Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Copyright 2012 EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG assumes no liability for either technical or printing errors, or for deficiencies in this technical information and cannot be held liable for damages that may result directly or indirectly from the delivery, performance, and use of this material. This document contains legally protected proprietary information that is subject to copyright. All rights are protected. This document or parts of this document may not be copied or reproduced by any other means without the prior consent of EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG. The software described in this document is subject to a licensing agreement. The use and reproduction of the software is only permitted within the framework of this agreement. RITTAL is a registered trademark of Rittal GmbH & Co. KG. EPLAN, EPLAN Electric P8, EPLAN Fluid, EPLAN PPE, EPLAN Cabinet, EPLAN Pro Panel and EPLAN Mechatronic Integration are registered trademarks of EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG. Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access and Notepad are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation. PC WORX, CLIP PROJECT, and INTERBUS are registered trademarks of Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. AutoCAD and AutoCAD Inventor are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. STEP 7, SIMATIC and SIMATIC HW Konfig. are registered trademarks of Siemens AG. InstallShield is a registered trademark of InstallShield, Inc. Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc. TwinCAT is a registered trademark of Beckhoff Automation GmbH. Unity Pro is a registered trademark of Schneider Electric. RSLogix 5000 and RSLogix Architect are registered trademarks of Rockwell Automation. All other product names and trade names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. EPLAN uses the Open Source software 7-Zip (7za.dll), Copyright by Igor Pavlov. The source code of 7-Zip is subject to the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL). The source code of 7-Zip and details on this license can be found on the following Web site: http://www.7-zip.org EPLAN uses the open-source software Open CASCADE, Copyright by Open CASCADE S.A.S. The source code of Open CASCADE is subject to the Open CASCADE Technology Public License. The source code of Open CASCADE and details on this license can be found on the following Web site: http://www.opencascade.org
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Preface
Notes for the Reader
9 10 12 14 17 17 18 19 20 20 21 22 22 23 23 24 25 26 26 26 27 28 29 30 30 34 34 34 35 37
Table of Contents Use elements as background Set zoom "100%" with mouse wheel New line types for graphical elements Using Extended Smart Connect Use Graphical Macro Selection Find and Replace Extended search for placeholder objects Devices Assign functions to other device groups Defined Devices New behavior when generating devices in navigators Project Data Navigators Quick input filter in all project data navigators Connections Carry over connection designations to other connections Determining the next free connection designation Editing in Table Edit connection data in table Layer Management Set alignment and angle project-wide Reports Simplified generation of report projects Taking into account current page in embedded reports Labeling / External Editing Microsoft Office 2007 / 2010 support Automated Processing Synchronize parts data automatically Parts Management Update the parts database New exchange format for parts management Assigning function templates Extended full-text filter Menu item "Update search index" moved to parts management
37 38 38 38 39 39 39 40 40 41 41 43 43 44 44 45 46 46 47 47 48 48 49 51 51 52 52 53 53 53 57 57 57
Table of Contents Removed fields New Features in the "EPLAN Revision Management" Extension Module Extended deletion of revisions in change tracking New information on revision check New Features in the "EPLAN Multi Language Translation" Extension Module Translate designations of hyperlinks automatically Licensing New EPLAN program variants Properties Renamed properties for cables / conduits
58 59 59 61 62 62 63 63 64 64 65 65 65 70 71 71 71 72 73 73 74 76 78 82 83 83 86 86 88 92 92
Table of Contents Diameter character in connection definition points Definition of Conduits Inserting conduit definitions Display and reports of conduits
93 93 94 96 98 98 100 101 103 105 106 107 108 110 111 112 112 113 114 115 116 117 117 118 122 124 126 126 127 127 128 129
Table of Contents Extensions in layer management Application in the P&I diagram New line types for drawing graphical elements Influencing Distance While Drawing PCT Loops
130 131 132 135 137 141 142 143 145 150 150 151 159 160 160 161 161 163 163 165 167 169 169 169 170 170 170 170 170 171 172
New Features in the "EPLAN API Extension" Extension Module New Features in the Master Data
Extended Synchronization of Project Master Data Master Data: Symbols Master Data: Function Definition Library Master Data: Forms Master Data: Schemes
Table of Contents
Preface
Preface
Dear EPLAN users, Modern automization projects place great demands on complete and highquality machine / plant documentation. At the same time, however, there is less and less time available for planning. The version of the EPLAN platform targets precisely this task. Efficient planning, while creating high-quality and meaningful documentation. Quick filters in project data navigators, comprehensive parts data exchange, and extended terminal planning translate to more convenience and speed in project editing. Innovative extension modules, such as EPLAN Pro Panel Copper, EPLAN FieldSys, and EPLAN P&ID, open up a variety of possibilities that will allow you to optimize your total engineering process. Take a look at EPLAN News, and be blown away by the many other highlights of EPLAN platform 2.2. Of course, for this version, too, we offer interesting update training step on the gas right now and give your engineering that extra thrust. We wish you much success with your new EPLAN platform 2.2. Please visit our website at www.eplan.de/en for more information. Your EPLAN Software & Service team
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 ).
A routing path network can be created independently of other displays in the project. The structuring of a routing path network is done via the identifier structure (for pages, devices, etc.). For example, you can assign each routing path network a separate mounting location by dividing the project pages accordingly and, if necessary, using structure boxes. A routing path network can be designed as placed or unplaced. The "Topology" page type is available for placement. Generally, a routing path network can be drawn on any page type. But using the "Topology" page type has the advantage that the symbols placed there are assigned the "Topology" representation type automatically. There is no autoconnecting on topology pages. In the page navigator tree view, a page of this new page type is identified by the icon. We discuss the following topics in the next sections: "Routing Paths (Topology): Principle" on page "14" "Routing Connections (Topology): Procedure" on page "17" "Routing Connections (Topology)" on page "20" "Changing Route (Topology)" on page "24" "Synchronizing Topology Connections and Functions" on page "25".
Each device may contain only one function of the "Topology" representation type. Terminal strips are an exception; these may contain several topology functions. Example: The following illustration shows topology functions, routing paths, and routing points:
The figures have the following meaning: (1) topology function, (2) routing point, (3) automatically generated routing path, (4) manually inserted routing path. Topology connection points Topology connection points are used only to set up the routing path network; they are not evaluated as normal function connection points, and there is no autoconnecting between topology connection points.
Usually each topology symbol has only one topology connection point per symbol variant. Even if the symbol has only topology connection points, the topology function still also has logical function connection points. These function connection points, however, are visible only in the connection point pattern of the function. Topology connection points are connected with routing paths. However, routing connections are connected to the function connection points in the connection point pattern of the topology function. Cable definition lines If a cable definition line is inserted on a topology page, it will be assigned the "Topology" representation type automatically, as well as the "Topology cable" function definition. Cable definition lines do not have topology connection points. No DT adoption occurs for connections intersected by the cable definition line. Topology interruption points A routing path can be continued on another project page by means of a topology interruption point. The topology interruption point behaves like any normal interruption point. Terminal strips Only terminal strips can be managed as topology functions, but not the individual terminals. The terminals are managed via the terminal strip. A terminal strip with the "Topology" representation type may occur in several routing path networks, but it should occur only once within the same routing path network.
Routing connections This is done using the new Project data > Topology > Route menu item or via the Route popup menu item in the new topology navigator. During the route, routing connections are generated and routed in the routing path network. The routing track and length of the connection are determined automatically for the routing connections. Detailed information on the length determination can be found in the online help in the section "Determining Connection Length (Topology)". Tip: If you want to know which cables or connections run through a routing path, select the routing path and select the Cables / Connections popup menu item. In the Cables / Connections dialog that then opens, the connections running through the routing path are listed. If a complete cable (i.e., all routing connections of the cable) runs through the routing path, the individual connections are not listed, but instead the DT of the cable is displayed.
Topology navigator
If there is no connection point pattern, or there are no connection points, the connection points will be generated from the multi-line functions during the routing. Detailed information on the connection point pattern can be found in the online help in the section "Connection Point Patterns (Topology)".
Topology navigator
To open the new topology navigator, select the menu items Project data > Topology > Navigator. Use this dialog to manage and edit the routing path networks defined in the project. In the Tree view and List view, the components of the routing path networks routing paths, routing points, and targets are displayed with their complete identifier structure. As targets, only topology functions are displayed, but not the complete devices. In the List view, you can additionally display other properties that are possible for the routing path networks and devices. You can use predefined filters to display routing paths, routing points or targets separately. The icons displayed in the tree view of the topology navigator include the following: Icon: Icon: Meaning:
Unplaced Placed Devices Target (main function with "Topology" representation type) Routing point Routing path Topology auxiliary function
Using appropriate menu items in the popup menu, you can generate in the navigator new, unplaced routing points, routing paths, and targets, and subsequently place them on the topology pages.
