The import of devices and routing connections is carried out in two separate steps for which different menu items are available:
- Project data > Devices > Import: Imports the device tag list. Devices with unplaced functions arise in the project. These imported devices with one or more parts are displayed in the device or 3D mounting layout navigator and can be Dragged & Dropped from the navigators in the tree view. To this purpose it has to be either a mechanical part or the assigned part has to dispose of the required information (dimensions, macro).
- Project data > Connections > Import > Routing connections: Imports the routing connections. This creates non-routed routing connections, if both the source and target of the imported routing connections are found. The non-routed routing connections can be rerouted in the connections navigator via the popup menu item Route (layout space).
Correct assignment between the data fields in the data source and the EPLAN properties is important for successful importing. Such a field assignment is saved in a scheme. A predefined scheme exists, but usually has to be customized in accordance with the respective data source.
Field assignments as requirement
Main functions
The DT (full) (ID 20006) property must be assigned to a corresponding data field in the data source so that main functions can be generated during the import of devices.
You specify the function definition of the main function to be generated during the import via the assignment of a part. To this purpose you should assign the Part number [x] (ID 20100 x) property to a further data field of the data source. (The "x" after the property number stands for the index here.)
In the process the first function template stored at the part is used to determine the main function. If no function template is stored or the project setting Consider macro when generating devices is activated (under the menu items Options > Settings > Projects > "Project name" > Devices > General), the main function is determined via the macro stored at the part.
If no suitable part is found in the parts database or if no suitable main function can be determined from the part due to a missing template / macro during importing, the direct assignment of a function definition is also possible. This can be effected, for example, through the assignment of a data field to the Function definition (ID 20026) property.
Terminals and Plugs
If the DT is the same, terminals and plugs are differentiated by means of the Terminal / pin designation (ID 20030) property. For the import of these functions the Terminal / pin designation (ID 20030) property has to be assigned to a data field in addition to the DT (full) (ID 20006) property.
If parts from the parts management are assigned to the terminals and plugs via the Part number [x] (ID 20100 x) property, the function definitions are determined analog to the devices from the parts data. Terminals with parts data are generated as main terminals during the import.
During the import of multi-level terminals you have the possibility to specify the level via a field assignment with the Level (ID 20034) property. In this case the import then recognizes even without the parts data that this is a terminal. Auxiliary terminals for multi-level terminals are generated if values exist for the level in the data source for these terminals, but no part numbers exist.
Connections
Both the source and the target of the connection have to exist as a 3D part placement in the project so that non-routed routing connections can be generated during the import of connection data. At least the following properties have to be contained in the field assignment of this import:
- Source (ID 31019)
- Target (ID 310209).
If the DT (full) (ID 20006) property is assigned additionally, the import automatically generates a cable connection.
The "Conductor / wire" function definition is assigned by default to the resulting non-routed routing and cable connections. This function definition can be modified via a further field assignment (for example with the Function definition (ID 20026) property.)
Alternative field assignments for parts
Often, part numbers which are assigned to devices and connections in the external source do not exist in the EPLAN parts database. To allow for assignment of parts in such a case nevertheless, other matching properties can be used for the assignment. In addition to the part number the following properties can also be assigned:
- Importing devices: Order number (ID 20919) and / or Type designation of part (ID 20200)
- Importing routing connections: Connection color / number (ID 31004) and / or Connection cross-section / diameter (ID 31002)
For these properties appropriate data fields to which the corresponding EPLAN properties can then be assigned have to exist in the external data source.
Assignment of parts during the synchronization
The following processes are available for assigning parts to the devices and routing connections to be imported in the EPLAN project:
- If a part with the same part number is found in the parts management, this part is assigned automatically.
- If the device or the connection is assigned a part number which does not exist in the parts database, this part number is displayed in bold characters in the Part number column of the Synchronize devices or Synchronize routing connections dialog. In such a case the Assign part popup menu item can be used to search for a suitable part at which the other properties, such as Order number and / or Type designation of part match.
- If an assignment by this method is not possible, you can click the [...] button in the Part number column to open part selections and select a part there manually.
See also
Importing Device Data and Devices
Importing Connection Data and Routing Connections
Dialog Field assignment (importing devices / routing connections) / Dialog Settings: Import