIONING PROCESSING (EXPONENT FUNCTION, TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTION AND STRUCTURE)

72
9.1 Rotation Angle Calculation (FUN): GetAngle
This function calculates the rotation angle (0 to 180) for the target X, Y-coordinate.
9
Y
Target (x, y) Angle (radian) Angle (degree)
y
When x = 0: = 90
y
θ = ATAN
x 180
When x > 0: = θ×
π
Angle
180
X When x < 0: = θ× + 180
π
x

Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.

Data Type Data Name Program Language Result Type EN/ENO Title
Function GetAngle ST FLOAT [Single Precision] Yes Rotation angle calculation

Program example
(* Calculate radian from X, Y-coordinate, and convert the radian to degree. *)
(* If X-coordinate is 0, 90 degree (End processing without calculation.) *)
IF i_eXcoordinate = 0.0 THEN
GetAngle := 90.0;
ENO := TRUE;
RETURN; (* End processing. *)
END_IF;
(* Calculate radian from X-coordinate and Y-coordinate. *)
eAngleRad := ATAN(i_eYcoordinate / i_eXcoordinate); (* Angle (radian) rad = ATAN (Y-coordinate/X-coordinate) *)
(* Error end if the data which cannot be handled with ATAN instruction is included *)
IF SD0 = H3402 THEN (* Error code : 3402H (Operation error) *)
ENO := FALSE;
RETURN; (* End processing *)
ELSE
ENO := TRUE;
END_IF;
(* Convert radian to degree. *)
GetAngle := eAngleRad * 180.0 / c_ePi; (* Angle (degree) = Angle (radian) rad * 180/pi *)
(* If X-coordinate is negative, add 180 degree. *)
IF i_eXcoordinate < 0.0 THEN
GetAngle := GetAngle + 180.0;
END_IF;

DEG instruction can be used for the conversion from single-precision real number radian to angle.
SD0 is a device for error check. The latest error code will be stored to it.

Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3. Result type can be set in the property of the function.

■Local label
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/Constant Comment
i_eXcoordinate FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_INPUT  X-coordinate
i_eYcoordinate FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_INPUT  Y-coordinate
eAngleRad FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR  Angle (radian)
c_ePi FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_CONSTANT Constant: 3.14159 Circular constant

9 POSITIONING PROCESSING (EXPONENT FUNCTION, TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTION AND STRUCTURE)

9.1 Rotation Angle Calculation (FUN): GetAngle 73
 ■Result type
Identifier Data Type Description
GetAngle FLOAT [Single Precision] Angle (degree): 0 to 180

POU
For details on the POU used, refer to the following table.
Data name Data type Description Reference
ATAN Standard function TAN-1 operation MELSEC iQ-R Programming Manual (CPU Module Instructions, Standard Functions/Function
Outputs the arc Blocks)
tangent value (TAN-1) MELSEC iQ-F FX5 Programming Manual (Instructions, Standard Functions/Function Blocks)
of an input value.

9.2 Distance Calculation (FUN): GetDistance

This function calculates the distance between two points from X, Y-coordinate.
Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.
Data Type Data Name Program Language Result Type EN/ENO Title
Function GetDistance ST FLOAT [Single Precision] No Distance calculation

Program example
(* Calculate distance between two points from X, Y-coordinate. *)
GetDistance := SQRT((i_stPosition0.eXcoordinate - i_stPosition1.eXcoordinate) ** 2.0
+ (i_stPosition0.eYcoordinate - i_stPosition1.eYcoordinate) ** 2.0);

The argument of a structure can be specified for a function/function block.

Structure member can be specified to the operand (operation target value) of the operational experssion, and
left side and right side of the iteration statement.
**' is the operator of an exponentiation.

Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3. Result type can be set in the property of the function.

■Local label
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/Constant Comment
i_stPosition0 stPosition VAR_INPUT  Position 0 (X, Y-coordinate)
i_stPosition1 stPosition VAR_INPUT  Position 1 (X, Y-coordinate)

■Result type
Identifier Data Type Description
GetDistance FLOAT [Single Precision] Distance between two points

■Structure
Structure name Label Name Data Type Initial Value Comment
stPosition eXcoordinate FLOAT [Single Precision] 0.0 X-coordinate
eYcoordinate FLOAT [Single Precision] 0.0 Y-coordinate

POU
For details on the POUs used, refer to the following table.
Data name Data type Description Reference
SQRT Standard function Square root MELSEC iQ-R Programming Manual (CPU Module Instructions, Standard Functions/Function
Outputs the square Blocks)
root of an input value. MELSEC iQ-F FX5 Programming Manual (Instructions, Standard Functions/Function Blocks)

9 POSITIONING PROCESSING (EXPONENT FUNCTION, TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTION AND STRUCTURE)

74 9.2 Distance Calculation (FUN): GetDistance
9.3 X, Y-Coordinate Calculation (FUN): GetXY
This function calculates X, Y-coordinate from the specified radius and angle.
9
Y
Angle (radian) X,Y coordinate

π x = radius R × COS (θ)

y θ = Angle (degree) ×
180 y = radius R × SIN (θ)
R

θ
X
x
Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.
Data Type Data Name Program Language Result Type EN/ENO Title
Function GetXY ST stPosition No X, Y-coordinate calculation

Program example
(* Convert the unit from degree to radian. *)
eAngleRad := i_eAngle * c_ePi / 180.0; (* Angle (radian) rad = Angle (degree) * pi/180 *)
(* Calculate X, Y-coordinate. *)
GetXY.eXcoordinate := i_eRadius * COS(eAngleRad); (* X-coordinate = Radius * COS(rad) *)
GetXY.eYcoordinate := i_eRadius * SIN(eAngleRad); (* Y-coordinate = Radius * SIN (rad) *)

A structure type can be specified to the Result Type of a function.

RAD instruction can be used for the conversion from single-precision real number angle to radian.

Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3. Result type can be set in the property of the function.

■Local label
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/Constant Comment
i_eRadius FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_INPUT  Radius (mm)
i_eAngle FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_INPUT  Angle (degree): 0 to 180
eAngleRad FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR  Angle (radian)
c_ePi FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_CONSTANT Constant: 3.14159 Circular constant

■Result type
Identifier Data Type Description
GetXY stPosition X, Y-coordinate

■Structure
Structure name Label Name Data Type Initial Value Comment
stPosition eXcoordinate FLOAT [Single Precision] 0.0 X-coordinate
eYcoordinate FLOAT [Single Precision] 0.0 Y-coordinate

POU
For details on the POUs used, refer to the following table.
Data name Data type Description Reference
COS Standard function COS operation MELSEC iQ-R Programming Manual (CPU Module
Outputs COS (cosine) of an input value. Instructions, Standard Functions/Function Blocks)
MELSEC iQ-F FX5 Programming Manual (Instructions,
SIN Standard function SIN operation
Standard Functions/Function Blocks)
Outputs SIN (sine) of an input value.

9 POSITIONING PROCESSING (EXPONENT FUNCTION, TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTION AND STRUCTURE)

9.3 X, Y-Coordinate Calculation (FUN): GetXY 75
 9.4 Command Pulse Calculation (FB):
PulseNumberCalculation
This function block calculates number of command pulses to a motor from the movement amount.
Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.
Data Type Data Name Program Language EN/ENO Title
Function Block PulseNumberCalculation ST No Command pulse calculation

Program example
(* Calculate the number of command pulses. *)
IF e1round <> 0.0 THEN
(* Number of command pulses = Motor resolution*(Target movement amount/Movement amount for one motor rotation) *)
o_ePulses := eResolution * ( i_eDistance / e1round );
END_IF;

Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3.

■Local label
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/Constant Comment
i_eDistance FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_INPUT  Target movement amount (mm)
o_ePulses FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_OUTPUT  Number of command pulses of motor (pulse)
e1round FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR  Movement amount for one motor rotation (mm/rev)
eResolution FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR  Motor resolution (Pulse/rev)

Set the initial values to the e1round and the eResolution in the local label setting in the used-side program.
Page 78 Local label
The setting for initial values of labels does not exist for the MELSEC iQ-F series; therefore, set the initial
values by using a program or a watch window of an engineering tool.

POU
Do not use.

