EAE CAT Block Creation

Create and register CAT (Composite Application Type) blocks – the most common block type in EAE.

CAT = Enhanced Composite FB with:

• HMI visualization (symbols)
• OPC-UA server interface
• Persistence (offline parameters)

This skill handles:

• Creating new CAT blocks from scratch
• Registering CAT blocks in dfbproj (including forked blocks from eae-fork)
• Generating HMI symbol files
• Validating CAT registration

Tip: Need standard blocks like E_CYCLE, E_DELAY, or MQTT inside your CAT? Use /eae-runtime-base to find the right Runtime.Base block.

Quick Start

User: Create a CAT block called MotorController in MyLibrary namespace
Claude: [Creates IEC61499/MotorController/ folder with all files]

Triggers

• /eae-cat
• /eae-cat --register-only – Register existing CAT block (used by eae-fork orchestration)
• “create CAT block”
• “create block with HMI”
• “create CAT with visualization”

Register-Only Mode (for eae-fork Orchestration)

When called with --register-only, this skill skips file creation and only performs project registration. This mode is used by eae-fork to complete the fork workflow after file transformation.

/eae-cat --register-only {BlockName} {Namespace}

What –register-only does:

1. Registers in dfbproj – Adds ItemGroup entries for CAT block visibility
2. Registers in csproj – Adds HMI file entries to HMI project
3. Updates Folders.xml – Adds folder entries for library browser
4. Validates – Confirms block is properly registered

What –register-only does NOT do:

• Create IEC61499 files (.fbt, .cfg, etc.) – already done by eae-fork
• Create HMI files (.def.cs, .cnv.cs, etc.) – already done by eae-fork
• Update namespaces – already done by eae-fork

Usage by eae-fork

eae-fork detects CAT type → calls /eae-cat --register-only
                                   │
                                   ├── python ../eae-skill-router/scripts/register_dfbproj.py {Block} {Lib} --type cat
                                   │
                                   └── Validates registration complete

Manual Usage

If you need to manually register a CAT block (e.g., after manual file copy):

# Register a forked CAT block
python ../eae-skill-router/scripts/register_dfbproj.py AnalogInput SE.ScadapackWWW --type cat

# Verify registration
python ../eae-skill-router/scripts/register_dfbproj.py AnalogInput SE.ScadapackWWW --type cat --verify

# Dry run (see what would be added)
python ../eae-skill-router/scripts/register_dfbproj.py AnalogInput SE.ScadapackWWW --type cat --dry-run

Files Generated

A CAT block creates 15+ files in two locations:

IEC61499/{CATName}/

HMI/{CATName}/

Workflow

1. Create folder IEC61499/{CATName}/
2. Generate GUIDs for CAT FB and HMI FB
3. Create .cfg file (links everything)
4. Create .fbt file (Composite FB with Format="2.0")
5. Create _HMI.fbt (Service interface)
6. Create supporting files (.doc.xml, .meta.xml, .offline.xml, .opcua.xml)
7. Create HMI folder HMI/{CATName}/
8. Create symbol files (.def.cs, .event.cs, .cnv.* files)
9. Register in .dfbproj

CAT Configuration File (.cfg)

The .cfg file links all CAT components:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<CAT xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema"
     xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"
     Name="{CATName}"
     CATFile="{CATName}\{CATName}.fbt"
     SymbolDefFile="..\HMI\{CATName}\{CATName}.def.cs"
     SymbolEventFile="..\HMI\{CATName}\{CATName}.event.cs"
     DesignFile="..\HMI\{CATName}\{CATName}.Design.resx"
     xmlns="http://www.nxtcontrol.com/IEC61499.xsd">

  <HMIInterface Name="IThis" FileName="{CATName}\{CATName}_HMI.fbt">
    <Symbol Name="sDefault" FileName="..\HMI\{CATName}\{CATName}_sDefault.cnv.cs">
      <DependentFiles>..\HMI\{CATName}\{CATName}_sDefault.cnv.Designer.cs</DependentFiles>
      <DependentFiles>..\HMI\{CATName}\{CATName}_sDefault.cnv.resx</DependentFiles>
      <DependentFiles>..\HMI\{CATName}\{CATName}_sDefault.cnv.xml</DependentFiles>
    </Symbol>
    <MetaFile>{CATName}\{CATName}_HMI.meta.xml</MetaFile>
  </HMIInterface>

  <Plugin Name="Plugin=OfflineParametrizationEditor;IEC61499Type=CAT_OFFLINE;$ItemType$=Content"
          Project="{Project}" Value="{CATName}\{CATName}_CAT.offline.xml" />
  <Plugin Name="Plugin=OPCUAConfigurator;IEC61499Type=CAT_OPCUA;$ItemType$=Content"
          Project="{Project}" Value="{CATName}\{CATName}_CAT.opcua.xml" />

  <HWConfiguration xsi:nil="true" />
</CAT>

Note: CAT .cfg files DO use xmlns – this is correct (unlike .fbt files).

