User manual | Programmable Logic Controllers

15
ControlLogix Controllers
Programmable logic controllers continue to
evolve as new technologies are added to their
capabilities. The PLC started out as a replacement for banks of relays used to turn outputs
on and off as well as for timing and counting
functions. Gradually, various math and logic
manipulation functions were added. In order to
serve today’s expanding industrial control system
needs, leading automation companies have created a new class of industrial controllers called
programmable automation controllers or PACs
(Figure 15-1). They look like PLCs in their physical appearance but incorporate advanced control
of communication, data logging, and signal processing, motion, process control, and machine
vision in a single programming environment.
The Allen-Bradley programmable automation controller family includes the ControlLogix
system, CompactLogix system, FlexLogix system, SoftLogix 5800 controller, and DriveLogix
system. Software is the essential difference
between PACs and PLCs. Basically, the ladder
logic configuration does not change but the
addressing of the instructions changes. Application of the software that pertains to the Logix
control platform of controllers will be covered in
the various sections of this chapter. Knowledge
of basic ladder logic instructions and functions
(bit, timer, counter, etc.) covered in previous
chapters of the text is assumed and is thus not
repeated in this chapter.
Figure 15-1 Programmable automation controllers (PACs).
Source: Image Used with Permission of Rockwell Automation, Inc.
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Part 1 Memory and
Project Organization
Memory Layout
ControlLogix processors provide a flexible memory structure. There are no fixed areas of memory allocated for
specific types of data or for I/O. The internal memory organization of a ControlLogix controller is configured by the
user when creating a project with RSLogix 5000 software
(Figure 15-2). This feature allows the program data to be
constructed to meet the needs of your applications rather
than requiring your application to fit a particular memory
structure. A ControlLogix (CLX) system can consist of
anything from a stand-alone controller and I/O modules in
a single chassis, to a highly distributed system consisting
of multiple chassis and networks working together.
Part Objectives
After completing this part, you will be able to:
•
•
•
•
Outline project organization
Define tasks, programs, and routines
Identify data file types
Organize and apply the various data file types
Configuration
Configuration of a modular CLX system involves establishing a communications link between the controller and the process. The programming software needs to
know what CLX hardware is being used in order to be
able to send or receive data. Configuration information
includes information about the type of processor and I/O
modules used.
Figure 15-2
RSLogix 5000 screen.
RSLogix 5000 programming software is used to set
up or configure the memory organization of an AllenBradley ControlLogix controller. RSLinx communication
software is used to set up a communications link between
RSLogix 5000 programming software and the ControlLogix hardware as illustrated in Figure 15-3. To establish communications with a controller, a driver must be
created in RSLinx software. This driver functions as the
software interface to a hardware device. The RSWho is the
network browse interface that provides a single window
to view all configured network drivers.
Figure 15-4 shows an example of the ControlLogix’s
controllers properties and modules properties dialog
boxes used as part of the configuration process. The
parameters shown are typical of what general information is required. After first configuring the controller,
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Ladder logic program
RSLogix
5000
RSLinx
File View Communications
RSLogix
RSWho
RSWho
ControlLogix
Controller
RSLinx
Configure Drivers...
Figure 15-3
General
RSLinx and RSLogix software.
Controllers properties
General
Modules properties
Vendor:
Allen-Bradley
Type:
1756-IB16 16 Point 10V-31.2V DC Input
Type:
1756-L55ControlLogix5555Controller
Vendor:
Allen-Bradley
Revision:
10.24
Parent:
Local
Slot:
Name:
Controller 1
Name:
Digital_Input_16pt
Description:
Prime Controller
Description:
Optional
Chassis Type:
1756-A7 7-Slot Chassis
Comm Form:
Input Data
1
Revision:
1
Slot:
Figure 15-4
0
Electronic Keying Exact Match
Controllers properties and modules properties dialog boxes.
the I/O modules are configured using RSLogix 5000
software. Modules will not work unless they have been
properly configured. The software contains all the hardware information needed to configure any ControlLogix
module.
Project
I/O data
Controller tags
(global data)
System-shared data
Task
Project
RSLogix software stores a controller’s programming and
configuration information in a file called a project. The
block diagram of the processor’s project file is shown in
Figure 15-5. A project file contains all information relating to the project. The main components of the project file
are tasks, programs, and routines. A controller can hold
and execute only one project at a time.
Program
Other routines
Main routine
Figure 15-5
Program tags
(local data)
ControlLogix processor program file.
Source: Image Used with Permission of Rockwell Automation, Inc.
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Controller RSLogix
Controller Tags
Controller Fault Handler
Power-Up Handler
Tasks
Continuous
Program_01
Program Tags
MainRoutine
Periodic
Program_02
Program Tags
MainRoutine
Unscheduled Programs
HMI
Program Tags
Main
Motion Groups
Trends
Data Types
User-Defined
Strings
Predefined
Module-Defined
I/O Configuration
Figure 15-6
Controller organizer tree.
The RSLogix 5000 controller organizer (Figure 15-6)
displays the project organization in a tree format showing
tasks, programs, routines, data types, trends, I/O configuration and tags. Each folder groups common functions
together. This structure simplifies the navigation and the
overall view of the whole project.
In front of each folder, there is an icon containing a
1 sign or a 2 sign. The 1 sign indicates that the folder
is closed. Click it to expand the tree display and display
the files in the folder. The 2 sign indicates that the folder
is already open and its contents are visible. Clicking on
the right mouse button brings up many different, contextsensitive popup menus. Often, you find that this is a shortcut to access the property window or menu options from
the menu bar.
Tasks
Tasks are the first level of scheduling within a project. A
task is a collection of scheduled programs. When a task
is executed, the associated programs are executed in the
order listed. This list of programs is known as the program
schedule. Tasks provide scheduling based on specific conditions and do not contain any executable code. Only one
task may be executing at any given time. The number of
tasks a controller can support depends on the specific controller. The main types of tasks (Figure 15-7) include:
• Continuous tasks execute nonstop but are always
interrupted by a periodic task. Continuous tasks
have the lowest priority. A ControlLogix continuous
task is similar to the File 2 in the SLC 500 platform.
Here the continuous task is named Main Task.
• Periodic tasks function as timed interrupts. They
interrupt the continuous task and execute for a fixed
length of time at specific time intervals.
• Event tasks also function as interrupts. Rather than
being an interrupt on a timed basis, an event task
is triggered by an event that happened or failed to
happen.
Programs
Programs are the second level of scheduling within a
project. The function of the folders under Main Task is
to determine and specify the order in which the programs
Periodic task scan
5 ms
10 ms
15 ms
...
Program 1
Program 2
Periodic
task
Task auto-restart
Continuous task scan
Program 1
Program 2
Continuous
task
Program 32
Figure 15-7
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Program 32
Continuous and periodic tasks.
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Main Task
Main Program
Program_A
Program_B
Unscheduled Programs
Figure 15-8
Order of execution of programs.
execute. There is no executable code within a program.
Routines within programs will execute in the order listed
below their associated task in the controller organizer as
shown in Figure 15-8. In this example, according to the
listed order, the Main Program is scheduled to execute
first, Program_A second, and Progam_B third. Programs
that are not assigned to a task are unscheduled. Unscheduled programs are downloaded to the controller but do
not execute. These programs remain unscheduled until
needed. Depending on the RSLogix 5000 software version as many as 100 programs could be scheduled within
each task.
programming language. When a routine is created it is
specified as ladder logic, sequential function chart, function block diagram or structured text (Figure 15-9). Any
one routine must be completely in the same language.
The number of routines per project is limited only by the
amount of controller memory. Libraries of standard routines can be created that can be reused on multiple machines or applications. A routine can be assigned as one
of the following types:
• A main routine is one configured to execute first
when the program runs. Each program will have one
main routine typically followed by several or many
subroutines.
• A subroutine is one that is called by another routine.
Subroutines are used for large or complex programming tasks or tasks that require more than one programming language.
• A fault routine is one that executes if the controller
finds a program fault. Each program can have one
fault routine, if desired.
Routines
Tags
Routines are the third level of scheduling within a project and provide the executable code for the project. Each
routine contains a set of logic elements for a specific
Unlike conventional controllers, ControlLogix uses a tagbased addressing structure. Tags are meaningful names,
descriptive of your application and not merely generic
Figure 15-9 Each routine contains a set of logic elements for a specific programming language.
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Program
Figure 15-10
Tags
Controller memory
Tag 1
Tag 1 Data
Tag 2
Tag 2 Data
Tag 3
Tag 3 Data
Memory
locations
Tags used to assign memory locations.
addresses. A tag is created to represent the data and identify areas in the controller’s memory where these data are
stored. In applications developed using Logix 5000 software, there are no predefined data tables such as in an
SLC 500. When you want to use or monitor data in a program you use tag names to refer to the memory locations,
as illustrated in Figure 15-10. This functionality allows you
to name your data specifically for their functions within the
control program while providing self-documented logic.
Whenever you wish to group data, you create an array,
which is a grouping of tags of similar types.
Scope refers to which programs have access to a tag.
The scope of a tag must be specified when you create the
tag. There are two scopes for tags: program scope and
controller scope. A program tag consists of data that can
be accessed only by routines within a specific program
(local data). The routines in other programs cannot access
program scoped tags of another program. A controller tag
consists of data that are accessible by all routines within
a controller (global data). Figure 15-11 shows two programs, A and B, within a project. Note that each program
has program scope tags with identical names (Tag_1,
Tag_2, and Tag_3). Because they are program scoped,
there is no relationship between them, even though they
have the same name. The program scope data are accessible only to the routines within a single program. The
same tag name may appear in different programs as local
variables because you can select the scope in which to
create the tag.
Controller Scope Tags
Sensor_1
Temp_1
Program A
Other routines
Main routine
Program
scoped tags
Tag_1
Tag_2
Tag_3
Program B
Other routines
Main routine
Program
scoped tags
Tag_1
Tag_2
Tag_3
Figure 15-11 Program scoped and controller scoped tags.
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Controller RSLogix
Controller Tags
Controller Fault Handler
Power-Up Handler
Tasks
Continuous
Program_01
Program Tags
MainRoutine
Periodic
Program_02
Program Tags
MainRoutine
Controller
scoped
Program
scoped
Program
scoped
Figure 15-12 Listing of program and controller scoped tags.
The scope of a tag must be declared when you create the tag. Figure 15-12 shows program and controller
scoped tags as listed in the controller organizer under the
program they are assigned to. I/O tags are automatically
created as controller scoped tags.
There are four different tag types: base, alias, produced,
and consumed tags. The tag type defines how the tag operates within the project. A base tag stores various types
of data for use by logic in the project. This tag defines a
memory location where data are stored. Base tag memory
use depends on the type of data the tag represents. An
example of the base tag Local:2:O.Data.4 is shown in
Figure 15-13 and is based on the following format:
Location
Network location
LOCAL 5 same chassis as the controller
Slot
Slot number of I/O module in its chassis
Type
Type of data
I 5 input
O 5 output
C 5 configuration
S 5 status
Member
Specific data from the I/O module; depends
on what type of data the module can store.
SubMember
Specific data related to a Member.
Bit
Specific point on a digital I/O module;
depends on the size of the I/O module
(0-31 for a 32-point module)
An alias tag is used to create an alternate name (alias)
for a tag. The alias tag is simply another name for an already named memory location. An alias tag can refer to
a base, alias, consumed, or produced tag. The alias tag is
often used to create a tag name to represent a real-word
input or output. Figure 15-14 shows an example of the
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7/27/10 6:43 PM
Optional
Optional
Format
Location
:Slot
:Type
.Member
Local
:2
:O
.Data
.SubMember
.4
Tag Name
Controller
memory
Base tag
Local:2:O.Data.4
Tag data
.Bit
Data Type
Local:2:O.Data
0 1 2 3 4 5
BOOL
6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Controller Scoped Tags
Figure 15-13
Base tag.
Fan_Motor
Local:2:O.Data.5
Controller memory
Alias tag
Base tag
Tag data
Fan_Motor
<Local:2:O.Data.5>
Figure 15-14
Alias tag linked to a base tag.
use of an alias tag. The alias tag (Fan_Motor) is linked to
the base tag (<local:2:O.Data.5>) so that any action to the
base also happens to the alias and vice versa. The alias
name is easier to understand and easier to relate to the application, while the base tag contains the physical location
of the output point in the ControlLogix chassis.
Produced/consumed tags are used to share tag information over a network between two or more devices. A produced tag sends data while a consumed tag receives data.
Produced tags are always controller scoped. Figure 15-15
shows an example of how a controller can produce data
and send them over the network to two controllers that use
or consume the data. The producing controller will have
a tag that is of the produced type, whereas the consuming
controllers will have a tag with the exact same name that
is of the consumed type.
When you design your application, you configure it
to both produce globally to other controllers in the system via the backplane and to consume tags from other
controllers. This feature allows you to be selective about
which data are sent and received by any controller. Likewise, multiple controllers can connect to any data being
produced, thereby preventing the need to send multiple
messages containing the same data.
Logix controllers are based on 32-bit operations. The
types of data that can be a base tag are BOOL, SINT,
INT, DINT, and REAL, as illustrated in Figure 15-16 and
listed below. The controller stores all data in a minimum
of 4 bytes or 32 bits of data.
• A BOOL or Boolean base tag is 1 bit of data stored
in bit 0 of a 4 byte memory location. The other bits,
1 to 31, are unused. BOOLs have a range of 0 to 1,
off or on respectively.
Produced tag
Producer/consumer I/O model
Consumed tag
Input modules
Logix5500
Output modules
controllers
Network
Commonly shared data
Figure 15-15
Produced/consumed tags used to share information.
Source: Image Used with Permission of Rockwell Automation, Inc.
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31
0
Unused
31
7
0
Unused
31
15
0
Unused
Data type : COUNTER
BOOL
SINT
INT
Name
Counter
Description
Members
31
0
31
0
Figure 15-16
DINT
REAL
Types of base tag data.
• A SINT or Single Integer base tag uses 8 bits of
memory and stores the data in bits 0 to 7. These
bits are sometimes called the low byte. The other
3 bytes, bits 8 to 31, are unused. SINTs have a
range of 2128 (negative values) to 127 (positive
values).
• An INT or Integer base tag is 16 bits, bits 0 to 15,
sometimes called the lower bytes. Bits 16 to 31 are
unused. INTs have a range between 231,768 and
32,767.
• A DINT or Double Integer base tag uses 32 bits,
or all 4 bytes, and has the following range: 2231 to
23121 (22,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647).
