Testing of Timer Function Blocks in FBD

Testing for time-related behaviors of PLC software is important and should be performed carefully. We propose a structural testing technique on function block diagram (FBD) networks including timer function blocks. In order to test FBD networks including timer function blocks, we generate templates for timer function blocks and transform a unit FBD into a flow-graph using the proposed templates. We apply existing testing techniques to the generated flowgraph and describe how the characteristics of timer function blocks are reflected in the testing process. By the proposed method, FBD networks including timer function blocks can be tested thoroughly without the intermediate code which was essential in the previous FBD testing. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we use a trip logic of bistable processor of digital plant protection systems which is being developed in Korea.