AB Manual
AB Manual
AB Manual
ALLEN BRADLEY VOL1 UEUNEED027A Duration 60hrs Required Skills and Knowledge
E2.3.19 Control programming fundamentals Evidence shall show an understanding of control programming fundamentals to an extent indicated by the following aspects: a) Control applications of software b) Software terminology c) Programming languages currently used by industry d) Control system development encompassing: flowcharts pseudocode Nassi-Schneidemann charts algorithms e) Programming styles encompassing: programming structure documentation installing a language compiler using a text editor compiling source code generating executable files scalar and structured data types constants and variables reading from keyboard and writing to screen arithmetic, relational and logical operations making decisions using if/then, if/then/else, nested if/then and case looping operations using while/do, repeat/until and for/do programming to access external devices via I/O boards functions Note: Examples are macros; global and local variables, auto and static variables; Intrinsic functions used in control; Writing functions; Linking in external functions to control hardware numerical and character arrays
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Table of contents
Table of contents .......................................................................................................................... 3 Introduction to PLCs...................................................................................................................... 5 Individual PLC sections ................................................................................................................. 7 Inside The PLC ........................................................................................................................... 12 PLC Operation ............................................................................................................................ 13 Basic PLC instructions ................................................................................................................ 19 Getting Started ............................................................................................................................ 28 Latching Instructions ................................................................................................................... 34 Timers ......................................................................................................................................... 36 Allen Bradley Timers ................................................................................................................... 39 Counters ..................................................................................................................................... 44 Allen Bradley Counters ............................................................................................................... 47 Exercises and Assessment items ................................................................................................ 52 Assessment Item 1 Door Simulation ................................................................................. 58 Assessment Item 2 Level application ................................................................................ 60 Assessment Item 3 - Timer .................................................................................................. 61 Assessment Item 4 - Counter ............................................................................................... 62 Personal Safety and Safe Work Practices ................................................................................... 63 PLC Installation ........................................................................................................................... 66 Program Storage Methods .......................................................................................................... 68 PLC Hardware ............................................................................................................................ 75 Peripheral Devices ...................................................................................................................... 81 Basic diagnostics ........................................................................................................................ 92 Derived Timers............................................................................................................................ 95 Derived timer Exercises .............................................................................................................. 99 Assessment item 5 derived timers................................................................................... 101 Reversible Counters.................................................................................................................. 102 Comparison Instructions............................................................................................................ 106 Process control ......................................................................................................................... 111 Assessment Item 6 Traffic light sequence ........................................................................ 114 Program Flow Instructions......................................................................................................... 115 Assessment Item 7 Program Flow ................................................................................... 122 Shift Registers........................................................................................................................... 123 Assessment Item 8 Shift Register ................................................................................... 132
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Introduction to PLCs
The PLC
A PLC ( Programmable Logic Controller) is a device that was invented to replace the necessary sequential relay circuits for machine control. The PLC works by looking at its inputs and depending upon their state, turning on/off its outputs. The user enters a program, usually via software, that gives the desired results. PLCs are used in many "real world" applications. If there is industry present, chances are good that there is a PLC present. If you are involved in machining, packaging, material handling, automated assembly or countless other industries you are probably already using them. If you are not, you are wasting money and time. Almost any application that needs some type of electrical control has a need for a PLC. For example, let's assume that when a switch turns on we want to turn a solenoid on for 5 seconds and then turn it off regardless of how long the switch is on for. We can do this with a simple external timer. But what if the process included 10 switches and solenoids? We would need 10 external timers. What if the process also needed to count how many times the switches individually turned on? We need a lot of external counters. As you can see the bigger the process the more of a need we have for a PLC. We can simply program the PLC to count its inputs and turn the solenoids on for the specified time.
History
In the late 1960's PLCs were first introduced. The primary reason for designing such a device was eliminating the large cost involved in replacing the complicated relay based machine control systems. Bedford Associates (Bedford, MA) proposed something called a Modular Digital Controller (MODICON) to a major US car manufacturer. Other companies at the time proposed computer based schemes, one of which was based upon the PDP-8. The MODICON 084 brought the world's first PLC into commercial production. When production requirements changed so did the control system. This becomes very expensive when the change is frequent. Since relays are mechanical devices they also have a limited lifetime which required strict adhesion to maintenance schedules. Troubleshooting was also quite tedious when so many relays are involved. Now picture a machine control panel that included many, possibly hundreds or thousands, of individual relays. The size could be mind boggling. How about the complicated initial wiring of so many individual devices! These relays would be individually wired together in a manner that would yield the desired outcome. These "new controllers" also had to be easily programmed by maintenance and plant engineers. The lifetime had to be long and programming changes easily performed. They also had to survive the harsh industrial environment. That's a lot to ask! The answers were to use a programming technique most people were already familiar with and replace mechanical parts with solid-state ones.
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CPU module.
"CPU," "controller," or "processor" are all terms used by different manufacturers to denote the same module that performs basically the same functions. The CPU module can be divided into two sections: the processor section and the memory section. The processor section makes the decisions needed by the PLC so that it can operate and communicate with other modules. It communicates along either a serial or parallel data-bus. An I/O base interface module or individual on-board interface I/O circuitry provides the signal conditioning required to communicate with the processor. The processor section also executes the programmer's RLL software program.
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Output module
The output module transmits discrete or analog signals to activate various devices such as hydraulic actuators, solenoids, motor starters, and displays the status (through the use of LEDs) of the connected output points. Signal conditioning, termination, and isolation are also part of the output module's functions. The output module is treated in the same manner as the input module by the processor. Some typical output modules available today include the following: * DC voltage (24, 48,110V) or current (4-20 mA). * AC voltage (110, 240v) or current (4-20 mA). * Isolated (24VDC). * Analog output (12-bit). * Word output (16-bit/parallel). * Intelligent output. * ASCII output. * Dual communication port.
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The diagram below shows a block diagram of a PLC being used to control a simple security system
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COUNTERS
These again do not physically exist. They are simulated counters and they can be programmed to count pulses. Typically these counters can count up, down or both up and down. Since they are simulated they are limited in counting speed. Some manufacturers also include high-speed counters that are hardware based. We can think of these as physically existing. Most times these counters can count up, down or up and down.
TIMERS
These also do not physically exist. They come in many varieties and increments. The most common type is an on-delay type. Others include off-delay and both retentive and non-retentive types. Increments vary from 1ms through 1s.
DATA STORAGE
Typically these are registers assigned to simply store data. They are usually used as temporary storage for maths or data manipulation. They can also typically be used to store data when power is removed from the PLC. Upon power-up they will still have the same contents as before power was removed. Very convenient and necessary!!
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PLC Operation
A PLC works by continually scanning a program. We can think of this scan cycle as consisting of 3 important steps. There are typically more than 3 but we can focus on the important parts and not worry about the others. Typically the others are checking the system and updating the current internal counter and timer values.
EXECUTE PROGRAM
Next the PLC executes your program one instruction at a time. Maybe your program said that if the first input was on then it should turn on the first output. Since it already knows which inputs are on/off from the previous step it will be able to decide whether the first output should be turned on based on the state of the first input. It will store the execution results for use later during the next step.
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INPUT
It took a certain amount of time for the brain to notice the input signal from the eyes.
EXECUTION
It took a certain amount of time to process the information received from the eyes. Consider the program to be: If the eyes see an ugly picture then output appropriate words to the mouth.
OUTPUT
The mouth receives a signal from the brain and eventually spits (no pun intended) out the words "that's a really ugly picture!"
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Interrupt function.
This function interrupts the scan to process a special routine that you have written. ( As soon as the input turns on, regardless of where the scan currently is, the PLC immediately stops what its doing and executes an interrupt routine.) A routine can be thought of as a mini program outside of the main program. After its done executing the interrupt routine, it goes back to the point it left off and continues on with the normal scan process.
Immediate update
Some PLCs have an instruction that allows you to set points in the program where the inputs are updated. Instead of just one input update per scan, you can set as many as you need to ensure that the input pulse is seen by the PLC
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Notice in the picture that we have 2 separate circuits. The bottom, (thin) section indicates the DC part. The top(thick) section indicates the AC part. Here we are using a DC relay to control an AC circuit. That's the fun of relays! When the switch is open no current can flow through the coil of the relay. As soon as the switch is closed, however, current runs through the coil causing a magnetic field to build up. This magnetic field causes the contacts of the relay to close. Now AC current flows through the bell and we hear it. Lunch time!
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First step
We have to translate all of the items we're using into symbols the PLC understands. The PLC doesn't understand terms like switch, relay, bell, etc. It prefers input, output, coil, contact, etc. It doesn't care what the actual input or output device actually is. It only cares that it is an input or an output. First we replace the battery with a symbol. This symbol is common to all ladder diagrams. We draw what are called bus bars. These simply look like two vertical bars. One on each side of the diagram. Think of the left one as being + voltage and the right one as being ground. Further think of the current (logic) flow as being from left to right. Next we give the inputs a symbol. In this basic example we have one real world input. (i.e. the switch) We give the input that the switch will be connected to, to the symbol shown below. This symbol can also be used as the contact of a relay. A contact symbol
Next we give the outputs a symbol. In this example we use one output (i.e. the bell). We give the output that the bell will be physically connected to the symbol shown below. This symbol is used as the coil of a relay.