9 POSITIONING PROCESSING (EXPONENT FUNCTION, TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTION AND STRUCTURE)

76 9.4 Command Pulse Calculation (FB): PulseNumberCalculation
9.5 Positioning Control: PositionControl
This program calculates the angle and length of the arm to be moved from the target X, Y-coordinate.
9
Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.
Data Type Data Name Program Language Title
Program Block PositionControl ST Positioning control

Program example
(* Calculate the rotation angle and number of command pulses of the motor for adjusting the length of the arm in order to
move the head of the arm to the target X, Y-coordinate. *)
(* Set the initial value to the coordinate of the arm only at the first time after RUN. *)
IF G_bOneScanOnly THEN
G_stArm.eXcoordinate := 500.0;
G_stArm.eYcoordinate := 0.0;
END_IF;
(* The position of the target will be set to the global variable, G_stTarget in other program. [The program is omitted in this
program example.] *)
(* Calculate the moving angle of the arm for the target X, Y-Coordinate. *)
eTargetAngle := GetAngle( TRUE, bResult1, G_stTarget.eXcoordinate, G_stTarget.eYcoordinate );
eArmAngle := GetAngle( bResult1, bResult2, G_stArm.eXcoordinate, G_stArm.eYcoordinate );
IF bResult2 THEN
G_eAngle := eTargetAngle - eArmAngle;
ELSE
RETURN; (* Error end *)
END_IF;
(* Calculate the current length of the arm (distance from origin) from the X, Y-coordinate of the head of the arm. *)
eDistance := GetDistance( G_stArm, stOrigin ); (* Input variable is a function call of structure *)
(* Calculate the X, Y-coordinate of the head of the arm after the rotation. *)
G_stArm := GetXY( eDistance, G_eAngle); (* Return value is a function call of structure *)
(* Calculate the distance between two points from the X, Y-coordinate of the target and head of the arm. *)
eDistance := GetDistance( G_stTarget, G_stArm );
(* Calculate the number of command pulses to the motor for adjusting the length of the arm from the movement amount. *)
PulseNumberCalculation_1(i_eDistance := eDistance, o_ePulses => G_ePulses ); (* Function block call *)
(* Rotate the arm by specifying the angle. [The program is omitted in this program example.] *)
(* Stretch the head of the arm by specifying the number of command pulses of the motor. [The program is omitted in this
program example.] *)
(* Update the coordinate of the arm. *)
G_stArm := G_stTarget;

When creating a function and function block, whether or not to use an EN and ENO can be selected.
If FALSE is specified to EN, the processing is not executed. ENO becomes FALSE.
Specify the output valuable using '=>' for a function block instance.

9 POSITIONING PROCESSING (EXPONENT FUNCTION, TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTION AND STRUCTURE)

9.5 Positioning Control: PositionControl 77
 Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3.

■Global label
Label Name Data Type Class Assign/Initial Value/ Comment
Constant
G_bOneScanOnly Bit VAR_GLOBAL Assign (Device/Label): Turn ON for only 1 scan after RUN
SM402
G_stTarget stPosition VAR_GLOBAL  Target (X, Y-coordinate)
G_stArm stPosition VAR_GLOBAL  Head of arm (X, Y-coordinate)
G_eAngle FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_GLOBAL  Rotation angle (degree)
G_ePulses FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_GLOBAL  Number of command pulses of motor
(pulse)

■Local label
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/Constant Comment
eTargetAngle FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR  Angle to the target (degree): 0 to 180
eArmAngle FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR  Angle of arm (degree): 0 to 180
bResult1 Bit VAR  Operation result 1
bResult2 Bit VAR  Operation result 2
stOrigin stPosition VAR  Origin (X, Y-coordinate = 0. 0)
eDistance FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR  Distance
PulseNumberCalculation_1 PulseNumberCalculation VAR Initial Value Calculation of number of command pulses
• e1round: 0.2
• eResolution: 3000.0

The setting for initial values of labels does not exist for the MELSEC iQ-F series; therefore, set the initial
values by using a program or a watch window of an engineering tool.

■Structure
Structure name Label Name Data Type Initial Value Comment
stPosition eXcoordinate FLOAT [Single Precision] 0.0 X-coordinate
eYcoordinate FLOAT [Single Precision] 0.0 Y-coordinate

In GX Works3, initial values can be set for each internal variable of function block instances.
To initialize structure type variables, set the initial values to the structure definition or create an initialization
program. For a global label, initial values can be set to the devices to be assigned.

POU
For details on the POU used, refer to the following table.
Data name Data type Description Reference
GetAngle Function Calculates angle for the target X, Y-coordinate. Page 73 Rotation Angle Calculation (FUN):
GetAngle
GetXY Function Calculates X, Y-coordinate from radius and angle. Page 75 X, Y-Coordinate Calculation (FUN):
GetXY
GetDistance Function Calculates distance between two points from X, Y- Page 74 Distance Calculation (FUN):
coordinate. GetDistance
PulseNumberCalculation Function block Calculates number of command pulses to a motor Page 76 Command Pulse Calculation (FB):
from the movement amount. PulseNumberCalculation

9 POSITIONING PROCESSING (EXPONENT FUNCTION, TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTION AND STRUCTURE)

78 9.5 Positioning Control: PositionControl
10 SORTING OF DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS (ARRAY
AND ITERATION PROCESSING)
This chapter shows the examples for an iteration statement using an array in the program which organizes multiple product
10
data.
Create the following POUs in the program example.
Data name Data type Description Reference
ProductCheck Function block Judges the products as non-defective or Page 80 Product Check (FB): ProductCheck
defective from the product data.
Assortment Function block Sorts product data into non-defectives and Page 82 Sorting Product Data (FB): Assortment
defectives.
DataManagement Program block Organizes product data. Page 83 Product Data Management: DataManagement

Overview of function
This function sorts product data into non-defectives and defectives by checking the data of the multiple products of which
sizes and weights are measured.
1. Measure the product.
Measurement
Product: 0 1 2 Measured value 0
This program example processes the data of two measured
Measured value 1 values for eight products. Store the arbitrary value for the
measured value for the G_eValueArray (Measured values of
all products).
2. Check the measured values for each product.
Check the measured values of each product
• Non-defective product: A product of which all measured
Measured values of all Acceptable range
products 1.0±0.5 100.0±1.0 values are within the allowable range.
Measured Measured
value 0 value 1 [0] [1] • Defective product: A product of which measured value is
Product [0,0] [0,1] 1.0 100.0 OK
number: 0 1.0 100.0 out of the allowable range.
Product [1,0] [1,1]
number: 1 0.5 98.7 0.5 98.7 NG
Product [2,0] [2,1]
number: 2 1.2 100.5 1.2 100.5 OK
[3,0] [3,1]
0.9 99.8

[0] [1]
3. Sort the product data into non-defectives and
defectives.
Product 0 2
Product data
(non-defective
number
[0] [1] [0] [1] 4. After checking all the products, acquire the data of non-
product) Measured 1.0 100.0 1.2 100.5 defective products and defective products.
value
[0] [1]

Product 1
Product data number
(defective [0] [1] [0] [1]
product) Measured 0.5 98.7
value

Global labels to be used

The following shows the global labels and structure definitions used in the program example.
Set the following items in GX Works3.

■Global label
Label Name Data Type Class Assign/Initial Value/ Comment
Constant
G_eValueArray FLOAT [Single VAR_GLOBAL  Measured values for all products
Precision](0..7,0..1) (Values are stored in order of product
number.)

10 SORTING OF DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS (ARRAY AND ITERATION PROCESSING)

79
 Label Name Data Type Class Assign/Initial Value/ Comment
Constant
GC_wValueNumber Word [Signed] VAR_GLOBAL_CONSTANT Constant: 2 Number of measured values for one
product
GC_wTotalProduct Word [Signed] VAR_GLOBAL_CONSTANT Constant: 8 Total number of products
G_stProductArray stProduct(0..7) VAR_GLOBAL  Product data (non-defective product)
G_stDefectiveArray stProduct(0..7) VAR_GLOBAL  Product data (defective product)

■Structure
Structure name Label Name Data Type Initial Value Comment
stProduct wProductNumber Word [Signed]  Product number
eValueArray FLOAT [Single  Measured value
Precision](0..1)

10.1 Product Check (FB): ProductCheck

This function block checks if the value is within the allowable range.
Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.
Data Type Data Name Program Language EN/ENO Title
Function Block ProductCheck ST No Product check

Program example
(* Check if the values of each element in the array are within the allowable range. *)
FOR wIndex := 0 TO (i_wValueNumber - 1) BY 1 DO
(* Calculate the upper and lower limit from the standard value and tolerance. *)
eMaxValue := i_eAcceptableArray[wIndex, c_wBasicSize] + i_eAcceptableArray[wIndex, c_wTolerance];
eMinValue := i_eAcceptableArray[wIndex, c_wBasicSize] - i_eAcceptableArray[wIndex, c_wTolerance];
(* Check the upper and lower limit. *)
IF (eMaxValue >= i_eValueArray[wIndex]) AND (eMinValue <= i_eValueArray[wIndex]) THEN
o_bResult := TRUE;
ELSE
o_bResult := FALSE;
EXIT; (* End processing when the value out of the range exists. *)
END_IF;
END_FOR;

The same data processing can be performed for the multiple elements of array by combining array type data
and iteration statement.
Specify the elements of each array using an operational expression as a variable of the defined data type.
Selection statement (IF statement, CASE statement) and iteration statement (FOR statement, WHILE
statement, REPEAT statement) can be hierarchized.

Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3.

■Local label
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/Constant Comment
i_eValueArray FLOAT [Single VAR_INPUT  Judgment value
Precision](0..1)
i_eAcceptableArray FLOAT [Single VAR_INPUT  Allowable range
Precision](0..1,0..1)
i_wValueNumber Word [Signed] VAR_INPUT  Number of measured values for one product
o_bResult Bit VAR_OUTPUT  Check result

10 SORTING OF DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS (ARRAY AND ITERATION PROCESSING)

80 10.1 Product Check (FB): ProductCheck
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/Constant Comment
c_wBasicSize Word [Signed] VAR_CONSTANT Constant: 0 Element number to which the standard value is to be
stored.
c_wTolerance Word [Signed] VAR_CONSTANT Constant: 1 Element number to which the tolerance is to be
stored.
eMaxValue FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR  Upper limit of judgment
eMinValue FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR  Lower limit of judgment 10
wIndex Word [Signed] VAR  Element number

Global data can be used in a function block.

Array type data can be specified to an input variable.

POU
Do not use.

