Counter, Timer

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What is Counter - Timer? How are they structured and how do they operate? Through the article below, Amazen will provide you with the most necessary basic information so you can choose the Counter / Timer that suits your needs from parameters, size to how to choose code!

I. Counter

1. What is a counter?
- A counter, also known as a counter, is a device that stores and displays the number of times a specific event or process has occurred, often associated with a clock signal. Counters are used in digital electronic devices for counting purposes, they can count specific events occurring in different applications.
- A counter is a mechanical or electronic device, used to count and remember quantities of objects, frequencies, or times.

2. Structure of the counter (Counter)

The counter is made up of 3 basic parts:
- Display screen
- Installation area
- Internal circuits count the number of input signals, process them and output the output signals

3. Types of counters

Counters are divided into two main types: synchronous counters and asynchronous counters.
- Synchronous counter: is a counter whose output bits change state at the same time, without ripples. The clock input on all synchronous counter flip flops uses the same source and generates the same clock signal at the same time. The synchronous counter can count from 0 and increment, then start a new counting cycle after being reset. There is no propagation delay in this counter because, again, all the flip flops here are parallel clock sources. The clock activates all counters at the same time.
- Asynchronous counter: is a counter that does not operate concurrently. Only the first flip-flop is clocked externally using the clock pulse, while the clock input to subsequent flip-flops will be the output from the previous flip-flop. An asynchronous counter is a counter whose output has no clock signal. Because the flip flops in the clock signals are different, there can be a delay in generating the output.

4. Difference between synchronous and asynchronous counters

- There is a propagation delay in the synchronous counter. However, there is a significant propagation delay in asynchronous counters
- The operating speed of a synchronous counter is faster than an asynchronous counter.
- There are fewer errors in synchronous counters than in asynchronous counters.
- The sequence of synchronous counters is not fixed, while the sequence of asynchronous counters is fixed.
- Designing a synchronous counter is more complicated than designing an asynchronous counter.

Comparison parameters	Synchronous counter	Counter is asynchronous
Delay	There is no propagation delay	Significant propagation delay
Operating speed	Faster	Slower
Error	Fewer errors	More errors
Sequence	Unstable	Fixed
Design	Complicated	Simple

5. Application of counter (Counter)

Counters are used to track the number of products produced in a production line or even in a factory. In addition, counters are also used for data collection, remote monitoring, and automation systems.
Count packaged products
- The packaged product is fed into a container by a conveyor belt (pulled by M motor). Each box contains 10 products. When the product has been counted enough, the conveyor stops to allow the operator to insert an empty box. After the operator presses button S1(NO) to continue, the conveyor belt operates. The process repeats until stop button S0 (NC) is pressed.
- Before being put into the bin, the product will pass through the optical sensor S2 (NC).

Analysis
* Conveyor traction motor:

Operating conditions: – Push button S1 (NO) is activated

Stop condition: – Stop push button S0 (NC) is activated, or

– Count all 10 products (counter C1).

If using Set, Reset:

Condition Set motor M: K1= S1

Motor reset condition M: K1= S0 ¤ C1

Because the priority is to stop the machine, use the Reset priority. In addition, when 10 products have been counted, Counter Bit C1 is always = "1", so in the R input of the RS stage we use the rising edge for bit C1.

Counter C1:
Because counting up to 10 products gives a signal to stop the motor, an up counter is used here.

CU count-up input condition: = S2

Setting value for PV counter:= 10

Condition for clearing counter R:= rising edge K1

Note: Since the Reset(R) pin of the counter will clear the counter to 0 according to the logic level, we must use a rising edge on the input.

Control the undercarriage garage space
For example, an underground garage has 20 parking spaces. At the entrance, there are two indicator lights: The red light signals that the Garage is full, the green light signals that the Garage has space left. The entrance and exit roads only allow one vehicle.

