QUESTION: Is there a sample program available for using the integrated counter in the S7 CPU 31xC? ANSWER: The integrated counter in the S7 CPU 31xC is controlled via the SFB 47 system function block. In addition to the inputs for controlling the counter, parameters (e.g. hysteresis, comparator value) can also be assigned to the counter via SFB 47, and the configured data can also be scanned via this block. Parameters are assigned to the counter via a job (job number) and the associated value. The job is then activated. A new job or a new parameter can only be set or scanned when the previous job is processed. When a job is finished, this is indicated via the status register. The function block (FB 1) which is provided here makes it much easier to assign parameters to the counter via SFB 47. The write and read jobs are initiated via initiation bits and are automatically reset once the job is complete. The status displays can be reset via a shared input. The function block calls SFB 47 internally. The parameters which are required for calling SFB 47 can be derived from the call parameters for FB 1. The following call interface is available via FB 1: Input parameters Type Description Module_address WORD I/O address of the counter module in hexadecimal form, as set in the HWCONFIG (default: W#16#300) Channel_number INT Number of the channel used. The number of channels available is dependent on the CPU SW_Gate BOOL Controls the software gate Enable_output BOOL Enables the output for manual control Control_output BOOL Direct activation of the digital output Output parameters Type Description STS_Gate BOOL Internal gate status display STS_Up BOOL Counting forwards STS_Down BOOL Counting backwards STS_Latch BOOL Latch input status display STS_Hardware_gate BOOL Hardware gate status display STS_Output BOOL Digital output status display STS_Comparator BOOL Comparison criteria are or have been met (note the setting in the STEP 7 HWCONFIG) STS_Overflow BOOL Overflow has occurred STS_Underflow BOOL Underflow has occurred STS_Zero_mark BOOL Zero-crossing has occurred Counter_value DINT Current channel counter status Latch_value DINT Current latch value (last measurement) Job_error BOOL Error display in a read or write job Error_number WORD Job error number (in "job error = 1") Input / Output parameters Type Description Reset_status BOOL Reset the status bits for comparator, zero- crossing, overflow and underflow WR_Count_value BOOL "Write count value" job initiation WR_Load_value BOOL "Write load value" job initiation WR_Comparator_value BOOL "Write comparator value" job initiation WR_Hysteresis BOOL "Write hysteresis" job initiation WR_Pulse_width BOOL "Write pulse width" job initiation WR_Job_value DINT Value for the current write job RD_Load_value BOOL "Read current load value" job initiation RD_Comparator_value BOOL "Read current comparator value" job initiation RD_Hystersis BOOL "Read current hysteresis" job initiation RD_Pulse_width BOOL "Read current pulse width" job initiation RD_Read_value DINT Return value for the current read job Table 1: FB1 interface description Using the write and read jobs: The write jobs are triggered via a "1" on the associated initiation bit (WR_). The value being written for the activated job is transferred at the "WR_Job_value" input. Once the write job has ended, the activation bit is reset again and the job value is defined as "0". Only one job value may be set at a time. Read jobs are treated identically to write jobs. The job activation is set and is then reset again by the block once it is completed. The returned value is output at the "RD_Read_value" parameter. The return value is designed as an input/output parameter so as to enable the value to be set to "0" by the calling program as well. Resetting the status bits: A "1" at the "Reset_Status" parameter serves to reset the status displays (e.g. overflow, underflow). Once all the status bits have been reset, the block also resets the active bit. Error handling: If an error occurs during a write and read job, the initiation bit is reset, and the "Job_error" bit is set. An error code is displayed at the "Error number" output to facilitate further diagnostics. This is dependent on the mode. The error code is identical to the error code that is output by SFB 47. In order to find out the meanings of the error codes, refer to the online help or to the manual mentioned below. The job error and the error code are reset if a job is executed correctly. Further information / Manuals: "Programmable Logic Controller S7-300 CPU 31xC Technological Functions", part of the documentation package, order no. 6ES7 398-8FA10-8AA, Entry ID 12429336 Download: The attached download contains the STEP 7 project with the FB1 function block for calling SFB 47. The block is programmed and annotated in STL. However, there is no need to change the program code in the block for a typical application. The block can be used directly in the LAD/FBD/STL program. In addition, the only block that has to be loaded from the standard library is SFB 47. FBCount31xC.exe ( 304 KB ) Copy the "FBCount31xC.exe" file into a separate folder and then start the file with a double- click. The STEP 7 project is extracted automatically and can then be opened or processed. Runnability and test environment: The sample program can be used on all the CPU models in the CPU 31xC compact series. The following table lists the components which have been used to create this entry and verify the functions described: Test environment Version PC platform Pentium III, 800MHz, 260 MB main memory PC operating system Microsoft Windows XP V5.1 SP1 STEP 7 STEP 7 V5.2 SP1 Optional packages - S7-CPU CPU 314C 2PtP (314-6BF00-0AB0) . sample program available for using the integrated counter in the S7 CPU 31xC? ANSWER: The integrated counter in the S7 CPU 31xC is controlled via the SFB. to the inputs for controlling the counter, parameters (e.g. hysteresis, comparator value) can also be assigned to the counter via SFB 47, and the configured