Create a program parameter or tag

Use tags and program parameters to allocate and reference data stored in the controller. A tag or parameter can be a simple, single element, or an array, or a structure.
To create a program parameter or tag
  1. In the
    Controller Organizer
     or the
    Logical Organizer
    , right-click
    Parameters and Local Tags
    , and select
    New Local Tag
     or
    New Parameter
     to open the
    New Parameter or Tag
     dialog.
  2. In
    Name
    , type the name of the tag or program parameter.
    TIP: If you are creating a new program parameter from a language editor and the parameter is from another program, the current tag name shows in the
    Name
    box.
  3. (Optional) In
    Description
    , type a description.
  4. In
    Usage
    , select a Usage value for the tag or program parameter.
  5. From the
    Type
     list, select one of these tag types:
    • Base
       - refers to a normal tag that allows you to create your own internal data storage.
    • Alias
       - allows you to assign a unique name to an existing tag, structure tag member, or bit, and refers to a tag that references another tag with the same definition. Parameters on the
      New Program Parameter or Tag
       dialog allow you to identify which base tag the alias refers to. You can also use this field to alias a parameter of another program.
    • Produced
      - makes this tag available to remote controllers through controller-to-controller messaging. If you choose this tag type, the
      Connection
       button is enabled. Select this button to open the
      Produced Tag Connection
       dialog, where you configure additional connection information for this tag.
    • Consumed
       - a tag that is produced by another controller whose data you want to use in this controller. If you choose this tag type, the
      Connection
      button is enabled. Select this button to open the
      Consumed Tag Connection
       dialog, where you configure additional connection information for this tag.
  6. Enter the data type of the tag (for example,
    BOOL
    ,
    Counter
    , or
    INT
    ). To see a complete list of available data types, select the dots button to open the
    Select Data Type
     dialog and make a selection from the list.
    TIP: If you choose data types ALARM_ANALOG, ALARM_DIGITAL, AXIS_CIP_DRIVE, AXIS_CONSUMED, AXIS_GENERIC, AXIS_GENERIC_DRIVE, AXIS_SERVO, AXIS_SERVO_DRIVE, AXIS_VIRTUAL, MOTION_GROUP, OUTPUT_CAM array, COORDINATE_SYSTEM, MESSAGE, CAM array, CAM PROFILE array, or PID, the
    Open <data type> Configuration
     check box is enabled. Select this check box to access a wizard that leads you through the configuration of these data types.
  7. (Optional) To make a connection to a parameter, in the
    Parameter Connection
     box, select a single connection for the parameter.
    To make multiple connections, select
    Open Parameter Connections
    . Select
    Create
     to open the
    Configuration Connection
     dialog where you can view and configure connections for the program parameter.
  8. From the
    Scope
     list, select the scope for the tag. If you are creating a new program parameter from a language editor, and the parameter is from another program, the program name appears in the
    Scope
    box.
  9. From the
    External Access
     list, select the access rights that tag will have from external applications, such as HMIs.
  10. From
    OPC UA Access
    , select the access rights that external OPC UA clients have to tags.
  11. (Optional) If you are creating a tag whose data type is BOOL, SINT, INT, DINT, or REAL, select a display style from the
    Style
    menu. The display style defines how the tag value is displayed in the Data Monitor and Ladder Editor.
  12. (Optional) To prevent executing logic from writing values to the tag, select
    Constant
    . The value fields in all other browsers and language editors are unavailable when the tag is a Constant tag.
    TIP: Use the
    Data Monitor
     to write values to the tag. Changes made to the values of constant tags are recorded in the Controller Log for future reference.
  13. For Equipment Phases, select
    Sequencing
     if you want the parameter to be seen by the
    FactoryTalk Batch
     Server. Only Input and Output parameters can be used by a sequence. Therefore, when the usage value is set to Input or Output, then by default,
    Sequencing
    option is available and not selected.
  14. To open the configuration wizard after you select
    Create
    , select
    Open Configuration
    .
  15. Select
    Open Parameter Connections
     to open the
    Configuration Connection
     dialog after you select
    Create
    . In the
    Configuration Connection
     dialog, you view and configure connections for the program parameter.
  16. Select
    Create
    to create the tag or program parameter, or select the down arrow and select one of the create options:
    • Create and Close
       to close the dialog box after you create the program parameter or tag (default).
    • Create and Open New
       to save the program parameter or tag you created and open another empty
      New Program Parameter or Tag
       dialog.
    • Create and Keep Open
       to save the program parameter or tag you created and keep the dialog open with the values still showing.
      TIP: To add an alarm for a tag or parameter, open the
      Tag Editor
      , right-click the row for the tag or parameter, and select
      Add alarm
      .
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