MOVE (Data Move)
Copies a value from source to destination for any data type.
The MOVE function copies the value from the source input to the destination output. It works with all data types and is the fundamental data transfer instruction in PLC programming. MOVE is used for loading setpoints, copying process values, initializing variables, and transferring data between memory areas. Unlike in some programming languages, MOVE in PLCs always creates a copy of the data.
Parameters
Inputs
| Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| IN | ANY | Source value to copy |
| EN | BOOL | Enable input (conditional move) |
Outputs
| Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| OUT | ANY | Destination - receives copy of IN |
Ladder Logic Example
// Ladder Logic - MOVE (Load Setpoint) // // |----[ Recipe_1 ]----[MOVE]----| // | IN: 250 | // | OUT: SP |
Structured Text Example
Setpoint := 250; // Simple assignment is MOVE in ST
// Conditional move
IF Recipe_Select = 1 THEN
Setpoint := Recipe_1_SP;
ELSIF Recipe_Select = 2 THEN
Setpoint := Recipe_2_SP;
END_IF;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)
Use MOVE instruction in TIA Portal. Also supports MOVE_BLK for arrays.
Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000)
Use MOV (Move) instruction in Studio 5000. COP for block moves.
CODESYS
Assignment operator := in ST is equivalent to MOVE.
Common Applications
- Loading setpoints from recipes
- Copying process values
- Initializing variables
- Data transfer between areas
- HMI value transfer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MOVE (Data Move) in PLC programming?
Copies a value from source to destination for any data type. The MOVE function copies the value from the source input to the destination output. It works with all data types and is the fundamental data transfer instruction in PLC programming.
What are common applications of MOVE (Data Move)?
MOVE (Data Move) is commonly used for: Loading setpoints from recipes, Copying process values, Initializing variables, Data transfer between areas, HMI value transfer.
How do I use MOVE (Data Move) in different PLC platforms?
Siemens: Use MOVE instruction in TIA Portal. Also supports MOVE_BLK for arrays. Allen-Bradley: Use MOV (Move) instruction in Studio 5000. COP for block moves. CODESYS: Assignment operator := in ST is equivalent to MOVE.
Related Function Blocks
SHL (Shift Left)
Shifts bits left by N positions, filling right with zeros. Equivalent to multiply by 2^N.
View Reference →SHR (Shift Right)
Shifts bits right by N positions. Equivalent to integer division by 2^N.
View Reference →SWAP (Byte Swap)
Reverses byte order of a word value for endianness conversion.
View Reference →ROL (Rotate Left)
Rotates bits left; bits shifted out the left wrap around to the right.
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