Reports
Routing is done in two steps: First, routing connections are generated from the multi-line connections (if multi-line connections are highlighted), and then all the routing connections that exist in the selection are routed in the topology. For a multi-line connection and /or routing connection to be routed, there must be topology functions for their sources and targets. A routing connection has all the properties that a multi-line connection also has, but it also additionally contains information about its routing track. If during a route a connection cannot find a routing track through which it can run, a non-routed routing connection is created. Such a connection graphically takes a direct path (i.e., also diagonal) between the source and target, and is represented by default as a thin orange line. Routing connections are copied as well if their targets are highlighted. If both targets of a routing connection are deleted, this will also delete the routing connection.
Reports
The following reports can be generated on the basis of the routing path networks and the routed connections: Topology: Routing path list: Outputs the routing paths with their data and routing points, or the topology functions and their data. Topology: Routing path diagram: Outputs for each routing path the connections and cables that pass through it. Topology: Routed cables / connections: Outputs all routed cables and connections of the project. In addition, cable reports following a corresponding adjustment of the forms can also be supplemented to include information on the routing track (lists of all routing paths that a cable runs through) to support the on-site assembly team.
You can use a predefined filter to display only the routing connections for the topology. You can also use the connection navigator to route connections. To do so, use the Route (topology) menu item in the popup menu of the connection navigator. Using the Show routing connections popup menu item, you can highlight, for example, selected routing connections in the graphical editor.
In addition, the display of identifying numbers was extended. Thus, it is now possible to display a unique number for the representation type of a function. If you activate the Display identifying numbers check box, the following identifying numbers will be displayed: In the list of Properties in the property dialogs, the property numbers are displayed as well. The number of each property is displayed before the property name in angle brackets (e.g. "<20026> Function definition). The property dialog displays a unique number for the representation type of functions. A unique message number is displayed in the title bar of the message dialog when a system message occurs.
The settings Use Place identifiers dialog. This user-specific setting of the Settings: Identifiers dialog and the associated Place identifiers dialog have been removed. Using the two existing settings for new structure identifiers, you can make the default setting that all newly generated structure identifiers are sorted into the respective identifier table alphabetically or inserted at the end of the respective identifier table. If desired, you can also set another sorting of new structure identifiers in structure identifier management later on. The filter settings for the data backup of the master data. During the data backup of master data (basic projects, project templates, symbol libraries, etc.), it is all data that are backed up now. Accordingly, the settings dialogs (under User > Data backup > Filter) and the Filter field have been removed from the dialogs used to back up master data. Two settings for the automatic generation of subcables. In the Settings: Cable generation dialog, the two little-used fields Max. no. of conductors for subcable and PE conductors included have been removed. The setting Spare as %. In the settings for the automatic cable selection, the associated check box has been removed. The setting Extend symbol connection points. In the two dialogs Settings: Contact image on component and Settings: Contact image in path has been reduced by removing the Extend symbol connection points setting. In these dialogs, for the settings Display of 1st part number, Display of 1st part type, Display of 2nd part number, and Display of 2nd part type, the "Above and below" option has additionally been removed.
The settings for the personal coordinates and increments. For this purpose the settings dialogs Settings: Coordinates and Settings: Increments, as well as the corresponding fields in the dialogs Coordinate input and Select increment have been removed. The 3D-specific settings for the export of PDF files. In the Settings: PDF export dialog, the 3D tab has been removed for this purpose. Highlighted 3D models are now always taken into account during the PDF export. Menu items Other settings are generally specified by the user only once, and then changed only rarely or never again. The associated menu items have now been removed from the user interface. The following table lists the removed menu items and the options in the settings where the respective program behavior can continue to be specified. Menuitem: Menu View: Propertynames New check box Show property names (setting category Projects > "Project name" > Graphical editing > General) Minimum font size Cross-cursor for element selection Scroll bar New check box Minimum font size (setting category User > Graphical editing > 2D) The function was removed completely. Now (depending on the cursor setting), for each action a crosshair or small cross is displayed on the cursor. New check box Display scroll bars (setting category User > Display > General) Setting option:
Menu Options: Toolbars Like previously too: in the popup menu of the toolbars. Here, you now also find the two popup menu items Import and Export for the import and export of userdefined toolbars. Like previously too: in the Settings: Shortcut keys dialog (setting category User > Management > Shortcut keys)
Shortcut keys
Menu Project data > PLC: Correct The function was removed completely. The menu item only served to correct old PLC macros from the EPLAN Version 1.8 and to carry over the bus data from auxiliary functions to the main function.
Project Editing
Project Editing
Update the project databases
As part of miscellaneous extensions and optimizations, the project databases have been changed in Version 2.2. 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 2.2, 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 and 2.2. Older EPLAN versions (prior to version 2.1) cannot open the updated projects anymore!
You set the processing mode when opening a project. For this purpose, the Open project dialog now has the new Mode field. In this field, you can select from the following processing modes: Default: The project can be edited. If you work in the multi-user mode, such an opened project can be edited by several users simultaneously. Exclusive: Only you can edit the project. If you work in the multi-user mode, other users cannot access such an opened project. Read-only: You can view, but not edit the project. In the tree view of the page navigator, the other project data navigators, and project management, read-only EPLAN projects are identified by the icon. Notes: Since you can now set "exclusive" project editing when opening projects, the user-specific Edit projects exclusively setting has been removed (menu path Options > Settings > User > Display > General). In project management, too, you can open projects in miscellaneous processing modes. As a result, the popup menu of the Project management dialog contains, apart from the previous Open menu item (for the default mode), also the two new menu items Open (exclusive) and Open (write-protected).
Benefit: Thanks to the new check run message 022017, users can spot exceeded field lengths more easily. Such problems can be fixed automatically through the extended reorganization of projects. New message for checking exceeded field lengths Previously, there were only three check run messages for fixing problems described earlier: 011000, 017000, and 020000. If such a problem occurred, users had to shorten the characters entered manually. These check run messages, some of which were very specific, have been removed. To check field lengths, you can now use the new project-wide check run message 022017 (message text "The project contains excessive field length values in the database: %1!s!"). For this message of the "Other" message class to be considered during a check run, the check run must be executed for the entire project. If such a message is listed in message management, you can now remove the problem automatically by reorganizing the project. Extended reorganization To correct exceeded field lengths in the project database automatically, the Reorganize function has been extended. For example, if you wish to run this for a highlighted project in page management, select the Project > Organize > Reorganize menu items. Then, activate in the opened Reorganize project dialog the new Advanced mode check box. As a result, the project database is browsed for exceeded field lengths, in addition to the previous reorganization. If a field length excess is discovered, the database is restructured so that the field length of the respective database field is adjusted in accordance with the entered data length (plus a 10 percent reserve). Then, the new field length is stored in the project.
Graphical Editor
Graphical Editor
Use elements as background
Elements, such as image files, graphical elements or imported DXF / DWG files, can be now used as background images in the graphical editor. For this purpose, the layer management comes with the new Background checkbox. Elements located on a layer with the activated Background setting cannot be highlighted and edited. They are always at the very bottom, that is, also behind the autoconnecting lines. Concerning the EPLAN705, Graphic.Wallpaper layer, the check box is activated per default. Benefit: An imported DXF / DWG drawing placed in the background can, thus, be stored in the schematic as additional information. The drawing elements of the background are locked and cannot be edited, and do not interfere with the graphical editing of the schematic. Use the background information as support during planning e.g., a machine overview can be used for the local positioning of items, or a 2D hall layout as the basis for defining a routing path network using EPLAN FieldSys. Even scanned as-built plans can, thus, easily serve as drawing templates. Set elements as background image To set an element as a background image, select the Format tab in the properties dialog of the required element. In the Layer field, select a layer for which the Background check box is activated in layer management (e.g., the EPLAN705, Graphic.Wallpaper layer).
Edit background image To edit an element in the background, select in the Options menu the new Edit background menu item. After editing, select the menu items again in order to deactivate this option.
Devices
Using the Replace popup menu item, you can then modify the values of these properties in the Search results list and adjust them for the respective placeholder object.
