PLC Timer

PLC timers are output instructions that provide the same functions as mechanical timing relays.
They are used to activate or deactivate a device after a preset interval of time. The timer and counter
instructions are the second oldest pair of PLC instructions, after the standard relay instruction
discussed. The number of timers that can be programmed depends on the model of PLC you are
using. However the availability usually far exceeds the requirement. The advantage of PLC timers is
that their settings can be altered easily, or the number of them used in a circuit can be increased or
decreased through the use of programming changes rather than wiring changes. Timer addresses are
usually specified by the programmable controller manufacturer and are located in a specific area of
the data organization table. Another advantage of the PLC timer is that its timer accuracy and
repeatability are extremely high since it is based on solid-state technology.
Timers are represented by boxes in ladder logic. When a timer receives an enable, the timer starts to
time. The timer compares its current time with the preset time. The output of the timer is a logic 0 as
long as the current time is less than the preset time. When the current time is greater than the preset
time the timer output is a logic 1.

Types of timers :
1. On-Delay Timer.
-When the On-Delay timer (TON) receives an enable (logic 1) at its input (IN), a predetermined
amount of time (preset time - PT) passes before the timer bit (T-bit) turns on. The T-bit is a logic
function internal to the timer and is not shown on the symbol. The timer resets to the starting time
when the enabling input goes a logic 0.

1
Using status Bit :

2. Off-Delay Timer.
– The Off-Delay timer is used to delay an output off for a fixed period of time after the input turns
off. When the enabling bit turns on the timer bit turns on immediately and the value is set to 0.
When the input turns off, the timer counts until the preset time has elapsed before the timer bit turns
off.

Using status Bit :

Figure below shows a ladder diagram involving a delay-on timer. The timer is like a relay with a
coil which is energized when the input “In1” occurs. Then timer then closes its contacts on rung 2,
after some preset time delay. Thus the output from “Out 1” occurs some preset time after the input
“In1” occurs.

2
3. Retentive timer
The Retentive On-Delay timer (TONR) functions in a similar manner to the On-Delay timer (TON).
There is one difference. The Retentive On-Delay timer times as long as the enabling input is on, but
does not reset when the input goes off. The timer must be reset with a RESET (R) instruction.
The RTO instruction retains its accumulated value when any of the following occurs:
• Rung conditions become false.
• You change controller operation from the REM Run or REM Test mode to the REM Program
mode.
• The controller loses power.
• A fault occurs.
Using status Bit :

Cascaded timers

Timers can be linked together, or cascaded to give longer delay times than are possible with just one
timer. “Timer 1” has a delay of 999 s. This timer is started when there is an input to “In1”. When the
999 s time is up, the contacts for “Timer” 1 close. This then starts “Timer 2”, which has a delay of
100 s. when this time is up, the “Timer 2” contacts close and there is an output from “Out 1”. Thus
the output occurs 1099 s after the input to “In1”.

3
Timer Instructions

Each timer address is made of a 3-word element. Word 0 is the control word, word 1 stores the
preset value, and word 2 stores the accumulated value.

Entering Parameters
Accumulator Value (ACC)
This is the time elapsed since the timer was last reset. When enabled, the timer updates this
continually.
Preset Value (PRE)
Specifies the value which the timer must reach before the controller sets the done bit. When the
accumulated value becomes equal to or greater than the preset value, the done bit is set. You can use
this bit to control an output device. Preset and accumulated values for timers range from 0 to
+32,767. If a timer preset or accumulated value is a negative number, a runtime error occurs.
Timebase
The timebase determines the duration of each timebase interval. The timebase is selectable as 0.01
(10 ms) second or 1.0 second.

4
Addressing Structure.

Examples
 T4:0/15 or T4:0/EN Enable bit
 T4:0/14 or T4:0/TT Timer timing bit
 T4:0/13 or T4:0/DN Done bit

Timer Example
In the following example a tank will be filled with two chemicals, mixed, and then drained. When
the Start Button is pressed at input I0.0, the program starts pump 1 controlled by output Q0.0. Pump
1 runs for 5 seconds, filling the tank with the first chemical, then shuts off. The program then starts
pump 2, controlled by output Q0.1. Pump 2 runs for 3 seconds filling the tank with the second
chemical. After 3 seconds pump 2 shuts off. The program starts the mixer motor, connected to
output Q0.2 and mixes the two chemicals for 60 seconds. The program then opens the drain valve
controlled by output Q0.3, and starts pump 3 controlled by output Q0.4. Pump 3 shuts off after 8
seconds and the process stops. A manual Stop switch is also provided at input I0.1.