Modules have the same properties as parts, but additionally contain lists of subparts (so-called module positions). These subparts are identified via a subordinate DT or a so-called "DT ID". A module is thus a set of parts that belong to several nested devices (for example, a motor control unit installed in a 19" rack). Modules form one of the possibilities in the Eplan platform of mapping complex devices.
A module can contain parts, assemblies and other modules. The parts contained in modules also contain information about part variants. Specially for device selection and for reports, then, the technical data for variants will also be taken into account.
Procedure
- Prepare macros for the modules:
Before you define the part-specific data for a module in the parts management, you must first create a macro for using with this module.
We recommend preparing the macros for the modules in a macro project. If the DT ID is used, these identifiers have to be unique within a macro / module. The DT ID is stored at the devices via the DT ID property. Note that you have to define this property both at the main and the auxiliary functions so that modules are also taken into consideration during the device selection.
It is imperative that the elements of a macro be located within a black box. This black box also becomes part of the macro. All the devices belonging to the module have to be nested in the macro within the black box. It is not absolutely necessary to assign the parts when you create the macro as this is done automatically when you place a module part in the graphical editor. - Creating modules in the parts management:
Creation of modules is carried out below the hierarchy level "Generic product group" (analog to individual components or assemblies). The items, i.e. the parts, that are to be contained in a module are assigned to the module on the Module tab. Each module must be assigned to the associated macro (on the Properties tab in the Data hierarchy level in the Schematic macro property).
Either the subordinate DT of the device or the DT ID entered at the device is used to identify a device located in the macro. DT IDs make the used macros and modules independent of a device identification standard, so that different standards can be used as a result. - Using modules in the configuration:
Modules can be used similarly to devices and be inserted via the Insert center.
Mechanical modules
In the 3D mounting layout a mechanical module constitutes a standard item that has been delivered as a whole to a manufacturer by another manufacturer (for example, an enclosure socket that consists of different elements such as socket corner piece, socket orifice, cable rail, etc.). In the parts management you create such a module below the "Mechanics" generic product group. In contrast to other modules, mechanical modules may only contain parts and no other assemblies or modules.
The procedure for the mechanical modules correspondents more or less to the procedure for the other modules. For the placement of a mechanical module in the 3D mounting layout, you must create a 3D macro that represents the standard item and in which all module elements are already included. For the later DT numbering, the elements in the 3D macro must have a DT ID or a subordinate DT. You store the finished 3D macro at the module part in the parts management (on the Properties tab in the Mounting data hierarchy level in the Graphical macro property).
Mechanical modules can only be placed as a unit. Accordingly the Distributed placement of module setting in the Module tab is preset to the option "Place module part and its elements" and cannot be changed either.
When placing mechanical modules in a layout space, the length of the length-variable items are determined from the stored macro and the part reference data is entered in the property Subset / length (ID 31008). Snap points are displayed for a mechanical module during the placement so that a module can be adjoined multiple times.
Breaking up of modules and assemblies
Modules and assemblies can be broken up into their components during the reporting of part assemblies and during the manufacturing data export. In both cases this affects the summarized parts list and the parts list. In the process you can specify at the following points whether the modules and/or the assemblies are broken up:
During reporting:
- Individually at the module or at the assembly in the Module or Assembly tab
- If the report is generated via a template: Project-wide in the Reports dialog in the properties for the respective template in the Template tab
- Project-wide in the Settings: Parts dialog in the settings for part assemblies
When exporting manufacturing data / outputting labeling data:
- Individually at the module or at the assembly in the Module or Assembly tab
- User-specific in the Settings: Manufacturing data export / labeling dialog in the Settings tab in the settings for part assemblies
By default the "From settings" option is set for the breaking up at the module or at the assembly. In this case the setting that was specified in the respective settings dialog for the reports or for the manufacturing data export is used.
- Reports: In this case the setting is taken from the Settings: Parts dialog. If templates are used for the respective report, the settings are first applied from the templates and then from the settings dialog.
- Manufacturing data (export): In this case the setting can be found in the Settings: Manufacturing data export / labeling dialog.
The following scheme clarifies the hierarchical sequence of the settings for the breaking up of a module during the output of a parts list:
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Yes
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Yes (Break up to n-th level)
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Yes (Break up to n-th level)
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Break up module |
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At the module in the parts management: Break up in parts list |
From settings ![]() |
Setting (templates): Break up modules |
From settings ![]() |
Setting (part assemblies): Break up modules |
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No ![]() |
No ![]() |
No ![]() |
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Do not break up |
If the supplemental parts are to be taken into consideration when breaking up modules and assemblies, the Include supplemental parts setting is available in the setting options listed above for this purpose. This means that the supplemental parts contained in a module or in an assembly are also listed in the part assemblies or are output during the manufacturing data export.
See also