Devices
Assign functions to other device groups
Usually it is the function definition category of a function that decides the device group (General devices, Terminal strips, etc.) to which a function belongs. Based on the association with a device group (e.g., General devices, Terminal strips, etc.), the different device structures and DT formats are specified. In the properties dialog, you can now assign a function manually to another device group. To do so, use the property selection to select the new Device group (ID 20294) property. The following settings are available: Automatic (With this entry, the device group is determined automatically from the function definition.) General devices Terminal strips Plugs Black boxes PLC / Bus boxes Cables Busbars General Fluid devices Fluid distributors Mechanical devices.
Defined Devices
If another device group is assigned manually, all settings (identifier scheme for the device structure, DT formats for online numbering, etc.) of this device group will be carried over to the function. Benefit: Since functions can be assigned to other device groups, it is now possible, for example, that connections contain DT formats other than the "Cable" DT format. This way, device tags of fluid power connections (pipes, tubes, etc.) can be numbered with the same device structure as general Fluid devices.
Defined Devices
New behavior when generating devices in navigators
In this version, the behavior for generating devices in navigators has changed. Now, by default, the macro entered on the part is no longer taken into account. A new project setting has been implemented for this: Consider macro when generating devices. Benefit: Thanks to the new behavior during the generation of defined devices, the user can control the desired system behavior precisely, and support the required planning workflow in an optimal manner. When generating a new device in the navigators (via the New device popup menu item), you can choose to use the functions from the macro entered on the part or from the function templates. This depends on the project setting Consider macro when generating devices (under Options > Settings > Projects > "Project name" > Devices > General).
If the project setting is deactivated (the default setting), an unplaced function is generated from the first main function that is entered in the function templates. If the part contains only one macro, but no function templates, an unplaced function is generated from the first main function found in the macro. If the project setting is activated, unplaced functions are generated from the functions contained in the macro. The exact behavior depends on whether function templates have been entered additionally for the part. For more detailed information on the previous behavior can be found in the online help in the section "Taking account of macro variants when generating devices".
Connections
Connections
Carry over connection designations to other connections
When editing connections, you can now carry over automatically to other connections the connection designation that was changed in the properties dialog. The connection designation can be carried over to all connections of the potential, the signal or the net. Benefit: Since a changed connection designation can be carried over to a wider connection extent, you can run manual corrections on the connection designations more quickly. If you wish to use this new function, you must first activate the new user-specific Carry over connection designations to extent setting (menu path: Options > Settings > User > Graphical editing > Connection symbols). If this check box is activated, the Carry over connection designations dialog is displayed during the modifying of a connection designation (in the connections navigator or at a connection definition point). There, you have the possibility of carrying over the changed connection designation to other connections automatically.
The changed connection designation is then depending on the option selected carried over automatically to all connections within the required extent (no transfer, potential, signal, net). Note: When carrying over connection designations, the filter is taken into account that you have defined for the connection numbering. This filter is defined in the Settings: Connection numbering dialog in the Filter tab (accessible, e.g., via the menu path Project data > Connections > Numbering > Settings).
Editing in Table
Editing in Table
Edit connection data in table
The properties of connections are now also displayed when editing in table and can be edited there in a blockwise manner. The editing of highlighted functions and connections is done independently of each other in separate tables. Benefit: Independent of the graphical placement of the connections, you can edit in a table the properties quickly, as well as in a concentrated and transparent manner. This way, also mass data can be edited easily, and extensive modifications and additions can be worked into the project with minimal effort. For editing in table, the Edit function data dialog now includes the two tabs Functions and Connections. The column configuration of these two tabs is set via a separate scheme. In the Connections tab, the properties of the highlighted connections are displayed (e.g., Source, Target, Connection color / number, etc.). This takes into account all connection definition points that have been placed on the connection. If different values have been entered for a property on the connection and the associated connection definition points, the value of the graphically first connection definition point is displayed for which this property has already been filled. For further information and notes on editing connections in table, see the online help for the Edit function data dialog.
Layer Management
Layer Management
Set alignment and angle project-wide
In layer management, you can now set the display properties Alignment and Angle project-wide for texts and property placements. Benefit: The alignment and angle of property texts can now be set once projectwide via settings in layer management, and then individually via the respective property dialog. The concentrated project-wide processing option saves time, and in an easy way ensures that your documentation has a uniform and high-quality appearance. For this purpose, the two columns Alignment and Angle have been added to the Layer management dialog. In the drop-down list, you will find the same setting options as in the property dialog, e.g., on the Display tab. In the property dialog, the two drop-down lists of these display properties (below the Format hierarchy level) now show the entry "From layer" by default. Warning: If schematic elements (e.g. texts) from EPLAN 2.2, for which the value "From layer" is set for the Alignment and / or Angle display properties, are used in an earlier EPLAN version (e.g. via copy & paste or via macro insertion), the values from the respective layer cannot be displayed correctly!
Reports
Reports
Simplified generation of report projects
In order to generate a report project while creating a report for another project, you had to execute several steps before and, for example, create a copy of the required schematic project (using the Only header data option). The present version substantially simplifies the generation of report projects. In the menu path Utilities > Reports, you will now find the new Generate report project menu item. Benefit: The report to a separate project allows for flexible handling in the layout of documentation especially where extensive projects are involved. The new functions simplify the creation of report projects and thus facilitate the reports to a separate project. For more information on this topic, go to the online help of the EPLAN platform and look up the section "Reports from source projects". To generate a report project, select at first the project in the page navigator that you wish to use as the source project. After you have selected the menu item, the Generate report project dialog opens. Use this dialog to generate a report project automatically for an existing project. For this purpose, enter the desired name in the File name field and click [Save]. The header data of the selected project will then be copied and a report project without pages is generated. The correct source project is already entered in the report templates of the new report project.
Note: If there already is a source project in the report templates of the selected project, this entry will be retained when generating the report project. This may be of interest if a source project is simultaneously a report project (if, e.g., the table of contents of the report project is to be displayed in the source project). You can also select an existing project in the Report project dialog. This way, an existing report project can be overwritten. After having confirmed the subsequent prompt for confirmation with [Yes], the "old" report project will be replaced. Individual templates as basis for report projects In the reports, you can now also generate a report project on the basis of selected report templates. For this purpose, the new Generate report project menu item has been added to the popup menu of the Reports dialog in the Templates tab. The report project generated via the subsequent Generate report project dialog contains only the templates that were selected in the source project, as well as the header data of the source project.
For this type of report, you can now use, in the Select report dialog, the new Current page setting. Activate the check box to ensure that only the data of the current page are taken into account in connection with an embedded report.
Note: An embedded report is placed manually into an open project page. For this purpose, you must set the "Manual placement" option in the Select report dialog in the Output format field. Only for this case is the Current page check box validated and can be activated.
The Excel formats listed here are also supported in the import of the externally edited data. In addition, we provide you in the Excel templates supplied with several files using the new formats for Microsoft 2007 / 2010. Note: If you have selected one of the new Excel formats for the target file or for a template to be used, but you have a version of Microsoft Office installed on your computer that does not yet support these formats, the EPLAN platform will display a note to this effect. In such a case, you should use the old Excel format *.xls for Microsoft Excel 97-2003.
Automated Processing
Automated Processing
Synchronize parts data automatically
In the automated processing of projects, you can now also complete or update the parts data automatically. In the Settings: Automated processing dialog, you have the following new actions available to you for this purpose: Update parts in project Updates outdated parts data in the project. This will replace outdated stored parts in the project by newer system parts (i.e. newer parts in the parts database). Complete parts in project Searches project for missing parts; if they exist, they will be stored automatically. Missing parts can occur if parts have first been entered at the main function in the project and only afterwards have been created in the parts database. Complete parts in system Supplements the system (i.e., the parts database) with parts that are present in the project, but not in the system. In the user interface, you find the corresponding actions under the menu path Utilities > Parts. These involve the menu items Update current project and Complete current project, as well as the two menu items in the Synchronization of parts dialog below the [Extras] button.
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 2.2) and have in version 2.2 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.
Benefit: The new exchange format for parts data allows you to exchange complete parts (i.e., with all reference data and additional files, such as images, macros, etc.) with other users. You export and import complete parts data records at the click of a button, and save yourself the trouble of manual management and assignment of supplementary parts information. This facilitates the extension of your parts database especially in connection with the application of new parts data from external sources. The "EPLAN Data Portal exchange format" was originally developed for the import of parts data from the EPLAN Data Portal to the EPLAN platform. With such an import, the parts and associated additional files (images, documents, etc.) are compressed internally into a zipped file with the file name extension *.edz. The extension *.edz stands for EPLAN Data Archive Zipped. An edz file can contain one or several parts with reference data and the associated additional files. Note: Only when you are authorized to use the EPLAN Data Portal is it possible to exchange records via the "EPLAN Data Portal exchange format". If you are successfully logged into the EPLAN Data Portal, you will see export and import dialogs in the drop-down list of the File type field with the new exchange format.