A coil symbol The AC supply is an external supply so we don't put it in our ladder. The PLC only cares about which output it turns on and not what's physically connected to it.
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Second step
We must tell the PLC where everything is located. In other words we have to give all the devices an address. Where is the switch going to be physically connected to the PLC? How about the bell? We start with a blank road map in the PLCs town and give each item an address. Could you find your friends if you didn't know their address? You know they live in the same town but which house? The PLC town has a lot of houses (inputs and outputs) but we have to figure out who lives where (what device is connected where). We'll get further into the addressing scheme later. The PLC manufacturers each do it a different way! For now let's say that our input will be called "0000". The output will be called "500".
Final step
We have to convert the schematic into a logical sequence of events. This is much easier than it sounds. The program we're going to write tells the PLC what to do when certain events take place. In our example we have to tell the PLC what to do when the operator turns on the switch. Obviously we want the bell to sound but the PLC doesn't know that.
The picture above is the final converted diagram. Notice that we eliminated the real world relay from needing a symbol. It's actually "inferred" from the diagram. Now let's examine some of the basic instructions is greater detail to see more about what each one does.
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A Load (contact) symbol This is used when an input signal is needed to be present for the symbol to turn on. When the physical input is on we can say that the instruction is True. We examine the input for an on signal. If the input is physically on then the symbol is on. This symbol normally can be used for internal inputs, external inputs and external output contacts. Remember that internal relays don't physically exist. They are simulated (software) relays.
Example Ladder
Assume that a normally open switch is connected to input I:1/0 and a lamp is connected to output O:2/0. When the switch is closed the input instruction will be true and the lamp will turn on. When the switch is open the input instruction will be false and the lamp will turn off.
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A LoadNot symbol This is used when an input signal does not need to be present for the symbol to turn on. When the physical input is off we can say that the instruction is True. We examine the input for an off signal. If the input is physically off then the symbol is on. This symbol normally can be used for internal inputs, external inputs and sometimes, external output contacts. Remember again that internal relays don't physically exist. They are simulated (software) relays. It is the exact opposite of the Load instruction. Note: With most PLCs this instruction (Load or Loadbar) MUST be the first symbol on the left of the ladder. Logic State 0 1 Load False True LoadNot True False
Example Ladder
Assume that a normally open switch is connected to input I:1/0 and a lamp is connected to output O:2/0. When the switch is closed the input instruction will be false and the lamp will turn off. When the switch is open the input instruction will be true and the lamp will turn on.
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An OUT (coil) symbol When there is a path of True instructions preceding this on the ladder rung, it will also be true. When the instruction is true it is physically On. This instruction can be used for internal coils and external outputs.
Example Ladder
Assume that a normally open switch is connected to input I:1/0 and a lamp is connected to output O:2/0. When the switch is closed the input instruction will be true and the lamp will turn on. When the switch is open the input instruction will be false and the lamp will turn off.
Outbar
The Outbar instruction is sometimes also called an OutNot instruction. Some vendors don't have this instruction. Its symbol looks like that shown below.
An OUTBar symbol When there is a path of False instructions preceding this on the ladder rung, it will be true. When the instruction is rue it is physically On. This instruction can be used for internal coils and external outputs. It is the exact opposite of the Out instruction. Logic State Load LoadNot 0 False True 1 True False Note: This instruction is not used in the SLC500 instruction set
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In the above circuit, the coil will be energized when there is a closed loop between the + and terminals of the battery. We can simulate this same circuit with a ladder diagram. A ladder diagram consists of individual rungs just like on a real ladder. Each rung must contain one or more inputs and one or more outputs. The first instruction on a rung must always be an input instruction and the last instruction on a rung should always be an output (or its equivalent).
Notice in this simple one rung ladder diagram we have recreated the external circuit above with a ladder diagram. Here we used the Load and Out instructions. Some manufacturers require that every ladder diagram include an END instruction on the last rung.
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Here, we want the fill motor to pump lubricating oil into the tank until the high level sensor turns on. At that point we want to turn off the motor until the level falls below the low level sensor. Then we should turn on the fill motor and repeat the process. Here we have a need for 3 I/O (i.e. Inputs/Outputs). 2 are inputs (the sensors) and 1 is an output (the fill motor). Both of our inputs will be NC (normally closed) fiber-optic level sensors. When they are NOT immersed in liquid they will be ON. When they are immersed in liquid they will be OFF. We will give each input and output device an address. This lets the PLC know where they are physically connected. The addresses are shown in the following tables: Inputs Low High Address 0000 0001 Outputs Motor Address 5000 Internal Utility 1000
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We should always remember that the most common reason for using PLCs in our applications is for replacing real-world relays. The internal utility relays make this action possible. It's impossible to indicate how many internal relays are included with each brand of PLC. Some include 100's while others include 1000's while still others include 10's of 1000's! Typically, PLC size (not physical size but rather I/O size) is the deciding factor. If we are using a micro-PLC with a few I/O we don't need many internal relays. If however, we are using a large PLC with 100's or 1000's of I/O we'll certainly need many more internal relays. If ever there is a question as to whether or not the manufacturer supplies enough internal relays, consult their specification sheets. In all but the largest of large applications, the supplied amount should be MORE than enough.
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Initially the tank is empty therefore, input 0000 is TRUE and input 0001 is also TRUE.
Scan 1
Scan 2-100
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Scan 101-1000 Notice that even when the low level sensor is false there is still a path of true logic from left to right. This is why we used an internal relay. Relay 1000 is latching the output (5000) on. It will stay this way until there is no true logic path from left to right.(i.e. when 0001 becomes false). After 1000 scans the oil level rises above the high level sensor at it also becomes open (false)
Scan 1001
Scan 1002
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Scan 1050 Notice that even though the high level sensor became true there still is NO continuous true logic path and therefore coil 1000 remains false! After 2000 scans the oil level falls below the low level sensor and it will also become true again. At this point the logic will appear the same as SCAN 1 above and the logic will repeat as illustrated above.
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Getting Started
To start the program
Double click on the RS500 icon on your desktop. When we start this it automatically starts to communicate with the PLC. File New is used to start a new project. The screen below is shown asking you to select a processor. Normally inside the CPU door is a part number i.e. it could be1747-L531 You then select this from the display
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Once you have completed I/O config you can begin to write your program.
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ALLEN BRADLEY VOL1 UEUNEED027A RSLogix Program Creation Enter the following single run program which consists of a single Input instruction (XIC Examine If Closed) and a single Output instruction (OTE - Output Energize). There's more than one way to accomplish this task, but for now I will outline what I consider to be the most commonly used approach.
First click on the "New Rung" button in the User Instruction Bar. It's the first button on the very left end of the Bar. If you hold the mouse pointer over any of these buttons for a second or two, you should see a short "ToolTip" which describes the function or name of the instruction that the button represents.
You should now see a new Rung added to your program as shown above, and the Rung number at the left side of the new rung should be highlighted. Note that the new Rung was inserted above the existing (END) End Of Program Rung. Alternatively you could have dragged (left mouse button held down) the Rung button into the program window and dropped it onto one of the locating boxes that would have appeared. Now click on the XIC instruction with your left mouse button (Left Click) and it will be added to the right of your highlighted selection. Note that the new XIC instruction is now selected (highlighted). Once again, you could have alternatively dragged and dropped the instruction into the program window. If you accidentally add an instruction which you wish to remove, just Left Click on the instruction to select it, and then press the "Del" key on your keyboard. Alternatively, you may right click on the instruction and then select "Cut" from the drop-down menu that appears.
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Left Click on the OTE output instruction and it will be. added to the right of your current selection.
Double Click (2 quick left mouse button clicks) on the XIC instruction and a textbox should appear which will allow you to enter the address (I:1/0) of the switch we wish to monitor. Use the Backspace key to get rid of the "?" currently in the textbox. Once you type in the address, click anywhere else on the instruction (other than the textbox) and the box should close. Right Click on the XIC instruction and select "Edit Symbol" from the drop-down menu that appears. Another textbox will appear where you can type in a name (Switch-0) to associate with this address. As before, a click anywhere else will close the box.
Enter the address and symbol for the OTE instruction and your first RSLogix program will now be complete. Before continuing however, Double check that the addresses of your instructions are correct.
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ALLEN BRADLEY VOL1 UEUNEED027A Testing your Program It's now time to "Download" your program to the PLC. Click on the "DownLoad" button to initiate the downloading of your program to the PLC. Once complete, click inside the "RUN" option selection circle to start the PLC scanning. Toggle the Switch On and Off a number of times and note the result. Try placing the PLC back into the "PGM" mode and then toggle the simulator's Switch a few times and note the result. Place the PLC back into the "Run" mode and the Scan should resume. We are usually told to think of the XIC instruction as an electrical contact that allows electrical flow to pass when an external switch is closed. We are then told that the OTE will energize if the flow is allowed to get through to it. In actual fact the XIC is a conditional instruction which tests any bit that we address for on or a 1. Editing your Program Now add a second rung to your program as shown below. This time instead of entering the addresses as you did before, try dragging the appropriate address which is displayed in the I/O simulation and dropping it onto the instruction.
