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Timers & CountersIntermediateIEC 61131-3

RTOR (Retentive Timer On with Reset)

Retentive on-delay timer with integrated reset input for accumulated time clearing.

The RTOR (Retentive Timer On with Reset) is a variant of the retentive on-delay timer that includes an explicit reset input as part of the function block interface. It accumulates time while enabled and retains the value when disabled. The built-in reset input provides a clean, self-contained way to clear accumulated time without requiring a separate reset instruction. RTOR is used in applications where run-time tracking with periodic reset is needed.

Parameters

Inputs

NameTypeDescription
INBOOLTimer enable input
PTTIMEPreset time value
RBOOLReset input - clears ET and Q

Outputs

NameTypeDescription
QBOOLTimer done output
ETTIMEAccumulated elapsed time

Ladder Logic Example

// Ladder Logic - RTOR Timer
//
// |----[ Compressor_On ]----[RTOR Service_Timer]----|
// |                         IN: Compressor_On      |
// |                         PT: T#1000h            |
// |                         R:  Service_Complete   |
// |                         Q:  Service_Alarm      |

Structured Text Example

VAR
    Service_Timer : RTOR;
    Compressor_On : BOOL;
    Service_Alarm : BOOL;
    Service_Complete : BOOL;
END_VAR

Service_Timer(IN := Compressor_On, PT := T#1000h, R := Service_Complete);
Service_Alarm := Service_Timer.Q;

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Platform-Specific Implementation

S

Siemens (TIA Portal)

Use TONR with reset parameter in TIA Portal.

AB

Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000)

Use RTO with RES instruction.

C

CODESYS

Custom implementation required using persistent variables.

Common Applications

  • Compressor service intervals
  • Belt replacement tracking
  • Bearing lubrication schedules
  • Total operating hour logs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Confusing RTOR with standard TON behavior
  • Not persisting accumulated value across power cycles

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RTOR (Retentive Timer On with Reset) in PLC programming?

Retentive on-delay timer with integrated reset input for accumulated time clearing. The RTOR (Retentive Timer On with Reset) is a variant of the retentive on-delay timer that includes an explicit reset input as part of the function block interface. It accumulates time while enabled and retains the value when disabled.

What are common applications of RTOR (Retentive Timer On with Reset)?

RTOR (Retentive Timer On with Reset) is commonly used for: Compressor service intervals, Belt replacement tracking, Bearing lubrication schedules, Total operating hour logs.

How do I use RTOR (Retentive Timer On with Reset) in different PLC platforms?

Siemens: Use TONR with reset parameter in TIA Portal. Allen-Bradley: Use RTO with RES instruction. CODESYS: Custom implementation required using persistent variables.

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