Analysis
Identify vehicles entering/exiting
Because the underground garage has only one door for one lane, it is not possible to use one sensor to detect vehicles entering and the other sensor to detect vehicles leaving because there will be overlap and ambiguity. To solve, combine both of these sensors. The pulse diagram for the vehicle entering and exiting the Garage is as follows:

From the time diagram we see:

Vehicle input signal:= rising edge S2 AND logic level “1” of S1 Vehicle signal output:= rising edge S1 AND logic level “1” of S2

Counter
Since the number of vehicles in Ragage changes as vehicles enter and exit, an up and down counter is used here. In addition, for simplicity when restarting the PLC, the counter clears to 0, we have information for the counter inputs as follows:

- CU count-up input:= Car input signal
- Down count input:= Vehicle signal output
- PV preset value input:= 20
- Counter clear input R:= SM0.1
- Garage space available light (green light): = C1
- Garage empty indicator light (red light): = C1

6. Top popular counter brands on the market

Autonics brand
Featured
- 7-segment 4-digit LED display screen (size 6.5 x 10 mm)
- Integrated counter / timer with flexible countdown / countdown settings
- Input 9 modes / Output 11 modes, capacity reaches 5A
- Batch counting function, starting point counting (value)
- Supports setting output time to 0
- Wide range of time settings, diverse from –999 to 9999
- Meets CE, cRUs, UL standards
- Made in Korea
Refer to genuine Autonics Counters at: https://amazen.com.vn/bo-dem/autonics.html

Brand Hanyoung
Featured:
- Hanyoung brand (made in Korea)
- Digital controller, counting and timing 4 numbers
- Operate functions using the front switch
- On–Delay / Off Delay can be selected
- Independent On/Off time setting in Flicker mode
- One-shot output time setting from 0.01 to 99.99 seconds every 10ms
- There are many flexible modes (14 inputs / 16 outputs, relay output, transistor output)
- Movable decimal point position (in counter)
- Counter can set 6-digit scale value (0.00001 ~ 999999)
- Timer with memory backup function, wide time setting range (16 ranges)
- High counting speed up to 10k [cps]
- Batch counting function
- Key lock function
- Optional input with or without voltage
- Meet quality standards
Place to provide reputable, quality Hanyoung Counters: https://amazen.com.vn/bo-dem/hanyoung.html

Selec brand
- Compact design, Made in India
- Digital counter displays up to 6 numbers

Brand Omron
Advantage
- Set detailed values to count. When the quantity of products is sufficient, the conveyor belt will automatically stop or an alarm will sound
- Ability to automatically save counted numbers when there is a power outage
- Has a USB connection to a wireless computer. Allows remote quantity control via computer
- Allow to export excel files to control the total number of daily and monthly products
- Many devices come with accompanying software

Fotek counter
Fotek counters are made from Taiwan at an extremely affordable price
For details, please refer to: Amazen automation equipment

II. Timer

1. What is a timer?

- A time relay, also known as a Timer, is a device used to create a time delay, by using an electronic circuit to control the opening and closing times of the relay contacts.
- Time relay is a type of electrical device widely used in automatic control. Acting as an intermediary control device between control devices at a predetermined time.
- Time relay is responsible for turning on and off electrical equipment in the system when not in use to avoid unnecessary waste of electrical energy. Used to control on/off: lighting, ventilation fans, watering, machinery, heating, automatic doors and creating cyclical audio and visual signals...
- The delay time of the time relay can be set from a few seconds to hours depending on the actual application.

2. Classification of timers and operating principles

In automatic control circuits, people often use two types of time relays ON Delay and OFF Delay. There are also 24-hour time relays, often used to turn on and off devices according to the hours of the day such as lights or pumps.
Timer ON Delay
Timer ON Delay symbol

Operating principle of Timer ON Delay

When power is applied to the coil (pin 2-7) of Timer ON Delay. The instant contacts change state instantly.

After the preset time, the timing contacts will switch state and remain in this state. When power is stopped to the coil, all contacts return to their original state.

