Tab Connection points (connection point pattern)

In this tab you define a collection (i.e. a group) of connection points. Here you specify the spatial arrangement and specific data of the connection points that are part of a connection point pattern.

Overview of the main dialog elements:

Scheme:

Choose the scheme that you would like to use for the display of the connection point data from the drop-down list. Or click [...] to edit an existing scheme or create a new one in the Settings: Column configuration dialog.

Table

The most important connection point data of the table are listed below.

Bus interface name:

In the case of bus ports the bus interface name is additionally used for identification.

Plug designation:

Enter the DT of the plug used to connect the connection point here. The plug designation supports the identification of PLC connection points or device connection points.

Level:

If the connection point is a multi-level terminal, enter the level here.

Internal / External index:

Defines for a connection point in the connection point pattern the number of the internal or external connection point that this connection point represents.

X position:

You determine the coordinate values of the connecting points in the columns X position to Z position.

Note:

When specifying the connecting points you must make sure that they lie within the geometrical dimensions of the device. If the connecting points lie outside of the device, the connections cannot be routed.

X vector:

You determine the values for the connection point vector with which the routing connection exits the connection point In the columns X vector to Z vector. The values describe the preference with which the vector points to the direction of the respective axis.

Example:

X, Y, and Z axis are arranged in an angle of 90°.
Vector value 1 means: parallel orientation at the respective axis.
Vector value 0 means: no contribution of the axis concerning vector orientation.
Vector values between 0 and 1 move the contribution of the axis in the range between 0° and 90° (0.5 = 45°, 0.25 = 22.5°). Negative values are possible.
If all axes have the same vector value, the vector is oriented exactly in the axes intersection with 45° for all axes.

Vector	Entered values
	X=1, Y=0, Z=0 defines a vector parallel to the X axis.
	X=0,5, Y=0, Z=1 pivots a vector parallel to the Z axis by 45° in the direction of the X axis.
	X=-0,5, Y=0, Z=1 pivots a vector parallel to the Z axis by minus 45° against the direction of the X axis.
	X=0, Y=0.5, Z=0.5 defines a spatial vector between Y and Z axis.

Routing direction:

In this column you specify the direction in which the routing connection is to preferably search for an entry into the routing path network after the exit from the connection point.

Additional length:

Here you can determine values deteriorating from the preset value for individual connection points.

Connection category:

From this drop-down list select the default value that specifies the connection point type of the connections. You define the corresponding entries in this list in the Settings: Connection category dialog.

We recommend using only the connection categories corresponding to the ECLASS classification when new connection point patterns are created.

Note:

The handling of wire termination processing has been changed in Version 2027. The wire termination processing and the matching parts are now determined from the Wire termination processing and Wire termination processing: Part number properties in the Connection point pattern and transferred to the connection during routing.
The values previously defined in the company and project settings for connection categories and wire termination processing will continue to be supported for compatibility reasons during a transitional period. However, the values of the Wire termination processing and Wire termination processing: Part number properties defined in the connection point pattern have priority.
We recommend the new procedure. Further information is available in the section "Wire termination processing".

Connection dimension:

A connection dimension can be entered for bolt connections, flat plug-in connectors, band connections, rail connections, internal threads and external threads. For a terminal with the connection category "Bolt connection" specify, for example, a bolt diameter of "3 mm". Or for a push-fitting with the connection category "External thread" you can enter the connection thread, for example "M3" or "G1/8".

Min. cross-section:
Max. cross-section:

Enter the values for the minimum and maximum wire cross-sections that can be connected to the connection point.

Note:

Ensure that the cross-section range matches the connection point and the permissible conductor type when you have selected a conductor type in the Permissible conductor types column. Only then can a suitable part be determined for wire termination processing during routing.

Min. AWG:
Max. AWG:

Enter the values for the minimum and maximum AWG cross-sections that can be connected to the connection point.

Note:

Max. number of connections:

Enter the maximum number of wires that can be connected to the connection point here.

Note:

You can insert two rows per connection point: One row for a maximum of one wire and one row for a maximum of two wires. When routing the connections, the required connection point variant can then be selected depending on the specifications of the schematic and a matching part for wire termination processing can be determined and transferred to the connection.

Dual sleeve prescribed:

Using the check box, define whether you want to use duel sleeves for the connection point when two connections lead to this connection point.

Socket size:

A screwing tool (for example screwdriver) consists of the drive and the socket. The drive is the component that moves the tool, for example a handle or a motor shaft. The socket is the component that is moved, for example the tip of the screwdriver. The socket size describes the dimensions of the socket (the tip) for example "3 x 0.5" = width 3 mm and thickness 0.5 mm. Through the specification of the standard abbreviation the version of the socket is defined, for example "PZ 1" for Pozidriv crosstip or "TX 5" for Torx screw head.

Min. tightening torque:
Max. tightening torque:

Is specified in Newtonmeters. It describes the force with which, for example, a screw is tightened, meaning the force that acts from the drive on the socket.

Stripping length:

Length in millimeters in which the wire fabrication machine is to cut off the insulation.

Permissible conductor types:

Select the permissible conductor type for the wire to be connected from this drop-down list, for example "single-wire conductor", "multi-wire conductor" or "fine-wire conductor".

Notes:

The conductor class must be specified at the connection part to ensure that a connection part matches the connection point by means the permissible conductor type.
Further information is available in the section "Specification of permissible conductor type and conductor class".
Within a connection point pattern you should select the same conductor type for all connection points so that the cross-section areas are the same for all connection points. Otherwise the search for a suitable part can take some time. In order to have more selection options for conductor types, we recommend that you create part variants with different connection point patterns.

Wire termination processing:

Select a wire termination processing for the wire to be connected from this drop-down list in accordance with the connection point and the selected permissible conductor type, for example "Strip" or "Crimp".

Notes:

The setting made in this column is written during routing into the Wire termination processing source / Wire termination processing target property of the connection and has priority over the settings for connection category and wire termination processing that were defined in the company and project settings. Specifying wire termination processing in the company and project settings will only continue to be supported for compatibility reasons during a transitional period.
If you have selected "Crimp" as the wire termination processing, you have to select a suitable part in the Wire termination processing: Part number column.

Wire termination processing: Part number:

In this column, select a fitting part for the wire termination processing "Crimp", for example conductor end sleeves, cable lugs or crimp contacts. To do so, click [...] in this field to call up the Part selection dialog. In the Part selection dialog, you can find suitable parts for wire termination processing on the basis of specific part properties. Further information is available in the "Selection of suitable parts for wire termination processing" section.

Notes:

You can select several parts matching the cross-section range of the connection point and the conductor type, either through multiple selection or via an accessory list. Ensure that you select only one part for each cross-section level so that a suitable part for wire termination processing can be determined during routing, in accordance with the connection cross-section.
If you have specified two wires in the Max. number of connections column and the Dual sleeve prescribed check box is selected, you must select a dual sleeve as the part.
The part for wire termination processing determined during routing from this preselection is written with the property Part allocation = "Part (source)" / "Part (target)" into the Parts tab of the 2D connection and is output in reports, such as connection lists or bills of materials, together with the connection part.

Popup menu:

The popup menu provides - depending on the field type (e.g. date, integer, multilingual) - the following menu items that are, depending on the situation, available for influencing the table or editing the values in the fields. You can find an overview of these popup menu items in the section Popup menu items.