• A REAL base tag also uses 32 bits of a memory
location and has a range of values based on the
IEEE Standard for Floating-Point Arithmetic.
Name
PRE
ACC
CU
CD
DN
OV
UN
Figure 15-18
Data type size : 12 byte(s)
Data Type
DINT
DINT
BOOL
BOOL
BOOL
BOOL
BOOL
Style
Decimal
Decimal
Decimal
Decimal
Decimal
Decimal
Decimal
Description
Predefined structure.
There are three different types of structures in a ControlLogix controller: predefined, module-defined, and userdefined. The controller creates predefined structures for
you that include timers, counters, messages and PID
types. An example of a predefined counter instruction
structure is shown in Figure 15-18. It is made up of the
preset value, the accumulated value, and the instruction’s
status bits.
Module-defined structures are automatically created
when the I/O modules are configured for the system.
When you add input or output modules a number of
defined tags are automatically added to the controller
tags. Figure 15-19 shows the two tags (Local:1:C and
Local:1:I) created after a digital input module has been
Structures
There is another class of data types called structures. A
structure-type tag is a grouping of different data types
that function as a single unit and serve a specific purpose.
An example of an RSLogix structure is shown in Figure 15-17. Each element of a structure is referred to as a
member and each member of a structure can be a different
data type.
Members
Figure 15-17
324
Data Types
Style
DINT
Decimal
Decimal
DINT
Decimal
BOOL
BOOL
BOOL
Data Types
Decimal
BOOL
Decimal
BOOL
Decimal
BOOL
BOOL
Name
PRE
ACC
EN
TT
DN
FS
LS
OV
ER
Structure-type tag.
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Description
Figure 15-19
module.
Module-defined structure for a digital input
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Name:
Description:
Tank
Size: 16 byte(s)
Generic Storage Tank Data Type
in rpm. Installation and maintenance personnel can easily
locate all data associated with the operation of the tank
since all the information is stored together.
Creating Tags
Name
Data Type
Level
INT
Pressure
DINT
Temp
REAL
DINT
Agitator_Speed
Figure 15-20
Style
Decimal
Decimal
Float
Decimal
Description
Stores the Level in Inches
Stores the Pressure in PSIG
The Temperature in F
Speed in RPM
User-defined storage tank structure.
added. Tags of these types are created to store input, output, and configuration data for the module. Input tags
labeled Data contain the actual input bits from the module. Configuration tags determine the characteristics and
operation of the module. The name Local indicates that
these tags are in the same rack as the processor. The 1
indicates that the module occupies slot 1 in the chassis.
The letters I and C indicate whether the data are input
data or configuration data.
A user-defined structure supplements the predefined
structures by providing the ability to create customdefined structures to store and handle data as a group.
Figure 15-20 illustrates a user-defined structure that contains data for a storage tank. All data relative to the tank
are stored together. In the design stage the programmer
creates a generic user-defined memory structure that contains all the different aspects of the storage tank. Each
member has a meaningful name and is created in the appropriate data type and style like REAL (floating point)
for temperature and DINT (decimal) for agitator speed
There is more than one way to create tags. You may create
tags in the tag editor before your program is entered, enter
tag names as you program, or use question marks [?] in
place of tag names and assign the tags later. Figure 15-21
shows an example of a controller scope base tag created in
the new tag dialog box. When defining tags, the following
information has to be specified:
• A tag name, which must begin with an alphabetic
character or an underscore (_). Names can contain
only alphabetic characters, numeric characters,
or underscores and may be up to 40 characters in
length. They may not have consecutive or trailing
underscore characters, are not case sensitive and
cannot have spaces in the tag name.
• An optional tag description, which may be up to
120 characters in length.
• The tag type: base, alias, or consumed.
• The data type, which is obtained from the list of
predefined or user-defined data types.
• The scope in which to create the tag. Your options
are the controller scope or any one of the existing
program scopes.
• The display style to be used when monitoring the
tag in the programming software. The software will
display the choices of available styles.
• Whether or not you want to make this tag available
to other controllers and the number of other controllers that can consume the tag.
New Tag
Controller controller1
Controller tags
New Tag...
Figure 15-21
All_Stop
Description:
This is the Line Stop pushbutton
input.
Cancel
Ctrl+W
Monitor Tags
Edit Tags
Verify
Export Tags...
Print
OK
Name:
Help
Tag Type:
Base
Alias
Produced
1
consumers
Consumed
Ctrl+P
···
Data Type:
BOOL
Scope:
Controller1(controller)
Style:
Binary
Configure···
Controller scope base tag.
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Scope:
Controller1(controller)
Tag Name
Show:
-Local:2:C
+
-Local:2:I
{
..}
..}
{.
..}
Binary
Edit Tags
Monitor Tags window.
Monitoring and Editing Tags
After tags have been created they can be monitored using
the Monitor Tags window displayed in Figure 15-22.
When Monitor Tags is selected the actual value(s) for the
tags will be shown. The Force Mask column is used to
force inputs and outputs when troubleshooting. You can
also create new tags or edit existing tags using the Edit
Tags window displayed in Figure 15-23. When Edit Tags
P
{.
2#0000_0000
Monitor Tags
Scope:
Decimal
...}
{.
Base Tag
Style
0
Section_3_Run
Figure 15-22
Sort:
Force Mask
Value
All_Stop
+
Show All
Controller1(controller)
Tag Name
Show:
is selected new tags may be created, and existing tag
properties may be modified.
Array
Many control programs require the ability to store blocks
of information in memory in the form of tables that can
be accessed at runtime. An array is a tag type that contains a block of multiple pieces of data. Each element
Show All
Alias For
Sort:
Base Tag
Base Tag
Type
All_stop
BOOL
+
-Local:2:C
AB:1756_DI:C:0
+
-Local:2:I
AB:1756_DI:I:0
Section_3_Run
Monitor Tags
Figure 15-23
Local:2:I.Data.0
BOOL
Local:2:I.Data.0
Edit Tags
Edit Tags window.
Select Data Type
Selection
DINT[6,3,2]
3-dimensional
1-dimensional
2-dimensional
Find match
Cancel
Data Types
BOOL
CONTROL
COUNTER
DINT
INT
Load
Load_info
MESSAGE
Help
Array Dimensions
Dim 0
Dim 1
6
Table [6]
Grid [6,3]
Figure 15-24
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OK
3
Dim 2
2
Block [6,3,2]
Types of arrays.
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of an array must be of the same data type (e.g., BOOL,
SINT, or INT). An array occupies a contiguous block
of controller memory. Arrays are similar to tables of
values. The use of arrayed data types offers the fastest
data throughput (output) from a ControlLogix processor.
Because arrays are numerically sequenced tags of the
same data that occupy a contiguous memory location,
large amounts of data can be retrieved efficiently. Arrays
can be built using 1, 2 or 3 dimensions, as illustrated in
Figure 15-24, to represent the data they are intended to
contain.
A single tag within the array is one element. The element may be a basic data type or a structure. The elements start with 0 and extend to the number of elements
minus 1. Figure 15-25 is an example of the memory
Array - Temp
Data Type - INT[5]
Figure 15-25
Temp[0]
297
Temp[1]
200
Temp[2]
180
Temp[3]
120
Temp[4]
100
Memory layout for a 1-dimensional array.
layout for a 1-dimensional (one column of values)
array created to hold five temperatures. The tag name
is Temp and the array consists of 5 elements numbered
0 through 4.
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PART 1 REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Compare the memory configuration of a Logix
5000 controller with that of an SLC 500 controller.
2. What does a project contain?
3. List four programming functions that can be carried out using the program organizer.
4. Explain the function of tasks within the project.
5. State the three main types of tasks.
6. What type of tasks function as timed interrupts?
7. Explain the function of programs within the
project.
8. Explain the function of routines within the project.
9. Which routine is configured to execute first?
10. Name the four types of programming languages
that can be used to program Logix 5000 controllers.
11. What are tags used for?
12. Compare the accessibility of program scope and
controller scope tags.
13. Name the tag type used for each of the following:
a. Create an alternate name for a tag.
b. Share information over a network.
c. Store various types of data.
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14. What is the difference between a produced tag and
a consumed tag?
15. List the five types of base tag data.
16. State the data type used for each of the following:
a. 32-bit memory storage
b. On/Off toggle switch
c. 16-bit memory storage
d. 8-bit memory storage
17. Describe the make-up of a predefined structure.
18. Describe the make-up of a module-defined
structure.
19. Describe the make-up of a user-defined structure.
20. Explain two ways of creating tags.
21. When defining tags what limitations are placed on
the entering of a tag name?
22. What is meant by the tag display style?
23. Write an example of an array tag used to hold
4 speeds.
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Part 2 Bit-Level
Programming
Input tags
Part Objectives
After completing this part, you will be able to:
•
•
•
•
Know what happens during the program scan
Demonstrate an understanding of input, output, and
internal relay addressing format for a tag-based Logix
controller
Develop ladder logic programs with input instructions
and output coil combinations
Develop ladder logic programs with latched outputs
Field input
devices
Ladder logic
program
PLC
input
module
PLC
processor
Field output
devices
Field
power
supply
Output
tags
Program Scan
When a CLX controller executes a program, it must
know—in real time—when external devices controlling
a process are changing. During each operating cycle,
the processor reads all the inputs, takes these values,
and energizes or de-energizes the outputs according to
the user program. This process is known as the program
scan.
Figure 15-26 illustrates the signal flow into and out of
a Logix controller during a controller’s operating cycle
when ladder logic is executing. During the program scan,
the controller reads rungs and branches from left to right
and top to bottom as follows:
• Only one rung at a time is scanned.
• As the program is scanned, the status of inputs are
checked for True (1 or ON) or False (0 of OFF)
conditions.
PLC
output
module
M
Field power
supply
Figure 15-26
Logix controller operating cycle.
• The status signals from the inputs are sent to the
input tags where they are stored.
• As the program is scanned by the processor, inputs
are checked for True or False conditions and the
ladder logic is evaluated based on these values.
• The resulting ON or OFF action, as a result of
evaluating each rung, is then sent to the output tags
for storage.
• During the output update portion of the scan, corresponding output values are sent to the process or
machine by way of the output module.
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• I/O updates occur asynchronously to the scan
of the logic. With a ControlLogix processor two
separate 32-bit unsynchronized processes gone
on simultaneously—that is, asynchronously.
This means that the module can update the input
tag from the field and write the output tag to the
field at any point (or at several points) during the
processor’s execution of the ladder rungs. The
result is more efficiency and control over when the
input field device data are updated in the input tag
and when the output data resulting from the solved
logic are sent to the output modules and their
respective field devices.
Creating Ladder Logic
Although other programming languages are available,
ladder logic is the most common programming language
for PLCs. The instructions in ladder logic programming
can be divided into two broad categories: input and output instructions. The most common input instruction is
equivalent to a relay contact and the most common output
instruction is the equivalent of a relay coil (Figure 15-27).
When creating ladder I/O bit instructions, the following
rules apply:
• All input instructions must be to the left of an output instruction.
• A rung cannot begin with an output instruction if it
also contains an input instruction. This is because
the controller tests all inputs for true or false before
deciding what value the output instruction should be.
• A rung does not need to contain any input
instructions, but it must contain at least one output
instruction.
XIC
• When a rung has only one output instruction it will
always be true.
• The last instruction on a rung must always be an
output instruction.
• The XIC, or Examine If Closed contact instruction,
checks to see if the input has a value of one. If the
input is one, the XIC instruction returns a true value.
• The XIO, or Examine If Open contact instruction,
checks to see if the input has a value of zero. If the
input is zero, the XIO instruction returns a true value.
• The OTE or Output Energize coil instruction sets
the tag associated with it to true or one when the
rung has logic continuity. When true it can be used
to energize an output device or simply set a value in
memory to one.
ControlLogix PLCs support multiple outputs on one
rung. CLX controllers allow the use of serial logic that
does not conform to traditional electrical hardwired circuits or ladder logic. For example, both of the rungs shown
in Figure 15-28 are valid in RSLogix 5000. However the
series connection of outputs would not work if wired that
way in an equivalent electrical circuit or programmed that
way in RSLogix 500. In both instances in RSLogix 5000,
instructions tagA and tagB must be true to energize output
tag1 and tag2.
In ControlLogix output instructions can be placed between input instructions as illustrated in Figure 15-29. In
this example instructions tagA and tagB must be true to
energize output tag1. Instructions tagA and tagB and tagC
must all be true before output tag2 is set to energize.
Parallel outputs
tagA
tagB
XIO
If the Data
Bit is:
instruction is:
If the Data
Bit is:
Logic 0
False
Logic 0
True
Logic 1
True
Logic 1
False
XIC
Inputs
XIO
Output
tag2
instruction is:
Series outputs
tagA
OTE
Figure 15-27
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pet10882_ch15_317-372.indd 330
If the Data
Bit is:
OTE
instruction is:
Logic 0
False
Logic 1
True
Contacts and coil instructions.
Part 2
tag1
Figure 15-28
tagA
Figure 15-29
instructions.
tagB
tag1
tag2
Parallel and series outputs.
tagB
tag1
tagC
tag2
Output instruction placed between input
Bit-Level Programming
7/27/10 6:43 PM
is a digital input, 2 indicates that the limit switch is
connected to terminal 2 on the module, and C indicates that it is a controller tag with global access.
• The physical address for the tag High_limit_light is
Local:2:O.Data.4(C). Local indicates that the module
is in the same rack as the processor, 2 indicates that
the module is in slot 2 in the rack, O indicates that
the module is an output type, Data indicates that it is
a digital input, 4 indicates that the high limit light is
connected to terminal 4 on the module, and C indicates
that it is a controller tag with global access.
Tag-Based Addressing
Logix 5000 controllers use a tag-based addressing structure. A tag is a text-based name for an area of the controller where data is stored. An example of how a tag-based
address is implemented using a ControlLogix controller
is shown in Figure 15-30. Tag names use a meaningful
description of the variable. In this application when the
normally closed high limit switch is activated the program
will switch the high limit output light on. The addressing
format can be summarized as follows:
• The physical address for the tag Limit_switch is
Local:1:I.Data.2(C). Local indicates that the module
is in the same rack as the processor, 1 indicates that
the module is in slot 1 in the rack, I indicates that
the module is an input type, Data indicates that it
One advantage of the use of tag-based addressing is
that the allocation of variable names for program values
is not tied to specific memory locations in the memory
structure, as is the case with rack/slot and rack/group type
TAG EDIT
Tag Name
Alias For
Base Tag
Type
Style
Limit_switch
Local:1:I.data.2(C)
Local:1:I.data.2(C)
BOOL
Decimal
High_limit_light
Local:2:O.data.4(C)
Local:2:O.data.4(C)
BOOL
Decimal
8-point
discrete
(digital)
input
module
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
High_limit_light
Limit_switch
Light-OFF
Switch - closed
8-point
discrete
(digital)
onput
module
Processor
module
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7-slot
ControlLogix
chassis
Power
supply
Program
Limit_switch
<Local:1:I.data.2(C)>
High_limit_light
<Local:2:O.data.4(C)>
Tag Name
Value
Style
Type
Limit_switch
1
Decimal
BOOL
High_limit_light
0
Decimal
BOOL
TAG MONITOR
Figure 15-30
Tag-based address implementation.
