EPLAN NEWS
for Version 2.3
Copyright © 2013 EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Preface
9
11
Notes for the Reader
Pre-planning
13
Modularization of Pre-planning
16
Segments and Macros in Pre-planning
17
Pre-planning: Procedure
19
Navigator for Pre-planning
20
Graphical Pre-planning
24
Pre-planning: Reports
26
Pre-planning: Conversion of P&ID Projects
28
29
Create and Place PCT Loops and PCT Loop Functions
New Features of the Entire EPLAN Platform
Integration of Safety-related Values
Standardized Exchange Format VDMA 66413
Procedure
Extensions to Parts Management
Selecting Use Case on Device
Outputting Safety-related Values in Reports
Extended Support of EN Norm 81346
Use Product Aspects for Structuring
Trade-spanning Nesting
User Interface
Configure display of additional information in tree views
Paste Copied Values from Properties
Extended Property Selection
Settings as Buttons in Toolbars
Change Scheme Description
Change Font Size in Tables with Mouse Wheel
Improved User Guide through Reduced Settings and Menu Items
31
31
32
33
34
36
37
38
39
41
42
42
45
45
47
49
49
50
52
Settings
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 3
Table of Contents
Browse settings
Moved Setting for the Detached Representation of Substructures
Moved Setting for Display of Property Names
Project Editing
Update the project databases
Publish EPLAN Projects
Compression of Selection Lists
Graphical Editor
Structure boxes with recesses
Always Display Separator Before the Page in the Cross-reference
Reduced Popup Menu
Devices
Changed behavior for connection point designation adoption
Defined Devices
Standardized behavior when inserting and generating defined devices
Project Data Navigators
Synchronize navigators upon opening
Bill of Materials Navigator
Same item number for identical devices
52
56
56
57
57
57
58
59
59
61
61
62
62
62
62
63
63
63
63
65
65
Editing in Tables
Edit macro boxes in table
Global Editing
Modified License Dependency
Layer Management
Defining scalability via the layer
Creating User-defined 3D Layers
Reports
Update reports independently of licensing
66
66
67
67
67
68
68
68
68
External Editing
Improved ergonomics
Parts Management
Update the parts database
Discontinued Parts in Parts Management
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 4
72
72
73
Table of Contents
74
76
77
78
79
81
Dynamic Columns for Function Templates
Description of Function Templates
Quicker Full-text Search for SQL Server as Parts Database
Common Directory for Outlines and Macros
Ignored Fields
Tab "PLC data" for Further Parts
82
82
82
Message Management
Display of licensing in the settings
Saving Filters in Check Run Schemes
83
84
85
87
New Features in the "EPLAN Multi-user Management" Extension Module
Improved Ergonomics for Defined Working Sections
Extended Division of Projects into Defined Working Sections
Dividing Projects by Trades
88
88
Multi-user Operation
Change descriptions of structure identifiers
New Features in the "EPLAN Multi Language Translation" Extension Module
SQL server database for the dictionary
New Features in the "EPLAN Project Options" Extension Module
Search in hidden project options
New Features in the "EPLAN Revision Management" Extension Module
Display revision markers as clouds
Display Revision Information Outside Graphical Marker
Merge Revisions
Delete Single Revision Markers
89
89
91
92
93
93
94
95
95
New Features in the "EPLAN User Rights Management" Extension Module 96
New data format for rights management
Special Topics EPLAN Electric P8
Cables
Conductors renamed to cable connections
Terminals / Plugs
Cross-references between distributed terminals
New Features in the "EPLAN PLC & Bus Extension" Extension Module
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 5
96
98
98
98
100
100
101
Table of Contents
Extended data exchange with Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7
Updated Interface for Data Exchange with Schneider Unity Pro
Special Topics EPLAN Pro Panel
Process Wiring: Free Routing of Connections
Extended Connection Point Pattern
Routing Connections Freely
Extend Routing Path Network through Curves
Edit Curve
Placing of Routing Accessories
New Layers in Layer Management
New Check Run Messages
101
102
103
104
105
111
114
115
118
123
123
Copying, Cutting, and Pasting Layout Spaces
124
Display of Sloping Surfaces in Model View
125
Extensions in STEP Import
126
126
127
Transfer of original names
Separating Items in STEP Import
New Features in the "STEP Export" Extension Module
Considering Routing Connections in STEP Export
Extensions when Placing Parts
Manual input of dimensions
Selecting Drilling Pattern when Placing Parts
Other New Features in the Reports for EPLAN Pro Panel
Detached Display of Busbar Systems in Mounting Lists
Updating Reports Independent of the Licensing
128
128
129
129
131
132
132
132
Extended Automatic Interpretation of Logic Items
133
New 2D Drilling Views with NC and Drill Hole-relevant Data
137
138
139
139
Inserting 2D Drilling View
Change / Edit 2D Drilling Views
New Layers for 2D Drilling View
140
Diagonal Connection Form for Connections with Large Cross-sections
141
Alternative Length Calculation when Connection Point Pattern not Available 141
Extended Global Extra Length
143
Extended Settings for Routing Connections
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 6
Table of Contents
New Features in the "Process Wiring" Extension Module
Phase Busbar Connections
Changing Routing Direction for Devices
Simplified Selection of Connections
Routing Connections to Connection Points in Boxes
144
144
148
150
150
New "Production Athex" Extension Module for Automatic Equipment of
Terminal Strips
151
New Features in the "Production Wiring KOMAX" Extension Module
152
Support for conductor termination processing via dual sleeves on Komax
crimping machines
Stripping Lengths for Dual Sleeves on Komax Machines
152
153
New Features in the "Production Wiring Schleuniger" Extension Module 154
Export texts for labeling wires
154
New Interface to the Averex Wiring Robot
155
Consistent Messages for the Export of NC and Wire Fabrication Data
155
Special Topics EPLAN Fluid
Tubing: Routing Tubes
Modified Product Group for Fluid Power Connections
Preparation of Master Data
Routing Tube Connections
Routing Paths and Curves as Default Paths
Routing Accessories for Tube Connections
New Features in the "EPLAN Operational Sequence" Extension Module
Store parts in the functional representation type
Special Topics EPLAN PPE
157
157
158
160
162
165
168
172
173
174
Device Groups in P&I Diagram
174
Enhanced Representation Type in Symbol Library for P&I Diagrams
174
Ignored "Nominal width" Field
175
Special Topics EPLAN Education
EPLAN Education Extended by Functions from EPLAN Pro Panel
Special Topics EPLAN Harness proD
New Interfaces for Data Exchange with the EPLAN Platform
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 7
177
177
178
178
Table of Contents
New Features in the "EPLAN API Extension" Extension Module
180
New Features in the Master Data
187
Master Data: Symbols
187
Master Data: Function Definition Library
190
Master Data: Forms
196
Master Data: Schemes
197
Master Data: Parts
197
Other New Features and Information
EPLAN Solution Center – The New Support System
Logging Into the EPLAN Solution Center
Transfer of Previous Support Requests
Validation Code
Retrieving the Validation Code Online
Installation
Installing Help Languages via EPLAN Download Manager
Installation of EPLAN License Manager
Software Requirements and Approvals
General requirements
Operating systems
Microsoft products
SQL server
Autodesk products
PDF redlining
PLC systems (PLC & bus extension)
Unsupported Operating Systems
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 8
198
198
199
199
200
200
202
203
205
206
206
206
207
207
207
207
208
208
Preface
Preface
Dear EPLAN users,
Constantly increasing demands on the machine and plant documentation in
the automation technology increasingly focus on tools and methods for
project design.
Thanks to its functionalities and possibilities the EPLAN platform lays the
basis for efficient engineering. The decisive factor is, however, the working
procedures and methods that you implement in your daily engineering work
on the basis of the required functionality.
The increasing demands placed on project planning can only be met in the
long term if you can concentrate on the activities that add value in engineering and EPLAN takes over all the further fundamental tasks. Decisive potential for optimization lies here in particular in the standardization, automation
and consistent interdisciplinary use of a uniform platform across the entire
engineering process.
The new version of the EPLAN platform focuses on precisely this task: Standardized and to a large extent automated engineering on a platform that offers
comprehensive possibilities for interdisciplinary cooperation in project planning.
Enjoy the advantages provided by simplified macro processing, extended
revision control and the comprehensive support in using current standards
such as IEC 81346 and safety-related values according to VDMA 66413.
Version 2.3 furthermore provides numerous new application options in the
mechatronical engineering process. These include in particular the additions
in the field of pre-planning and the configuration of connections that can be
routed freely in electrical switch gears as well as in the field of compact pneumatics.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 9
Preface
Get a head start and avail yourself of our update training courses tailored specially to the version.
We wish you much success with your new EPLAN platform 2.3. Please visit
our website at www.eplan.de/en for more information.
Your EPLAN Software & Service team
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 10
Notes for the Reader
Notes for the Reader
Important information:
Before installing the version, please note the information in chapter "Other
New Features and Information" (starting on page "198"). Pay special attention to the section "Software Requirements and Approvals" (see page
"206").
Before you begin reading, please note the following symbols and styles used
in this document:
Warning:
Text preceded by this symbol contains a warning; you should be absolutely
sure to read this warning before proceeding!
Note:
Text preceded by this image contains extra notes.
Tip:
Useful tips to facilitate your interaction with the program are presented
after this image.
Example:
Examples are highlighted by this symbol.
User interface elements are marked in bold (and blue) so they can immediately be located in the text.
Italic Italic or bold text provides particularly important information that you
should definitely pay attention to.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 11
Notes for the Reader
Code examples, directory names, and direct input (among others) are displayed in a non-proportional font.
Function keys, keyboard keys, and buttons within the program are shown
in square brackets (e.g., [F1] for the "F1" function key).
To improve the flow of the text, we often use "menu paths" in this document (for example, Help > Contents). In order to find a particular program function, the menus and options shown in a menu path must be
selected in the sequence shown. For example, the menu path mentioned
above calls up the EPLAN help system.
In combination with settings or fields (e.g., check boxes) which can only
be switched on or off, in this document we often use the terms "activate"
(after which the setting is active ) and "deactivate" (after which the setting is inactive ).
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 12
Pre-planning
Pre-planning
With version 2.3, the EPLAN platform offers optional extensions that allow for
new and innovative approaches in pre-planning.
The engineering process of a machine / higher-level function consists of
individual phases through which the concept is adjusted and specified from
initial rough drafts and ideas, until all documents and information have been
created that are necessary for the manufacture and construction of the
machine.
Pre-planning and draft planning (Basic Engineering) represent very early
project phases where concepts are worked out for the technical scope of
machines / higher-level functions and estimates are done on initial quantity
structures. The goal is to determine the concept that is most advantageous
technically speaking, and to define the defaults for the subsequent detailed
planning (Detail Engineering).
Typical tasks in pre-planning include:
Defining and describing machine / higher-level function areas to divide
into meaningful structures and units.
Preparation of initial graphical overviews as a general planning foundation.
Definition of "rough placeholders" for functions or items that cannot be
defined yet in detail at this time.
Definition and estimate of initial quantity structures (drives / sensors, PLC
inputs / outputs, etc.)
Creating initial bills of materials in support of calculation and capturing of
long lead time components.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 13
Pre-planning
Today these tasks are frequently processed in separate systems (graphic
tools, tables / databases, word processing for specifications) that have only
rudimentary, or no, interfaces with the planning tool used in detailed planning. The lack of data consistency and the often lacking support by engineering functions in these separate systems result in massive additional
expenses and poor quality in project planning.
Benefit:
With the new pre-planning, you can realize initial planning activities regarding technical aspects in the engineering process early on in the EPLAN platform. Based on such pre-planning, later on schematics can be created and
details of the higher-level function worked out in the EPLAN platform. The
integration of pre-planning into planning ensures, thanks to consistency,
significantly reduced expenses, while improving project quality. Given its
fundamental flexibility, the new pre-planning allows for a very easy start
into this planning method on the basis of the EPLAN platform.
The central pre-planning dialog of the EPLAN platform is the new pre-planning navigator. This dialog displays and manages the pre-planning segments
defined in a project. By using so-called "pre-planning macros" as well as
copying and moving existing segments via Drag & Drop, you can create and
edit machine / higher-level function structures quickly and easily. Alternatively, EPLAN also allows for direct working in the graphical editor during
pre-planning.
The data entered at the segments in pre-planning can be output in reports,
and can thus be used, for example, for bills of materials or for calculations of
price and expenditure. From within pre-planning (pre-planning navigator), the
detailed planning (schematic) can also be created in a subsequent planning
phase via Drag & Drop.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 14
Pre-planning
As a further alternative in data acquisition, pre-planning offers a comprehensive import functionality that can be used to import in EPLAN data
from Excel tables. This way, information from other planning departments
can be used to generate in EPLAN pre-planning structures automatically
through import.
We discuss the following topics in the next sections:
"Modularization of Pre-planning" on page "16"
"Segments and Macros in Pre-planning" on page "17"
"Pre-planning: Procedure" on page "19"
"Navigator for Pre-planning" on page "20"
"Graphical Pre-planning" on page "24"
"Pre-planning: Reports" on page "26"
"Pre-planning: Conversion of P&ID Projects" on page "28"
"Create and Place PCT Loops and PCT Loop Functions" on page "29".
For more information on this topic, go to the online help and look up the section "Pre-planning".
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 15
Modularization of Pre-planning
Modularization of Pre-planning
The following license extensions exist for the pre-planning:
EPLAN Preplanning Use:
This license allows you to use the pre-planning created in the EPLAN platform. From within the pre-planning navigator, you can place the pre-planning segments in the schematic in the detailed planning. The creation or
editing of segments is not possible with this license.
EPLAN Preplanning General:
With this license, you can do everything that is also possible with the
"EPLAN Preplanning Use" license. In addition, you can use the default
pre-planning segments that are supplied in order to create your pre-planning. You can also output reports for pre-planning, import pre-planning
data, and convert P&ID projects.
EPLAN Preplanning Configurable:
With this license, you can do everything that is also possible with the
"EPLAN Preplanning General" license. In addition, you can also create
your own individual pre-planning segments, and configure user-defined
properties.
EPLAN Preplanning P&ID:
Using this license, you can create and manage PCT loops and PCT loop
functions on the basis of our new pre-planning. In parallel to this, this
license allows for the graphical placement of PCT loops and PCT loop
functions in P&I diagrams.
Instead of planning objects, with the "EPLAN Preplanning P&ID" license
you create and edit PCT loops and PCT loop functions. Other than that,
this license comes with the same functions as "EPLAN Preplanning General".
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 16
Segments and Macros in Pre-planning
Segments and Macros in Pre-planning
The structuring in the pre-planning is done by means of so-called "segments": structure segments and planning objects.
Structure segments
Structure segments are used to structure machines and higher-level functions, and specify part of the project structure. This is how parts of the identifier structure are predefined. A structure segment can represent one or
several structure identifiers (e.g., higher-level function or mounting location)
in detail planning. The subsequent project structure is determined from the
structure identifiers.
Planning objects
Planning objects define part of a machine / plant in the pre-planning; they
each describe a device and relate to the functions of a device. In this, the
device represents the functionality of a machine / plant (e.g., motor for a conveyor belt). Each planning object may represent only one device.
PCT loops
PCT loops are managed in parallel to general planning objects, and behave
in a way similar to them. At PCT loops, macros can be stored, but not parts or
function templates. A PCT loop can be either a loop or a consumer.
PCT loops have the following additional properties:
Technical facility
Measurand
Processing function
Number.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 17
Segments and Macros in Pre-planning
Note:
Whether you can create and edit PCT loops or planning objects depends
on your respective pre-planning license extension. To edit PCT loops, you
require a license for "EPLAN Preplanning P&ID". On the other hand, the
license extensions "EPLAN Preplanning General" and "EPLAN Preplanning Configurable" allow you to create and edit planning objects.
Segment definitions
The segment definition specifies the type of segment (that is, of a structure
segment or planning object), similar to a function definition that specifies the
type of function. The segment definition predefines the segments available to
the system. It defines which segments may be used in the project as well as
the standard behavior of these segments.
Pre-planning macros
Any structure in the pre-planning navigator can be stored in a pre-planning
macro. Such a macro is a separate file type with the file name extension
*.emv. By using pre-planning macros, you can complete the pre-planning
(without graphical representation) quickly and conveniently from finished substructures.
Macros at planning objects
At planning objects, macro libraries with "normal" window or page macros
can be stored (*.ema or *.emp). Such a macro usually contains placeholder
objects with variables. The values of the variables can be edited in the property dialog of the planning object via the value set selection or manually. During the placement of the macro, the values selected at the planning object or
entered manually are carried over to the placed functions.
If no macro is stored at a planning object, but a part to which a macro has
been assigned, the macro of the part will be used to place the functions.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 18
Pre-planning: Procedure
Pre-planning: Procedure
The pre-planning and the detail planning based on it are created using the following steps:
Configure:
This includes the creation and adaptation of segment definitions and
user-defined properties. This way you can customize pre-planning to
meet your requirements. For this, the Project data > Pre-planning >
Configuration menu path provides the menu items Segment definitions and Properties.
It also makes sense to create suitable macros with placeholder objects
and value sets that, in the next step, you store at segments in the pre-planning and then place in the detail planning.
Creating the pre-planning:
To do so, in the pre-planning navigator, create structure segments and
planning objects, then arrange them in a tree structure. Enter data for the
individual segments; store macros, parts, templates, etc. at the planning
objects. For further details also see the section "Navigator for Pre-planning" (see page "20").
In addition, the menu item Project data > Pre-planning > Import provides the possibility to import lists with pre-planning data that has been
generated in external applications.
Creating the detail planning:
To do so, place macros or functions from the pre-planning navigator on
the schematic pages. Using the Pre-planning finished property, you can
specify at a structure segment or planning object that this is finished and
ready for the detail planning.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 19
Navigator for Pre-planning
Generate report:
As early as the pre-planning phase, you can use the report types Structure segment overview, Structure segment plan, Planning object
overview, and Planning object plan to get an overview of the segments
used (structure segments, planning objects). In addition, you can use
part-specific reports (Parts list, Summarized parts list) to generate
data sheets or order material. For more information, please read the section "Pre-planning: Reports" (see page "26").
Check:
There are new possibilities to check the segments, the segment definitions, and the user-defined properties. The references from pre-planning to detail planning can also be checked. For this, the new message
class 028 "Pre-planning" provides several new check runs.
In addition you can define your own check runs for the pre-planning depth.
This is done in the project-specific settings dialog Settings: Pre-planning depth. For these check runs to be carried out you will then have to
determine the type of check for the desired check runs from the new message class 029 "Pre-planning depth" in your check run scheme.
Navigator for Pre-planning
For the display and editing of structure segments and planning objects
defined in a project, you can now use the new pre-planning navigator. To
open this navigator, select the menu items Project data > Pre-planning >
Navigator. Alternatively you can click the
Navigators toolbar.
(Pre-planning) button on the
Tree view
In the Tree tab, the structure segments and planning objects are displayed in
their hierarchical structure.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 20
Navigator for Pre-planning
The top hierarchy level is the project; below that, structure segments and
planning objects can be created.
Structure segments cannot be sorted below planning objects.
Below planning objects, their PLC addresses and function templates are
displayed. A status icon indicates whether a macro has been stored at the
planning object. Such a macro can be placed in the graphical editor using
Drag & Drop. The representation type that fits the page type is offered for
placement.
Using the arrow buttons
, you can modify the sorting of the segments below a node in the tree structure.
The icons displayed in the tree view of the pre-planning navigator include the
following:
Icon Meaning
Identifies the project level. This icon is only displayed when several
projects are open.
Structure segment general
Planning object general
PCT loop
PCT loop function
Macro. This icon is displayed when a macro has been stored at the
planning object.
Function template for main function. This icon is displayed when
function templates are entered at the planning object, or parts at
which function templates have been stored.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 21
Navigator for Pre-planning
Function template for auxiliary function. This icon is displayed when
function templates are entered at the planning object, or parts at
which function templates have been stored.
PLC addresses. This icon is displayed when PLC addresses have
been entered at the planning object.
External document. This icon is displayed when an external document has been stored at the planning object.
List view
In addition to the columns displayed by default (such as Segment definition: Name (identifying), Designation, Higher-level function, etc.),
structure identifiers for further identifier blocks, as well as other properties of
the structure segments and planning objects, can be displayed (e.g., the properties Technical description, Power consumption, or user-defined properties). The values of the properties can be edited directly in the list view.
Filters for the navigator
For the targeted display of special structure segments or planning objects
(e.g., segments not yet fully planned), you can use predefined filters.
If a structure segment or planning object is hidden via a filter in the tree view,
the subordinate structure segments and planning objects will be hidden, too.
In the list view, subordinate structure segments and planning objects are not
hidden.
Important functions in the pre-planning navigator
The structure segments and planning objects of pre-planning can be created
and edited in the pre-planning navigator. In addition, the popup menu here
offers you further important functions for pre-planning:
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 22
Navigator for Pre-planning
New structure segments and planning objects:
These new segments are created via the popup menu items New structure segment and New planning object. If there are several segment
definitions in the project, the Select segment definition dialog opens first
to select the required segment definition. The respective property dialog
is then opened. Here, you specify the properties of the new segment.
Using the New device (planning object) popup menu item, navigate to
the part selection to create a planning object with the part assigned.
Placing functions and macros:
To place functions or macros entered at the planning object in the schematic, you can use the familiar popup menu items Place and Place
macro. Using the sub-menu items, select the representation type that is
to be placed.
Assigning planning objects, etc.:
Using the Assign popup menu item, you can assign planning objects,
function templates, and PLC addresses to functions placed on a schematic page from within the pre-planning navigator. The target functions
are linked with the planning object from which they have been given the
assignment. Remove the link of a function to a planning object via the
Split popup menu item.
Modifying the segment definition:
The Change segment definition popup menu item allows you to assign
a different segment definition to a selected segment.
Pre-planning macros:
Pre-planning macros can be created and inserted only in the pre-planning
navigator. For this purpose, use the menu items Create pre-planning
macro and Insert pre-planning macro in the popup menu.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 23
Graphical Pre-planning
Tip:
You can move segments (structure segments and planning objects) in the
tree view of the pre-planning navigator via Drag & Drop. While dragging,
keep the [Ctrl] key pressed to copy the highlighted segments. In addition,
you can use the arrow buttons to modify the arrangement of the segments
within a hierarchy level in the tree.
Note:
Structure segments cannot be created below planning objects, nor can
they be moved there.
Graphical Pre-planning
You can also execute the pre-planning in the EPLAN platform graphically.
For this, you can use the new "Pre-planning" page type. In the tree view of
the page navigator, such pages are identified by the
icon.
To place segments in the graphical pre-planning, a segment can be represented graphically by a box or a polygon. The structure is determined from
the graphical arrangement of the segments. For each segment, there may
be only one graphical placement.
The page structure does not affect the graphically placed segments.
The graphical pre-planning always has to start with the top node, and
must not skip any segment. In the pre-planning navigator, there may be
further (non-graphical) segments below the graphically planned segments.
When segments are placed on a pre-planning page, they cannot be
moved in the pre-planning navigator.
In the graphical pre-planning, there are no connection points and connections.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 24
Graphical Pre-planning
Placed segments can be stored in window or page macros. This way, the
graphical pre-planning can be created also by means of graphical macros.
When graphically placed segments are deleted, the subordinate segments are not deleted. Only if all subordinate segments are unplaced will
a prompt appear whether they are to be deleted as well.
Structure segments are drawn on a pre-planning page like structure
boxes, and planning objects like black boxes. But the symbols used differ.
To insert new structure segments, select the menu items Insert > Box / Connection point / Mounting panel > Structure box, and to insert new planning objects, Insert > Box / Connection point / Mounting panel > Black
box.
Tip:
You can also draw structure segments and planning objects as polygons.
In this context, the SPECIAL symbol library provides the special symbols
SCSS2 (for structure segments) and DCPLO2 (for planning objects). Insert
such a symbol via the symbol selection (Insert > Symbol), draw the polyline in the required form, and end the action via the popup menu item Complete polyline.
Segments created in the pre-planning navigator can be placed from within
the navigator on a pre-planning page via the popup menu items Place > Preplanning.
Tip:
You can place structure segments and planning objects also easily using
Drag & Drop by dragging a highlighted segment from the pre-planning navigator to your open pre-planning page in the graphical editor.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 25
Pre-planning: Reports
New layers for pre-planning
To configure project-wide defaults for the display of property placements and
symbol graphics of segments on pre-planning pages, you can use the following new layers in layer management:
EPLAN720, Property placement.Pre-planning
EPLAN721, Property placement.Pre-planning.Designation
EPLAN722, Property placement.Pre-planning.Description
EPLAN723, Property placement.Pre-planning.Structure identifiers
EPLAN724, Symbol graphic.Pre-planning.Structure segment
EPLAN725, Symbol graphic.Pre-planning.Planning object
EPLAN726, Property placement.Pre-planning.PID.
