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Bistables & Edge DetectionBeginnerIEC 61131-3

RS (Reset-Set Flip-Flop, Reset Dominant)

Reset-dominant flip-flop: reset wins if both set and reset are active simultaneously.

The RS (Reset-Set) bistable function block is a reset-dominant flip-flop. It operates identically to the SR flip-flop except that when both Set (S) and Reset (R1) inputs are TRUE simultaneously, the reset takes priority and Q1 goes FALSE. RS bistables are preferred in safety-critical applications where the reset (stop/safe) condition must always override the set condition, ensuring the system defaults to a safe state when conflicting signals are present.

Parameters

Inputs

NameTypeDescription
SBOOLSet input - sets Q1 to TRUE
R1BOOLReset input (dominant) - resets Q1 to FALSE

Outputs

NameTypeDescription
Q1BOOLBistable output

Ladder Logic Example

// Ladder Logic - RS Flip-Flop (Safety Latch)
//
// |----[ Start_PB ]----------( S )-- Motor_Latch ---|  Set
// |----[ Stop_PB ]----+------( R )-- Motor_Latch ---|  Reset (dominant)
// |----[ E_Stop  ]----+                             |
// |----[ Motor_Latch ]------( Motor_Contactor )-----|

Structured Text Example

VAR
    Motor_Latch : RS;
    Start_PB : BOOL;
    Stop_PB : BOOL;
    Motor_Run : BOOL;
END_VAR

Motor_Latch(S := Start_PB, R1 := Stop_PB);
Motor_Run := Motor_Latch.Q1;

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Platform-Specific Implementation

S

Siemens (TIA Portal)

Use RS instruction in TIA Portal. Reset-dominant for safety applications.

AB

Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000)

Implement with OTL/OTU where OTU rung is below OTL for reset-dominant behavior.

C

CODESYS

Standard RS in Standard library. Reset input is R1 (dominant).

Common Applications

  • Safety-critical motor control
  • E-stop circuits
  • Valve control with safety priority
  • Process shutdown latches

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using SR when RS is needed for safety applications
  • Not understanding the difference between SR and RS priority

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RS (Reset-Set Flip-Flop, Reset Dominant) in PLC programming?

Reset-dominant flip-flop: reset wins if both set and reset are active simultaneously. The RS (Reset-Set) bistable function block is a reset-dominant flip-flop. It operates identically to the SR flip-flop except that when both Set (S) and Reset (R1) inputs are TRUE simultaneously, the reset takes priority and Q1 goes FALSE.

What are common applications of RS (Reset-Set Flip-Flop, Reset Dominant)?

RS (Reset-Set Flip-Flop, Reset Dominant) is commonly used for: Safety-critical motor control, E-stop circuits, Valve control with safety priority, Process shutdown latches.

How do I use RS (Reset-Set Flip-Flop, Reset Dominant) in different PLC platforms?

Siemens: Use RS instruction in TIA Portal. Reset-dominant for safety applications. Allen-Bradley: Implement with OTL/OTU where OTU rung is below OTL for reset-dominant behavior. CODESYS: Standard RS in Standard library. Reset input is R1 (dominant).

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