Automation Studio Tutorial

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CAD & SIMULATION SOFTWARE FOR

PNEUMATICS, HYDRAULICS, ELECTRICAL CONTROLS, SFC

(GRAFCET), & DIGITAL ELECTRONICS

Quick Start & Demonstration Guide


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Automa tion StudioAutoma tion Studio Quick Start & Demonstration Guide

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Table of contents

1. OVERVIEW OF AUTOMATION STUDIO 1

2. OBJECTIVES OF THIS GUIDE 1

3. INSTALLATION 2

3.1. System Requirements 2

3.2. Demo Software Limitations 2

3.3. Setting Up Automation Studio on your hard disk 2

4. BUILDING A SIMPLE CIRCUIT 2

4.1. Adding the Actuator 5

4.2. Adding the Directional Valve 6

4.3. Connecting Components with Pressure Lines 7

4.4. Adding the electrical circuit 7

4.5. Adding the text 8

4.6. Simulating the Circuit 9

5. EXPLORING THE LIBRARY AND OTHER AUTOMATION STUDIO FEATURES 10

6. SIMULATING DEMO CIRCUITS 10

6.1. Opening an Existing File 10

7. AUTOMATION STUDIO FEATURES 10


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1. Overview of Automation Studio

Drag & Drop CAD & Simulation Software

for Automation TechnologiesAUTOMATION STUDIO is a completely integrated software package that allows users to design, simulate and animate circuits

consisting of various automation technologies.

AUTOMATION STUDIO is the ideal CAD and simulation tool for teachers, students and engineers. In addition to its standard

Pneumatic and Ladder Logic libraries, AUTOMATION STUDIO further supports the following technologies: Hydraulics, Digital

Electronics.

Quick simulation operation

A multi-document

interface

Easy and intergrated editing

2. Object ives of this Guide

Included in this package is a CD-ROM containing a fully operational AUTOMATION STUDIO package. By loading these into your

computer and following the step-by-step instructions included in this booklet, you will better appreciate the features of this trulyinnovative program.

This quick start guide will show you how to build a basic diagram and how to use the various commands which will allow you to

build your own diagrams.

There are also many demonstration circuits available on which to practice the software features.

By using this kit you will be able to design circuits quickly and learn about all the features that make AUTOMATION STUDIO the

best CAD and simulation package for all your training and engineering applications.


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The whole tutorial will take youless than 30 minutes.

.

Enjoy your tutorial and, should you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time, it will be a

pleasure for us to answer all your questions.

3. Installation

3.1. System RequirementsAs a minimum, the following equipment and configuration are required to run AUTOMATION STUDIO:

Operating Systems: MS-DOS version 5.0 or higherand Microsoft Windows version 3.1, Windows 95, 98,NT

Microprocessor 80 486 or higherRAM 16 MB minimumHard Disk Hard disk with 10 to 40 MB of free space

Drives 3.5 in. or CD-ROMMonitor VGA or SVGA; 256 colors preferableMouse Two-button Microsoft mouse or compatible.

3.2. Demo Software LimitationsYour demonstration software runs for periods of 60 minutes at a time. This will be sufficient for you to edit simple diagrams.

Should you reach the maximum time limit, the program will end its operation.

You may restart it at any time to run another 60 minute session. Furthermore, the demonstration version does not allow printingor saving

of diagrams.

3.3. Setting Up Automation Studio on your hard diskTo install the demo software:

1. Start Windows.

2. Insert the AUTOMATION STUDIO demo CD-ROM in the appropriate drive( for example drive D or E ).3. In the Program Manager window, click onFile and then click on Run.

4. In the Command Line box, type the drive letter for the disk drive followed by \install.exe.

5. For example, type: D:\install.exe6. Click onOK or press ENTER and follow the instructions as they appear on the screen.

7. Once the software is installed, a AUTOMATION STUDIO program group is automatically created.

4. Building a Simple Circuit

Use AUTOMATION STUDIO to create the circuit shown on the following figure.