Pre-planning: Reports
The following report types exist for the pre-planning:
Structure segment overview:
Overview of all structure segments and necessary expenditure (time,
energy, and costs) from the subordinate planning objects.
Structure segment plan:
Per structure segment, a report is generated: different properties of the
structure segment can be output (Technical description, Power consumption, etc.). In addition, the directly subordinate segments are output
in the data area.
Planning object overview:
Overview of all planning objects and necessary expenditure (time,
energy, and costs), as well as the documents, parts, and PLC addresses
stored there.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 26
Pre-planning: Reports
Planning object plan:
Corresponds to a data sheet. For each planning object, a list of parts, PLC
addresses, etc. entered at the planning object is output. In addition, the
directly subordinate segments are output in the data area.
When outputting these new report types, forms are used that are specified in
the project-specific Settings: Output to pages dialog for the respective
report type. Appropriate forms are supplied in the master data for these new
reports (see section "Master Data: Forms" on page "196").
Include parts from pre-planning in parts reports and bill of materials
Parts, which have only been entered at planning objects in pre-planning, can
also be evaluated in parts reports (parts list, summarized parts list, etc.) as
well as the bill of materials.
For this purpose, the Settings: Part dialog was extended in the Include
parts group box to include the Pre-planning part extended check box. Activate this check box to capture such parts.
Other reports
In the other reports (device tag list, terminal diagram, PLC diagram, etc.),
planning objects which are linked to main functions can be included. For this
output, new placeholder elements for planning objects are available in the
respective forms.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 27
Pre-planning: Conversion of P&ID Projects
Pre-planning: Conversion of P&ID Projects
Projects that contain a PPE database (PPE projects, P&ID projects) do not
allow for the new pre-planning functions and segments to be used.
But you can convert a P&ID project with PPE database (e.g., created in a previous EPLAN version) to a project without PPE database, which can then be
edited in pre-planning.
Select the desired project in the page navigator and select the menu items
Project data > Pre-planning > Convert P&ID project. In the process, segments are generated from the information contained in the PPE database.
During conversion, only the following objects are converted into the corresponding segments of pre-planning:
Loops
Consumers
Measuring functions
Consumer functions.
Since complete EPLAN PPE projects can contain further object types, such
projects should not be converted.
A data backup is carried out, under a different name, for the project to be converted.
Notes:
Projects containing segments cannot be converted back to a PPE
project.
Macros with pre-planning placements cannot be inserted in a PPE
project.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 28
Create and Place PCT Loops and PCT Loop Functions
Create and Place PCT Loops and PCT Loop Functions
If you have the "EPLAN Preplanning P&ID" license extension, you can use
the pre-planning navigator to create PCT loops and PCT loop functions via
the New planning object popup menu item.
In the Select segment definition dialog, select the required segment definition for the PCT loop or PCT loop function. In the property dialog that
opens then, specify the properties of the PCT loop or PCT loop function on
the first tab.
The PCT loop number is compiled automatically from the properties Technical facility, Measurand, Processing function, and Number in the
PCT loop number group box. Specify in the settings the property that is
to be identifying besides the "Number".
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 29
Create and Place PCT Loops and PCT Loop Functions
This Full designation field displays the PCT loop number including the
designations of the superior segments.
In the Properties group box, you can make a selection for the PCT type
property. You use the PCT type to define which symbol is placed in the
P&I diagram for the PCT loop or PCT loop function.
Settings for PCT loops
When creating PCT loops and loop functions, the new settings for PCT loops
will be taken into account in the pre-planning. The menu path for the dialog
Settings: PCT loops is: Options > Settings > Projects > "Project name"
> Pre-planning > PCT loops. Use this dialog, for example, to specify the
properties that are to be identifying besides the "Number" and the plant levels that allow for identical PCT loops.
Placing PCT loops and PCT loop functions
From within the pre-planning navigator, you can place PCT loops and PCT
loop functions on pages of the "P&I diagram" page type. To do so, drag the
required PCT loop or loop function – as you would normally do in EPLAN
P&ID – to the page via Drag & Drop. Alternatively, you can select the menu
items Place > P&I diagram in the popup menu of the navigator.
On the basis of the PCT type selected during creating, the PCT loop or PCT
loop function is automatically assigned a P&I symbol during placing. The P&I
symbol can be modified subsequently in the property dialog via the Symbol
data tab. For the different PCT types, this tab was extended to include the
two group boxes Implementation and Activation site.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 30
New Features of the Entire EPLAN Platform
New Features of the Entire EPLAN Platform
Integration of Safety-related Values
Miscellaneous standards and guidelines (e.g., the machinery directive
2006/42/EC) require that the probabilities of failure be calculated for
machines and safety functions. For this reason, the manufacturers of devices
state safety-related values for their devices / components. For example, the
value "MTBF" indicates the frequency with which a device fails or supplies
incorrect results (MTBF: short for "Mean Time Between Failures").
A complete higher-level function involves a large number of devices with differing safety-related values. Depending on usage, there are differing values
for the failure of such higher-level function for the overall higher-level function. To assess safety functions and calculate their safety integrity levels
(SIL: "Safety Integrity Level" or PL: "Performance Level") and probabilities of
failure (PFHD: "Probability of dangerous Failure per Hour"), you can use different external auxiliary programs. The safety-related values of all devices
used must be known for the calculation.
Previously, users would determine the safety-related values manually by
means of the manufacturer catalogs. In the new EPLAN version, you can
import safety-related values and manage them centrally here.
Benefit:
The data required for the evaluation of the safety of controls can be stored
directly at the parts in EPLAN's parts management. The user does thus not
have to compile the safety-related values manually anymore. Once centrally stored, this important information is directly available during project
design.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 31
Standardized Exchange Format VDMA 66413
We discuss the following topics in the next sections:
"Standardized Exchange Format VDMA 66413" on page "32"
"Procedure" on page "33"
"Extensions to Parts Management" on page "34"
"Selecting Use Case on Device" on page "36"
"Outputting Safety-related Values in Reports" on page "37".
Standardized Exchange Format VDMA 66413
The Standard Sheet 66413 of VDMA (German Association of Machine Tools
and Plant Engineering) describes a standardized data exchange format for
safety-related values. This exchange format standardizes the data exchange
between device manufacturers and the auxiliary calculation programs.
In this context, the usage of a device is known as a so-called "use case".
Each use case has its own set of safety-related values, i.e., depending on
how a device is used, differing safety-related values must be used. Differing
use cases may be derived, for example, from the differing use of a device.
Thus, for example, a drive can be operated with or without brakes, which in
turn means differing safety-related values.
The use cases can be structured in up to five hierarchy levels. There must be
at least one hierarchy level. The safety-related values are located at the lowest hierarchy level. If use cases have hierarchy levels with the same designation, this creates a tree-like structure.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 32
Procedure
Example:
The two use cases
Drive 1 > without a brake > 1-channel and
Drive 1 > without a brake > 2-channel
differ at the third hierarchical level. The safety-related values are located at
this hierarchical level. The following figure illustrates the tree-like structure.
In a use case that has only one hierarchy level (e.g., Drive 2), the safetyrelated values are located at this one hierarchy level.
Procedure
Planning with safety-related values requires you to take several consecutive
steps:
Import safety-related values from manufacturer-specific XML files into
EPLAN parts management.
Use parts with safety-related values in the project.
Select defined use cases in the project at the main functions.
Generate parts data of the project as bill of materials.
Calculate safety integrity levels and probabilities of failure for the safety
functions of a higher-level function by means of external auxiliary programs.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 33
Extensions to Parts Management
Extensions to Parts Management
To integrate the manufacturer data into the EPLAN platform, you can now
use the new Safety-related values tab, available at each part in parts
management.
The various use cases and associated safety-related values for a part are
stored in this tab. You can enter or edit these data here manually.
The Use cases field lists the use cases of a part. A use case can be structured in up to five hierarchy levels. Safety-related values can be entered at
the lowest hierarchy level.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 34
Extensions to Parts Management
Using the
(New) button, you can create a new use case or a new hierarchy level of a use case. For this purpose, enter the name of the use case in
the subsequent dialog in the multilingual Designation field. In addition, you
can specify the location where the use case is to be placed (at the same or
below the highlighted hierarchy level). Using the other buttons, you can edit a
use case / hierarchy level (the designation) or delete it.
A safety function is divided into three different functional areas. Using the
three check boxes Input (Collect), Logic (Generate report), and Output
(React), which are below the Use cases field, a part has to be assigned at
least to one of these areas. The actual safety-related values are entered in
the input fields below, such as PL, MTTF, etc.
Import safety-related values
But easier and more convenient than the manual recording of the values is
the import into parts management. The device manufacturers provide the
safety-related values in the standard XML exchange format of VDMA.
In order to add safety-related values to existing parts, the Import records
dialog includes the new "VDMA 66413" file type. Via this entry, you can
import XML files with safety-related values that are set up according to the
VDMA exchange format. To add to existing parts, in this import dialog select
the Update existing records only option.
You have to make a simple assignment before the import can take place.
Specify the identifying property in the XML file that corresponds to the unique
part property in your parts database.
The assignment is done in a subsequent dialog that you can access via the
[...] button for the File type field. From the drop-down list VDMA property of
the Assignment VDMA 66413 dialog, select the property that is to be used
for the comparison in the XML file:
Identifier: Manufacturer-specific, unique identifier for a device
PartNumber: Manufacturer-specific part or order number.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 35
Selecting Use Case on Device
From the second drop-down list, choose the EPLAN part property (Part
number, ERP number, Order number, etc.) that corresponds to this VDMA
property. Then, the safety-related values will be transferred.
Note:
If, during the import of parts data with the "VDMA 66413" file type, an
assignment to the EPLAN property Part number occurs, then it is also possible to create new parts during such an import. This requires that you
select for this import the Update existing records and add new ones
option.
Transfer safety-related values to other parts
If you want to transfer existing safety-related values to other parts, you can,
e.g. in the tree of parts management, use the new popup menu item Paste
safety-related values.
First select the desired part with the safety-related values and then select the
Copy popup menu item. Using the Paste safety-related values popup
menu item you can then transfer these safety-related values to other
selected parts. During the inserting, already existing safety-related values
are overridden.
Selecting Use Case on Device
The safety-related values are stored in an EPLAN project by assigning to the
relevant devices in the schematic the appropriate parts.
In the property dialog of devices in the Part tab, you can select the use case
to be applied to such a part. For this purpose, use the new Safety-related
values: Use case in use (ID 20307) part reference property. You can select
the use cases specified for the respective part from the drop-down list of this
property.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 36
Outputting Safety-related Values in Reports
The data of the selected use case are transferred to the new part reference
properties for safety-related values (ID 40321-40339), and this way can be
exported via the bill of materials.
Tip:
To display the data for safety-related values on a device, you can also use
the new properties (ID 40321-40339). For this purpose, on the device in the
Display tab, create a user-defined property arrangement with an additionally selected part reference property (e.g., Safety-related values:
MTBF (ID 40336)).
Outputting Safety-related Values in Reports
The safety-related values stored in an EPLAN project can be output also in
the Parts list report and in Labeling. For this purpose, the "Part reference"
placeholder element was extended to include the new part reference properties for safety-related values (ID 40321-40339).
In order to output the safety-related values in a graphical overview, you must
adjust your forms for the parts list, and place the required properties for the
safety-related values as a placeholder text in the respective form.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 37
Extended Support of EN Norm 81346
Extended Support of EN Norm 81346
The EN 81346 norm is an internationally accepted specification to identify
objects (display units in a process). The identification comprises all trades
and can be used flexibly. Thanks to different aspects (display types), the documentation is easier to understand for different users.
An aspect describes in which way an object is seen. Thus the product aspect
clearly documents which physical parts make up a plant, a construction unit,
etc.
The product aspect is taken into account via the product aspect (preceding
sign "-"). You can now use this product aspect in the project structure as an
additional way of structuring devices. You can also specify trade-spanning
nesting here.
Recommendation
For optimum program support, EPLAN recommends assigning an identifying
product aspect ("-") to all devices. Additional describing aspects can enhance
structuring, if required. In the EPLAN platform, the function aspect is taken
into account via the higher-level function (preceding sign "=") and the location aspect via the mounting location (preceding sign "+").
Benefit:
By structuring projects with product aspects, the designed machines can
now be completely structured by their mechanical structure. Thanks to
trade-spanning nesting, additionally a consistent, easy-to-understand designation is achieved.
We discuss the following topics in the next sections:
"Use Product Aspects for Structuring" on page "39"
"Trade-spanning Nesting" on page "41".
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 38
Use Product Aspects for Structuring
Use Product Aspects for Structuring
You specify in the project properties of a project whether the product aspect
will be used as a structuring element, and the manner in which substructures
of the product aspect will be displayed. For this purpose, new settings were
added to the Extended project structures dialog, which you can reach from
the project properties via the [Other] button.
Based on the extensions, this dialog was split into two tabs in Version 2.3.
The new Display tab contains the new settings for the product aspect, and
the previously existing Identifier blocks group box. The settings for nesting
the identifiers and for importing structures are now found on the new Inheritance tab.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 39
Use Product Aspects for Structuring
Extended reference identification:
If you want to use the product aspect as a structuring element, you must first
go to the Display tab to activate the new Extended reference identification
check box. Doing so will ensure that the settings in the Product aspect
group box are available and can be activated.
In addition, this setting will also change the behavior with respect to the input
and reporting of device tags. For example, in the Full DTdialog, the edit fields
for the DT are displayed in a table. In the process, each DT and each lowerlevel DT are displayed in a separate row. For more information on the
changed behavior, see the online help of the Display tab.
If the check box is deactivated, the behavior for entry and evaluation of the
DTs corresponds to the behavior in previous EPLAN versions (version 2.2 or
older). In this case, the product aspect is not available as structuring element.
Use for structuring:
If this check box is activated, the product aspect – i.e., the identifier block for
the device (preceding sign "-") – is used as an additional structuring element.
The fields next to it contain the preceding signs and separators for the "product aspect". The preceding sign is always "-". Possible separators are "-"
or ".".
Note:
If the full-stop is selected as separator for the product aspect, some functionalities of the EPLAN platform are no longer usable completely since
they are contrary to the usage of the full-stop as separator. Among others
this includes functionalities which use subcounters and full-stop-separated
fluid designations.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 40
Trade-spanning Nesting
Like for the identifier blocks "Higher-level function", "Installation site", etc.,
the Automatic separation when number is followed by letter setting is
also available for the product aspect. If this check box is activated, a switch
from a digit to a character within a structure identifier will be interpreted as a
substructure.
Notes:
If a project is to be structured only after the product aspect, you must
use a sequential numbering project.
When using the product aspect in a project, higher-level schematic elements, such as structure boxes and black boxes, are used for structuring. For the components to be able to import the device tags of
higher-level structures, in the Inheritance tab in the Nesting group box,
the settings Structure box, General DTs, Terminal strips, Plugs,
Cables, and Fluid devices must be activated.
For the components to import the structure identifiers of their surroundings, in the Inheritance tab, the Always nest structure identifiers at components check box must be activated.
Trade-spanning Nesting
So far, the EPLAN platform did not allow, for example, for electrical engineering devices to import structure identifiers or device tags from higher-level
schematic elements (e.g., structure boxes and black boxes) from other
trades. In EPLAN Version 2.3, you can now specify for your project that the
devices are nested in the entire project in a trade-spanning manner.
In the Extended project structures dialog, the new Inheritance tab was
extended to include the new Trade-spanning setting. If the check box is
checked, electrotechnical devices adopt, for example, the DT of a fluid black
box. In order for this to work, the same device structure must be used for all
trades. This check box is deselected by default.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 41
User Interface
User Interface
Configure display of additional information in tree views
In the tree views of different navigators and dialogs for parts, additional information for the quick identification of objects and parts has been displayed for
some time now:
In the tree of project data navigators:
For structure identifiers, descriptions are displayed additionally that were
stored for the respective structure identifiers in structure identifier management in the Structure description field.
In the tree of parts management (and other parts dialogs):
In addition to the part number, texts are displayed for parts that were
entered in the respective part field Designation 1.
In the tree of the layout space navigator:
For components contained in layout spaces, further information, such as
item description, DT, etc. can be displayed in addition to the item designation (including grouping signs). The configuration of such information
used to be set via the View popup menu item.
In the new Version 2.3, you can now specify whether and which additional
information is to be displayed in the respective tree view.
Benefit:
The "talking" descriptions facilitate your selection of data in the navigators
and parts dialogs. In terms of custom configuration, you yourself now control whether and which additional information is displayed.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 42
Configure display of additional information in tree views
To configure such a setting for a navigator, select from the popup menu or
via the button the new Configure representation menu item. In the Configure representation dialog that then opens, you can specify the display
and sequence of the respective data. Which properties can be selected for
additional display depends on the location from where you call up the dialog.
Example:
If you open the Configure representation dialog, for example, for the tree
view of the page or device navigator, you can select here the descriptions
of structure identifiers (Structure description, Structure description 2,
and Structure description 3) to display in the tree views.
The structure descriptions in the navigators are now also placed in brackets
(in analogy to the additional texts in parts management) to distinguish them
better from the structure identifiers.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 43
Configure display of additional information in tree views
Tree of the layout space navigator
As part of this standardization, the View popup menu item has been
replaced by the new Configure representation popup menu item. For the
components of a layout space, in the tree view – as before – the respective
item designation with the preceding grouping sign is displayed by default.
The properties selected in addition to the item designation are displayed in
the tree in brackets.
If no check box is activated in the Configure representation dialog, the tree
of the layout space navigator only displays the item designation without
grouping sign. If in this dialog a property other than the item designation is
activated (e.g., Part number) for which some components do not contain a
value, the item designation will be displayed for such components.
Renamed column configuration
The Configure representation dialog is also used for the configuration of
columns in the list views of navigators and parts dialogs. For the column configuration, check boxes of properties are displayed that you can select as columns for the list view. Accordingly, the Configure columns popup menu
item has also been renamed:
Old name:
New name:
Configure columns
Configure representation
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 44
Paste Copied Values from Properties
Paste Copied Values from Properties
In the property dialogs of devices, pages, forms, etc., the Properties group
box for the property table now includes the new Paste properties / values
popup menu item. Using this popup menu item, you can paste one or several
properties, including their values, that have been copied from another object.
Benefit:
Using the Paste properties / values function, you can quickly paste copied values of selected properties in another location and thus make them
available for other objects (e.g., devices).
First, copy the values of the required property (e.g., also the text for the
Remark property) via the Copy popup menu item. Then open another property dialog in the graphical editor, click any location in the property table, and
select Paste properties / values popup menu item. The copied values are
pasted for the selected properties (in the example, this includes, among
other things, the text for the Remark property). If a property has not been displayed in the table yet, it – and the copied value – will be shown after pasting.
Extended Property Selection
Sorting option for property selection
The new version now allows you to sort the properties displayed in the Property selection dialog.
Benefit:
The new sorting options in the property selection accelerate the identification and selection of the relevant properties.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 45
Extended Property Selection
For this purpose, property selection now provides the Property name column. In addition, the Value column is displayed everywhere where values
are possible. Since many properties generally do not include values, you can
gain a quick overview of the properties of interest through sorting by value.
By clicking the respective column header, you can sort the properties (first
alphanumerically ascending, then descending; a third click will restore the
original sequence). As with other list views, an arrow symbol in the column
header indicates the sorting direction.
Easier property selection for property arrangement
To facilitate property selection for the property arrangement in a clearer
manner, the lists with the properties for certain objects (auxiliary functions,
connection definition points, etc.) are not distributed across several tabs any
more. Instead, the Source object field in the left-hand area displays the possible sources (such as function, main function, connection definition point,
etc.) for property placement. On the right-hand side of the actual selection, all
properties are listed that are available for the source highlighted.
This extension of property selection is also displayed for the following
actions:
For placing special texts – page properties
For editing placed properties in the symbol editor.
In the property dialog of the respective object, you open this property selection by selecting the Component tab in the Display tab for the property
arrangement, and clicking the
(New) button.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 46
Settings as Buttons in Toolbars
Example:
The following illustration shows the new sorting possibilities in property
selection as well as the clearly structured arrangement of the source
objects in a property selection for property arrangement of an auxiliary function.
Settings as Buttons in Toolbars
In the EPLAN user interface, you can now store settings as buttons in a toolbar, and also configure specific values.
Benefit:
By using the two new actions in user-defined buttons, you can actuate
frequently used settings with just a few clicks on the toolbar. Reduce the
time required for repetitive tasks to a minimum and save time during
project design.
For this purpose, the Customize dialog to change toolbars has been
extended to include the two following actions:
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 47
Settings as Buttons in Toolbars
"Define project setting".
With this action (action name: XAfActionSettingProject), you can
define a project setting.
"Define setting".
With this action (action name: XAfActionSetting), you can define user,
workstation or company settings.
For both actions, the command line parameters /set:"?" and /value:"?"
are used. Using /set, you specify the setting path and the name of the setting in the command line. Specify the value of the setting using the /value
parameter. When a project setting is defined via the XAfActionSettingProject action, the currently selected project is determined, and the setting
is changed there.
If you wish to store one of the two actions as a button in a toolbar, the Set button dialog is opened, and the Command line field is preset to a sample
entry. Adjust this command line call accordingly.
Example:
You want to display and / or hide the property names of the placed properties (Show property names setting) in the graphical editor by means of
a toolbar. For this, you require two buttons with a command line of differing
configuration.
To display property names, enter the following in the command line of the
Set button dialog for one button:
XAfActionSetting
/set:"USER.GedViewer.View.ShowPropertyNames" /value:"1"
For the button that is used to disable this user-specific setting for graphical
editing again, enter the following in the command line:
XAfActionSetting
/set:"USER.GedViewer.View.ShowPropertyNames" /value:"0"
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 48
Change Scheme Description
Tip:
To determine the name and setting path of the respective setting, you can
first export the settings of the respective dialog. Open the exported xml file,
for example, in Internet Explorer, and obtain the required information from
this file.
Change Scheme Description
The descriptions of schemes for settings and filters so far could be entered
only at the time of creating a scheme. With any subsequent modification of a
scheme, the Description field was grayed out and could not be edited. In the
new version, this field – as most other scheme settings as well – can be
edited and, thus, also changed subsequently. When a scheme is saved, a
changed description text is adopted as well.
Change Font Size in Tables with Mouse Wheel
In many dialogs with table representation, you can now increase or decrease
the font size in tables by pressing the [Ctrl] key and simultaneously scrolling
the mouse wheel. For example, this is possible in the Message management dialog, in layer management or in connection with editing in tables. If
you wish to return to the original font size, select for the respective table the
new Font size 100% popup menu item.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 49
Improved User Guide through Reduced Settings and Menu Items
Improved User Guide through Reduced Settings and Menu Items
For reasons of simplification and transparency, several settings and menu
items have been removed from the program.
Benefit:
More transparent settings and menus in the EPLAN platform will make it
easier for you to navigate the program.
Settings
The following unnecessary settings have been removed:
The Display in title bar setting.
In the Settings: User interface dialog, this user-specific setting has been
removed. The title bar of the EPLAN platform now displays for an opened
project always the complete information (project name with project path
and page name).
The Adjust line thickness to page scale when inserting macros setting.
This check box in the project-specific general settings for graphical editing
became superfluous in this version, because the scalability of the line
thickness, pattern length, etc. can now be configured via layer management when inserting macros and other elements (see section "Layer
Management" on page "67").
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 50
Improved User Guide through Reduced Settings and Menu Items
Menu items
Miscellaneous functions were used by users only rarely in the past, or can be
executed more easily in different ways. The associated menu items have
now been removed from the user interface.
The following unnecessary menu items have been removed:
Menu item Connection point direction.
Several display aids of the View menu (Cable conductor, External targets) are displayed as small arrows in the graphical editor. To make the
view in the graphical editor more transparent, the Connection point
direction menu item has now been removed.
Menu item Cross-reference DTs
(previous menu path: Project data > Device).
To continue merging components with different device tags into a new
device, you can use function-independent block editing.
The associated dialog that you open via the menu path Edit > Non-function-specific properties has been extended for this reason to include the
Full DT field. Moreover, via the subsequent Full DT dialog, it is now possible to assign several functions to the same higher-level function or the
same mounting location.
Menu item Use list of results 2.
This unnecessary menu item has been removed from the Find menu. In
analogy to this, the List of results 2 tab / option has also been removed
from the dialogs Search results and Find.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 51
Settings
Settings
Browse settings
The extensive potential of the EPLAN platform is also reflected in its large
number of setting options. To assist you in finding a special setting, you now
have a new search function in the settings.