Note that the XIO instruction which Tests for Zero or False has it's address highlighted in yellow. This indicates that the instruction is True, which in the case of an XIO, means that the bit addressed is currently a Zero or off.
This is probably a good time to practice your drag and drop skills. Try moving instructions from rung to rung by holding the left mouse button down while over an instruction, and then while keeping the mouse button down, move the mouse (and instruction) to a new location. Try doing the same with complete rungs by dragging the box at the left end of the rung and dropping it in a new location.Once you feel comfortable with drag and drop, ensure that your program once again looks like the one pictured above, Now download your program to the PLC and place the PLC into the Run Mode. Toggle both Switch-0 and Switch-1 on and off a number of times and observe the effects this has on the outputs. Ensure that you are satisfied with the operation of your program before proceeding further.
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Latching Instructions
Regular output coils are of course an essential part of our programs but we must remember that they are only TRUE when all instructions before them on the rung are also TRUE. What happens if they are not? Then of course, the output will become false (turn off). Think back to the lunch bell example we did a few chapters ago. What would've happened if we couldn't find a "push on/push off" switch? Then we would've had to keep pressing the button for as long as we wanted the bell to sound. (A momentary switch) The latching instructions let us use momentary switches and program the PLC so that when we push one the output turns on and when we push another the output turns off. Here is a real world example. Picture the remote control for your TV. It has a button for ON and another for OFF. When you push the ON button the TV turns on. When you push the OFF button the TV turns off. You don't have to keep pushing the ON button to keep the TV on. This would be the function of a latching instruction. The latch instruction is often called a SET or OTL (output latch). The unlatch instruction is often called a RES (reset), OTU (output unlatch) or RST (reset). The diagram below shows how to use them in a program.
Here we are using 2 momentary push button switches. One is physically connected to input 0000 while the other is physically connected to input 0001. When the operator pushes switch 0000 the instruction "set 0500" will become true and output 0500 physically turns on. Even after the operator stops pushing the switch, the output (0500) will remain on. It is latched on. The only way to turn off output 0500 is turn on input 0001. This will cause the instruction "res 0500" to become true thereby unlatching or resetting output 0500. Here's something to think about. What would happen if input 0000 and 0001 both turn on at the exact same time. Will output 0500 be latched or unlatched? To answer this question we have to think about the scanning sequence. The ladder is always scanned from top to bottom, left to right. The first thing in the scan is to physically look at the inputs. 0000 and 0001 are both physically on. Next the PLC executes the program. Starting from the top left, input 0000 is true therefore it should set 0500. Next it goes to the next rung and since input 0001 is true it should reset 0500. The last thing it said was to reset 0500. Therefore on the last part of the scan when it updates the outputs it will keep 0500 off.
Latching Exercise
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For this exercise we need two Normally Open momentary switches. Add the following two rungs to your program. Once you have the rungs entered correctly, download and run your modified program.
Activate the Start and Stop switches and ensure that the OTL and OTU output instructions are responding as outlined in your text. Once you have the lamp ON, could you turn it off if power was lost in the Stop Switch circuit? Now modify your program so that it operates correctly when you substitute the N.O. Stop switch (I:1/03) with a Normally Closed Switch. If we now lost power on the N.C. Stop switch circuit, what would happen to the state of Lamp (O:2/02)?
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Timers
Let's now see how a timer works. What is a timer? Its exactly what the word says... it is an instruction that waits a set amount of time before doing something. When we look at the different kinds of timers available the fun begins. As always, different types of timers are available with different manufacturers. Here are most of them: On-Delay timer-This type of timer simply "delays turning on". In other words, after our sensor (input) turns on we wait x-seconds before activating a solenoid valve (output). This is the most common timer. It is often called TON (timer on-delay), TIM (timer) or TMR (timer). Off-Delay timer- This type of timer is the opposite of the on-delay timer listed above. This timer simply "delays turning off". After our sensor (input) sees a target we turn on a solenoid (output). When the sensor no longer sees the target we hold the solenoid on for x-seconds before turning it off. It is called a TOF (timer off-delay) and is less common than the on-delay type listed above. Retentive or Accumulating timer- This type of timer needs 2 inputs. One input starts the timing event (i.e. the clock starts ticking) and the other resets it. The on/off delay timers above would be reset if the input sensor wasn't on/off for the complete timer duration. This timer however holds or retains the current elapsed time when the sensor turns off in mid-stream. For example, we want to know how long a sensor is on for during a 1 hour period. If we use one of the above timers they will keep resetting when the sensor turns off/on. This timer however, will give us a total or accumulated time. It is often called an RTO (retentive timer) or TMRA (accumulating timer). Let's now see how to use them. We typically need to know 2 things: What will enable the timer. Typically this is one of the inputs.(a sensor connected to input 0000 for example) How long we want to delay before we react. Let's wait 5 seconds before we turn on a solenoid, for example. When the instructions before the timer symbol are true the timer starts "timing". When the time elapses the timer will automatically close its contacts. When the program is running on the PLC, the program typically displays the elapsed or "accumulated" time for us so we can see the current value. Typically timers can time from 0 to 9999 or 0 to 65535 times. Why the weird numbers? Again its because most PLCs have 16-bit timers. 0-9999 is 16-bit BCD (binary coded decimal) 0 to 65535 is 16-bit binary. Each tick of the clock is equal to x-seconds. Typically each manufacturer offers several different ticks. Most manufacturers offer 10 and 100 ms increments (ticks of the clock). A "ms" is a milli-second or 1/1000th of a second. Several manufacturers also offer 1ms as well as 1 second increments. These different increment timers work the same as above but sometimes they have different names to show their timebase. Some are TMH (high speed timer), TMS (super highspeed timer) or TMRAF (accumulating fast timer) Shown below is a typical timer instruction symbol we will encounter (depending on which manufacturer we choose) and how to use it. Remember that while they may look different they are all used basically the same way. If we can setup one we can setup any of them.
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In this diagram we wait for input 0001 to turn on. When it does, timer T000 (a 100ms increment timer) starts ticking. It will tick 100 times. Each tick (increment) is 100ms so the timer will be a 10000ms (i.e. 10 second) timer. 100ticks X 100ms = 10,000ms. When 10 seconds have elapsed, the T000 contacts close and 500 turns on. When input 0001 turns off(false) the timer T000 will reset back to 0 causing its contacts to turn off(become false) thereby making output 500 turn back off. An accumulating/retentive timer would look similar to this:
This timer is named Txxx. When the enable input is on the timer starts to tick. When it ticks yyyyy (the preset value) times, it will turn on its contacts that we will use later in the program. Remember that the duration of a tick (increment) varies with the vendor and the timebase used. (i.e. a tick might be 1ms or 1 second or...) If however, the enable input turns off before the timer has completed, the current value will be retained. When the input turns back on, the timer will continue from where it left off. The only way to force the timer back to its preset value to start again is to turn on the reset input.
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In this diagram we wait for input 0001 to turn on. When it does timer T000 (a 10ms increment timer) starts ticking. It will tick 100 times. Each tick (increment) is 10ms so the timer will be a 1000ms (1 second) timer. (100ticks X 10ms = 1,000ms). When 1 second has elapsed, the T000 contacts close and 5000 turns on. If input 0001 turns off while the timer is timing the accumulated value will be retained. When 0001 turns back on the timer will continue where it left off. When input 0002 turns on (true) the timer T000 will reset back to 0 causing its contacts to turn off (become false). Always remember that although the symbols may look different they all operate the same way. Typically the major differences are in the duration of the ticks increments.
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Description
Use the TON instruction to turn an output on or off after the timer has been on for a preset time interval. This output instruction begins timing (at either one second or one hundredth of a second intervals) when its rung goes "true." It waits the specified amount of time (as set in the PRESET), keeps track of the accumulated intervals which have occurred (ACCUM), and sets the DN (done) bit when the ACCUM (accumulated) time equals the PRESET time. As long as rung conditions remain true, the timer adjusts its accumulated value (ACC) each evaluation until it reaches the preset value (PRE). The accumulated value is reset when rung conditions go false, regardless of whether the timer has timed out. Instruction bits: 13 = DN (done) 14 = TT (timer timing bit) 15 = EN (enable bit) and TT bits remain set , and the accumulated value (ACCUM) remains the same. This is also true if the processor changes from the run to the program mode. If either the Accumulator If power is lost while a TON is timing but has not reached its preset value, the EN, or the Preset is negative when the TON instruction is executed on a true rung, a Major Fault is generated. Note If the rung goes "false" (loses logical continuity) during the timing process, the accumulated value is reset, and the DN, EN, and TT bits all reset whether or not the timer has reached the PRESET value.
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Once you have your program entered, and have ensured that it is correct, download it to the PLC. Ensure that Switch I:1/0 is Open, and then place the PLC into the Run mode. Note the initial value of timer T4:1's accumulator and preset in the spaces below. Also indicate the state of each of the timer's control bits in the spaces provided: Initial T4:1.ACC = _____ T4:1.PRE = _____ T4:1/EN = ____ T4:1/TT = ____ T4:1/DN = ____ State (Switch I:1/0=Open):
Close switch I:1/0, and carefully observe the incrementing of the timer's accumulator, and the state of each of it's control bits.