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1. Start Windows anddouble-click on the AUTOMATION STUDIO icon in the AUTOMATION STUDIO program group. The

AUTOMATION STUDIO window appears.

2. Maximize the AUTOMATION STUDIO application window by double-clicking on the AUTOMATION STUDIO title bar. You

must then create a new project, into which you will create the diagram.

3. Click on theFile menu and then click on the New Project command

or click on the New Project button on the toolbar.

Select the default template Normal.prt for a basic working space. The user can also create his own templates.


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The Project Manager window appears and shows a list of all the diagrams in your new project (which currently has none).

You must next create a new diagram.

1. Click on theDocument menu then click on the NewDiagram command

or click on the New Diagram button on the toolbar

A new diagram window titled DIAGRAM 1 is displayed on screen.


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1. Maximize the Diagram Window by double-clicking on its title bar.2. To add a grid, click on the View menu then click on the Grid command.

Note: In this example, we recommend to layout components according to specific coordinates. However, thesecoordinates should only help guiding you and may differ according to the way you will layout your components.

4.1. Adding the Actuator

To access components, you must first open the Library Window.

1. Click on the View menu then click on the Library commandor click on the Library button on the toolbar.

The Library Window appears

giving you access to the various

workshops: Pneumatic, Hydraulic,Ladder Logic, etc.

The structure of the library is hierarchical. You can navigate through it by using drop-down lists. In a similar fashion as for the

directories and sub-directories of the Windows File Manager, the names of the different categories in each workshop areaccompanied by a symbol located on the left.

Indicates a closed list. To open it and view its contents, you must click on the name of the list.

Indicates an opened drop-down list. You can see that it contains additional lists or elements. To close it, cl;ick on the name of the

list.

To insert a component in the workspace, you must first select it from the Library. The insertion of a component is sometimes

followed by the automatic display of a Properties dialog box. Generally, the component properties allow you to define the

component behavior in the diagram. Properties can also specify the input/output quantities, internal function and size of thecomponent, however, for single-function components, the only property to enter is its label (identifier).

1. In the Library window, click onPneumatic. Then click onActuators. By browsing through the list with the left mouse button

held down, you can view the components in the lower part of the window.

2. Click onSA Cylinder (Spring Return) and then release the mouse button. Move the cylinder on the diagram workspace to

coordinates X=4, Y=19 (as displayed on the bottom of the AUTOMATION STUDIO window)

Note: clicking the right mouse button cancels the library selection.

3. Click the mouse to drop the cylinder in place.

This opens a dialog box. Parameters such as piston diameter, rod diameter, friction forces and applied forces may be assigned

to the cylinder.


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4. Click onOK to acknowledge the default cylinder configuration.

4.2. Adding the Directional Valve

1. Click onPneumatic in the Library window. This brings back the different pneumatic component categories.

2. Click onDirectional Valves.3. In the list, click on3/2 NC valve.

4. Move the valve on the workspace to position X=21, Y=50. Then click the mouse to drop it in place. A dialog box appears.

This dialog box allows you to design just about any valve configuration needed. Let's build the commands for our valve.

5. Scroll down the Command Selection list (located on the upper right area of the dialog box) list until you find theSolenoid

option, then select it by double clicking on the solenoid symbol.6. The Solenoid appears left of the valve and the cursor automatically appears in the Command Identifier box. TypeSOL-1

and hit the Return key twi ce.

7. The cursor automatically goes back in the Command Selection list to select the command of the valve. Scroll you find theSpring option. Select theSpring by double clicking on the Spring symbol.

8. Click OK. The valve then appears completed on the workspace.


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4.3. Connecting Components with Pressure Lines

1. In the Library Window, click onPneumatic and then click on Lines.2. Click onExhaust.3. Move the Exhaust on the workspace to connect it to the 3/2 NC valve exhaust port, i.e. the lower right port. (it should be at

position X=33, Y=64). To properly connect, the connections circles must overlap. Click the mouse to drop it in place

NOTE: When properly connected, the connections color changes to black.