Benefit:
With the new search function, you can reduce the settings to a manageable number. This way, you can find and edit settings more quickly.
When searching in settings, each word in the tree view and the user interface
texts of the settings dialogs is taken into account. Note that you do not have
to worry about case-sensitivity when entering a search term. The program
only searches for texts in the determined dialog language. Matches will
include words in which the entered search term is simply a part of the word.
Thus, in the case of an English user interface, a search term "Space" will also
find the setting "Workspace".
Notes:
Please note that only texts and no specified values are found when
searching in the settings.
Logical operators (AND / OR operation) and placeholders (such as * or
?) are not supported in this search.
If settings dialogs are not displayed to a user on account of the current
license or the rights assigned in rights management, the settings of
these dialogs are not found during a search.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 52
Browse settings
When searching in the settings, user interface texts of subsequent
dialogs are also browsed and found. Thus, for a search for the term
"cable definition line", the Settings: Cable (automatic) dialog is listed.
The actual match, however – the setting At cable definition line – is
located in the subsequent dialog Settings: Cable generation. This subsequent dialog is reached by clicking [...] in the previous settings dialog
for the Cable generation field.
The settings dialog above the tree view has been extended to include a new
input field for finding settings. Into this field enter the text for which the search
is to be carried out in the settings. You start actual search with the [Enter]
key. If you have not entered a search term, the field is characterized with the
gray text "Find".
As soon as entering the first character, the list below the entry field displays
all matches. The following must be noted in connection with the matching
results:
If the entered text is not found in the settings, no matching results are displayed.
Matching results show a maximum of 10 entries. If more matches are
found, you can use the scroll bar on the margin to move the section of the
matching results.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 53
Browse settings
Using the arrow keys [Down] / [Up], you can navigate through matching
results. In the process, the respective highlighted match is displayed in
the input field of the search. If while navigating the list you move the cursor down over the last entry or up over the first entry, the input field again
displays the search term entered.
Some matches in the matching results may be preceded by terms in
round brackets (.e.g, "(Terminals / plugs)"). These are the names of
group boxes in which a found setting occurs in the user interface.
If you select an entry in the list of matching results by mouse click, then this
term is applied to the entry field and the search started. Tree view will then be
reduced to the dialogs containing the search term.
If you want to return to the original view of tree display, remove the search
term from the entry field. Click
(Delete) to do so. This will also restore the
originally made selection in tree view if, during search, you have not selected
another settings area.
A search term entered is not stored. If you close the settings dialog after a
search and then open it again, the tree displays again all settings. Only the
setting range highlighted most recently is selected again.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 54
Browse settings
Example:
You want to find settings for the project master data. As you enter the term
"Project master data" in the entry field, you are given various suggestions
in the matching results.
After you have selected the term "Project master data" in the list with a
mouse click, the tree view is reduced to the settings dialogs where this term
occurs.
In the figure of the settings dialog, by way of an example, one of the possible matches has been highlighted with a selection.
Tip:
If there is not sufficient space for displaying the terms in the matching
results completely, you can use, for example, the dialog splitter
change the vertical arrangement of the settings dialog.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 55
to
Moved Setting for the Detached Representation of Substructures
Moved Setting for the Detached Representation of Substructures
Using the Detached representation of substructures setting, you can
specify that the substructures of structure identifiers are to be displayed in the
tree views of the navigators as separate tree nodes.
This setting used to be part of the user-specific settings (Settings: Identifier
dialog). However, the representation of the substructures must be uniform for
a project, and must not be different from user to user. For this reason, this setting was now moved to the project settings. Here, you can also use a separate check box for the pages (in the Settings: Project structure (pages)
dialog) and for the navigators Settings: Project structure (navigators).
An automatic import of the previous user setting for the detached representation to the project settings is not possible. If such representation is
desired, then you must enable the settings once per project.
Moved Setting for Display of Property Names
The Show property names setting, which in version 2.2 replaced the Property names menu item of the View menu, applies to all projects and was
erroneously allocated to project settings in the user interface.
In the new version, this check box is now located in the user-specific Settings: 2D dialog (menu path Options > Settings > User > Graphical editing > 2D). If this check box is activated, then the property names are
displayed for all placed properties in all projects and the assigned values are
hidden.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 56
Project Editing
Project Editing
Update the project databases
As part of miscellaneous extensions and optimizations, the project databases have been changed in Version 2.3. These modifications and optimizations make it possible to create new projects essentially with new
project databases.
Consequences for legacy projects
In order for old projects to be edited in the new EPLAN version, updating of
the project databases is absolutely essential for these projects. Old projects
are updated the first time they are opened with the current EPLAN version.
You will see a prompt asking you whether you wish to update.
If you do not update an old project, you will still be able to open this project in
the version 2.3, but you can only view it, and not edit it.
Warning:
New projects and old projects that have been updated can be opened with
the EPLAN versions 2.1, 2.1 SP 1, 2.2, 2.2 HF1, and 2.3. We do, however,
explicitly advise against mixed operation using different EPLAN versions
on the same data. Older EPLAN versions (prior to version 2.1) cannot
open the updated projects anymore!
Publish EPLAN Projects
In order to share an EPLAN project with other persons that do not use an
EPLAN platform product, you can now use the Publish function. Projects
exported via this function can be displayed on mobile devices (smartphones,
tablets) by means of a mobile application that EPLAN will make available in
the future.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 57
Compression of Selection Lists
To publish a highlighted project, select the menu items Projects > Publish.
The Publish dialog that then opens is similar to other, already familiar, export
dialogs (e.g., for PDF export). In this dialog specify the settings for the export
of a project to the EDZ format. The mobile application that EPLAN will make
available in the future will be able to read this file format.
The settings for this export are saved to a scheme. You use the [...] button
next to the Scheme field to open the Settings: Publish, where you can edit
or create a scheme.
In the Export medium group box, select whether the EDZ file is to be saved
on a storage medium or sent as an e-mail. When publishing to storage
media, you can save the EDZ file to a USB device, or burn it directly to a CD /
DVD. When publishing as an e-mail, you can send the EDZ file directly to a
mobile device.
The EDZ file created in this way contains, in compressed form, the complete
project structure (project properties, page properties, layout space properties, function properties). For each project page, a file with the 2D vector
graphic (*.svg) and for each layout space, a file with the 3D graphical data
(*.e3d) is included.
Compression of Selection Lists
In the selection lists of certain properties (e.g., Engraving text, Mounting
site (describing)), all values are displayed that you have already entered for
identical functions elsewhere in the project.
To be able to remove such user-defined, unused entries project-wide, a new
setting is now available for the compression of projects (via the Project >
Organize > Compress menu items). If in the Settings: Compression
dialog, in the area Remove project data, the new User-defined entries in
selection lists check box is activated, then all respective user-defined
entries will be deleted during a subsequent compression. An update of missing entries does not occur.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 58
Graphical Editor
Graphical Editor
Structure boxes with recesses
As a rule, structure boxes were previously drawn as rectangles during the
insertion in the schematic. In version 2.3, you can now set the EPLAN platform such that – depending on the position of the property texts – the upper
left-hand corner of structure boxes is spared and the device tag placed there.
Benefit:
When creating schematics, structure boxes with recesses require less
space than the previous graphical representations of the structure boxes.
If such a display is required, activate in the project-specific settings for graphical editing the new Draw structure boxes with recess check box. (The
menu path for the settings dialog is: Options > Settings > Project >
"Project name" > Graphical editing > General.) By default, the check box
is deactivated, and structure boxes are drawn as simple rectangles.
Whether a recess is displayed depends on the position of the property texts.
To display a recess, the property texts have to be positioned as if they were
located to the upper left of and inside the original rectangle of the structure
box. If, for example, you select the property arrangement "Upper left,
inside, 0°", a recess is displayed for the DT and all docked properties. As an
alternative you can select a similar property arrangement or manually move
the property texts.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 59
Structure boxes with recesses
Example:
The following schematic figure shows two recesses on structure boxes.
A) With the property arrangement "Upper left, inside, 0°".
B) With a user-defined property arrangement: the property texts were
moved manually.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 60
Always Display Separator Before the Page in the Cross-reference
Always Display Separator Before the Page in the Cross-reference
If in the EPLAN platform, the Suppress identical page setting is enabled,
the separator before the page is also suppressed in the corresponding crossreference in addition to the page number. For example, a cross-reference
"/2.6" at an auxiliary function on the same page as the associated main function becomes only ".6". Now you can set the cross-reference display in such
a way that even in such a case, the separator before the page is always displayed (e.g., "/.6").
For this purpose, in the general, project-specific settings for the cross-references, you can now use the new Always display separator before the
page check box. If the check box is enabled, the separator before the page
will always be displayed. This new setting is validated if the Suppress identical page check box above is enabled. (The menu path to this new setting
is: Options > Settings > Projects > "Project name" > Cross-references
/ contact image > General).
Reduced Popup Menu
To reduce the complexity of the popup menu in the graphical editor, several
adjustments have been made:
Popup menu item removed:
The unnecessary popup menu item Select area has been removed from
the popup menu of the graphical editor. Using the mouse, you can open a
frame on a page and thus highlight an area directly. In addition, the function can be called in the graphical editor by pressing the spacebar or via
the menu items Edit > Select > Area.
Adjusted popup menu on Autoconnecting lines:
The popup menu for Autoconnecting lines has so far included some
menu items that could not be executed. In the new version, on Autoconnecting lines in the graphical editor, the same popup menu is now displayed that is also seen when no object has been selected.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 61
Devices
Devices
Changed behavior for connection point designation adoption
When editing in the schematic, the connection point designation of a component can be imported from a function in the search direction. In the new
EPLAN version 2.3, this complex, for beginners and new users confusing,
behavior has been disabled by default. As a result, only the connection point
designations of the current function are displayed in the properties dialog. No
connection point designations are carried over to other functions.
However, if the previous behavior – connection point designation adoption for
subsequent components – is required, activate in the new Settings: Compatibility dialog the Adopt connection point designation check box. The
menu path for the new settings dialog is: Options > Settings > Projects >
"Project name" > Management > Compatibility. The long-term plan is for
EPLAN to end support for settings in this dialog.
Defined Devices
Standardized behavior when inserting and generating defined devices
A new project setting has been implemented for the new version: Consider
macro when generating devices. This setting now also affects the inserting of devices in the graphical editor.
By default, this setting (under Options > Settings > Projects > "Project
name" > Devices > General) is deactivated. In this case, when inserting a
device in the graphical editor, no unplaced functions will be generated. This
corresponds to the behavior when generating devices in navigators where an
unplaced function is generated only from the main function when the setting
is deactivated. That is, unnecessary, unplaced functions are no longer generated for either of these actions. For more information on this topic, go to the
online help and look up the section "Procedure for Inserting Devices".
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 62
Project Data Navigators
Project Data Navigators
Synchronize navigators upon opening
Objects highlighted in the graphical editor, message management or in the
Search results dialog can now be synchronized automatically when opening
project data navigators, without you having to select the popup menu item
Synchronize selection.
If such a behavior is required, activate the new user-specific Synchronize
navigators upon opening setting. (The menu path for the settings dialog is:
Options > Settings > User > Display > General.)
If this check box is activated, and you have highlighted, for example, one or
several objects on an opened page, the selection will be synchronized when
you open a project data navigator. For quick opening, click the required button of a navigator in the Navigators toolbar. The highlighted objects are
already also highlighted in the opened navigator, if it contains the objects.
Bill of Materials Navigator
Same item number for identical devices
When assigning item numbers in the bill of materials navigator, you can now
assign for identical devices with the same part number the same item
number. This way, you obtain more transparent reports for the bill of materials. For example, only one item number is output in the summarized parts
list for identical devices.
Benefit:
In assigning item numbers, there is no need for manual post-processing of
the preview of result. The bill of materials can be updated more quickly.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 63
Same item number for identical devices
To assign item numbers, in the popup menu of the bill of materials navigator
select the Add item numbers menu item. In this version, the Number
items dialog has been extended to include the Same number for identical
devices check box.
Activate this check box, if devices with identical part numbers are to be given
the same item numbers.
If the check box is deselected, the item numbers are assigned regardless of
the device.
Note:
Note that devices without an assigned part number are treated like different devices, i.e., they are always assigned a new item number.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 64
Editing in Tables
Editing in Tables
Edit macro boxes in table
The properties of macro boxes are now also displayed when editing in table
and can be edited there in a blockwise manner. The editing of highlighted
functions, connections, and macro boxes is done independently of each
other in separate tables.
Benefit:
You can now edit in table the properties of macro boxes in a macro project
quickly and transparently. This way, even data of extensive macro projects
can be edited easily and centrally with minimal effort.
For editing in table, the Edit function data dialog now includes the new
Macro boxes tab. The column configuration of this tab is done, like with the
other two tabs Functions and Connections, by means of a separate
scheme.
In the Macro boxes tab, the properties of the associated macro boxes are
displayed for the highlighted project / highlighted pages or macros (e.g.,
Macro: File name, Macro: Version, Macro: Description, etc.). You can
edit these properties in a macro project. In a schematic project, the property
data is only displayed, and you cannot edit it.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 65
Global Editing
Global Editing
Modified License Dependency
The global editing of properties in the Properties (global) processing mode
allows you to edit the common properties of distributed functions in one
action at the same time. The function representations of a device for which
you did not have a license before (e.g., electrical engineering functions with a
license for EPLAN Fluid) could not be edited globally. The new version has
changed the license dependency of this processing mode. The license check
now depends on the function at which you start global editing.
Example:
With a license for EPLAN Fluid you can globally edit an electrical engineering valve that has been placed, for example, in the Fluid schematic with the
"Pair cross-reference" representation type (e.g., the entry for the Technical characteristics field). This way, you modify at the same time the
properties of the cross-referenced counterpiece with the "Multi-line" representation type on the electrical engineering page. If you open, for the
license described, the property dialog for the electrical engineering valve
with the multi-line representation, the dialog fields will be grayed out, and
cannot be edited due to the Fluid power license.
Example:
With a license for the "EPLAN Operational Sequence" extension module,
you can now modify a function in an operational sequence sheet with the
"Functional" representation type through global editing in such a way that
the multi-line representation of this function is also modified in electrical
engineering.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 66
Layer Management
Layer Management
Defining scalability via the layer
In layer management, you can now set whether the elements on a specific
layer are to be taken into account for scaling purposes or not. Such a scaling
can, for example, occur if you change the page scale or insert a macro on a
page which has another page scale than the one used during macro creation.
In the Layer management dialog, you can now use the new Scalable column for this purpose. Activate this check box if the elements on this layer are
to be scaled, too, in the case of scaling. Then, line thickness, pattern length,
and font size of lines, texts and dimensioning will be scaled and adjusted.
Creating User-defined 3D Layers
In layer management, it is now possible to create new user-defined layers for
layout spaces. For this purpose, the Layer management dialog has been
extended to include the 3D layer column. When creating a new layer via
(New), activate the associated check box in this column to select and use this
layer in layout spaces.
Tip:
The hierarchical structure of the layers in the tree view is generated from
the layer description. Since the properties (and, thus, also the layer description) for the creation of a new layer are imported from the highlighted layer,
select for practical purposes the "3D graphic" node or a layer below such
node. This way, the new layer is arranged within the area of the 3D graphic,
and the 3D layer check box, already activated, is imported from another
3D layer.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 67
Reports
Reports
Update reports independently of licensing
Reports contained in an EPLAN project can now always be updated independently of the licensing and across all trades. This is also true of the model
views, 2D drilling views, and copper unfolds contained in a project. In this context, it does not matter whether the selected pages are updated with respect
to reports, model views, etc., whether the update occurs in the Reports tab
of the respective dialog, or whether a report is generated for the project.
The generation of new reports and the generation of reports of existing report
templates continue to be dependent on the licensing. This way, for example,
you cannot generate a report of the "Mounting list" type if your licensed addons do not include a license extension for EPLAN Pro Panel Professional.
Benefit:
Regardless of the specific type of EPLAN licensing, data and reports can
now be updated and provided in a project comprehensively at any time.
External Editing
Improved ergonomics
So-called "external editing" allows data to be output from EPLAN, externally
edited, and then reloaded. For this version, the menu options, dialogs, and
processing steps when editing externally were adjusted to those of labeling.
Benefit:
Consistent ergonomics and procedure reduce familiarization time and simplify operation for occasional users. This will greatly reduce the complexity
of external editing.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 68
Improved ergonomics
Reduced menu items
The menu items of external editing which can be reached via the menu path
Utilities > Edit properties externally were reduced, thus becoming very
clearly structured:
Export of data:
Export is now not carried out via different menu items any more, but only
by means of the Export data menu item. If you have opened a page, the
objects of this selected page are now used for data export - just as with
other export processes.
Settings:
The menu options for the settings were removed. The settings are saved
in schemes and can be opened in the export dialog and then be edited.
Similarly, there is only one settings dialog for external editing in the settings under Options > Settings > User > Interfaces > External
editing.
Import of data:
For the import of externally edited data select the Import data menu
item.
New features concerning data export
The Edit externally dialog for the export of data was also adapted to the
export dialog for labeling.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 69
Improved ergonomics
The drop-down list of the renamed field Settings (previously: Scheme) now
displays all predefined schemes for external editing of pages, functions, etc.
The type of objects to be output during the export is displayed in the new field
Object type. The object type (e.g. "All functions", "Cables", etc.) is selected
when creating a new scheme for external editing and cannot be modified subsequently. The possible object types can be found in the online help in the
"External Editing" topic.
By means of the well-known check box Apply to entire project you can output the data of the respective object type independent of the current selection.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 70
Improved ergonomics
Applying settings from previous versions
In the old EPLAN versions, the schemes with the settings for external editing
were saved independently of each other and with different hierarchy paths.
This was changed for the new version. Thus, the hierarchy path is now
always: User.Interfaces.External editing.
To be able to apply settings from previous versions, the schemes have to be
exported in the old version first. This can be done either for all schemes of an
area via the (Export) button in the left-hand area of the settings dialog (toolbar above the tree structure of the settings ranges) or for an individual
scheme via the (Export) button in the right-hand area of the settings dialog
(toolbar next to the Scheme field).
In the new version, the schemes with the "old" settings can then be imported
by means of the (Import) button in the left-hand area of the settings dialog.
During this import, the schemes are converted into the new XML format.
New features concerning data import
Previously you could use the Import new pages / functions setting to determine whether new objects (pages, functions, etc.), which had been created in
the externally edited file, were to be imported or not. This setting on the General tab has been removed.
If now there are new objects in the externally edited file, a prompt is displayed
asking whether the new objects are to be imported into the project. If you confirm with [Yes], the new objects are also imported.
During the external editing of loops, PCT loop elements, PCT loop functions,
and consumers, no new objects are generated. For this reason, the prompt is
not displayed during such an import.
If new objects are generated during an import of the data or if errors occur,
the System messages dialog will display the corresponding information.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 71
Parts Management
Parts Management
Update the parts database
When starting the program following an initial installation, the current parts
database will be available to you immediately.
If you work with several EPLAN versions (e.g., when switching to version 2.3)
and have in version 2.3 an "older" parts database, you will be prompted upon
opening parts management to update the parts database. If you answer this
prompt with [Yes], the parts database is updated.
If you click [No], then the parts database is not updated. The parts management data fields will then remain empty and cannot be edited.
Other program features which also access the data in the parts database will
output an equivalent message if the parts database does not correspond to
the current version.
Note:
If you work with several EPLAN versions, then we recommend using the
latest EPLAN version when editing and managing the parts database. An
updated parts database can be opened in older EPLAN versions, for example, to select parts or devices, but cannot be edited.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 72
Discontinued Parts in Parts Management
Discontinued Parts in Parts Management
Parts that are no longer used can now be identified in parts management as
"discontinued parts".
Benefit:
As a rule, discontinued parts are replaced by a newer model but remain in
as-is projects and have to be managed transparently. In version 2.3,
EPLAN facilitates the central management of discontinued parts by characterizing them in parts management and by means of a new check run.
Once centrally stored in parts management, the information is directly
available in the entire project design team. Thus, EPLAN creates more
transparency in the engineering process and facilitates the management of
discontinued parts.
The General tab of parts management was extended for this purpose
directly below the Part number field to include the new Discontinued part
check box. Activate this check box if the part is to be characterized as "not
used any more".
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 73
Dynamic Columns for Function Templates
Use filters for discontinued parts
To display in parts management, part selection, part master data or bill of
materials navigator only parts that must not be used anymore, you can use
the new Discontinued part (ID 22258) property as a filter criterion for the
field-based filter. This property is available to you also for the column configuration of the list view in these dialogs. This is also true of the list of main
parts in the device selection.
Such parts can also be displayed in the device list. For this purpose, you can
activate in the Configure representation dialog the new Discontinued part
property (ID 23215).
Check project for discontinued parts in use
Using the new check run message 007024 in message class 007 "Devices",
you can check whether there are still discontinued parts in use in the project.
If such a part is assigned to a device, this message will be output.
Consideration in reports
In the "Parts list" and "Summarized parts list" reports, the Discontinued
part (ID 22258) property can also be output. For this purpose, place this property as a placeholder text in the respective forms of these reports. In addition,
the property can be used as a filter criterion in the output of these two reports.
Dynamic Columns for Function Templates
So far, it has mainly been the product group of the part that has determined
which columns in the Device selection (function templates) table of the
Function templates tab are displayed. With the new version of the EPLAN
platform, the columns are now compiled dynamically depending on the
selected function definition.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 74
Dynamic Columns for Function Templates
Benefit:
With the improved display of the function templates, you can now also map
complex devices with greatly differing function templates in the parts
management, and enter the appropriate properties of these function templates.
If no function template has been stored yet for a part, then no columns are displayed either. If you then add a function template via the
(New) button, the
Function definitions dialog is opened first. After the selection of any function definition, the appropriate columns of this function definition are displayed.
Click again
(New) to create a copy of the currently highlighted row. In the
process, the data (function definition, connection point designation, etc.) are
applied to the current row.
In the selection of another differing function definition, specific columns for
this function definition are displayed additionally. Cells where nothing can be
input are shown as grayed out.
As part of these modifications, some possible data for the function templates
were also corrected. For example, for the "Cable definition" function definition, an input in the Connection color / number (previously: "Color /
no."), Shielded by, Pair index, and Potential type columns is no longer possible.
Effects on the device selection
The list Selected parts: Functions / templates of the Device selection
dialog displays for the functions / templates both data of function templates
(e.g., Function definition) and important parts data (e.g., Part number).
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 75
Description of Function Templates
In this list, the columns with template data are now compiled dynamically in
analogy to the function templates in parts management. Which columns are
displayed depends on the function definition of the main function, on the function definitions of the other functions of the device, and on the function templates of the selected part.
In the column configuration of the list (via Popup menu > Configure representation), all columns displaying data of function templates are summarized under the entry Template data. Using this check box you can show
/ hide all columns with template data.
Description of Function Templates
In parts management, you can now insert describing texts for the templates
of a part.
Benefit:
The descriptions of templates help you with the placing of complex
devices, such as a number of device connection points. On the basis of the
stored describing texts, you can recognize in the navigators more easily
which device function is hidden behind which template.
For this purpose, the Device selection (function templates) table on the
Function templates tab was extended to include the Description column.
The description can be entered by way of multilingual input. A text entered in
this column is not applied to the function during the selection of the part / the
insertion of a device.
For this, the description is displayed at the templates in the tree views of the
navigators. In tree view, the description is displayed in square brackets and is
directly behind the function definition.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 76
Quicker Full-text Search for SQL Server as Parts Database
Example:
The following figure shows the descriptions of the templates for an auxiliary
contactor and its contacts in the device navigator.
Quicker Full-text Search for SQL Server as Parts Database
If you use an SQL server for your parts database in parts management, you
can now accelerate the full-text filter of parts management via a quicker fulltext search.
Benefit:
When using an SQL server, full-text search is accelerated substantially,
and the complete performance of an SQL server is utilized.
For this purpose, the SQL server setting dialog has been extended to
included the Use SQL server full-text search check box. If this check box is
activated, parts management uses the full-text search integrated on the SQL
server for the Full-text filter field. The search index is generated during the
first full-text search routine and automatically updated by the SQL server
whenever parts data is changed. Since the update is performed on the SQL
server, no additional computing power is needed by EPLAN, thus accelerating the search.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 77
Common Directory for Outlines and Macros
Notes:
"Advanced Services" must be installed and configured on the SQL
server in order for full-text search to be running in the background.
Unlike the "normal" full-text search, only search terms are found which
are at the beginning of a word. When entering the search term INTER,
e.g., you will therefore find parts with the designation INTERBUS, when
entering BUS, however, you will not.
