As a .NET based platform, the NA uses .NET 32 bit data types, these are different to 16 bit IEC based controllers used elsewhere on the machine. This allows for flexibility offered by using a .NET environment and language especially with a graphical user interface while allowing the real time IEC based controllers to continue using their data types and programming methods that are well suited to their tasks.

The correct NA data types are automatically chosen when mapping to a variable on an IEC device (a PLC or Machine Controller) and conversion between the types will happen automatically. Sysmac Studio will even assign a suitable NA Variable name when mapping a controller variable onto the NA.

In addition, this mapping process ensures that only variables you are interested in on the HMI have their values updated over your busy network during runtime.

This article shows which data types are available for the NA Series and how these are mapped to IEC data types on the controllers. Note the NA also supports arrays of all of these types.

Note 1: VB.Net does not have a BCD data type. However unsigned BCD data types values can be represented by unsigned integer data types

Note 2: CJ device Timer and Counter values, (PV) cannot be represented as published symbols, (unsupported for these data types), therefore they cannot be addressed using symbolic addressing- However they can be accessed by using physical memory addressing with the appropriate data type. (Unsigned BCD or Unsigned Binary data type dependent upon configuration in device).

Note 3: TIME has no direct equivalent data type and in VB.Net is represented by the TimeSpan structure

For version 1.0 mapping an NJ structured variable will automatically create an NA structure to match the external device. This structured data can then be used within the NA.

See Also:

Introduction to the NA series HMI