User guide

WindI

rive

Creating

Software

Schematics

Building programs using Win+Drive is very similar to creating electrical circuit descriptions. It consists

mainly of two actions:

selecting and placing blocks of code onto the schematic

and connecting these blocks.

5.1 Placing Software Blocks

Figure 5.1: Block

A block is always the representation of a specific function that is performed by a piece of code. This software

function evaluates input values which are represented by input ports and calculates output values which are

represented by output ports. If the input port of a block is connected to the output port of another then this

block will read the results of this preceding block.

There are two different types of blocks:

basic blocks

compound blocks.

Basic blocks are the atomic building parts and always represent software code. Compound blocks are repre-

sentations of schematics and are used for dividing the total project into several schematics within a hierachy.

Compound blocks will be described in detail in Chapter 7.

Basic blocks are organized in groups. Since there can be a large number of different basic blocks its easier to

select them if there is this kind of organization and ordering. Groups are normally organized in a way that

basic blocks with similar functions are grouped together (for example arithmetic blocks, logical blocks,

function generators).

For placing blocks onto the schematic two different methods are implemented:

placing by drag&drop from the block toolbar

and selecting from the insert menu.

5.1.

Tooibar

Placing Blocks by Drag&Drop from

the

Block

To place a block from the Block Toolbar perform the following actions:

first select the appropriate group by clicking an icon of the left side of the Block Toolbar. Now the right

half of this

toolbar

will display the members of this group

select a block from the toolbar by moving the mouse onto its icon and pressing the left mouse button. The

mouse cursor will change to a symbol representing a block

hold down the left mouse button and

move

the mouse to the place within the schematic the block should

be placed (Drag action)

At this point release the mouse button. The block will be placed at this point (Drop action).

If the mouse is positioned on a point where the block cannot be placed (outside the client area of a schematics

window) the mouse cnrsor changes to a symbol showing that no drop action is possible.