If the check box is deactivated, the same full-text search is used as for an
Access parts database even when using the SQL server.
Common Directory for Outlines and Macros
For different items (busbars, user-defined rails, etc.), you can store outlines
at the associated parts in parts management. The outlines are then used for
placing these items in the layout space.
Outline drawings are assigned via the Technical data tab in the same field
where you can also store macros (with 2D data). If for the Macro field you
click the [...] button, a file selection dialog opens where you can select both
macros and files of the "Outline extrusion (*.fc2)" type. From Version 2.3, the
same default directory is used for outlines and macros.
Benefit:
Given that the same default directory is used for outlines and macros, you
can immediately access the outline drawings during the selection in the
parts management. The complicated search in directories is a thing of the
past.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 78
Ignored Fields
Together with this adjustment, the following modifications were implemented:
The directory setting for outlines was removed from the Settings: Directories dialog.
The associated path variable $(MD_CONTOUR) was also removed.
All outlines supplied by EPLAN as master data are now stored in the
macro directory at the time of the installation.
Accordingly, no outline directories are created during the installation.
In the outline editor and during data backup of outlines, the default directories have been converted to the macro directory specified in the directory settings.
Ignored Fields
The Identifier field on the Technical data tab, as well as the fields Symbol
library and Symbol number on the Function templates tabs, have so far
been used, for example, for reasons of compatibility with EPLAN 5.
In addition, the field Nominal width of the Process engineering tab should
not be used any more. It is also only available for compatibility reasons with
older EPLAN versions. In older EPLAN projects (created with version 2.2 or
earlier), this property was used to assign the diameter of a pipe / hose line or
the size / connection size of a control valve (valve, slide) to a part variant.
With the new version, the data in these fields will be ignored.
Note:
Note that the fields Identifier, Symbol library, Symbol number, and
Nominal width will be removed from the parts management user interface in the next version.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 79
Ignored Fields
These modifications have the following effects:
Inserting of devices:
When inserting devices, symbol assignments (symbol library / symbol
number) will no longer be taken into account.
Automatic filter of parts selection:
In the automatic filter of parts selection, the properties Identifier, Symbol
number, and Symbol library will no longer be taken into account.
The Automatic filter dialog now allows, instead, for the function definition of the device to be used as a filter criterion. Activate this check box
so that only those parts will be offered that have the same function template as the device highlighted.
The following figure shows, by way of an example, an automatic filter for a
device with the "Safety fuse" function definition.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 80
Tab "PLC data" for Further Parts
Tab "PLC data" for Further Parts
In preparation of future functions, the PLC data tab is now also displayed for
electrical, fluid power and process engineering parts that are not part of the
"PLC" product group. Excepted from this extension are module parts as well
as parts from the following product groups:
"Cable"
"Terminal"
"Plugs"
"Connections".
Continue to enter the PLC-specific data only for parts of the "PLC" product
group.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 81
Message Management
Message Management
Display of licensing in the settings
All check runs are now displayed in the settings for messages and check
runs. This means that you can also see the settings of check runs that you
cannot generate with your license.
Benefit:
The display of licensing improves the transparency of exchange and in the
transfer of projects. You can view the settings of messages that you have
not generated, but that exist in the project.
In the Settings: Messages and checks dialog, the table with the possible
messages now has the new Licensed column. This column shows whether
a check run is part of the current license in use. If the field has a check mark,
the check run is contained in the licensed add-ons. However, an empty field
indicates that the check run is not included in the scope of the license in use.
In this case, no settings can be configured for the check run.
Saving Filters in Check Run Schemes
The filters specified in the Settings: Messages and checks dialog for check
run messages were previously not stored in the check run schemes. For
example, this caused a filter set for a check run to be preserved also when
the check run scheme was changed. In the new EPLAN version, the set
filters are now stored in the check run scheme in a project-specific manner.
Thus, when exporting and importing check run schemes, the filter settings
are also carried over.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 82
New Features in the "EPLAN Multi-user Management" Extension Module
New Features in the "EPLAN Multi-user Management"
Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLAN Multi-user Management" extension module is available as an
option for the following program variants:
EPLAN Electric P8 Select, EPLAN Electric P8 Professional, EPLAN Electric P8 Professional+, EPLAN Fluid, EPLAN Fluid Professional, and
EPLAN Pro Panel Professional Stand-alone.
This extension module is part of the default scope of delivery for the following program variants:
EPLAN Electric P8 Ultimate.
Using the "EPLAN Multi-user Management" extension module, you can
divide projects into so-called "defined working sections". This makes the display of large projects more transparent and increases the editing speed.
The division into defined working sections is now done on the basis of filter
schemes. In projects structured by identifier blocks, you can use any combination of existing structure identifiers for the division. In addition, the new
version allows for projects to be divided according to specific trades. This
way, for example, you can now also divide sequentially numbered projects
into defined working sections.
Benefit:
The use of filters to define workspaces allows you to divide your projects
more individually, by several criteria simultaneously, and also by trades.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 83
Improved Ergonomics for Defined Working Sections
We discuss the following topics in the next sections:
"Improved Ergonomics for Defined Working Sections" on page "84"
"Extended Division of Projects into Defined Working Sections" on
page "85"
"Dividing Projects by Trades" on page "87".
Improved Ergonomics for Defined Working Sections
Moved menu
To move the definition of defined working sections closer to project editing,
the Defined working sections menu item (including sub-menu items) was
moved from the Utilities menu to the Project menu.
Open projects with active selection of defined working sections
If the program is started and one of the automatically opened projects is
divided into defined working sections, you will see a program message to this
effect.
If you open a divided project for project editing, the Define working sections dialog is displayed – as before. This way you can tell that the selection
of defined working sections is active, as well as see the sections being edited
and by whom.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 84
Extended Division of Projects into Defined Working Sections
Extended Division of Projects into Defined Working Sections
Activate selection of defined working sections in a project
The selection of defined working sections in a project is still activated, as
before, in the Defined working sections tab of the project properties. For
the division of a project, you can now also use criteria other than the identifier
blocks that exist in the project (e.g., "Higher-level function", "Mounting location", etc.). For this reason, the Identifier block for division field was
removed from the Defined working sections tab.
Extended definition of defined working sections
The dialogs for defining defined working sections previously displayed the
structure identifiers available in the project for the selected identifier block as
possible defined working sections. In the new version, defined working sections are defined by means of filter schemes.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 85
Extended Division of Projects into Defined Working Sections
Schemes are defined in the Define working sections as project administrator dialog. Using the (Edit) button, you open the familiar Filter dialog.
You can view and / or edit the settings for the current scheme there, or create
new schemes. All properties for structure identifiers are available for filtering.
In addition, you can use the new Trade (defined working sections)
(ID 25000) property to filter a project according to specific trades.
Filter options
Several filter criteria can be linked to each other logically. This way, for
example, you can simultaneously filter by a specific structure identifier
and a specific trade.
Placeholders (such as "*" and "?") can be used for the Values column.
For example, this makes it possible to capture structure identifiers with
lower-level substructures in a single filter expression.
Example:
For a filter with the criterion Mounting location (ID 1220), the value S1* is
specified. The defined working section that is defined by this filter scheme
then includes, e.g., pages or functions with the mounting locations S1,
S1.A1, S1.A1.W1, etc.
Select / assign defined working section
Note:
When you use the rights management of EPLAN, the defined working sections can be assigned centrally by a project administrator. Without usage
of rights management each individual user can determine him- / herself in
which defined working sections he / she wants to work.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 86
Dividing Projects by Trades
In the Define working sections dialog, the editor selects – by selecting a
scheme – precisely one of the predefined working sections in the project. To
do so, enable the respective check box for the required scheme in the My
defined working section column.
It is still possible to enter several different editors for one defined working section. This is done in the Define working sections as project administrator
dialog, in the All editors column.
Dividing Projects by Trades
As already mentioned, in the filter schemes for defined working sections, you
can use the new Trade (defined working sections) (ID 25000) property to
divide a project into different defined working sections on the basis of trades.
One or several of the following values can be selected for this property:
Electrical engineering
Fluid power general
Mechanics
Process engineering.
Note:
A defined working section for the "Fluid power general" trade also takes
into account the individual trades "Hydraulics", "Pneumatics", "Cooling",
and "Lubrication". If you have defined such a scheme, the defined working
section will display, e.g., pages with the "Fluid power general" trade as well
as pages for which the individual trades "Hydraulics", "Pneumatics", etc.
have been set.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 87
Multi-user Operation
The division for a trade is done via specific properties for pages, functions,
etc. This way, for example, since EPLAN version 2.2., you have been able to
set the trade for a page using the Trade (ID 11037) page property. To allow
for a continuous value selection, this property has been expanded to include
the "Mechanics" and "General" values.
Report pages now receive the "General" value per default during creation. If
you filter defined working sections by certain trades, pages with the "General" trade are output along any other trade.
Multi-user Operation
Change descriptions of structure identifiers
If several users have opened the same project in the multi-user operation,
these users can now navigate to the Structure identifier management.
Benefit:
The descriptions of structure identifiers can also be changed in the multiuser operation. Thus you can assign a significant description to new structure identifiers in multi-user operation at once and therefore facilitate orientation within the project for all project participants.
In the Identifier dialog, the descriptions in the columns Structure description 1-3 and Structure description Supplementary field [1]-[10] can be
edited at the same time by one user each per structure identifier. Other functionalities for editing structure identifiers in multi-user operation are not available and the corresponding fields and buttons grayed.
Note:
If a user has already opened structure identifier management for a project,
then the project can be edited only by this user exclusively. No other user
can open the project during structure identifier editing.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 88
New Features in the "EPLAN Multi Language Translation" Extension Module
New Features in the "EPLAN Multi Language Translation"
Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLAN Multi Language Translation" extension module is available as
an option for the following program variants:
Electric P8 Select.
This extension module is by default part of the scope of delivery for the following program variants:
EPLAN Electric P8 Professional, EPLAN Electric P8 Professional+,
EPLAN Electric P8 Ultimate, EPLAN Fluid, EPLAN Fluid Professional,
EPLAN PPE, EPLAN PPE Professional, EPLAN Pro Panel Professional
Stand-alone.
This version includes extensions also in the Translation utility, the "EPLAN
Multi Language Translation" extension module.
SQL server database for the dictionary
So far, an Access database has always been used for the dictionary used for
translations on the EPLAN platform. In the new version, the dictionary can
now also be based on an SQL server database. This way, users can use the
dictionary in the 64-bit version of the EPLAN platform, even though the Microsoft Office applications (including Microsoft Access) are installed on the computers in the 32-bit version.
Benefit:
The option of using SQL server databases for the dictionary allows for
greater flexibility for users regarding the programs installed. Storage in an
SQL server database accelerates editing and the access to this data especially in the case of large quantities of data. SQL also provides corresponding advantages in the "Administration" and "Multi-user operation"
areas.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 89
SQL server database for the dictionary
You can now switch between an Access and SQL server database in the dictionary settings. In the respective dialogs, you can use the two options
Access and SQL server.
If you choose an Access database – as before – you do not need to make
any changes.
If you want to use an SQL server database, select the SQL server option
and click [...] to define the settings for using an SQL server in the SQL
server setting dialog. The entries here are required for the SQL server
logon.
Note:
The database settings for the dictionary can be configured both in the translation settings on the User tab and, in the Dictionary dialog, on the
Management tab. (The menu path for the Dictionary dialog is, for example: Utilities > Translation > Edit dictionary.)
Tip:
If you wish to transfer entries from an existing Access database to an SQL
server database, first export the data from the Access dictionary in the
XML format (*.etd), generate a new SQL server database, and then
import the data in the new database.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 90
New Features in the "EPLAN Project Options" Extension Module
Create dictionary
In the Dictionary dialog, you can create a new dictionary based on an SQL
server database. After choosing the SQL server option, you must select the
New menu item below the [Extras] button and input the appropriate entries
in the subsequent dialog.
To see which versions of the Microsoft SQL server are supported for the conversion of the dictionary to an SQL server by the EPLAN platform, see the
section "Software Requirements and Approvals" (see page "206").
New Features in the "EPLAN Project Options" Extension
Module
Note:
The "EPLAN Project Options" extension module is available as an option
for the following program variants:
EPLAN Electric P8 Professional, EPLAN Fluid, and EPLAN Fluid Professional.
This extension module is part of the default scope of delivery for the following program variants:
EPLAN Electric P8 Professional+, EPLAN Electric P8 Ultimate, and
EPLAN Pro Panel Professional Stand-alone.
This extension module allows you to define areas of a machine or plant as
project options and then reveal or hide them within the EPLAN project. This
way, configuration characteristics or a different dimensioning of a machine or
plant can be easily represented and managed by means of project options.
Hidden project options are then also no longer evaluated.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 91
Search in hidden project options
Search in hidden project options
When searching projects with project options, objects in disabled project
options are taken into account if such project options are represented in a
transparent manner. In the EPLAN version 2.3, you can now also find texts or
properties that are part of hidden project options and are thus invisible.
For this purpose, enter your search term in the Find dialog (e.g., an outdated
part number) and enable in the Search location group box the new Hidden
project options check box, so that a search is run for the search term in the
hidden project options.
If the search was successful, the Search results dialog will list the objects
found (e.g., a device with the part number in question). However, doubleclicking this result does not open the property dialog of this object, but the
Section dialog. This dialog shows you the name of the hidden project option
and the name of the hidden section. To edit the object found, you must navigate to the project options navigator and there reveal the hidden project
options again.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 92
New Features in the "EPLAN Revision Management" Extension Module
New Features in the "EPLAN Revision Management" Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLAN Revision Management" extension module is available as an
option for the following program variants:
Electric P8 Select, EPLAN PPE.
This extension module is by default part of the scope of delivery for the following program variants:
EPLAN Electric P8 Professional, EPLAN Electric P8 Professional+,
EPLAN Electric P8 Ultimate, EPLAN Fluid, EPLAN Fluid Professional,
EPLAN PPE Professional, EPLAN Pro Panel Professional Stand-alone.
Via Revision control, the "EPLAN Revision Management" extension module,
modifications of existing machine and plant documentation can be recorded
and documented automatically.
Display revision markers as clouds
Both with change tracking and property comparison of projects, you can now
display your revision markers as "clouds". Such form of graphical markers is
a common type of display, for example, in the US.
For this purpose, the Settings: Revision (graphical representation) dialog
has in the drop-down list Form the new entry "Cloud". This setting can be
configured in all four tabs Added, Changed, New in report, and Deleted.
(You will find the settings for the display of revision markers under Options >
Settings > Projects > "Project name" > Management > Revision
(graphical representation).)
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 93
Display Revision Information Outside Graphical Marker
Example:
The following figure shows a cloud as revision marker in connection with
change tracking for a newly added object.
Display Revision Information Outside Graphical Marker
In revision projects with Change tracking, changes in the properties can be
displayed by means of a marker text. To ensure that this revision information
is displayed in a revision at the modified components, you must create for the
respective components user-defined property arrangements with the added
Revision marker (change tracking) (ID 19030) property. Now you can configure the graphical representation of the revision in such a way that this
revision marker text is displayed outside the graphical marker.
Benefit:
You can position the revision marker texts on a page in any way, without
being disturbed by large and overlapping graphical markers.
For configuring such a setting, the Settings: Revision (graphical representation) dialog now comes with the new Do not highlight revision
marker text check box. If this check box is activated, the revision marker text
is displayed outside of the graphical marker of the components.
The check box is deselected by default. In this case, the graphical marker of
the components also includes the revision marker text.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 94
Merge Revisions
Merge Revisions
If while editing revisions you want to merge different revisions in Change
tracking, you can use the new Merge revisions popup menu item in the Edit
revision data dialog.
Benefit:
The merging of revisions allows you, for example, to combine several internally used revision statuses before you transfer a revision project to external persons or companies.
This popup menu item combines the revisions highlighted in the dialog. For
this purpose, the Generate revision dialog is opened for you to enter a (new
or already existing) revision name and a comment. The revision markers at
the components are updated and the old revision name is replaced by the
new one. The date of the merged revision is the date of the oldest revision
which is merged.
Delete Single Revision Markers
In the revision of projects, you can now delete the revision markers for individual, highlighted objects (components, texts, etc.) via Change tracking.
Benefit:
When deleting single revision markers, you can decide whether "smaller"
changes (e.g., the moving of components) are relevant to the revision.
To delete single revision markers, the graphical editor and the project data
navigators offer for highlighted objects the new Delete revision marker
popup menu item. This action deletes both the revision marker text and the
graphical marker.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 95
New Features in the "EPLAN User Rights Management" Extension Module
New Features in the "EPLAN User Rights Management"
Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLAN User Rights Management" extension module is available as
an option for the following program variants:
EPLAN Electric P8 Select, EPLAN Electric P8 Professional, EPLAN Fluid,
EPLAN Fluid Professional, EPLAN PPE, EPLAN PPE Professional,
EPLAN Pro Panel Professional Stand-alone.
This extension module is part of the default scope of delivery for the following program variants:
EPLAN Electric P8 Professional+, EPLAN Electric P8 Ultimate.
With the "User Rights Management" extension module for rights management, an administrator can configure both the user rights and the user interface (dialogs, menu structure, etc.), of the EPLAN platform.
New data format for rights management
Up to EPLAN version 2.2, the rights of rights management were stored in an
Access database; from version 2.3, an EPLAN-internal data format is used.
To ensure that when switching from an older EPLAN version to version 2.3,
you can continue using your own defined users and groups, in rights management you can import a rights database from a previous EPLAN version (version 2.2 or older) into the new rights management.
To import a rights database from a previous version, select in the menu of
the [Extras] button the new Import menu item. After you have selected the
required rights database using the subsequent dialog, the System messages dialog opens automatically. Here you can see the groups and users
that have been imported into the new data format of rights management.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 96
New data format for rights management
Your own defined groups have already been assigned the new rights of version 2.3. All you have to do is enable the new rights for these groups according to your own specifications.
Note:
With a new data format being used for rights management, the new rights
that have been added since the last EPLAN version are immediately available to the existing EPLAN user groups (administrators, guests, master
data editors, schematic editors). The rights do not require to be updated for
this version. The new rights are enabled by default for the "Administrators"
group.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 97
Special Topics EPLAN Electric P8
Special Topics EPLAN Electric P8
Cables
Conductors renamed to cable connections
In the EPLAN platform, a cable does not only denote the combination of several conductors; due to the possibility of hybrid cables, a cable may also contain optical fiber, tubes, etc.
For this reason, we have replaced the terms "conductor" and "wire" in the
user interface and online help with the more general designation "cable connection" in all instances where these terms were too specific.
This renaming was carried out in miscellaneous locations of the user interface:
in parts management, on the Cable data tab
in the property dialog of cables, on the Cable tab
in miscellaneous cable settings
and in the following menu items:
Old name:
New name:
Menu View:
Cable conductor
Cable connection
Menu Project data > Cables:
Assign conductors
Assign cable connections
Collect conductors
Collect cable connections
(These two instances of renaming were also carried out in the popup
menu of the cable navigator.)
Settings (conductors)
Settings (Cable connections)
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 98
Conductors renamed to cable connections
In addition, several cable properties were also renamed in this version:
Old name:
New name:
ID:
No. of conductors
Number of connections
22031
Conductor cross-section / diameter
Connection: Cross-section / dia- 22032
meter
Unit for conductor cross-section Unit for connection cross-sec/ diameter
tion / diameter
22068
No. of conductors and crosssection / diameter
No. of connections and crosssection / diameter
22069
Cables: Number of conductors
used
Cables: Number of used connections
35100
Cables: Number of free conductors
Cables: Number of free connections
35101
Cables: Number of general con- Cables: Number of general con- 35105
ductors
nections
Cables: Number of all conductors
Cables: Number of all connections
35108
Number of conductors used
(single-line cables)
Number of connections used
(single-line cables)
35109
Cables: Number of conductors
to this target / this source
Cables: Number of connections 35110
to this target / this source
Renamed format elements in the block properties
As part of renaming conductors and wires to more general designations, format elements for the block properties were also renamed.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 99
Terminals / Plugs
Since the subgroup of properties "Parts Cable" below the group "Part" is not
only available in the block properties of cable connections, this group was
renamed. In addition, other properties that can be selected as format elements for this subgroup were given new designations.
Old name:
New name:
ID:
Parts Cable
Part Connection / cable / conduit
–
Cable type / type designation
Type designation
22030
Cable designation in graphic
Designation in graphic
22064
Cable weight (kg/km)
Weight (kg/km)
22067
Terminals / Plugs
Cross-references between distributed terminals
For the display of cross-references between associated distributed terminals,
you can now use the new Distributed terminals cross-reference (ID
20252) property at the terminals. Since this property for distributed terminal
symbols is now part of the default property arrangement, cross-references
are displayed automatically in the schematic for associated distributed terminals that are represented in a distributed manner.
Benefit:
Cross-references between associated distributed terminals make it easier
for you to find the associated distributed terminals in the schematic.
The distributed terminals cross-reference refers from the first distributed terminal (according to the sequence in the terminal strip navigator and, primarily, the main terminal if one exists) to all other distributed terminals with
the same terminal designation. For all other distributed terminals, this crossreference refers back to the first distributed terminal.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 100
New Features in the "EPLAN PLC & Bus Extension" Extension Module
The distributed terminals cross-reference is displayed by default at the new,
separate layer EPLAN444, Property placement.Distributed terminals cross-reference, and can be displayed and hidden via the layer
settings.
New Features in the "EPLAN PLC & Bus Extension" Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLAN PLC & Bus Extension" extension module is optionally available for EPLAN Electric P8 Select. This extension module is part of the
default scope of delivery for EPLAN Electric P8 Professional.
The "PLC & Bus Extension" extension module helps you to manage PLC controllers and bus systems.
Extended data exchange with Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7
In this version, the interface for the PLC data exchange between EPLAN Electric P8 and the PLC configuration software "Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7" has
been extended. PLC cards with inputs and outputs are now taken into
account more efficiently in connection with this data exchange.
For such PLC cards, you can now enter differing start addresses and address
ranges for inputs and outputs. For this purpose, the following two properties
are available at the PLC box in the schematic:
Address range 2 (ID 20299)
Start address 2 of PLC card (ID 20255).
By default, these two properties are not displayed in the PLC box tab of the
property dialog. If necessary, you must use the
(New) button to navigate
to the property selection and select the properties there.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 101
Updated Interface for Data Exchange with Schneider Unity Pro
Since the value of the address range can also be stored at the parts in parts
management, the PLC data tab of parts management has been extended to
include the Address range 2 input field.
Notes:
PLC cards with only inputs or outputs still require only a start address /
only one address range. Nothing changes for these PLC cards!
In order to generate reports for the properties Address range 2 and
Start address 2 of PLC card, the Separate address range for
inputs and outputs check box must be deactivated in the PLC-specific
settings.
For more information on this data exchange, see the application example
"PLC / Bus Data Exchange with 'SIMATIC STEP 7'". In addition, the extensions described here have also been implemented for the data exchange in
the PLC standard exchange format.
Updated Interface for Data Exchange with Schneider Unity Pro
This interface allows the exchange of PLC data between EPLAN Electric P8
and the "Unity Pro" PLC configuration software from Schneider Electric.
EPLAN now also supports "Unity Pro" in Version 7.0.
In the two dialogs for the data exchange, Export PLC data and Import PLC
data, the associated format of the export / import file was adjusted accordingly ("Schneider Unity Pro V6.0 / V7.0").
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 102
Special Topics EPLAN Pro Panel
Special Topics EPLAN Pro Panel
EPLAN Pro Panel stands for customized enclosure engineering solutions in
enclosure construction and automation technology. Electrical engineering
planning, 3D mounting layout, manufacturing, and mounting merge, through
a uniform data basis, to form a fully integrated solution.
This part of the News will first provide you with information on the free routing
of connections. This new functionality is available in the extension module
"EPLAN Pro Panel - Process Wiring".
The subsequently described new functionalities are part of both EPLAN Pro
Panel and EPLAN Pro Panel Professional:
"Copying, Cutting, and Pasting Layout Spaces" on page "124"
"Display of Sloping Surfaces in Model View" on page "125"
"Extensions in STEP Import" on page "126"
"New Features in the "STEP Export" Extension Module" on page "128"
"Extensions when Placing Parts" on page "129"
"Other New Features in the Reports for EPLAN Pro Panel" on page "132"
The new functionalities described in these sections are part of the Professional version:
"Extended Automatic Interpretation of Logic Items" on page "133"
"New 2D Drilling Views with NC and Drill Hole-relevant Data" on
page "137"
"Extended Settings for Routing Connections" on page "140"
"New Features in the "Process Wiring" Extension Module" on page "144"
"New "Production Athex" Extension Module for Automatic Equipment of
Terminal Strips" on page "151"
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 103
Process Wiring: Free Routing of Connections
"New Features in the "Production Wiring KOMAX" Extension Module" on
page "152"
"New Features in the "Production Wiring Schleuniger" Extension Module"
on page "154"
"New Interface to the Averex Wiring Robot" on page "155"
"Consistent Messages for the Export of NC and Wire Fabrication Data"
on page "155".
