Definition
A digital type is used to represent a process component that can take on a finite number of values. IGSS includes a standard digital type with the states 0 and 1 which is described in this topic. However, in most cases you will be basing your digital objects on a digital template which offers you free naming of states and commands and individual bit control. Click the See Also button to learn more about digital templates.
Use
Typical uses of digital objects are as follows:
§ a valve which can be open or closed
§ a motor which can be started, stopped and run at different speeds
§ a pump which can be started, stopped and run at different speeds
The standard digital type
In its most simple form, the IGSS digital type has two states: 0 and 1 and two commands, also called 0 and 1. Click the Show Properties button to see the properties of the standard digital object type.
· When you use the standard digital type, you have no possibility of changing the state and command names or the number of states and commands.
Use digital templates
You will hardly ever define a digital object using the above standard digital type, but you will practically always base them on a digital template.
With a digital template you can -
§ define exactly the number of states and commands you need
§ give states and commands the names you like
§ define any number of alarms for the individual object
§ obtain control down to the individual bit used for states, commands and alarms
How to define a digital object
Click here 
to learn how to define a standard digital object.
Graphical display on diagrams
Usually, standard symbols are used for different types of digital objects such as valves, motors, pumps, etc. Industry standard symbols are included in the default symbol file, Symbols.v20, but you can add your own symbols, if required.
Click here for further information about graphical display of digital objects..
How to view properties
Once the digital object is defined and its symbol is placed on a process diagram, you can view its properties in a number of different ways.
§ By double-clicking the symbol representing the object
§ By right-clicking the symbol and then selecting Properties in the pop-up menu.
§ By selecting the symbol and then selecting Edit ® Object Properties.
The properties can be changed at any time.