2.

5 Timer Block (TM)

2.5

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Timer Block (TM)

The Timer Block (TM) is used to measure time in the unit of seconds or minutes.

Timer Block (TM)

Connection
The Timer Block (TM) is a function block which measures time in the unit of seconds or minutes. In
addition to the basic elapsed time measuring function, the block includes the preset timer function which
notifies the time-up after a specified amount of time has elapsed, the function which performs the periodic
action, and the function which manipulates the status based on the action signals specified in the output
terminals.
The figure below is a function block diagram of the Timer Block (TM).

Figure 2.5-1

Function Block Diagram of the Timer Block (TM)

The table below lists the connection methods and connection destinations of the I/O terminals of the
Timer Block (TM).
Table 2.5-1
(TM)
I/O
terminal
OUT
*1:

Connection Methods and Connection Destinations of the I/O Terminals of the Timer Block
Connection type(*1)
Data
Data
Condition
reference setting
testing

Output
terminal

Connection destination(*1)

Status
Terminal Process
manipulation connection
I/O
x

Software
I/O

Function
block

x: Connection available
Blank: Connection not available

Operations such as the timer start or stop can be performed from the sequence control block, calculation
block, and operation and monitoring functions. The block status which indicates an operating status can
also be referenced from other function blocks.
Status manipulation is the only connection method from the OUT terminal of the Timer Block (TM). Thus,
the Timer Block (TM) manipulates the status according to the action signals specified in the OUT
terminals. The logical value of the Timer Block (TM) becomes true when the preset timer function is in
time-up status (block status: CTUP).
The figure below shows an example of connection between the Timer Block (TM) and other sequence
control block.

Figure 2.5-2

Connection Example of Timer Block (TM) and Other Sequence Control Block

Every time the Timer Block (TM) with the tag name TM001 expires, the Software Counter Block (CTS) with
the tag name COUNT01 is increased by one count.

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2.5 Timer Block (TM)

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Process Timing
The process timing of Timer block is only based on periodical start period. The periodic start period is
based on high-speed scan period, medium-speed scan period (*1) and basic scan period.
*1:

The medium-speed scan period can only be used for the FFCS series, KFCS2, KFCS, LFCS2, and LFCS.

Set Parameter
Timer Property
The following describes the set parameters of the Timer Block (TM).
Preset time setpoint value (PH)
0 to 100000 (second or minute)
Pre-alarm setpoint value (DL)
PL to PH
The PL is the low-limit value (fixed at 0) of the timer elapsed time (PV).
Use the Function Block Detail Builder to set the unit for the preset time setpoint.
Timer Property
Select from Second timer or Minute timer.
Default is Second timer.

Action Commands for the Timer Block (TM)

Action commands can be given to the Timer Block (TM) from the operation and monitoring functions,
other sequence control blocks, or calculation block.

z Action Commands from the Operation and Monitoring Functions

Action commands can be given to the Timer Block (TM) by pressing the softkeys listed below.
STOP
Timer stop command
START
Timer start command
CONTINUE
Restart command
PAUS
Pause command

z Action Commands from Sequence Control Blocks and Calculation

Blocks (CALCU, CALCU-C)

The table below describes the specified format of action signals and action description when giving action
commands to the Timer Block (TM) from sequence control blocks and the calculation block.
Table 2.5-2

Specified Format of Action Signals and Action Description

Action signal description column

Output signal

Y/N
Action specification True/False

STOP

Action description

Y/True

Timer stop command

N/False

Disable

Y/True

Timer start command

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2.5 Timer Block (TM)

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START

Element symbol.OP

RSTR

WAIT
*1:

N/False

Timer stop command (*1)

Y/True

Restart command

N/False

Disable

Y/True

Pause command

N/False

Restart command (*1)

An action for N is enabled only with the sequence table.

An action for False is enabled only with the logic chart.

Action of the Timer Block

When the Timer Block receives an action command from the operation and monitoring functions or other
function blocks, the block status changes according to the given command. There exist four types of basic
actions for the Timer Block: Start, Stop, Pause, and Restart.
The figure below shows the relationship between the timer elapsed time (PV) and the block status, and
each basic action.

Figure 2.5-3

Basic Actions of the Timer Block (TM)

z Timer Start Action

When the Timer Block (TM) receives the timer start command, it starts the counting action upon resetting
(PV=0) the timer elapsed time (PV). The block status of the Timer Block (TM) changes to counting (RUNNR). The DV indicates the timers remaining time (DV=PH-PV).
The figure below shows the changes in the timer elapsed time (PV) by the timer start command.

Figure 2.5-4

Timer Elapsed Time (PV) by Timer Start Command

The following describes an example of the timer start specified in the action signal column of the
sequence table.

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2.5 Timer Block (TM)

Figure 2.5-5

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An example of specifying the timer start in the action signal column of the sequence table

z Timer Stop Action

When the Timer Block (TM) receives the timer stop command, it stops the counting action while holding
the timer elapsed time (PV). The block status of the Timer Block (TM) changes to stop status (STOP).
The figure below shows the changes in the timer elapsed time (PV) by the timer stop command.

Figure 2.5-6

Timer Elapsed Time (PV) by Timer Stop Command

The following describes an example of specifying the timer stop in the action signal column of the
sequence table.

Figure 2.5-7

An example of specifying the timer stop in the action signal column of the sequence table

z Timer Pause Action

When the Timer Block (TM) receives the pause command, the counting action is halted. During the pause,
the Timer Block (TM) holds the timer elapsed time (PV) or other data. As for the block status, the pause
status (PAUS) is newly added while the statuses such as counting (RUN), pre-alarm status (PALM), timeup status (CTUP), or stop status (STOP) are held. However, the status will be changed if the preset time
setpoint value (PH), pre-alarm setpoint value (DL), or the timer elapsed time (PV) is changed during the
pause.
The following describes an example of specifying the timer pause in the action signal column of the
sequence table.

Figure 2.5-8
table

An example of specifying the timer pause in the action signal column of the sequence

z Timer Restart Action

When the Timer Block (TM) in pause status receives the restart command, the counting action is
restarted. The Timer Block (TM) is released from the pause status (PAUS), and returns to the previous
block status that has been held.
The pause status (PAUS) is released when it receives the restart command. However, the elapsed time
(PV) is updated every scan period of the Timer Block (TM) itself.

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2.5 Timer Block (TM)

Figure 2.5-9

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Pause/Restart Action of Timer

The following describes an example of specifying the timer restart in the action signal column of the
sequence table.

Figure 2.5-10
table

An example of specifying the timer restart in the action signal column of the sequence

Preset Timer
The preset timer function notifies that the specified amount of time has elapsed. The content of the
notification includes the time-up status (CTUP) based on the preset time setpoint (PH) and the pre-alarm
status (PALM) which gives prior notices before reaching the preset time.
If one of the following conditions is satisfied for the timers remaining time (DV=PH-PV) when the block
status is counting (RUN), the pre-alarm status (PALM) or time-up status becomes true.
0<DVDL
Pre-alarm status (PALM)
DV=0
Time-up status (CTUP)
However, if the pre-alarm setpoint value (DL) is 0, the pre-alarm status (PALM) will not occur.
The timer block actions and the block statuses are illustrated as follows.

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2.5 Timer Block (TM)

Figure 2.5-11

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Block Status of the Timer Block (TM)

z Hold Pre-Alarm after Time-Up: FFCS Series/KFCS2/LFCS2

TM/CTS/CTP blocks hold PALM after CTUP
The pre-alarm status (PALM) of a timer or counter block can be held even when the block reaches time-up
status (CTUP). This option can be set on the FCS properties sheet by checking the option of [TM/CTS/CTP
blocks hold PALM after CTUP] on the Constant tab. If this option is not checked, the pre-alarm status
(PALM) will be reset when the block reaches time-up status (CTUP). By default, this option is not checked.
If the option of [TM/CTS/CTP blocks hold PALM after CTUP] is checked, the block status will change
according to the timers remaining time (DV=PH-PV) and shown as follows:
0<DV DL: Pre-alarm status (PALM)
DV 0: Time-up status (CTUP) and Pre-alarm status (PALM)
The figure below shows the relationship between Timer Block Status and counting action of the Timer
Block.

Figure 2.5-12

TIP

Timer Block Status with Option of Hold PALM in CTUP Status: FFCS Series/KFCS2/LFCS2

Inside the FCS, the block status of TM/CTS/CTP blocks is expressed in 32 bits.

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2.5 Timer Block (TM)

Figure 2.5-13

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Internal Bit Image for Block Status of TM/CTS/CTP Blocks: FFCS Series/KFCS2/LFCS2