Export individual files When exporting data in parts management, you can now also generate a separate export file for each record instead of outputting the records in a single entire file, as before. This extension can be used with all file types. In the Export records dialog, you can now choose between the following two options: Entire file Select this option if you want to export the selected data in one file. In this case, the File name field is validated; here, enter the name for the export file. Individual files Select this option if you want to export the selected data in individual files. In this case, the Directory field is validated, and it is here that you specify the directory to which the data to be exported will be output as files. The file name of the respective export file corresponds to the part number, the name of the drilling pattern, the name of the manufacturer, etc. As before, the extent of the export depends on the location in parts management where you start the export. If you have highlighted the data to be exported in the tree, list, etc. of parts management, and then select the
Export popup menu item, these selected records will be exported as an entire file or individual files. The export of the entire parts database or subsets thereof occurs when you select the Export menu item in the Parts management dialog below the Extras button. New features in the import of records You can access the new "EPLAN Data Portal exchange format" also in connection with the import of records in parts management. If you are logged into EPLAN Data Portal, the drop-down list File type in the Import records dialog also shows such an entry. You can now enter one or several import files in the File name field. This allows for the import of several individual files. For this purpose, in the file selection for the files to be imported, you can make a multiple selection of files in the Open dialog. This applies to edz files and all other file types. Use the familiar options for import behavior to specify how existing or new records are to be taken into account during the import. If you have set the "EPLAN Data Portal exchange format" for the import, the respective record with the reference data (drilling patterns, manufacturers, etc.) and the associated additional files will be carried over to parts management after selecting an edz file. This will consider the directories specified in the EPLAN platform, while the additional files (images, macros, etc.) are copied to the specified directories. If there already are one or several additional files in the respective EPLAN directory, you will be shown a corresponding confirmation prompt. This is possible, for example, when existing records are updated or when, for example, a PDF has been stored for several parts as a document. If you want to view all existing additional files one after the other, click [Yes] in the prompt. Click [Yes to all] if you want to overwrite all existing additional files without any further prompt (e.g., in case of an extensive import).
Removed fields
Benefit: The search index for the full-text filter in parts management can now be updated faster, because it is available directly in parts management.
Removed fields
In the Mounting data tab, the unnecessary EMI model field has been removed; in the Technical data tab, the outdated Accessory code field has been removed from the user interface of parts management. In previous versions, accessory parts were identified by the accessory code. Starting with EPLAN Version 2.0, this is done via the Accessories tab. Note: The two fields EMI model and Accessory code have been removed only from the user interface of the tabs mentioned. But for reasons of compatibility, these properties continue to be included in the parts database.
Delete revision information for the current selection If you delete revision information in change tracking, the current selection is now taken into account in the project. The Delete revision dialog comes with the familiar Apply to entire project check box. If the check box is deactivated, only the revision markers / revision data of the highlighted pages or layout spaces will be deleted. Otherwise, the revision information is deleted in the entire project. Delete latest revision To remove the last revision status during the post-processing of revisions, the popup menu in the Edit revision data dialog has been extended to include the Delete latest revision menu item. This popup menu item deletes the most recently created revision (i.e., with the most recent date). In the process, all revision information of such revision is deleted from the page properties. Modifications made on the project pages and the revision markers remain. Note: If there are several revisions for a project, they can be removed one by one using the Delete latest revision popup menu item. If there is only one revision left in the project, it cannot be deleted via this popup menu item anymore. Tip: If necessary, you can remove the revision markers using the menu items Utilities > Revision control > Change tracking > Delete revision. However, this will delete all revision markers on the highlighted pages, regardless of the associated revision.
Output in revision overview By placing them as placeholder text in a corresponding form, these two page properties can also be displayed in a revision overview.
Licensing
Licensing
New EPLAN program variants
With the new version, we provide you with a few new interesting program variants for the EPLAN platform. With these new variants, EPLAN offers comprehensive expert systems for a variety of tasks related to machine and plant engineering. This involves the following systems:
New system: EPLAN Fluid Professional Basic system: EPLAN Fluid Plus extensions: EPLAN Pro Panel (Add-On) EPLAN Step Export EPLAN PPE Professional EPLAN PPE EPLAN Revision Management EPLAN Project Management EPLAN P&ID (Add-On) EPLAN Electric P8 Professional+ EPLAN Electric P8 Professional EPLAN User Rights Management EPLAN Project Options EPLAN Electric P8 Ultimate EPLAN Electric P8 Professional EPLAN User Rights Management EPLAN Project Options EPLAN Net Based Wiring EPLAN Multiuser Monitor EPLAN Change of Standard EPLAN Project Reference EPLAN Pro Panel (Add-On) EPLAN Step Export EPLAN Fluid (Add-On) EPLAN P&ID (Add-On)
Properties
Properties
Renamed properties for cables / conduits
In Fluid power, you can now define (tube) conduits, in similar fashion to the cables in electrical engineering (see page"93"). Since many properties are used both in cable and conduit definitions, a number of cable properties have been renamed in this version: Old name: Cable type Cable length ... (e.g., Cable length with unit) Cable: ... (e.g., Cable: No.f conductors) New name: Cable / Conduit: Type Cable / Conduit: Length ... (e.g., Cable / Conduit: Length with unit) ID: 20040 20041, 20046, 20078, 20079, 20257
Cable / Conduit: ... 20042, 20043, (e.g., Cable / Conduit: Number 20053, 20068, of connections) 20070, 20071, 20072, 20124, 20125, 20126, 20127 Cable / Conduit: Designation in 20067 graphic Cable / Conduit: Type, number 20073, 20074 of connections, cross-section / diameter with ... Cable / Conduit: Screw connection size Cable / Conduit: Stripping length ... Cable / Conduit: Unit of length 20080
Cable designation in graphic Cable type, No. of conductors, coss-section / diameter with ... Screw connection size
20081, 20082
20065
Using the drop-down list of these properties, you specify the state of the respective switching jumper. The following settings are available: The "Closed" setting also affects the logic (connections, potentials, etc.). The "Open" setting does not affect the logic; it only serves to recognize the switching state. No switching jumper is generated with the "None" setting. If you have selected the "Closed" setting at a terminal, a switching jumper connection is generated from this terminal to the next terminal.
Note: If these properties do not exist yet in the properties table, they will have to be selected via the Property selection dialog. For this purpose, click the (New) button. This also applies to the two properties Terminal opened and Switching lock that display the state of an isolating terminal.
Check run message for switching jumpers Errors in switching jumpers are reported by way of the new module-specific check run message 001032. For example, a switching jumper cannot be closed if the jumper end does not exist. Isolating terminals Isolating terminals connect or separate the external and internal sides of a terminal. The state of an isolating terminal can be indicated in the property dialog of a terminal by means of the following two properties: Switching lock (ID 20293) Using the check box of this new property, you specify whether the terminal is locked and cannot be switched. Terminal opened (ID 20232) You can use the check box for this property to indicate whether the terminal is open. This existing property has been extended for the new version. If the property is activated, the connection between the internal and external sides of the terminal is separated, i.e., the potential transfer within the terminal is interrupted. Tip: You can recognize an interruption of the potential transfer of the respective terminal if you highlight the potentials in the schematic by color using potential tracking. Extensions to editing terminal strips Both the states of switching jumpers and those of isolating terminals can be displayed and edited in the Edit terminal strip dialog.
For this purpose, in the Column configuration dialog activate the check boxes for the properties Switching jumper (internal), Switching jumper (external), Switching lock, and Terminal opened. Through an appropriate modification of the drop-down list / check boxes in the columns Switching jumper (internal), Switching jumper (external), Switching lock, and Terminal opened, the state of a switching jumper / isolating terminal can be changed. Changed settings are written back to the schematic. Display of the switching states in the schematic At the terminals in the schematic, switching states (of switching jumpers and isolating terminals) can be displayed directly via the properties listed above or via the block properties. New features for generating reports of terminals For the graphical display of switching jumpers in terminal reports, the "Terminal" placeholder element was extended to include the following new properties: Graphic for internal switching jumpers (ID 13094) Graphic for external switching jumpers (ID 13095). If you have placed such a placeholder text, for example, in a terminal diagram form, a simple display will show whether terminals are connected to each other by means of a closed or opened jumper.