Timer OFF Delay
Although not as diverse as Timer ON, Timer OFF Delay is also an indispensable device in the automation field.
Timer OFF Delay symbol

Operating principle of Timer OFF Delay
- When power is applied to the coil of Timer OFF Delay, the contacts change state immediately
- When power is stopped from being applied to the coil, the contact instantaneously returns to its original state. But the timing contact still maintains its state
- After a preset period of time, the timing contact returns to its original position

Timer wiring diagram

3. Structure of Timer

Timer has a basic structure including the following parts:
- Electromagnet
- Time structure
- Main contact

Structure of Timer
electromagnet
This part of the Timer is composed of voltage coil 12, dynamic steel core 10, spring 9 and static magnetic circuit 11. It plays the role of receiving voltage from the operating power source. Think it's the power supply for the control circuit.

Time structure
This part includes a driving gear 23 that is rigidly connected to the brake rod 4. This gear can be driven thanks to the spring 18. Then, it transmits motion to the gear 22 to rotate the moving contact 21.

The main part of the timing mechanism is the system of gears 15, 16, 13 connected to the moving contact shaft by friction wheel 17. It will rotate gear 3 to drive the pendulum mechanism including gear ratchet 14, vibrator 2, hook 1. Pendulum mechanism to keep the rotation speed of the moving contact constant, similar to the mechanism of a clock.

Main contact
The main contact is composed of static contact head 22 and moving contact head 21. In addition to these two contact heads, it also has two auxiliary contacts that open and close in space and time: positive contact 5-8, reverse contact. 5-7.

4. Benefits of Timer

- Operational control: allows controlling the operation of a device or system for a certain period of time before performing a further action. This helps avoid unwanted situations and minimize operational errors.

- Protection: used to protect devices and systems from harmful agents such as vibrations, electric shock, overcurrent, and overvoltage.

- Energy Saver: can be used to turn off devices when they are not needed, helping to save energy and reduce costs.

- Control: allows to control the operation of devices according to predetermined cycles, making it easier to manage and control devices.

- Widely applicable: used in many different fields such as in electricity, automation, control, electronics, telecommunications, healthcare, industry and many other fields.

5. Application of timer

Timers are often used in areas such as apartment corridors, street lights, company lights, offices.... locations that everyone has the right to use in common. Timer's application helps solve cost and energy saving problems. Specifically, the Timer timer is mainly applied in the following fields:
- Electrical switches in hallways in buildings
- In businesses, offices, companies
- Factory system....
- Timer circuit controls the operation of water pumps used in civil life, in aquaculture, in automatic irrigation systems...

6. Some popular Timer brands on the market today

Autonics brand
Advantages of Timer Autonics
- Compact size, easy and simple time setting
- Autonics timer has high accuracy and reliability, providing optimal efficiency
- Long lifespan, reasonable cost
- Autonics Timer is easy to use, repair and maintain
For more information, please refer to: https://amazen.com.vn/bo-dinh-thoi/autonics.html

Brand Hanyoung
Advantages of Timer Hanyoung
- It has a modern, compact design, convenient for installation in many difficult locations
- Set parameters simply and quickly
- Easy maintenance
- High longevity and durability. It has good resistance to physical and chemical conditions
Buy timer at good price at: Amazen automation equipment

Chint brand
Outstanding advantages of Timer Chint
- Compact design, maximizes installation location
- Easy to install
- Durable
- Affordable price suitable for many users
See more information about Chint Timer: https://amazen.com.vn/thuong-hieu/chint/bo-dem-bo-dinh-thoi.html

Fotek brand
- Origin: Taiwan
- It has a modern, compact design, convenient for installation in many difficult locations
- Setting parameters is simple and quick
- Easy maintenance
- High longevity and durability. It has good resistance to physical and chemical conditions

Epilogue

In case you need to learn, need technical advice and order a Counter/Timer, please contact Amazen immediately via:

Hotline: 0934 399 068 - Sales: 0938 072 058
Email: amazen@amazen.com.vn

With a team of highly specialized technical support and sales consultants, our company is confident that it will bring customers the best purchasing experience.
Amazen commits that all inverter products we currently offer are genuine, 100% brand new, quality guaranteed and fully accompanied by certification documents.