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Toggle the state of switch I:1/0 a number of times, and observe the operation of the Timer in the Ladder Rung program display. Confirm that when the rung is taken false, the accumulator and all 3 control bits are reset to zero. This type of timer is a non-retentive instruction. Use the TON instruction to turn an output on or off after the timer has been on for a preset time interval. This output instruction begins timing when its rung goes "true". It waits the specified amount of time (as set in the PREset), keeps track of the accumulated intervals which have occurred (ACCumulator), and sets the DN (done) bit when the ACC (accumulated) time equals the PRESET time. As long as rung conditions remain true, the timer adjusts its accumulated value (ACC) each evaluation until it reaches the preset value (PRE). The accumulated value is reset when rung conditions go false, regardless of whether the timer has timed out.
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Description
Use the TOF instruction to turn an output on or off after its rung has been off for a preset time interval. The TOF instruction begins to count timebase intervals when the rung makes a true-tofalse transition. As long as rung conditions remain false, the timer increments its accumulated value (ACC) based on the timebase for each scan until it reaches the preset value (PRE). The Accumulated value is reset when rung conditions go true regardless of whether the timer has timed out.
Status bits:
Done bit (DN)Set when rung conditions are true; remain so until rung conditions go false and the accumulated value is greater than or equal to the preset value Timer timing bit (TT)Set when rung conditions are false and the accumulated value is less than the preset value; remain so until rung conditions go true or when the done bit is reset. Enable bit (EN)Set when rung conditions are true; remain so until rung conditions go false. When processor operation changes from run program mode or if user power is lost while a TOF is timing but has not reached its preset value, the EN, TT, and DN bits remain set, and the accumulated value (ACCUM) remains the same. On returning to the run mode, the following can happen: If the rung is true: TT bit is reset DN bit remains set EN bit is set ACC value is reset If the rung is false: TT bit is reset DN bit is reset EN bit is reset ACC value is set equal to the preset value.
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Description
An RTO functions the same as a TON with the exception that once it has begun timing, it holds its count of time even if the rung goes false, a fault occurs, the mode changes from run to program, or power is lost. When rung continuity returns (rung goes true again), the RTO begins timing from the accumulated time which was held when rung continuity was lost. By retaining its accumulated value, retentive timers measure the cumulative period during which rung conditions are true. Status bits DN (done) TT (timer timing bit) EN (enable bit) If the Preset or Accumulated value are negative when the instruction is executed, a major fault results. Note The accumulated value can be reset by the RES instruction. When the RES instruction having the same address as the RTO is enabled, the accumulated value and the control bits are reset.
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Counters
A counter is a simple device intended to do one simple thing - count. Using them, however, can sometimes be a challenge because every manufacturer (for whatever reason) seems to use them a different way. The following information will let you simply and easily program anybody's counters.
Types of counters
What kinds of counters are there? Well, there are up-counters (they only count up 1,2,3...). These are called CTU,(count up) CNT,C, or CTR. There are down counters (they only count down 9,8,7,...). These are typically called CTD (count down) when they are a separate instruction. There are also up-down counters (they count up and/or down 1,2,3,4,3,2,3,4,5,...). These are typically called UDC (up-down counter) when they are separate instructions. Many manufacturers have only one or two types of counters but they can be used to count up, down or both. To further confuse the issue, most manufacturers also include a limited number of high-speed counters. These are commonly called HSC (high-speed counter), or CTH (Counter High-speed?). Typically a high-speed counter is a "hardware" device. The normal counters listed above are typically "software" counters, in other words they don't physically exist in the plc but rather they are simulated in software. Hardware counters do exist in the plc and they are not dependent on scan time. A good rule of thumb is simply to always use the normal (software) counters unless the pulses you are counting will arrive faster than 2X the scan time. (i.e. if the scan time is 2ms and pulses will be arriving for counting every 4ms or longer then use a software counter. If they arrive faster than every 4ms (3ms for example) then use the hardware (high-speed) counters. (2xscan time = 2x2ms= 4ms) To use them we must know 3 things: Where the pulses that we want to count are coming from. Typically this is from one of the inputs.(a sensor connected to input 0000 for example) How many pulses we want to count before we react. Let's count 5 bottles before we box them, for example. When/how we will reset the counter so it can count again. After we count 5 bottles lets reset the counter, for example. When the program is running on the PLC the program typically displays the current or "accumulated" value for us so we can see the current count value. Typically counters can count from "0 to 9999", "-32,768 to +32,767" or "0 to 65535". Why the weird numbers? This is because 0-9999 is 16-bit BCD (binary coded decimal) and -32,768 to 32767 and 0 to 65535 require 16-bit binary and most PLCs use 16bit numbers Here are some of the instruction symbols we will encounter (depending on which manufacturer we choose) and how to use them. Remember that while they may look different they are all used basically the same way. If we can program one we can program any of them.
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In this counter we need 2 inputs. One goes before the reset line. When this input turns on the current (accumulated) count value will return to zero. The second input is the address where the pulses we are counting are coming from. For example, if we are counting how many bottles pass in front of the sensor that is physically connected to input 0001 then we would put normally open contacts with the address 0001 in front of the pulse line. Cxxx is the name of the counter. If we want to call it counter 000 then we would put "C000" here. yyyyy is the number of pulses we want to count before doing something. If we want to count 5 bottles before turning on a physical output to box them we would put 5 here. If we wanted to count 100 bottles then we would put 100 here, etc. When the counter is finished (i.e we counted yyyyy bottles) it will turn on a separate contact that we also label Cxxx. Note that the counter accumulated value ONLY changes at the off to on transition of the pulse input. Here's the symbol on a ladder showing how we set up a counter (we'll name it counter 000) to count 100 bottles from input 0001 before turning on output 500. Sensor 0002 resets the counter.
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In this up-down counter we need to assign 3 inputs. The reset input has the same function as above, however, instead of having only 1 input for the pulse counting we now have 2. One is for counting up and the other is for counting down. In this example we will call the counter UDC000 and we will give it a preset value of 1000. (we'll count 1000 total pulses) For inputs we'll use a sensor which will turn on input 0001 when it sees a target and another sensor at input 0003 will also turn on when it sees a target. When input 0001 turns on we count up and when input 0003 turns on we count down. When we reach 1000 pulses we will turn on output 500. Again note that the counter accumulated value ONLY changes at the off to on transition of the pulse input. The ladder diagram is shown below.
One important thing to note is that in some PLCs counters and timers can't have the same address. This is because they typically use the same registers.
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(CTU)
Description
This output instruction counts up for each false-to-true transition of conditions preceding it in the rung and produces an output when the accumulated value reaches the preset value. Rung transitions might be triggered by a limit switch or by parts travelling past a detector. The ability of the counter to detect false-to-true transitions depends on the speed (frequency) of the incoming signal. The on and off duration of an incoming signal must not be faster than the scan time. Each count is retained when the rung conditions again become false, permitting counting to continue beyond the preset value. This way you can base an output on the preset but continue counting to keep track of inventory/parts, etc. Note Use a RES (reset) instruction with the same address as the counter, or another instruction in your program to overwrite the value. The on or off status of counter done, overflow, and underflow bits is retentive. The accumulated value and control bits are reset when a RES is enabled. Status Bits: OV (count up overflow) bit DN (done) bit CU (count up enable) bit
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Once you have your program entered, and have ensured that it is correct, download it to the PLC. Ensure that Switch I:1/0 and I:1/1 are Open, and then place the PLC into the Run mode.
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Open and Close switch I:1/00 a number of times and carefully observe the incrementing of C5:1's accumulator and the operation of the enable and done bits. Close switch I:1/01 and observe the effect that the "RES" instruction has on the counter. Attempt to increment the counter while switch I:1/01 is closed. You should not be able to increment the counter while the "RES" instruction is held "True". Open switch I:1/01 to allow the "RES" instruction to go false, and then increment the counter until the accumulator matches the preset. Increment the counter 2 or 3 more times and note the final value of C5:1's accumulator, preset and status bits in the spaces below. Final C5:1.ACC = ______ C5:1.PRE = ______ C5:1/CU = ___ C5:1/CD = ___ C5:1/DN = ___ State (Switch I:1/0=Closed):
The CTU output instruction counts up for each false-to-true transition of conditions preceding it in the rung and produces an output (DN) when the accumulated value reaches the preset value. The ability of the counter to detect a false-to-true transition depends on the speed (frequency) of the incoming signal. The on and off duration of an incoming signal must not be faster than the scan time. Each count (accumulator) is retained when the rung conditions again become false, permitting counting to continue beyond the preset value. This way you can base an output on the preset but continue counting to keep track of inventory/parts, etc. Use a RES (reset) instruction with the same address as the counter, or another instruction in your program to overwrite the value of the accumulator and control bits. The on or off status of counter done, overflow, and underflow bits is retentive. The accumulated value and control bits are reset when a RES is enabled.
