Chinhoyi University of Technology

• School of Engineering Sciences and

Technology
• CUME 206
• Timers
• Level 3:2 2019
 Lecture Outline

• Definition of terms
• introduction
• PLC Timer Functions
• Type of timers
• Examples of Timer Function Applications
• Flow charts for interpreting PLC programs
 Objectives

•At the end of this lecture students should be able to

• Describe PLC retentive and delay timer functions.

• List and describe major timing functions that are
commonly used in circuits and processes.
• Apply PLC functions and PLC circuitry to process
control for timing functions.
• Apply PLC timers in multiple timing problems that
combine two or more of the basic timing functions.
• Apply PLC timers for the control of processes.
Develop flow charts for PLC programs
 Definitions

• A retentive timer will sum all of the on or off time for

a timer, even if the timer never finished.
• A no retentive timer will start timing the delay from
zero each time. Typical applications for retentive
• timers include tracking the time before maintenance
is needed. A non retentive timer can be used for a
• start button to give a short delay before a conveyor
begins moving.
 Introduction

• The most commonly used process control device

after coils and contacts is the timer.
• The most common timing function is TIME DELAY-
ON, which is the basic function.
• There are also many other timing configurations,
all of which can be derived from one or more of the
basic TIME DELAYON functions.
• PLCs have the one basic function timer capability
in multiples.
 Timer uses and types
• The timing block functions are used with various
contact arrangements and in multiples to
accomplish various timing tasks.
• Typical industrial timing tasks include timing of
the intervals for welding, painting, and heat
treating.
• Timers can also predetermine the interval
between two operations.
• With a PLC you can utilize as many timer blocks as
you need, within the PLC memory limitations.
 Non-retentive Timers

• A single-input timer called a non-retentive timer is used in

some PLCs.
– Energizing I:1/0 causes the timer to run for 4 seconds.
– At the end of 4 seconds the output (DN) goes on. When
the input is de-energized, the output goes off and the timer
resets to 0.
– If the input I:1/0 is turned off during the timing interval
(for example, after 2.7 seconds), the timer resets to 0.
–TON is the basic non-retentive timer in Allen-Bradley PLCs
 Timer Information
• The timer table contains all information for that
timer
– /EN: Timer is enabled (i.e. the input rung is
energized)
– /TT: Timer is timing
–/DN: Timer is done
– .PRE: Timer preset value (point at which the timer
stops timing)
– .ACC: Timer accumulator (accumulated time value)
 Timer Delay Off (TOF)

• The TOF timer functions the opposite of the TON

timer.
– De-Energizing I:1/0 causes the timer to run for 4.5
seconds. The DN bit is initially set.
– At the end of 4.5 seconds the output (DN) goes off.
When the input is energized the timer resets to 0.
– If the input I:1/0 is turned on during the timing
interval (for example, after 2.7 seconds), the timer
resets to 0;discuss where it can be used
 Retentive Timers (RTO)

• Functions exactly like TON except the accumulated time

value is retained even if the input rung is de energized.
Discuss where it is applicable
 Timer Reset Coils (RES)
• A reset coil (RES) can be associated with a timer to provide
a means of resetting the accumulated time value (and status
bits) at any given time; discuss where it can be applied
 On Delay Timer Function
• The first example is the simplest form of time delay.
– When the circuit is turned on, one action takes place.
– A specified time later, another action occurs.
– O:2/1 energizes exactly 8 seconds after O:2/0 energizes,
provided I:1/0 remains energized; justify its importance
Problem: Develop the ladder logic that will turn on an
output light, 15 seconds after switch A
has been turned on.
 Timer Example
Problem: Develop the ladder logic that will turn on a light, after switch A has
been closed 10
times. Push button B will reset the counters.

Including reset
 A Conveyor Controller Example

Problem: A conveyor is run by switching on or off a motor.

We are positioning parts on the conveyor with an optical
detector. When the optical sensor goes on, we want to
wait1.5 seconds, and then stop the conveyor. After a delay
of 2 seconds the conveyor will start again. We need to use
a start and stop button - a light should be on when the
system is active.
 Exercise 1

Exercise 1

Explain the PLC program run by rung

 A Conveyor Sorting Example

Accept/Reject Sorting

Problem: For the conveyor in the last case we will add a

sorting system. Gages have been attached that indicate
good or bad. If the part is good, it continues on. If the
part is bad, we do not want to delay for 2 seconds, but
instead actuate a pneumatic cylinder.
Take away exercise Explain the PLC program run by rung
Flow charts
The first operation is to open the outlet valve and close the inlet
valve. Next, a single decision block is used to wait for a button to be
pushed. when the button is pushed the yes branch is followed and
the inlet valve is opened, and the outlet valve is closed. Then the flow
chart goes into a loop that uses two decision blocks to wait until the
tank is full, or the stop button is pushed. If either case occurs the
inlet valve is closed and the outlet valve is opened. The system then
goes back to wait for the start button to be pushed again. When the
controller is on the program should always be running, so only a start
block is needed. Many beginners will neglect to put in checks for stop
buttons.
 A flowchart is ideal for a process that has sequential
process steps. The steps will be executed in a simple order
that may change as the result of some simple decisions.

The general method for constructing flowcharts is:

1. Understand the process.
2. Determine the major actions, these are drawn as blocks.
3. Determine the sequences of operations, these are drawn
with arrows
4. When the sequence may change use decision blocks for
branching.
Once a flowchart has been created ladder logic can be written.
There are two basic
techniques that can be used, the first presented uses blocks of
ladder logic code. The second uses normal ladder logic.
The first operation is to open the outlet valve and
close the inlet valve. Next, a single decision block is
used to wait for a button to be pushed. when the
button is pushed the yes branch is followed and the
inlet valve is opened, and the outlet valve is closed.
Then the flow chart goes into a loop that uses two
decision blocks to wait until the tank is full, or the
stop button is pushed. If either case occurs the inlet
valve is closed and the outlet valve is opened. The
system then goes back to wait for the start button to
be pushed again.
A Flowchart for a Tank Filler
 assignment
Design a garage door controller using a flowchart. The behavior of the
garage door controller is
as follows,
- there is a single button in the garage, and a single button remote
control.
- when the button is pushed the door will move up or down.
- if the button is pushed once while moving, the door will stop, a
second push will
start motion again in the opposite direction.
- there are top/bottom limit switches to stop the motion of the door.
- there is a light beam across the bottom of the door. If the beam is
cut while the
door is closing the door will stop and reverse.
- there is a garage light that will be on for 5 minutes after the door
opens or closes.
Assessment
References
 conclusion
four fundamental types of timers .An on-delay timer will
wait for a set time after a line of ladder logic has been true
before turning on, but it will turn off immediately.
An off-delay timer will turn on immediately when a line of
ladder logic is true, but it will delay before
turning off. Consider the example of an old car. Ifyou turn
the key in the ignition and the car does not
start immediately, that is an on-delay. If you turn the key to
stop the engine but the engine doesn’t stop
for a few seconds, that is an off delay. An on-delay timer can
be used to allow an oven to reach temperature before
starting production. An off delay timer can keep cooling fans
on for a set time after the oven has been turned off