10 SORTING OF DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS (ARRAY AND ITERATION PROCESSING)

10.1 Product Check (FB): ProductCheck 81
 10.2 Sorting Product Data (FB): Assortment
This function block stores product data after sorting them into non-defective products and defective products.
Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.
Data Type Data Name Program Language EN/ENO Title
Function Block Assortment ST No Sorting product data

Program example
(* Sort the product data into non-defectives and defectives depending on the check result. *)
IF i_bCheck THEN
(* Non-defective product *)
(* Store the measured value to the Product data (non-defective product). *)
o_stProductArray[wTotal] := i_stProduct;
(* Increment the number of non-defective products *)
wTotal := wTotal + 1;
ELSE
(* Defective product *)
(* Store the measured value to the Product data (defective product). *)
o_stDefectiveArray[wDefectiveTotal] := i_stProduct;
(* Increment the number of defective products *)
wDefectiveTotal := wDefectiveTotal + 1;
END_IF;
(* Update yield rate *)
o_eYieldRatio := INT_TO_REAL(wTotal) / INT_TO_REAL(wTotal + wDefectiveTotal);

The structure which includes array in a member and array of structure type can be used in ST programs.

Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3.

■Local label
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/Constant Comment
i_bCheck Bit VAR_INPUT  Check result
i_stProduct stProduct VAR_INPUT  Checked product data
o_stProductArray stProduct(0..7) VAR_OUTPUT  Product data (non-defective product)
o_stDefectiveArray stProduct(0..7) VAR_OUTPUT  Product data (defective product)
o_eYieldRatio FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_OUTPUT  Yield rate
wTotal Word [Signed] VAR  Number of non-defective products
wDefectiveTotal Word [Signed] VAR  Number of defective products

■Structure
Structure name Label Name Data Type Initial Value Comment
stProduct wProductNumber Word [Signed]  Product number
eValueArray FLOAT [Single Precision](0..1)  Measured value

POU
For details on the POU used, refer to the following table.
Data name Data type Description Reference
INT_TO_REAL Standard Convert of INT type  REAL MELSEC iQ-R Programming Manual (CPU Module Instructions, Standard Functions/
function Converts a value from INT Function Blocks)
type data to REAL type data. MELSEC iQ-F FX5 Programming Manual (Instructions, Standard Functions/Function Blocks)

10 SORTING OF DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS (ARRAY AND ITERATION PROCESSING)

82 10.2 Sorting Product Data (FB): Assortment
10.3 Product Data Management: DataManagement
This program stores the measured values for each product with sorting non-defective products and defective products.
Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.
Data Type Data Name Program Language Title
Program Block DataManagement ST Product data management 10
Program example
(* Check the product data and sort them into non-defectives and defectives. *)
(* Set the allowable range to be checked. *)
Check_1.i_eAcceptableArray[0,0] := 1.0; (* Standard value of Measured value 0 *)
Check_1.i_eAcceptableArray[0,1] := 0.5; (* Tolerance of Measured value 0 *)
Check_1.i_eAcceptableArray[1,0] := 100.0; (* Standard value of Measured value 1 *)
Check_1.i_eAcceptableArray[1,1] := 1.0; (* Tolerance of Measured value 1 *)
Check_1.i_wValueNumber := GC_wValueNumber; (* Number of measured values for one product *)
(* Check the measured values for all products by iteration processing. *)
REPEAT
(* Processing each three product *)
wDataEnd := wProductNumber + 3;
(* If the remaining number of products are three or less, the processing is continued to the end. *)
IF wDataEnd > GC_wTotalProduct THEN
wDataEnd := GC_wTotalProduct;
END_IF;
(* Repeat judging and sorting for three products. *)
WHILE wProductNumber < wDataEnd DO
(* Acquire the measured values of the processing target. *)
FOR wIndex := 0 TO (GC_wValueNumber - 1) BY 1 DO
eValueArray[wIndex] := G_eValueArray[wProductNumber, wIndex];
END_FOR;
(* Judge the product as non-defective or defective from the product data. *)
Check_1(i_eValueArray := eValueArray, o_bResult => bResult);
(* Sort the product data into non-defectives and defectives depending on the result of the bResult (check result). *)
stProductData.wProductNumber := wProductNumber;
stProductData.eValueArray := eValueArray;
Assortment_1( i_bCheck := bResult, i_stProduct := stProductData);
(* Go to the next product number. *)
wProductNumber := wProductNumber + 1;
END_WHILE;
(* End processing under the following conditions. *)
UNTIL ((Assortment_1.o_eYieldRatio < c_eLimit) (* The yield rate is lower than the standard. *)
OR(wProductNumber >= GC_wTotalProduct)) (* Or, number of total products exceed the product number *)
END_REPEAT;
(* Acquire the product data sorted into non-defective products and defective products. *)
G_stProductArray := Assortment_1.o_stProductArray;
G_stDefectiveArray := Assortment_1.o_stDefectiveArray;

Different initial values cannot be set for each element of an array. Set the different values by a program.
For a function block, arguments can be specified before and after the call statement.
Selection statement (IF statement, CASE statement) and iteration statement (FOR statement, WHILE
statement, REPEAT statement) can be hierarchized.

10 SORTING OF DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS (ARRAY AND ITERATION PROCESSING)

10.3 Product Data Management: DataManagement 83
 Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3.

■Global label
Label Name Data Type Class Assign/Initial Value/ Comment
Constant
G_eValueArray FLOAT [Single VAR_GLOBAL  Measured values for all products
Precision](0..7,0..1) (Values are stored in order of product
number.)
GC_wValueNumber Word [Signed] VAR_GLOBAL_CONSTANT Constant: 2 Number of measured values for one
product
GC_wTotalProduct Word [Signed] VAR_GLOBAL_CONSTANT Constant: 8 Total number of products
G_stProductArray stProduct(0..7) VAR_GLOBAL  Product data (non-defective product)
G_stDefectiveArray stProduct(0..7) VAR_GLOBAL  Product data (defective product)

■Local label
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/Constant Comment
wProductNumber Word [Signed] VAR  Product number (for internal iterative
processing)
wDataEnd Word [Signed] VAR  Data termination (for internal iterative
processing)
wIndex Word [Signed] VAR  Element number (for internal iterative
processing)
eValueArray FLOAT [Single VAR  Measured value
Precision](0..1)
bResult Bit VAR  Checking result (for internal iterative
processing)
stProductData stProduct VAR  Checked product data
c_eLimit FLOAT [Single Precision] VAR_CONSTANT Constant: 0.8 Allowable yield rate
Check_1 ProductCheck VAR  Product check processing
Assortment_1 Assortment VAR  Sorting processing for product data

■Structure
Structure name Label Name Data Type Initial Value Comment
stProduct wProductNumber Word [Signed]  Product number
eValueArray FLOAT [Single  Measured value
Precision](0..1)

POU
For details on the POUs used, refer to the following table.
Data name Data type Description Reference
ProductCheck Function block Judges the products as non-defective or defective Page 80 Product Check (FB): ProductCheck
from the product data.
Assortment Function block Sorts product data into non-defectives and Page 82 Sorting Product Data (FB): Assortment
defectives.

10 SORTING OF DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS (ARRAY AND ITERATION PROCESSING)

84 10.3 Product Data Management: DataManagement
11 MEASUREMENT OF OPERATING TIME (TIME
AND CHARACTER STRING)
This chapter shows the examples for processing timer or time data using the program for the device which turns ON a lamp
depending on the operating time and displays its operating time.
Create the following POU in the program example.
Data name Data type Description Reference 11
OperatingTime Program block Counts operating time of a device in second unit. Page 86 Operating Time Management:
OperatingTime
FlickerTimer Function block Flashes the output signals alternately. Page 87 Flicker Timer (FB): FlickerTimer
LampOnOff Program block Turns the lamp ON/OFF depending on the device status. Page 88 Lamp ON/OFF: LampOnOff
SecondsToTimeArray Program block Calculates hour, minute, second from the time in second Page 89 Conversion from Sec. to Hour/Min/
unit. Sec: SecondsToTimeArray
TimeToString Program block Converts operating time (time type) to character string Page 90 Conversion from Time to String:
for display. TimeToString

Overview of function
The following processing are performed.

1. Operating time of the device is counted in second unit.

2. The lamp is turned ON/OFF by judging the status of device from the operation status and operating time.

3. Operating time is converted to hour, minute, and second unit.

4. Operating time is converted to the character string for screen display.

Device Number Name Description
(1) Operation lamp Turns ON during the device is in operation. If the operating time is three
(1) (2) (3) OFF: Stopped, ON: Operating weeks or more, the lamp flashes
(2) Warning lamp If the operating time is one week or more, alternately.
"Day 10 Time 12:34:56" the lamp turns ON.
OFF: Normal, ON: Warning
(3) Screen display Displays operating time (day, hour, minute, second).

Global labels to be used

The following shows the global labels and structure definitions used in the program example.
Set the following items in GX Works3.