Example: Excerpt from the data area of a terminal diagram: There is a closed switching jumper connection between the terminals X3:1 and X3:2. For this purpose, the Switching jumper (internal) property for the terminal X3:1 is set to the value "Closed". At the terminal X3:3, the value "Open" is set for the Switching jumper (internal) property. Accordingly, an open switching jumper is displayed in the terminal diagram between the terminals X3:3 and X3:4.
The properties Switching jumper (internal) (ID 20291), Switching jumper (external) (ID 20292), Switching lock (ID 20293), and Terminal opened (ID 20232), too, can be inserted in the forms of many report types as placeholders.
New Features in the "EPLAN PLC & Bus Extension" Extension Module
Note: The "EPLAN PLC & Bus Extension" extension module is an optional for EPLAN Electric P8 Select. This add-on is part of the standard scope of delivery for EPLAN Electric P8 Professional, EPLAN Electric P8 Professional+, and for EPLAN Electric P8 Ultimate. The "PLC & Bus Extension" extension module helps you to manage PLC controllers and bus systems.
Benefit: By taking into account the plug DT of device connection points, duplicate symbolic addresses can be avoided. For this purpose, the Format of symbolic address tab in the Settings: PLC-specific dialog has been extended to include the Plug DT check box. If this check box is activated, the plug DT of the device connection point is part of the symbolic address. You have the option of specifying a different preceding sign for the assignment list. This setting has now been activated by default for all schemes supplied.
Example: The illustration shows the extended smart connect for the cutting out and inserting of schematic elements. Before:
After:
The circles clarify the automatically inserted interruption points with the cross-references.
Note: Insertion of schematic elements with smart connect in another project is not meaningful, because connections / autoconnect lines cannot be extended beyond the limits of a project, which also means that no cross-references can be displayed in such a case. Tip: If while moving you realize that it would be better to cut out the different schematic elements (e.g., due to lack of space), simply cut out this schematic section by using the [Ctrl] + [X] shortcut key and paste it, for example, on another page in the project using [Ctrl] + [V].
Use this dialog to specify the settings for interruption points that are inserted automatically when cutting and pasting schematic elements with smart connect. By default, different interruption point symbols are set for the different trades "Electrical engineering", "Fluid power", and "Process engineering". As a result, depending on the page type of the page on which the cut schematic elements are pasted, different interruption point symbols are used. Interruption point symbol: Select from this drop-down list a scheme for the interruption point symbol. EPLAN supplies you with different schemes and different interruption points for this purpose. Click [...] to open the Settings: Interruption points for smart connect dialog to create or edit an interruption point scheme there. For further information on schemes, refer to the online help for this dialog. Interruption point DT: Use this group box to specify the settings for assigning the displayed DT at the interruption points generated automatically by smart connect. The fields in this group box are identical to the settings used for other format settings as well (e.g., for online numbering). According to the settings, the displayed DT of an interruption point is generated as follows: As a number (check box Use alphanumeric counter is deactivated; this is the default setting) As an alphanumeric counter (check box Use alphanumeric counter is activated).
Notes: The DT of the automatically generated interruption points is displayed with a preceding sign if the Set preceding sign setting is activated for interruption points (menu path: Options > Settings > Projects > 'Project name' > Devices > DT). The settings in the Interruption point DT group box are also used for the Find new DT function. This function is available to you in the property dialog for interruption points in the popup menu of the Displayed DT field.
Example: The illustration shows two interruption points with special cross-references for fluid power.
Displayed are each separated by a separator the displayed DT of the interruption point (here 001 and 002), the identifier P (the counterpieces of the interruption points are located on a page set up for the "Pneumatics" trade), and the column number 3 (the counterpieces are found in this column).
Extensions in fluid power templates To enable such a display of cross-referenced interruption points, the fluid power templates have been extended. The miscellaneous new features are described below. New page property "Trade" When creating a page of the "Fluid power schematic" page type, the new Trade page property (ID 11037) will be displayed for you by default in the properties table.
Using this property, you can specify which trade is to be used for a fluid power page. Via a drop-down list, you can select for a fluid power page one of the values: "Fluid power general", "Hydraulics", "Pneumatics", "Cooling", or "Lubrication". Overall, the following values are possible for the Trade property: 0 = Electrical engineering 2 = Hydraulics 3 = Pneumatics 4 = Cooling 5 = Lubrication 6 = Process engineering 7 = Fluid power, general. Extended project properties In addition, the fluid power project templates have also been extended. If you create a project on the basis of the current EPLAN project template FL_ tpl001.ept or the current EPLAN basic project Fl_bas001.zw9, the following two properties will be displayed additionally in the project properties: Block property: Format (interruption point) [5] (ID 10609 5) Block property: Replacement text [5] (ID 10660 5). The first of these project properties specifies the format of the placed Block property [5] property that is used for the cross-reference display at the interruption point symbol BPF.
Using the second project property, you can define replacement texts in a table for the Block property [5] property. This way, the values of the page property Trade in the placed cross-reference are replaced by the following identifiers: Value 0 2 3 4 5 6 7 Technology / trade Electrical engineering Hydraulics Pneumatics Cooling Lubrication Process engineering Fluid power general Identifier E H P K S V F
This specification of the identifiers is used by default for all languages. If you wish to modify that or assign other identifiers, you will have to customize for the Block property: Replacement text [5] project property the output texts in the Replacement texts dialog accordingly. Information on how to replace the values of properties with replacement texts can be found in News 2.1 SP 1. For more information on replacement texts, go to the online help and look up the section "Predefining Block Properties".
Select directory At first, the default macro directory is displayed in an input box below the dialog title. Here, you can enter the required directory manually, or select it by clicking the respective directory image. Using the button (One level up), or via the corresponding image in the Directory area, you can move up by one directory level in the directory structure. Tip: In this input box, enter for the directory path behind the directory name a backward slash (\), followed by a letter (or number), and the first macro file with this letter (or number) in a directory of macros will be selected in the File selection area.
Using the familiar button on the right margin of the dialog, you can open a popup menu and select the following menu items: Images: Allows for directory images to be displayed in the image sizes "Small", "Medium" or "Large". Filter: <File type>: Filters the display of the file selection according to the file type selected (*.ema, *.ems or *emp, or *.fc2). Go to default: Restores the selected directory automatically to the default macro directory. Tip: Besides the known macro file types, you can also filter the display of the file selection according to outlines of the "Outline extrusion" type (*.fc2). This is relevant to the Technical data tab in parts management. There, you can also assign to a part an outline drawing via the Macro field. With the selection of such outline drawing, it is also possible to use the graphical macro selection as well. When calling up the graphical macro selection again, the dialog with the macro most recently selected and the most recent settings is opened again. Further information on a macro To find out about the representation type of the macro, and whether there are possibly several variants, click the button in front of a macro name, and in the hierarchy levels below, the existing representation types ("Multi-line", "Single-line", etc.). Thanks to the listing in table form, you thus get a good overview of the macro variants of a macro. Select macro To select a macro, click the required variant, followed by [OK]. By doubleclicking a macro name, the first available macro variant is selected for insertion, and the selection dialog is closed.
Note: In contrast to the usual macro selection, you cannot execute any functions in the Graphical macro selection dialog that affect the directories or files. For example, you cannot create, rename or delete any directories or files in this dialog.
The settings specified for a directory here are stored in the company-specific settings. These settings can be changed at any time via the popup menu or the settings dialog.
You can also use this settings dialog to specify first the texts and images for your macro directories before opening the graphical macro selection. Click the (New) button, and then adjust the required settings for the new line in the columns Directory, Text, and Image. Using the [...] button in the column Directory or Image, you can navigate to a corresponding selection dialog where you select the required directory / image. The usual export and import functions for the settings dialogs allow you share these settings for directories with other users.
You can access the new Assign function templates menu item also under the [Extras] button. If you select the function in this way, the assignment of function templates for all parts occurs in the parts database. Note: Modifications resulting from the assignment of function templates cannot be undone via the Undo menu item. Prior to larger modifications, it is therefore recommended that you back up the parts data.
After you have selected the menu item, you will be shown at first a confirmation prompt. Answer the prompt with [Yes], and all selected parts are assigned new function templates. If you click [No], the assignment takes place only for the selected parts on which no function templates have been stored yet. Transfer of data to function templates If the Assign function templates function is executed, the program first checks whether for the respective part a macro has been entered in the Technical data tab in the Macro field. Then, the macro is browsed for functions. A successful assignment requires that the macro must contain a main function. The functions found starting with the main function are carried over to the Function templates tab. In the process, all properties on a template are filled with the data of the function where possible. If in the Part selection group box of the Function templates tab no data have been entered for the properties Connection point designation, Technical characteristics, Symbol library, and Symbol number, these data are imported from the first assigned template. If these fields contain different data compared to the first function template, no function templates will be assigned. Note: Parts stored on the main function in the macro are not considered for the assignment of the function templates. It is not required that the respective macros be placed in the schematic (e.g., as a device) before the Assign function templates function is run. If the macros have already been inserted in the schematic without stored function templates, the function templates will not be overlaid at the device. After you have assigned the function templates for the
respective part in parts management, you will then have to do a synchronization of parts with the project. Subsequently, the function templates at the device will be overlaid with those of the part.