1. In the Library Window, click on Pneumatic Pressure Source.

2. Move the Pneumatic Pressure Source to connect it to the 3/2 NC valve pressure port (it should be at position X=28, Y=64).

Click the mouse to drop it in place.

3. In the library Window, now click onPressure Line. As you move the mouse on the workspace, the cursor takes thefollowing shape:

4. Move the cursor on the top connection of the valve (it should be at position X=33, Y=50). As soon as a connection is

possible, the cursor arrow turns to black, then click the mouse button once.

5. Move the cursor to the Cylinder input port (it should be at position X=9, Y=33). As soon as a connection exists, the cursor

arrow turns to black, click the mouse. The connection between the valve and the cylinder is now completed.

NOTE: lines will remain attached to components if they are moved on the diagram. This rubber-banding functionality is very important when one

wants to modify a circuit at a later stage.

6. To quit the line drawing mode, click the right mouse button.

4.4. Adding the electrical circu it

1. Click onWorkshops in the Library Window to view the various libraries.

2. Click onLadder Logic (US). All Ladder Logic components categories appear underneath.3. Click onPower Sources and then click on Power Supply 24 Volts.

4. Move the 24V power supply on the workspace on the right hand side of the valve at, say, position X=57, Y=33. Then click

the mouse to drop it into place.

5. Click onLadder Logic (US) and then click on Switches. This lets you view the various types of switches available in the

Ladder Logic library.6. Now click onPush-button NO.

7. Move the Push-button so that its left connection overlaps the connection of the 24 Volts Power Supply (it should be atposition X=62, Y=43). Click the mouse to drop it into place. A Window appears into which you can assign an identifier to the

Push-button.


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8. TypeEXT in the Identifier box and then click onOK.

9. Click onLadder Logic (US) and then click on Output Components. This lets you view the various types of output

components available in the Ladder Logic library.10. Now click onSolenoid.

11. Move the Solenoid so that its left connection overlaps the right connection of the Push-button (it should be at position X=76,

Y=45). Click the mouse to drop it into place. A window appears into which you can assign a label to the solenoid.12. Click on the pull-down arrow on the right of the Identifier box. In the list, click on SOL-1 and then click on OK.

13. Click onLadder Logic (US) and then click on Power Sources.

14. Now click onCommon (0 Volts).15. Move the Common on the workspace such that its connection overlaps the right connection of the Solenoid (it should be at

position X=86, Y=33). Click the mouse to drop it.

4.5. Adding the textThe text button on the toolbar allows you to write comments or additional information in your diagram.

1. Click on the Text button located on the vertical toolbar on the very right of the AUTOMATION STUDIO window. The mouse

pointer takes the shape of the text icon.2. Move the cursor to position X=9, Y=4. Then click the left mouse button and keep it pressed.

3. Drag the text box by moving the cursor to position X=91, Y=16. Then release the mouse button. The text box appears.

4. TypeSimple SA Cylinder Circuit in the text box then click OK. The circuit is now completed. .

5. To quit the text editing mode, click the right mouse button.


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4.6. Simulating the Circuit

One of the most outstanding feature of AUTOMATION STUDIO is its simulation capabilities. Here you will bring to life the circuit

you just designed. To do this, you only need to use the simulation buttons located on the Simulation toolbar which are:

starts the simulation does Step-by-Step simulation

pauses the simulation does Slow Motion simulation

stops the simulation

To simulate the SA Cylinder circuit:

1. Click on the Simulation menu and then click on the Start project command or Click on the Start Simulation button.

The simulation starts. Components are activated, Pressure lines and electrically powered components are color-coded. As well,

the cursor takes the shape of a hand, which allows you to manually operate components.