■Global label
Label Name Data Type Class Assign/Initial Value/ Description
Constant
G_bOperatingStatus Bit VAR_GLOBAL  Operation status (TRUE: Operating,
FALSE: Stopped)
G_tmTime Time VAR_GLOBAL  Total operating time (Up to
T#24d20h31m23s647ms)
G_bOperationLamp Bit VAR_GLOBAL  Operation lamp (TRUE: ON, FALSE: OFF)
G_bWarningLamp Bit VAR_GLOBAL  Warning lamp (TRUE: ON, FALSE: OFF)
G_dSeconds Double Word [Signed] VAR_GLOBAL  Operating time (0 to 86399 seconds)
G_wTimeArray Word [Signed](0..2) VAR_GLOBAL  Operating time ([0]: Hour, [1]: Minute, [2]:
Second)
G_sDisplayedCharacters String(32) VAR_GLOBAL  Characters to be displayed on the
operating time display screen
G_bOneScanOnly Bit VAR_GLOBAL Assign (Device/Label): SM402 Turn ON for only 1 scan after RUN

■Structure
Do not use.

11 MEASUREMENT OF OPERATING TIME (TIME AND CHARACTER STRING)

85
 11.1 Operating Time Management: OperatingTime
This program counts operating time of a device in second unit.
Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.
Data Type Data Name Program Language Title
Program Block OperatingTime ST Operating time management

Program example
(* Count the operating time for each one second. *)
bResult := OUT_T(G_bOperatingStatus, td1sTimer, 10); (* Timer setting value: 1000 ms *)
IF td1sTimer.S THEN (* After one second *)
(* Operating time (Timer type) count up *)
G_tmTime := G_tmTime + T#1000ms;
IF G_tmTime < T#0ms THEN (* If an overflow occurred *)
G_tmTime := T#0ms; (* Clear to 0 *)
END_IF;
(* Operating time (second unit) count up *)
G_dSeconds := G_dSeconds +1;
IF G_dSeconds >= 86400 THEN
G_dSeconds := 0; (* Clear to 0 if the time is reached at 24 hours *)
END_IF;
(* Reset the timer (Current value: 0, Contact: OFF) *)
RST(TRUE, td1sTimer.N);
RST(TRUE, td1sTimer.S);
END_IF;

Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3.

■Global label
Label Name Data Type Class Assign/Initial Value/ Description
Constant
G_bOperatingStatus Bit VAR_GLOBAL  Operation status (TRUE: Operating,
FALSE: Stopped)
G_tmTime Time VAR_GLOBAL  Total operating time (Up to
T#24d20h31m23s647ms)
G_dSeconds Double Word [Signed] VAR_GLOBAL  Operating time (0 to 86399 seconds)

■Local label
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/Constant Description
bResult Bit VAR  ENO for executing timer
td1sTimer Timer VAR  Timer for measuring one second

POU
For details on the POU used, refer to the following table.
Data name Data type Description Reference
OUT_T Instruction Low-speed timer instruction MELSEC iQ-R Programming Manual (CPU Module
Starts time measurement when the operation result Instructions, Standard Functions/Function Blocks)
up to the OUT instruction is ON and the coil is turned MELSEC iQ-F FX5 Programming Manual (Instructions,
ON. Standard Functions/Function Blocks)

11 MEASUREMENT OF OPERATING TIME (TIME AND CHARACTER STRING)

86 11.1 Operating Time Management: OperatingTime
11.2 Flicker Timer (FB): FlickerTimer
This function block flashes Output signal 0 and 1 alternately when the input signal is ON.
Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.
Data Type Data Name Program Language EN/ENO Title
Function Block FlickerTimer ST Yes Flicker timer

Program example
11
(* Flash the Output signal 0 and 1 alternately. (Flip-flop circuit) *)
(* Calculate the setting value for the low-speed timer. *)
wInterval := TIME_TO_INT(i_tmInterval) / 100;
(* If the Timer 1 is OFF, turn the Timer 0 ON after the set time (ms). *)
bResult := OUT_T(NOT tdTimer1.S, tdTimer0, wInterval);
(* If the Timer 0 is turned ON from OFF, turn the Timer 1 ON after the set time (ms). *)
bResult := OUT_T(tdTimer0.S, tdTimer1, wInterval);
(* If the Timer 0 is ON, turn ON the Output signal 0. *)
o_bOutputSignal0 := tdTimer0.S;
(* If the Timer 0 is OFF, turn ON the Output signal 1. *)
o_bOutputSignal1 := NOT tdTimer0.S;

The setting value for a timer needs to be equal to or more than the total value of scan time and timer limit
setting. The timer limit is set as follows:
• MELSEC iQ-R: Set it in the parameter of an engineering tool. (Default: 100 ms)
• MELSEC iQ-F: The OUT_T instruction operates as a timer of 100 ms, the OUTH instruction as a timer of 10
ms, and the OUTHS instruction as a timer of 1 ms.

Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3.

■Local label
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/Constant Description
i_tmInterval Time VAR_INPUT  Switching interval
o_bOutputSignal0 Bit VAR_OUTPUT Initial Value: TRUE Output signal 0
o_bOutputSignal1 Bit VAR_OUTPUT Initial Value: TRUE Output signal 1
bResult Bit VAR  ENO for executing timer
wInterval Word [Signed] VAR  Low-speed timer setting value
tdTimer0 Timer VAR  Timer 0
tdTimer1 Timer VAR  Timer 1

POU
For details on the POUs used, refer to the following table.
Data name Data type Description Reference
OUT_T Instruction Low-speed timer instruction MELSEC iQ-R Programming Manual (CPU Module
Starts time measurement when the operation result Instructions, Standard Functions/Function Blocks)
up to the OUT instruction is ON and the coil is turned MELSEC iQ-F FX5 Programming Manual (Instructions,
ON. Standard Functions/Function Blocks)
TIME_TO_INT Standard function Conversion of TIME type  INT type
Converts a value from TIME type data to INT type
data.

11 MEASUREMENT OF OPERATING TIME (TIME AND CHARACTER STRING)

11.2 Flicker Timer (FB): FlickerTimer 87
 11.3 Lamp ON/OFF: LampOnOff
This program turns the lamp ON/OFF depending on the device status.

(1) (2) (3) (4)

Number Operation lamp Warning lamp Device status Remarks

(1) OFF OFF Normal Stopped Before operation
(2) ON OFF Operating Operating time: 0 to 7 days
(3) ON ON Warning Operating time: One week or more
(4) Flashing alternately Error Operating time: Three weeks or more

Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.

Data Type Data Name Program Language Title
Program Block LampOnOff ST Lamp ON/OFF

Program example
(* Turn the operation lamp ON/OFF according to the operation state. *)
G_bOperationLamp := G_bOperatingStatus;
(* Turn the warning lamp ON if the total operating time is one week (seven days) or more. *)
G_bWarningLamp := G_tmTime >= T#7d;
(* If the operating time is three weeks (21 days) or more *)
(* Turn the operation lamp and warning lamp alternately. *)
FlickerTimer_1(EN := G_tmTime >= T#21d, i_tmInterval := T#1000ms);
IF FlickerTimer_1.ENO THEN
G_bOperationLamp := FlickerTimer_1.o_bOutputSignal0;
G_bWarningLamp := FlickerTimer_1.o_bOutputSignal1;
END_IF;

Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3.

■Global label
Label Name Data Type Class Assign/Initial Value/ Description
Constant
G_bOperatingStatus Bit VAR_GLOBAL  Operation status (TRUE: Operating,
FALSE: Stopped)
G_bOperationLamp Bit VAR_GLOBAL  Operation lamp (TRUE: ON, FALSE:
OFF)
G_bWarningLamp Bit VAR_GLOBAL  Warning lamp (TRUE: ON, FALSE: OFF)
G_tmTime Time VAR_GLOBAL  Total operating time (up to
T#24d20h31m23s647ms)

■Local label
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/ Description
Constant
FlickerTimer_1 FlickerTimer VAR  Flicker timer

POU
For details on the POU used, refer to the following table.
Data name Data type Description Reference
FlickerTimer Function block Flashes the output signals alternately. Page 87 Flicker Timer (FB): FlickerTimer

11 MEASUREMENT OF OPERATING TIME (TIME AND CHARACTER STRING)

88 11.3 Lamp ON/OFF: LampOnOff
11.4 Conversion from Sec. to Hour/Min/Sec:
SecondsToTimeArray
This program calculates hour, minute, second from the time in second unit. The values of hour, minute, and second are stored
to the array type data (same format data as the argument of SEC2TIME (clock instruction)).

Data range
Time (second unit) [0] Hour (0 to 23)
11
Data range
(0 to 86399) [1] Minute (0 to 59)
[2] Second (0 to 59)

Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.

Data Type Data Name Program Language Title
Program Block SecondsToTimeArray ST Conversion from sec. to h/m/s

Program example
(* Calculate hour, minute, second from the time in second unit. *)
G_wTimeArray[0] := GET_INT_ADDR( G_dSeconds / 3600); (* Hour *)
G_wTimeArray[1] := GET_INT_ADDR((G_dSeconds MOD 3600) / 60); (* Minute *)
G_wTimeArray[2] := GET_INT_ADDR((G_dSeconds MOD 3600) MOD 60); (* Second *)

MOD is a modulus operator.

Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3.

■Global label
Label Name Data Type Class Assign/Initial Value/ Description
Constant
G_dSeconds Double Word [Signed] VAR_GLOBAL  Operating time (0 to 86399 seconds)
G_wTimeArray Word [Signed](0..2) VAR_GLOBAL  Operating time ([0]: Hour, [1]: Minute,
[2]: Second)

■Local label
Do not use.

