Siemens TIA Portal - Timers

Summary

This video lesson covers the use of timers in Siemens TIA Portal, focusing on different types of timers such as pulse timers, on-delay, off-delay, and retentive timers. It explains how to set up these timers, manage data blocks, and demonstrates the step-by-step process of programming them using both modern and legacy methods. The instructor highlights key differences, showcases practical examples, and provides tips for efficient use of timers in automation. This tutorial is ideal for anyone looking to understand Siemens timer functions in industrial programming.

Takeaways

• 🕒 Siemens TI Portal timers include pulse, on-delay, off-delay, and retentive timers, each serving different timing functions.
• 💾 Timers in Siemens TI Portal require data blocks to store key information like elapsed time, preset time, and on/off states.
• 🔄 The pulse timer maintains an output for a defined time after receiving a momentary input.
• 🕹️ The on-delay timer sustains an input until the preset time is reached, activating outputs after timing is complete.
• ⏳ The off-delay timer keeps an output active until the input is deactivated, after which it begins timing to turn off the output.
• 📥 A retentive on-delay timer stores time progress even after the input is dropped, only resetting when specifically commanded.
• 🔧 Siemens TI Portal allows for both legacy and modern timer instructions, offering flexibility in programming based on user preference.
• 📊 Timers can be monitored in real time using the 'sunglasses' feature, allowing visualization of elapsed time, output states, and other parameters.
• 📑 The legacy timer version uses more hidden functions, while the modern timer version offers clearer, more visible control for inputs and outputs.
• 🎛️ Timers can be customized to time in milliseconds, seconds, minutes, or hours, depending on the needs of the project.

Q & A

What are the different types of timers discussed in the Siemens TI Portal lesson?

The lesson discusses four types of timers: Pulse Timer (TPT), On Delay Timer (TON), Off Delay Timer (TOF), and Retentive On Delay Timer.

How does a Pulse Timer (TPT) function in Siemens TI Portal?

A Pulse Timer takes a momentary pulse input and ensures that it will pulse out for a certain amount of time.

What is the purpose of an On Delay Timer (TON) in Siemens programming?

An On Delay Timer (TON) maintains the input to the timer until it reaches its preset time, after which it powers an output.

How does an Off Delay Timer (TOF) differ from an On Delay Timer?

An Off Delay Timer (TOF) activates an output immediately upon receiving an input signal and starts timing. Once the input signal is removed, it continues to hold the output for the preset time before turning it off.

What is the role of a Retentive On Delay Timer in a Siemens program?

A Retentive On Delay Timer retains its elapsed time even after the power to the rung is lost, unlike a traditional On Delay Timer which resets.

Where in the Siemens TI Portal are the basic timer instructions located?

The basic timer instructions are located under 'Basic Instructions' and then in the 'Timer Operations' section in the far right of the dropdown menu.

What is a data block (DB) in the context of Siemens timers?

A data block (DB) in Siemens is a storage location for all the information related to timers, such as elapsed time and preset time.

How can you set the preset time for a timer in Siemens?

You can set the preset time for a timer by specifying the duration directly in the timer instruction, which can range from milliseconds to hours.

What is the difference between the modern and legacy methods of programming timers in Siemens?

The modern method is more function block-oriented and直观, with clear inputs and outputs, while the legacy method is older and may not be as clear or intuitive, often requiring more manual setup.

How do you monitor a timer's operation in the Siemens TI Portal?

You can monitor a timer's operation by using the 'Monitor' function, which allows you to see the timer timing and the state of the outputs in real-time.

What is the significance of the 'Q' bit in a timer's data block?

The 'Q' bit in a timer's data block represents the output of the timer. When the timer is enabled and the elapsed time meets the preset time, the 'Q' bit will be set to true, activating the associated output.