Process Wiring: Free Routing of Connections
The new function for the free routing of connections allows you to route wire,
cable or also tube connections freely in the layout space without any prior definition of a routing path network or the use of wire ducts.
Freely routed connections can be realized as wires and cables between electrical engineering items as well as as tubes between Fluid power items.
The free routing of connections and further functions described below are
part of the "EPLAN Pro Panel - Process Wiring" extension module.
Note:
The "EPLAN Pro Panel - Process Wiring" extension module is available as
an option for EPLAN Pro Panel Professional.
We discuss the following topics in the next sections:
"Extended Connection Point Pattern" on page "105"
"Routing Connections Freely" on page "111"
"Extend Routing Path Network through Curves" on page "114"
"Edit Curve" on page "115"
"Placing of Routing Accessories" on page "118"
"New Layers in Layer Management" on page "123"
"New Check Run Messages" on page "123".
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 104
Extended Connection Point Pattern
Extended Connection Point Pattern
The so-called "connection point direction" of a connection used to define the
direction in which a routing connection enters or leaves an item. In addition,
the "connection point direction" was also used to specify the direction in
which the program would look for an entry point of the connection into the
routing path network.
The current version provides significantly more flexibility.
Thus, an item now has an extended connection point logic. For all connection
points of an item, a a distinction is now made between the connection point
direction and the routing direction.
The Connection point direction specifies the direction in which the routing
connection enters or leaves the connection point of the item.
The Routing direction specifies the direction of the subsequent search for
a possible entry point into a routing path network. If there is a possible
entry point in that direction, the routing connection will be routed in that
direction.
Benefit:
With this distinction between connection point direction and routing direction, it is possible to route routing connections in a more flexible and more
targeted manner. This extension helps optimize the routing tracks – in
terms of the optimal routing track as well as in terms of the required connection length.
The connection point direction can be specified as "global" during the definition of the connection point pattern in parts management, or directly and
locally at the part placement.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 105
Extended Connection Point Pattern
For this, the tabs Connection points of parts management and Connection
point pattern of the part placement now come with the new columns X vector, Y vector, and Z vector.
Scheme for the column configuration of the connection point data
In addition, for connection point patterns, you can now configure the scope of
the connection point data displayed. Both the Connection point pattern tab
at the part placement and the Connection points tab in parts management
have been extended to included the drop-down list Scheme. The scheme
specifies which connection point data is displayed in what order. This way
you can easily hide columns which are not required.
Click the [...] button to open the Settings: Column configuration dialog,
where you can create or edit a scheme. For the display of electrical engineering and Fluid power connection point data, you will be provided with a
scheme each containing the installation of the new version.
Renamed properties
Due to the logical separation of connection point and routing direction, the
designations of the following properties have been adjusted as well:
Old name:
New name:
ID:
Connection point direction (default)
Routing direction (default)
22948
Connection point direction
Routing direction
35554
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 106
Extended Connection Point Pattern
Display of connection point directions
To display the connection point directions of connection points at part placements in the layout space, use the new Connection point directions menu
item.
After you have selected the menu items View > Connection point directions, the defined connection point directions will be displayed as red arrows
at the connection points.
The previous Connection points menu item was renamed:
Old name:
New name:
Connection points
Connection point designations
Using the menu items View > Connection point designations, the connection points of the part placements will be displayed, as before, as red
cuboids. In the center of these cuboids, the respective connection point designations of the connection points will be displayed additionally. The connection point designations are visible only in connection with a suitable 3D
viewpoint and substantial enlargement of the section.
Specify connection point directions graphically
As part of the functional extensions, the graphical definition of connection
points for part placements in the layout space was adjusted.
If you select this function via the menu path Edit > Device logic > Connection point pattern > Define connection point, first specify the connection point direction.
The connection point direction is specified by selecting any area. The Z orientation of the selected surface determines the connection point direction.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 107
Extended Connection Point Pattern
Example:
The Z orientation of a surface is always perpendicular to the base.
By clicking the area (1) highlighted in color, the displayed connection point
direction, for a connection point to be defined, would result in the Z direction.
Procedure: Move the cursor over the area of a part placement. The area
beneath the cursor is highlighted in color. Click the required area highlighted
in color. The X, Y, and Z values of the vector of the connection point direction
are entered in the connection point pattern in the columns X vector, Y vector, and Z vector. The values thus determined can be modified subsequently.
Then, define the connection point as usual.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 108
Extended Connection Point Pattern
If during the action you want to specify a different connection point direction,
press the [N] key. This way, you can select a different area, and thus specify
a different connection point direction for the connection points to be defined
subsequently.
Example:
The following figure shows different items with their graphically defined connection points in the layout space.
With the right configuration of the view, the connection points will be displayed as red cuboids, and the specified connection point directions as red
arrows.
Subsequent modification of connection point directions
To modify a connection point direction subsequently, use, in the menu path
Edit > Device logic > Connection point pattern, the new Change connection point direction menu item.
In order to recognize the changes in the layout space, you should first display
all connection point vectors via the menu items View > Connection point
directions.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 109
Extended Connection Point Pattern
You specify the connection points to be edited via a selection area. This can
be done prior to or after selecting the Change connection point direction
menu item. If you have highlighted the entire item, the change in direction will
be applied to all connection points of the item. If you want to modify the connection point direction of only one connection point, you will have to highlight
first such a connection point.
The new connection point direction is set with a final click on an area of a part
placement.
Carry over connection point pattern to parts management
A local connection point pattern which has been, e.g., individually extended
by graphically defined connection points, can now be directly carried over
from the part placement to parts management. For this, you can use the new
Generate connection point pattern menu item in the popup menu of the
part placements.
In order to carry over a connection point pattern, highlight an item with a connection point pattern in the layout space, and select the Generate connection point pattern popup menu item. In parts management, a new
connection point pattern is then generated with the name New_<consecutive number> (e.g., New_1) below the hierarchy level "Connection
point pattern". The name of the connection point pattern can be modified subsequently in parts management.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 110
Routing Connections Freely
Routing Connections Freely
The free routing of connections generates curved electrical engineering or
Fluid power routing connections outside of a routing path network. Such connections are needed when the use of wire ducts is impossible or not customary:
For routing wires with large cross-sections
When routing, e.g., Ethernet cables
For the definition of routing tracks in complex housing situations
For the flexible direct connection of electrical devices, e.g., devices
mounted on a swivelable door
For the connection of Fluid power devices to hoses outside of a routing
path network.
Freely routed connections are often mounted or bundled with routing accessories (cable / tubing clamp, cable / tubing tie, cable / tubing protection). For
more information, please read the section "Placing of Routing Accessories"
(starting on page "118").
A freely routed connection is generated along a defined spatial curve
between the source and target devices. No routing path network is expected
or needed.
Following the exit from the connection point, the connection is first aligned at
the curve run tangentially to the connection point direction, and runs again
tangentially at the target in the direction of the target connection point.
To route connections freely in the opened layout space, select the Project
data > Connections > Free routing (layout space) menu items. After you
have selected the part placements and connections to be routed, the routing
connections will be generated and represented between the source and target devices.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 111
Routing Connections Freely
Example:
The following figure shows a routing connection routed freely in the space.
Tip:
To insert curves, route connections freely, and to change their runs, you
can also use the new buttons in the Pro Panel routing toolbar.
Free routing from within the connection navigator
You can also use the connection navigator to route connections freely. Using
the new Free routing (layout space) popup menu item, you can freely route
selected, multi-line connections.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 112
Routing Connections Freely
Insert free routing connections manually
With the new function, the manual insertion of routing connections was also
extended for which no multi-line counterpieces have been defined in the schematic.
Select the menu items Insert > Routing connections. Then, specify the
source and target of the connection in the layout space. The Routing connection dialog will now be visible.
Specify here whether the routing connection to be inserted is to be routed in
the routing path network or freely.
The connection is routed freely in the space if the Route connection freely
option has been selected. The freely routed connection is represented
between the connection points of the source and target as a spatial curve.
Change form of routed connections
The curve run of a freely routed connection can be modified subsequently.
To do so, you can modify the position of individual control points of the curve
run, or insert new control points.
Using the new menu items Edit > Graphic > New control point, and Edit >
Graphic > Change curve run, you can adjust the course of the routing connection to the spatial conditions in the mounting layout. For more information, please read the section "Edit Curve" (starting on page "115").
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 113
Extend Routing Path Network through Curves
Extend Routing Path Network through Curves
To route connections, cables, and also tubes in the layout space, you generally require a routing path network. In order to extend a routing path network manually, you can now also use curves besides wire ducts and routing
paths.
Curves are manually inserted default paths for the routing of electrical
engineering and Fluid power connections.
In addition, curves are characterized by the following special features:
The curve is defined by a starting point and at least two consecutive control points. The point of the curve placed last will be interpreted as the end
point.
The individual control points of the curve also contain, in addition to their
X, Y, and Z position coordinates, information on the curve gradient and
the bending factor.
Graphically, the curves, like routing paths, are displayed as blue lines with
snap points at the starting / end points and at the control points.
When inserting curves, snap points on existing routing paths can be used.
It is, however, also possible to freely define curves by means of the cursor
or the placement options.
Mounting surfaces that are below the cursor when placing the curve
points are activated automatically. If a mounting surface is active, all
points of the curve are placed in the mounting surface.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 114
Edit Curve
Inserting Curves
To insert a curve, select from the Insert menu the Curve menu item. Alternatively you can click the
(curve) button on the Pro Panel routing toolbar.
Then place the starting point and control points of the curve via mouse-clicks.
If you move the cursor close to an existing routing path, the starting, center,
and end points of the existing routing path will be displayed as snap points.
With free placement in space, a surrounding cuboid shows the space taken
up by the curve run from the last point entered to the current cursor position.
When placing in a surface, a rectangle is shown.
To finish a curve, press the [Spacebar], or select the Complete curve
popup menu item.
Edit Curve
The property dialog of a curve displays on the Curve tab the characteristic
points of a curve (starting point, control points, end point) in the layout space.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 115
Edit Curve
Here you can view, and if necessary modify, the position, the coordinates of
the gradient at the segment point, as well as the bending factor. Using the
(Delete) button, you can remove highlighted control points until only one control point is left, besides the starting and end points.
To edit curves in the layout space, you can use the following three new menu
items below the menu path Edit > Graphic.
New control point
Change curve run
Align curve run tangentially.
Insert new control points
Using the New control point menu item, you can add new control points
anywhere along the curve run. If you move the cursor over a curve to select a
position for a new control point, the existing control points will be displayed on
the curve.
With the placement of a new control point, the shape and spatial run of a
curve do not yet change at first.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 116
Edit Curve
Change curve run
The form of curves can be changed manually by moving control points. First,
select the Change curve run menu item, then select a curve in the layout
space.
If you move the cursor near a control point, a coordinate system with X, Y,
and Z direction arrows will be displayed at the control point. You can specify
the direction for moving via this coordinate system. As soon as you position
the cursor on one of the direction arrows, the direction arrow will change its
color to green.
After selecting a green direction arrow (e.g., by clicking), move the control
point with the mouse or keyboard in the direction indicated by the arrow.
Place the control point at the desired location with another click.
Tips:
You can change the curvature of the curve at a control point by means
of the [Home] and [End] keys.
You can change the gradient of the curve at a control point by means of
the [Tab] key and the [Tab] + [Shift] key combination.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 117
Placing of Routing Accessories
Align curve run tangentially
The Align curve run tangentially menu item allows you to align both ends
of a curve tangentially to an edge. Depending on the edge selected, you can
achieve different results in this way:
A curve end is not to run toward an area vertically, but is to be aligned with
the area tangentially.
Tip:
This route corresponds to the mounting method in practice, that is, the
routed connection is to run tangentially along the mounting surface and is
attached to it by means of cable / tubing clamps.
A curve end should enter a connection point vertically to avoid the bending of connections with large cross-sections.
For aligning the curve run tangentially, first select a curve end. Then, select
an object edge for the alignment. If you pres the [Shift] key when selecting
the edge, the tangential alignment is rotated by 180°.
Placing of Routing Accessories
Now you can place routing accessories as further components for the 3D
mounting layout. Routing accessories are used to mount, bundle, and protect
cable and tube connections. You can insert the following three accessory
types:
Cable / tubing clamp:
Routing accessories to mount tubes, cables, and single conductors with a
large conductor cross-section.
Cable / tubing tie:
Routing accessories to combine tubes, cables, and single conductors into
a bundle.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 118
Placing of Routing Accessories
Cable / tubing protection:
Routing accessories to protect bundled tubes, cables, and single conductors against mechanical and thermal effects from the outside; in general practice, spiral coiled tubes are used, for example.
Parts for routing accessories
In analogy to other 3D components, before you can place routing accessories, you must first store the corresponding part in parts management. To
create such parts, the "Mechanics" generic product group now offers you the
new "Routing accessories" product group with the following product subgroups:
"Cable / tubing clamp"
"Cable / tubing tie"
"Cable / tubing protection".
The parts of these product subgroups come in parts management with an
additional new Routing accessories data tab. Use this tab to enter manufacturer-specific data on the bundle diameter in the fields Minimum bundle
diameter and Maximum bundle diameter. The bundle diameter indicates
the minimum or maximum diameter of a bundle of connections that must be
met in order to bundle them with this part. Reports are generated for the
values of the parts from the product subgroups "Cable / tubing tie" and
"Cable / tubing protection" during placement in the layout space.
Note:
To ensure correct calculation of the bundle diameters, an external diameter (including unit) must be defined at the part of the connection on the
Connection data tab.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 119
Placing of Routing Accessories
For a part to be placed as routing accessories, a suitable function definition
has to be selected for this part on the Function definition tab. In the tree
view of the subsequent dialog Function definitions, you will find the suitable
function definitions under Mechanics // System accessories // Routing accessories.
Inserting Routing Accessories
The routing accessories parts are inserted in a layout space via the Insert >
Routing accessories menu items. After selecting one of the sub-menu
items (e.g., Cable / tubing clamp), the Part selection dialog opens, and the
correct hierarchy level (e.g., "Cable / tubing clamp") is already open.
Cable / tubing clamp:
The graphic of the "Cable / tubing clamp" routing accessories can be represented by a 3D graphical macro assigned to the part or generated from
the part dimensions. In the former case, the macro must contain a routing
path; in the latter, this will be generated automatically. The part can be
placed on a mounting surface.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 120
Placing of Routing Accessories
Note:
To guide a connection through an already placed cable / tubing clamp, the
connection must be routed by means of the Change route function
through the clamp as a target routing path.
Cable / tubing tie:
The "Cable / tubing tie" routing accessories bundle connections that have
been routed in a routing path or curve. The part can be placed anywhere
on a routing path or curve. After the placement, the cable / tubing tie
encloses, as a ring, the routing path or curve concentrically.
Cable / tubing protection:
The "Cable / tubing protection" routing accessories comprise and bundle
connections that have been routed in a routing path or curve. The part can
be placed anywhere on a routing path or curve. The part is placed by
entering a starting and end point on one or several contiguous routing
paths or curves. After the placement, the cable / tubing protection
encloses, as a ring, the routing path or curve concentrically.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 121
Placing of Routing Accessories
Note:
Only if one or several connections have been routed on a routing path or
curve can you place the "Cable / tubing tie" or "Cable / tubing protection"
routing accessories on such a defined routing track.
When placing the routing accessories, all usual options in the layout space
and the Placement options dialog are available. In addition, to insert routing
accessories, you can also use other functions for part placement (Insert as
device, Insert as macro, Part master data navigator, etc.).
Tip:
To insert routing accessories, you can also use the new buttons in the Pro
Panel toolbar.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 122
New Layers in Layer Management
New Layers in Layer Management
For the new 3D objects in the layout space, the layer management now has
the following new layers:
EPLAN794, 3D graphic.Connections.Curve
EPLAN795, 3D graphic.Routing accessories.Cable / tubing
clamp
EPLAN796, 3D graphic.Routing accessories.Cable / tubing
tie
EPLAN797, 3D graphic.Routing accessories.Cable / tubing
protection.
On the basis of these layers, the display properties Transparency and Color
are predefined in a project-wide manner for the new 3D objects.
New Check Run Messages
To check the new functions (insert curves or routing accessories), we provide
you for message class 026 "3D mounting layout" with the following additional, new check run messages:
Message 026075 "Bending radius of the curve is smaller than the minimum permitted bending radius of the routing connection."
Message 026076 "Cable / tubing protection or cable / tubing tie is not
located on a routing path / curve."
Message 026077 "Bundle diameter too great; connections cannot be bundled with the selected part."
Message 026078 "Bundle diameter too small, connections cannot be bundled with the part selected."
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 123
Copying, Cutting, and Pasting Layout Spaces
Copying, Cutting, and Pasting Layout Spaces
The EPLAN platform supports the familiar Windows functions of copying, cutting and pasting now also in connection with layout spaces.
Benefit:
A 3D mounting layout, once planned, can be moved / changed quickly
using the familiar Windows functions within a project, or can be made available in another project.
In the current version, when you select a layout space in the Layout space <Project name> dialog, from the Edit menu or the popup menu of the navigator, you can select the menu items Cut, Copy, and Insert. A highlighted
layout space or highlighted layout spaces can be copied to the Clipboard via
Cut / Copy.
After you have highlighted in the layout space navigator the location where
you wish to insert the layout space(s), and selected the Insert menu item, the
familiar Adapt structure dialog opens. Like with the inserting of pages, you
can, for example, overwrite an existing layout space or customize manually
the proposed layout space name.
In analogy to the procedure for pages, when cutting / copying layout spaces,
you can also work with several clipboards and number the items of inserted
layout spaces online and automatically via the Insertion mode dialog. If you
select in this dialog the Number option, both the device tags of the items and
the grouping signs for item designations will be renumbered.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 124
Display of Sloping Surfaces in Model View
Display of Sloping Surfaces in Model View
Viewpoints in model views are usually based on the coordinates of the layout
space. A sloping surface, e.g., the front of a control panel, is not visible in the
model view with its actual dimensions, because its position rotates it outside
the orthogonal view, causing it to be shortened in its representation. Thus,
dimensionings within a model view do not show their real lengths.
In order to dimension sloping surfaces in model views correctly, you can now
use in the Model view dialog the new Model view: Apply viewpoint to
mounting surface (ID: 36508) property.
Benefit:
Since the viewpoint in model views can now also be based on a mounting
surface, sloping surfaces within a model view can now be rotated in the
screen layer and be dimensioned correctly within model views.
If the Model view: Apply viewpoint to mounting surface property is enabled in the View tab, the view of an item will be aligned according to its mounting surface. This way, even an item with sloping alignment will be depicted in
the model view correctly and orthogonally. The dimensioning generated on it
will then correspond to the real values.
If this property is not yet displayed in the property table of the View tab, you
must select it using the Property selection dialog.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 125
Extensions in STEP Import
Example:
(1): View on a sloping surface without activated property Model view:
Apply viewpoint to mounting surface property and result in the model
view
(2): View on a sloping surface with activated property Model view: Apply
viewpoint to mounting surface property and result in the model view
Extensions in STEP Import
Transfer of original names
Using the menu path Layout space > Import (3D graphic), you can import
3D graphical data in the STEP format from external CAD systems. The original names of the components from the STEP files are now carried over to
the Item description property of the respective property dialog of the
imported 3D object during the import.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 126
Separating Items in STEP Import
When transferring the original names, the values of the following fields are
evaluated in the STEP files:
PROCUCT: for individual items or
NEXT_ASSEMBLY_USAGE_OCCURANCE: for the parts of an assembly.
Benefit:
During the import of 3D graphical data with many individual components,
the components in the 3D model to be edited can be identified more easily,
because the item description can also be displayed in the layout space
navigator. This facilitates identification of individual items for further processing and the general orientation within the layout space navigator.
Separating Items in STEP Import
During the export to STEP, different CAD systems allow for combining several bodies or entire assemblies to one unit. The imported target system will
then interpret these bodies or assemblies as a unit. You can now influence
the import of STEP files so that the combined 3D bodies of a STEP file are
again separated after the import in EPLAN Pro Panel.
For this, use in the project-specific Settings: 3D import dialog the new Separate items check box. This check box is selected by default.
If the STEP file contains assemblies which were combined into one unit, all
combined bodies are generally separated - independent of the setting of this
check box.
Tip:
To subsequently combine several individual bodies into one component,
the functionality Edit > Graphic > Unite can be used.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 127
New Features in the "STEP Export" Extension Module
New Features in the "STEP Export" Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLAN Pro Panel - STEP Export" extension module is available as
an option for EPLAN Pro Panel and EPLAN Pro Panel Professional.
Use this extension module to output 3D graphical data of a layout space in
the STEP format.
Considering Routing Connections in STEP Export
During the STEP export, you can now also export the routing connections
that exist in the layout space. Use the new Export routing connections
check box in the user-specific settings for the STEP export. If this check box
is activated, the existing routing connections will be exported as well for the
highlighted layout space during the STEP export. This is not the default setting.
Benefit:
On the basis of the generated STEP files, you can now also load routing
connections in external CAD systems, visualize them there, and check
them against collisions.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 128
Extensions when Placing Parts
Extensions when Placing Parts
Manual input of dimensions
When placing a part in the layout space, the selected part had to include specific information. As a result, for the respective part in parts management,
you had to enter either the device-specific measurements, or save a 3D
graphical macro.
Now when you want to place a part without a 3D graphical macro or without
complete information regarding width, height, and depth (e.g., via Insert >
Device), the Dimensions dialog opens. Use this dialog to enter manually the
part dimensions of the part to be placed prior to the placing of electrical
engineering, Fluid power, and certain mechanical parts.
Benefit:
Through the prompt for missing part dimensions as part of the placement,
missing part dimensions can be added without having to go through parts
management.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 129
Manual input of dimensions
If some partial part dimensions are already entered at the associated part,
the corresponding fields are filled with these values. In the fields Width,
Height, and Depth, enter the device-specific measurements of the part, overwrite existing values, or add any missing entries. After input, the part placement is displayed with the determined dimensions.
Note:
As for parts from the "Mechanics" generic product group, the manual input
of dimensions is permitted if they belong to one of the following product
subgroups and also have one of the following function definitions:
Product group
Product subgroup
Function definition
Busbar
Adapter
Adapter
Connection adapter
Device adapter
System accessories
General
Cable gland
Enclosure component
Manual input of part dimensions is not possible for all other mechanical
parts from the "Mechanics" generic product group or parts from the "Process engineering" generic product group.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 130
Selecting Drilling Pattern when Placing Parts
Selecting Drilling Pattern when Placing Parts
Devices with miscellaneous assembly variants must have a suitable drilling
pattern defined for each variant. The suitable drilling patterns are stored for
each part in parts management in the Manufacturing tab. Previously, the
correct drilling pattern could not be checked and changed until after the placing in the property dialog of the part placement. To do so, go to the Parts tab
to find the Used drilling pattern property (ID 20284) for the "part reference
data" category.
If you now place parts with several assigned drilling patterns on a mounting
surface in the new EPLAN version, you will select the drilling pattern to be
used by means of a selection dialog. A subsequent modification of the used
drilling pattern can be done, as before, in the property dialog of the part placement by means of the Used drilling pattern property.
Benefit:
The additional functionality for the selection of a suitable drilling pattern
offers clearly more flexibility and comfort when placing parts. Furthermore,
the additional effort to modify the drilling pattern by means of the subsequent processing of the part placement does not apply any more.
If the Select drilling pattern selection dialog is no longer to be displayed,
you can deactivate it using the Do not show this dialog again check box. In
this case, the first drilling pattern entered at the part will always be used.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 131
Other New Features in the Reports for EPLAN Pro Panel
Other New Features in the Reports for EPLAN Pro Panel
Detached Display of Busbar Systems in Mounting Lists
The hierarchical structure of a mounting layout in the layout space can be
mapped using the "Mounting list" report. Busbar systems are always displayed in a detached manner when such a report is output (e.g. for the mounting panel).
As a result, a mounting list does not list, one by one, the part numbers of a
busbar system anymore, but the part numbers and the device tags of the
individual system components (busbars, busbar supports).
Updating Reports Independent of the Licensing
Reports contained in an EPLAN project can now always be updated independently of the licensing and across all trades. This is also true of the model
views, 2D drilling views, and copper unfolds contained in a project. For further information on this topic, see the section "Reports" (see page "68").