POU
For details on the POU used, refer to the following table.
Data name Data type Description Reference
GET_INT_ADDR Standard function Eliminate the need for type conversion MELSEC iQ-R Programming Manual (CPU Module Instructions,
Outputs the input variable as INT type. Standard Functions/Function Blocks)
MELSEC iQ-F FX5 Programming Manual (Instructions, Standard
Functions/Function Blocks)

11 MEASUREMENT OF OPERATING TIME (TIME AND CHARACTER STRING)

11.4 Conversion from Sec. to Hour/Min/Sec: SecondsToTimeArray 89
 11.5 Conversion from Time to String: TimeToString
This program converts operating time (time type) to character string for display.

Character string for display

Time (TIME) Data range
(0 to T#24d20h31m23s647ms) "Day 10 Time 12:34:56"

Create a POU by setting the following items in GX Works3.

Data Type Data Name Program Language Title
Program Block TimeToString ST Conversion from Time to String

Program example
(* Convert the operating time to character string for display. *)
(* Initialize the internal variable. *)
IF G_bOneScanOnly THEN (* Execute only once after RUN *)
(* Initialize time unit (day, hour, minute, second in milliseconds). *)
dUnitArray[0] := TIME_TO_DINT(T#1d); (* Day *)
dUnitArray[1] := TIME_TO_DINT(T#1h); (* Hour *)
dUnitArray[2] := TIME_TO_DINT(T#1m); (* Minute *)
dUnitArray[3] := TIME_TO_DINT(T#1s); (* Second *)
(* Specify the digit of numeric value to be converted to a character string. *)
wDigitArray[0] := 3; (* Convert to 2-digit numeric value. (Specify the total number of digits including a sign to 3.) *)
wDigitArray[1] := 0; (* No decimal point *)
END_IF;
sTimeString := ''; (* Initialize character string. *)
(* Convert the time type data to milliseconds. *)
dTime := TIME_TO_DINT(G_tmTime);
(* Processing the day, hour, minute, second in this order. *)
FOR wIndex := 0 TO 3 BY 1 DO
(* Convert the time (in milliseconds) to day/hour/minute/second. *)
wTime := DINT_TO_INT(dTime /dUnitArray[wIndex]);
dTime := dTime MOD dUnitArray[wIndex];
(* Convert the value of day/hour/minute/second to character string with 2-digit numeric value. *)
STR(TRUE, wDigitArray, wTime, sItemString); (* Convert to 3 characters including a sign. *)
sItemString := DELETE(sItemString, 1, 1); (* Delete a sign in the first character. *)
(* Set the character string to be added. *)
CASE wIndex OF
0 : sAdd := '$"Day ';
1 : sAdd := ' Time ';
2,3:sAdd := ':';
END_CASE;
(* Add a character string. *)
sTimeString := CONCAT(sTimeString, sAdd, sItemString);
END_FOR;
(* Add a character string at the end. *)
sTimeString := CONCAT(sTimeString, '$"');
(* Set the created character string to the display character string. *)
G_sDisplayedCharacters := sTimeString;

11 MEASUREMENT OF OPERATING TIME (TIME AND CHARACTER STRING)

90 11.5 Conversion from Time to String: TimeToString
 Use TIME_TO_STRING of the standard function to convert the values (in milliseconds) to character string.
The program above converts the values to the character string after calculating the value for each day, time,
minute, and second.

Variable
Define the labels by setting the following items in GX Works3.

■Global label 11
Label Name Data Type Class Assign/Initial Value/ Description
Constant
G_tmTime Time VAR_GLOBAL  Total operating time (Up to
T#24d20h31m23s647ms)
G_bOneScanOnly Bit VAR_GLOBAL Assign (Device/Label): Turn ON for only 1 scan after RUN
SM402
G_sDisplayedCharacters String(32) VAR_GLOBAL  Characters to be displayed on the
operating time display screen

■Local label
Label Name Data Type Class Initial Value/ Description
Constant
dUnitArray Double Word [Signed](0..3) VAR  Unit (day, hour, minute, second in
milliseconds)
wDigitArray Word [Signed](0..1) VAR  Digit specification ([0]: Number of all digits,
[1]: Number of decimal place)
sTimeString String(32) VAR  Character string to be created (Day, hour,
minute, second)
dTime Double Word [Signed] VAR  Time (in milliseconds)
wIndex Word [Signed] VAR  Element number
wTime Word [Signed] VAR  Time (Day/hour/minute/second)
sItemString String(32) VAR  Character string of 2-digit numeric value for
day/time/minute/second
sAdd String(32) VAR  Character string to be added

POU
For details on the POUs used, refer to the following table.
Data name Data type Description Reference
TIME_TO_DINT Standard function Conversion of TIME type  DINT type MELSEC iQ-R Programming Manual (CPU
Converts a value from TIME type data to DINT type data. Module Instructions, Standard Functions/
Function Blocks)
DINT_TO_INT Standard function Conversion of DINT type  INT type
MELSEC iQ-F FX5 Programming Manual
Converts a value from DINT type data to INT type data.
(Instructions, Standard Functions/Function
STR Instruction Converts 16-bit binary data to character string by adding a Blocks)
decimal point to the specified place of the data.
CONCAT Standard function Concatenation of string data
Concatenates character strings and outputs the result.

11 MEASUREMENT OF OPERATING TIME (TIME AND CHARACTER STRING)

11.5 Conversion from Time to String: TimeToString 91
 APPENDIX
Appendix 1 Specifications of Structured Text
language
This section explains the types of basic components and their descriptions used in the Structured Text language.

Statement
The following shows the types of statement and their description method.
Type Description method Description
Assignment statement An evaluation result of the right side is assigned to the
<Variable> := <Expression> ; variable of the left side.

Assign the result

Subprogram Call statement <Identifier>(argument 1, argument 2, ...) A function or function block is called.
control
RETURN RETURN; A program is ended.
statement
statement
Control Selection IF An execution statement is selected depending on the
statement statement IF <Condition 1> THEN condition of the boolean value.
<Statement 1>; If the Condition 1 is TRUE, the Statement 1 is executed.
Miltiple ELSIFs If the Condition 1 is FALSE, the condition of ELSIF is
ELSIF <Condition 2> THEN (in the line frame)
<Statement 2>; judged. If the Condition 2 is TRUE, the Statement 2 is
are allowable.
executed.
ELSE ELSIF, ELSE If the conditions both IF and ELSIF are FALSE, the
<Statement 3>; (in the dashed-line Statement 3 after ELSE is executed.
frame) are omittable.
END_IF;

CASE An execution statement is selected depending on the

CASE <Condition> OF condition of the integer value.
If the result of the conditional expression is equals to the
<Value 1> :
<Statement 1>; Value 1, the Statement 1 is executed.
Multiple statements
are allowable. When specifying the range of an integer value to be judged,
<Value 2>..<Value 3> : use '..' to describe the statement. If the value of the result of
<Statement 2>; the conditional expression is within the range from the Value
2 to the Value 3, the Statement 2 is executed.
ELSE ELSE
<Statement 3>; If the result of the conditional expression is not equal to all
(in the dashed-line
frame) is omittable. the integer values or their ranges, the Statement 3 after
END_CASE; ELSE is executed.

Iteration FOR The execution statement is executed for multiple times

statement FOR <Variable> := <Initial (expression)> depending on the end condition of the integer value.
Set the initial value to the Variable of an integer type first.
TO <End (expression)>
BY (in the After that, the Statement is executed until the Variable
BY <Increment (expression)> dashed-line (thin) reaches the value of the End. The Increment value is added
frame) is omittable. to the variable each time when the Statement is executed.
DO <Statement>;

END_FOR;

WHILE The execution statement is executed for multiple times

WHILE <Condition> depending on the end condition of boolean value.
DO If the conditional expression is TRUE, the execution
<Statement>; Repeat until the result becomes
FALSE statement is executed. The processing is repeated until the
END_WHILE;
result of the conditional expression becomes FALSE.
REPEAT The execution statement is executed for multiple times
REPEAT depending on the end condition of boolean value.
Repeat until the result becomes
<Statement>; The condition is judged after the execution of the execution
TRUE
UNTIL <Condition>
statement.
END_REPEAT;
The processing is repeated until the result of the conditional
expression becomes TRUE.
Exit of iteration EXIT; Exits the iteration statement.
statement
Empty statement ; Nothing is processed.

APPX
92 Appendix 1 Specifications of Structured Text language
 Hierarchization of functions and function blocks can be performed up to 32 times in total.
Hierarchization of IF statement, CASE statement, WHILE statement, and REPEAT statement can be
performed up to 128 times in total.

Operator
The following shows the types of operators and their description method.
Type Operator Priority Example
(High to low) Generic mathematical ST
expression
Inversion of sign - 1 B=-A eValueB := - eValueA;
Logical operation NOT operation NOT B=A bFlagB := NOT bFlagA;
Exponentiation ** 2 B = CA eValueB := eValueC ** eValueA;
Basic arithmetic Multiplication * 3 AB=C eValueC := eValueA * eValueB;
expression
Division / A  B = C ... D eValueC := eValueA / eValueB;
Modulus operation MOD eValueC := eValueA MOD eValueB;
Addition + 4 A+B=C eValueC := eValueA + eValueB;
Subtraction - A-B=C eValueC := eValueA - eValueB;
Comparison Greater that, less than >, < 5 A>B bFlag := eValueA > eValueB;
operation
Greater than or equal to, >=, <= AB bFlag := eValueA <= eValueB;
less than or equal to
Equality = 6 A=B bFlag := eValueA = eValueB;
Inequality <> AB bFlag := eValueA <> eValueB;
Logical operation AND operation AND, & 7 AB bFlag := eValueA AND eValueB;
XOR operation XOR 8 A B bFlag := eValueA XOR eValueB;
OR operation OR 9 A B bFlag := eValueA OR eValueB;

A
Up to 1024 operators can be described in one expression.

