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

Module_address

WORD

Channel_number

INT

SW_Gate
Enable_output
Control_output
Output parameters
STS_Gate
STS_Up
STS_Down
STS_Latch
STS_Hardware_gate
STS_Output

BOOL
BOOL
BOOL
Type
BOOL
BOOL
BOOL
BOOL
BOOL
BOOL

STS_Comparator

BOOL

STS_Overflow

BOOL

Description
I/O address of the counter module in hexadecimal
form, as set in the HWCONFIG (default:
W#16#300)
Number of the channel used.
The number of channels available is dependent
on the CPU
Controls the software gate
Enables the output for manual control
Direct activation of the digital output
Description
Internal gate status display
Counting forwards
Counting backwards
Latch input status display
Hardware gate status display
Digital output status display
Comparison criteria are or have been met (note
the setting in the STEP 7 HWCONFIG)
Overflow has occurred

STS_Underflow
STS_Zero_mark
Counter_value
Latch_value
Job_error
Error_number
Input / Output
parameters

BOOL
BOOL
DINT
DINT
BOOL
WORD

Underflow has occurred

Zero-crossing has occurred
Current channel counter status
Current latch value (last measurement)
Error display in a read or write job
Job error number (in "job error = 1")

Type

Description

Reset_status

BOOL

WR_Count_value
WR_Load_value
WR_Comparator_value
WR_Hysteresis
WR_Pulse_width
WR_Job_value
RD_Load_value
RD_Comparator_value
RD_Hystersis
RD_Pulse_width
RD_Read_value

BOOL
BOOL
BOOL
BOOL
BOOL
DINT
BOOL
BOOL
BOOL
BOOL
DINT

Reset the status bits for comparator, zerocrossing, overflow and underflow
"Write count value" job initiation
"Write load value" job initiation
"Write comparator value" job initiation
"Write hysteresis" job initiation
"Write pulse width" job initiation
Value for the current write job
"Read current load value" job initiation
"Read current comparator value" job initiation
"Read current hysteresis" job initiation
"Read current pulse width" job initiation
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 doubleclick. 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
PC platform
PC operating system
STEP 7
Optional packages
S7-CPU

Version
Pentium III, 800MHz, 260 MB main memory
Microsoft Windows XP V5.1 SP1
STEP 7 V5.2 SP1
CPU 314C 2PtP (314-6BF00-0AB0)