Blocks Quick reference
Input
These input blocks are also available for working specifically with discrete data.
Block name | Description |
.NET Wrapper Source |
The .NET Wrapper Source blocks enables integration of external .NET objects within the Architect environment. In this way, you can add custom functionality, your own code, or third party libraries and objects to the solution. |
OPC Classic Client Source |
The OPC Classic client source block is used to access online data on an OPC (OLE for Process Control) Classic server. |
OPC Classic Server Source |
This block allows Architect to function as an OPC Classic v3.0 Data Access Server. This allows OPC Classic clients to interface to the Proficy CSense Server, e.g., it acts as a data provider to a SCADA system. This OPC Classic Server source block makes available writable OPC items. Any OPC Classic client can then write to these OPC items which will be used as online data in a blueprint. |
OPC UA Client Source |
The OPC UA client source block is used to access online data on an OPC UA server. |
Optimised Database Source |
The Optimised Database Source block reads field data from an Optimised database which is configured with a table containing all field information (i.e. field ID and name) while another table contains the actual tag data. The two tables are linked by a foreign key relationship. |
PI Historian Source |
The PI Historian source allows users to import data directly from the PI Historian. |
Proficy Historian Source |
During execution, the value and quality for every tag for the given timestamp are read from the Historian. If an entry for the given tag and timestamp is not found, the value is set to 0 and the quality is set to bad. |
Tabular Database Source |
This block reads data from a table in a database where each tag is represented by a column. It also has the ability to function as an online database source. |
Text Source |
This block provides the functionality to read data from a delimited text file. Supported file-types include, for example, .csv or .txt files. |
Wonderware Historian Source |
During execution the value and quality for every tag for the given timestamp are read from the Historian If an entry for the given tag and timestamp is not found, the quality is set to bad. |
Output
These output blocks are also available for working specifically with discrete data.
Block name | Description |
Advanced Analytics Sink |
The Advanced Analytics Sink block writes the details from a developed solution for online deployment using the CSense Runtime Manager. |
.NET Wrapper Sink |
The .NET Wrapper Sink block allows the user to save objects from within the Architect environment for reuse in other .NET applications. |
OPC Classic Client Sink |
The OPC Classic client sink block is used to write online data back to an OPC Classic server. |
OPC Classic Server Sink |
This block allows Proficy CSense to function as an OPC Classic v3.0 Data Access Server. This block makes available read-only OPC items which can be read by any OPC Classic client. |
OPC UA Client Sink |
The OPC UA client sink block is used to write online data back to an OPC UA server. |
Optimized Database Sink |
This block writes field data to an Optimized database. An Optimized Database is configured with a table containing all field information (i.e. field ID and name) while another table contains the actual tag data. |
Proficy Historian Sink |
The Proficy Historian Sink block writes the details from a developed solution to an existing Proficy Historian. |
Tabular Database Sink |
This block writes data to a tabular database source where each tag is represented by a column. It also has the ability to function as an online database sink. |
Text Sink |
This block provides the functionality to write data to a delimited text file. Supported file-types include, for example, .csv or .txt files. |
General blocks
Block name | Description |
Field Selector |
This block allows the user to select which fields should continue to be used by the blueprint. |
Field Splitter |
This block splits the input port into multiple output ports, allowing the user to specify which fields are to be contained in which output port. |
Feedback |
The Feedback block allows the user to create feedback loops in a blueprint. |
Input Port |
Specifies the fields that can enter a superblock. An input port must be contained within a superblock. |
Output Port |
Specifies the fields that leave a superblock. An output port must be contained within a superblock. |
Port Combiner |
Combines the fields of two or more ports into one port. |
Port Selector |
The Port Selector makes use of an integer field to decide which one of its input ports it should use to define the output field for the current execution. |
Superblock |
The superblock is a 'container' for other blocks. It allows the user to generate a complex series of calculations while keeping the blueprint uncluttered and thus easier to understand. In effect the superblock creates underlying layers of calculations into which the user can 'drill down' by simply double-clicking on the superblock icon. The superblock can have one or more input ports and one or more output ports. |
Template block |
The template block allows users to import and use preconfigured user template (CUT) files in blueprints. User templates are external preconfigured superblocks that can be used in solution blueprints. |
Rules and Models blocks
Block name | Description |
CausePlus |
The Cause+ block provides a platform to run/simulate Cause+ through the Architect in real-time while giving immediate feedback to the operator. |
COM Wrapper |
This block is a Common Object Model (COM) client that allows users to integrate external software into Architect by supplying their own functionality in a COM component (DLL) developed in VB, C++, etc. |
.NET Scripting |
The .NET Scripting block allows you to manipulate fields through a script, which takes advantage of the endless capabilities provided by the Microsoft™ .NET Framework and the C# and VB.NET programming languages. |
.NET Wrapper |
The .NET Wrapper block enables integration of external .NET objects within the Architect environment. In this way, the user can add custom functionality, their own code, or third party libraries and objects to their solution. |
Fuzzy Logic |
