EPLAN distinguishes the following three types of operational sequence sheets:
- Text-based functional diagrams Diagrams of this type represent simple path-time or path-step diagrams in which you can place the property texts of the devices planned in EPLAN.
- Symbol-based functional diagrams Diagrams of this type are functional diagrams in which you can place device symbols or part macros in addition to the property texts.
- GRAFCET diagrams: Diagrams of this type are representations of sequential controls according to the DIN EN 60848 standard. Into these diagrams, too, you can place the property texts of the EPLAN devices.
In the functional diagrams, the user must draw the actual process in the right-hand section of the diagrams ("representing part"). The devices managed by EPLAN (motors, pumps, valves, etc.) are placed in the left-hand section of the diagrams as "drive elements/actuators". This area is called the "describing part".
The following figure shows the schematic layout of a functional diagram with device symbols.
A is the form with the preset division that is entered in the page properties. In the area B – the describing part – you place the symbols from EPLAN. The time / step scale in the area C is integrated into the form. You can insert the values of the scale, for example, by means of a macro. The area D containing the process sequences – the representing part – is drawn using the graphic elements.
Special symbols for the placing of property texts
Property texts are placed by means of special symbols. These special symbols for the operational sequence sheets do not contain any symbol graphic, but merely define the properties and the way in which to place them. The special symbols are of the "Functional" representation type.
We provide you with some of these symbols in the OS_SYM_ESS.slk symbol library. The special symbols supplied are suitable for the following types of operational sequence sheets:
- OS1: Text-based functional diagrams
- OS2: Symbol-based functional diagrams
- OS3: GRAFCET diagrams.
Note:
Please note that the special symbols listed produce correct placements only if you also use the forms supplied by EPLAN. If you choose your own forms, you may have to adjust the special symbols supplied by us or create your own suitable symbols.
You specify the special symbol to be used in the project settings (Options > Settings > Projects > "Project name" > Device > Operational sequence sheets). If you wish to create symbol-based functional diagrams, you must first activate the Functional placing with symbol graphic check box in the settings.
The following table summarizes the necessary settings for each type of operational sequence sheet.
Operational sequence sheet |
Special symbol |
Form |
Functional placing with symbol graphic |
Placing of |
---|---|---|---|---|
Text-based functional diagram |
1 / OS1 |
F28_001.f28 |
Disabled |
Text |
Symbol-based functional diagram |
2 / OS2 |
F28_002.f28 |
Enabled |
Text + Symbol |
Symbol-based functional diagram |
2 / OS2 |
F28_002.f28 |
(No effect) |
Text + Symbol |
GRAFCET |
3 / OS3 |
- |
Disabled |
Text |
Representation type "Functional"
The "Functional" representation type is available for functions. Functions with this representation type are represented only as a graphic and are not treated as logic functions, i.e., autoconnecting is not possible either. Functions with the "Functional" representation type can be placed multiple times. This means that the symbol or property texts of a function can be placed multiple times in the functional diagram (e.g., on different pages). For this reason, functions of this representation type are ignored by the check run 007004 "Duplicate connection point designation: %1!s!".
During the "functional" placing of functions and part macros in functional and GRAFCET diagrams, a copy is created of a selected function, which is managed as an auxiliary function and assigned the "Functional" representation type.
In the device navigator, the corresponding functions are identified by a special icon ().
The "Functional" representation type is also taken into account during the global editing of properties and when creating reports, as well as during the data synchronization between different representation types. The sequence of representation types determines which data of a shared property are imported during global editing.
The "Functional" representation type is also accessible when you create symbols in the symbol editor. This allows you to create your own special symbols for functional diagrams without graphic and with modified property placement.
See also