Bit Lamps :

Bit lamps are objects used to display the ON/OFF states of the PLC memory bits (like
IX0.0.0, QX0.0.3, MW3.7, etc.) and HMI memory bits ( like HX3, HW4.5, etc.).

Bit Lamps Display:

Since any memory bit switch has only two states ( ON and OFF ), one can assign one
picture for the ON state and one picture for the OFF state. These pictures can be taken from
XP_Builder library or imported from anywhere. By the way, the transparency (no picture) can
be adopted for the ON state or the OFF state or Both states. This is true because any object in
the HMI screens is defined by the rectangular area it occupies .
Figure (1) states the forementioned lines and says that the bit lamp can take no pictures for
both states, or can take one well selected picture for the ON state and another well selected
picture for the OFF states, or can take suitable picture for the ON state and no picture for the
OFF state , or no picture for the ON state and a suitable picture for the OFF state, or the same
picture for the ON and OFF states.

Figure (1): Bit lamp display patterns

Bit Lamp Text :
As it is the case with the bit lamp display, the lamp objects can take different or similar
captions for the ON and OFF states. Figure (2) displays samples of bit lamp assignment.

Figure (2): Bit lamp text samples

Bit Switches:
These type of switches are used to set the ON/OFF states of the PLC memory bits ( like
MX1, MW4.9, QX0.0.5, etc.) and HMI memory bits ( like HX3, HW5.6, etc.).

Bit Switches Action Types:

These switches have four action types. These are the ON, OFF, Momentary, and Alternative.
The ON Type Bit Switch behaves the same way, the Set instruction behaves. The Set
instruction once activated, forces its memory address to take ON state (or logic 1) and remains
at that logic until changed by Reset instruction working on the same address. The bit switch with
ON action type once clicked, forces its memory address to take logic 1 value and remain on that
state until changed by another bit switch with the same address but with OFF type action.
The OFF Type Bit Switch behaves the same way the Reset instruction behaves. The Reset
instruction once activated, forces its memory address to take OFF state (or logic 0) and remains
at that logic until changed by Set instruction working on the same address. The bit switch with
OFF action type once clicked, forces its memory address to take logic 0 value and keeps that
value until changed by another bit switch with the same address but with ON type action.

The Momentary Type Bit Switch behaves the same way the Normally Open pushbutton
behaves. The normally open pushbutton takes ON state ( logic 1) as long as its actuation area is
pressed, once the actuation area is released, it returns back to its normal OFF state (logic 0).
The momentary type bit switch makes its address logic equal to “1” as long as it is under
pressure, once the pressure is released, the bit switch address returns back to its “0” logic.

The Alternative Type Bit Switch behaves the same way the two states Selector Switch behaves.
The two states selector switch has two positions. At one position breaks the circuit and at the
other position joins or closes the circuit. The alternative type bit switch also takes one of two
states ( positions). It can be only found under either the ON state ( joining state) or the OFF state
( breaking state). Once it is clicked, it inverts the states of its address.

Bit Switches Display:

Since the bit switch has only two states ( ON and OFF ), one can assign one picture for the
ON state and one picture for the OFF states. These pictures can be taken from XP_Builder
library or imported from anywhere. Also, the transparency (no picture) can be adopted for the
ON state or the OFF state or Both states.
Figure (3) displays the possible display configurations for the Bit switch object.
Note : Check the check box titled “Use lamp condition “ to let the switch behaves as if it were a
real one.

Figure (3): Bit Switch display patterns

Bit Switch Action Condition:
This facility allows the programmer to prevent the unsafety switching of the bit switches. The
switching can only take place when ascertain conditions are valid.

Bit Switch Details:

This facility allows the programmer to assign a password for the bit switch to restrict its
switching only for the qualified persons.

Example 1: Magnetic Contactor Simulation.