CAT FB Template (.fbt)

Same as Composite FB but with HMI.Alias attribute:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE FBType SYSTEM "../LibraryElement.dtd">
<FBType Name="{CATName}" Namespace="{YourNamespace}" Format="2.0"
        GUID="{NEW-GUID}" Comment="CAT Function Block">
  <Attribute Name="HMI.Alias" Value="" />
  <Identification Standard="61499-2" />
  <VersionInfo Organization="{Org}" Version="0.0" Author="{Author}"
               Date="{MM/DD/YYYY}" Remarks="Initial version" />
  <CompilerInfo />
  <InterfaceList>
    <!-- Events and Variables -->
  </InterfaceList>
  <FBNetwork>
    <!-- FB instances and connections -->
  </FBNetwork>
</FBType>

HMI Service FB Template (_HMI.fbt)

The HMI service interface defines what data is exposed to visualization:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE FBType SYSTEM "../LibraryElement.dtd">
<FBType GUID="{NEW-GUID}" Name="{CATName}_HMI" Namespace="{YourNamespace}">
  <InterfaceList>
    <EventInputs>
      <Event ID="{HEX-ID}" Name="INIT">
        <With Var="QI" />
      </Event>
      <Event ID="{HEX-ID}" Name="UPD">
        <With Var="Value" />
        <With Var="Status" />
      </Event>
    </EventInputs>
    <EventOutputs>
      <Event ID="{HEX-ID}" Name="INITO">
        <With Var="QO" />
        <With Var="STATUS" />
      </Event>
    </EventOutputs>
    <InputVars>
      <VarDeclaration ID="{HEX-ID}" Name="QI" Type="BOOL" />
      <VarDeclaration ID="{HEX-ID}" Name="Value" Type="REAL" />
      <VarDeclaration ID="{HEX-ID}" Name="Status" Type="Status" Namespace="SE.App2Base" />
    </InputVars>
    <OutputVars>
      <VarDeclaration ID="{HEX-ID}" Name="QO" Type="BOOL" />
      <VarDeclaration ID="{HEX-ID}" Name="STATUS" Type="STRING" />
    </OutputVars>
  </InterfaceList>
  <Service RightInterface="" LeftInterface="">
    <ServiceSequence Name="" />
  </Service>
</FBType>

SubCAT References

If your CAT contains other CAT blocks internally, add SubCAT references:

<SubCAT Name="{instanceName}" Type="{SubCATType}" Namespace="{Namespace}" UsedInCAT="true" />

dfbproj Registration

CAT blocks have complex registration:

<!-- CAT configuration and supporting files -->
<ItemGroup>
  <None Include="{Name}\{Name}.cfg">
    <DependentUpon>{Name}.fbt</DependentUpon>
    <IEC61499Type>CAT</IEC61499Type>
  </None>
  <None Include="{Name}\{Name}_CAT.offline.xml">
    <DependentUpon>{Name}.fbt</DependentUpon>
    <Plugin>OfflineParametrizationEditor</Plugin>
    <IEC61499Type>CAT_OFFLINE</IEC61499Type>
  </None>
  <None Include="{Name}\{Name}_CAT.opcua.xml">
    <DependentUpon>{Name}.fbt</DependentUpon>
    <Plugin>OPCUAConfigurator</Plugin>
    <IEC61499Type>CAT_OPCUA</IEC61499Type>
  </None>
  <None Include="{Name}\{Name}_HMI.offline.xml">
    <DependentUpon>{Name}_HMI.fbt</DependentUpon>
    <Plugin>OfflineParametrizationEditor</Plugin>
    <IEC61499Type>CAT_OFFLINE</IEC61499Type>
  </None>
  <None Include="{Name}\{Name}_HMI.opcua.xml">
    <DependentUpon>{Name}_HMI.fbt</DependentUpon>
    <Plugin>OPCUAConfigurator</Plugin>
    <IEC61499Type>CAT_OPCUA</IEC61499Type>
  </None>
  <!-- .doc.xml and .meta.xml files... -->
</ItemGroup>

