Data Type Conversion

Type conversion functions convert the input value of the data type A into the output value of the data type B. Conversion functions for which only an output data type is specified in the function name (e.g., TO_BOOL) can process various input data types. In such cases, the respective help topic lists the possible data types.

According to the IEC 61131 standard, explicit and implicit data type conversions have to be distinguished:

Explicit type conversion is done by means of a specific type conversion function which has to be used in the application code. The functions described in this help topic are explicit type conversion functions.
Implicit type conversion is done automatically without an explicit conversion function. Further information is contained in the topic "Implicit data type conversion".

The following table lists all type conversions that are supported by the system.

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No type conversion necessary.

Type conversion that can only be done explicitly, i.e., using a conversion function in the code.

Implicit type conversion. (Of course, each implicit conversion can also be done explicitly.)

Conversion not possible, neither explicitly nor implicitly.

	No type conversion necessary.
	Type conversion that can only be done explicitly, i.e., using a conversion function in the code.
	Implicit type conversion. (Of course, each implicit conversion can also be done explicitly.)
	Conversion not possible, neither explicitly nor implicitly.