Expert Functions Overview

Introduction

The inputs and outputs available on the M241 logic controller can be connected to expert functions.

The M241 logic controller supports the following expert functions:

Functions

Description

Counters

HSC Simple

The HSC functions can execute fast counts of pulses from sensors, switches, etc. that are connected to the fast or regular inputs. HSC functions connected to regular inputs operate at a maximum frequency of 1 kHz.

For more information about the HSC functions, refer to High Speed Counter types.

HSC Main Single Phase

HSC Main Dual Phase

Frequency Meter

Period Meter

Pulse Generators

PTO

The PTO function provides 4 pulse train output channels to control 4 independent linear single-axis stepper or servo drives in open loop mode.

The PTO function connected to regular transistor outputs operates at a maximum frequency of 1 kHz.

PWM

The PWM function generates a square wave signal on dedicated output channels with a variable duty cycle.

The PWM function connected to regular transistor outputs operates at a maximum frequency of 1 kHz.

Frequency Generator

The frequency generator function generates a square wave signal on dedicated output channels with a fixed duty cycle (50%).

The Frequency Generator function connected to regular transistor outputs operates at a maximum frequency of 1 kHz.

As of the release of EcoStruxure Machine Expert, any regular I/O not already in use can be configured for use by any of the expert function types, in the same way as fast I/Os.

NOTE:

  • When an input is used as Run/Stop, it cannot be used by an expert function.

  • When an output is used as Alarm, it cannot be used by an expert function.

For more details, refer to Embedded Functions Configuration.

Maximum Number of Expert Functions

The maximum number of expert functions that can be configured depends on:

  1. The logic controller reference.

  2. The expert function types and number of optional functions configured. Refer to Embedded Expert I/O Assignment.

  3. The number of I/Os that are available.

Maximum number of expert functions by logic controller reference:

Expert Function Type

24 I/O References (TM241•24•)

40 I/O References (TM241•40•)

Total number of HSC functions

14

16

HSC

Simple

14

16

Main Single Phase

4

Main Dual Phase

Frequency Meter (1)

Period Meter

PTO

PWM

FreqGen

(1) When the maximum number is configured, only 12 additional HSC Simple functions can be added.

The maximum number of expert functions possible may be further limited by the number of I/Os used by each expert function.

Example configurations:

  • 4 PTO (2) + 14 HSC Simple on 24 I/O controller references

  • 4 FreqGen (2) + 16 HSC Simple on 40 I/O controller references

  • 4 HSC Main Single Phase + 10 HSC Simple on 24 I/O controller references

  • 4 HSC Main Dual Phase + 8 HSC Simple on 40 I/O controller references

  • 2 PTO (2) + 2 HSC Main Single Phase + 14 HSC Simple on 40 I/O controller references

    (2) With no optional I/O configured

The performance of the expert function is limited by the I/Os used:

  • HSC with fast inputs: 100 kHz/200 kHz

  • HSC with regular inputs: 1 kHz

Configuring an Expert Function

To configure an expert function, proceed as follows:

Step

Description

1

Double-click the Counters or Pulse_Generators node in the Devices tree.

Result: The Counters or Pulse_Generators configuration window appears:

2

Double-click None in the Value column and choose the expert function type to assign.

Result: The default configuration of the expert function appears when you click anywhere in the configuration window.

3

Configure the expert function parameters, as described in the following chapters.

4

To configure an additional expert function, click the + tab.

NOTE: If the maximum number of expert functions is already configured, a message appears at the bottom of the configuration window informing you that you can now add only HSC Simple functions.

Regular I/O Configured as Expert Function

When regular I/Os are configured as expert functions, note the following:

  • Inputs can be read through memory variables.

  • An input cannot be configured as an expert function if it has already been configured as a Run/Stop input.

  • An output cannot be configured in an expert function if it has already been configured as an alarm.

  • Short-Circuit management applies on the outputs. Status of outputs are available.

  • The I/O that are not used by expert functions can be used as any other regular I/O.

  • When inputs are used in expert functions (Latch, HSC,…), integrator filter is replaced by anti-bounce filter. Filter value is configured in the configuration screen.