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Description
This output instruction counts down for each false-to-true transition of conditions preceding it in the rung and produces an output when the accumulated value reaches the preset value. Rung transitions might be triggered by a limit switch or by parts travelling past a detector. Each count is retained when the rung conditions again become false The count is retained until a RES (reset) instruction with the same address as the counter is enabled, or if another instruction in your program overwrites the value. The accumulated value is retained after the CTU or CTD instruction goes false, and when power is removed from and then restored to the processor. The on or off status of counter done, overflow, and underflow bits is also retentive. The accumulated value and control bits are reset when a RES is enabled. Status Bits: UN (count down underflow) bit DN (done) bit CD (count down enable) bit
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In the program above, SW1 increments the counter and SW2 decrements. Lamp1 energises when the count reaches 20. Note that the CTU and CTD instructions have the same address.
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CONVEYOR CONTROL
The above circuit operates as follows. When the conveyor is stopped 'Motor stopped' light is on. When the reverse start button is pressed the conveyor starts in reverse and the reverse indicator light comes on. When the forward start button is pressed the conveyor starts in forward and the forward indicator light comes on. The Conveyor must be stopped before changing from reverse to forward and vice versa. The conveyor shuts down if either 'Thermal overload' or 'master stop' is pressed.
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In this exercise we want you to apply your knowledge of Relay Logic Instructions to design a program which will control the Door. The Door System includes a Reversible Motor, a pair of Limit Switches and a Control Panel, all connected to your PLC. The program you create will monitor and control this equipment while adhering to the following criteria:
The Open and Close pushbuttons will be used to control the movement of the door. Movement will not be maintained when either switch is released. Pressing the Open Switch will cause the door to move upwards (open) if not already fully open. The opening operation will continue as long as the switch is held down. If the switch is released, or if limit switch LS1 closes, the door movement will halt immediately.
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Pressing the Close Switch will cause the door to move down (close) if not already fully closed. The closing operation will continue as long as the switch is held down. If the switch is released, or if limit switch LS2 closes, the door movement will halt immediately. If the Door is already fully opened, Pressing the Open Switch will Not energize the motor. If the Door is already fully closed, Pressing the Close Switch will Not energize the motor. Under no circumstance will both motor windings be energized at the same time. The Open Lamp will be illuminated if the door is in the Fully Open position. The Shut Lamp will be illuminated if the door is in the Fully Closed position. The Ajar lamp will be illuminated when the door is ajar
Design, debug, and test your Program. Avoid the use of Set or Reset latching instructions, and make a concerted effort to minimize the number of rungs employed. Ensure that you have made effective use of both instruction and rung comments to clearly document your program. All I/O components referenced within your program should be clearly labelled, and rung comments should be employed to add additional clarity as required.
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The fill motor is to pump lubricating oil into the tank until the high level sensor turns on. At that point the motor is turned off until the level falls below the low level sensor. The fill motor should turn on again and repeat the process. Both inputs are NC (normally closed) fibre-optic level sensors. When they are NOT immersed in liquid they will be ON. When they are immersed in liquid they will be OFF.
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This circuit places a ten second shot of liquid into a carton each time a carton position limit switch is operated.
The circuit must provide for a carton position limit input and a dosing solenoid output.
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This system batches boxes onto a pallet. A solenoid is energised when the eighth box is loaded, and de-energised when a full pallet moves out. The circuit provides for the following inputs and outputs; a: Box detector limit switch, LSI, actuated by boxes arriving on the pallet. b: Pallet change limit switch, LS2, actuated by an outgoing pallet. c: Pallet change solenoid.
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Australian Standards
The Australian Standards are the guiding publication for safety. Listed below are some of the key clauses in the current versions of the standards. AS/NZ 3000 clause 2.8 devices for isolation and switching Clause 2.8.3.2 states that a semiconductor device shall not be used for isolation purposes AS/NZ 3000 clause 2.11.8 refers to cranes and hoists This will also refer you to AS1418 AS 1543 Electrical equipment of industrial machines - all sections (but in general) Section 1 - Scope & general Section 3 - Power & control circuits Section 4 - Control Equipment Section 6 Wiring Appendix C - Protective interlocking
Employers' Responsibility
Employers shall ensure as far as is reasonably practicable that machinery, plant and equipment is safe and without risks when used property. This requires having the application of hazard analysis procedures at the design stage together with procedures which specifically relate to the following: Design and procurement. Installation. Commissioning and acceptance. Training and supervision. Operation. Maintenance.
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Installation
The installation, spacing, clearance, services and foothold around machinery, plant and equipment shall be such as to ensure: stability, safe operation, access and supervision. satisfactory facilities for maintenance work, operating adjustments and cleaning. adequate space for handling materials and parts to or from machines and for work in progress.
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Isolating controls
All power driven machinery or equipment shall have a control for isolating it from all sources of power, whether electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical or other. The isolator shall be either on the machine, or in close proximity to it, and shall be clearly visible, readily accessible and clearly identified. There shall be provision for the manual locking of the isolator in the isolated position, except where the machinery or equipment is supplied through a removable plug or coupling.
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PLC Installation
Installation of a PLC requires the installer to understand many factors, including environmental, electrical and safety considerations. This chapter will explore these factors in more detail.
Climatic Environment
Heat, moisture and airborne materials can affect a PLC system. A suitable enclosure should be chosen. The location of PLC should be away from heat sources, preferably towards the bottom of the electrical enclosure.
Electrical Interference
Some electrical equipment, such as welders and Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), emit high levels of electrical interference. A PLC can be affected by this interference and precautions such as line filtering may need to be taken. Generally PLCs should be installed away from sources of interference such as above as well the cables running to such devices. The PLC input signal wiring must be kept away from these interference sources and any power cables that may be in the vicinity.
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The DATA is transferred to the diskette one bit at a time onto sections of the disk called TRACKS by magnetising the surface to represent groups of bit patterns in either the ON or OFF state. Within the disk drive there is a magnetising head which is known as the READ / WRITE HEAD and is used to either WRITE data onto the disk or READ data from the disk whilst it is spinning at extremely high speed. The head moves in and out over the spinning disk to access the different sections of the disk area and because this can occur at very high speeds then the resultant access time to READ or WRITE to the disk is extremely low.
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ROM
Similar to RAM, ROM chips contain a grid of columns and rows. But where the columns and rows intersect, ROM chips are fundamentally different from RAM chips. While RAM uses transistors to turn on or off access to a capacitor at each intersection, ROM uses a diode to connect the lines if the value is 1. If the value is 0, then the lines are not connected at all. A diode normally allows current to flow in only one direction and has a certain threshold, known as the forward breakover, that determines how much current is required before the diode will pass it on. In silicon-based items such as processors and memory chips, the forward breakover voltage is approximately 0.6 volts. By taking advantage of the unique properties of a diode, a ROM chip can send a charge that is above the forward breakover down the appropriate column with the selected row grounded to connect at a specific cell. If a diode is present at that cell, the charge will be conducted through to the ground, and, under the binary system, the cell will be read as being "on" (a value of 1). If the cell's value is 0, there is no diode at that intersection to connect the column and row. So the charge on the column does not get transferred to the row. As you can see, the way a ROM chip works necessitates the programming of perfect and complete data when the chip is created. You cannot reprogram or rewrite a standard ROM chip. If it is incorrect, or the data needs to be updated, you have to throw it away and start over. Creating the original template for a ROM chip is often a laborious process full of trial and error. But the benefits of ROM chips outweigh the drawbacks. Once the template is completed, the actual chips can cost as little as a few cents each. They use very little power, are extremely reliable and, in the case of most small electronic devices, contain all the necessary programming to control the device.
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PROMs can only be programmed once. They are more fragile than ROMs. A jolt of static electricity can easily cause fuses in the PROM to burn out, changing essential bits from 1 to 0. But blank PROMs are inexpensive and are great for prototyping the data for a ROM before committing to the costly ROM fabrication process.
EPROM
Working with ROMs and PROMs can be a wasteful business. Even though they are inexpensive per chip, the cost can add up over time. Erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) addresses this issue. EPROM chips can be rewritten many times. Erasing an EPROM requires a special tool that emits a certain frequency of ultraviolet (UV) light. EPROMs are configured using an EPROM programmer that provides voltage at specified levels depending on the type of EPROM used. Once again we have a grid of columns and rows. In an EPROM, the cell at each intersection has two transistors. The two transistors are separated from each other by a thin oxide layer. One of the transistors is known as the floating gate and the other as the control gate. The floating gate's only link to the row (wordline) is through the control gate. As long as this link is in place, the cell has a value of 1. To change the value to 0 requires a curious process called Fowler-Nordheim tunnelling. Tunnelling is used to alter the placement of electrons in the floating gate. An electrical charge, usually 10 to 13 volts, is applied to the floating gate. The charge comes from the column (bitline), enters the floating gate and drains to a ground. This charge causes the floating-gate transistor to act like an electron gun. The excited electrons are pushed through and trapped on the other side of the thin oxide layer, giving it a negative charge. These negatively charged electrons act as a barrier between the control gate and the - 72 -
Printing Facilities
Although the user program contained within the PLC's memory can be searched through and monitored using the PLC's programming unit it is almost essential that a hard copy print-out can be obtained from the PLC system. Being able to view the entire Ladder diagram layout of the user program on paper allows the user to follow through the operational sequence of the program. If the Ladder print-out is correct and well documented then fault finding and commissioning can be accomplished with much less confusion and also quite possibly without the use of the PLC's programming unit. At the very least the print-out obtained generally consists of the program Ladder diagram layout plus all of the associated addressing information contained within the program. Additional features available with most PLC systems allow the user to print out comments on the programs operation, specific names given to each of the addresses (usually known as Mnemonics), Cross reference information on all addresses used within the program and a listing of all contents of associated data registers (i.e. Timer, Counter and Shift Register values etc.).