Log file in case of incorrect assignment If an error occurs in the assignment of function templates, a log file will be created in the specified parts directory. The file name of this log file will be structured as follows: LOG_<Name of parts database>_<Date and time>.txt. Possible sources of errors are, for example, a missing macro on the Technical data tab, or a macro that contains no or several main functions.
Fluid Connections
Fluid Connections
New layers for representing connections
Internal connections for reservoir lines for heating, cooling, and process media can now be stored in EPLAN Fluid on separate layers. Benefit: With the new lines, the different line types of fluid power in the schematic can be differentiated from each other even better now. For this purpose, the new version comes with the following new layers:
EPLAN527, Symbol graphic.Connection symbols.Autoconnecting.Reservoir line internal EPLAN528, Symbol graphic.Connection symbols.Autoconnecting.Heating and cooling medium internal EPLAN529, Symbol graphic.Connection symbols.Autoconnecting.Process medium internal.
The properties specified in layer management for these layers determine how the connections are displayed. By default, these layers have similar settings to the layer for internal connections, EPLAN510, Symbol graphic.Connection symbols.Autoconnecting.Internal connections / direct connections.
In addition, the pattern length of the layer EPLAN524, Symbol graphic.Connection symbols.Autoconnecting.Drain line internal has
Definition of Conduits
To define fluid power connections, you can now use the new "Conduit definition" function definition. This function definition is used in the same way as the Cable definition, and is also inserted via the same menu items. It also allows you to assign device tags for pipes, tubes, and conduits. The pipes, tubes, and conduits thus defined as devices are also displayed in the device navigator accordingly. This way, a connection can be reported as a device and as a connection. Benefit: Using the new conduit definition, you can now define several parallel connections as conduits. In addition, this extension allows you to assign the device tags of fluid power connections (pipes, tubes, etc.) in accordance with the DIN standard 1219-2. A number of cable properties have been renamed as part of this extension. For more information, please read the section "Properties" (see page "64").
Notes: To turn a tube connection into a "pipe", you must modify the function definition to "Pipe". This can be done either on the connection in the connection navigator, or on the automatically placed connection definition point. Which symbol is displayed on the connection definition points in connection with the conduit definition depends on the project-specific setting. For the conduit definition, the symbol for connection definition points defined in the Settings: Conduit dialog is used (menu path: Options > Settings > Projects > "Project name" > Devices > Conduit). By default, a symbol without graphic is set, so that the connection definition points placed automatically during the conduit definition are visible only by the insertion points in the graphical editor.
Tip: If, when defining tubes as devices, you want to display the tube connection with an interrupted autoconnecting line (as with the CDPCP2F5 symbol for connection definition points), you can use for this purpose the supplied Tube.ems symbol macro. In this symbol macro, the PD symbol (with the conduit definition on both ends) was grouped with the CDPCP2 connection definition point (with the Connection definition text description). As a result, when inserting the symbol macro, the autoconnecting line is interrupted, and the connection is continued across the symbol. The following figure showing the inserted Tube.ems symbol macro illustrates this.
Set conduit properties After placing the conduit definition on the page, the Properties (components): Conduit dialog opens. Using the new Conduit tab, you specify the properties of the respective fluid power function. A device tag is entered in the Displayed DT field automatically. For the "Conduit definition" function definition to be sorted in the "Fluid power" trade, the DT is numbered automatically with the DT format for Fluid devices. The values in the fields Displayed DT, Length, Cross-section / diameter, and Unit are carried over from a defined conduit to the connection if the corresponding fields in the properties dialog of the automatically placed connection definition point have no entry.
Reports The conduit definitions are not output in the cable reports. To output defined tube conduits, you can use reports of the types "Parts list", "Summarized parts list", "Device tag list", and "Connection list". For the output of piping / tubing lists, you can already use, by default, the filters "Pipes" and "Tube". If you want to output in a connection list only the connections that were created by a conduit definition, use the Conduit connection (ID 31086) property as a filter criterion.
Switchgear Construction EPLAN Pro Panel Copper for the Construction of Busbars
Note: The "EPLAN Pro Panel Copper" extension module is available as an option for EPLAN Pro Panel Professional. It does not matter whether EPLAN Pro Panel Professional is installed as a stand-alone variant or as an add-on for EPLAN Electric P8. For effective switchgear design, bending and drilling information of copper rails is a key factor. With the new EPLAN Pro Panel Copper extension module for EPLAN Pro Panel Professional, individual copper rails and connection elements can be designed freely for switchgear construction, or configured easily on the basis of busbar systems technology of different manufacturers (e.g., Rittal). An ideal addition to the creation of type-tested or design-certified mounting layouts for busbar systems is the planning software "Rittal Power Engineering". Rittal Power Engineering allows the type-tested layout of a busbar system, and thus specifies also the defaults for the implementation of the mounting layout in EPLAN Pro Panel Copper, and provides such defaults in the form of bills of materials and 2D mounting diagrams.
Switchgear Construction EPLAN Pro Panel Copper for the Construction of Busbars
For more information, visit the website of Rittal (e.g., http://www.rittal.com/de-de/content/de/support/software/projektieren/power_ engineering/Power_Engineering.jsp). The complete 3D mounting layout is visualized and checked for plausibility. The data obtained on the basis of a virtual prototype can be transferred to NC machines subsequently for the manufacturing of copper items. Benefit: Using the new "EPLAN Pro Panel Copper" extension module, you can construct freely individual copper rails and connection elements. The necessary expertise about materials, manufacturing techniques or manufacturing machines can be stored in EPLAN, and can be utilized as part of special planning assistance and to verify the construction. Potential disturbances are identified early on in the 3D prototype this accelerates the process of switchgear construction and allows for project resources to be scaled. These innovations provide you with the following possibilities: The shape and form of copper items can be defined individually and adjusted for the circumstances in the enclosure. Length and angle changes and associated moving of bending positions can be effected directly on the item by moving the cursor, without any detours via parameter dialogs. This allows for actual designing in the mounting environment. The manufacturing data of the individually constructed copper items are provided via special machine interfaces and transferred to cutting, bending, milling, punching, or also drilling machines. Standardized copper items that are to be purchased in a fixed preset form are assigned the Prefabricated property. This makes it possible to control that the copper items cannot be modified after the placement.
We discuss the following topics in the next sections: "Enclosure engineering with copper items: operation" on page "100" "Form for bent copper rails: principle" on page "101" "Copper parts: principle" on page "103" "Busbar (bending): principle" on page "105" "Copper bundle: principle" on page "106" "Editing a copper item: principle" on page "107" "Copper unfold: principle" on page "108" "Copper bundles in mounting lists" on page "110" "Manufacturing integration" on page "111".
7. Unfold bent rails; this takes into account bending radii, material stretching and compression. 8. Transfer unfold to manufacturing machines.
Position of the origin in the form drawing The position of the origin is of special significance, which is marked by a red circle. The handle of the rail is at the origin of the form drawing when placing on a mounting surface.
Example: The position of the origin in the form drawing determines the handle of the copper rail.
On the Mounting data tab of the rail part, the values for Width and Depth are entered. These values form the rectangular cross-section outline of the copper rail. They are read out during the placement and assigned to a form. The form is the path along which a rectangular basic outline is moved in order to shape the bent copper rail. If the part is assigned an Outline (extrusion) with the file extension *.fp1 (to create a user-defined rail), instead of the values for Width and Depth, this part cannot be used for a bent copper rail. An error message is displayed during the placement. On the Delivery length tab of the rail part, a Delivery length is entered for purchased rail parts. This value is taken into account during the placement of the rail, so that the rail can be shaped only up to this value along the form. When the delivery length is reached, a message is shown; in the design, another rail must be connected here. Unchangeable copper items The length, angle and bending positions of a placed copper item are generally changeable. In practice, however, there is the requirement that copper items are to be standardized or purchased in a fixed set form. Such parts, which are not variable, should not be possible to be modified after placement. This behavior can be controlled using the Prefabricated (ID 36011) property that can be activated on the item, e.g., in a macro. Once this property exists and has been activated, the copper item can no longer be modified after placement. If this property is deactivated, the functions for editing copper items can be applied again.