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systems. Initially, all program development can proceed
with just the tag names and data types assigned. Using tag
aliases, programmers can write code independent of electrical connection assignments. At a later date, input and
output field devices are easily matched to the pin numbers
on the respective module they are connected to.
L2
L1
Motor
start
Motor
stop
Motor
run
M
Adding Ladder Logic to the
Main Routine
Contactor coil
Figure 15-31 shows the diagram for a hardwired contactor operated motor start/stop control circuit. The normally
open start button is momentarily closed to energize the
contactor coil and close its main contacts to start the motor.
The seal-in auxiliary contact of the contactor is connected
in parallel with the start button to keep the starter coil
energized when the start button is released. The normally
closed start button is momentarily opened to de-energize
the contactor coil and stop the motor.
Figure 15-32 shows the ladder logic program for the
motor start/stop control circuit and the RSLogix 5000 toolbar used to create it. Free form editing found in RSLogix
5000 helps speed development in that you do not have to
place an instruction and tie an address to the instruction
Contactor auxiliary
contact
Figure 15-31
Hardwired motor start/stop control circuit.
before adding the next instruction. In this example we have
chosen to use question marks [?] in place of tag names and
assign the tags later. Field device wiring for the two pushbutton inputs and the single contactor coil output are as
illustrated. The stop button is connected to terminal 3 and
the start button to terminal 4 of the DC input module located in slot 1 of the rack. The contactor coil is connected
to terminal 4 of the DC output module located in slot 2
of the rack. Both the start and stop buttons are examined
for a closed condition (XIC) because both buttons must be
closed to cause the motor starter to operate.
Bit element toolbar
Branch
Rung
XIC
XIO
OTE OTL OTU
L
U
ONS OSR
Bit
Ladder logic program
Stop Terminal
3
Terminal Contactor
?
?
?
M
4
Start
ⴙ
Field
device
power
ST 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Input module
Slot 1
Figure 15-32
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ⴙ
Common
DC INPUT
332
?
4
Common
Field
device
power
DC OUTPUT
ST 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Output module
Slot 2
Programmed motor start/stop control circuit.
Bit-Level Programming
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With text-based Logix systems you can use the name
of the tag to document your ladder code and organize
your data to mirror your application. For the programmed
motor start/stop control circuit three tags Motor_Start,
Motor_Stop, and Motor_Run are created. Figure 15-33
illustrates how the Motor_Start tag is created in the New
Tag window. This window can be accessed by right
clicking the ? mark above the XIC instruction in the ladder logic program. Since this tag represents a value from
an input field device a link through the module to the
field device must be created. When Local:1:I.Data is selected a dialog box for all of the terminal numbers on the
input module appears. The tag name (Motor_Start) used
in the program is then linked to input terminal number 3
where the field device represented by the tag name is
connected.
Figure 15-34 shows what the ladder logic program
would look like after all three tags have been created.
Users have the ability to reference data via multiple names
using Aliases. This allows the flexibility to name data differently depending on their use. The tag description provides for a more meaningful description of the tag name.
Tag names are downloaded and stored in the controller
Start button for
motor
Motor_Start
<Local:1:I.Data.3>
Description
Tag Name
Alias
New Tag
Name:
Motor_Start
Description:
Start button for
motor
Alias
Local:1:I.Data
Name
+ Local:1:C
Data Type
AB:1756_DO:C:0
AB:1756_DO:I:0
– Local:1:I
Local:1:I.Fault DINT
Local:1:I.Data
0
1
8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
2
3
4
5
6
7
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Figure 15-33
Creating the Motor_Start tag.
but the description is not as it is part of the documentation
of the project.
Figure 15-35 shows the state of the tags created for
the motor start/stop program as seen in the program and
Stop button for
motor
Motor_Stop
<Local:1:I.Data.4>
Motor contactor coil
Motor_Run
<Local:2:O.Data.4>
Motor contactor coil
Motor_Run
<Local:2:O.Data.4>
Figure 15-34
Ladder logic program after all tags have been created.
Inputs
Ladder logic program
L1
Motor_Stop
Motor_Start
Start button for
motor
Motor_Start
<Local:1:I.Data.3>
Stop button for
motor
Motor_Stop
<Local:1:I.Data.4>
Output
Motor contactor coil
Motor_Run
<Local:2:O.Data.4>
L2
Motor_Run
M
Motor contactor coil
Motor_Run
<Local:2:O.Data.4>
Stop
Contactor
Start
Monitor Tags Window
Tag Name
Figure 15-35
Value
Style
Data Type
Description
Motor_Start
0
Decimal
BOOL
Start button for motor
Motor_Stop
1
Decimal
BOOL
Stop button for motor
Motor_Run
1
Decimal
BOOL
Motor contactor coil
Ladder logic program and Monitor Tags window with motor operating.
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Monitor Tags window, when the motor is operating. When
the motor is operating:
an equivalent hardwired control circuit. The operation of
the program can be summarized as follows:
• The XIC Motor_Start instruction is false because
the NO start button is open; therefore its value is 0.
• The XIC Motor_Stop instruction is true because the
NC stop button is closed; therefore its value is 1.
• The OTE Motor_Run instruction is true because the
rung has logic continuity; therefore its value is 1.
• An internal relay is used to execute the logic of
the circuit without having to use a real-world
output.
• The status value stored in memory for all tags, when
all input switches are open, is 0 and so the room
light will be off.
• Closing Position_1_Switch changes the status of its
XIC instruction from false to true thereby establishing logic continuity for Rung 1.
• As a result, the status of the internal relay coil and
its XIC contact change from false to true.
• This establishes logic continuity for Rung 2 and
switches the room light on.
• A change in the state of any of input switches will
change the current state of the light.
Internal Relay Instructions
Internal relay instructions are used when other than realworld field devices are needed as input or output reference
instructions. For example, an internal relay bit is used as
an output when the logical resultant of a rung is used to
control other internal logic. An internal control relay is
programmed in the ControlLogix system by creating a tag
(either program or controller type) and assigning a Boolean
type to the tag.
Figure 15-36 shows a ControlLogix program that uses
an internal relay to implement on/off control of a room
light from three different entrances or positions. Three
single pole switches are used for inputs in place of the
two 3-way and one 4-way switches normally required for
Inputs
L1
Latch and Unlatch Instructions
The output latch (OTL) instruction is a retentive output
instruction that is used to maintain, or latch, an output. If
this output is turned on, it will stay on even if the status
Ladder logic program
Output
L2
Position_1_Switch Position_2_Switch
<Local:1:I.Data.1> <Local:1:I.Data.2>
Internal_Relay
Position_1_Switch
Room_Light
L
Position_2_Switch Position_1_Switch
<Local:1:I.Data.2> <Local:1:I.Data.1>
Position_2_Switch
Position_3_Switch
Internal_Relay
Position_3_Switch
<Local:1:I.Data.3>
Position_3_Switch
<Local:1:I.Data.3>
Internal_Relay
Room_Light
<Local:2:O.Data.5>
Monitor Tags Window
Figure 15-36
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Name
Value
Internal_Relay
0
Force Mask
Decimal
Style
BOOL
Data Type
Position_1_Sw...
0
Decimal
BOOL
Position_2_Sw...
0
Decimal
BOOL
Position_3_Sw...
0
Decimal
BOOL
Room_Light
0
Decimal
BOOL
Internal relay to implement on/off control of a room light from three different entrances.
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Inputs
Ladder logic program
L1
Output
Fan_ON_Button
<Local:1:I.Data.2>
Vent_Fan
<Local:2:O.Data.4>
L
Fan_OFF_Button
<Local:1:I.Data.3>
Vent_Fan
<Local:2:O.Data.4>
U
Fan_ON_Button
Fan_OFF_Button
L2
Vent_Fan
M
Monitor Tags Window
ON
Tag Name
Fan_ON_Button
OFF
Figure 15-37
fan motor.
Value
Style
0
Decimal
Data Type
BOOL
Fan_OFF_Button
0
Decimal
BOOL
Vent_Fan
1
Decimal
BOOL
Output latch and unlatch instructions used to control a vent
of the input logic that caused the output to energize becomes false. The OTL instruction will remain in a latched
on condition until an unlatch instruction (OTU) with the
same referenced tag is energized. The OTL instruction is
often used in programs where the value of a variable must
be maintained in instances where there is a shutdown due
to a power failure or system fault. Retentive memory permits the system to be restarted with memory locations
holding the values that were present when the program
execution was halted.
Figure 15-37 shows a ControlLogix program that uses
an output latch and unlatch instruction pair to implement
the control of a vent fan motor. The operation of the program can be summarized as follows:
• The OTL instruction will write a 1 to its address
when true.
• When the OTL goes false, the output address will
remain a 1.
• This is true even if the processor powers down and
then back up.
• The output address will remain a 1 until reset to 0
by the unlatch instruction.
Input
• If the output address is off, both the latch and unlatch instructions are not intensified, but once the bit
is turned on, you will see both the latch and unlatch
intensified even though both inputs are shut off.
One-Shot Instruction
The CLX One-Shot (ONS) instruction is an input instruction used to turn an output on for one program scan only.
The program of Figure 15-38 uses the ONS instruction
with a math instruction to perform a calculation once per
scan. This program is used to execute the ADD math function only once per actuation of the limit switch, no matter
how long the limit switch is held closed. The operation of
the program can be summarized as follows:
• On any scan for which limit_switch_1 is cleared or
storage_1 is set, this rung has no effect.
• On any scan for which limit_switch_1 is set and storage_1 is cleared, the ONS instruction sets storage_1
and the ADD instruction increments sum by 1.
• As long as limit_switch_1 stays set, sum stays
the same value. The limit_switch_1 must go from
cleared to set again for sum to be incremented again.
Ladder logic program
Limit_Switch_1
<Local:1:I.Data.6> Storage_1
L1
Limit_Switch_1
ONS
ADD
Add
Source A
Source B
Dest
Figure 15-38
Sum
0
1
Sum
0
ONS instruction used to perform a calculation once per scan.
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PART 2 REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What operations are performed by the processor
during the program scan?
2. With a ControlLogix processor I/O updates occur
asynchronously. Explain what this means.
3. In ladder logic programming into what two broad
categories can instruction types be classified?
4. A field input switch is examined using an XIC
instruction.
a. What is the value (0 or 1) stored in its memory
bit when the switch is opened and closed?
b. What is the state of the instruction (true or false)
when the switch is opened and closed?
5. A field input switch is examined using an XIO
instruction.
a. What is the value (0 or 1) stored in its memory
bit when the switch is opened and closed?
b. What is the state of the instruction (true or false)
when the switch is opened and closed?
6. The value of an OTE instruction as it appears in
the Monitor Tags window is 1. Explain what this
means as far as the status of a real-world field output and programmed XIC and XIO instructions
associated with this tag are concerned.
7. Define a tag in the ControlLogix system.
8. What advantage do tag-based addressing systems
have over rack/slot and rack/group types?
9. How is an internal relay programmed in the
ControlLogix system?
10. The output latch instruction is a retentive output
instruction. Explain what retentive means.
11. The ControlLogix ONS instruction is a one-shot
instruction. Explain what this means.
PART 2 PROBLEMS
1. Modify the original ControlLogix start/stop motor
control program with a second start and stop button
added to the program. The additional start button is
to be connected to pin 1 and the stop button to pin 2
of the digital input module.
2. Extend control of the original ControlLogix internal relay program used to control a room light from
3 entrances to 4. The additional single-pole switch
is to be connected to pin 4 of the digital input
module.
3. Implement the hardwired latching relay alarm circuit
of Figure 15-39 in Logix format. The alarm will be
latched on anytime:
• The normally open temperature switch closes.
• Both normally open float switches 1 and
2 close.
• Either normally open sensor switch 1 or 2 closes
while the normally closed pressure switch is closed.
4. Implement the hardwired tank filling and emptying
operation shown in Figure 15-40 in Logix format.
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24 VDC
120 VAC
Temp Sw
Float Sw 1
Float Sw 2
Latch
coil
Relay
contact
Alarm
L
Sensor Sw 1
Pressure
Sw
Sensor Sw 2
Reset button
Unlatch
coil
U
Figure 15-39
for Problem 3.
Hardwired latching relay alarm circuit
Bit-Level Programming
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Solenoid A
L1
Stop
Full tank
sensor
Fill
L2
1CR
1CR1
Full tank
sensor
1CR2
Empty tank
sensor
Empty
Solenoid A
Empty tank
sensor
Control panel
Stop
Fill
Empty
Figure 15-40
2CR
2CR1
Solenoid B
2CR2 Solenoid B
Hardwired tank filling and emptying operation for Problem 4.
Source: Photo courtesy ASCO Valve Inc., www.ascovalve.com.
The operation of the control circuit can be summarized as follows:
• Assuming the liquid level of the tank is at or below
the empty level mark, momentarily pressing the
FILL pushbutton will energize control relay 1CR.
• Contacts 1CR1 and 1CR2 will both close to seal
in the 1CR coil and energize normally closed
solenoid valve A to start filling the tank.
• As the tank fills, the normally open empty-level
sensor switch closes.
• When the liquid reaches the full level, the normally
closed full-level sensor switch opens to open the
circuit to the 1CR relay coil and switch solenoid
valve A to its de-energized closed state.
• Anytime the liquid level of the tank is above
the empty-level mark, momentarily pressing
the EMPTY pushbutton will energize control
relay 2CR.
• Contacts 2CR1 and 2CR2 will both close to seal
in the 2CR coil and energize normally closed
solenoid valve B to start emptying the tank.
• When the liquid reaches the empty level, the
normally open empty-level sensor switch opens to
open the circuit to the 2CR relay coil and switch
solenoid valve B to its de-energized closed state.
• The stop button may be pressed at any time to halt
the process.
