An alias is a variable type that points to a source node with a
NodeId
property. This allows you to have instances of an object display different values. For example, using an alias, an instance of a single motor faceplate can show data for multiple motors dynamically.
The alias links to areas of a project information model, making it possible to set up dynamic links so that you can create dynamic logic.
Create an alias in either an object or an object type called a parent node. The source node that the alias points to identifies the source area.
TIP:
Create aliases in graphic objects or in folders that contain objects. This creates a dynamic user interface, such as a widget. The widget may represent a motor type that dynamically shows the values for each different instance of the motor type.
How aliases work
In object
A
, create an alias that points to the source node
B
. From node
A
or any child node of node
A
, you can create dynamic links to node
B
and any child node of node
B
.
How aliases work
Kind property
An alias contains a
Kind
property with a value that is a reference node. This reference is to the object or variable type from the source node. When you set the source node of an alias,
FactoryTalk Optix Studio
automatically assigns a value to the
Kind
property. If the source node is a Motor instance, Kind points to the Motor node.
In a widget where the source node of an alias is set at runtime, you must specify the
Kind
node. You can create links in the
dynamic links
window by using the nodes of the
Kind
node information model. At design time, these nodes represent the project nodes at runtime.
For example, to design a widget that displays the properties of a Motor type, create a Motor type with two properties --
Speed
and
Acceleration
. Create a new MotorPanel type and add the Motor alias. Set the
Kind
property of the alias to the Motor type node. You can then add two labels or other UI control and dynamically link the