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PLC Hardware
Correct choice of PLC hardware is an important step in an automation project. There are many types on packages with various CPUs, I/O modules and mounting chassis. There is also an I/O limit to each of the packages. In this chapter we investigate the various choices that are commonly available.
Micro
Typically used for small projects Usually fixed I/O sizes from 10 to 30 points
A typical micro PLC package showing the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000 Shoe Box
Used for medium sized projects with a fixed I/O base Configuration can be expanded with additional modules Usually up to 64 I/O but can be configured up to 128 I/O
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A typical rack/chassis PLC package showing the Allen-Bradley SLC 500 CPU Speed
CPU speed is often mentioned by technical sales people when referring to features of a particular PLC. It should be kept in mind that PLCs are all fast, some just faster than others. Unless your project has a particular requirement for speed of operation, a rule of thumb is that the basic CPU will probably do. The choice will then be based on the number of I/O points that are required.
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10, 20, 30 and 40 point I/O CPUs Expandable up to 100 I/O points Peripheral communications port built in AC or DC input models Analogue expansion modules available Temperature sensor input expansion modules available Auxiliary 24 VDC supply (AC type only) Relay or Transistor outputs
Provides an economical alternative to discrete timers, counters and general purpose relays. Control programs can be created using the 32-bit, Windows-based ZEN support software or using the operation buttons on the front panel (LCD models only). The ZEN is also flexible, with six CPU types, multiple expansion options, and a wide selection of accessories. Wide variety of functions. Saving and copying of programs. Space saver-the extreme compact size allows for installation in almost any location. Flexible expansion- up to 3 expansion I/O modules can be added to any CPU for a maximum of 34 I/O points. Memory backup.
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The S5 series of PLCs has a number of programming options available: The PC programming software follows the Siemens STEP5 structured programming which divides the programming into manageable pieces where only appropriate program blocks are executed to increase scan times. Alternatively, the Siemens POG605U Programming Panel (PLCSP1) is a small, on-line LCD programming panel suitable for entering basic programs into any of the S5 range of PLCs. Programs are entered using the STatement List (STL) method and programming is aided by the display of system prompts and error messages.
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SLC500 Accessories
Allen Bradley have many programming options and accessories available for their PLCs. PC programming of the PLCs is easily achieved using the RS Logix Programming Software (RSLOGIX), which features Ladder Programming and Monitoring, together with a suite of editing tools. Programs are downloaded to the PLC using the PLC to PC converter supplied with the software. Multi-user versions of the software are also available. The hand held programming terminal (PLCAP1) is a powerful, portable programming tool for the SLC500 fixed or 5/01 and 5/02 modular processors and can display up to 5 rungs of ladder logic at any time. The data access module (PLCAP8) is a plant floor device that gives easy assess to timer, counter and other data table areas. Order Code PLCA1 PLCA2 Base Unit SLC500 Fixed SLC500 Fixed SLC502 Fixed Inputs 12 12 Outputs Analogue Range 8 relay 8 relay 4 inputs 10V or 20mA 8 8 relay 8 inputs 4 outputs 10V/20mA 4k UVPROM 10V Memory 1k UVPROM 1k UVPROM
PLCA3
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Inputs 10 12
Micrologix Accessories
The Micrologix 1000 is fully supported by the standard Allen Bradley RS Logix Software, which includes program documentation for adding rung comments and instructions, editing facilities cut, copy and paste, program reports, plus many more. A hand held programmer uses the globally accepted instruction list language to program the PLC and offers the facility to monitor operation, enter and modify programs plus store and transfer programs between controllers. The 'Micro-View' low-cost data access panel is available that gives access to the various data areas of the PLC.
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Peripheral Devices
Peripheral devices to the PLC and its I/O base(s) can be anything from a host computer and control console to a motor drive unit or field limit switch. Printers and industrial terminals used for programming are also peripheral devices. Peripheral devices can generate or receive AC or DC voltages and currents as well as digital pulse trains or single pulses of quick length (pulse width). These external operating devices, with their sometimes harsh and/or fast signal characteristics, must be able to interface with the PLC's sensitive microprocessor. Various types of I/O modules (using the proper shielded cabling) are available to do this job.
Input modules
The input module has two functions: reception of an external signal and status display of that input point. In other words, it receives the peripheral sensing unit's signal and provides signal conditioning, termination, isolation and/or indication for that signal's state. The input to an input module is in either a discrete or analogue form. If the input is an ON-OFF type, such as with a push button or limit switch, the signal is considered to be of a discrete nature. If, on the other hand, the input varies, such as with temperature, pressure, or level, the signal is analogue in nature. Peripheral devices sending signals to input modules that describe external conditions can be switches (limit, proximity, pressure, or temperature), push buttons, or logic, binary coded decimal (BCD) or analogue-to-digital (A/D) circuits. These input signal points are scanned, and their status is communicated through the interface module or circuitry within each individual PLC and I/O base. Some typical types of input modules are: DC voltage (110, 220, 14, 24, 48, 15-30V) or current (4-20 mA). AC voltage (110, 240, 24, 48V) or current (4-20 mA). TTL (transistor logic) input (3-15VDC). Analogue input (12-bit). Word input (16-bit/parallel). Thermocouple input. Resistance temperature detector. High current relay. Low current relay. Latching input (24VDC/110VAC). Isolated input (24VDC/85-132VAC). Intelligent input (contains a microprocessor). Positioning input. PID (proportional, integral, differentiation) input. High-speed pulse.
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On the NPN sensor we connect one output to the PLCs input and the other output to the power supply ground. If the sensor is not powered from the same supply as the plc, we should connect both grounds together. Many engineers will say that PNP is better (i.e. safer) because the load is switched to ground, but whatever works for you is best. Just remember to plan for the worst. On the PNP sensor we connect one output to positive voltage and the other output to the PLCs input. If the sensor is not powered from the same supply as the plc, we should connect both V+'s together. PNP sensors are most commonly used in Europe.
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An ordinary switch (i.e. limit switch, pushbutton, toggle, etc.) would be connected to the inputs in a similar fashion. One side of the switch would be connected directly to V+. The other end goes to the plc input terminal. This assumes the common terminal is connected to 0V (ground). If the common is connected to V+ then simply connect one end of the switch to 0V (ground) and the other end to the plc input terminal. A device called a photocoupler is used to isolate the PLCs internal circuit from the inputs. This eliminates the chance of any electrical noise entering the internal circuitry. They work by converting the electrical input signal to light and then by converting the light back to an electrical signal to be processed by the internal circuit.
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We typically connect an AC device to our input module as shown above. Commonly the AC "hot" wire is connected to the switch while the "neutral" goes to the PLC common. The AC ground (3rd wire where applicable) should be connected to the frame ground terminal of the PLC.(not shown) As is true with DC, AC connections are typically colour coded so that the individual wiring the device knows which wire is which. This coding varies from country to country. In Australia it is coded as brown (active), blue (neutral) and green with a yellow stripe (3rd wire ground where applicable).
The only things accessible to the user are the terminals labelled COMMON, INPUT 0000, INPUTxxxx... The common terminal gets connected to the neutral wire. A common switch (ie. limit switch, pushbutton, toggle, etc.) would be connected to the input terminals directly. One side of the switch would be connected directly to INPUT XXX. The other end goes to the AC active wire. This assumes the common terminal is connected to neutral. Always check the manufacturers specifications before wiring, to be sure AND SAFE. The photocouplers are used to isolate the PLCs internal circuit from the inputs. This eliminates the chance of any electrical noise entering the internal circuitry. They work by converting the - 85 -
Digital Outputs
The output assembly of a programmable controller consists of a number of sections (see Figure below). The output signal is derived from signals in the processor being fed to the output logic circuits which are isolated to protect the logic from accidental application of excessive voltages to field wiring. The output is usually provided with over current protection such as a fuse to stop the output assembly from being damaged if an accidental short circuit is applied in the field wiring.
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Relay Outputs
One of the most common types of outputs available is the relay output. A relay can be used with both AC and DC loads. A load is simply a fancy word for whatever is connected to our outputs. We call it a load because we are "loading the output" with something. If we connected no load to the output (ie. just connect it directly to a power supply) we would certainly damage the outputs. This would be similar to replacing the light bulb in the lamp you're using to read this with a piece of wire. If you did this, the lamp would draw a tremendous amount of current from the outlet and certainly pop your circuit breaker or blow your fuse. Some common forms of a load are a solenoid, lamp, motor, etc. These "loads" come in all sizes. Electrical sizes, that is. Always check the specifications of your load before connecting it to the PLC output. You always want to make sure that the maximum current it will consume is within the specifications of the PLC output. If it is not within the specifications (ie. draws too much current) it will probably damage the output. When in doubt, double check with the manufacturer to see if it can be connected without potential damage. Some types of loads are very deceiving. These deceiving loads are called "inductive loads". These have a tendency to deliver a "back current" when they turn on. This back current is like a voltage spike coming through the system. A good example of an inductive load that most of us see about 6 months per year is an air conditioning unit. Perhaps in your home you have an air conditioner. Have you ever noticed that when the air conditioner "kicks on" the lights dim for a second or two? Then they return to their normal brightness. This is because when the air conditioner turns on it tries to draw a lot of current through your wiring system. After this initial voltage surge it requires less current and the lights go back to normal. This could be dangerous to your PLCs output relays. It is estimated that this voltage surge is about 30 times the rated current of the load.