Delete copper bundle A copper bundle highlighted in the navigator or 3D display area can be deleted using the [Del] key or via Edit > Delete. Individual copper items are deleted from a copper bundle by pressing the [Shift] key while selecting the part in the 3D display area to be deleted.
Example: Copper item with one drill hole and four bending positions:
The numbers in the unfold shown have the following meanings: (1) Outer outline, (2) bending line, (3) bending extents, (4) bending notes, and (5) drill hole.
Unfolded total length As soon as a copper item is placed in the layout space, the unfolded total length of the copper item is determined according to internally set rules. The calculated unfolded total length is entered in the part reference data of the part placement in the same way it is done for a channel. With each modification to the item (length or angle change), the total length is updated. The unfold is calculated from the unfolded total length and the adjustment values defined in the settings in the bending table. If the bending table does not contain the material thickness of a copper item with the relevant bending radii and bending angles, the total length cannot be calculated. This state is displayed in the properties of the busbar on the Bending positions tab in the Status field. After adjusting the bending angle or adjusting the bending table, the Update part dimensions function should be executed for the affected item. Subsequently, the total length is re-calculated and entered in the part reference data of the item.
Manufacturing integration
For more information on mounting lists, go to the online help and look up the section "Mounting lists: Principle".
Manufacturing integration
Note: The extension modules "EPLAN Pro Panel - Production Copper DXF" and "EPLAN Pro Panel - Production Copper NC" are available as an option for EPLAN Pro Panel Professional. It does not matter whether EPLAN Pro Panel Professional is installed as a stand-alone variant or as an add-on for EPLAN Electric P8. The necessary information for the bending processing of items can be transferred from EPLAN Pro Panel Copper also for the manual manufacturing and control of NC-based bending robots. At the transfer of the manufacturing information, a report is generated on the unfold of the copper item. The two new extension modules EPLAN Pro Panel - Production Copper DXF and EPLAN Pro Panel - Production Copper NC can be licensed as interfaces for the respective machines. Using these interfaces, you can export the following formats for machining purposes: Export Copper DXF: Graphical export of the unfold in the DXF format Export Copper NC: Export of the unfold in the XML format.
In the next section, we also introduce the following new features for EPLAN Pro Panel: "Inserting routing connections" on page "113" "Modified settings for data import and routing connections" on page"114" "Modifying origin of a mounting surface" on page "115" "Additional handle for busbar supports" on page "116".
Then, proceed as before to select the target of the connection. Between the selected connection points of the source and target, a routing connection is generated, placed, and displayed in the preview of connections. Note: By manually inserting a routing connection, a counterpiece is not automatically generated in the multi-line planning. Using the check run 005067, you can check whether a routing connection generated in this way has a counterpiece in the multi-line schematic. If this is not the case, the missing source and / or missing target should be added to the schematic with the corresponding parts data (device) and connected via an autoconnecting line.
By clicking one of the lines, you can move such a line with the mouse or arrow keys in parallel and, thus, redefine the size of this mounting surface. The action is completed via the [Space] key. The area set aside for the placement is redefined; the origin is set accordingly.
We discuss the following topics in the next sections: "Defining process data" on page "118" "Junctions for piping" on page "122" "Entering and checking cross-sections / diameters" on page "124" "Connection numbering for piping" on page "126" "Extensions to device selection" on page "126" "Outputting process overview" on page "127" "Improved graphical working method" on page "127" "New P&I symbols" on page "128".
Use the new Process definition tab to specify the properties for a process definition point / process connection point. Enter the required name (for a medium, for example, water, oil, oxygen, etc.) in the fields Medium and State. Via the [...] button, you can navigate to the Select medium / state dialog, and select media already in the project as well as the associated states. Aside from connection-specific properties (e.g., Connection designation), the process definition points / process connection points also have the following properties:
Pipe class (ID 22224) Material (ID 22081) Nominal width (ID 22225) Nominal pressure level (ID 22226) Standard (ID 22227) Pressure (ID 31082) Temperature (ID 31084) Flow (ID 31085). If the properties are not displayed in the property table, you will need to use the property selection. When connections are updated, the entered values for medium, state, and the other listed properties are carried over to the connection. The values for the properties Medium (ID 31068), State (process) (ID 31081), Pressure (ID 31082), Temperature (ID 31084), and Flow (ID 31085) can be displayed in the property dialog of the connection, but not modified. Tip: In the list view of the connections navigator, too, the medium and state of piping (connection) can now be displayed. For this, realize an appropriate column configuration via the Configure columns popup menu item.
Transfer of media and states The media and states defined for a process behave in a way analogous to the potentials and signals in electrical engineering. Accordingly, some functions for potentials and signals also apply to these process-engineering properties.
Thus, the set medium is transferred across a function to other connections relative to the potential transfer set in the connection point logic. On some functions, the With signal isolation check box is activated (e.g., for pumps, control valves, etc.) on the Symbol / function data tab. In analogy to the signals, a state on such a function is not transferred. In order to highlight the set media and states in the P&I diagram by color temporarily, you can use the potential and signal tracking. To view the transfer of a medium, select the menu items View > Potential tracking, and click a connection line in the P&I diagram. Accordingly, for the visual tracking of a state, select View > Signal tracking. Navigator for processes Use the new process navigator to display processes defined in the project. To open this navigator, select the menu items Project data > Connections > Process navigator. Alternatively you can click the on the Navigators toolbar. (Processes) button
In the Tree view, the media and states, as well as the placed process definition points and process connection points are displayed in a hierarchical structure. Here, the following icons, for example, are displayed: Icon: Meaning: Identifies the project level. This icon is only displayed when several projects are open. Medium State Placed process definition point Placed process connection point
In the List view, the medium, the state (process), and the placement are displayed by default. Other properties can also be displayed, e.g., the pipe class and nominal width. When you select a process definition point or connection point from the tree or list view, its placement is shown in the graphical preview.
By using a junction as connection symbol D, the following connections are generated in the P&I diagram: Source: A C Target: B LN 100
For the connection that is created by the junction, the connection designation of the conducting connection serves as the target / source. Insert junctions To insert a junction, select the menu items Insert > Connection symbol > Junction. The junction symbol hangs on the cursor and can be placed on the page. Using the [Tab] key, you can browse the existing variants as before. The actual junction from a straight or angular connection is identified in the symbol by way of an arrow. There is no property dialog for junctions. Example: An example of a junction is the following variant A of the symbol TPIDL.
The straight-line connection is passed through between the connection points 1 and 2. The arrow on connection point 3 identifies the junction. The arrow for identifying the junction is located on the new layer EPLAN555 for connection symbols. The default settings for this layer have been chosen in layer management such that the arrow is not visible in the graphical editor and while printing. To show invisible elements, such as this arrow, on a page again, press the [U] key.
When inserting the symbol, the hidden elements are always visible, and the displayed arrow allows for the selection of the correct variant. Tip: For junctions, the SPECIAL symbol library contains the two new symbols TPIDA (junction at angular connection) and TPIDL (junction at straight-line connection). If, after selecting the menu items Insert > Connection symbol > Junction, you press the [Back] button, the symbol selection opens, and you can select one of these two special symbols.
To enter data on a connection, use the existing Cross-section / diameter field. As well, you can also use the same property in a process definition point or process connection point in order to carry over the values to a connection. Tip: To display the connection point cross-sections / diameters entered on a function in the schematic, you can use the new Connection point crosssection / diameter (all) (ID 20296) property. If you have selected this property in the property dialog in the Display tab for a property arrangement of the components, the individual connection point cross-sections / diameters are displayed on the function separated by semicolons ";". Check runs for process data Differing connection point cross-sections / diameters on the targets of piping or on piping and a connection point can be checked by means of the two new check runs 005073 and 005074. To check the process data, you can use the following new project check messages in the "Connections" message class: Message 005073 "Different connection point cross-section / diameter of targets" Message 005074 "Different connection point cross-section / diameter of connection and connecting point" Message 005075 "Several process definitions within a process" Message 005076 "Conflict between identical process definitions" Message 005077 "Process connection or definition point without specification of the medium" Message 005078 "Connection without specification of process" Message 005079 "Several process state definitions on a process".
In addition, the two project checks 005044 and 005045 to check identical connection designations have been extended and renamed. These now also take into account processes or process states.
Connection point cross-section / diameter Technical characteristics Pipe class Relevant to safety Intrinsically safe.
An overview of the new symbols has been included in section "Master Data: Symbols" (starting on page "151").
