Specifications
Advanced Configuration Features
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31004624 8/2009
Run-Time Parameters
Introduction
For STB modules, the Advantys Configuration Software provides the RTP (run-time 
parameters) feature. It can be used for monitoring and modifying selected I/O 
parameters and Island bus status registers of the NIM while the Island is running. 
This feature is available only in standard STB NIMs with firmware version 2.0 or 
later.
RTP must be configured using the Advantys Configuration Software before it can be 
used. RTP is not configured by default. Configure RTP by selecting Configure run-
time Parameters in the Options tab of the NIM Module Editor. This allocates the 
necessary registers within the NIM’s data process image to support this feature.
Request and Response Blocks
Once configured, use the RTP feature by writing up to 5 reserved words in the NIM’s 
output data process image (the RTP request block) and by reading the value of 4 
reserved words in the NIM’s input data process image (the RTP response block). 
The Advantys Configuration Software displays both blocks of reserved RTP words 
in the Island’s I/O Image Overview dialog box, both in the Modbus Image tab and 
(for NIMs with a separate fieldbus image) in the Fieldbus Image tab. In each tab, 
the blocks of reserved RTP words appear after the block of process I/O data and 
before the block of HMI data (if any).
NOTE: The Modbus address values of the RTP request and response blocks are 
the same in all standard NIMs. The fieldbus address values of the RTP request and 
response blocks depend upon the network type. Use the Fieldbus Image tab of the 
I/O Image Overview dialog box to obtain the location of the RTP registers. For 
Modbus Plus and Ethernet networks, use the Modbus register numbers.
Exceptions
Any parameter you modify using the RTP feature does not retain its modified value 
if one of the following events occurs:
z Power is cycled to the NIM. 
z A Reset command is issued to the NIM using the Advantys Configuration 
Software.
z A Store to SIM Card command is issued using the Advantys Configuration 
Software.
z The module whose parameter has been modified is hot-swapped.
If a module is hot-swapped, as indicated by the HOT_SWAP indicator bit, you can 
use the RTP feature to detect which module has been hot-swapped and to 
restore the parameters to their previous values.










