Overview of blocks
A Block is a unit that performs a calculation in a blueprint.
In this section you can view all the blocks within Architect:
Input
There is a growing list of interfaces.
The OPC Classic client and server blocks are the workhorse interfaces. Architect provides other custom interfaces as well.
Output
General
General blocks for managing the flow of information.
The Superblock allows the user to organize solutions hierarchically (a Superblock contains other blocks).
Rules & Models
Provides for:
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Data-driven modeling techniques such as nonlinear models and linear models
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Knowledge-driven modeling techniques, such as fuzzy logic or scripting
The COM and .NET wrapper blocks enables the user to add existing code (e.g. in VB, C++, Delphi, etc.), applications, or any functionality not directly supported by Architect. They also enable adding custom blocks to Architect, as long as these custom blocks adhere to the specified COM or .NET interfaces.
Statistical
Time-based
These blocks are useful for dynamic processes with time delays (fixed or variable), or with sample values that become available only later, for example.
Mathematical
Blocks for mathematical functions. The rate of change and limiter blocks are especially useful from a data quality and data validation perspective.
Data Transformation
Transform your data to a more usable format. Some examples include using the String lookup block to convert event codes to string messages, or the Limit switch decoder block to correct the signals from a pair of limit switch signals for an instrument such as a valve.
Data Quality
Each block in Architect has data quality as a property, which is very important in providing a reliable solution. It is also critical for developing proper and reliable data-driven models.
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
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
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.
Related topics: