8000DB0706

04/2010
Raleigh, NC, USA

Data Bulletin

Replicating a Retentive Timer

using Twido Suite Software
Retain for future use.

Overview

This document describes how to replicate a retentive timer using

Twido Suite software.
The Twido PLC does not have a retentive timer block. However, if you are
converting competitive programs that use this feature, the Twido PLC offers
four system words that can provide the functionality of four retentive timers.

Presumption

This bulletin is written for individuals familiar with Twido Suite software and
networked drives. If you are not familiar with this software or network
operation, please consult your system administrator.

Requirements

The following hardware and software is required:

Hardware

Twido PLCensure that you have all the Twido PLC components
necessary for your application.
This example uses a Twido modular PLC, TWDLMDA20DRT, which can
have up to seven I/O expansion modules.
NOTE: When ordering, pay close attention to the restrictions regarding
the maximum number of I/O expansion modules for each PLC.

Software

Related Documents

Twido Suite software version 1.3 or higher

This bulletin provides instructions for programming the functionality of a

retentive timer. For instructions on using Twido Suite software, refer to the
documentation listed below.
Title of Documentation

Reference Number

Twido Software Reference Guide, V3.2

TWD USE 10AE

Twido Hardware Reference Guide, V3.2

TWD USE 10AE

Twido Programmable Controls Programming Guide

35011386

Twido Catalog

DIA3ED2041102EN

You can download these technical publications and other technical

information from our website at www.us.schneider-electric.com.

User Comments

2010 Schneider Electric All Rights Reserved

We welcome your comments about this bulletin. You can reach us by e-mail
at oem.solutions@schneider-electric.com.

Replicating a Retentive Timer

Twido PLC System Bits and Words

Twido PLC System Bits and

Words

8000DB0706
04/2010

Table 1 describes the system words used for the retentive timer functionality
of the Twido PLC.
Table 1:

Twido System Word for the Retentive Timer Functionality,

%SW76 to %SW79

System
Function Description
Words
%SW76
to
%SW79

Twido PLC Programming

Example

These four words serve as 1 ms timers. The system

individually decrements each timer every ms if they have a
S and U
positive value. This provides four down-counters,
down-counting in ms, which is equal to an operating range of
132767 ms. Setting bit 15 to 1 can stop decrementation.

This section contains an example of the steps necessary to program the

system words to function as retentive timers. These steps include:

Defining the Symbols

Down
counters
14

Control

Defining the Symbols

Resetting the Retentive Timer
Starting the Timing Function
Completing the Timing Function
Manipulating the Retentive Timer Accumulation Value

Define the following symbols used for the retentive timer function in this
example.
NOTE: This example uses only the first retentive timer, %SW76.
Table 2:

Symbol Descriptions

Address

Symbol

Description

%M0

TIMER_RESET

Sets the preset value of the retentive timing feature

%M1

TIMER_RUN

Starts the retentive timing feature

%M2

TIMER_DN

Set when the timer finishes counting down

%M3

TIMER_COMPL

Sets the timer's accumulated value to a predefined value

%SW76

TIMER_PRESET The value the timer will count down from

%SW76:X15

TIMER_CTRL

Controls the functionality of the count down feature

Figure 1 shows the defined symbols for this programming example.

Figure 1:

Defined Symbols

2010 Schneider Electric All Rights Reserved

8000DB0706
04/2010

Replicating a Retentive Timer

Twido PLC Programming Example

Resetting the Retentive Timer

Rung 0, shown in Figure 2, sets or resets the retentive timer preset value for
the first retentative timer, %SW76. Ensure that the value is pulsed into the
system word so that the value is not overwritten until the timer needs to be
reset. If the timer is complete from a previous cycle, the TIMER_DN bit resets.
Test bit %M0 must be replaced with conditions that set or reset the retentive
timer. If a pulse is given while the timer is counting down, the value is reset,
and the timer continues to count down from this reset value. Verify the
functionality and modify as needed.

Figure 2:

Resetting the Retentive Timer

Starting the Timing Function

Bit 15 of the retentive timer stops and starts the timing feature. See Figure 3.
When the bit is energized, the timer stops. When the bit is de-energized, the
timer counts down from the last stored value.
Test bit %M1 must be replaced with conditions to activate the counting
feature.

Figure 3:

Starting the Timing Function

Completing the Timing Function

Figure 4:

Timing Complete

Manipulating the Retentive Timer

Accumulation Value
Figure 5:

When the value of the timer reaches 0, the timer function is complete and a
bit is set. Most retentive timers need to be reset before the timing feature
can be re-initiated. When conditions exist to reset the retentative timer, this
bit will also be reset. See Figure 4.

If conditions permit completion of the timing function early, the accumulated

value can be manually manipulated by setting the value of the retentive
timer to 0. Rung 3, shown in Figure 5, demonstrates this functionality.

Manipulating the Retentive Timer Accumulation Value

2010 Schneider Electric All Rights Reserved

Replicating a Retentive Timer

Data Bulletin

Schneider Electric USA, Inc.

8001 Knightdale Blvd.
Knightdale, NC 27545
oem.solutions@us.schneider-electric.com
www.us.Schneider-Electric.com

8000DB0706
04/2010

Twido is a registered trademark of Schneider Electric. Other trademarks used herein are the
property of their respective owners.
Electrical equipment should be installed, operated, serviced, and maintained only by qualified
personnel. No responsibility is assumed by Schneider Electric for any consequences arising out of
the use of this material.

2010 Schneider Electric All Rights Reserved