In this lesson, we explain how to create a User-Defined Data Type (UDT) and use the same structure to build a Function Block (FB) inside Siemens TIA Portal for S7-1200 and S7-1500 PLCs.
You will learn how to define a common data structure once, then reuse it in multiple function blocks and data blocks. This is very important for professional PLC programming, especially when working with repeated equipment like motors, pumps, or valves.
What you will learn:
Create a User-Defined Data Type (UDT)
Add variables inside the UDT (BOOL, INT, REAL, etc.)
Create a Function Block (FB) using the same structure
Link the FB instance data block with the UDT
Reuse the same data structure for multiple devices
Organize projects using structured programming
Why this is important:
Using UDT + FB makes the program clean, reusable, and easy to maintain.
It is widely used in industrial automation projects such as:
Motor control templates
Pump stations
Conveyor systems
Repeated machine units
This tutorial is useful for beginners and automation engineers who want to move from basic programming to structured and professional PLC design inside TIA Portal.