Priority
When multiple operational expressions are described in one statement, the operations are processed in order from a high
priority operator.
When some operators of which priority is the same are used in one statement, the operators are operated in order from the
left.
The operational expression in the brackets '()' is operated first.

Comment
The following shows the types of comments and their description method.
Type Symbol Description Example
Multiple line comment (* *) The range from start symbol to end (* Comment *)
/* */ symbol is regarded as a comment. /* Comment */
Single line comment // The range from start symbol to end of // Comment
the line is regarded as a comment.

A comment symbol for the Structured Text language defined in IEC 61131-3 is (**) only, however, in GX
Works3, the same symbols as C language (/**/, //) can be described.
In GX Works2, the comment used (**) can only be used.

APPX
Appendix 1 Specifications of Structured Text language 93
 Device
Devices can be specified in the same manner as a ladder program. Add # when specifying local devices.
Device specification (digit specification, bit specification, and indirect specification) and index modification can be used.

A pointer cannot be used in ST program.

Contact/coil/current value of timer and counter

The devices such as timer and counter can be used by specifying their purpose to be used as a contact/coil/current value in
the Structured Text language.
When do not specify them, the devices are distinguished to be used as a contact/coil/current value automatically depending
on the instruction to be used.
Contact and coil are treated as a bit type. Current value is treated as the following data type.
Device Notation Data type of current value
No Contact Coil Current value
specification
Timer T TS TC TN Word [Unsigned]/Bit String [16-bit]
Retentive timer ST STS STC STN
Counter C CS CC CN
Long timer LT LTS LTC LTN Double Word [Unsigned]/Bit String [32-bit]
Long retentive timer LST LSTS LSTC LSTN
Long counter LC LCS LCC LCN

Type specification of word device

Word device can be used by specifying its data type.
Data type Device type Example Description
specifier
Word [Unsigned]/Bit String [16-bit] :U D0:U The value of D0 is treated as the value of 16-bit WORD type.
Double Word [Unsigned]/Bit String [32-bit] :UD D0:UD The values of D10 and D1 are treated as the value of 32-bit
DWORD type.
Word [Signed] (None) D0 The value of D0 is treated as the value of 16-bit INT type.
Double Word [Signed] :D D0:D The values of D0 and D1 are treated as the value of 32-bit DINT
type.
FLOAT [Single Precision] :E D0:E The values of D0 and D1 are treated as the value of 32-bit REAL
type.
FLOAT [Double Precision] :ED D0:ED The values from D0 to D3 are treated as the value of 64-bit
LREAL type.

A device type specifier cannot be added to digit-specified devices or indirectly specified devices.

■Type conversion of word device

When the word device with no type specification is used for an argument of function or function block, the word device is
treated according to the data type of the argument definition. (Same as standard function, standard function block, and
instruction.)
The result may differ depending on the specification method for the argument since the type conversion is performed
automatically at the specification of the input argument.

Ex.
32-bit binary data transfer instruction (DMOV) (Instruction of which input argument and output argument are both ANY32
type)
• D0 = 16#ABCD
• D1 = 16#1234

APPX
94 Appendix 1 Specifications of Structured Text language
• Word [Signed] type label, G_wLabel to which D0 is assigned
ST Description Value to be
transferred
bResult := DMOV(TRUE, D0, D10); The 32-bit data stored to D0 and D1 are transferred to D10 and D11. 16#1234ABCD
bResult := DMOV(TRUE, D0:UD, D10:UD);
bResult := DMOV(TRUE, D0:U, D10); The integer value of Word [Unsigned]/Bit String [16-bit] type stored to D0 is converted 16#0000ABCD
to Double Word [Signed] type automatically, and the zero-extended value is transferred
to D10 and D11.
bResult := DMOV(TRUE, G_wLebel, D10); The integer value of Word [Signed] type stored to D0 is converted to Double Word 16#FFFFABCD
[Signed] type automatically, and the sing-extended value is transferred to D10 and D11.
bResult := DMOV(TRUE, D0:U, D10:U); A conversion error occurs in D10:U since the output variable cannot be converted 
automatically.

When using a word device with no type specification in an operational expression, the data type is converted from Word
[Signed] automatically.
Page 30 Data type that can be converted automatically

APPX
Appendix 1 Specifications of Structured Text language 95
 Label
Specify labels in the same manner as a ladder program.
Bit specification (example: Lbl.3) and digit specification (example: K4Lbl) of labels can be used.

Pointer type labels cannot be used in an ST program.

APPX
96 Appendix 1 Specifications of Structured Text language
Constant
The following shows the description method of constant.
Type Notation Example Example with '_'
added *1
Boolean value Describe a boolean value with TRUE or FALSE. TRUE, FALSE
Specify the value with 1 or 0. Each notation for integer can be applied. 2#0, 8#1, 0, H1
Integer Binary Add '2#' in front of a binary number. 2#0010, 2#01101010 2#111_1111_1111_1111
Octal Add '8#' in front of an octal number. 8#2, 8#152, 8#377 8#7_7777
Decimal Enter a decimal number directly. 2, 106, -1 32_767
Add 'K' in front of a decimal number. K2, K106, K-1 *2
Hexadecimal Add '16#' in front of a hexadecimal number. 16#2, 16#6A, 16#FF 16#7F_FF
Add 'H' in front of a hexadecimal number. H2, H6A, HFF *2
Real Decimal Enter a real number directly. 1200.0, 0.012, -0.1 3.14_159
number notation
Add 'E' in front of a real number. E1200, E0.012, E-0.1 *2
Exponential Add 'E' between the mantissa part and the exponent. 1.2E3, 1.2E-2, -1.0E-1 2.99_792_458E8
notation 'mEn' indicates that multiplying mantissa part 'm' by the nth power of 10.
Add 'E' in front of the mantissa part, and add '+' or '-' between the E1.2+3, E1.2-2, E-1.0- *2
mantissa part and the exponent. 1
'Em+n' indicates that multiplying mantissa part 'm' by the nth power of
10.*3
Character ASCII Enclose a character string in single quotes ('). 'ABC'
string Shift-JIS
Unicode Enclose a character string in double quotes ("). "ABC"
Time Add 'T#' or 'TIME#' in front of a value. T#1h, T#1d2h3m4s5ms, TIME#1h

*1 In the notation of integer and real numbers, the numbers can be delimited using an underscore '_' to make programs easy to see. And,
the delimiters of values (underscore '_') are ignored in the program processing.
*2 For the notation with K, H, or E added in front, underscores (_) cannot be used.
*3 By adding '+' or '-' right after the value for the real number with 'E' added, it is regarded as an index.
When describing it as an arithmetic operation, insert a space or tabulator between the value and operator. A
(Example: 'E1.2+3' indicates 1200.0, and 'E1.2 +3' indicates 4.2.)

Specifying a data type

The data types of the following values can explicitly be specified. When not specified, the data types are determined
automatically.
Data type names are not case-sensitive and cannot be used together with the constant notation using K, H, or E.
Constant Available data type Example Example with '_'
added
Boolean Bit BOOL BOOL#TRUE, BOOL#FALSE, BOOL#0, BOOL#1
value
Integer Word [Unsigned]/Bit UINT UINT#2#01101010, UINT#8#152, UINT#106, UINT#16#6A UINT#2#0110_1010
String [16-bit]
WORD*1 WORD#2#01101010, WORD#8#152, WORD#106, WORD#16#6A WORD#2#0110_1010
Double Word [Unsigned]/ UDINT UDINT#2#111111111111111, UDINT#8#77777, UDINT#32767, UDINT#16#7F_FF
Bit String [32-bit] UDINT#16#7FFF
DWORD DWORD#2#111111111111111, DWORD#8#77777, DWORD#32767, DWORD#16#7F_FF
*1 DWORD#16#7FFF
Word [Signed] INT INT#2#01101010, INT#8#152, INT#106, INT#16#6A INT#2#0110_1010
Double Word [Signed] DINT DINT#2#111111111111111, DINT#8#77777, DINT#32767, DINT#16#7FFF DINT#16#7F_FF
Real FLOAT [Single Precision] REAL REAL#2.34, REAL#1.0E6 REAL#3.14_159
number
FLOAT [Double LREAL LREAL#-2.34, LREAL#1.001E16 LREAL#1.00_1E16
Precision]

*1 'WORD#' and 'DWORD#' cannot be used for the operands of basic arithmetic operations (target values of operations), the call
statements of functions and function blocks, and the ANY_NUM type arguments in function call expressions, . Use 'UINT#' or 'UDINT#'
instead.