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Part 3 Programming Timers
Timer Predefined Structure
Part Objectives
Timers are used to turn outputs on and off after a time
delay, turn outputs on or off for a set amount of time, and
keep track of the time an output is on or off. The timer
address in the SLC 500 controller is a data table address
or symbol, whereas the timer address in the ControlLogix
controller is a predefined structure of the TIMER data
type. The TIMER structure is shown in Figure 15-41.
Timer parameters and status bits include:
• Tag Name—User-friendly tag name for the timer
(e.g., Pump_Timer). If you want to use a timer, you
must create a tag of type timer.
• Preset (PRE)—The number of time increments that
the timer must accumulate to reach the desired time
delay. Specifies the value (in milliseconds) which
the timer must reach before the done bit (DN)
changes state. The preset value is stored as a binary
After completing this part, you will be able to:
•
•
•
•
Data Type: TIMER
Name:
•
Pump_Timer
Description:
Members:
Data Type Size: 12 byte(s)
Name
Data Type
Style
PRE
DINT
Decimal
ACC
DINT
Decimal
EN
BOOL
Decimal
TT
BOOL
Decimal
DN
BOOL
Decimal
Description
•
•
Figure 15-41
TIMER predefined structure.
Understand ControlLogix timer tags and their members
Utilize status bits from timers in logic
Develop ladder logic programs using ControlLogix
timers
number (DINT). The time base is always 1 msec.
For example, for a 3 second timer, enter 3000 for
the PRE value.
Accumulator (ACC)—The accumulator value is
the number of milliseconds the instruction has been
enabled. The accumulator value stops changing
when ACC value 5 PRE value.
Enable Bit (EN)—The enable bit indicates the
TON instruction is enabled. The EN bit is true when
the rung input logic is true, and false when the rung
input logic is false.
Timer Timing Bit (TT)—The timing bit indicates
that a timing operation is in process. The TT bit is
true only when the accumulator is incrementing.
TT remains true until the accumulator reaches the
preset value.
Done Bit (DN)—The done bit indicates that accumulated value (ACC) is equal to the preset (PRE)
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Diverter gate
solenoid delay timer
value. The DN bit signals the end of the timing process by changing states from false-to-true or from
true-to-false depending on the type of time contact
instruction used. The DN bit is the most commonly
used timer status bit.
TON
TIMER ON DELAY
Timer
Solenoid_Delay
Preset
3000
Accum
0
EN
DN
On-Delay Timer (TON)
The on-delay timer (TON) is a nonretentive output instruction used when the application requires an action to
occur at some time after the rung conditions for the timer
become true. The ControlLogix TON on-delay instruction
and timer selection toolbar are shown in Figure 15-42.
When you want to use a timer, you must create a tag of
type TIMER (it is a predefined data type) and enter the
preset and the accumulated value. The tag must be defined
before the preset and accumulated values can be entered.
A value can be entered for the accumulator while programming. When the program is downloaded this value
will be in the timer for the first scan. If the TON timer is
not enabled the value will be set back to zero. Normally
zero will be entered for the accumulator value.
The timer tag name is declared using the new tag properties dialog box shown in Figure 15-43. Tag name, description (optional), tag type, data type, and scope are
selected or typed to complete the validation. A descriptive
tag name, such as Solenoid_Delay, makes it easier to know
what function the timer serves in the control system.
The program of Figure 15-44 is an example of a 10000 ms
(10 s) TON timer. Timers generate both word level (DINT)
and bit level (BOOL) data and status. The operation of the
program can be summarized with reference to the Monitor Tags window.
• The status of all instruction is shown after the timer
input switch has been switched from off to on (1)
and accumulated 5000 ms (5 s) of time.
• At this halfway point the EN bit is 1 since the rung
is true, the TT bit is 1 since the accumulated value is
TON
Favorites
TOF
RTO
CTU
Add-On Alarms
CTD
RES
Bit
Timer/Counter
Tag name
Input side of rung
Figure 15-42
TON
TIMER ON DELAY
Timer Solenoid_Delay
Preset
3000
Accum
0
TON on-delay instruction.
EN
DN
Figure 15-43
•
•
•
•
•
Timer tag validation.
changing, and the DN bit is 0 since the accumulated
value does not yet equal the preset value.
When the ACC equals PRE, the accumulated value
stops incrementing, EN stays on for as long as the
rung remains true, TT equals 0 since the accumulated value is not changing, and DN equals 1 since
ACC 5 PRE.
This will result in the DN pilot light switching on at
the same time as the TT pilot light switches off.
The EN pilot light remains on as long as the input
switch is closed.
Opening the input switch at any time causes the
TON instruction to go false resetting the counter
ACC value to 0 and EN, TT, and DN bits to 0. This
in turn switches off all output pilot lights.
The TON instruction is a self-resetting timer. When
the rung goes false, the timer is automatically reset.
A reset instruction can be used, but usually is not.
Figure 15-45 shows a TON timer used to delay the operation of a diverter gate solenoid for 3 seconds after a target has been sensed by the solenoid energize sensor. The
operation of the program can be summarized as follows:
• Detection of the target causes closure of the SOL_
Energize_Sensor contacts making the timer rung
true and start timing.
• With passage of the target the SOL_Energize_
Sensor contacts open but the rung remains true
through the EN bit of the TON timer.
• After 3000 ms (3 s) delay time has elapsed, delay
timer DN bit is set to 1 to energize the SOL_Gate.
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Input
L1
Ladder logic program
Timer_Sw
<Local:1:I.Data.6>
Timer_Sw
L2
TON
TIMER ON DELAY
Status_Timer
Timer
Preset
10000
Accum
5000
EN
EN_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.1>
Status_Timer.TT
TT_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.2>
Status_Timer.DN
DN_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.3>
Value
Style
EN_PL
1 Decimal
BOOL
TT_PL
1 Decimal
BOOL
0 Decimal
TT_PL
TT
DN_PL
DN
Data Type
1 Decimal
DN_PL
EN
BOOL
Timer_Sw
-Status_Timer
EN_PL
DN
Status_Timer.EN
Tag Name
Figure 15-44
Outputs
BOOL
TIMER
{…}
Status_Timer.PRE
10000 Decimal
DINT
Status_Timer.ACC
500 Decimal
DINT
Status_Timer.EN
1 Decimal
BOOL
Status_Timer.TT
1 Decimal
BOOL
Status_Timer.DN
0 Decimal
BOOL
Ten-second TON timer program.
Inputs
L1
SOL_Energize_Sensor
Ladder logic program
Output
SOL_Energize_Sensor SOL_De-energize_Sensor
<Local:1:I.Data.3>
<Local:1:I.Data.6>
TON
TIMER ON DELAY
Timer
T_SOL_Delay
T_SOL_Delay.EN
Preset
3000
Accum
0
SOL_Deenergize_Sensor
Value
Style
DN
SOL_Gate
Data Type
SOL_Energize_Sensor
0 Decimal
BOOL
SOL_Deenergize_Sensor
1 Decimal
BOOL
SOL_Gate
0 Decimal
BOOL
T_SOL_Delay
EN
SOL_Gate
<Local:2:O.Data.2>
T_SOL_Delay.DN
Tag Name
L2
{…}
TIMER
T_SOL_Delay.PRE
3000 Decimal
DINT
T_SOL_Delay.ACC
0 Decimal
DINT
T_SOL_Delay.EN
0 Decimal
BOOL
T_SOL_Delay.TT
0 Decimal
BOOL
T_SOL_Delay.DN
0 Decimal
BOOL
Figure 15-45 TON timer used to delay the operation of a diverter gate solenoid.
Source: Photos courtesy Omron Industrial Automation, www.ia.omron.com.
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Programming Timers
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Input
Ladder logic program
L1
Timer_Button
Time_Button
Green_PL
<Local:1:I.Data.0> <Local:2:O.Data.3>
L
Pilot_Light_Timer.EN
Pilot_Light_Timer.DN
Figure 15-46
Output
L2
TON
TIMER ON DELAY
Timer Pilot_Light_Timer
Preset
20000
Accum
0
EN
Green_ PL
DN
Pilot_Light_Timer
Green_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.3>
RES
U
Pilot light TON timer.
• When the button is then opened the timer rung
remains true through the logic path created by the
Pilot_Light_Timer.EN bit.
• After 20000 ms (20 s) have elapsed the timer DN
bit is set to reset the timer to its original state and
unlatch the Green_PL and switch it off.
• Momentary detection of the target by the SOL_
Deenergize_Sensor causes the opening of its contacts and resets the program to its original state.
Figure 15-46 shows a program that uses a TON timer to
illuminate a green pilot light for 20 seconds each time a momentary button is pressed. In addition to the TON timer this
program uses multiple outputs on one rung, output latch and
unlatch instructions, as well as a timer reset instruction. The
operation of the program can be summarized as follows:
• Initially closing the Timer_Button sets (latches) the
Green_PL on and enables the Pilot_Light_Timer.
The ControlLogix program of Figure 15-47 shows
three TON timers cascaded (connected together) for traffic light control. The ladder logic used is the same as that
used to program the traffic lights using the SLC 500 controller. The different tags created to fit the program are
Ladder logic program
Amber_Light_Timer.DN
Red_Light_Timer.DN
Green_Light_Timer.DN
Outputs
TON
TIMER ON DELAY
Red_Light_Timer
Timer
Preset
30000
Accum
0
TON
TIMER ON DELAY
Timer
Green_Light_Timer
Preset
25000
Accum
0
TON
TIMER ON DELAY
Timer Amber_Light_Timer
Preset
5000
Accum
0
DN
Red_ Light
Amber_ Light
EN
DN
Green_ Light
EN
DN
Red_Light_Timer.EN
Red_Light_Timer.DN
Red_Light
<Local:2:O.Data.0>
Green_Light_Timer.EN
Green_Light_Timer.DN
Green_Light
<Local:2:O.Data.1>
Amber_Light_Timer.EN
Amber_Light_Timer.DN
Amber_Light
<Local:2:O.Data.2>
Figure 15-47
L2
EN
ControlLogix traffic control program.
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Tag Name
Value
Style
Data Type
-Amber_Light_Timer
{…}
TIMER
-Green_Light_Timer
{…}
TIMER
-Red_Light_Timer
{…}
TIMER
-Red_Light_Timer.PRE
30000 Decimal
DINT
-Red_Light_Timer.ACC
0 Decimal
DINT
Red_Light_Timer.EN
1 Decimal
BOOL
Red_Light_Timer.TT
1 Decimal
BOOL
Red_Light_Timer.DN
0 Decimal
BOOL
Red_Light
1 Decimal
BOOL
Green_Light
0 Decimal
BOOL
Amber_Light
0 Decimal
BOOL
Figure 15-48
Tags created for traffic light program.
shown in Figure 15-48. Operation of the program can be
summarized as follows:
• Transition from red light to green light to amber
light is accomplished by the interconnection of the
EN and DN bits of the three TON timer instructions.
• The input to the Red_Light_Timer is controlled by
the Amber_Light_Timer.DN bit.
• The input to the Green_Light_Timer is controlled
by the Red_Light_Timer.DN bit.
• The input to the Amber_Light_Timer is controlled
by the Green_Light_Timer.DN bit.
• The timed sequence of the lights is:
- Red—30 s on
- Green—25 s on
- Amber—5 s on
• The sequence then repeats itself.
but it will delay before turning off after the rung goes
false. The ControlLogix TOF off-delay timer instruction
is shown in Figure 15-49. The description of the function
block fields and tag references are the same as for that of
a TON timer.
Figure 15-50 shows a program that uses a TOF timer
to illuminate a green pilot light for 20 seconds each time
a momentary button is pressed. The program code is simpler than that used to accomplish the same task using a
TON timer. The operation of the program can be summarized as follows:
• When the Timer_Button is initially closed the
timer rung and instruction and DN bit all become
true.
• The DN bit switches on the Green_PL and the
program remains in this state as long as the button is
held closed.
• When the button is released the Timer_Button
instruction goes false and starts the timing cycle.
• The light remains on and the timer begins accumulating time.
• When the accumulator reaches 20000 ms (20 s)
the timer DN bit becomes false and the light is
switched off.
The program of Figure 15-51 uses both on-delay and
off-delay timers for control of a heating oven process.
The different tags created to fit the program are shown
Input side
of rung
Off-Delay Timer (TOF)
The off-delay timer (TOF) operates in a fashion opposite
to the TON on-delay timer. An off-delay timer will turn
on immediately when the rung of ladder logic is true,
Input
Timer_Button
<Local:1:I.Data.0>
Timer_Button
Pilot_Light_Timer.DN
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TOF
TIMER OFF DELAY
Timer
Sample_TOF
Preset
5000
Accum
0
EN
DN
ControlLogix TOF off-delay timer instruction.
Ladder logic program
L1
Figure 15-50
Figure 15-49
Tag name
Output
L2
TOF
TIMER OFF DELAY
Timer Pilot_Light_Timer
Preset
20000
Accum
0
EN
Green_ PL
DN
Green_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.3>
Pilot light TOF timer.
Programming Timers
7/27/10 6:43 PM
Inputs
Ladder logic program
Outputs
L1
L2
Oven_On_Bautton
Oven_On_Button
<Local:1:I.Data.1>
Oven_Off_Button
<Local:1:I.Data.2>
Oven_On_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.2>
Oven_On_PL
Oven_Off_Button
Oven_On_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.2>
Warning_Horn
ON
Oven_On_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.2>
OFF
TON
TIMER ON DELAY
Timer_Heat
Timer
10000←
Preset
0←
Accum
Heater_Contactor
EN
DN
Fan_Motor
TOF
TIMER OFF DELAY
Timer_Cooling
Timer
300000←
Preset
0←
Accum
Figure 15-51
Tag Name
Warning_Horn
DN
Timer_Heat.TT
Warning_Horn
<Local:2:O.data.3>
Timer_Heat.DN
Heater_Contactor
<Local:2:O.data.4>
Timer_Cooling.DN
Fan_Motor
<Local:2:O.data.5>
Timer control of a heating oven process.
Alias For
Base Tag
Data Type
Style
Local:2:O.Data.3 Local:2:O.Data.3 BOOL
Decimal
Heater_Contactor Local:2:O.Data.4 Local:2:O.Data.4 BOOL
Decimal
Fan_Motor
Local:2:O.Data.5 Local:2:O.Data.5 BOOL
Decimal
Oven_On_PL
Local:2:O.Data.2 Local:2:O.Data.2 BOOL
Decimal
Oven_On_Button
Local:1:I.Data.1
Local:1:I.Data.1 BOOL
Decimal
Oven_Off_Button
Local:1:I.Data.2
Local:1:I.Data.2 BOOL
Decimal
-Timer_Heat
TIMER
-Timer_Cooling
TIMER
Figure 15-52
EN
Tags created for heating oven process.
in Figure 15-52. Operation of the program can be summarized as follows:
• Pressing the Oven_On_Button energizes the Oven_
On_PL output which seals itself in and enables the
TON and TOF timer instructions.