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Shown above is a typical method of connecting our outputs to the relays. Although our diagram shows the output connected to an AC supply, DC can be used as well. A relay is non-polarised and typically it can switch either AC or DC. Here the common is connected to one end of our power supply and the other end of the supply is connected to the load. The other side of our load gets connected to the actual PLC output you have designated within your ladder program. The relay is internal to the PLC. Its circuit diagram typically looks like that shown above. When our ladder diagram tells the output to turn on, the PLC will internally apply a voltage to the relay coil. This voltage will allow the selected contact to close.
When the contact closes, an external current is allowed to flow through our external circuit. When the ladder diagram tells the PLC to turn off the output, it will simply remove the voltage from the internal circuit thereby enabling the output contact to release. Our load will than have an open circuit and will therefore be off.
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Shown above is how we typically connect our output device to the transistor output. Please note that this is an NPN type transistor. If it were a PNP type, the common terminal would most likely be connected to V+ and V- would connect to one end of our load. Note that since this is a DC type output we must always observe proper polarity for the output. One end of the load is connected directly to V+ as shown above.
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Notice that as we saw with the transistor type inputs, there is a photocoupler isolating the "real world" from the internal circuit. When the ladder diagram calls for it, the internal circuit turns on the photocoupler by applying a small voltage to the LED side of the photocoupler. This makes the LED emit light and the receiving part of the photocoupler will see it and allow current to flow. This small current will turn on the base of the output transistor connected to output 0500. Therefore, whatever is connected between COM and 0500 will turn on. When the ladder tells 0500 to turn off, the LED will stop emitting light and hence the output transistor connected between 0500 and COM will turn off. One other important thing to note is that a transistor typically cannot switch as large a load as a relay. Check the manufacturers specifications to find the largest load it can safely switch. If the load current you need to switch exceeds the specification of the output, you can connect the LC output to an external relay then connect the relay to the large load. You may be thinking, "why not just use a relay in the first place"? The answer is because a relay is not always the correct choice for every output. A transistor gives you the opportunity to use external relays when and only when necessary. In summary, a transistor is fast, switches a small current, has a long lifetime and works with DC only. Whereas a relay is slow, can switch a large current, has a shorter lifetime and works with AC or DC. Select the appropriate one based upon your actual application needs.
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Outputs
Relay o Very common. o Slow switching at high currents up to 2.5A o Voltage dependent Transistor Sink or Source o Very common o Fast switching at low currents up to 0.5A o Voltage dependant, typically 24 VDC Triac o Less common o Fast AC switching at low currents up to 0.25A o Voltage dependant, typically 110 or 230 VAC
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Basic diagnostics
Diagnostics provide a programmer with the ability to problem solve and debug their program. PLCs have tools and features called diagnostics to enable fault finding. . By using diagnostics a programmer can also test and commission a PLC project. The type and extent of the diagnostics will depend on the PLC type and model. Common diagnostics tools for the RSLogix 500 are: Error Codes Controller Online Toolbar S2 Status File Error Dialogue Force Instruction Note: A well designed program will be constructed so as to quickly locate and record programming and other errors. It is well worth your time to explore and understand the use of each of diagnostics tools described. Below we describe each of the common diagnostic tools.
Error Codes
These codes are presented as an alert when a particular programming or communication fault occurs. The help file contains a list of these codes along with a description.
View of the help file showing some of the diagnostic error codes
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Clear or Go To Error
S2 Status
View of the Goto Error choice from the Online Toolbar menu S2 Status File
If you prefer you can reset or view an error from the S2 Status file Note: The controller properties dialog has many tabs some are for intermediate level programmers and some for advanced programmers. We are interested in the error codes in this discussion. Make a point of using this dialog when you receive an error during your programming exercises. If you have the time, explore some of the other tabs. Clear Major Error Button
Syntax Error
Syntax Error
Diagnostics Tools
The diagnostic tools will help find many unexpected problems and errors, but will not find program logic errors. Program logic errors must be solved using other methods such as flow charts or truth tables.
Force Instruction
Another diagnostics tool is force accessed from the Project Tree. Forcing is a way of turning (forcing) a bit in a program. This can help in problem solving and commissioning by recording the behaviour of an output or other snippet of code. Enable forces from the On Line toolbar then change a value in the tag monitor from 0 to 1 then use the ladder file to monitor the results of forcing.
Open the Force Files dialog to toggle the force by changing the value from 1 to 0
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Derived Timers
Intermediate Programming
To be an effective, a programmer must have a wide range of programming instruction available to them. Not only must the programmer know when to use a particular instruction or function, they must also have a good understanding of the instructions use and parameters. In this section we will explore the program instructions that provide the programmer with
Derived Timers
Depending on the PLC, you may not have a particular timer function, such as Off Delay. If this is the case you will need to construct or derive a timer function from one or more On Delay timers. Common derived timers are: Off Delay o Begins timing when the input goes false o When the input goes false the output energises instantaneously o The output de-energises after the time delay period Self resetting (Free running) o Constantly resetting time base Constant Duty Cycle (cross coupled or recycling) o On and off times can be different o Often used for flasher circuits
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A one second Self Resetting timer in action Constant Duty Cycle (Recycling)
Construct this derived timer for use in circuits that require a regular duty cycle such as a flasher. A Recycling timer can have separately adjustable interval and duration times. The output can be programmed to start in a true or false state.
A recycling or Constant Duty Cycle timer with different off and on times Depending upon the initial state of the DN bit, the output will cycle from true to false or vice-versa
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Retentive Instructions
Retentive instructions retain their state or value even after a power cycle. A retentive timer will hold its accumulated value and begin timing at the held state once it has been re-activated. Retentive instructions are those that will remain after power has been cycled. An example would be where a counter is counting the number of parts passing through a check point on a manufacturing line. If power is cycled, then the counter would lose its accumulated value if it was not retentive. The same applies for timers, and outputs or more particularly, memory bits that have been set. There are retentive instructions that provide the user with the retained value after a power failure. The common retentive instructions in the SLC 500 processor are: OTL and OTU (Output Latch and Unlatch) CTU (Counter Up) RTO (Retentive Timer On) SLC 500 non-retentive instructions are: OTE (Output Energise) TON (Timer On Delay) TOF (Timer Off Delay)
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Cascade a timer and counter for a value above the maximum preset
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Exercise 2 When a switch is turned on, LAMP1, LAMP2 and LAMP3 energise immediately. When the switch is turned off, turn off LAMP1, LAMP2 and LAMP3 at 5 second intervals. (use set and reset instructions to energise and de-energise the lamps)
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Exercise 4 A timing operation requires to time a long period of 27.5 hours Construct a timer program that will operate a lamp once the period has elapsed
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Reversible Counters
In many PLCs including the SLC 500 there are two counter instructions. In the SLC 500 these instructions are: CTU Count up CTD Count down o Use these counters in pairs o Both counters have the same address o A count up bit will control the CTU counter o A count down bit will control the CTD counter o A count up will increment the accumulator o A count down will decrement the accumulator
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CTU and CTD counters used together to count the number of cars in and out of a car park
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First Scan:
LIGHT_ONS is on and the light itself is not on so the rung will be energized and the output light will be ON.
Rung 1 Second Scan: LIGHT_ONS is off, LIGHT is on so the light will stay energized.
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First Scan:
LIGHT_ONS is on and the light is OFF so the rung will be de-energized and the output light will go off.
Second Scan: LIGHT_ONS is off LIGHT is off so the light will stay de-energized.
It is important to use the tag created for the OSR exclusively for a single purpose and location within your program. If more OSR instructions are required, you should create a new tag for each. Some PLCs, such as the Allen-Bradley SLC 500 use the Binary memory file as a memory location for an OSR, for example B3/10. The same usage restrictions apply, the memory address must set aside for the OSR instruction exclusively and must not be used elsewhere in you program.
Th e OS R instruction in use
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Comparison Instructions
Comparison instructions are extremely useful in PLC programming in industry and are available in almost all manufacturers' controllers. The following compare instructions are taken from the Allen Bradley SLC500 series controller instruction set but they are available in some form in all PLCs.
Equal to
Description
This input instruction is true when Source A = Source B. The EQU instruction compares two user specified values. If the values are equal, it allows rung continuity. The rung goes true and the output is energised (provided no other forces affect the rung's status).
Not equal to
Description
Use the NEQ instruction to test whether two values are not equal. If Source A and Source B are not equal, the instruction is logically true. If the two values are equal, the instruction is logically false.
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Description
This conditional input instruction tests whether one value (Source A) is less than another (Source B). If the value at Source A is less than the value at Source B, the instruction is logically true. If the value at Source A is greater than or equal to the value at Source B, the instruction is logically false.