1. Move the hand on to the EXT push-butt on. Then click the left mouse button andhold it down. The cylinder extends.

NOTE: the simulation will not work properly if some components are not connected properly. To identify which components may not be well

connected, stop the simulation, then click on the Tools menu and then click on VerifyConnections . AUTOMATION STUDIO will automaticallyhighlight the wrongly connected components.

2. Release the mouse button to release the EXT push-button. The cylinder retracts. To latch the push-button, point at it, click

and drag the pointer away from it and then release the mouse button.

3. Repeat the previous steps as many times as needed to visualize the dynamics of the circuit

4. Now try the animation mode. While the circuit is in simulation, move the cursor on the Cylinder and click the right mousebutton. Click on the animation option, and see the cylinder cross-section animation, synchronized with the circuit operation!


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NOTE: Animations are only available for a limited number of components (the component that have an animation are shown in blue duringsimulation). Your screen display properties settings must be set for 256 colors only.

5. Try the other simulation modes by clicking the various simulation buttons on the toolbar.

6. To stop the simulation, click on the Simulation menu and then click on the Stop command or Click on the Stop Simulationbutton.

Congratulations! You have completed your first session using AUTOMATION STUDIO.

5. Exploring the Library and other AUTOMATION STUDIO features

Now that you have gained the basic knowledge to create and simulate diagrams, we encourage you to explore the library and

build circuits of your own, you will better appreciate how extensive the library is.

Build diagrams with hydraulics, electrical or digital components or build projects with 2 or more diagrams.

Also, you can explore the various editing functions that are available to you in the top menu, especially the ones found in EDIT,

LAYOUT and VIEW menus and enjoy the ease of use of AUTOMATION STUDIO, the most user friendly and innovative software

package that will fulfill your training and CAD needs in every way!

6. Simulat ing demo circuits

During the installation of the AUTOMATION STUDIO demo software, several demonstration circuits have been copied in the

following directory: C:\ASTUDIO\DEMO.

Browse through and open any file to learn more about the exciting possibilities of AUTOMATION STUDIO.

6.1. Opening an Existing FileTo open an existing file:

1. Click on the File menu then click the Open command.

2. From the Open dialog box, select the sub-directory DEMO. A list of AUTOMATION STUDIO files with the .PRO extension

appears.3. Select any file and click OK.

4. This opens the project and displays on the list the diagram(s) it contains . Open one or more of the diagrams in the list by

double-clicking onto it directly.

5. Maximize the diagram.Start the simulation and operate the circuit.

7. AUTOMATION STUDIO Features Optional basic libraries including: pneumatics, hydraulics, ladder logic, digital electronics, Grafcet and Bill of Material.

Imports and .SIM files.

Exports to DXF format. (AutoCADTM), Windows Metafiles .WMF and Enhanced Windows Metafiles .EMF

Simulation pace can be adjusted to either slow-motion, step-by-step and pause.

Standalone editing and simulation. No need for drawing software such as AutoCadTM or AutoSketchTM.

Project revision tracking.

Prints to standard engineering sizes including ANSI A-E and ISO A4-A0.

Rubber-banding keeps lines connected to components as they are moved.

Windows 3.1, 95, 98 and NT compatible.

Check connection command for easy troubleshooting.


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Includes basic graphical shapes and text functions to complement circuit documentation.

Supports ISO 1219-1/-2 as well as American and European graphical standards.

Adjustable flow and pressure controls.

Parameters, such as size for cylinders, pressure setting for regulators and opening for flow controls, can be assigned tocomponents and adjusted while in simulation.

Learn to use it within an hour.

Full-color simulation and component cross-section animation.

Multiple Document Interface (MDI), allows projects to integrate more than one schematic. Configurable line thicknesses, style and colors.

Jump-to-label component allows the transfer of pressures and voltages from one schematic to another.

Use of short-cut keys to increase design speed.

Can be connected to a PLC or to external equipment, with optional interface card (FIC).

Includes on-line technical help on components to improve training.

Documents

Automation Studio Tutorial