This block evaluates the fuzzy logic model (as generated by the fuzzy logic editor application) each time the block executes. The values of the fuzzy input variables are read from the inputs assigned during configuration. |
Linear Model |
This block evaluates a multiple linear regression model each time the block executes. The Linear model must be trained and tested before it may be used in a particular application. |
Machine Learning Model |
This block is used to deploy pre-trained Machine Learning (ML) models using the Open Neural Network Exchange (ONNX) file format. |
Matlab (Deprecated) |
The Matlab block allows you to specify a Matlab function and use it to manipulate fields which are passed as an array parameter to the function. |
Model Alarming |
The Model alarming block monitors an input field and it generates an alarm if the field passes outside of the user-defined limits for longer than a user-defined time period. It is also able to extract useful information regarding the relationships between the variables in the process being modelled by performing analyses on the model block. It is further able to determine the causes for deviations (i.e. which of the variables is causing the deviation to occur) in the monitored variable. The analysis can recommend which adjustable variables should be altered (increased or decreased) in order to correct the deviation. |
Moving Alarm |
This block provides a mechanism for triggering alarms when the incoming data lies outside defined boundaries. |
Model Confidence Band |
This block calculates model-alarming limits based on the accuracy of the model. |
Model Predictive Control |
The MPC (Model Predictive Control) component provides Proficy CSense blueprint developers with a powerful model predictive control functionality for the development of advanced process control solutions. |
Nonlinear Classification Model |
This block implements a nonlinear model, which is a type of model able to learn by a process of trial and error. The Nonlinear Classification Model is used for classification of targets, compared to the Nonlinear Model block which is used for prediction of targets. |
Nonlinear model |
This block evaluates a nonlinear model (as trained by the offline or online trainer block) each time the block executes. The nonlinear model must be trained and tested before it may be used in a particular application. |
Nonlinear Optimization |
This block optimizes a certain cost function using a nonlinear algorithm by varying the input values of a selected block. |
Offline Trainer |
This block is used to train the nonlinear model block. It trains models by using a training data set. A training data set is composed of a set of input data spanning a certain time period and a set of target data spanning the same time period. |
Online Trainer |
This block is used to train the nonlinear model block in a real-time fashion. |
PCA |
The PCA block allows users to import PCA models exported from the Discrete & Batch Troubleshooter for use in a real-time deployment. |
PLS |
The aim of Partial Least Squares modelling (PLS) is to predict an output data set (Y) from an input data set (X). PLS models are linear models that can predict a specified variable in terms of other observed variables. |
PLS Analysis |
The PLS Analysis block is used to analyze the PLS model, and provides more information and greater understanding about the input variables of a dataset, used to determine the effect on a target variable. |
Python® Scripting |
The Python® Scripting block allows you to manipulate fields through a Python® script. |
Rules |
This block evaluates the Rules model each time the block executes. The values of the Rules block input variables are read from the inputs assigned during configuration. |
Script (Deprecated) |
This block allows the user to introduce new variables or manipulate existing ones. The value, time stamp and quality of output fields are controlled by the script. The script is run from top to bottom every time the block executes. The scripting language, very similar to Pascal, allows for the implementation of rules and custom formulas. |
State Based Actions |
This block implements models that contain internal state. States are defined by boolean expressions over the input and output fields. Actions may be performed when the state changes or periodically while in a state. |
Statistical blocks
Block name | Description |
Covariance |
The output of the block is the moving covariance between two input variables calculated over the last T seconds. |
Correlation Coefficient |
The output of the block is the correlation coefficient (R) between two input variables calculated over the last T seconds. |
Correlation Matrix |
This block calculates a matrix of correlation coefficients for a set of input values. From that matrix, the block outputs a set of timestamps, qualities, and values for the top correlations of all field pairs, top average correlations of all field pairs, and top deviations from the previous calculated average correlations of all field pairs. |
Correlation Statistics |
The output of the block is, respectively, the cross-correlation, the correlation coefficient R, and the covariance between two input variables calculated over the last T seconds. |
Cross Correlation |
The output of the block is the moving cross correlation between two input variables calculated over the last T seconds. |
Field Statistics |
The output of the block is, respectively, the maximum, minimum, average, variance, standard deviation, skew and kurtosis over the input fields. |
Moving Average |
This block calculates a moving average of the input fields or variables (the average is thus calculated over a time window of fixed span). |
Moving FFT |
The Moving FFT block calculates a moving Fast Fourier Transform on a trigger value or on every execute for a selected input field. |
Moving Median |
This block calculates a moving median of the input variables (the median is thus calculated over a time window of fixed span). |
Moving Min Max |
This block calculates a moving minimum and maximum of the input variables (the minimum and maximum is thus calculated over a time window of fixed span). |
Moving Standard Deviation |
This block calculates a moving standard deviation of the input variables (the standard deviation is thus calculated over a time window of fixed span). |