Description
This conditional input instruction tests whether one value (source A) is less than or equal to another (source B). If the value at source A is less than or equal to the value at source B, the instruction is logically true. If the value at source A is greater than the value at source B, the instruction is logically false.
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Description
This input instruction compares two user specified values. If the value stored in Source A is greater than the value stored in Source B, it allows rung continuity. The rung will go "true" and the output will be energised (provided no other instructions affect the rung's status). If the value at Source A is less than or equal to the value at Source B, the instruction is logically false.
Description
This input instruction compares two user specified values. If the value stored in Source A is greater than or equal to the value stored in Source B, it allows rung continuity. The rung will go true and the output will be energised (provided no other instructions affect the rung's status). If the value at Source A is less than the value at Source B, the instruction is logically false.
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Description
Use the LIM instruction to test for values within or outside a specified range, depending on how you set the limits. Depending on how you define the Test parameter, the Low and High Limit parameters can be a word address or program constant If the Low Limit has a value equal to or less than the High Limit, the instruction is true when the Test value is between the limits or is equal to either limit. If the Test value is outside the limits, the instruction is false. If the Low Limit has a value greater than the High Limit, the instruction is false when the Test value is between the limits. If the Test value is equal to either limit or outside the limits, the instruction is true.
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The program below shows how to use a 'LEQ' instruction to turn on an output when the accumulated value of counter (C1) is less than or equal to 15.
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Process control
Compare Exercises Exercise 1 Part 1
The process shown below has the capacity to contain 50 parts at any one time. Two sensors connected to the inputs of a PLC are to be used to keep track of the number of parts in the process. S1 detects parts entering and S2 detects parts leaving. An alarm is to be turned on when the process is full. Use the count up and count down instructions to achieve this.
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A green light is to be on when the number of parts in the process is less than 40. An amber light is to be on between 40 and 49. A red light indicates that the process is full.
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The start of the sequence is taken to be when King St red is off and Turner St red is on. The timing diagram below shows the sequence of the traffic lights (The black areas are on)
Program Write a program using a repeating timer and six compare instructions to control the intersection .
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A program snippet showing the JMP and LBL instructions Notice that the reset is disabled when the scan jumps over rung 13
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This output will be disabled if the MCR above goes false. The same would apply to any other rungs if they were present between the MCRs
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ALLEN BRADLEY VOL1 UEUNEED027A SLC500 Program Control instructions JMP [Jump to Label]
Description
When the rung condition for this output instruction is true, the processor jumps forward or backward to the corresponding label instruction (LBL) and resumes program execution at the label. More than one JMP instruction can jump to the same label. Jumping forward to a label saves program scan time by omitting a program segment until needed. Jumping backward lets the controller execute program segments repeatedly.
LBL [Label]
Description
This input instruction is the target of the JMP instruction having the same label number. You must program this instruction as the first instruction of a rung. This instruction has no control bits. It is always evaluated as true or logic 1. You can program multiple jumps to the same label by assigning the same label number to multiple JMP instructions, but assigning the same label number to two or more labels causes a compile time error.
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Description
When rung conditions are true for this output instruction, it causes the processor to jump to the targeted subroutine file. You can only jump to the first instruction in a subroutine. Each subroutine must have a unique file number (decimal, 3-255).
This output instruction marks the end of subroutine execution or the end of the subroutine file. It causes the processor to resume execution in the main program file at the instruction following the JSR instruction where it exited the program. If a sequence of nested subroutines is involved, the instruction causes the processor to return program execution to the previous subroutine. The rung containing the RET instruction may be conditional if this rung precedes the end of the subroutine. In this way, the processor omits the balance of a subroutine only if its rung condition is true.
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Warning! The MCR instruction is not a substitute for a hard-wired master control relay that provides emergency stop capability. You still should install a hard-wired master control relay to provide emergency I/O power shutdown.
Description
This output instruction (sometimes known as "Zone Control") is used to set up areas or "zones" of your ladder program where all non-retentive outputs may be disabled at the same time for the same length of time. It is used in pairs, one MCR to define the start of the ladder area to be affected and one MCR to define the end of the area. An input instruction is programmed on the rung of the first MCR to control rung logic continuity. When the rung goes "false" all non-retentive outputs within the controlled zone are disabled. When the rung goes "true" all rungs are scanned according to their normal rung conditions (disregarding the zone control instruction).
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Description
Use this instruction to progressively debug a program, or conditionally omit the balance of your current program file or subroutines. When the logic preceding this output instruction is true, TND stops the processor from scanning the rest of the program file, updates the I/O, and resumes scanning at rung 0 of the main program (File 2). If this instructions rung is false, the processor continues the scan until the next TND instruction or the END statement.
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Shift Registers
Bit Shift
Shift registers are used extensively in industry for a variety of purposes. Essentially a shift register uses a register or group of registers to form a train of bits to store the previous on/off status. Each time the Clock input is pulsed, the status of the data input gets stored in the first bit and the remaining bits get shifted down the train.
The shift register goes by many names. SFT (Shift), BSL (Bit Shift Left), SFR (Shift Forward Register) are some of the common names. These registers shift the bits to the left. BSR (Bit Shift Right) and SFRN (Shift Forward Register Not) are some examples of instructions that shift bits to the right. We should note that not all manufacturers have shift registers that shift data to the right but most have left shifting registers. A typical shift register instruction has a symbol like that shown below.
The symbol needs 3 inputs and has some data inside the symbol.
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Clock
On the rising edge of the clock input, the shift register shifts the data one location to the right or left enters the status of the data input into the first bit. On each rising edge of this input the process will repeat.
Reset
The reset input does just what it says. It clears all the bits inside the register to 0. Bit 1000 inside the shift register symbol is the location of the first bit of our shift register. Bit 1003 inside the symbol above is the last bit of our shift register. Bits 1001 and 1002 are intermediate bits. So this shift register has 4 bits. (1003, 1002, 1001, 1000)
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ALLEN BRADLEY VOL1 UEUNEED027A The SLC500 series bit shift instructions BSL [Bit Shift Left]
Description
On each false-to-true transition, this output instruction loads a bit of data into a bit array, shifts the pattern of data through the array to the left, and unloads the end bit of data. An example of the use of this instruction might be for tracking bottles through a bottling line where each bit represents a bottle.
Description
On each false-to-true transition, this output instruction loads a bit of data into a bit array, shifts the pattern of data through the array to the right, and unloads the end bit of data. An example of the use of this instruction might be for tracking bottles through a bottling line where each bit represents a bottle.
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We use a sensor to look at the bottom of the cone as it enters the machine. (input 1). If it is on then the cone is perfect and if it is off then the cone is broken. Another sensor clocks the register each time a cone enters the machine. (input 0)
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Let's now follow the shift register as the operation takes place. Here's what the B3:0 register (the register we're shifting) looks like initially: B3 Register 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 0 A good cone comes in front of the sensor (input 1). The sensor (bit address) turns on. Bit 0 will not turn on until the rising edge of the clock pulse. (input 0). When the clock input generates a pulse the status of the data input (cone sensor input 1) is transferred to bit 0. The register now looks like: B3 Register 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 0 2 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0
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Since the register shows that bit 1 is now on, the ladder says that output 0 will turn on and ice cream is put in the cone. As the conveying system continues to move on, another cone comes in front of the sensor. This time it's a good cone and the sensor turns on. Now the clock input generates another pulse. The old status of bit 0 is transferred to bit 1. The old status of 1 shifts to 2. The old status of 2 shifts to 3 and the new status of the data input (cone sensor) is transferred to bit 0. The register now looks like: B3 Register 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 0 2 1 1 0 0 1
Since the register shows that bit 2 is now on the ladder says that output 1 will turn on and chocolate is put on the cone. Since bit 1 now holds the status of a broken cone, output 0 remains off and no ice-cream is inserted into this cone. As the conveying system continues to move on, another cone comes in front of the sensor. This time it's also a good cone and the sensor turns on and the clock input generates another pulse. The old status of bit 0 is transferred to bit 1. - 128 -
The old status of 1 shifts to 2. The old status of 2 shifts to 3 and the new status of the data input (cone sensor) is transferred to bit 0. The register now looks like: B3 Register 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 1 2 0 1 1 0 1
Since the register shows that bit 3 is now on, the ladder says that output 2 will turn on and sprinkles are put on the cone. Since bit 2 now holds the status of a broken cone, output 1 remains off and no chocolate is put onto this cone. Since the register shows that bit 1 is now on, the ladder says that output 0 will turn on and ice cream is put in that cone. As the conveying system continues to move on, another cone comes in front of the sensor. This time it's another broken cone and the sensor turns off. The clock input generates another pulse. The old status of bit 0 is transferred to bit 1. The old status of 1 shifts to 2. The old status of 2 shifts to 3 and the new status of the data input (cone sensor) is transferred to bit 0. The register now looks like: B3 Register 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 0 Notice that the status of our first cone has disappeared. In reality its sitting in location bit 4 but because our application only requires four operations it is not required. It is however, important to note that the status of each bit will be shifted all the way to the left so the rest of the bits in the word should not be used for other operations in the program After the bit is shifted all the way to the left it disappears and is never seen again. In other words, it has been shifted out of the register and is erased from memory. - 129 2 1 1 1 0 0
The operation above would continue on with each bit shifting on the rising edge of the clock signal.
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