Benefit:
Regardless of the specific type of EPLAN licensing, data and reports can
now be updated and provided in a project comprehensively at any time.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 132
Extended Automatic Interpretation of Logic Items
Extended Automatic Interpretation of Logic Items
Using the "Automatic enclosure interpretation" you were previously able to
carry over the existing logic of an enclosure to another, newly to be defined,
enclosure of the same or a similar design. In the new version, this function
was specifically extended and renamed to Automatic interpretation.
In addition to enclosures, the existing logic can now also be carried over from
other items to imported 3D objects. Moreover, the selection options – both
for the 3D object to be defined and the interpretation template – have been
extended substantially. Thanks to a new check, you can determine which
template project is best suited for the interpretation.
Benefit:
By means of the extended automatic interpretation, the time needed for
the creation of graphical master data for components and assemblies
(such as, e.g., enclosures) is significantly reduced.
The following section describes the new features of automatic interpretation.
For more information and to learn about requirements for this topic, go to the
online help and look up the section "Automatic Interpretation: Principle".
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 133
Extended Automatic Interpretation of Logic Items
Transfer other properties
To ensure that during automatic interpretation the complete item logic of a
template is carried over to the 3D object to be defined, the transfer was additionally extended to include the following characteristics:
Mounting surface (Change size)
Field sizes
Handles
Mounting points
Base points
Mounting grid
Transparency
Apply superior layers
Item ID
Property Item requires holes in mounting surface (ID 36014)
Property Create mounting list (ID 36032).
New interpretation options
The following new options exist for automatic interpretation:
Selection of several imported 3D bodies:
In the layout space navigator, first select the layout spaces of the
imported 3D bodies. Then, using the menu items Edit > Device logic >
Automatic interpretation, specify the interpretation template (previously: "Sample enclosure"). (The menu items are available only when a
layout space is opened!) In the selection of several 3D bodies to be interpreted, only one template (e.g., enclosure) can be selected.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 134
Extended Automatic Interpretation of Logic Items
Selection of template from parts management:
For this purpose, the renamed dialog Select interpretation template
was extended to include the Part-specific tab. Using the
(New) button, navigate to parts management and select there a part with a stored
3D graphical macro.
Display of all opened projects:
In the Project-specific tab, you can – as before – select from the current
project a layout space with a template object (e.g., enclosure) as a sample. Here, the layout spaces of all opened projects are displayed now.
This way you can select a template that does not exist in the current
project (e.g., template from a macro project).
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 135
Extended Automatic Interpretation of Logic Items
In the case of one 3D body to be interpreted – Multiple selection of templates:
If you have selected only one imported 3D body, you can now select several templates both on the Project-specific tab and on the Part-specific
tab. In such a case, the most suitable template will then be suggested to
you in a list of matching results. A selection of several templates from miscellaneous opened projects is not possible.
New similarity check
If you have selected several templates for a 3D body to be interpreted in the
selection dialog Select interpretation template, EPLAN Pro Panel will
launch the so-called "similarity check". This check determines which templates have the most accurate similarity / highest hit ratio of specific characteristics with respect to the 3D object to be defined.
The results of the check are listed in the new Matching results dialog. Here,
you can select the most suitable item. In this context, the Quota column displays the degree of similarity with the 3D object to be defined in percentage.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 136
New 2D Drilling Views with NC and Drill Hole-relevant Data
New 2D Drilling Views with NC and Drill Hole-relevant Data
In EPLAN Pro Panel Professional, you can now use 2D drilling views as a
special type of model views. 2D drilling views show the NC and drill hole-relevant data, drilling patterns, as well as outlines of basic items and parts in a
model view. The items and drill holes can be assigned dimensioning in drilling views.
Benefit:
Now, you can create 2D drilling views with optional dimensioning as further
type of a project documentation. 2D drilling views are thus an integral part
of your complete documentation.
Example:
The 2D drilling view depicted shows a mounting panel with mounting rails
and wire ducts, the drill holes of these items and the dimensioning.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 137
Inserting 2D Drilling View
We discuss the following topics in the next sections:
"Inserting 2D Drilling View" on page "138"
"Change / Edit 2D Drilling Views" on page "139"
"New Layers for 2D Drilling View" on page "139".
Inserting 2D Drilling View
2D drilling views are inserted in the same way as model views are inserted,
e.g., on pages of the "Model view" page type. To be able to place drilling
views, your EPLAN project requires a layout space with NC-relevant basic
items (mounting panels, doors, sheets, profiles) on which items with drilling
patterns or cut-outs have been placed or in which the standard NC outlines
(drill holes, slotted holes, sections) or free NC outlines have been integrated.
Select the menu items Insert > Graphic > 2D drilling view. After you have
specified the area for the 2D drilling view, the Drilling view dialog opens. As
with model views, this dialog, too, has the tabs View, Display, Rectangle,
and Format.
Define the data specific to the 2D drilling view on the View tab. A 2D drilling
view can always be created for only one layout space. When you open the
dialog for the first time, the name of the first layout space in the project is displayed in the Layout space field. Using the Basic item field, you select what
is to be displayed in the 2D drilling view.
If you enable the Display item silhouettes check box, the basic outlines of
extruded items (e.g., mounting rails and wire ducts) and the lateral boundary
lines of the 3D body generated from the basic outline will be displayed. Disabling this setting will accelerate the output of complex 2D drilling views, but
will impair the quality of the illustration of the items.
In contrast to the model view, a 2D drilling view is always represented with
the 3D viewpoint "Front".
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 138
Change / Edit 2D Drilling Views
Change / Edit 2D Drilling Views
In analogy to the model views, you also have the option here of modifying the
2D drilling views using the popup menu items Center contents and Move
contents. You can also move property texts and reset those texts in a 2D
drilling view.
If the part placements in the project were changed, the 2D drilling views can
be updated at any time via the menu items Utilities > Reports > Update.
Use the menu items Utilities > Reports > 2D drilling views to manage
(update, delete, etc.) the 2D drilling views that exist in the project.
New Layers for 2D Drilling View
For the project-wide control of the different graphics and texts in the 2D drilling views, you can use five new layers in layer management:
EPLAN675, Graphic.Drilling view
(for the borders of drilling views)
EPLAN676, Graphic.Drilling view.Item
(for the item silhouettes)
EPLAN677, Graphic.Drilling view.Machining
(for the drill holes / cut-outs)
EPLAN678, Graphic.Drilling view.Mounting surface
(for the mounting surface / for the selected basic item)
EPLAN679, Property placement.Drilling view
(for the description of the drilling views).
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 139
Extended Settings for Routing Connections
Extended Settings for Routing Connections
When routing connections in the routing path network of a layout space, the
length of connections is determined in addition to the routing track. In this version, the project-specific settings for routing connections have been
extended to include several new settings options, all of which control the
length calculations of routing connections.
These extensions for routing connections are found in the menu path
Options > Settings > Projects > "Project name" > Routing connections > General. These new features are described in the following sections.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 140
Diagonal Connection Form for Connections with Large Cross-sections
Diagonal Connection Form for Connections with Large Cross-sections
Previously, the form of a routing connection was always routed orthogonally
from the connection point of a device to a routing path network. This means
that the connection was at first routed orthogonally in the level in which the
wire duct is mounted to then turn into the actual wire duct. Connections with
large cross-sections or diameters can, however, not be easily routed in this
way and orthogonally because then the bending radii to be considered can
mostly not be adhered to any more, the space requirements for this kind of
routing are not given, and the complexity for mechanical bending is high.
A new project setting for routing connections on the Route tab now allows
you to avoid bending positions and route connections with larger cross-sections without having to consider bending radii. In the new Diagonal connection form from connection cross-section input field, you enter the
value for the connection cross-section from which a routing connection is to
enter the routing path network diagonally, rather than orthogonally.
Note:
This setting is valid only for electrical engineering routing connections that
are routed in a routing path network.
Alternative Length Calculation when Connection Point Pattern not
Available
If, during the routing of connections in the layout space, the parts involved do
not have an assigned connection point pattern, or if no local connection point
pattern is defined for the part placements involved, the connection length, so
far, has been determined on the basis of a specific method. As a rule, this
method required you to add a safety. This could sometimes produce wires
that were too long and that had to be shortened manually or placed in the
wire duct in the form of a loop during manufacturing.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 141
Alternative Length Calculation when Connection Point Pattern not Available
With the new version, you can now select an alternative calculation method
that calculates several routing tracks internally and does not require a safety.
Benefit:
With the alternative calculation method, even without a connection point
pattern, it is possible to calculate a routing connection that is better suited
to the planning conditions. The result of the calculation returns the longest
of all suitable wires per connection.
With this option, the generation of a connection point pattern is usually not
necessary. A clear simplification with regard to master data generation.
Which method is used to calculate the length if the connection point pattern is
not available is specified in the project-specific settings for the routing connections in the Route tab. You can select one of the following two options
from the new Connection length in case connection point pattern not
available group box:
By connection point position (automatic): This is the calculation
method used so far. This calculation method is based, depending on the
connection point designation (even, odd or alphanumeric), on a fixed
defined connection point direction and a fixed defined geometric position
of the connection point. To the connection length calculated, a safety is
added.
By maximum routing track: With this new, alternative calculation
method, the defaults for the connection point direction and geometric position for connection points with odd and even or alphanumeric connection
point designations are adopted from the calculation method By connection point position (automatic).
In addition, however, several routing tracks are calculated and compared
to each other that are derived from the alternative consideration of the connection point directions "Move up" and "Down" of the source and target of
the connection. The greatest value calculated in this comparison is used
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 142
Extended Global Extra Length
as the length of the routing connection and entered at the routing connection.
Note:
When routing on the basis of the By maximum routing track calculation
method, several alternative routing tracks are calculated. Correspondingly,
the time required for routing these connections is longer.
Extended Global Extra Length
Note:
The global extra length is relevant for the routing connections in the 3D
mounting layout ("EPLAN Pro Panel - Process Wiring" extension module)
as well as for the routing connections in the topology ("EPLAN FieldSys"
extension module).
To determine the lengths of routing connections, you can set a global extra
length in the project settings. In addition to the previous absolute value, you
can now specify the global extra length in percentage. As well, the new
EPLAN version also allows for separate settings for different trades (Electrical engineering, Process engineering, etc.).
Benefit:
As opposed to the definition of a fixed extra length, the global extra length
in percentage affects the ratio of the entire length of the connections.
Due to the extensive new settings options, the Global extra length setting
was moved from the Route tab to the new Global extra length tab. You
specify whether the extra length for the respective trade is a fixed value or in
percentage by selecting one of the two option fields Absolute or In percentage. Then, enter the required value in the adjacent input field.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 143
New Features in the "Process Wiring" Extension Module
New Features in the "Process Wiring" Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLAN Pro Panel - Process Wiring" extension module is available as
an option for EPLAN Pro Panel Professional.
Thanks to this extension module, you can wire and place tubes in your mounting layout virtually, determine optimal routing tracks and required connection
lengths, optimize net-based schematics, and provide data for the manual or
automated fabrication of connections. The free routing was already
described in another section (see page "104"). Below, we will introduce the
new features for "EPLAN Pro Panel - Process Wiring":
"Phase Busbar Connections" on page "144"
"Changing Routing Direction for Devices" on page "148"
"Simplified Selection of Connections" on page "150"
"Routing Connections to Connection Points in Boxes" on page "150".
Phase Busbar Connections
To reduce wiring expenditure, devices in the 3D mounting layout are generally connected to each other by single or multi-phase phase busbars.
Instead of wiring, an electro-mechanical item is used here, which is cut to
size and mounted depending on the use case. These phase busbars are
available from the device manufacturers as accessories for devices. The connections created by the use of phase busbars are identified in EPLAN by the
new Phase busbar connection function definition.
Whether the connection between devices is realized by means of a wiring or
a phase busbar depends on the mounting layout, i.e., on the position of the
components relative to each other.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 144
Phase Busbar Connections
Phase busbar connections are usually not accounted for in the schematic. In
order to take into account this situation you now have the option to convert
the multi-line connections defined in the schematic into phase busbar connections. This kind of connections will then no longer be considered when calculating the wiring and during wire fabrication.
Benefit:
By generating phase busbar connections, the schematic is adjusted to
reflect the actual implementation that comes about only with the virtual
mounting layout. The complex modification of the connections concerned
via the connection navigator and the properties of the connections has
been eliminated. This results in significantly more convenience in planning
and sustainable time savings.
Generating phase busbar connections
To generate phase busbar connections, use the new Generate phase busbar connections menu item found below the menu path Project data >
Connections. This menu item is displayed only if you have opened a layout
space. In the layout space, select the placed items for whose associated connections you want to generate phase busbar connections.
Note:
The selection of the items takes into account only part placements with the
following function definitions:
Part placement, normal item
Part placement, PLC card
Part placement, black box.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 145
Phase Busbar Connections
The Generate phase busbar connections dialog that opens then lists all
connections with the representation types "Multi-line" and "3D mounting layout" whose source and target are one of the items previously selected (e.g.,
connections with the "Conductor / wire" function definition).
By default, this dialog displays the following columns:
Phase busbar connection
Source
Target.
But using the Configure representation popup menu item, you can configure the columns and display further connection properties.
Using the check box in the Phase busbar connection column, you can generate a phase busbar connection from a connection, or restore an already
generated phase busbar connection.
All connections for which the Phase busbar connection check box was activated will be given the new "Phase busbar connection" function definition
after you close the dialog with [OK]. This way, all properties of these connections are deleted.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 146
Phase Busbar Connections
Note:
If one of the connections has the "3D mounting layout" representation type,
this will create a non-routed connection. In the connection navigator, delete
the non-routed connections created.
Tip:
To display in the connection navigator only the relevant connections, it is
recommended that you define a filter. For example, you can use the
"Phase busbar connections" function definition as a filter criterion.
Removing phase busbar connection
Defined phase busbar connections can be removed again via the Generate
phase busbar connections. For this purpose, deactivate the Phase busbar connection check box for the selected phase busbar connection. This
will delete all properties entered at the phase busbar connection. The connection is given the "Conductor / wire" function definition, and must be rerouted in the layout space.
More information on phase busbar connections
The project-wide default settings for connections (Cross-section / diameter,
Color / number, etc.) are not carried over to the phase busbar connections.
The behavior of phase busbar connections is similar to saddle jumpers.
To ensure that phase busbar connections are included in Connection numbering, the connection numbering settings were extended accordingly. The
new check box for the Phase busbar connection function definition on the
Filter tab is deactivated by default.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 147
Changing Routing Direction for Devices
Changing Routing Direction for Devices
In special assembly situations of devices, it may be necessary to change the
routing direction of all connection points determined in the connection point
pattern at the part placement.
Benefit:
With the possibility to individually influence the routing directions you can
avoid unfavorable routing tracks and optimize the calculation of the
required connection lengths.
Note:
In the course of miscellaneous extensions for the free routing of connections, the term "Connection point direction" was renamed to "Routing
direction".
An example of a special assembly situation is the placement of a motor overload switch on a device adapter, which itself is placed on a busbar system.
The entire arrangement is placed, as a rule, at the upper edge of a mounting
panel. The wiring of all connections of the motor overload switch is then carried out down in a wire duct. But if the routing direction of the connection
points in the connection point pattern should point up (1), the routing of connections will create detours and longer routing tracks. Changing the routing
direction to point down would have clearly shorter routing tracks as a
result (2).
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 148
Changing Routing Direction for Devices
In order to respond to such situations, it is now possible to change the routing
direction for one or several highlighted devices in a layout space quickly and
permanently.
To change routing directions, select first the devices concerned in the
opened layout space. Then select the menu items Project data > Devices >
Change routing direction. In the subsequent dialog, select from the Routing direction drop-down list the required direction. The new routing direction
is set on all connection points of the highlighted devices. The property dialog
of the devices shows the new routing directions on the Connection point
pattern tab. The Local connection point pattern check box is activated.
Note:
If you disable the Local connection point pattern check box, the routing
directions are reset to the settings from the original connection point pattern of the part.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 149
Simplified Selection of Connections
Simplified Selection of Connections
When running the functions Change route and Entry point into routing
path network, the Connections dialog opens. This dialog shows all existing
connections between the specified source and target. The selection of connections was now simplified in this dialog.
If you highlight in the Connections dialog a connection, the check box for the
selection in the first column (Change route / Selection) is now enabled at
the same time. In this context, it does not matter whether you highlight one or
several connections at the same time. For a multiple selection of connections, you can use the familiar methods:
Shortcut key [Ctrl] + [A]: for all connections
Key [Shift] and mouse-click: for a continuous area of connections
Keep [Ctrl] key pressed while clicking several connections: for several
random connections.
Routing Connections to Connection Points in Boxes
When routing connections, it is checked whether the function definitions of
the part placements in the layout space match the function definitions of the
functions in the schematic. In the past, this would cause problems with black
boxes and PLC boxes if in these boxes in the schematic auxiliary functions
(NO contact, NC contact, etc.) other than device or PLC connection points
were used for the connection points.
Now, if the check of the function definitions does not find matching part placements, and the main function is a black box or PLC box, the part placement
of the respective box (if the Full DT matches) will be used also for the connection points of regular items, and the connection is routed.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 150
New "Production Athex" Extension Module for Automatic Equipment of Terminal Strips
New "Production Athex" Extension Module for Automatic
Equipment of Terminal Strips
Note:
The "EPLAN Pro Panel - Production Athex" extension module is available
as an option for EPLAN Pro Panel Professional.
An additional interface is now available as an extension module for the export
of manufacturing data. Using the new "EPLAN Pro Panel - Production Athex"
extension module, you can output the required manufacturing data from an
EPLAN project to the automatic equipment system "Athex". This machine
automatically equips mounting rails with terminal strips and alignable terminal accessories.
Benefit:
The connection of the Athex equipment system to the automatic fabrication of terminal strips allows for the smooth integration of engineering
data with manufacturing and supports the prefabrication of components
and assemblies for the final assembling in the enclosure - minimization of
errors and cost and time savings inclusive.
In analogy to the NC exports, the settings for this export are stored in the company-specific settings (Options > Settings > Company > Automatic
equipment > Athex). The actual export is carried out via the menu items
Utilities > Reports > Automatic equipment (Athex). The export dialog is
also similar to the dialogs for the export of NC data.
The exported files contain the part numbers, DTs, and lengths of the mounting rails to be equipped and the positioning data of the terminals to be placed
there. These files are transferred to the software of the Athex machine and
control the automatic fabrication.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 151
New Features in the "Production Wiring KOMAX" Extension Module
New Features in the "Production Wiring KOMAX" Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLAN Pro Panel - Production Wiring KOMAX" extension module is
available as an option for EPLAN Pro Panel Professional.
This extension module allows for the output of manufacturing data for wire
fabrication machines of the manufacturer Komax.
Support for conductor termination processing via dual sleeves on
Komax crimping machines
The manufacturer Komax offers for some of its robots a double crimping
module. This makes the production of wires on dual sleeves possible. In the
new version of EPLAN Pro Panel, the Komax interface has been extended in
such a way that the functions of this double crimping module are supported.
For this purpose, the settings of wire fabrication were extended for Komax
(menu path: Options > Settings > Company > Wire fabrication >
Komax). If the required information for the double crimping module is to be
exported as well, activate in the Settings tab the new Double crimping
module installed check box.
For conductor termination processing via the double crimping module, the
Conductor termination processing tab now includes the new Conductor
termination processing twin center column. If the value entered here is
"Crimp", and if a corresponding machine command is defined for "Crimp"
conductor termination processing on the Machine command tab (e.g.,
AEH2), the double crimping module will manufacture in the center of a pair
sequence of wires a dual sleeve, while the beginning and end of the pair
sequence will merely be stripped.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 152
Stripping Lengths for Dual Sleeves on Komax Machines
Example:
The following figure shows a pair sequence of wires with a dual sleeve in
the center, stripping with semi-pulloff at the beginning and end of the pair
sequence.
Stripping Lengths for Dual Sleeves on Komax Machines
In the settings for wire fabrication, the miscellaneous forms of conductor termination processing are assigned manufacturer-specific machine commands on the Machine command tab. If you use for the fabrication machine
of the manufacturer Komax the machine command $strip$ in this tab, the
value from the Stripping length column of the Wires tab will be used.
In the case of dual sleeves you do, however, need other stripping lengths
than in the case of single sleeves.
To be able to control the differing stripping length for dual sleeves, the
$strip$ machine command was extended by the parameters a (stripping
length) and b (pull-off length). The format of the machine command to be
used is: $strip,a,b$ (e.g., $strip,10,5$). If the machine command is
specified in the $strip,a,b$ manner, the values entered for a and b for stripping length and pull-off length are used; entries on the Wires tab are ignored
in this case.
For more information on this, look up the online help on the Machine command tab.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 153
New Features in the "Production Wiring Schleuniger" Extension Module
New Features in the "Production Wiring Schleuniger"
Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLAN Pro Panel - Production Wiring Schleuniger" extension module is available as an option for EPLAN Pro Panel Professional.
This extension module allows for the output of manufacturing data for wire
fabrication machines of the manufacturer Schleuniger.
Export texts for labeling wires
During the export of data for the wire fabrication with Schleuniger machines,
the export of texts to be printed on the two wire ends and the export of a continuous text are now possible as well.
The texts for labeling wires to be exported are specified in the Settings:
Schleuniger dialog of the new Labeling tab. For the three rows Labeling
1st side, Labeling 2nd side, and Labeling endless text, select, via several
subsequent dialogs, the properties whose data is to be output as labeling
texts and specify the format of these labeling texts.
Other relevant settings for the export of texts is found in the Settings:
Schleuniger dialog of the Settings tab. This tab has been extended to
include the two rows Continuous text from wire length and Maximum
print font length.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 154
New Interface to the Averex Wiring Robot
New Interface to the Averex Wiring Robot
For the provision of wiring data for the innovative Averex wiring technology of
the company Kiesling Maschinenbau, you can use a new, optional, interface
as part of the current EPLAN Pro Panel version.
Apart from data on the mounting layout on the mounting panel, the interface
also supplies all necessary information on the connections (color, cross-section, termination processing, etc.) including the routing tracks for connections
determined by means of EPLAN Pro Panel - Process Wiring.
This data is adopted by the Averex wiring robot, and form the basis for the
automated wiring of mounting panels.
For more information on the Averex interface, the requirements for the use
and implementation of the interface, please contact us.
Consistent Messages for the Export of NC and Wire Fabrication Data
When generating manufacturing data for NC and wire fabrication machines,
there is now a standardized and qualified response for all exports. The message dialog displayed for such export now lists the exported components, or
it lists reasons why certain components could not be exported.
Benefit:
Thanks to the standardized and transparent message dialogs during the
export of NC and wire fabrication data, you can see easily whether an
export was carried out correctly and fully, or whether there are inconsistencies in the planning.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 155
Consistent Messages for the Export of NC and Wire Fabrication Data
The message dialogs for these exports now have the following features:
The header line of the dialog shows the name of the exported format
(e.g., Export NC-Kiesling, Wire fabrication: Komax. etc.).
The first row of the dialog shows the name of the scheme used, as well as
the set output path.
Below that, you will see the number of components exported.
Alternative exports are stated separately (e.g., replacement milling cuts).
This information includes a list of components not exported. The reasons
why these could not be exported are listed either in the message dialog or
in message management.
At the bottom of the dialog on the left, you will see the familiar Do not
show this dialog again check box that allows you to deactivate this message dialog for the export.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 156
Special Topics EPLAN Fluid
Special Topics EPLAN Fluid
Tubing: Routing Tubes
Using the new "Tubing" function of EPLAN Fluid Professional, you can now
route tubes in the 3D mounting layout fully automatically, and edit them manually if necessary. The connections realized between Fluid power items are
routed freely without the prior definition of a routing path network.
Benefit:
The routing of tubes in the 3D mounting layout allows for the generation of
virtual prototypes in a very early phase, e.g., for pneumatic complete solutions inclusive tubing. This way, it is possible to think ahead about mounting scenarios and to save recurring constellations as a default. Thus, the
layout space in the enclosure can be optimized also in combination with
pre-finished pneumatics. This facilitates planning for you, and ensures perfect mounting later on. The result is reduced "time-to-market" of the final
product, as well as sustainable time and cost savings.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 157
Modified Product Group for Fluid Power Connections
When routing tubes, you can route tube connections automatically on the
basis of the Fluid power schematic created. This takes into account Fluid
power connections with the "Tube" function definition. But you can also
define manually in the 3D mounting layout the connections to be routed for
which there are no counterpieces in the Fluid power schematic.
After routing, you can adjust the routed tube connections individually, and
thus determine the ideal route in the enclosure. In doing so, you can fasten or
bundle the tubes by means of routing accessories.