Moving Statistics |
The output of the block is respectively, the average, standard deviation, and variance of each input variable, calculated over the last T seconds. |
Moving Sum |
This block calculates a moving sum of the input variables (the median is thus calculated over a time window of fixed span). |
Moving Variance |
This block calculates a moving variance of the input variables (the variance is thus calculated over a time window of fixed span). |
SPC |
The SPC block produces statistics useful for monitoring and reducing the variation in a process. These statistics are produced for a chosen field over a given data window. |
Time-based blocks
Block name | Description |
Historical Sample & Hold |
The block keeps a history of input values for each field and samples the input at a point back in time, which is provided by a parameter with the reset signal. |
History Window |
This block keeps a history of the previous values of one of its input fields. |
Integrator |
This block calculates the integral of an input field and keeps a history of input values for each input field. The duration of the history is controlled by the window span setting. The integral value may be restarted from any point in the history. |
Resampler |
This block is used to combine data flows that execute at different sampling rates. It does this by starting a new data flow that executes at the rate that is configured through its configuration page. At its execute instant, it reads the current values on its input port and copies it to its output port. |
Reset on Input Change |
It generates a reset event when the input changes. This block generates a reset event for blocks able to handle a reset event. |
Sample & Hold |
The block samples the input (copies the fields on the input port to the fields on the output port) only when a reset event occurs. |
Time Delay |
The block can delay the input fields by a variable amount. The delay is controlled by the value of the field selected from the time delay port. |
Timestamp Filter |
The timestamp filter block removes changes in fields where only the times-tamp and not the value or quality changes. |
Time Weighted Average (Time Resetable) |
This block calculates the weighted average of an input field and keeps a history of input values for each input field. The weighted averaging may be restarted from any point in the history. |
Mathematical blocks
Block name | Description |
Adder |
This block performs arithmetic addition of fields. |
Subtractor |
This block calculates the difference between two fields. |
Multiplier |
This block calculates the product of two fields. |
Divider |
This block calculates the quotient of two fields. |
Rate of Change
|
This block calculates the difference between the current value of the field and the value it had some time ago divided by the time taken for this change to occur. |
Linear Gain |
It scales (multiplies by some constant value) and applies an offset to (i.e. adds some constant value) the output fields. |
Limiter |
This block clips input data that lies outside of the user-defined upper and lower limits. |
Min Max
|
Selects the minimum and maximum of all the input fields in the input port. |
Data Transformation blocks
Block name | Description |
Class Encoder |
The encoder changes an input field's representation to a Class representation. |
Limit Switch Decoder |
The limit switch decoder is used to correct the signals from a pair of limit switch signals for instruments such as a valve. |
Lookup Table 1D |
The one dimensional Lookup Table block performs a lookup in a user-defined table for values of the dependent variables using a single field as the index (the independent variable). |
Lookup Table 2D |
The two-dimensional Lookup Table block performs a lookup in a user-defined table for the value of a single dependent variable (the block output) using two fields as indexes (the independent variables, block inputs). |
String Lookup Table |
The String Lookup Table block converts an integer value into a string. The string associated with each value is specified in a lookup table. |
Data Quality blocks
Block name | Description |
Inactivity Detector |
Detects when a signal is inactive (constant) for a specified period of time |
Quality |
The Quality block sets the quality of fields based on the quality or values of other fields. The quality of the input fields is set based on the quality or values of the field in the quality port. The block obtains the quality of the output fields from the top input port and the value of the output fields from the bottom input port. The block may be configured to use either the value or the quality of the fields entering the quality port to determine the quality of the output fields. If the quality of the field used to determine the quality of the output field is bad, the output field quality will be bad. |
Quality Decoder |
The quality of the input field(s) is used to determine the value of the output field(s). The user specifies the values to use for good and bad quality input fields. The data type of the output field must be specified. |
Quality Encoder |
This block copies the input to the output except when the input field is bad quality. If the input field is bad quality, the block uses the configured value for bad quality input instead. |
User blocks
Block name | Description |
User blocks |
User blocks contain a reference to an external file which are pre-configured blueprints and/or superblocks that have been created according to specific requirements, and are saved as .cub files. |
Template blocks
Block name | Description |
Template blocks |
User blocks contain a reference to an external file which are pre-configured blueprints and/or superblocks that have been created according to specific requirements, and are saved as .cut files. When a blueprint contains template blocks, the external file is not loaded into the current blueprint until the blueprint is expanded. |
Common Analytics Framework (CAF) blocks
Block name | Description |
CAF Analytics blocks |
Each block on the CAF palette represents a different Analytic that can be used in a blueprint. Each Analytic will have specific configuration requirements in order for the Analytic algorithms to be calculated. |
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