• The Timer_Heat.TT bit of the TON timer becomes
true which sounds the Warning_Horn to warn that
the oven is about to come on.
• The Timer_Cooling.DN bit of the TOF timer
becomes true which energizes the Fan_Motor.
• After 10 s (10000 ms) have elapsed the Timer_Heat.
TT bit becomes false to turn off the Warning_Horn
and the Timer_Heat.DN bit becomes true to
energize the Heater_Contactor and turn on the
heating coils.
• When the Oven_Off_Button is momentarily actuated the Oven_On_PL output goes false which turns
the pilot light off and opens the continuity of its
seal-in logic path.
• The Timer_Heat timer instruction and its DN
bit instruction become false which de-energizes
the Heater_Contactor and turns off the heating
coils.
• The Timer_Cooling timer begins accumulating time
and the fan continues to operate for the 5 minute
(300000 ms) delay period after which the Timer_
Cooling.DN bit becomes false to turn the fan off.
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Retentive Timer On (RTO)
A retentive on-delay timer (RTO) operates the same
as a TON timer, except that the retentive timer retains
(remembers) its ACC value even if:
•
•
•
•
The rung goes false.
The processor is placed in the program mode.
The processor faults.
Power to the processor is temporarily interrupted
and the processor battery is functioning properly.
The ControlLogix RTO retentive on-delay timer instruction is shown in Figure 15-53. The description of the
function block fields and tag references are the same as
for that of a TON timer; however, a RES reset instruction
must be used to reset the accumulated value of a retentive
timer. The RES instruction must have the same tag name
as the timer you want to reset.
RTO
RETENTIVE TIMER ON
Timer
SOL_On_Timer
Preset
10000
Accum
0
EN
DN
Input side of rung
SOL_On_Timer
RES
Figure 15-53
RTO retentive on-delay timer instruction.
Input
• The status and value of all instructions, with the
timer initially reset, are as shown in the monitor
tags window.
• When the Limit_Switch has been closed for 1 minute, the status and value of the instructions would be:
- PRE – 120000
- ACC – 60000
- LS_Timer.EN – 1
- LS_Timer.TT – 1
- LS_Timer.DN – 0
- LS_EN_PL – 1
- LS_TT_PL – 1
- LS_Alarm – 0
• When the Limit_Switch is opened after 1.5 minutes,
the status and value of the instructions would be:
- PRE – 120000
- ACC – 90000
- LS_Timer.EN – 0
- LS_Timer.TT – 0
- LS_Timer.DN – 0
- LS_EN_PL – 0
- LS_TT_PL – 0
- LS_Alarm – 0
Ladder logic program
Limit_Switch
<Local:1:I.Data.7>
L1
An example application of a limit switch 2 minute
(120000 ms) RTO timer program is shown in Figure 15-54.
The different tags created to fit the program are shown in
Figure 15-55. The operation of the program can be summarized as follows:
Limit_Switch
Outputs
L2
RTO
RETENTIVE TIMER ON
LS_Timer
Timer
Preset
120000
Accum
0
EN
LS_EN_PL
DN
LS_EN_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.0>
LS_TT_PL
LS_Timer.EN
LS_Timer.TT
LS_TT_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.1>
LS_Alarm
LS_Timer.DN
LS_Alarm
<Local:2:O.Data.2>
Reset_LS_Timer
<Local:1:I.Data.2>
LS_Timer
Reset_LS_Timer
Alarm
RES
Figure 15-54 Limit switch RTO timer program.
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Programming Timers
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Tag Name
-LS_Timer
-LS_Timer.PRE
Value
Style
{…}
Data Type
TIMER
120000 Decimal DINT
-LS_Timer.ACC
0 Decimal DINT
LS_Timer.EN
0 Decimal BOOL
LS_Timer.TT
0 Decimal BOOL
LS_Timer.DN
0 Decimal BOOL
Limit_Switch
LS_EN_PL
0 Decimal BOOL
LS_TT_PL
LS_Alarm
0 Decimal BOOL
Figure 15-55
timer program.
0 Decimal BOOL
0 Decimal BOOL
Tags created for the RTO retentive on-delay
• When the Limit_Switch is closed and stays closed
until the timer times out, the status and value of the
instructions would be:
- PRE – 120000
- ACC –120000
- LS_Timer.EN – 1
- LS_Timer.TT – 0
- LS_Timer.DN – 1
- LS_EN_PL – 1
- LS_TT_PL – 0
- LS_Alarm – 1
• When the Limit_Switch is opened after the timer
times out, the status and value of the instructions
would be:
- PRE – 120000
- ACC –120000
- LS_Timer.EN – 0
- LS_Timer.TT – 0
- LS_Timer.DN – 1
- LS_EN_PL – 0
- LS_TT_PL – 0
- LS_Alarm – 1
• When the Reset_LS_Timer is closed, the status and
value of the instructions are reset to their original
values.
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PART 3 REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Compare the methods used to address timers in an
SLC 500 and a ControlLogix controller.
2. List the five different members of a TIMER
structure.
3. What type of timing application may require you to
use a TON on-delay timer?
4. What PRE value is used for a timer?
5. To what value is the accumulated value of a timer
normally set?
6. What timer status bit is set to 1 when the TON
timer times out?
7. The TON instruction is self-resetting. Explain what
this means.
8. What number would be entered into the PRE value
of a ControlLogix timer for a timing period of
4.5 minutes?
9. Compare the operation a TOF and a TON timer.
10. When does the rung of a TOF timer begin accumulating time?
11. The RTO timer is a retentive timer. Explain what
this means.
12. How are the retentive timer and reset instruction
related?
PART 3 PROBLEMS
1. Modify the original CLX ten-second TON timer program with an additional rung added to the program
that will energize a solenoid whenever the timer is
enabled and timing. The solenoid is to be connected
to pin 6 of the digital output module.
2. With reference to the ladder logic of the CLX diverter gate program, assume the solenoid gate fails
to energize as programmed. You suspect the problem
is due to an open in the solenoid coil or wiring to it.
How might observation of the solenoid output status
light help confirm this?
3. You are required to extend the Green light-on
time of the CLX traffic control program to 40 seconds. What changes would have to be made to the
program?
4. With reference to the CLX heating oven process
program, assume the oven-on pilot light burns out.
In what way would the operation of the program be
affected?
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5. With reference to the CLX limit switch RTO program, in addition to the alarm you are required to
install a warning pilot light to indicate that the timer
has timed out. How would you proceed?
6. Implement the hardwired TON alarm circuit of
Figure 15-56 in Logix format.
L2
L1
ON/OFF
switch
CR
CR
Low pressure
On-delay timer
switch
TR
10 s
Alarm
TR
Figure 15-56
Hardwired TON alarm circuit for Problem 6.
Programming Timers
7/27/10 6:43 PM
Part 4 Programming
Counters
TON
Favorites
Add-On
TOF
RTO
Alarms
CTU
Bit
CTD
RES
Timer/Counter
Part Objectives
Tag name
After completing this part, you will be able to:
•
•
•
Understand ControlLogix counter tags and their
members
Utilize status bits from counters in logic
Develop ladder logic programs using ControlLogix
counters
True
CTU
Count Up
Counter Package_Counter
24←
Preset
0←
Accum
False
CU
DN
Input side of rung
Package_Counter
RES
Figure 15-57
Counters
Counters are similar to timers, except that a counter accumulates (counts) the changes in state of an external
trigger signal whereas timers increment using an internal
clock. PLC counters are generally triggered by a change
in an input field device that causes a false-to-true transition of the counter ladder rung. It does not matter how
long the rung stays true or false—it is only the transition
that counts.
There are two basic counter types: count-up (CTU)
and count-down (CTD). The ControlLogix CTU instruction and counter selection toolbar are shown in
Figure 15-57. When you want to use a timer, you must
create a tag of type COUNTER (it is a predefined data
type) and enter the preset and the accumulated value.
When entering the instruction, this tag must be defined
before the preset and accumulated values can be entered.
A RES reset instruction that has the same tag name as the
CTU count-up counter instruction.
counter must be used to reset the accumulated value of
the counter to zero.
All counters are retentive in that the accumulated value
of any counter is retained, even during a power failure,
until reset. The on/off status of the counter done, overflow, and underflow bits are retentive as well. ControlLogix counter parameters and status bits are shown in the
edit tags window of Figure 15-58 and can be summarized
as follows:
• Preset (PRE) Value—Specifies the value the
counter must reach before the done (DN) bit turns
on (1).
• Accumulated (ACC) Value—Is the number of
false-to-true transitions of the counter run. ACC is
reset to zero when a reset (RES) instruction (of the
same counter address) is executed.
• CU (Count-Up Enable Bit)—The count-up enable
bit indicates the CTU instruction is enabled.
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Tag Name
Data Type
Style
COUNTER
Decimal
-Part_Counter.PRE
DINT
Decimal
-Part_Counter.ACC
DINT
Decimal
Part_Counter.CU
BOOL
Decimal
Part_Counter.CD
BOOL
Decimal
Part_Counter.DN
BOOL
Decimal
Part_Counter.OV
BOOL
Decimal
Part_Counter.UN
BOOL
Decimal
-Part_Counter
Figure 15-58
status bits.
24 bottle counter
CTU
Count Up
Counter Package_Counter
24←
Preset
0←
Accum
CV
DN
New Tag
Name Package_Counter
ControlLogix counter parameters and
Description 24 bottle counter
Tag Type Base
• CD (Count-Down Enable Bit)—The count-down
enable bit indicates the CTD instruction is
enabled.
• DN (Count-Up Done Bit)—Is set (1) when ACC
value is equal to or greater than the PRE value. Is
reset by the RES instruction.
• OV (Overflow Bit)—The overflow bit indicates the
counter exceeded the upper limit. Is set when the
ACC value is greater than +2,147,483,647 and reset
when the reset instruction is executed. Note that the
accumulated value keeps incrementing even after
the ACC value equals the PRE value.
• UN (Underflow Bit)—Indicates that the counter
exceeded the lower limit of 22,147,483,648.
The counter tag name is declared using the new tag
properties dialog box shown in Figure 15-59. Tag name,
description (optional), tag type, data type (base type is
Inputs
Data Type
Scope Main program
Figure 15-59
Counter tag validation.
used most often), and scope are selected or typed to complete the validation.
Count-Up (CTU) Counter
Count-up (CTU) counters will cause the accumulated count
to increase by 1 every time there is a false-to-true transition of the counter ladder rung. An example application
of a count-up counter program used to count packets of
bottles is shown in Figure 15-60. The operation of the
program can be summarized as follows:
• Each open-to-close transition of the Bottle_Sensor
proximity switch causes the counter to increment by 1.
Ladder logic program
Bottle_Sensor
<Local:1:I.Data.1>
L1
Bottle_Sensor
Reset_Button
COUNTER
Outputs
24 bottle counter
CTU
Count Up
Counter Package_Counter
Preset
24*
Accum
0*
L2
CU
Increment_PL
DN
Preset_Reached_PL
24 bottle counter
Package_Counter.CU
Increment_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.4>
24 bottle counter
Package_Counter.DN
Preset_Reached_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.5>
Reset_Button
<Local:1:I.Data.3>
24 bottle counter
Package_Counter
RES
Figure 15-60
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Count-up counter program used to count packets of bottles.
Programming Counters
7/27/10 6:43 PM
Ladder logic program
Input
L1
Container_Sensor
<Local:1:I.Data.2>
Container_Sensor
Output
L2
CTU
Count Up
Container_Counter_Counts
Counter
6←
Preset
0←
Accum
CTU
Count Up
Counter
Preset
Accum
Container_Counter_Max
11←
0←
Container_Counter_Max.DN
CU
SOL
DN
CU
DN
Container_Counter_Counts
RES
Container_Counter_Max
RES
Container_Counter_Counts.DN
Container_Sensor
<Local:1:I.Data.2>
SOL
<Local:2:O.Data.2>
Sensor
Solenoid
Figure 15-61
CTU program used to remove containers from a conveyor line.
Tag Name
• The Increment_PL controlled by the Package_
Counter.CU status bit turns on and off as
each bottle passes to show that the counter is
incrementing.
• When the accumulated value of the counter is 24
the DN bit of the counter is set and switches on the
Preset_Reached_PL.
• The counter is reset by momentarily closing the
Reset_Button.
The program shown in Figure 15-61 uses two CTU instructions as part of a program to remove 5 out of every
10 containers from a conveyor line using an electric solenoid. The different tags created to fit the program are
shown in Figure 15-62. The operation of the program can
be summarized as follows:
• The preset for the Container_Counter_Counts is set
for 6 and that for the Container_Counter_Max is
set to 11.
Value
Container_Counter_Counts
Data Type
COUNTER
Container_Counter_Counts .PRE
6
Decimal
DINT
Container_Counter_Counts .ACC
0
Decimal
DINT
Container_Counter_Counts .CU
0
Decimal
BOOL
Container_Counter_Counts .CD
0
Decimal
BOOL
Container_Counter_Counts .DN
0
Decimal
BOOL
Container_Counter_Counts .OV
0
Decimal
BOOL
Container_Counter_Counts .UN
0
Decimal
Container_Counter_Max
{...}
BOOL
COUNTER
Container_Counter_Max .PRE
11
Decimal
DINT
Container_Counter_Max .ACC
0
Decimal
DINT
Container_Counter_Max .CU
0
Decimal
BOOL
Container_Counter_Max .CD
0
Decimal
BOOL
Container_Counter_Max .DN
0
Decimal
BOOL
Container_Counter_Max .OV
0
Decimal
BOOL
Container_Counter_Max .UN
0
Decimal
BOOL
Container_Sensor
0
Decimal
BOOL
SOL
0
Decimal
BOOL
Figure 15-62 Tags created for the CTU program used to
remove containers from a conveyor line.
Programming Counters
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Style
{...}
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• When the container is detected both counters will
increase their accumulated values by 1.
• When the sixth part arrives the Container_Counter_
Counts counter will then be done, thereby allowing the solenoid to actuate for any container after
the fifth.
• The Container_Counter_Max counter will continue
until the eleventh part is detected and then both of
the counters will be reset.