APPX
Appendix 1 Specifications of Structured Text language 97
 Using '$' in a character string type constant
When specifying linefeed using a character string type constant, add '$'.
Type Notation
Dollar sign ($) $$, $24
Single quote (') $', $27
Double quote (") $", $22
Line feed $L, $l, $0A
Newline $N, $n, $0D $0A
Form feed (page) $P, $p, $0C
Carriage Return $R, $r, $0D
Tabulator $T, $t, $09
Character corresponding to ASCII code $[ASCII code (2-digits of hexadecimal value)]

Description method of the time length

Describe the time type of constants as follows:
• T#23d23h59m59s999ms or TIME#23d23h59m59s999ms
Time unit d (day) h (hour) m (minute) s (second) ms (millisecond)
Range 0 to 24 0 to 23 0 to 59 0 to 59 0 to 999

Time units should be consecutive in order of d, h, m, s, and ms.

By adding a sign (-) after '#', values can be described as signed ones.
(Example: T#-24d20h31m23s648ms)

■Omitting a time unit

Time units that are placed before and after ones to be described can be omitted.
(Example: T#1m2s)
Time units that are placed between ones to be described cannot be omitted.
(Example: 'T#1m2ms' is not allowed. Describe 'T#1m0s2ms'.)
The last time unit can be described in a notation using a decimal point (decimal representation of unsigned real numbers).
(Example: 'T#1.234s' is described as 'T#1s234ms'.)
The ms (millisecond) unit cannot be described in a decimal point notation. Values after a decimal point are rounded down.
(Example: 'T#1.234ms' is described as 'T#1ms'.)

■Setting range
When using a sign (-) or omitting time units that are placed before ones to be described, the range of values that can be
described is as follows:
Time unit d (day) h (hour) m (minute) s (second) ms (millisecond)
No omission -24 to 24 0 to 23 0 to 59 0 to 59 0 to 999
'd' omitted  -596 to 596 0 to 59 0 to 59 0 to 999
'd' and 'h' omitted   -35791 to 35791 0 to 59 0 to 999
'd', 'h', and 'm' omitted    -2147483 to 2147483 0 to 999
'd', 'h', 'm', and 's'     -2147483648 to 2147483647
omitted

The time length can be set to the time type variable (Page 33 Time type variable) in the following range.
• T#-24d20h31m23s648ms to T#24d20h31m23s647ms
• T#-596h31m23s648ms to T#596h31m23s647ms
• T#-35791m23s648ms to T#35791m23s647ms
• T#-2147483s648ms to T#2147483s647ms
• T#-2147483648ms to T#2147483647ms

APPX
98 Appendix 1 Specifications of Structured Text language
Function and function block
Function and function block are the POUs in which a subroutine to be called from a program is defined.
The defined function can be used in a program block, function block, and other functions.
The defined function block can be used in the program block and other function blocks by creating an instance.

Argument
The following shows the description method of arguments in a call statement.

■Argument specification with actual argument

List the arguments by delimiting them with commas (,) in the brackets.
The template of a function is displayed in the following format. (Page 52 Entering arguments)

Actual argument of execution result Actual argument of execution result Actual argument of input Actual argument of output
(expression of input value) (variable to which the result is to be substituted) (expression of input value) (variable to which the result is to be substituted)

The order of the arguments will be the order defined in the local label setting of function definition or function block definition.
When function or function block is created with the setting to use EN/ENO, specify EN for the first argument and ENO for the
second one.

■Argument specification for assigning actual argument to formal argument

List the formal arguments and actual arguments by delimiting with commas (,) in the brackets.
The template of a function block is displayed in the following format. (Page 53 Entering arguments)

Formal Actual argument Formal Actual argument Formal argument Actual argument Formal argument Actual argument
argument (expression of argument (variable to which the (expression of input value) (variable to which the
input value) result is to be substituted) result is to be substituted)
Execution statement Execution result Input argument Output argument
A
The names of formal arguments will be the variable names specified in the local label setting of function definition or function
block definition.
Specify 'EN' and 'ENO' as formal arguments for EN and ENO.

When assigning the actual argument to the formal argument, use the following format.
• Input argument, input/output argument and EN: '<Formal argument name>:=<Expression>'
• Output argument and ENO: '<Formal argument name>=><Variable>'

When assigning the actual argument to the formal argument, the order of the arguments can be changed arbitrary.

Description order of arguments are arbitrary

When specifying the argument by assigning the actual argument to the formal argument, the description of the
argument can be omitted.

■Argument specification before and after the call statement

For a function block, arguments can be specified before and after the call statement. Describe the assignment statement for
an input variable before the call statement, and describe an assignment statement for the output variable after the call
statement.

Substitution statement for input argument

Function block call statement Specify "<Instance name>.<Temporary argument name>"

Substitution statement for output variable

APPX
Appendix 1 Specifications of Structured Text language 99
 Return value
A function which has a return value returns the value to the call source after the completion of the execution.

■Data type of return value

Set the data type of a return value on the "New Data" screen or the "Properties" screen.
A function with no data type set is treated as a function with no return value.
A function with no return value must be described as a call statement. (Function call statement)

■Setting value to return value

Set the value to be returned as a return value to the variable of which function name is its identifier in the function.

Program example
The sum from i_wValue0 to i_wValue2 (input argument) are returned as a return value of FunAdd (function).
ST (Program of function, FunAdd)
FunAdd := wValue0 + wValue1 + wValue2;

■Using return value in call source program

A function with return value can be handled as an expression. (Function call expression)
In the call source program of a function, operational expressions and conditional statements can be described using a
function call expression as a variable of return value data type.

Program example
The average from wValue0 to wValue2 are assigned to Average3.
FunAdd (function) returns the sum of wValue0 to wValue2 (input argument) as a return value.
ST (Call source program)
Average3 := FunAdd( wValue0 , wValue1, wValue2) / 3;

EN and ENO
When creating a function and function block, whether or not to use an EN and ENO can be selected.
By using an EN (enable input) and ENO (enable output), the execution processing can be controlled.
• EN: Set the execution condition.
• ENO: Execution result is output.
EN/ENO is boolean type.
A function or function block with an EN is executed only when the execution condition of the EN is TRUE.
The following shows the values of output variable and return value depending on the state of EN and ENO.
EN ENO Output variable, returned value Remarks
TRUE TRUE Operation output value Normal completion
FALSE Undefined value Undefined value is returned when FALSE is assigned to the ENO during
processing.
The output value depends on the actual system.
FALSE FALSE • Function: Value at call The processing is ended without execution.
• Function block: Previous result Assignment of value to the input variable and output variable are not executed.

■Setting value to ENO

To set the value of ENO, assign a boolean value to the variable, 'ENO' in a function or function block.

Program example
If an operation error occurs in the BCD instruction, the processing of function/function block is terminated and resulted in error
end.
ST (Program of function/function block)
ENO := BCD(EN, wValue0, D0);
IF ENO = FALSE THEN
RETURN;
END_IF;

APPX
100 Appendix 1 Specifications of Structured Text language
Appendix 2 Instructions That Cannot be Used in ST
Programs
The following instructions, which are used in ladder programs, are described by using an operator or a control statement in ST
programs.

Instructions that can be described in assignment statement

Type Instruction symbol Corresponding type conversion function
Converting single-precision real number to 16-bit signed binary data FLT2INT(P) REAL_TO_INT(_E)
Converting single-precision real number to 16-bit unsigned binary data FLT2UINT(P) (REAL_TO_DINT(_E), DINT_TO_WORD(_E))
Converting single-precision real number to 32-bit signed binary data FLT2DINT(P) REAL_TO_DINT(_E)
Converting single-precision real number to 32-bit unsigned binary data FLT2UDINT(P) (REAL_TO_DINT(_E), DINT_TO_DWORD(_E))
Converting double-precision real number to 16-bit signed binary data DBL2INT(P) LREAL_TO_INT(_E)
Converting double-precision real number to 16-bit unsigned binary data DBL2UINT(P) (LREAL_TO_DINT(_E), DINT_TO_WORD(_E))
Converting double-precision real number to 32-bit signed binary data DBL2DINT(P) LREAL_TO_DINT(_E)
Converting double-precision real number to 32-bit unsigned binary data DBL2UDINT(P) (LREAL_TO_DINT(_E), DINT_TO_DWORD(_E))
Converting 16-bit signed binary data to 16-bit unsigned binary data INT2UINT(P) INT_TO_WORD(_E)
Converting 16-bit signed binary data to 32-bit signed binary data INT2DINT(P) INT_TO_DINT(_E)*1
Converting 16-bit signed binary data to 32-bit unsigned binary data INT2UDINT(P) INT_TO_DWORD(_E)
Converting 16-bit unsigned binary data to 16-bit signed binary data UINT2INT(P) WORD_TO_INT(_E)
Converting 16-bit unsigned binary data to 32-bit signed binary data UINT2DINT(P) WORD_TO_DINT(_E)*1
Converting 16-bit unsigned binary data to 32-bit unsigned binary data UINT2UDINT(P) WORD_TO_DWORD(_E)*1
Converting 32-bit signed binary data to 16-bit signed binary data DINT2INT(P) DINT_TO_INT(_E)
Converting 32-bit signed binary data to 16-bit unsigned binary data DINT2UINT(P) DINT_TO_WORD(_E)
Converting 32-bit signed binary data to 32-bit unsigned binary data DINT2UDINT(P) DINT_TO_DWORD(_E)
Converting 32-bit unsigned binary data to 16-bit signed binary data UDINT2INT(P) DWORD_TO_INT(_E)
Converting 32-bit unsigned binary data to 16-bit unsigned binary data UDINT2UINT(P) DWORD_TO_WORD(_E) A
Converting 32-bit unsigned binary data to 32-bit signed binary data UDINT2DINT(P) DWORD_TO_DINT(_E)
Transferring string data $MOV(P) *1
Transferring Unicode string data $MOV(P)_WS *1
Converting 16-bit signed binary data to single-precision real number INT2FLT(P) INT_TO_REAL(_E)*1
Converting 16-bit unsigned binary data to single-precision real number UINT2FLT(P) (WORD_TO_INT(_E), INT_TO_REAL(_E))*1
Converting 32-bit signed binary data to single-precision real number DINT2FLT(P) DINT_TO_REAL(_E)
Converting 32-bit unsigned binary data to single-precision real number UDINT2FLT(P) (DWORD_TO_DINT(_E), DINT_TO_REAL(_E))
Converting double-precision real number to single-precision real number DBL2FLT(P) LREAL_TO_REAL(_E)
Converting 16-bit signed binary data to double-precision real number INT2DBL(P) INT_TO_LREAL(_E)*1
Converting 16-bit unsigned binary data to double-precision real number UINT2DBL(P) (WORD_TO_DINT(_E), DINT_TO_LREAL(_E))*1
Converting 32-bit signed binary data to double-precision real number DINT2DBL(P) DINT_TO_LREAL(_E)*1
Converting 32-bit unsigned binary data to double-precision real number UDINT2DBL(P) (DWORD_TO_DINT(_E), DINT_TO_LREAL(_E))*1
Converting single-precision real number to double-precision real number FLT2DBL(P) REAL_TO_LREAL(_E)*1

