Specifications

Advanced Configuration Features
EIO0000000051 6/2010 251
Virtual Placeholder
Summary
The virtual placeholder feature lets you create a standard island configuration and
depopulated variations of that configuration that share the same fieldbus process
image, thereby letting you maintain a consistent PLC or fieldbus master program for
various island configurations. The depopulated islands are physically built using
only those modules that are not marked as not present, thus saving cost and space.
As part of an Advantys STB island custom configuration, you can set Virtual
Placeholder status for any STB I/O or preferred third-party module whose node
address is assigned by the NIM during auto-addressing.
After a module has been assigned Virtual Placeholder status, you can physically
remove it from its Advantys STB island base, while retaining the island’s process
image. All modules that physically remain in the Advantys STB island configuration
will retain their previous node addresses. This lets you physically alter the design of
your island, without having to edit your PLC program.
NOTE: Advantys configuration software is required to set Virtual Placeholder status.
Setting Virtual Placeholder Status
To set Virtual Placeholder status:
Step Action
1 Open the STB I/O or preferred third-party module’s property window.
2 In the Options tab, select Not Present.
3 Click OK to save your settings. The Advantys STB configuration software marks
the virtual placeholder module with a red "X" (as shown below).