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How to

How to


Products: Automation Server, AS-B, AS-P, WorkStation, Virtual Project Servers
Functionalities: Basic Functionality
Product version: 1.8, 1.9
10/13/2016

Configuring the Retain Level

Configure the retain level to control what happen to values when different system events occurs.

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In Building Operation, variable values are primarily stored in flash memory in order to have their values survive power fail and server shutdown. However, values that are often collected are only stored in the SDRAM memory. This is done to protect the flash memory in the SmartStruxure server device.

Variables have a retain level that controls if the value of the variable is retained after a restart of the server. There are three retain levels. The following table lists the retain levels and whether a variable is retained after cold start, warm start, or power failure.

Table: Retain Levels

Retain level

Cold start

Warm start

Power failure

No

Warm start

x

x

Cold start

x

x

x

In addition, the retain level also defines if and when a variable value is saved in the configuration database. A new value of a variable can either be configured by a user or by an application, for example Function Block or Script.

User written variable values with warm start retained and cold start retained levels are stored in the database. These variable values are part of a backup and restore of the database.

Application written variable values with cold start retained levels are stored in the database during certain activities, such as backup and export.

Table: Retain Levels for Certain Events and Activities

System Events and Activities

Retain level: No

Retain level: Cold start

Retain level: Warm start

Cold start command

Default value a

Variable retains last value configured by a user. Values set by an application are retained. 

Variable retains last value configured by a user. Values set by an application are lost.

Warm start command

Default value a

Variable retains last value configured by a user. Values set by an application are retained. 

Variable retains last value configured by a user. Values set by an application are retained. 

Exporting & Importing

Default value a

Variable retains last value configured by a user. Values set by an application are retained. 

Variable retains last value configured by a user. Values set by an application are lost.

Viewing Variable in Building Operation user interface

Shows the last value configured by a user or set by an an application.

Shows the last value configured by a user or set by an an application.

Shows the last value configured by a user or set by an application.

Backup & Restore

Default value a

Variable retains last value configured by a user. Values set by an application are retained. 

Variable retains last value configured by a user. Values set by an application are lost.

Power loss and restore

Default value a

Variable retains last value configured by a user. Values set by an application are retained. 

Variable retains last value configured by a user. Values set by an application are retained. 

Upgrade

Default value a

Variable retains last value configured by a user. Values set by an application are retained. 

Variable retains last value configured by a user. Values set by an application are lost.

  1. Default value is the value the variable gets when it is created. 
Function Block

Function block objects have there own backup function. The backup function in Function Block overrides the retain level in Building Operation. For more information, see Edit Block Dialog Box .

To configure the retain level

  1. In WorkStation, in the System Tree pane, click the value.

  2. Click the Configure button

     
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    .

  3. Select Retain level .

     
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  4. In the Retain level box, select the retain level.

See Also

  • Retain Level
  • Configure Dialog Box – Configuration Tab
  • Configure Dialog Box – Operation Tab