ANY_TO_ANY (Universal Type Conversion)
General type conversion framework covering all IEC 61131-3 type conversion functions.
The ANY_TO_ANY concept in IEC 61131-3 refers to the general principle that explicit type conversion functions exist for all compatible type pairs. The naming convention is SOURCE_TO_DEST (e.g., INT_TO_REAL, DINT_TO_STRING, WORD_TO_BOOL). Understanding which conversions are available and how they behave (truncation, rounding, range checking) is essential for writing robust PLC code. Not all conversions are valid -- only conversions between compatible types are defined by the standard.
Parameters
Inputs
| Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| IN | ANY | Source value of any compatible type |
Outputs
| Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| OUT | ANY | Converted value in target type |
Structured Text Example
// Common type conversions: Real_Val := INT_TO_REAL(Int_Val); // INT -> REAL Int_Val := REAL_TO_INT(Real_Val); // REAL -> INT (rounded) Dint_Val := INT_TO_DINT(Int_Val); // INT -> DINT (widening) Word_Val := INT_TO_WORD(Int_Val); // INT -> WORD (bit pattern) Str_Val := DINT_TO_STRING(Dint_Val); // DINT -> STRING Bool_Val := INT_TO_BOOL(Int_Val); // INT -> BOOL (0=FALSE, else TRUE) Time_Val := DINT_TO_TIME(Dint_Val); // DINT (ms) -> TIME
20 Production-Ready Ladder Logic Templates
Stop writing the same rungs from scratch. Get copy-paste-ready templates for motor control, PID loops, safety interlocks, conveyors, and more.
Platform-Specific Implementation
Siemens (TIA Portal)
TIA Portal provides CONVERT instruction that handles most conversions automatically.
Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000)
Many conversions are implicit. Use COP for bit-pattern conversion between types.
CODESYS
Strict IEC typing requires explicit conversion functions. Compiler enforces type safety.
Common Applications
- Cross-type arithmetic
- Analog scaling preparation
- Communication data formatting
- Database value storage
- HMI display preparation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming implicit conversion will happen
- Not checking for range overflow on narrowing conversions
- Losing precision in REAL to INT conversions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ANY_TO_ANY (Universal Type Conversion) in PLC programming?
General type conversion framework covering all IEC 61131-3 type conversion functions. The ANY_TO_ANY concept in IEC 61131-3 refers to the general principle that explicit type conversion functions exist for all compatible type pairs. The naming convention is SOURCE_TO_DEST (e.
What are common applications of ANY_TO_ANY (Universal Type Conversion)?
ANY_TO_ANY (Universal Type Conversion) is commonly used for: Cross-type arithmetic, Analog scaling preparation, Communication data formatting, Database value storage, HMI display preparation.
How do I use ANY_TO_ANY (Universal Type Conversion) in different PLC platforms?
Siemens: TIA Portal provides CONVERT instruction that handles most conversions automatically. Allen-Bradley: Many conversions are implicit. Use COP for bit-pattern conversion between types. CODESYS: Strict IEC typing requires explicit conversion functions. Compiler enforces type safety.
Related Function Blocks
INT_TO_REAL (Integer to Real Conversion)
Converts 16-bit integer to 32-bit floating-point real value.
View Reference →REAL_TO_INT (Real to Integer Conversion)
Converts 32-bit floating-point value to 16-bit integer with rounding.
View Reference →BOOL_TO_INT (Boolean to Integer Conversion)
Converts FALSE to 0 and TRUE to 1 for numeric operations.
View Reference →INT_TO_STRING (Integer to String Conversion)
Converts integer value to its decimal string representation for display or logging.
View Reference →Stop Writing Ladder Logic From Scratch
Get 20 production-ready ladder logic templates for $29 -- download instantly and use them on your next project today.
Instant download - 30-day money-back guarantee - Use on unlimited projects