Tag name
Tag Name
Counter_1
CTD
Count Down
Counter Counter_1
Preset
Accum
Input
side of
rung
Counter_1.PRE
CD
Counter_1.ACC
DN
Counter_1.CU
Counter_1.CD
Counter_1
RES
Counter_1.DN
Counter_1.OV
Counter_1.UN
Figure 15-63
Count-down CTD counter instruction.
Count-Down (CTD) Counter
The count-down (CTD) counter operates in a fashion opposite to the count-up CTU counter. CTD counters will
cause the accumulated count to decrease instead of increase by one every time there is a false-to-true transition of the counter ladder rung. The ControlLogix CTD
down-counter instruction is shown in Figure 15-63. The
descriptions of the function block fields and the tag references are the same as those associated with the CTU
function block. The CTD instruction is typically used
with a CTU instruction that references the same counter
structure.
The application program shown in Figure 15-64 is
used to limit the number of parts that can be stored in
the buffer zone to a maximum of 50. A CTU counter
and a CTD counter are used together with the same
address to form an Up/Down counter. This is the most
common type of application of the CTD counter. The
different tags created to fit the program are shown in
Figure 15-65. The operation of the program can be summarized as follows:
• The Restart_Button is momentarily actuated at any
time to reset the accumulated value of the counter
to zero.
• Conveyor brings parts into a buffer zone.
• Each time a part enters the buffer zone, the
Enter_Limit_Sw is actuated and Counter_1
increments by 1.
Ladder logic program
Inputs
Restart_Button
<Local:1:I.Data.1>
L1
Restart_Button
Enter_Limit_Sw
<Local:1:I.Data.3>
Output
Counter_1
RES
CTU
Count Up
Counter
Counter_1
50←
Preset
0←
Accum
L2
Conveyor_Contactor
C
CU
DN
Enter_Limit_Sw
Enter_Limit_Sw
<Local:1:I.Data.4>
Exit_Limit_Sw
Counter_1.DN
Figure 15-64
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CTD
Count Up
Counter
Counter_1
50←
Preset
0←
Accum
CD
DN
Conveyor_Contactor
<Local:2:O.Data.2>
CTU counter and CTD counter used together to form an Up/Down counter.
Programming Counters
7/27/10 6:43 PM
Tag Name
Value
Counter_1
{...}
Style
Data Type
COUNTER
Counter_1.PRE
50 Decimal
DINT
Counter_1.ACC
0 Decimal
DINT
Counter_1.CU
0 Decimal
BOOL
Counter_1.CD
0 Decimal
BOOL
Counter_1.DN
0 Decimal
BOOL
Counter_1.OV
0 Decimal
BOOL
Counter_1.UN
0 Decimal
BOOL
Restart_Button
0 Decimal
BOOL
Enter_Limit_Sw
0 Decimal
BOOL
Exit_Limit_Sw
0 Decimal
BOOL
Conveyor_Contactor
1 Decimal
BOOL
Figure 15-65
program.
• Each time a part leaves the buffer zone, the
Exit_Limit_Sw is actuated and Counter_1
decrements by 1.
• When the number of parts in the buffer zone, at
any one time, reaches 50, the Counter_1.DN bit
is set.
• As a result the Conveyor_Contactor rung goes
false to de-energize the conveyor contactor, automatically stopping the conveyor from bringing in
any more parts until the accumulated count drops
below 50.
Tags created for the Up/Down counter
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PART 4 REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. In what way are timers and counters similar?
2. Outline the procedure followed to create a tag when
you want to use a counter.
3. All counters are retentive. In what way does this affect their operation?
4. What is specified by the preset value of a counter?
5. When is each of the following counter bits set?
a. CU
b. DN
c. CD
6. Compare the operations of a CTU and a CTD
counter.
7. What is an Up/Down counter?
8. Explain how you go about creating tags for an Up/
Down counter that uses a CTU and CTD instruction.
PART 4 PROBLEMS
1. With reference to the CTU packets of bottles program, what changes to the program would be required to count 6 bottle packets?
2. With reference to the CTU program used to remove
containers from a conveyor line, assume the output
solenoid coil failed open. In what way would the
operation of the program be affected?
3. Modify the original Up/Down counter program to
include:
a. A red pilot light to indicate entry of a part into the
buffer zone. Light to be connected to pin 4 of the
digital output module.
b. A green pilot light to indicate exit of a part from
the buffer zone. Light to be connected to pin 3 of
the digital output module.
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4. Write a ControlLogix program, complete with tags,
for an Up/Down counter used to keep track of cars
entering and exiting a parking lot. The program requirements for this application can be summarized
as follows:
• The parking lot holds 30 vehicles.
• There is an entrance vehicle sensor and an exit
vehicle sensor.
• When the parking lot is full a Lot Full sign is
illuminated.
• Whenever a car exits the lot, a Caution Buzzer/
Light is activated to warn pedestrians.
Programming Counters
7/27/10 6:43 PM
Part 5 Math, Comparison,
and Move Instructions
Part Objectives
After completing this part, you will be able to:
•
•
•
•
Utilize ControlLogix math instructions in programs
Utilize ControlLogix comparison instructions in
programs
Utilize ControlLogix move instructions in programs
Develop and follow the operation of programs that use
math, comparison, and move instructions
CPT
Compare
Figure 15-66
controller.
Math Instructions
ControlLogix basic math instructions include addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division, square root, and
clear. Figure 15-66 shows the Compute/Math toolbar for
the ControlLogix controller.
The ADD instruction is used to add two numbers. This
instruction adds these values from Source A and Source B.
The source can be a constant value or a tag. The result of
the ADD instruction is put in the destination (Dest) tag.
Figure 15-67 shows an example of an ADD instruction
rung along with its Monitor Tags window. The operation
of the rung can be summarized as follows:
• When the ADD_Sw is closed the rung will be true.
• The ADD instruction will execute to add the number from Source A (Value_A) and the value from
Source B (Value_B).
ADD
SUB
Compute/Math
MUL
Move/Logical
DIV
MOD SQR
File/Misc.
Compute/Math toolbar for the ControlLogix
Input
Ladder logic program
Add_Sw
<Local:1:I.Data.1>
L1
ADD
Add
Source A
Value_A
25
Value_B
Source B
50
Total_Value
Dest
75
Add_Sw
Tag Name
Value
Style
Data Type
Total_Value
75 Decimal
DINT
Value_A
25 Decimal
DINT
Value_B
50 Decimal
DINT
ADD_Sw
1 Decimal
BOOL
Figure 15-67
window.
ADD instruction rung and its Monitor Tags
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• The result will be stored in the Dest tag
(Total_Value).
• In this example, the 25 was added to 50 and the
result (75) was stored in Total_Value.
• In this example, the 200 was subtracted from 900
and the result (700) was stored in Current_Inventory.
• Source A and Source B can be constants (numbers)
or tags.
The SUB instruction is used to subtract two numbers.
Figure 15-68 shows an example of a SUB instruction rung
along with its Monitor Tags window. The operation of the
rung can be summarized as follows:
The MUL instruction is used to multiply two numbers.
Figure 15-69 shows an example of a MUL instruction
rung along with its Monitor Tags window. When multiple
bottles are packed in cases, the number of bottles per case,
the number of cases, and the multiply instruction will give
you the total number of bottles. The operation of the rung
can be summarized as follows:
• When the SUB_Sw or Calculate tag is true the SUB
instruction is executed.
• Source B (Shipped_Parts) is subtracted from Source
A (Parts_Stock) and the result is stored in the Dest
tag named Current_Inventory.
Input
• When the Sw_1 and Sw_2 are both true the MUL
instruction is executed.
Ladder logic program
Sub_Sw
<Local:1:I.Data.4>
L1
SUB
Subtract
Source A
Add_Sw
Calculate
Source B
Dest
Tag Name
Figure 15-68
Value
Style
Data Type
Parts_Stock
900 Decimal
DINT
Shipped_Parts
200 Decimal
DINT
Current_Inventory
700 Decimal
DINT
Sub_Sw
1 Decimal
BOOL
Calculate
0 Decimal
BOOL
SUB instruction rung and its Monitor Tags window.
Input
Ladder logic program
Sw_1
Sw_2
<Local:1:I.Data.1> <Local:1:I.Data.2>
L1
Parts_Stock
900
Shipped_Parts
200
Current_Inventory
700
MUL
Multiply
Source A
Sw_1
Cases_Produced
60
Bottles_Per_Case
12
Bottles_Produced
720
Source B
Dest
Sw_2
Tag Name
Sw_1
Sw_2
Cases_Produced
Figure 15-69
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Value
Style
Data Type
1 Decimal
BOOL
1 Decimal
BOOL
60 Decimal
DINT
Bottles_Per_Case
12 Decimal
DINT
Bottles_Produced
720 Decimal
DINT
MUL instruction rung and its Monitor Tags window.
Math, Comparison, and Move Instructions
7/27/10 6:43 PM
Ladder logic program
Calculate
DIV
Divide
Source A
5
Source B
3
Dest
Tag Name
Calculate
Answer_Real
Figure 15-70
window.
Answer_Real
1.6666666
Value
Style
1 Decimal
1.6666666 Float
• The addition in the ADD instruction places the sum
of the accumulated values of the two counters in the
Conveyor_3_Parts tag.
• When the accumulated value for either counter is
equal to 150 the reset (RES) instructions for both
counters are enabled to automatically reset both
counter ACC values to zero.
• Both counters can also be reset manually at any time
by actuation of the Manual_Conveyor_Reset button.
Data Type
BOOL
REAL
DIV instruction rung and its Monitor Tags
• Source A (the value in tag Cases_Produced) is
multiplied by Source B (the value in tag Bottles_
Per_Case) and the result is stored in the Dest tag
Bottles_Produced.
• Source A and Source B can be constants (numbers)
or tags.
The DIV instruction is used to divide two numbers.
Figure 15-70 shows an example of a DIV instruction rung
along with its Monitor Tags window. The operation of the
rung can be summarized as follows:
• A constant (5) is used for Source A and a constant (3) for Source B. Note that tags could have
been used for Source A or Source B.
• When the Calculate tag is true the DIV instruction
is executed.
• Source A (5) is divided by Source B (3) and the
result (1.6666666) is stored in the Dest tag Answer_
Real. Note that in this example a Real-type tag has
been used for its destination.
The program of Figure 15-71 is used as part of a parts
tracking system with three conveyors. The number of
parts in conveyor 1 and the number of parts in conveyor
2 are added to get the number of parts on conveyor 3.
The operation of the program can be summarized as
follows:
• Each time Conveyor_1_Sensor is actuated
the accumulated value of Counter_1_Parts is
incremented by 1.
• Each time Conveyor_2_Sensor is actuated
the accumulated value of Counter_2_Parts is
incremented by 1.
Comparison Instructions
Compare instructions are used to compare two values. They can be used to see if two values are equal, if
one value is greater or less than the other, and so on. In
ControlLogix controllers compare instructions are input
instructions that do comparisons by either using an expression or doing the comparison indicated by the specific
instruction. Figure 15-72 shows the Compare toolbar for
the ControlLogix controller.
The equal (EQU) instruction is used to test if two values are equal. Values compared can be actual values or
tags that contain values. Figure 15-73 shows an example
of an EQU instruction rung along with its Monitor Tags
window. The operation of the rung can be summarized as
follows:
• The value stored at Source A is compared to the
value stored at Source B.
• If the values are equal, the instruction is
logically true.
• If the values are unequal, the instruction is
logically false.
• In this example Source A (25) is equal to Source B
(25) so the instruction is true and output Equal_PL
is on.
• Source A and Source B may be SINT, INT, DINT,
or REAL data types.
The not equal (NEQ) instruction is used to test two
values for inequality. Figure 15-74 shows an example of
an NEQ instruction rung. When Source A is not equal to
Source B, the instruction is logically true; otherwise, it
is logically false. In this example the two values are not
equal so the Not_Equal_PL is energized.
The less than (LES) instruction is used to check if a
value from one source is less than the value from a second source. Figure 15-75 shows an example of an LES
instruction rung. When Source A is less than Source B,
the instruction is logically true; otherwise, it is logically
false. In this example Value_1 (100) is less than Value_2
(300) so the Less_Than_PL is energized.
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Ladder logic program
Inputs
Conveyor_1_Sensor
<Local:1:I.Data.4>
L1
Conveyor_1_Sensor
Conveyor_2_Sensor
<Local:1:I.Data.5>
Conveyor_2_Sensor
CTU
Count Up
Counter
Preset
Accum
Conveyor_1_Parts
250
30
CTU
Count Up
Counter
Preset
Accum
Conveyor_2_Parts
250
70
ADD
Add
Source A
Source B
Dest
Manual_Conveyor_Reset
Conveyor_1_Parts.DN
CU
DN
CU
DN
Conveyor_1_Parts.ACC
30
Conveyor_2_Parts.ACC
70
Conveyor_3_Parts
100
Conveyor_1_Parts
Conveyor_2_Parts
RES
RES
Conveyor_2_Parts.DN
Conveyor 1
Manual_Conveyor_Reset
<Local:1:I.Data.2>
Conveyor 3
Conveyor 2
Tag Name
Value
Conveyor_1_Parts
{...}
250 Decimal
DINT
Conveyor_1_Parts.ACC
30 Decimal
DINT
0 Decimal
BOOL
0 Decimal
BOOL
Conveyor_1_Parts.DN
Conveyor_2_Parts
DINT
Conveyor_2_Parts.ACC
70 Decimal
DINT
Conveyor_2_Parts.CU
0 Decimal
BOOL
Conveyor_2_Parts.DN
0 Decimal
BOOL
0 Decimal
BOOL
0 Decimal
BOOL
Conveyor_3_Parts
Manual_Conveyor_Reset
Bit
Timer/Counter
Figure 15-72
controller.
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100 Decimal
0 Decimal
DINT
BOOL
Program used as part of a parts tracking system.
MEQ EQU NEQ
Input/Output
LES
GRT
Compare
Compare toolbar for the ControlLogix
Part 5
COUNTER
250 Decimal
Conveyor_2_Sensor
LIM
{...}
Conveyor_2_Parts.PRE
Conveyor_1_Sensor
CMP
Data Type
COUNTER
Conveyor_1_Parts.PRE
Conveyor_1_Parts.CU
Figure 15-71
Style
The greater than (GRT) instruction is used to check
if a value from one source is greater than the value from
a second source. Figure 15-76 shows an example of a
GRT instruction rung. When Source A is greater than
Source B, the instruction is logically true; otherwise,
it is logically false. In this example Value_1 (1420) is
Math, Comparison, and Move Instructions
7/27/10 6:43 PM
Ladder logic program
Equal_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.2>
EQU
Equal
Source A
Source B
Tag Name
L2
Equal_PL
Value_1
25
Value_2
25
Equal_PL
Output
Value
Style
Data Type
1
Decimal BOOL
-Value_1
25
Decimal DINT
-Value_2
25
Decimal DINT
Figure 15-73
window.