<!-- Main CAT FB -->
<ItemGroup>
  <Compile Include="{Name}\{Name}.fbt">
    <IEC61499Type>CAT</IEC61499Type>
  </Compile>
  <Compile Include="{Name}\{Name}_HMI.fbt">
    <IEC61499Type>CAT</IEC61499Type>
    <Usage>Private</Usage>
    <DependentUpon>{Name}.fbt</DependentUpon>
    <HMI>..\HMI\{Name}\{Name}_sDefault.cnv.cs</HMI>
  </Compile>
</ItemGroup>

FBNetwork Layout

Follow the same layout guidelines as Composite FB. See eae-composite-fb.

Common Runtime.Base Blocks for CATs

CAT blocks often use standard Runtime.Base blocks internally. Use /eae-runtime-base for full documentation.

Frequently Used in CATs

Example: CAT with Periodic HMI Update

<FBNetwork>
  <!-- Timer for periodic HMI updates -->
  <FB ID="1" Name="updateTimer" Type="E_CYCLE" Namespace="Runtime.Base" x="500" y="350" />

  <!-- Your logic blocks -->
  <FB ID="2" Name="logic" Type="MyLogicFB" Namespace="MyLib" x="1100" y="350" />

  <EventConnections>
    <Connection Source="$INIT" Destination="$1.START" />
    <Connection Source="$1.EO" Destination="$2.REQ" />
  </EventConnections>
  <DataConnections>
    <Connection Source="T#500ms" Destination="$1.DT" />
  </DataConnections>
</FBNetwork>

For the complete catalog of ~100 Runtime.Base blocks, see /eae-runtime-base.

Common Rules

See common-rules.md for:

• ID generation
• DOCTYPE references
• dfbproj registration patterns

Troubleshooting

Scripts

This skill includes Python scripts for autonomous validation and operation:

Validation Workflow

Recommended: Validate automatically after creating or modifying a CAT block:

# Validate CAT block (all 15+ files, namespaces, .cfg file)
python scripts/validate_cat.py path/to/IEC61499/MyCATBlock

# Validate HMI files (C# structure, conventions)
python scripts/validate_hmi.py path/to/HMI/MyCATBlock

# Generic validation (basic XML structure)
python ../eae-skill-router/scripts/validate_block.py --type cat path/to/IEC61499/MyCATBlock/

Example: validate_cat.py

# Basic validation
python scripts/validate_cat.py IEC61499/MyCATBlock

# Validate with expected namespace
python scripts/validate_cat.py IEC61499/MyCATBlock --namespace MyLibrary

# Verbose output with file details
python scripts/validate_cat.py IEC61499/MyCATBlock --verbose

# JSON output for automation/CI
python scripts/validate_cat.py IEC61499/MyCATBlock --json

# CI mode (JSON only, no human messages)
python scripts/validate_cat.py IEC61499/MyCATBlock --ci

What validate_cat.py checks:

• ✅ All required IEC61499 files exist (11 files: .cfg, .fbt, _HMI.fbt, .offline.xml, .opcua.xml, etc.)
• ✅ All required HMI files exist (8+ files: .def.cs, .event.cs, .cnv.*, etc.)
• ✅ .cfg file references correct paths (CATFile, HMIFile, SymbolDefFile)
• ✅ .cfg Name attribute matches directory name
• ✅ Namespaces are consistent across .fbt files
• ⚠️ Missing recommended HMI files (warnings)

CAT Block File Checklist:

IEC61499/{CATName}/ (11 files):

• ✅ {Name}.cfg – CAT configuration
• ✅ {Name}.fbt – Main composite FB
• ✅ {Name}.doc.xml, {Name}.meta.xml
• ✅ {Name}_CAT.offline.xml, {Name}_CAT.opcua.xml
• ✅ {Name}_HMI.fbt – Service interface FB
• ✅ {Name}_HMI.doc.xml, {Name}_HMI.meta.xml
• ✅ {Name}_HMI.offline.xml, {Name}_HMI.opcua.xml

HMI/{CATName}/ (8+ files):

• ✅ {Name}.def.cs – Symbol definitions
• ✅ {Name}.event.cs – Event definitions
• ✅ {Name}.Design.resx – Design resources
• ✅ {Name}_sDefault.cnv.cs – Default symbol
• ✅ {Name}_sDefault.cnv.Designer.cs – Symbol designer
• ✅ {Name}_sDefault.cnv.resx – Symbol resources
• ✅ {Name}_sDefault.cnv.xml – Symbol mapping
• ✅ {Name}_sDefault.doc.xml – Symbol documentation