*1 Only assignment statement can be used for transferring character string data, or for a data type that can be converted automatically
(Page 30 Type conversion which is performed automatically).

Instructions that can be described with operator

Instructions that can be described with arithmetic operator

Type Instruction symbol
Adding 16-bit binary data +(P)(_U) [Using two operands]
Subtracting 16-bit binary data -(P)(_U) [Using two operands]
Adding 32-bit binary data D+(P)(_U) [Using two operands]
Subtracting 32-bit binary data D-(P)(_U) [Using two operands]
Multiplying 16-bit binary data *(P)(_U)

APPX
Appendix 2 Instructions That Cannot be Used in ST Programs 101
 Type Instruction symbol
Dividing 16-bit binary data /(P)(_U)
Multiplying 32-bit binary data D*(P)(_U)
Dividing 32-bit binary data D/(P)(_U)
Adding BCD 4-digit data B+(P) [Using two operands]
Subtracting BCD 4-digit data B-(P) [Using two operands]
Adding BCD 8-digit data DB+(P) [Using two operands]
Subtracting BCD 8-digit data DB-(P) [Using two operands]
Multiplying BCD 4-digit data B*(P)
Dividing BCD 4-digit data B/(P)
Multiplying BCD 8-digit data DB*(P)
Dividing BCD 8-digit data DB/(P)
Adding 16-bit binary block data BK+(P)(_U)
Subtracting 16-bit binary block data BK-(P)(_U)
Adding 32-bit binary block data DBK+(P)(_U)
Subtracting 32-bit binary block data DBK-(P)(_U)
Concatenating string data $+(P) [Using two operands]
Adding single-precision real numbers E+(P) [Using two operands]
Subtracting single-precision real numbers E-(P) [Using two operands]
Adding double-precision real numbers ED+(P) [Using two operands]
Subtracting double-precision real numbers ED-(P) [Using two operands]
Multiplying single-precision real numbers E*(P)
Dividing single-precision real numbers E/(P)
Multiplying double-precision real numbers ED*(P)
Dividing double-precision real numbers ED/(P)
Adding clock data DATE+(P)
Subtracting clock data DATE-(P)
Adding expansion clock data S(P).DATE+
Subtracting expansion clock data S(P).DATE-

Instructions that can be described with logical operator and comparison operator
Type Instruction symbol
Operation start, series connection, parallel connection LD, LDI, AND, ANI, OR, ORI
Ladder block series/parallel connection ANB, ORB
Comparing 16-bit binary data LD(_U), AND(_U), OR(_U)
Comparing 32-bit binary data LDD(_U), ANDD(_U), ORD(_U)
Comparing 16-bit binary block data BKCMP(P)(_U)
Comparing 32-bit binary block data DBKCMP(P)(_U)
Performing an AND operation on 16-bit data WAND(P) [Using two operands]
Performing an AND operation on 32-bit data DAND(P) [Using two operands]
Performing an OR operation on 16-bit data WOR(P) [Using two operands]
Performing an OR operation on 32-bit data DOR(P) [Using two operands]
Performing an XOR operation on 16-bit data WXOR(P) [Using two operands]
Performing an XOR operation on 32-bit data DXOR(P) [Using two operands]
Performing an XNOR operation on 16-bit data WXNR(P) [Using two operands]
Performing an XNOR operation on 32-bit data DXNR(P) [Using two operands]
Comparing string data LD$, AND$, OR$
Comparing single-precision real numbers LDE, ANDE, ORE
Comparing double-precision real numbers LDED, ANDED, ORED
Comparing date data LDDT, ANDDT, ORDT
Comparing time data LDTM, ANDTM, ORTM

APPX
102 Appendix 2 Instructions That Cannot be Used in ST Programs
Instructions that can be described with control statement or
function
Type Instruction symbol
Performing the FOR to NEXT instruction loop FOR, NEXT
Pointer branch CJ, SCJ, JMP
Jumping to END GOEND
Returning from the interrupt program IRET
Forcibly terminating the FOR to NEXT instruction loop BREAK(P)
Calling a subroutine program CALL(P)
Returning from the subroutine program called RET
Calling a subroutine program and turning the output OFF FCALL(P)
Calling a subroutine program in the specified program file ECALL(P)
Calling a subroutine program in the specified program file and turning the EFCALL(P)
output OFF
Calling a subroutine program XCALL

Unnecessary instructions for ST program

Type Instruction symbol
Ending the sequence program END
No operation (NOP) NOP, NOPLF

APPX
Appendix 2 Instructions That Cannot be Used in ST Programs 103
 Appendix 3 Considerations for Using the MELSEC
iQ-F Series
Description in this manual is based on the use of MELSEC iQ-R series.
This section shows the considerations for creating an ST program for the MELSEC iQ-F series by referring to this manual.

Differences between the MELSEC iQ-F series and MELSEC iQ-R

series
The MELSEC iQ-F series has specifications different from the MELSEC iQ-R series for the items in the table below.
Note that some devices and data types that are described in this manual are not available for creating an ST program for the
MELSEC iQ-F series.
Item Difference Reference
Device Available device types are different. MELSEC iQ-F FX5 User's Manual (Application)
Check the specifications of a CPU module to be used.
Data type FLOAT [Double Precision] The MELSEC iQ-F series does not support it. MELSEC iQ-F FX5 Programming Manual
(LREAL) (Program Design)
Constant String [Unicode] type The MELSEC iQ-F series does not support it.

Restrictions on Structured Text language are the same between the MELSEC iQ-R series and MELSEC iQ-F series.
However, besides above, there may be differences in some other specifications such as for instructions, etc. between the
series.
Check the specifications of modules to be used when creating an ST program.

APPX
104 Appendix 3 Considerations for Using the MELSEC iQ-F Series
INDEX

A RETURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,92
Return value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
Argument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49,50,99
Assignment statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,18,92
S
B Selection statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16,22,92
ST editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Boolean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,92
Break character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Subprogram control statement . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,92

C T
Call statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,92 Token . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
CASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24,92 Type conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Comment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,46,93
Constant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,97
Control statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,45,92 V
Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Variable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

D W
Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 WHILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,92

E
Empty statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
EN/ENO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49,50,100
Expression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

F
FOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27,92
Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,49,51,99
Function block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,50,53,99 I
H
Hierarchization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,93

I
IF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22,92
Inline structured text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Iteration statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,25,92

L
Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47,96

M
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

O
Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,93

R
REPEAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,92
Result type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

105
 MEMO

106
REVISIONS
*The manual number is given on the bottom left of the back cover.
Revision date *Manual number Description
February 2015 SH(NA)-081483ENG-A First edition
April 2015 SH(NA)-081483ENG-B ■Added or modified parts
TERMS, Section 6.3, Appendix 1
May 2016 SH(NA)-081483ENG-C ■Added or modified parts
Section 1.2, Section 10.1, Section 10.3
December 2017 SH(NA)-081483ENG-D ■Added or modified parts
Section 4.4, Appendix 1
November 2020 SH(NA)-081483ENG-E ■Added or modified parts
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, CONDITIONS OF USE FOR THE PRODUCT, INTRODUCTION, Section
2.2, Section 3.2, Section 3.3, Section 8.4, Section 8.6, Section 9.2, Section 9.3, Section 10.2,
Section 11.1, Section 11.2, Section 11.4, Section 11.5, Appendix 1, Appendix 3
May 2022 SH(NA)-081483ENG-F ■Added or modified part
Section 11.5

Japanese manual number: SH-081445-G

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.

 2015 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION

107
 TRADEMARKS
Unicode is either a registered trademark or a trademark of Unicode, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
The company names, system names and product names mentioned in this manual are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of their respective companies.
In some cases, trademark symbols such as '' or '' are not specified in this manual.

108
SH(NA)-081483ENG-F(2205)KWIX
MODEL: R-ST-GUIDE-E
MODEL CODE: 13JX28

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Specifications subject to change without notice.