Structuring of the Task
After analysis of the automation task, there is structuring by forming function groups. In the process the architecture is also defined. Is, for example, a pure master – slave system to be built or is does a multi-master architecture with decentralized intelligence offer an advantage? ProCANopen supports structuring through group formation. These can be used for representing function groups or also for visualizing any topographic circumstances.

Device Selection
In the next step, the devices required for the system are selected by taking into account their function in the system. The nodes can be quickly moved and placed in the topology window using the mouse. Selection of the devices is made using a list of the available devices. This list can be extended by adding EDS files. The nodes can be assigned names, node IDs and a text description. In this fashion, the task of the respective node can be precisely defined and documented. The use of modular devices is conveniently supported. Here, modules can easily be added or removed. Alignment of the corresponding object directories is done automatically. In addition there is the possibility of assigning a bitmap to each node, which facilitates working with complex layouts.

Definition of the Process Data
ProCANopen supports assignment of symbolic names to process data. Symbolic variable names can be used in the entire ProCANopen. Variable names can be managed exactly as they are declared by SYS TEC in the programming environment in accordance with IEC 61131-3.

Definition of the Communications Parameters
Network-wide parameters like baud rate or SYNC setting are managed centrally. One of the principal tasks of ProCANopen is the convenient generation and concise representation of communications channels. Net nodes can be dialogue – controlled or graphically linked.

Definition of the Device Parameters
Many devices provide configurability of a number of user parameters – for example, threshold values in analogue I/Os or ramp parameters in the case of drives. Along with an integrated list of all parameters for setting of these values, ProCANopen includes a node master. This feature enables direct access to all device parameters via the CANopen network. The parameters can be read, changed and rewritten.

Programmable Devices and Masters
ProCANopen includes an interface for incorporating the programming environments in accordance with SYS TEC IEC 61131-3. This includes the node-dependent calling of the associated programming system with transfer of all required data and alignment of process data for ensuring system-wide consistency after changes in the device program.

Download of the Data and Commissioning
ProCANopen stores all project planning data in standardized file formats (DCF). In addition, ProCANopen allows direct download of all data into the individual devices of the network. In virtue of the ProCANopen integrated master functions, such as starting of individual nods and booting of the entire network, the user can put his automation system into operation quickly and easily.

System Analysis and Customer Care
Thanks to the high-performance export functions, all important data can be exported from ProCANopen. In this fashion, network-wide system analyses – like performance measurements, for instance – can be carried out in external programs such as, for example, in the CANalyzer. Read out and setting of the device parameters or process data is done by ProCANopen using the NodeMaster. This is how Customer Care gets access to all essential information.

Documentation
ProCANopen provides a print function for printing out paper copy. Using the export functions, project planning data can be transferred to other programs – for instance, text processing, spreadsheets, etc. – and further processed.