Detailed Description   
2.2 Functions 
  Various NC/PLC Interface Signals and Functions (A2) 
2-28  Function Manual, 08/2005 Edition, 6FC5397-0BP10-0BA0 
Organization of memory area 
The user's programming engineer (NCK and PLC) is responsible for organizing (structuring) 
this memory area. 
Every storage position in the memory can be addressed provided that the limit is selected 
according to the appropriate data format (i.e., a DWORD for a 4-byte limit, a WORD for a 2-
byte limit, etc.). 
The memory is accessed via the data type and the position offset within the memory area. 
Access from NC 
To allow the NC to access PLC variables (from a part program) quickly, $ variables are 
provided in the NCK. The PLC uses a function call (FC) to read and write $ variables. Data 
are transferred to and from the NCK immediately.  
$ variables can be accessed (by the NCK) during preprocessing and in synchronized 
actions. 
Data type information is determined by the $ variable data type, the position index is 
specified as an array index (in bytes). 
The following $ variables are available: 
 
$A_DBB  Data byte (8 bits) 
$A_DBW  Data word (16 bits) 
$A_DBD  Data double word (32 bits) 
$A_DBR  Real data (32 bits) 
Ranges of values 
 
$A_DBB(n)  <= x <= 255 
$A_DBW(n)  -32768 <= x <= 3276 
$A_DBD(n)  -2147483648 <= x <= 2147483647 
Access from PLC 
The PLC uses function calls (FC) to access the memory. These FCs ensure that data are 
read and written in the DPR immediately, i.e., not just at the beginning of the PLC cycle. FCs 
receive data type information and the position offset as parameters.