Apart from the routing track, the length of tubes is also determined during
routing. The tube lengths required in reality can be added up and combined
into summarized parts lists for calculation purposes.
We discuss the following topics in the next sections:
"Modified Product Group for Fluid Power Connections" on page "158"
"Preparation of Master Data" on page "160"
"Routing Tube Connections" on page "162"
"Routing Paths and Curves as Default Paths" on page "165"
"Routing Accessories for Tube Connections" on page "168".
Modified Product Group for Fluid Power Connections
As part of the extensions for the routing of tubes, the terms for connections
(wires, tubes, etc.) have been standardized and generalized further.
For example, in parts management the "Piping" product group was renamed
for the two generic product groups "Fluid power" and "Process engineering"
to match the connection parts in electrical engineering. In addition, the "Miscellaneous" product subgroup for this product group was also renamed:
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 158
Modified Product Group for Fluid Power Connections
Classification:
Old name:
New name:
Product group
Pipings
Connections
Product subgroup
Miscellaneous
General
For a Fluid power part from the "Connections" product group, parts
management now displays, instead of the Fluid tab, the Connection
data tab. Similar to electrical engineering connection parts, you can enter
here specific data for connections. The fields Voltage, External diameter, Copper weight, and Short-circuit proof are not displayed for
Fluid parts.
For process engineering connection parts, the Process engineering tab
continues to be displayed.
Notes:
The values entered in the Fluid power tab in previous EPLAN versions
for Fluid parts from the "Piping" product group are no longer displayed
in Version 2.3 following an update of the parts database, but continue to
be available in the parts database. The values in the Min. bending
radius field are an exception; the field is available both on the previous
Fluid power tab and now also on the Connection data tab.
If you want to continue using the values of these connection parts on the
Fluid power tab, we recommend that you export these parts data as a
CSV file in Version 2.2. Then, you import the CSV file in EPLAN Version
2.3. During this import, the data is assigned to fields on the Free properties tab of the connection parts. For this purpose, you must create a
specific configuration file each for the export and the import.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 159
Preparation of Master Data
Preparation of Master Data
The successful development of a virtual prototype for Fluid power in the 3D
mounting layout and the subsequent routing of tubes requires the prior preparation of the master data in parts management. The following is required for
this:
Assign 3D graphical macros:
To obtain a realistic and detailed display of the prototype in the 3D mounting layout, you should generate 3D graphical macros for your fluid power
items (valves, pumps, etc.) and assign them to the parts. Macros with the
3D data and the "3D mounting layout" representation type are stored in
parts management on the Mounting data tab in the Graphical macro
field.
Define connection point patterns:
The parts for the part placement in the layout space require defined connection point patterns. By means of the connection point pattern stored
with a part, the part placement mostly receives the information about the
connection points existing at the part placement. Thus, the connection
point direction is, e.g., determined in the connection point pattern. The
connection point direction specifies the direction in which the connection
is routed at the connection point of the device.
Concerning the definition of a connection point pattern with the associated
data of the connection points, parts management provides a special main
node. In the Technical data tab of a part, you can use the Connection
point pattern field to select the desired connection point pattern and
store it with the part.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 160
Preparation of Master Data
Create part for screwed tube connections:
To complete the representation in the 3D mounting layout and to determine the correct tube length, you additionally require parts for screwed
tube connections in parts management. You must store appropriate 3D
graphical macros and defined connection point patterns also for these
Fluid power parts, which are assigned to the "Accessories" product group
and "Screw connections" product subgroup. When creating in the macro
project, you must assign to these 3D graphical macros the "Part placement, fluid distributor" function definition.
Create part for routing accessories:
Similar to the other 3D components to be placed in the layout space, you
must have stored the corresponding parts for placing routing accessories
in parts management. For more information, please read the section
"Routing Accessories for Tube Connections" (starting on page "168").
Enter connection data for tubes:
For the correct display of the routed tubes in the layout space, the
required connection data (color, external diameter) must be defined. You
can make your entries for this in the property dialog of the connection or at
the part in parts management (see below).
Enter the color of the tube (e.g., BU for blue) in the Color / number field
of the property dialog. Enter the dimensions of the tube in the Cross-section / diameter field (e.g., Ø10 or Ø10x1.5 for a tube with an external diameter of 10 mm and a wall thickness of 1.5 mm).
Tube dimensions in parts management
To ensure that parts for tubes from the "Connections" product group are considered for the device selection, you must select the "Tube" function definition in the Function templates tab for the function template of such a part.
For such a part, only the following columns will be displayed from now on:
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 161
Routing Tube Connections
Function definition
Connection color / number
Connection: Cross-section / diameter
Description.
In the Connection color / number field, enter the color of the tube (e.g., BU
for blue). Enter the dimensions of the tube in the Connection cross-section
/ diameter column (e.g., Ø10 or Ø10x1.5 for a tube with an external diameter
of 10 mm and a wall thickness of 1.5 mm).
Routing Tube Connections
Based on a planned Fluid power schematic, the free route generates curved
Fluid power routing connections. Through such connections, Fluid power
devices are connected to each other automatically in the layout space with
hoses using the shortest path.
A freely routed connection is generated along a defined spatial curve
between the source and target devices. In contrast to previous routing of connections in the layout space, no routing path network is expected or required.
The curve run of a freely routed connection is determined via control points
and can be subsequently changed and thus be adapted to the spatial conditions in the 3D mounting layout.
To route tubes in the opened layout space, select the Project data > Connections > Free routing (layout space) menu items. After you have
selected the part placements and connections to be routed, the routing connections will be generated and represented between the source and target
devices.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 162
Routing Tube Connections
Example:
The following illustration shows several tube connections routed in the 3D
mounting layout.
Tip:
To route tubes, insert default paths (routing paths, curves) for the route,
and modify the course of routed tube connections or curves, you can also
use the buttons of the new Pro Panel routing toolbar.
Note:
Electrical engineering connections (conductors, wires) are routed within a
routing path network via the Project data > Connections > Route (layout space) menu items. This menu item is not suitable for the routing of
tubes.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 163
Routing Tube Connections
Route tubes from within the connection navigator
You can also use the connection navigator to route tubes. Using the new
Free routing (layout space) popup menu item, you can freely route
selected, multi-line connections with the "Tube" function definition.
Insert free routing connections manually
In addition to the automatic routing of tubes, there is also a function for the
manual insertion of routing connections for which no counterpieces have
been defined in the Fluid power schematic.
Select the menu items Insert > Routing connections. Then, specify the
source and target of the connection in the layout space. The Routing connection dialog will now be visible.
Here, select the Route connection freely option. The connection is routed
freely in the room outside the routing path network. The freely routed connection is represented between the connection points of the source and target as a spatial curve.
Such a routing connection inserted manually has by default the "Conductor /
wire" function definition. Open the property dialog for the connection, and
assign to the connection the "Tube" function definition via the Function definition field. Then, enter the connection data (color, external diameter), or
select a corresponding part for tubes with stored dimensions.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 164
Routing Paths and Curves as Default Paths
Modify course of routed tube connections
The curve run of a routed tube connection can be modified subsequently. To
do so, you can modify the position of individual control points of the curve
run, or insert new control points.
Using the new menu items Edit > Graphic > New control point, and Edit >
Graphic > Change curve run, you can adjust the course of the routing connection to the spatial conditions in the mounting layout. For more information, please read the section "Edit Curve" (starting on page "115").
Routed tube connections are often mounted or bundled with routing accessories (cable / tubing clamp, cable / tubing tie, cable / tubing protection). For
more information, please read the section "Routing Accessories for Tube
Connections" (starting on page "168").
Routing Paths and Curves as Default Paths
Routing paths and curves are automatically or manually inserted default
paths along which tube connections can be routed. By means of these two
default paths, you can adjust individually the course of your, initially automatically, generated tube connections to the spatial conditions in the 3D mounting layout. When creating default paths, routing paths and curves can also be
combined with each other.
Graphically, the curves, like routing paths, are displayed by default as blue
lines with snap points at the starting/end points and at the control points. The
colors for curves and routing paths are adjustable.
Inserting Routing Paths
To insert routing paths, select the Insert > Routing path menu items. Alternatively you can click the
toolbar.
(routing path) button on the Pro Panel routing
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 165
Routing Paths and Curves as Default Paths
Place the starting and end points of a routing path, for example, via mouseclicks. In the process, these points can be connected to the snap points of
existing routing paths and / or curves.
To finish a routing path, press the [Spacebar], or select the Complete routing path popup menu item.
Inserting Curves
To insert a curve, select from the Insert menu the Curve menu item. Alternatively you can click the
(curve) button on the Pro Panel routing toolbar.
Then place the starting point and control points of the curve via mouse-clicks.
If you move the cursor close to an existing routing path, the starting, center,
and end points of the existing routing path will be displayed as snap points.
With free placement in space, a surrounding cuboid shows the space taken
up by the curve run from the last point entered to the current cursor position.
When placing in a surface, a rectangle is shown.
To finish a curve, press the [Spacebar], or select the Complete curve
popup menu item.
Tip:
To display the inserted default paths for the routing of tubes in the layout
space, you can use the routing path view. If you select the menu items
View > Connections > Routing path view, all inserted routing paths and
curves will be highlighted.
The curve is defined by a starting point and at least two consecutive control
points. The point of the curve placed last will be interpreted as the end point.
The characteristic points of a curve are displayed in the property dialog of a
curve, and can be edited there.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 166
Routing Paths and Curves as Default Paths
In addition, the menu path Edit > Graphic offers the three new menu items
New control point, Change curve run, and Align curve run tangentially
that you can use to edit curves in the layout space. For more information,
see"Edit Curve" (starting on page "115").
Modify tube connections manually
If the routed tube connections are to be routed through the inserted default
paths (routing paths, curves), you must modify the route manually.
Select the menu items Project data > Connections > Change route.
Then, the so-called cuboid-shaped "modification points" will be displayed on
the routing paths and curves.
By clicking such a point, you select a tube connection (source routing path)
that is to be modified manually for the route. The selection of the source routing paths is completed by pressing the spacebar. By clicking the modification
point of the required default path (routing path, curve), you then select the target routing path.
Tip:
When modifying tube connections via the Change route function, you can
also select several source and target routing paths.
The Connections dialog opens. This dialog lists all connections routed
through the source routing paths. Activate the Change route check box for
the connections that are to be re-routed in the selected default path. The tube
connections will then be re-routed, taking into account the selected default
paths.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 167
Routing Accessories for Tube Connections
Routing Accessories for Tube Connections
To mount, bundle, and protect tube connections, you can place so-called
"Routing accessories" in the 3D mounting layout. Note that several tubes
which are routed through a common default path can be combined by means
of a cable / tubing tie or be protected by a cable / tubing protection.
You can insert the following three accessory types:
Cable / tubing clamp:
Routing accessories to mount tubes.
Cable / tubing tie:
Routing accessories to combine tubes into a bundle.
Cable / tubing protection:
Routing accessories to protect bundled tubes against mechanical and
thermal effects from the outside; in general practice, spiral coiled tubes
are used, for example.
Parts for routing accessories
To create such parts, the "Mechanics" generic product group now offers you
the new "Routing accessories" product group with the following product subgroups:
"Cable / tubing clamp"
"Cable / tubing tie"
"Cable / tubing protection".
The parts of these product subgroups come in parts management with an
additional new Routing accessories data tab. Use this tab to enter manufacturer-specific data on the bundle diameter in the fields Minimum bundle
diameter and Maximum bundle diameter.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 168
Routing Accessories for Tube Connections
The bundle diameter indicates the minimum or maximum diameter of a bundle of connections that must be met in order to bundle them with this part.
Reports are generated for the values of the parts from the product subgroups
"Cable / tubing tie" and "Cable / tubing protection" during placement in the
layout space.
Note:
To ensure correct calculation of the bundle diameters, an external diameter (including unit) must be defined at the part of the connection on the
Connection data tab.
For a part to be placed as routing accessories, a suitable function definition
has to be selected for this part on the Function definition tab. In the tree
view of the subsequent dialog Function definitions, you will find the suitable
function definitions under Mechanics // System accessories // Routing accessories.
Inserting Routing Accessories
The routing accessories parts are inserted in a layout space via the Insert >
Routing accessories menu items. After selecting one of the sub-menu
items (e.g., Cable / tubing clamp), the Part selection dialog opens, and the
correct hierarchy level (e.g., "Cable / tubing clamp") is already open.
Cable / tubing clamp:
The graphic of the "Cable / tubing clamp" routing accessories can be represented by a 3D graphical macro assigned to the part or generated from
the part dimensions. In the former case, the macro must contain a routing
path; in the latter, this will be generated automatically. The part can be
placed on a mounting surface.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 169
Routing Accessories for Tube Connections
Note:
To guide a tube connection through an already placed cable / tubing
clamp, the connection must be routed by means of the Change route function through the clamp as a target routing path.
Cable / tubing tie:
The "Cable / tubing tie" routing accessories bundle connections that have
been routed in a routing path or curve. The part can be placed anywhere
on a routing path or curve. After the placement, the cable / tubing tie
encloses, as a ring, the routing path or curve concentrically.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 170
Routing Accessories for Tube Connections
Cable / tubing protection:
The "Cable / tubing protection" routing accessories comprise and bundle
connections that have been routed in a routing path or curve. The part can
be placed anywhere on a routing path or curve. The part is placed by
entering a starting and end point on one or several contiguous routing
paths or curves. After the placement, the cable / tubing protection
encloses, as a ring, the routing path or curve concentrically.
Note:
Only if one or several tube connections have been routed on a routing path
or curve can you place the "Cable / tubing tie" or "Cable / tubing protection"
routing accessories on such a defined routing track.
When placing the routing accessories, all usual options in the layout space
and the Placement options dialog are available. In addition, to insert routing
accessories, you can also use other functions for part placement (Insert as
device, Insert as macro, Part master data navigator, etc.).
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 171
New Features in the "EPLAN Operational Sequence" Extension Module
Tip:
To insert routing accessories, you can also use the new buttons in the Pro
Panel toolbar.
New Features in the "EPLAN Operational Sequence" Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLAN Operational Sequence" extension module is available as an
option for the following program variants:
EPLAN Electric P8 Select, EPLAN Electric P8 Professional, and EPLAN
Electric P8 Professional+.
This extension module is part of the default scope of delivery for the following program variants:
EPLAN Electric P8 Ultimate, EPLAN Fluid, and EPLAN Fluid Professional.
In this context, it does not matter whether EPLAN Fluid has been installed
as an independent program or as an add-on for EPLAN Electric P8.
Using the "EPLAN Operational Sequence" extension module, you can create
operational sequence sheets. Operational sequence sheets are simple
graphic representations that provide a structured overview and description of
the process of a plant, a machine or a device. Operational sequence sheets
include the familiar functional diagrams (according to the VDI 3260 standard)
or also the GRAFCET diagrams (according to the DIN EN 60848 standard).
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 172
Store parts in the functional representation type
Store parts in the functional representation type
Previously, it was not possible to store parts at functions of the "Functional"
representation type. If you activate the Main function check box in the property dialog for such a function now, the Part tab will be shown, and you can
do a part or device selection.
Benefit:
If during the planning you first create the operational sequence sheet, you
can now store the parts in the functional representation. The other representation types are then placed via the device navigator.
Note:
Another new feature for the "EPLAN Operational Sequence" extension
module that concerns the global editing of functional functions in operational sequence sheets is described in the "Global Editing" section (see
page "66").
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 173
Special Topics EPLAN PPE
Special Topics EPLAN PPE
Device Groups in P&I Diagram
Complex devices with functions from miscellaneous trades can be realized in
the EPLAN platform by means of device groups. If you want to create such a
device group from several functions in the graphical editor, miscellaneous
criteria have to be met. So far, this required that the main function of the
device group had to be assigned the "Multi-line" representation type.
To make better use of this function in the display of process engineering processes in the P&I diagram, it is now also possible to create device groups if
the main function has the "P&I diagram" representation type.
For more information on creating device groups, go to the online help and
look up the section "Device Groups".
Enhanced Representation Type in Symbol Library for P&I
Diagrams
By means of pair cross-references, the same device can be displayed multiple times during the planning of process engineering processes. You can
thus, e.g., place a symbol for a certain motor in the P&I diagram and at the
same time place a symbol in the electrotechnical schematic.
For this version the default representation type "Pair cross-reference" was
assigned to some symbols of the PID_ESS symbol library so that the generation of pair cross-references is carried out automatically at symbols used
by default in the P&I diagram.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 174
Ignored "Nominal width" Field
Benefit:
Identifying of symbols from the "PID_ESS" symbol library with the representation type "Pair cross-reference" facilitates consistent project planning between the P&I diagram and the multi-line representation in
electrical and fluid-power engineering. In addition, these symbols can then
also be edited in the "EPLAN P&ID" stand-alone system.
Through these changes the symbols from this symbol library electrical- or
fluid-specific function definitions automatically have the "Pair cross-reference" representation type assigned to them when they are placed on P&I
diagrams. When the multi-line counterpiece is inserted into the electrical or
fluid schematic, a pair cross-reference is carried out directly. If the modified
symbols are placed in the P&I diagram of the "EPLAN P&ID" stand-alone system, you can now also edit these although the function definition belongs to
the "Electrical engineering" or "Fluid" trade. For more information please see
the "Master Data: Symbols" section (from Page "187").
Ignored "Nominal width" Field
On the Process engineering tab of parts management, you should not use
the Nominal width field anymore. It is only available for compatibility reasons with older EPLAN versions. In older EPLAN projects (created with version 2.2 or earlier), this property was used to assign the diameter of a pipe /
hose line or the size / connection size of a control valve (valve, slide) to a part
variant.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 175
Ignored "Nominal width" Field
Since version 2.2, the piping data on nominal width is stored at a connection
in the Cross section / Diameter field. Input of the nominal width is done at
the function in the properties dialog in the Connection point cross-section
/ diameter (all, depending on DT adoption) property and at the function
template in parts management in the Connection point cross-section / diameter column. In contrast to the previous procedure, these properties are logically evaluated and can be checked for consistency by means of check run
messages of the "Connections" message class. More detailed information
on these extensions can be found in the "Extended Planning of Piping" section of the EPLAN News 2.2.
Other fields that exist in parts management only for compatibility reasons are
described in the "Ignored Fields" section (see page "79").
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 176
Special Topics EPLAN Education
Special Topics EPLAN Education
EPLAN Education Extended by Functions from EPLAN Pro
Panel
In Version 2.3, EPLAN Education was extended to include the "EPLAN Pro
Panel Professional" add-on system and the following two EPLAN Pro Panel
extension modules.
EPLAN Pro Panel - Copper
EPLAN Pro Panel - Process Wiring.
Benefit:
With this extension, EPLAN Education now comprehensively covers the
entire process of product development, starting from basic engineering
with EPLAN PPE and P&ID, and detail and hardware engineering with
EPLAN Electric P8 and EPLAN Fluid to technological implementation by
way of a virtual prototype model in 3D with EPLAN Pro Panel.
EPLAN efficient engineering. – in all phases of product development!
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 177
Special Topics EPLAN Harness proD
Special Topics EPLAN Harness proD
New Interfaces for Data Exchange with the EPLAN Platform
Since 2012, the wire harness engineering solution EPLAN Harness proD has
been part of the EPLAN product portfolio. At the same time as the release of
the new version of the EPLAN platform, a new version of EPLAN Harness
proD is also available to you. In this new EPLAN Harness proD version, we
provide you, among other things, with two interfaces for the data exchange
with the EPLAN platform.
Using the Parts data interface, parts data (e.g., connections, cables, plugs)
can be exchanged between the EPLAN platform parts management and the
EPLAN Harness proD Library. Parts data is imported and exported in the
XML format. Using an XML configuration file, you can control the settings for
the data exchange (e.g., assigning properties between the EPLAN platform
and EPLAN Harness proD). The process of synchronization can also be
executed in a fully automated manner.
Benefit:
Through the data exchange via the parts data interface, parts data, as a
key planning foundation, can be synchronized quickly and reliably. The
data is available in both engineering tools, and can be used consistently
throughout the planning. The automatic data exchange ensures quality,
and reduces manual maintenance efforts. As well, the file-based data
exchange allows for synchronization across networks.
The Project data interface allows for the bidirectional exchange of project
data for cables, plugs, and connections. What is more: the data can be carried over from one system to the other at the "push of a button".
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 178
New Interfaces for Data Exchange with the EPLAN Platform
In addition, this interface also allows for the data to be exchanged between
remote workstations. This exchange, too, is based on an XML format, and
occurs between the external editing of the EPLAN platform and EPLAN Harness proD Studio.
Benefit:
Through the automatic project data exchange, item and connection data
can be transferred to the wire harness planning directly from schematic creation (scheme view). On the basis of the bidirectional data exchange, the
wire lengths determined via the wire harness layout can be carried over
back to the schematic. Thus, the individual planning phases of the
engineering process can interlock seamlessly.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 179
New Features in the "EPLAN API Extension" Extension Module
New Features in the "EPLAN API Extension"
Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLAN API Extension" extension module is available as an option as
part of our EPLAN Application Developer Network (EADN) as a developer's package for the following program variants:
EPLAN Electric P8 Professional, EPLAN Electric P8 Professional+,
EPLAN Electric P8 Ultimate, EPLAN Fluid, EPLAN Fluid Professional,
EPLAN PPE, EPLAN PPE Professional, EPLAN Pro Panel Professional.
A unified, and especially high-performance, programming interface (API,
Application Programming Interface) is available for EPLAN platform products. This extension module – the EPLAN API – allows you to develop your
own customized solutions in collaboration with EPLAN or other partners. For
more information on EPLAN API and EADN, visit the EPLAN webpages
under the heading "Solutions > Integration > EPLAN API Developer Network".
The following section provides information on the various new features of
EPLAN API. To use the new EPLAN API version to develop your own applications, you will require the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0.
Selection of 3D objects
In the EPLAN API you can now select visible 3D objects in the layout space.
The SelectObjects method of the Edit class has been extended for this
purpose. The new ClearSelection method from the same class allows for
canceling the selection for all objects in the currently opened graphical editor
/ the currently opened layout space.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 180
New Features in the "EPLAN API Extension" Extension Module
In addition, the new methods ShowConnections, ShowAllConnections,
and Unhide have been added to the Edit3D class. Using these methods 3D
objects and routing connections can be made visible in the opened layout
space.
"List of results 2" removed from user interface
In the user interface of the EPLAN platform for version 2.3, the "List of
results 2" has been removed. Thus, the SearchDataNr property in class
Search of the EPLAN API is out of date. In addition, new overloads of the
methods ClearSearchDB, GetAllSearchDBEntries, and GetSearchDBEntries are available in this class now that do not use the parameter nSearchDB (number of list of results) any more. The previous methods
were characterized as out-of-date. Accordingly the outdated parameter
SEARCHDB of action Search should not be used either.
Check visibility of a 3D object
Using the new property IsHidden of class Placement3D can be used to
check if a 3D object is visible or invisible. In addition, the namespace
Eplan.EplApi.HEServices contains the new class Edit3D. Using its methods Hide and Unhide, 3D objects can be made visible or invisible.
Determine currently opened layout spaces
The SelectionSet class of EPLAN API now comes with the new
OpenedInstallationSpaces method. This property returns a list with the
currently opened layout spaces. The layout space currently in the foreground
is at the first position of this list.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 181
New Features in the "EPLAN API Extension" Extension Module
Load API add-ins without API license
In EPLAN version 2.3, the dialog for API add-ins is now also displayed without an available API license.
Benefit:
You can now load / unload API add-ins signed by EPLAN without API
license.
Command line parameters for the mode when opening projects
To be able to also determine the processing mode when opening projects via
command line parameters, the two actions ProjectOpen and
ProjectAction were extended by the new optional parameter OpenMode.
This command line parameter can have the following values:
STANDARD
READONLY
EXCLUSIVE.
Assignment of device tags for functions
Functions that were initially generated via the EPLAN API without device tags
can now be automatically numbered, e.g. during insertion on a page, just as
with online numbering. The new SetName method in the NameService class
is available for this.
Prompt event names within a script
When handling events within a script by means of the
DeclareEventHandler attribute it is now possible to prompt the event name
in the script.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 182
New Features in the "EPLAN API Extension" Extension Module
Extended search
Concerning the search via the EPLAN API you have now the additional possibility to consider the properties of placeholder objects (variables, values) as
well as 3D objects in a layout space.
Set transparency of a 3D object in the layout space
Using the XGedStartInteractionAction action, you can now determine
the transparency of a 3D object in the layout space. For this the
XGedIaFormatGraphic interaction was extended by the /transparency
parameter.
Benefit:
This extension allows for setting the transparency of 3D objects in the
EPLAN user interface by means of user-defined toolbar buttons.