Example: validate_hmi.py

# Validate HMI files
python scripts/validate_hmi.py HMI/MyCATBlock --verbose

What validate_hmi.py checks:

• ✅ .def.cs contains symbol definition class
• ✅ .def.cs inherits from SymbolDefinition
• ✅ .event.cs contains event definitions
• ✅ .event.cs uses partial class pattern
• ✅ Converter files (.cnv.*) are present
• ✅ Converter inherits from UserControl
• ⚠️ File structure warnings (missing namespaces, empty files)

Note: Full C# compilation is performed by the EAE IDE. These scripts catch common structural issues early to save compilation cycles.

Generate IDs

CAT blocks need 2 GUIDs (CAT FB + HMI FB) plus hex IDs for events/vars:

python ../eae-skill-router/scripts/generate_ids.py --guid 2 --hex 10

Templates

• cat-config.xml
• cat-fb.xml
• service-fb.xml

Integration with Validation Skills

Naming Validation

Use eae-naming-validator to ensure compliance with SE Application Design Guidelines:

Key Naming Rules for CAT:

• CAT name: PascalCase (e.g., AnalogInput, MotorController)
• Interface variables (inputs/outputs): PascalCase (e.g., PermitOn, FeedbackOn)
• Internal variables: camelCase (e.g., error, outMinActiveLast)
• Events: SNAKE_CASE (e.g., START_MOTOR, STOP_PROCESS)
• Adapters (if used): IPascalCase (e.g., IMotorControl)

Validate naming before creation:

# Validate CAT and variable names
python ../eae-naming-validator/scripts/validate_names.py \
  --app-dir IEC61499/MyLibrary \
  --json

Performance Analysis

Use eae-performance-analyzer to prevent event storms in CAT FBNetworks:

# Analyze event flow in CAT block
python ../eae-performance-analyzer/scripts/analyze_event_flow.py \
  --app-dir IEC61499/MyLibrary

# Check for anti-patterns
python ../eae-performance-analyzer/scripts/detect_storm_patterns.py \
  --app-dir IEC61499/MyLibrary

What to Check:

• Event multiplication factor <10x
• No tight event loops (cycles ≤2 hops)
• HMI update frequency (E_CYCLE DT ≥100ms)
• I/O event connections <30 downstream

Best Practices from EAE ADG

1. Naming Conventions (SE ADG Section 1.5)

CAT Naming:

• Use PascalCase: MotorController, SpMon, OosMode
• Single word preferred for folders: Motors, Valves
• Avoid abbreviations unless industry-standard (PID, HMI, OPC)

Variable Naming:

• Interface variables: PascalCase → PermitOn, FeedbackOn
• Internal variables: camelCase → error, timerActive
• Data types: Hungarian notation → strMotorData, arrRecipeBuffer

Event Naming:

• Use SNAKE_CASE: START_MOTOR, STOP_PROCESS
• Use INIT/INITO for initialization

Reference: EAE_ADG EIO0000004686.06, Section 1.5

2. FBNetwork Layout

Grid Guidelines:

• X-axis: 500, 1100, 1700, 2300, 2900 (600px spacing)
• Y-axis: 350, 800, 1250, 1700, 2150 (450px spacing)
• Top-to-bottom data flow
• Left-to-right event flow

3. HMI Interface Design

Service FB (_HMI.fbt) Guidelines:

• Keep interface minimal (expose only necessary data)
• Use periodic updates (E_CYCLE 500ms typical, 100ms minimum)
• Use SE.App2Base.Status for standardized status reporting
• Include QI/QO pattern for init handshake

HMI Update Pattern:

<FBNetwork>
  <FB ID="1" Name="hmiUpdate" Type="E_CYCLE" Namespace="Runtime.Base" x="500" y="350" />
  <EventConnections>
    <Connection Source="$INIT" Destination="$1.START" />
    <Connection Source="$1.EO" Destination="$HMI.UPD" />
  </EventConnections>
  <DataConnections>
    <Connection Source="T#500ms" Destination="$1.DT" />
  </DataConnections>
</FBNetwork>

Anti-Patterns

1. Event Storm Anti-Patterns

❌ TIGHT_EVENT_LOOP

<!-- BAD: FB1 -> FB2 -> FB1 creates 2-hop loop -->
<EventConnections>
  <Connection Source="$1.CNF" Destination="$2.REQ" />
  <Connection Source="$2.CNF" Destination="$1.REQ" />
</EventConnections>