If the check box of [TM/CTS/CTP blocks hold PALM after CTUP] is checked, the PALM hold bit
synchronizes with the CTUP bit (ON/OFF). The value of the data item [@BSTS] differs between the
checked [TM/CTS/CTP blocks hold PALM after CTUP] and the unchecked [TM/CTS/CTP blocks hold
PALM after CTUP] when the PALM hold bit is ON. If you refer to the block status from a Graphic
modifier conditional formula, a SEBOL program, or a supervisory computer, use the individual bit such
as the CTUP bit or the alphanumeric data BSTS, or uncheck the [TM/CTS/CTP blocks hold PALM after
CTUP] box.
After a snapshot-save in the test function, if you change the checkbox [TM/CTS/CTP blocks hold PALM
after CTUP] and snapshot-load, the setting in the checkbox [TM/CTS/CTP blocks hold PALM after CTUP]
and the bit image indicating the block status become inconsistent.
Operation 1
1. Check the check box of [TM/CTS/CTP blocks hold PALM after CTUP]. After that, start the FCS/FCS
simulator.
2. TM/CTS/CTP blocks go into CTUP status.
3. Snapshot-save.
4. Uncheck the [TM/CTS/CTP blocks hold PALM after CTUP]. After that, restart the FCS/FCS simulator.
5. Snapshot-load the data saved in the step 3.
After the step 5, the setting of the checkbox and the bit image indicating the block status become
inconsistent. Here, if the instrument faceplate for the TM/CTS/CTP is displayed on HIS, the block
status field is blank.
The setting of the checkbox and the bit image become consistent, and the block status is displayed
normally if:
For TM/CTP
The next scan starts, or RUN/STOP is ordered.
For CTS
One of PH/DL/PV is changed, or ACT. ON is executed in a sequence table or a logic chart.
Operation 2
1. Uncheck the check box of [TM/CTS/CTP blocks hold PALM after CTUP]. After that, start the FCS/FCS
simulator.
2. TM/CTS/CTP blocks go into CTUP status.
3. Snapshot-save.
4. Check the [TM/CTS/CTP blocks hold PALM after CTUP]. After that, restart the FCS/FCS simulator.
5. Snapshot-load the data saved in the step 3.
After the step 5, the setting of the checkbox and the bit image indicating the block status become
inconsistent. But [CTUP] is displayed in the block status field for TM/CTS/CTP.
The setting of the checkbox and the bit image become consistent if:
For TM/CTP
The next scan starts, or RUN/STOP is ordered.
For CTS
One of PH/DL/PV is changed, or ACT. ON is executed in a sequence table or a logic chart.

Periodic Action
Periodic Action
When timer block reaches time-up status (CTUP), the timer block can be restarted to count again.
This periodic action can be set using the Function Block Detail Builder.

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Periodic Action: Select from Yes or No.

The default is No.
The action of the timer is different according to presence specified of the periodic action.

z When Periodic Action Specification is No

When the time-up status becomes true, the elapsed time update is stopped. The PV=PH and DV=0 status
is therefore retained.
When the time-up status (CTUP) is true, the block status and the timer elapsed time (PV) will be held
even if the preset time setpoint (PH) is changed. A stop command or start command must be given
remotely in order to cancel the time-up status.

z When Periodic Action Specification is Yes

The time-up status (CTUP) becomes true if PVPH and DV0. However, when the timing increment is
in seconds, the timer elapsed time (PV) is set to 1 second (when the scan period is 1 second) at the
next scanning to restart the counting action. The block status will be the status caused when PV=1. The
figure below shows the changes in the timer elapsed time (PV) when the periodic action specification
is Yes.

Figure 2.5-14

Change in Timer Elapsed Time (PV) When Preset Time Setpoint (PH) is 8 Seconds

Status Manipulation from the Timer Block (TM)

When the action signal by sequence connection is specified to the OUT terminal of the time block, the
Timer Block (TM) executes the status manipulation corresponding to the existing block status.
CTUP and NOT PAUS
Executes status manipulation for the logical value True.
NR and NOT PAUS, or PALM and NOT PAUS
Executes status manipulation for the logical value False.
STOP or PAUS
Disable

Data Items TM
The table below shows the data items of the Timer Block (TM):
Table 2.5-3
Data Item

Data Items of the Timer Block (TM)

Data Name

MODE

Block mode

BSTS
ALRM

Entry Permitted or Not(*1)

x

Range

Default

-----

O/S (AUT)

Block status

-----

STOP

Alarm status

-----

NR

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2.5 Timer Block (TM)

AFLS

Alarm flashing status

-----

AF

Alarm detection

-----

AOFS

Alarm inhibition

-----

PV

Elapsed time

PL to PH

PH

Preset time setpoint value

0 to 100000 100000

DV

Remaining time

DL

Pre-alarm setpoint value

PL

PV scale low limit

OPMK

Operation mark

UAID

User application ID

*1:

SEE
ALSO

Page 9 of 9

-PL to PH

PH

PL to PH

PL

Fixed at 0.

0 to 64

-----

x: Entry is permitted unconditionally

Blank: Entry is not permitted

For more information about valid block modes of the timer block, refer to:
2.1.2, "Block Mode of Sequence Control Blocks"

Block Status of Timer Block (TM)

Table 2.5-4
Level
3

Block Status of Timer Block (TM)

Block Status
Symbol

Name

Description

PAUS

Pause

Timer is paused

PALM

Pre-Alarm Timer is running and 0<DV<=DL

CTUP

Time Up

Timer is running and DV = 0

NR

Normal

Timer is running and DV > DL

RUN

Run

Timer is running after a Start command

STOP

Normal

Timer is stopped after a Stop command

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