Transparency is set by values from 0.0 to 1.0. A value of 1.0 results in complete transparency (100% transparency). As an alternative you can also
enter the value bylayer. This will apply the transparency level as set for the
layer.
Note:
To insert such an action as button into a toolbar you must select the "Set
format of graphical elements" button for the "Actions" category in the Customize dialog and determine a suitable command line call (with the /transparency parameter) in the subsequent dialog.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 183
New Features in the "EPLAN API Extension" Extension Module
Example:
For certain 3D objects in an opened layout space, transparency is to be set
to 80 %. then the entry in the command line looks as follows:
XGedStartInteractionAction /Name:XGedIaFormatGraphic /transparency:0.8
Sum up function templates
Using the new EPLAN API it is possible now to sum up function templates in
the currently set parts database. The new SumUpFunctionTemplates
method has been added to the PartsService class for this purpose.
All output file types available for PLC export for Schneider Unity Pro
If you export PLC data for the configuration program "Schneider Unity Pro"
via the EPLAN API, you can now output the data not only as a complete file
(*.xef), but also in the output file types *.xhw (hardware configuration) and
*.xsy (variable data). The ExportData method of the PlcService class
has been correspondingly extended for this purpose.
Cut off graphical elements
The cutting off of sections from graphical elements (lines, rectangles, etc.) is
now also possible in the EPLAN API. The new CutOff method in the Edit
class is available for this.
Determine module items
If a part is a module part, you can use the new Modules property from the
class Article to determine the module items associated with the subparts.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 184
New Features in the "EPLAN API Extension" Extension Module
Assign accessories to a device in the layout space
Accessory components stored in parts management can now be assigned to
an enclosure or device in the layout space by means of the EPLAN API. The
new InsertAccessory3D method has been added to the DeviceService
class for this purpose. In the user interface this corresponds to the inserting
of accessories via the Accessory selection dialog in EPLAN Pro Panel.
Unite 3D objects
By means of the new Unite method from the class Edit3D you can unite several imported individual 3D bodies in the layout space to form one 3D object.
(In the user interface, this corresponds to the menu path Edit > Graphic >
Unite.)
Layout space check
Concerning the checking of layout spaces via EPLAN API, the Check class
was extended by the VerifyInstallationSpace method. For the call-up
via command line (or other automated processing) by means of the check
action, you can now use the new parameter /INSTALLATIONSPACENAME.
Enter the name of the layout space to be checked for this parameter.
New methods for placeholder objects
Several important methods from the PlaceHolderService class were transferred into the two classes Placeholder and Placeholder3D. These two
classes now share the common interface IPlaceHolder. The
PlaceHolderService class was characterized as out-of-date.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 185
New Features in the "EPLAN API Extension" Extension Module
Overloading of actions
The EPLAN API now provides the possibility to overload existing actions so
that the original action can still be called up. Use the new FindBaseAction
method from class ActionManager to find the original action.
Check if parts database is opened
To check whether a parts database is opened in parts management (Access
or SQL server database), you can use the new EPLAN API property IsOpen
from class MDPartsDatabase.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 186
New Features in the Master Data
New Features in the Master Data
Master Data: Symbols
Note:
The following pages show a number of illustrations of new symbols from
different symbol libraries. The illustrations show variant "A" of the respective symbols in multi-line representation. The name and number of the
symbol are shown underneath the symbol.
IEC, GOST, and GB standards
The following new symbols are now available in the symbol libraries IEC_
symbol, IEC_single_symbol, GOST_symbol, GOST_single_symbol,
GB_symbol, and GB_single_symbol:
SL_EL // 1257
FLTR2 // 1285
X9_B_1 // 1498
OL_EL // 1258
S_EL_2 // 1259
TS3DRDR // 1287 T3DRDR // 1288
ZBET // 1500
BET_15 // 1515
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 187
O_EL_2 // 1260
X9_NB_1 // 1497
BET_16 // 1516
Master Data: Symbols
BET_17 // 1517
QL_4L_ST // 1567
BET_18 // 1518
QL_4LI // 1568
BET_19 // 1519
BET_20 // 1520
QL_4LI_ST // 1569
NFPA standard
The following 19 new symbols are available in the symbol libraries NFPA_
symbol and NFPA_single_symbol:
SL_EL // 1257
FLTR2 // 1285
X9_B_1 // 1498
OL_EL // 1258
TS3DRDR // 1287
ZBET // 1500
S_EL_2 // 1259
T3DRDR // 1288
BET_15 // 1515
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 188
O_EL_2 // 1260
X9_NB_1 // 1497
BET_16 // 1516
Master Data: Symbols
BET_17 // 1517
BET_18 // 1518
BET_19 // 1519
QL_4L_ST // 1567
QL_4LI // 1568
QL_4LI_ST // 1569
BET_20 // 1520
Special symbol library
For pre-planning, the following symbols have been added to the SPECIAL
symbol library:
SCSS // 270
SCSS2 // 271
DCPLO // 280
DCPLO2 // 281
Fluid power
For a large number of symbols in the symbol libraries HYD1ESS, HYD2ESS,
and PNE1ESS, the positions of the property placements have been optimized. Adjustments have been made to where device tags and the symbol graphic overlapped.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 189
Master Data: Function Definition Library
Process engineering
In the PID_ESS symbol library, the default representation type for symbols
having electrical engineering or fluid power function definitions was corrected. These symbols (with symbol number 101, 500, 1231, 1241, 1242,
1243, 1244, 1245, 1304, 1305, 1306, 1307, 1308, 1319, 1320, 1321,
1322, 1323, 1324, 1325, and 1326) now have the default representation
type "Pair cross-reference". Thus, these symbols now automatically
receive the "Pair cross-reference" representation type during placement
on P&I diagram pages.
General
The default property arrangement of the distributed terminal symbols
XT4OL_2 // 1401, XT4_2 // 1402, XT3_2 // 1404, XT2_2 // 1405,
and XT1_2 // 1406 was expanded to include the new property placement "Distributed terminals cross-reference" (in all eight symbol libraries
for IEC, NFPA, GOST and GB standards).
Master Data: Function Definition Library
Some new function definitions have been added to the function definition
library. For further information on the properties, the basic symbol, etc. of the
function definitions listed below in the Function definitions dialog, navigate
to the location indicated in the Selection field.
Trade: General
Under General // General special functions // Connection
// Connection definition, the following new function definition has
been added:
– Phase busbar connection.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 190
Master Data: Function Definition Library
Trade: Electrical engineering
Under Electrical engineering // Sensors, Switches, and
Pushbuttons // Digital sensors, general // Digital sensors, 3 connection points, the following new function definitions
have been added:
– Digital pressure sensors, change-over contact
– Digital flow rate sensors, change-over contact
– Digital level sensors, change-over contact
– Digital temperature sensors, change-over contact.
Under Electrical engineering // Sensors, Switches, and
Pushbuttons // Digital sensors, general // Digital sensors, NC contact, 2 connection points, the following new func-
tion definitions have been added:
– Digital pressure sensors, NC contact
– Digital flow rate sensors, NC contact
– Digital level sensors, NC contact
– Digital sensors, general, NC contact
– Digital temperature sensors, NC contact.
Under Electrical engineering // Sensors, Switches, and
Pushbuttons // Digital sensors, general // Digital sensors, NO contact, 2 connection points, the following new func-
tion definitions have been added:
– Digital pressure sensors, NO contact
– Digital flow rate sensors, NO contact
– Digital level sensors, NO contact
– Digital sensors, general, NO contact
– Digital temperature sensors, NO contact.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 191
Master Data: Function Definition Library
Under Electrical engineering // Terminals and plugs // Terminal // Terminals with saddle jumper, 9 connection
points, the following new function definitions have been added:
– Terminal with saddle jumper, 9 connection points
– Terminal, general, with saddle jumper, 9 connection
points
– N terminal with saddle jumper, 9 connection points
– PE terminal with rail contact, 9 connection points
– SH terminal with saddle jumper, 9 connection points.
Under Electrical engineering // Terminals and plugs // Terminal // Terminals, 9 connection points, the following new function definitions have been added:
– Terminal, 9 connection points
– Terminal, general, 9 connection points
– N terminal, 9 connection points
– PE terminal, 9 connection points
– SH terminal, 9 connection points.
Under Electrical engineering // Signal device, optical and
acoustic // Measuring instrument // Measuring instrument,
2 connection points, the following new function definitions have been
added:
– Measuring instrument, general, 2 connection points
– Voltmeter
– Ammeter.
Under Electrical engineering // Signal device, optical and
acoustic // Measuring instrument // Measuring instrument,
4 connection points, the following new function definitions have been
added:
– Measuring instrument, 4 connection points
– Measuring instrument, general, 4 connection points
– Single-phase current meter, 4 connection points.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 192
Master Data: Function Definition Library
Under Electrical engineering // Signal device, optical and
acoustic // Measuring instrument // Measuring instrument,
5 connection points, the following new function definitions have been
added:
– Measuring instrument, 5 connection points
– Measuring instrument, general, 5 connection points
– Single-phase current meter, 5 connection points.
Under Electrical engineering // Signal device, optical and
acoustic // Measuring instrument // Measuring instrument,
8 connection points, the following new function definition has been
added:
– Three-phase current meter, 8 connection points.
Under Electrical engineering // Signal device, optical and
acoustic // Measuring instrument // Measuring instrument,
11 connection points, the following new function definition has been
added:
– Three-phase current meter, 11 connection points.
Under Electrical engineering // Signal device, optical and
acoustic // Measuring instrument // Measuring instrument,
variable, the following new function definition has been added:
– Counter, variable.
Under Electrical engineering // Protection device // Discharger // Discharger, 2 connection points, the following new
function definition has been added:
– Discharger, single-line.
Under Electrical engineering // Protection device // Discharger // Discharger, 3 connection points, the following new
function definition has been added:
– Discharger, two-pole, 3 connection points.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 193
Master Data: Function Definition Library
Under Electrical engineering // Protection device // Discharger // Discharger, 4 connection points, the following new
function definitions have been added:
– Discharger, two-pole, 4 connection points
– Discharger, three-pole, 4 connection points.
Under Electrical engineering // Protection device // Discharger // Discharger, 5 connection points, the following new
function definition has been added:
– Discharger, four-pole, 5 connection points.
Under Electrical engineering // Protection device // Discharger // Discharger, 6 connection points, the following new
function definition has been added:
– Discharger, three-pole, 6 connection points.
Under Electrical engineering // Protection device // Discharger // Discharger, 8 connection points, the following new
function definition has been added:
– Discharger, four-pole, 8 connection points.
Under Electrical engineering // Protection device // Discharger // Discharger, variable, the following new function definitions have been added:
– Discharger, variable
– Discharger with PE, variable.
Under Electrical engineering // Protection device // Discharger // Graphic, the following new function definition has been
added:
– Graphic.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 194
Master Data: Function Definition Library
Under Electrical engineering // Converter, Transformer and
Rectifier // Converter // Converter, variable, the following
new function definitions have been added:
– Measuring transducer, voltage, variable
– Measuring transducer, current, variable.
Under Electrical engineering // PLC / Bus // PLC connection point, the group PLC connection point, bus cable, 1
connection point has been renamed to PLC connection point,
network / bus cable, 1 connection point. Accordingly, the function definitions of this group have also been renamed.
Old designation:
– PLC connection point for bus cable, output
– PLC connection point for bus cable, input
– PLC connection point for bus cable, source
– PLC connection point for bus cable, general.
New designation:
– Network / bus cable connection point, output
– Network / bus cable connection point, input
– Network / bus cable connection point, source
– Network / bus cable connection point, general.
The following new function definition has been added under Electrical
engineering // PLC / Bus // PLC connection point // PLC
connection point, network / bus cable, 1 connection point:
– Network / bus cable connection point, switch connection
point.
The following new function definitions have been added under Electrical engineering // PLC / Bus // PLC connection point
// PLC connection point, network / bus cable, 2 connection points:
– Network / bus cable connection point, pass-through
– Network / bus cable connection point, general.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 195
Master Data: Forms
Trade: Mechanics
Under Mechanics // System accessories // Routing accessories // Cable / tubing clamp, the following new function definition has been added:
– Cable / tubing clamp.
Under Mechanics // System accessories // Routing accessories // Cable / tubing tie, the following new function definition
has been added:
– Cable / tubing tie.
Under Mechanics // System accessories // Routing accessories // Cable / tubing protection, the following new function
definition has been added:
– Cable / tubing protection.
Under Mechanics // Design // Routing track // Curve, the following new function definition has been added:
– Curve.
Master Data: Forms
Eight new forms were generated for the new "Pre-planning" extension module:
F38_001.f38 (File type "Pre-planning: Structure segment overview")
F39_001.f39 (File type "Pre-planning: Structure segment plan")
F40_001.f40 (File type "Pre-planning: Planning object overview")
F40_002.f40 (File type "Pre-planning: Planning object overview";
for a PCT loop overview)
F40_003.f40 (File type "Pre-planning: Planning object overview";
for a PCT loop function overview)
F41_001.f41 (File type "Pre-planning: Planning object plan")
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 196
Master Data: Schemes
F41_002.f41 (File type "Pre-planning: Planning object plan";
for a PCT loop diagram)
F41_003.f41 (File type "Pre-planning: Planning object plan";
for a PCT loop function diagram).
Master Data: Schemes
For the page structure in the project properties, the new "Document type
first" scheme has been created. In this scheme, the higher-level function,
mounting location and document type are identifying, and the "Document
type" identifier block is shown first in the identifier block scheme.
Master Data: Parts
The default parts database ESS_part001.mdb of EPLAN parts management has been expanded to include five new connection point patterns:
– Automatic
– Down
– Left
– Right
– Up.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 197
Other New Features and Information
Other New Features and Information
EPLAN Solution Center – The New Support System
Since the start of 2013, you have been able to access our new support system online – the EPLAN Solution Center.
Benefit:
The EPLAN Solution Center is an optimized support system with improved
service. As a result, we can now process your individual support requests
even more efficiently.
Your inquiries are created and managed in the EPLAN Solution Center on
the basis of simple, ergonomic dialogs. Settings once configured are stored
automatically for future inquiries. You can view the processing status of your
inquiry at any time.
A knowledge database has been integrated into this support system, which
already contains a large number of answers to frequently asked questions.
As soon as your inquiry is received, the knowledge database – the EPLAN
Knowledge Center – automatically suggests initial solutions, provided the
topic has already been dealt with before. The knowledge database is
expanded continuously.
A link to the EPLAN forum is also integrated into the EPLAN Solution Center.
This allows you to use the discussion platform directly.
For the time being, the EPLAN Solution Center is only available on the German EPLAN webpages. In the future, we will localize the new support system
for further EPLAN languages and install it on a global basis.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 198
Logging Into the EPLAN Solution Center
Logging Into the EPLAN Solution Center
Only software service customers can log into this support system. To access
it, please register online with EPLAN Support. You can reach the registration
page, for example, by clicking the "EPLAN Solution Center" hyperlink from
within our support section.
Note:
Please note that you cannot use your login information that you use for logging into EPLAN Support. You must register once before being able to use
the EPLAN Solution Center. Enter the e-mail address that you have used
so far also for communicating with EPLAN Support in the E-mail field, and
then click [Send].
To log into the EPLAN Solution Center, enter in the fields User name and
Password the data that you received in a reply e-mail from EPLAN.
Confirm your information by clicking [Login]. The first time you log in, you
will be prompted to change the password that was assigned to you. Then, the
start page of the EPLAN Solution Center opens.
Transfer of Previous Support Requests
With the introduction of the EPLAN Solution Center, all existing support
requests from the previous support system were transferred to the new support system.
The previous processing numbers (issue numbers) have been replaced in
EPLAN Solution Center with a new numbering system. Your transferred support requests are identified by a preceding "M". Your previous numbers continue to be stored in the request, and can be used as a criterion for a search.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 199
Validation Code
In order to distinguish between the two support systems clearly, we have
assigned different designations to the EPLAN Solution Center. Thus, a support request is now called a "ticket". The following table provides an overview
of the changes:
Old name:
New name:
Support System
EPLAN Helpdesk EPLAN Solution Center
Online Procedure
Call Tracking
Customer Portal
Support Request
Issue
Ticket
Processing Number Numeric
(e.g., 351xxx)
Alphanumeric
(transferred requests, e.g.,
M427xxx; new requests, e.g.,
T750xxx)
Validation Code
To use this new version of EPLAN, you need a new validation code. This is
provided on the delivery note sent with your storage medium. In addition, you
have the option of retrieving the validation code via the internet (see the following section).
Retrieving the Validation Code Online
EPLAN enables you to carry out the final installation step quickly and easily
by allowing you to retrieve the validation code required for licensing via the
internet. After the required data have been transmitted, the validation code is
automatically copied into the license dialog.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 200
Retrieving the Validation Code Online
Note:
Please note that you must be connected to the internet to download the validation code. You cannot retrieve a validation code for network licenses or
licenses without a dongle.
The Enter validation code dialog has been enhanced to allow you the
option of retrieving the validation code online.
This dialog, for example, opens when you start the application for the first
time after an installation. Click the new [Retrieve online] button.
The Company name and Serial number are automatically entered into the
open Set validation code online dialog. This data is needed to retrieve the
validation code successfully.
Up-to-date information
If you would like to receive information in the future (such as our
eNewsletter), please activate the I would like to receive further information check box. EPLAN will then save your personal details (Name,
Phone, E-mail address, etc.).
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 201
Installation
Internet settings
The settings for the existing internet connection are adopted by default. You
can also use a proxy server as a network component via the [Settings] button and the dialog that then opens. If this is the case, you must enter the
corresponding information on Address, Port, etc. Please consult with your
administrator about the settings in this area.
Returning the validation code
Click [Send] to send the encoded data to EPLAN. If your details are already
held by EPLAN and are valid, a validation code is created and sent to the
license dialog. Then start the application by clicking [OK].
Installation
Starting with version 2.1, EPLAN program variants and add-ons are installed
via the EPLAN Setup Manager. The basic procedure in the EPLAN Setup
Manager has remained unchanged. Concerning the installation of EPLAN
program variants and in particular the user interface and the components to
be installed, the following changes have to be noted:
Dongle driver no longer installed by EPLAN Setup Manager:
During the installation of EPLAN program variants, the dongle driver is no
longer installed by the EPLAN Setup Manager.
During a new installation of an EPLAN program variant on computers with
the Microsoft operating systems Windows 7 or Windows 8 and usage of a
USB dongle, the dongle driver is, for example, often installed automatically. This automatic installation is carried out by the Windows system
service "Software Update Services" via Internet.
For those cases in which you need another new dongle driver (e.g. no
Internet access or usage of a parallel dongle), the corresponding installation files can be found on your EPLAN data medium (directory Services\Drivers).
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 202
Installing Help Languages via EPLAN Download Manager
Installing help languages via EPLAN Download Manager:
In the EPLAN Setup Manager, no help languages are offered any more
for selection during the selection of the program components to be
installed. During the installation of EPLAN program components (e.g.
EPLAN Electric P8), one of the two help languages "German (Germany)"
or "English (USA)" is automatically installed.
If "German (Germany)" has been set as "activated" user interface language (EPLAN is displayed in this language at the first launch), the German help system is automatically installed. If you select any other user
interface language as "activated", the English help system is automatically installed. Installation of the EPLAN help system in other languages is
now carried out via the EPLAN Download Manager (see the following section).
Note:
Administrator rights are no longer required for borrowing a license.
Installing Help Languages via EPLAN Download Manager
We provide you with the EPLAN Download Manager for the installation of the
EPLAN Help system in different languages.
Benefit:
Through the separate installation of further Help languages via the EPLAN
Download Manager, we can ensure on the one hand that the Help system
is always fully up-to-date in the respective language. On the other hand,
through this "file off", the data volume on the EPLAN storage medium is
reduced, and the installation is accelerated accordingly.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 203
Installing Help Languages via EPLAN Download Manager
When the Help system is called for the first time, the program can be started
automatically by means of a hyperlink if the dialog language of the EPLAN
platform is not the same language as that set for the Help system, and if this
Help language is not additionally installed. You can also start the EPLAN
Download Manager at any time by using the menu items Help > EPLAN
Download Manager.
Source of Help systems
First specify the source from which to obtain the Help systems (EPLAN components). Select one of the following options:
Downloading from the EPLAN download area and installing: The
files with the Help systems are copied to the download directory of your
computer, unzipped and installed in the EPLAN program directory.
Downloading from the EPLAN download area: The files with the Help
system are only copied into the download directory or into a different directory that can be set. They are neither unzipped nor installed into the
EPLAN program directory.
Installing from a folder: Enter the file path in which the installation packages are stored in your network into the field next to this option. Then, the
files with the Help systems are unzipped and installed in the EPLAN program directory.
Using the first option, you can download the Help systems directly via the
Internet and install them. If your Internet access is deactivated or limited,
your system administrator must first download the installation packages from
the EPLAN Download area (second option) before you can install the
required languages from a specific folder (third option).
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 204
Installation of EPLAN License Manager
List of available Help systems
After the program is started, in the middle of the dialog the EPLAN Download
Manager lists all the Help systems available in the set source area (EPLAN
download area or in a set folder). The following information about the installation of the Help systems is displayed on your computer:
The languages for which the Help systems are available for downloading
and / or installation (with description and version number respectively)
The status of the Help systems in the available languages: Downloaded /
Not downloaded / Installed / Not installed
The file sizes of the installation packages.
Activate the check boxes in front of the Help languages that you want to download and / or install.
Start download
After you have carried out all the settings as desired, click [Start]. The Help
systems are downloaded and installed.
For further information on the EPLAN Download Manager, see the Help of
the program that can be opened via the [Help] button.
Installation of EPLAN License Manager
The EPLAN License Manager is no longer installed by means of the EPLAN
Setup Manager. You can find the required installation program on your
EPLAN storage medium in the directory ELM\License Manager (x64)
\setup.exe.
The update installation of the EPLAN License Manager does not require any
further configuration of the DCOM interface. The settings are now imported
during the execution of the installation program.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 205
Software Requirements and Approvals
Software Requirements and Approvals
All release information refers to the 32-bit version of the products, unless
stated otherwise.
General requirements
The Microsoft .NET framework 4.0 is required to operate the EPLAN platform. Further information and the latest version of this Microsoft component
are available for download from the Microsoft website.
You will find .NET Framework 4.0 on your EPLAN storage medium. Switch
here to the following directory:
cd-rom\Services\Net Framework 4.0\en_US
To install .NET Framework, double-click the file DotNetFx40_Full_x86_
x64.exe.
Operating systems
The EPLAN platform has been cleared for the following operating systems:
Workstation
Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 (64 Bit)
Professional, Enterprise, Ultimate
Microsoft Windows 8 (64 Bit)
Pro, Enterprise
Server
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 (64 Bit)
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 (64 Bit)
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 206
Microsoft products
Microsoft products
Prerequisite for the creation of Microsoft Office file formats from EPLAN is a
functioning installation of an Office version as approved by EPLAN on the
PC.
Microsoft Office 2010 (32 bit)
Microsoft Office 2013
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9
Microsoft Internet Explorer 10
SQL server
Microsoft SQL-Server 2008
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2
Microsoft SQL-Server 2012
Autodesk products
AutoCAD 2012 (32-bit und 64-bit)
AutoCAD 2013 (32-bit und 64-bit)
Autodesk Productstream Professional 2012
Autodesk Productstream Professional 2013
Autodesk Vault 2012
Autodesk Vault 2013
PDF redlining
Adobe Reader Version X
Adobe Acrobat Version X Standard / Pro / Pro Extended
Adobe Reader Version XI
Adobe Acrobat Version XI Standard / Pro
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 207
PLC systems (PLC & bus extension)
PLC systems (PLC & bus extension)
B&R Automation Studio
Beckhoff TwinCAT 2.10
Beckhoff TwinCAT 2.11
Phoenix Contact PC Worx 6
Rockwell RSLogix professional 20
Schneider Unity Pro 6.0
Schneider Unity Pro 7.0
Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7 version 5.4 SP4
Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7 version 5.5
Unsupported Operating Systems
Windows XP
Beginning with EPLAN version 2.3, the Windows XP operating system is no
longer supported.
The EPLAN platform only supports the 64-bit variants of the Microsoft operating systems Windows 7 and Windows 8.
Note:
Further information on the life cycle of operating systems is available on
the Microsoft website.
Server
The EPLAN platform does not support the Microsoft Windows Server 2003
SP2 nor the Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2 any more. This applies to
both the 32-bit and the 64-bit version. In addition, the SQL server Microsoft
SQL Server 2005 SP2 is also not supported any more.
EPLAN NEWS 2.3 • Page 208

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