How to Use Up Counter (CTU) in TIA Portal V18 | Step-by-Step Guide

 

Hello everyone! Welcome back to Easy Electra! 🚀 Today, we’re diving into one of the most important functions in PLC programming—the Up Counter (CTU) in TIA Portal V18. If you’re learning automation, understanding counters is a must!

What is an Up Counter (CTU)?

An Up Counter (CTU) is used in PLC programming to count pulses or events. It increases its value each time it gets a signal and activates an output once it reaches a preset value. Counters are commonly used in manufacturing and industrial automation for tasks like:
✅ Counting bottles on a conveyor belt
✅ Tracking machine cycles
✅ Counting sensor pulses in automation systems

Step-by-Step Guide to Using CTU in TIA Portal V18

1️⃣ Open TIA Portal & Create a New Project

• Launch TIA Portal V18 and create a new project.
• Add a Siemens S7-1200 PLC (or any PLC you are using).

2️⃣ Add a CTU Block in Ladder Logic

• Open Main OB1 and go to the instructions panel.
• Drag and drop the CTU (Up Counter) block into the ladder diagram.

3️⃣ Assign Inputs & Outputs

• Connect a Normally Open (NO) push button to the CU (Count Up) input.
• Set a Preset Value (PV) (e.g., 10), which is the number at which the counter activates.
• Add an output coil to the Q (Output)—this will turn ON when the counter reaches the preset value.
• Add a Normally Closed (NC) push button to the Reset (R) input to reset the count.

4️⃣ Simulate & Test the Counter

• Download the program to your PLC or run it in Simulation Mode.
• Press the count button multiple times and see the CV (Current Value) increase.
• When the CV reaches 10, the output activates!
• Press the reset button, and the counter resets to 0.

Why Are Counters Important in Automation?

Counters are widely used in industrial automation, production lines, and machine control systems. You can also combine counters with timers and logic operations for advanced PLC applications.

Watch the Full Tutorial on YouTube! 🎥

If you want a detailed, step-by-step video tutorial, check out our YouTube channel Easy Electra! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more automation lessons. 🚀

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