Dataflow Modeler for CBD Modelling

Tutorial: Developing a single CBD

Step 1. Open Dataflow Modeler by executing dfm.exe:

Step 2. Import the CBDLibrary classes:

Step 3. Save your empty CBD model:

Step 4. Create a counter CBD.

Drag and drop a ConstantBlock into the canvas:

Right click on the Process block and rename it to "1":

Add the remaining blocks (a ConstantBlock, AdderBlock, and a DelayBlock), and rename them accordingly:

Select the Connect Ports tool:

Connect the Out1 output port of the 0 block to the IC input port of the delay block by clocking once in the first output port, and clicking a second time in the target input port:

You can create "elbows" by clicking anywhere in the canvas.

Create the remaining connections according to the figure:

Don't forget to keep saving your CBD.

Step 5. Export the CBD Code.

Go to File, Export, Causal Block Diagrams:

Define the following constant values:

Hit OK and select the location where the code is to be exported:

The code looks like the following:

Tutorial: Developing a Hierarchical CBD

Step 0. Follow the previous tutorial if you haven't yet.

Step 1. Create a new empty CBD file, and call it: MyHierarchicalCBD.dfmx.

Step 2. Right click in cluster classes and create a new one named Counter

Step 3. Create the counter CBD from the first tutorial.

Note that the CBD is created inside the Counter cluster class:

Step 4. Add an output to the Counter CBD.

Right click on the canvas, and select Add Data Output:

Name it OutCounter:

Step 5. Connect the output of the delay to the OutCounter port.

Using the Connect Ports tool, click on the OutCounter port and then click on the connection leaving the output of the delay block:

Don't forget to keep saving your CBD.

Step 6. Instantiate the Counter CBD.

Click on the Edit Graph button:

Drag and drop the Counter cluster class:

And rename it to counter.

Step 7. Finish the CBD

On the Graph, add a few more block, as follows:

Step 8. Export the CBD.

Go to File, Export, Causal Block Diagrams, and define the following constant values:

Select an adequate name for the generate python file:

And enjoy:

Tutorial: Working with Custom Blocks

Follow this tutorial if you want to code your own block, and still use Dataflow Modeler to link that block with other blocks.

Step 0. Follow the previous tutorials if you haven't yet.

Step 1. Open Dataflow Modeler and create a new cluster. Name it MyCustomBlock:

Step 2. Add the required data inputs and outputs to the MyCustomBlock cluster.

Step 3. Save your CBD as MyCustomBlock.dfmx.

Step 4. Create a new CBD, choose File -> Import -> Classes, and select MyCustomBlock.dfmx.

The MyCustomBlock cluster should now be available to use.

Step 5. Import the CBDLibrary classes and create your cbd.

Step 6. Generate cbd code. Choose File -> Export -> Causal Block Diagrams, and generate the MyCBDWithCustomBlock.py file:

Step 7. Replace the generated MyCustomBlock class with your own code: