Rockwell Automation Publication 2080-UM002N-EN-E - November 2022 199
Chapter 10
Use the High-Speed Counter and Programmable 
Limit Switch
High-Speed Counter 
Overview
All Micro830, Micro850, and Micro870 controllers, except for 2080-LCxx-AWB, support up to six 
high-speed counters (HSC). The HSC feature in Micro800 consists of two main components: 
the high-speed counter hardware (embedded inputs in the controller), and high-speed counter 
instructions in the application program. High-speed counter instructions apply configuration 
to the high-speed counter hardware and updates the accumulator. 
 
This chapter describes how to use the HSC function and also contains sections on the HSC and 
HSC_ SET_STS function blocks, as follows:
• High-Speed Counter (HSC) Data Structures
• High-Speed Counter (HSC) Function Block
• HSC_SET_STS Function Block
• Programmable Limit Switch (PLS) Function
• HSC Interrupts
Programmable Limit Switch 
Overview
The Programmable Limit Switch function allows you to configure the High-Speed Counter to 
operate as a PLS (Programmable Limit Switch) or rotary cam switch. For more information, see 
Programmable Limit Switch (PLS) Function
 on page 218.
What is High-Speed 
Counter?
High-Speed Counter is used to detect narrow (fast) pulses, and its specialized instructions to 
initiate other control operations based on counts reaching preset values. These control 
operations include the automatic and immediate execution of the high-speed counter 
interrupt routine and the immediate update of outputs based on a source and mask pattern 
you set. 
The HSC functions are different than most other controller instructions. Their operation is 
performed by custom circuitry that runs in parallel with the main system processor. This is 
necessary because of the high-performance requirements of these functions. 
ATTENTION: To use the Micro800 HSC feature effectively, you need to 
have a basic understanding of the following:
• HSC components and data elements. 
The first sections of the chapter provides a detailed description of these 
components. Quickstart instructions (see page 267
) are also available to 
guide you through setting up a sample HSC project.
• Programming and working with elements in Connected Components 
Workbench software.
The user needs to have a working knowledge of programming through 
ladder diagram, structured text, or function block diagram to be able to 
work with the HSC function block and variables. 
ATTENTION: Additional information is available on the HSC function block 
and its elements in the Connected Components Workbench software 
Online Help that comes with your Connected Components Workbench 
software installation.