In specific circumstances, the use of more specific PROSOFT ‘skilled’ functions may be required. Our support team frequently encounters questions regarding these such functions. This article aims to explain and demonstrate the differences and the applications of three related functions.
They are:
The “Condition” function
The “Process” function
The “If-then-else” function
1. The “CONDITION” function
A “condition” function doesn't operate independently. Rather, it can only be checked by another function, such as the “if-then-else” or “process” function. This “condition” function contains the logic operators “AND” and “OR”, and always returns a “TRUE” or “FALSE” result. It invariably comprises multiple items.
We illustrate this function with two examples:
- Checking a flag ‘evening’ “AND” an outdoor light level treshold level, sensed by a TDS12270 light sensor, checked if it is below 10 Lux. Only when both criteria in this CONDITION are TRUE, the CONDITION fuction is TRUE. (Be it when it is EVENING AND the measured outdoor light level is below 10Lux).
- In another example, you might employ the “OR” operator. In this case we want to inspect the status of multiple valve control relays (for floor heating zones), determining whether any one of them is ON or not. In such case, the “OR” operator is applied across all relays. The CONDITION function becomes TRUE as soon as at least one of the valve relays is activated. This application can be useful, for example, in controlling a heating system ciculation pump or a garden sprinkler pump.
Even though the necessary CONDITION is set up in PROSOFT, nothing happens at this point because the “condition” function alone doesn't execute any actions. Therefore, you will need to incorporate an additional "if-then-else" or "process" function to trigger the desired responses. These two functions will take an action.
2. The “PROCESS” function
The “process” function consistently (continuously) monitors a specific condition, and upon detecting whether the condition evaluates to TRUE or FALSE, it initiates a corresponding action. For instance, it may activate Relay 1 (the circulation pump) when the condition ‘at least one valve relay is on’ is TRUE. And disactivate R1 again when no none of the valve relays is on anymore.
The “IF-THEN-ELSE” function!!
The “if-then-else” function does not continuously monitor like the “process” function does. Instead, it is to be triggered by a specific event, occuring within the system. An example of such an event can be someone pushing a button (to a contact input) or any other input signal change. Therefore, the “if-then-else” function is often used in the configuration of a (touch panel) button contact.
Example given: if you click the front doorbell push button, a range of actions are to be taken. However, based on certain conditions, additional actions may be required or not. In this scenario, the bell push button activates a local mood to send messages to AURUS-OLED displays and it activates their beepers 10 times, and it prompts the OPUS front door video camera to record for a fixed duration of 20 seconds. Within this local mood, an “if-then-else" function is incorporated to check a flag named 'dark,' allowing for the additional action of turning on the front door lights when it is dark outside.
Debug suggestion: If your configuration software doesn’t behave as expected, you can easily check this in PROSOFT diagnostics menu, in the ‘other’ – ‘conditions’ menu. There you can see the status of your condition(s) life, which is otherwise hard to check.
We hope it is now clear when and how to use these special functions. You can always check more information and see screen captures about these functions in our on-line Technical Handbook:
https://professional.teletask.be/The+%27If-Then-Else%27+function?highlight=if-then-else.
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