Block Properties

The Block Properties window allows you to configure the functional properties of any block selected in a diagram. Double-click the block or choose [Diagram/Fault Tree/Markov/Process Flow] > Properties > Block Properties or [Phase/Flowchart] > Settings > Block Properties, depending on the type of diagram you are working with, to open the Block Properties window.

You can also define the properties for multiple blocks simultaneously by selecting the blocks and then opening the Block Properties window. If different types of blocks are selected (e.g., standard and node), only the properties that apply to all selected blocks will be available in the Block Properties window. You cannot open the Block Properties window if there is an ambiguous selection (e.g., if you selected both standard blocks and containers).

Note: Double-clicking a subdiagram or subchart block will open the subdiagram that the block is based on. Open the Block Properties window for a subdiagram or subchart block by selecting the block and choosing the command on the ribbon or pressing CTRL+E.

Regardless of the type of block you are working with, the Block Properties window always has the elements described next. The other properties available will vary depending on the type of block you are working with. Consequently, these properties are documented in the sections relating to the block types.

  • Name and Description: Each block is given a default name that is determined based on the block type's default name format. You can type new text either instead of or in addition to the default name. The Name field must be populated. Description text is optional.

    Note that in BlockSim diagrams an asterisk is used (*) to represent default block names. The block name that is displayed in the diagram will replace the asterisk with the block's default name; this allows the block name to be updated dynamically. The way each block type is named by default is specified in the Default Name Formats window. For example, by default a node's default name indicates its k-out-of-n value. If you change the value in the node's Number of paths required field, the node's name will automatically update when you close the Block Properties window.

    Starting in Version 2020, for blocks in RBDs, fault trees and PFS diagrams, you can enter codes in the Description field to display certain fields from the block properties and identifiers in the block description. These fields, and the codes that represent them, are as follows:
    • Properties
      • Block ID (the internal ID number assigned to the block when it is created): [bid]
      • Current Age: [age]
      • Duty Cycle: [dtc]
    • Identifiers
      • Category: [cat]
      • Part Number: [ptn]
      • Version: [ver]
      • Supplier: [sup]
      • Application: [app]
      • Description: [dsc]
      • Comments: [com]
      • Keywords: [kws]
  • Identifiers: These fields allow you to enter additional information about the block. For some block types, this is limited to comments; others may have the full set of identifiers.
  • Active Block: This drop-down list at the bottom of the Block Properties window allows you to specify another block in the diagram that you want to set the block properties for. This allows you to set the properties for multiple blocks without having to open and close the Block Properties window for each block. When you change the active block, if you have made changes to the current block's properties, a window may appear asking if you want to apply the changes you made. This window will appear only if the Ask to apply changes when selecting different block in Properties window option is selected on the Other Settings page of the Application Setup.
  • Style opens the Block Style window, which allows you to customize the appearance of the active block.
  • Attachments in RBDs, fault trees and PFS diagrams, this allows you to attach related files to the block. Clicking this icon opens the Attachments window.

Tip: Starting in Version 2020, blocks that have attachments show the attachment icon at the upper right corner of the block. Clicking the icon opens the Attachments window. You can change the size of the icon via the relevant Block Corner Indicators page of the Diagram Style window.  

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