PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)

This function block generates an artificial pulse-width-modulated boolean signal you can use to simulate or drive timed triggers. Use it to create repeating on/off signals either by time (seconds) or by sample counts (discrete steps).

📥 Inputs

This function block does not have any inputs.

📤 Outputs

Boolean The periodic True/False signal produced according to the configured mode and timings.

🕹️ Controls

Interval Enter the total period of one cycle. In Time mode this is in seconds. In Sample mode this is in number of samples/steps.

Up Duration Enter how long the output stays True within each cycle. Units match the selected mode (seconds or samples).

Time mode Toggle between Seconds (time-based mode) and Samples (sample-count mode).

🎨 Features

• Time-based PWM mode for real-time periodic signals.

• Sample-based PWM mode for step-driven or frame-synchronized signals.

• Adjustable duty cycle via Interval and Up Duration controls.

• Simple boolean output that is easy to combine with logic and output blocks.

📝 Usage Instructions

1. Choose the operating mode with Time mode.

2. Set Interval to define the full cycle length.

3. Set Up Duration to define the active (True) portion of each cycle. Ensure Up Duration is less than or equal to Interval.

4. Connect the Boolean output to any block that consumes a check / boolean signal (for example Led Output to visualize, or logic blocks to gate other behaviors).

📊 Evaluation

At runtime the block produces a repeated True/False pattern. In Time mode the pattern follows real seconds. In Sample mode the pattern advances with each run/step. The output duty cycle equals (Up Duration ÷ Interval).

💡 Tips and Tricks

• Visualize the signal using Scope to verify timing and duty cycle in real time.

• Use Rising Edge to detect transitions and trigger single-shot actions on the leading edge.

• Count pulses with Counter to measure occurrences or drive batch operations.

• Combine with And or Or to gate the PWM signal with other conditions (for example a manual Logic Input).

• Use Delay Step, ON Delay or OFF Delay blocks to shape or debounce transitions.

• Persist or freeze signals with Data Memory when you need a stable value between updates.

🛠️ Troubleshooting

• Output always True or always False

  • Check that Up Duration and Interval are set correctly and that the selected Time mode matches your expected units (seconds vs samples).

• Timing seems off in Time mode

  • Verify that the host system clock is running and that other blocks are not blocking execution. Use Scope to confirm real timings.

• Sample mode does not advance as expected

  • Ensure the system is producing steps/samples (the run loop or upstream blocks must provide iterations). Use Counter or Cycle Timer to inspect step progress.