✅ FIX: Add state guard with RS flip-flop

❌ HIGH_FREQUENCY_TIMER

<!-- BAD: 10ms E_CYCLE causes 100 events/sec -->
<DataConnections>
  <Connection Source="T#10ms" Destination="$1.DT" />
</DataConnections>

✅ FIX: Use appropriate interval (500ms for HMI, 100ms minimum)

2. Naming Anti-Patterns

❌ Inconsistent Casing

<VarDeclaration Name="PermitOn" Type="BOOL" />
<VarDeclaration Name="Error" Type="BOOL" />  <!-- BAD: should be "error" if internal -->

❌ Generic Event Names

<Event Name="DO1" />  <!-- BAD: non-descriptive -->

✅ Descriptive Event Names

<Event Name="START_MOTOR" />
<Event Name="UPDATE_HMI" />

3. Structure Anti-Patterns

❌ Missing .cfg File

IEC61499/MyCATBlock/
  MyCATBlock.fbt           ✅
  MyCATBlock_HMI.fbt       ✅
  MyCATBlock.cfg           ❌ MISSING - CAT won't load!

❌ Wrong .cfg Paths

<!-- BAD: Absolute paths -->
<CAT CATFile="C:\Projects\IEC61499\MyCAT\MyCAT.fbt" ... />

✅ Relative Paths

<CAT CATFile="MyCAT\MyCAT.fbt"
     SymbolDefFile="..\HMI\MyCAT\MyCAT.def.cs" ... />

4. HMI Anti-Patterns

❌ Too Many HMI Variables (50+ variables exposed)

✅ Minimal HMI Interface (5-15 variables, use structured types)

❌ Direct I/O in HMI Service (_HMI.fbt should contain only <Service>, no <FBNetwork>)

Verification Checklist

Before committing your CAT block:

Structure:

• All 11 IEC61499 files present in {Name}/ subfolder
• All 8+ HMI files present in HMI/{Name}/ subfolder
• .cfg file exists with correct relative paths
• Registered in .dfbproj with correct IEC61499Type tags

Naming (run eae-naming-validator):

• CAT name is PascalCase
• Interface variables are PascalCase
• Internal variables are camelCase
• Events are SNAKE_CASE

Performance (run eae-performance-analyzer):

• Event multiplication factor <10x
• No tight event loops (≤2 hops)
• E_CYCLE timers ≥100ms (unless justified)
• I/O event connections <30 downstream

Scripts Validation:

• python scripts/validate_cat.py IEC61499/{Name} exits with 0
• python scripts/validate_hmi.py HMI/{Name} exits with 0

Manual Checks:

• HMI interface has 5-15 variables (not 50+)
• _HMI.fbt contains <Service> only
• .cfg paths are relative
• SubCAT references added (if using nested CATs)

Registering Forked Blocks

When eae-fork copies a block from a source library, it handles file transformation (copy, namespace update, reference update). This skill (eae-cat) completes the process by:

1. Registering in dfbproj – Makes block visible in EAE library browser
2. Creating HMI files – Symbol implementations (.cnv.cs, .cnv.Designer.cs, .cnv.resx, .cnv.xml)
3. Validating registration – Ensures block loads correctly

Workflow: After eae-fork

eae-fork completes → eae-cat registers
     │                    │
     │ Steps 1-4:         │ Steps 5-7:
     │ • Copy files       │ • Generate HMI files
     │ • Update namespace │ • Register in dfbproj
     │ • Update refs      │ • Validate registration
     │ • Update .cfg      │
     ▼                    ▼
 Files in IEC61499/    Block visible in EAE

Registration Command

# After forking AnalogInput to SE.ScadapackWWW:
python ../eae-skill-router/scripts/register_dfbproj.py AnalogInput SE.ScadapackWWW --type cat

# Output:
# [OK] Successfully registered CAT block 'AnalogInput' in dfbproj
# Entries:
#   + AnalogInput\AnalogInput.fbt (Compile/CAT)
#   + AnalogInput\AnalogInput_HMI.fbt (Compile/CAT)
#   + AnalogInput\AnalogInput.cfg (None/CAT)
#   + AnalogInput\AnalogInput_CAT.offline.xml (None/CAT_OFFLINE)
#   + AnalogInput\AnalogInput_CAT.opcua.xml (None/CAT_OPCUA)
#   + AnalogInput\AnalogInput_CAT.aspmap.xml (None/CAT_ASPMAP)

Related Skills