EQU instruction rung and its Monitor Tags
Ladder logic program
Output
Not_Equal_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.3>
NEQ
Not Equal
Not_Equal_PL
Source A Value_1
10
Source B Value_2
25
Figure 15-74
L2
L2
LES instruction rung.
Ladder logic program
Greater_Than_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.5>
GRT
Greater than (A>B)
Source A Value_1
1420
Source B Value_2
1200
Figure 15-76
• When the accumulated count is between 5 and 10
the GRT and LES instructions will both be logically
true so the PL_1 pilot light will be on.
• When the accumulated count is equal to 15, the
EQU instruction will be logically true so the PL_2
pilot light will be on.
• The PL_3 pilot light will be on at all times except
when the accumulated count is 20 at which time the
NEQ instruction is logically false.
• The counter is reset automatically when the accumulated count reaches 25 or manually anytime the
Reset_PB is actuated.
NEQ instruction rung.
Ladder logic program
Output
Less_Than_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.4>
LES
Less than (A<B)
Less_Than_PL
Source A Value_1
100
Source B Value_2
300
Figure 15-75
greater than Value_2 (1200) so the Greater_Than_PL is
energized.
The compare (CMP) instruction performs a comparison on the arithmetic operations specified by the expression. The expression may contain arithmetic operators,
comparison operators, and tags. The execution of a CMP
instruction is slightly slower and uses more memory than
the execution of the other comparison instructions. The
advantage of the CMP instruction is that it allows you
to enter complex expressions in one instruction. Figure 15-77 shows an example of a CMP instruction rung.
In this example the comparison operator found in the
expression is the equivalent of an EQU instruction. The
comparison instruction is true because Value_1 (300) is
equal to Value_2 (300).
The program of Figure 15-78 is an example of the use
of comparison instructions used to test the accumulated
value of a counter. The operation of the program can be
summarized as follows:
Output
L2
Move Instructions
Greater_Than_PL
The move (MOV) instruction is an output instruction
that can move a constant or the contents of one memory location to another location. Figure 15-79 shows
the Move toolbar and instruction for the ControlLogix
GRT instruction rung.
Ladder logic program
CMP
Compare
Expression
Tag Name
Equal_PL
Output
Equal_PL
Value_1 = Value_2
Value
Style
1
Data Type
Decimal BOOL
-Value_1
300
Decimal DINT
-Value_2
300
Decimal DINT
Figure 15-77
L2
Equal_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.2>
CMP instruction rung.
Math, Comparison, and Move Instructions
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L1
Inputs
Count_PB
<Local:1:I.Data.1>
Ladder Logic program
CTU
Count Up
Counter
Preset
Accum
Count_PB
Reset_PB
GRT
Greater Than (A>B)
Source A C1.ACC
0
Source B
5
LES
Less Than (A<B)
Source A C1.ACC
0
Source B
10
CU
C1
25
0
Outputs
L2
DN
PL_1
PL_1
<Local:2:O.Data.1>
PL_2
PL_3
PL_2
<Local:2:O.Data.2>
EQU
Equal
Source A
C1.ACC
0
15
Source B
PL_3
<Local:2:O.Data.3>
NEQ
Not Equal
Source A
C1.ACC
0
20
Source B
C1.DN
C1
RES
Reset_PB
<Local:1:I.Data.2>
Figure 15-78
Comparison instructions used to test the accumulated value of a counter.
MOV
MVM
AND
OR
XOR
NOT SWPB
Move/Logical
MOV
Move
Source
Dest
Figure 15-79
controller.
Move toolbar for the ControlLogix
controller. The MOV instruction is used to copy data
from a source to a destination. Both the source and the
destination data type of a MOV instruction may be INT,
DINT, SINT, or REAL.
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The program of Figure 15-80 is an example of how the
MOV instruction can be used to create a variable preset
timer. The operation of the program can be summarized
as follows:
• Actuating the PB_10s button executes its MOV instruction to transfer 10000 to the timer preset value
setting the delay period for 10 seconds.
• Actuating the PB_15s button executes its MOV instruction to transfer 15000 to the timer preset value
setting the delay period for 15 seconds.
• Closing the Timer_Start switch starts the timer
timing.
• While the timer is timing, the pilot light PL_1 is on
for the duration of the timer preset period.
• When the timer times out, PL_1 turns off and PL_2
turns on.
Math, Comparison, and Move Instructions
7/27/10 6:43 PM
L1
Inputs
Outputs
Ladder Logic program
L2
PB_10s
<Local:1:I.Data.1>
PB_10s
PB_15s
<Local:1:I.Data.2>
PB_15s
Timer_Start
<Local:1:I.Data.3>
Timer_Start
Figure 15-80
MOV
Move
Source
Dest
MOV
Move
Source
Dest
10000
T1.PRE
10000
PL_1
PL_2
15000
T1.PRE
10000
TON
TIMER ON DELAY
Timer
T1
Preset
10000
Accum
0
EN
DN
T1.TT
PL_1
<Local:2:O.Data.1>
T1.DN
PL_2
<Local:2:O.Data.2>
MOV instruction used to create a variable preset timer.
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PART 5 REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Construct a ControlLogix ladder rung with a math
instruction that executes when a toggle switch is
closed to add the tag named Pressure_A (value 680)
to the constant of 50 and store the answer in the tag
named Result.
2. Construct a ControlLogix ladder rung with a math
instruction that executes when two normally open
limit switches are closed to subtract the tag named
Count_1 (value 60) from the tag named Count_2
(value 460) and store the answer in the tag named
Count_Total.
3. Construct a ControlLogix ladder rung with a math
instruction that executes when either one of two normally open pushbuttons is closed to multiply the tag
named Cases (value 10) by the constant 24 and store
the answer in the tag named Cans.
4. Construct a ControlLogix ladder rung with a compare instruction that will energize a pilot light output
anytime the value stored at Data_3 is 60.
5. Construct a ControlLogix ladder rung with a compare instruction that will energize a pilot light output
anytime the value stored at Data_2 is not the same as
that stored at Data_6.
6. Construct a ControlLogix ladder rung with compare
instructions that will energize a pilot light output
anytime the pressure of a system goes above 300 psi
or below 100 psi.
PART 5 PROBLEMS
1. While checking the operation of the parts tracking system with the Monitor Tags window, you note that the
value of Conveyor_Sensor_1 remains at 1 with parts
passing by. What can you surmise from this? Why?
2. Three conveyors are delivering the same parts in different packages. A package can hold 12, 24, or 18
parts. Proximity switches installed on each of the
conveyor lines are used to advance the accumulated
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value of the three counters. Write a ControlLogix
program that uses multiply and add instructions to
calculate the sum of the parts.
3. A single pole switch is used in place of the two
pushbuttons for the variable preset timer program.
When this switch is closed the timer is to be set for
10 seconds and when open to 15 seconds. Make the
necessary changes to the program.
Math, Comparison, and Move Instructions
7/27/10 6:43 PM
Part 6 Function Block
Programming
Input wire connector
Part Objectives
Value
After completing this part, you will be able to:
Wire
•
•
•
Describe the difference between ladder logic and
function block diagram programming
Recognize the basic elements of a function block
diagram
Write and read a function block diagram
Function block
Value
Value
Boolean
(0 or 1)
Value
Integer
or real
Value
Value
Output reference
Input reference
Figure 15-81
Function Block Diagram (FBD)
A function block diagram (FBD) is a graphical depiction of process flow using simple and complex interconnecting blocks. It is similar to a ladder logic diagram,
except that function blocks replace the interconnection of contacts and the coils. In addition, there are no
power rails.
A function block circuit is analogous to an electrical
circuit where links and wires depict signal paths between
components. The workplace is known as a sheet and consists of function blocks joined together with lines called
wires. The structure of a function block program, or routine, is shown in Figure 15-81. A function block diagram
consists of four basic elements: function block, references, wire connectors, and wires. Data flow on a wire
from wire connectors or input references, move through
the function block, and then pass on to an output reference. The line type of the link between function blocks
Structure of function block or routine.
indicates what type of data are present. A dash line indicates a Boolean signal path (e.g., 0 or 1) and a solid line
indicates an integer or real value.
Function blocks are graphical representations of executable code. A function block can take one or more inputs and make decisions or calculations and then generate
one or more outputs. There are many different types of
function blocks included in the programming software to
perform various common tasks. In addition, customized
Add-On instructions can be created by the programmer
for sets of commonly used logic. Once an Add-On instruction is defined in a project, it appears on the instruction toolbar and behaves like the standard instructions.
Figure 15-82 shows an example of a BAND (Boolean
AND) function block. The information associated with a
function block can be summarized as follows:
• Inputs are shown entering from the left and outputs
exiting on the right.
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Click to open properties box
1
1
1
1
Tag_Name
BAND ...
Boolean And
Properties - Tag_Name
0
Out
In 1
In 2
In 3
In 4
Parameters Tag
Vis Name
Figure 15-82
Type
Description
I
EnableIn
1
BOOL
Enable Input. If false, the instru...
I
In1
1
BOOL
Boolean Input to the instruction.
I
In2
1
BOOL
Boolean Input to the instruction.
I
In3
1
BOOL
Boolean Input to the instruction.
I
In4
1
BOOL
Boolean Input to the instruction.
I
In5
1
BOOL
Boolean Input to the instruction.
I
In6
1
BOOL
Boolean Input to the instruction.
I
In7
1
BOOL
Boolean Input to the instruction.
I
In8
1
BOOL
Boolean Input to the instruction.
O
EnableOut
0
BOOL
Enable Output.
O
Out
0
BOOL
The result of ANDing all eight
Value
Example of a BAND (Boolean AND) function block.
OREF
IREF
OREF
Input references
IREF
Output references
IREF
Figure 15-83
Input and output references.
• The function block type is shown within the block.
• A tag name for the block is placed above it.
• The names of the inputs and outputs are shown
within the block.
• The default view of the block has some but not all
of the input and output parameters visible when the
box is placed into the program.
• The properties box, used to set the option of input
and output parameters, is displayed by clicking
the selection button located at the upper right hand
corner of the block.
• The 1 and 0 next to the inputs and outputs identifies
the logical state of the input and output pins for the
instruction.
• The dots on the input and output pins indicate
BOOL type data is required.
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References represent tags that are linked to values
stored in a controller’s memory. The two types of references, input and output, are illustrated in Figure 15-83. An
input reference, or IREF, is used to receive a value from
an input device or tag. An output reference, or OREF, is
used to send a value to an output device or tag. When you
use an IREF or an OREF you must create a tag or assign
an existing tag to the element. You may use any of the data
types for an IREF or OREF.
Function blocks can be connected to other function
blocks by connecting their outputs to the input of another function block using wires and pins (Figure 15-84).
Wires map a signal’s path and show the flow of controller execution. Each element in a function block diagram
contains pins. Elements are connected by moving wires
from input pins to output pins or vice versa. The pins on
the left of a function block are input pins, and those on the
Function Block Programming
7/28/10 10:05 PM
Wiring elements
A
Output Input
pin
pin
Output
pin
...
B
Output
pin
Wire
Input
pin
Input
pins
Wire
Wire
Output
pin
Figure 15-84
Function block diagram wire and pins.
right are output pins. To wire two elements together, click
the output pin of the first element (A) and then click the
input pin of the other element (B). A green dot shows a
valid connection point.
Wire connectors are used to create a path without
using a wire. When there are many function blocks on a
sheet, or the function blocks are far apart, wire connectors
used in place of wires can make the logic harder to read.
Wire connectors are also used to connect function blocks
that are on a different sheet of the same function block
routine, as illustrated in Figure 15-85. The use of wire
connectors can be summarized as follows:
• An output wire connector, or OCON, sends a value
or signal to an input wire connector, or ICON.
• Each output wire connector must have at least one
corresponding input wire connector.
• Each output wire connector requires a unique tag
name and the corresponding input connector must
have the same name.
Output wire connector
Output wire connector
Speed
OCON
Speed
ICON
Sheet 1
Figure 15-85
OCON and ICON wire connectors.
Sheet 2
• Multiple input wire connectors can reference
the same output wire connector. This lets you
share data at several points in your function block
diagram.
Figure 15-86 illustrates the signal flow and execution
of an FBD program. The operation can be summarized as
follows:
• Each program scan sets all the FBD blocks starting
on the left side of the signal flow and continues to
evaluate all blocks according to the signal flow until
the final output is determined.
• The location of a block does not affect the order in
which the blocks execute.
• The inputs of a block require data to be available
before the controller can execute that block.
• If function blocks are not wired together, it does not
matter which block executes first as there is no data
flow between the blocks.
• The interconnected line between the blocks indicates what type of signal is present.
Data latching refers to how the controller verifies
that the data present at the input to a function block are
valid. If you use an IREF to specify input data for a function block instruction, as illustrated in Figure 15-87, the
data in that IREF are latched (won’t change) for the
scan of the function block routine. The IREF latches
data from program-scoped and controller-scoped tags.
The controller updates all IREF data at the beginning
of each scan. A function block routine executes in the
following order:
• The controller latches all data values in IREFs.
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Output reference
Input reference
Function block
Function block
OREF
IREF
Solenoid
Input reference
IREF
OCON
Input reference
Output wire
connector
Input wire
connector
IREF
ICON
Function block
Figure 15-86
Signal flow and execution of an FBD program.
When a group of function blocks are in a feedback
loop, the controller cannot determine which block to
execute first. This problem is resolved by placing an
Assume Data Available indicator mark at the input pin
of the function block that should be executed first. In the
example shown in Figure 15-89, the input for block 1
uses the data from block 3 that were produced in the
previous scan. To place the indicator click on the interconnecting wire and select the Assume Data Available
choice.
...
Start_PB
IREF
Figure 15-87
block routine.
IREF is latched for the scan of the function
• The controller executes the other function blocks
in order.
• The controller writes outputs in OREFs.
To create a feedback loop around a block, wire an output pin of the block to an input pin of the same block.
The input pin will receive the value of the output that was
produced on the last scan of the function block. The loop
contains only a single block, so execution order does not
matter. Figure 15-88 shows an example of a feedback loop
used to reset an on-delay timer. When the timer finishes
timing its DN bit is used to reset the timer.
