Create a new derived data type

You can derive a data type and inherit all of its members.

Create a derived data type

1. In the User defined type pane, right-click the required data type, select New from the context menu, and then select Derived data type.

   

   OR

   Use the shortcut key Ctrl+Shift+N.

   A new derived data type is created.

   The default name of a derived data type is <Parent data type name>_00n, where the initial value of n = 1. For example, if you create a derived data type from $Pump, the default name of the first derived data type is “$Pump_001”. The derived data type name is prefixed with a $ sign and the $ sign cannot be deleted. The derived data type name can use alphanumeric characters, plus $, #, and _ (underscore) characters. The maximum name length is 32 characters.

   The members in the base data type are added to the derived data type. You can modify the properties of the members of the parent data type except Name and Type property. You can add new members to a derived data type. The inherited members are grayed out. You can modify properties of the derived data type in the Properties pane.

Example:

Create two derived data type from GenericSensorType and call them LevelIndicatorType and LoadcellTransmitterType.

Next, add a new member to the LoadcellTransmitterType data type and call it ExcitationVoltage of type integer.

The derived data type inherits all data members of the parent and are shown as grayed-out.