Block 1
...
Block 2
...
Block 3
...
Feedback loop
Assume Data
Available indicator
Figure 15-89
Assume Data Available indicator marker.
TONR_01
TONR
Timer On Delay with Reset
TimerEnable
Timer_Enable_Bit
PRE
Preset_Value
ACC
Accumulated_Time
DN
Reset
Feedback loop
Figure 15-88
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Feedback loop used to reset an on-delay timer.
Function Block Programming
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• Extra sheets can be added when the current sheet is
full by clicking the add sheet icon. Movement between sheets is provided by left and right arrows.
FBD Programming
Figure 15-90 illustrates the setup procedure for FBD programming. The steps to be followed can be summarized
as follows:
The MainRoutine is always a ladder logic program in
RSLogix 5000 software, and all other routines are called
from the MainRoutine. Therefore, the MainRoutine will
have one unconditional rung with a jump to subroutine
(JSR) calling FBD_Sample. The FBD program will execute from the JSR instruction. No subroutine or return
subroutine instruction in the FBD is necessary.
Function block programs are similar to ladder logic
programs, except that the process is visualized in the form
of function blocks instead of ladder rungs. Figure 15-91
shows a comparison between ladder logic and the FBD
equivalent for a three-input AND ladder logic rung. The
operation of the FBD can be summarized as follows:
• Right click on the MainProgram file and select New
Routine from the pop-up menu.
• Select the Function Block diagram entry from the
Type window.
• Enter a name for the Routine (e.g., FDB_Sample).
• You will now see the new program (FDB_Sample)
listed under MainProgram.
• Left clicking the FBD_Sample twice opens the
graphic development window.
• FBD instructions selected from the Language Element
toolbar are used in the development of the program.
IREF OREF ICON OCON
MainProgram
Function blocks
Program Tags
MainRoutine
FBD_Sample
Other function blocks
Add sheet
Figure 15-90
Move Sheet
Setup procedure for FDB programming.
Ladder logic
Sensor_1
Sensor_2
Sensor_3
Caution_PL
<Local:1:I.Data.1> <Local:1:I.Data.2> <Local:1:I.Data.3> <Local:2:O.Data.4>
L1
L2
Output
Inputs
FBD equivalent
Sensor_1
Caution_PL
BAND_01
BAND
Sensor_2
...
Boolean And
0
Sensor_1
0
In1
Out
Caution_PL
0
Sensor_3
Sensor_2
Sensor_3
Figure 15-91
In2
0
In3
Comparison between ladder logic and the FBD equivalent for a three-input AND ladder logic rung.
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Ladder logic
Sw_1
<Local:1:I.Data.3>
SOL_1
<Local:2:O.Data.4>
L1
Sw_2
<Local:1:I.Data.4>
Inputs
L2
Sw_1
Output
SOL_1
FBD equivalent
BOR_01
Sw_2
BOR
Sw_1
Sw_2
0
0
...
Boolean Or
In1
Out
0
SOL_1
In2
Figure 15-92 Comparison between ladder logic and the FBD equivalent for a
two-input OR ladder logic rung.
• When the inputs represented by Sensor_1, Sensor_2,
and Sensor_3 are true (value 1) the BAND (Boolean
AND) function block will be true.
• The BAND block executes to set output Caution_PL
true and switch the pilot light on.
• The 0 to the right of the input reference and out pin
indicates its logic state. A 0 indicates the state of the
tag is false, while a 1 signifies it is true.
• The same field input sensors and output pilot
light devices and tags can be used with either
program.
• The XIC and OTE contact and coil instructions have
been replaced by the BAND function block.
Figure 15-92 shows a comparison between ladder
logic and the FBD equivalent for a two-input OR ladder logic rung. As with ladder OR logic, if any of the
two inputs is true the BOR function block will be true.
In this example, with the BOR function block true, the
output reference tag SOL_1 will be true energizing the
solenoid.
Figure 15-93 shows a comparison between ladder logic
and the FBD equivalent for a combination of multiple inputs. The operation of the FBD can be summarized as
follows:
• The alarm will be energized if either input In1 or
In2 to the BOR block is true.
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• Input In2 of the BOR block will be true only when
all three of the sensor switches are closed.
• Input In1 of the BOR block will be true only when
the Temp_Sw is closed at the same time as the
Press_Sw is open.
• The BNOT function block executes similarly to an
XIO ladder logic contact instruction. When In is 0,
Out is 1 and vice versa.
Figure 15-94 shows a comparison between ladder logic
and the FBD equivalent for the motor start/stop control
circuit. The logic sequence for starting and stopping the
motor can be summarized as follows:
• When Motor_Start button is closed the BOR output
will become true making the BAND output true.
• Motor_Run output energizes the contactor coil, the
contacts of which close to start the motor operating.
• When the Motor_Start button is then opened
the output of the BOR block remains true due to
the 1 status of the feedback signal from the
Motor_Run tag.
• When the Motor_Stop button is opened the output
of the BAND block turns false to de-energize the
contactor coil and stop the motor.
Figure 15-95 shows a comparison between ladder logic
and the FBD equivalent for the 10 second TON (on-delay
Function Block Programming
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Ladder logic
Temp_Sw
Press_Sw
<Local:1:I.Data.1> <Local:1:I.Data.2>
Alarm
<Local:2:O.Data.4>
Sensor_3
Sensor_1
Sensor_2
<Local:1:I.Data.3> <Local:1:I.Data.4> <Local:1:I.Data.5>
L1
L2
Output
Inputs
Temp_Sw
Alarm
Alarm
FBD equivalent
BAND_01
Press_Sw
BAND ...
0
Temp_Sw
Boolean And
BNOT_01
Sensor_1
Out
In1
BNOT ...
0
In2
Boolean Not
Sensor_2
Press_Sw
0
Out
In
BOR_01
1
BAND_02
BOR
BAND ...
Sensor_1
Sensor_3
0
Sensor_2
Out
In1
Sensor_3
Figure 15-93
Boolean Or
Boolean And
0
...
0
Out
In1
0
Alarm
In2
In2
0
In3
Comparison between ladder logic and the FBD equivalent for a combination of multiple inputs.
Ladder logic
Start button for
motor
Motor_Start
<Local:1:I.Data.3>
Stop button for
motor
Motor_Stop
<Local:1:I.Data.4>
Motor contactor coil
Motor_Run
<Local:2:O.Data.4>
Motor contactor coil
Motor_Run
<Local:2:O.Data.4>
Inputs
L1
Output
Motor_Start
L2
Motor_Run
C
Motor_Stop
FBD equivalent
Start
Stop button for
motor
Stop
BOR
Start button for
motor
Motor_Start
Motor_Stop
BOR_01
...
In1
Out
BAND_01
BAND ...
Boolean And
Boolean Or
0
1
0
In1
Out
0
Motor
contactor coil
Motor_Run
In2
In2
Figure 15-94
control circuit.
Comparison between ladder logic and the FBD equivalent for a motor start/stop
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Ladder logic
Timer_Sw
<Local:1:I.Data.6>
TON
Timer On Delay
Timer Status_Timer
10000
Preset
0
Accum
EN
DN
Outputs L2
Status_Timer.EN
EN_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.1>
Status_Timer.TT
TT_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.2>
Status_Timer.DN
DN_PL
<Local:2:O.Data.3>
EN_PL
L1
TT_PL
Input
Timer_Sw
DN_PL
FBD equivalent
TONR_01
TONR
...
Timer On Delay with Reset
0
0
TimerEnable
Timer_Sw
10000
10000
PRE
ACC
EN
TT
Reset
DN
0
0
0
ACC_Value
EN_PL
TT_PL
DN_PL
Figure 15-95 Comparison between ladder logic and the FBD equivalent for a
10 second TON and TONR timer.
timer) and TONR (on-delay with reset). The operation of
the FBD can be summarized as follows:
• When the Timer_Sw is closed, the TONR function block timer turns true and starts accumulating
time.
• The accumulated time is monitored by the output
reference tag named ACC.
• The EN (enable bit) output changes to 1 to turn on
the EN_PL.
• The TT (timer timing bit) output changes to 1 to
turn on the TT_PL.
• The timer times out after 10 seconds to set the DN
(done bit) to 1 and turn on the DN_PL and reset the
TT bit to zero and turn off the TT_PL.
• The EN bit and EN_PL remain on as long as the
Timer_Sw stays toggled closed.
• Opening the Timer_Sw resets all outputs as well as
the accumulated value to zero.
• The timer can also be reset by way of the Reset
input.
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Figure 15-96 shows a comparison between ladder logic
and the FBD equivalent for the Up/Down counter used to
limit the number of parts stored in a buffer zone to 50. The
operation of the FBD can be summarized as follows:
• The CTUD up/down counter function block accumulated value is initially reset by momentary actuation of the Restart_Button.
• The accumulated count is monitored by the output
reference tag named ACC.
• Each time a part enters the buffer zone, the Enter_
Limit_Sw is actuated and the CUEnable input turns
true to increment the count by 1.
• Each time a part exits the buffer zone, the Exit_
Limit_Sw is actuated and the CDEnable input turns
true to decrement the count by 1.
• Whenever the number of parts in the buffer zone
reaches 50 the DN bit is set to 1 and the output of
the BNOT block is reset to zero. This de-energizes
the Conveyor_Contactor to stop the conveyor motor
from delivering more parts to the buffer zone.
Function Block Programming
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Ladder logic
Restart_Button
<Local:1:I.Data.1>
Counter_1
RES
Enter_Limit_Sw
<Local:1:I.Data.3>
L1
CTU
Count Up
Counter Counter_1
50
Preset
0
Accum
Inputs
Restart_Button
Exit_Limit_Sw
<Local:1:I.Data.4>
CTD
Count Down
Counter Counter_1
50
Preset
0
Accum
Enter_Limit_Sw
CU
DN
CD
DN
Output
Conveyor_Contactor
<Local:2:O.Data.2>
Counter_1.DN
Conveyor_Contactor
L2
C
Exit_Limit_Sw
FBD equivalent
CTUD_01
CTUD
BNOT_01
...
BNOT
Count Up/Down
0
Enter_Limit_Sw
CUEnable
0
Exit_Limit_Sw
50
CDEnable
50
ACC
DN
0
0
ACC
...
Boolean Not
In
Out
1
Conveyor_Contactor
PRE
Reset
Restart_Button
Figure 15-96
application.
0
Comparison between ladder logic and the FBD equivalent for an Up/Down counter
Figure 15-97 shows a comparison between ladder logic
and the FBD equivalent for the program used to test the
accumulated value of a counter. The operation of the FBD
can be summarized as follows:
• The function block routine is broken into four
sheets.
• The order of the sheets does not affect the order in
which the function blocks execute.
• When a function block routine executes, all sheets
execute.
• Using one sheet for each device that is to be programmed helps organize your program and make it
easier to understand.
• The use of the OCON and ICON named ACC
enables the function blocks to be on different sheets
of the same function block routine.
• The numbers and letters under the ACC output
indicate the sheet number and location on the sheet
where the output is used.
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Ladder logic
Count_PB
<Local:1:I.Data.1>
CTU
Count Up
Counter
Preset
Accum
GRT
Greater than (A>B)
Source A C1.ACC
0
Source B
5
L1
Inputs
CU
C1
25
0
PL_1
<Local:2:O.Data.1>
LES
Less than (A<B)
Source A C1.ACC
0
Source B
10
PL_2
<Local:2:O.Data.2>
EQU
Equal
Source A C1.ACC
0
Source B
15
Count_PB
Outputs
L2
PL_1
PL_3
<Local:2:O.Data.3>
NEQ
Not Equal
Source A C1.ACC
0
Source B
20
Reset_PB
DN
PL_2
PL_3
C1_DN
C1
RES
Reset_PB
<Local:1:I.Data.2>
FBD equivalent
CTUD_01
CTUD ...
Sheet 1 of 4
GRT_02
Sheet 2 of 4
Count_PB
CUEnable ACC
CDEnable
25
25
DN
PRE
...
GRT
Count Up/Down
0
0
0
Greater Than (A>B)
ACC
2-B2 3-B2
4-B2
ACC
0
1-C2
Source A
5
5
Source B
0
Dest
BAND
Reset
BOR_01
BOR
Reset_PB
Boolean Or
In1
Out
In2
0
LES
0
10
EQU_01
Sheet 3 of 4
EQU
ACC
0
1-C2
15
NEQ
0
PL_2
SourceB
15
ACC
0
1-C2
20
0
PL_1
0
NEQ_01
Sheet 4 of 4
...
Equal
SourceA Dest
10
...
Less Than (A<B)
Source A
Dest
Source B
...
Boolean And
In1
Out
In2
LES_02
...
BAND_01
...
Not Equal
SourceA Dest
0
PL_3
SourceB
20
Figure 15-97 Comparison between ladder logic and the FBD equivalent for a program used to test the accumulated
value of a counter.
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PART 6 REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Compare the graphical representation of a function
block diagram to that of a logic ladder diagram.
2. Name the four basic elements of an FBD.
3. What do the solid and dashed interconnecting lines
between FBD function blocks indicate?
4. What is an Add-On instruction?
5. How are the input and output parameter options for
a function block set?
6. What does the dot on an input or output pin of a
function block indicate?
7. Compare the functions of input and output reference tags.
8. Which pins of a function block are inputs and
which are outputs?
9. Explain the role of input and output wire
connectors.
10. How does the program scan function for an FBD
program?
11. Explain data latching as it applies to function block
inputs.
12. How is a function block feedback loop created?
13. What is the Assume Data Available indicator
used for?
14. Outline how an FBD program is initiated.
PART 6 PROBLEMS
1. Write an FBD program that will cause the output,
solenoid SOL_1, to be energized when pushbutton
PB_1 is open and PB_2 is closed, and either limit
switch LS_1 is open or limit switch LS_2 is closed.
Assume all pushbuttons and limit switches are of the
normally open type.
2. Modify the motor start/stop FBD program to include
a second start/stop pushbutton station.
3. You are required to change the on-delay time of the
10 second timer program to 1 minute. What changes
would have to be made to the FBD program?
4. Modify the Up/Down counter FBD program to
include the following pilot lights:
• PL_1 to come on when a part enters
• PL_2 to come on when a part exits
• PL_3 to come on when the buffer zone is full
5. Modify the test accumulated value of a counter FBD
program as follows:
• PL_1 to be on for an accumulated count between
0 and 5
• PL_2 to be on for an accumulated count of 12
• PL_3 to be on at all times except for when the
accumulated count is 15
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