Benefit: The new line types help keep the creation of plant overviews (P&ID, P&Ischemes) and the documentation thereof in accordance with the standards. The information content and transparency of plant overviews have been enhanced thanks to the corresponding graphical display. The custom definition of new layers in combination with the line types allows for company-internal standardization in the area of P&ID creation. The easy selection and use of the differing line types and layers accelerates and standardizes your planning process.
You can select the following additional default values from the drop-down lists of the Pattern length property: 1.50 mm / 0.0591 In 12.00 mm / 0.4724 In 20.00 mm / 0.7874 In 24.00 mm / 0.9449 In 28.00 mm / 1.1024 In 32.00 mm / 1.2598 In. Note: Whether values here are entered in mm or inches depends on the Displayed unit of length setting in the user settings.
After updating the connections, the properties of the respective line type, specified on the layer, are displayed in the P&I diagram. Thus, for example, an autoconnecting line for flammable gases (layer EPLAN759) would be displayed in orange.
Example: The example shows a P&I diagram where the autoconnecting lines have been assigned different line types by means of several process definition points. The process definition points, for improved identification in the illustration, have been highlighted by circles and letters (A: Layer EPLAN751 for "Oil-containing water", B: Layer EPLAN753 for "Waste water", C: Layer EPLAN756 for "Oil", D: Layer EPLAN756 for "Oil". To highlight the other state of the medium oil in this piping, the connection graphic uses in this process definition point a different, manually assigned, color).
To be as compliant with standards as possible while drawing a line for P&I diagrams, select in the property dialog the required P&ID layer in the Layer field, and leave the other fields set to the value "From layer". In this way, for example, you can create action lines between different PCT loops according to the ANSI/ISA-5.1-2009 standard. The new line types for P&I diagrams can be used with the following graphical elements: Lines Polylines Polygons Rectangles Rectangle through center. For graphical elements that consist of arcs or curves (e.g., circles, arcs, etc.), the new line types cannot be displayed.
Note: If one of the new line types is set for a graphical element that consists of arcs or curves, this line type will be ignored, and the line will be displayed as a continuous line. Whether the line type has been determined directly in the Line type field or via the selected layer does not matter here. All other settings for the line (line thickness, color, etc.) are retained. The following special features apply to the handling of the new line types: Roundings: If the line segments of a polyline or the corner of a rectangle are rounded, no new line type will be used for the rounding. In such a case, the rounding will be displayed as a continuous line with the set line thickness an color. Additional graphics: Fixed measurements are used for the additional graphics (circles, crosses, etc.) applied to the new line types. In case of substantial changes (e.g., to the pattern length or line thickness), this can cause these additional graphics to be no longer recognizable. In addition, double lines are only displayed as single lines in the case of very small line thicknesses. Line patterns: When changing the length of a line, the line pattern is fitted in between the starting and end points in a centered manner. The partial lines at the start and end of a line up to the respective additional graphic are always of the same length. Line end styles: Different line end styles (round, rectangular, flat) can be displayed for all lines with a "base line". For line types that consist of several lines (double lines, etc.) or only of additional graphics, this behavior is not supported. A flat line end is displayed for such lines.
Export of the new line types The new line types can also be output during export to the different formats (DXF / DWG, image file, PDF). For a DXF / DWG export to AutoCAD, you must as before create an assignment table in the settings in which the EPLAN layers are assigned to the layer names used in AutoCAD. Note: In case of a DXF / DWG export and subsequent import in AutoCAD, it can happen that lines with the new line types are displayed differently if the respective AutoCAD version does not support these line types.
In this group box you determine the distance of the macros when drawing PCT loops. From the margin: Enter here the distance of the first macro from the edge. Between macros: Enter here the distance between macros. Note: Whether values here are entered in mm or inches depends on the Displayed unit of length setting in the user settings.
Notes: You must be connected to the Internet in order to use the EPLAN Data Portal, and you must make sure that access is not prevented by a firewall or any other security mechanism! If you have problems, you should first check your firewall, virus scanner, or proxy settings. Make sure that the EPLAN Data Portal has been approved for Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 and Internet Explorer 9. An overview of the main new features of the EPLAN Data Portal: Even more data and manufacturers The amount and scope of item data in the EPLAN Data Portal is constantly growing. Other manufacturers (e.g., EKF electrotechnica, Wieland Electric) have been added to the list of over 45 component manufacturers. Manufacturers already established in the portal continually add to the extent of their data in the EPLAN Data Portal. Installation together with the EPLAN platform The EPLAN Data Portal is more closely integrated with the EPLAN platform than before. If you now install a program variant of the EPLAN platform (e.g., EPLAN Electric P8), the current version of the EPLAN Data Portal will be installed at the same time. Benefit: There is no need anymore for an additional installation of the EPLAN Data Portal. You can access the EPLAN Data Portal directly from the EPLAN platform.
Highlighted manufacturers in the manufacturers' list Now, manufacturers can be positioned in a special area at the top of the manufacturers' list for a specific period of time. Whether to list manufacturers in this area, who they are, how long manufacturers will be highlighted for, and what to name the data header area for the special area these are the questions that will be specified by the administrators of the EPLAN Data Portal at EPLAN. A highlighted manufacturer will also continue to be listed in the "normal" overview of all manufacturers. Benefit: Highlighted manufacturers show the user which manufacturers are new in the EPLAN Data Portal or which ones are important for him. Barcode as additional part information Now manufacturers can provide further information on the parts in the detailed view by supplying a barcode. In the Barcode field, both the barcode number and the barcode type are displayed. The entries are separated by a blank (e.g., 12345678 EAN) and correspond to the properties of the same name in parts management on the Prices / Other tab. In addition, the search in the EPLAN Data Portal has also been extended to include the "Barcode" criterion. Simplified characteristics In this version, the characteristics of parts data have been simplified. Both their designations, which now describe the data content, and their icons have been adapted to the EPLAN platform. Characteristics (e.g., order data stored on the parts by manufacturers, function templates, etc.) can be used as filter criteria or for searches.
Old name: Commercial processes Device-oriented working Complex display Simple manufacturing information Extended manufacturing information (routing)
New name: Order data Function template Logic macro 2D graphical data Connection point pattern
Extended manufacturing information (NC data) Drilling pattern 3D enclosure planning 3D graphic data
New filter according to function templates The EPLAN Data Portal now allows you to filter the parts according to specific function definitions. For this purpose, the detailed view of many parts have been extended to include the associated function templates (see section "Using New Filter for Function Templates" on page "141"). Benefit: In the EPLAN Data Portal, you can now filter according to parts that have specific function definitions. As a result, it is possible to select the suitable part for a special device in the EPLAN platform. Extended information in the shopping cart In the shopping cart, further information on a part is now displayed, including the number, a description, as well as an identifier indicating the origin of the part. Some of that information ("Number of units", "Description") can be edited and transferred to the device list during the import (see section "Editing Extended Information in the Shopping Cart" on page "143").
Benefit: The number of main and accessory parts determined in the Rittal-Therm configurator, as well as the project name in Rittal Therm, are now also carried over to the shopping cart of the EPLAN Data Portal. For information on all new products, visit our website "www.eplan.de/portalnews". Information on new functionalities is also available in the online help function of the EPLAN Data Portal server.
Example: The following illustration shows a parts list for which a filter based on function templates with several function definitions was set.
With one click on the respective minus sign , you can remove the function template filter completely, or remove the listed function definitions individually.
Filter by accessories in the part selection If a device has already been assigned a part, on the basis of this part, the new Accessories for filter is set for a subsequent part selection for another part via the EPLAN Data Portal. Using this filter, EPLAN Data Portal filters for all parts that are accessory parts for the part already assigned.
Example: The following figure shows a part in the shopping cart wit extended information.
Tip: You can also modify the number of units of a part in the shopping cart directly by clicking the arrow buttons played. located behind the value dis-
In addition, the following methods and properties have been removed from the Location class:
Create(Eplan::EplApi::DataModel::Project oProject) SetParent(Location pParent) HierarchyId.
These methods and properties caused problems in the past, and were marked as outdated for version 2.1. Find filtered PLC connection points The DMObjectsFinder class of EPLAN API now comes with the new GetPLCTerminalsWithFilterScheme method. Use this method to find PLC connection points for the PLC navigator that remain when using a filter scheme. Define defined working sections EPLAN API can now be used to divide EPLAN projects into defined working sections. For this purpose, the new ProjectSections class has been added to the Eplan.EplApi.DataModel namespace. Functional placing of macros Thanks to the new EPLAN API, functional placing of macros in operational sequence sheets is now possible. The new PlaceFunctionalMacro method has been added to the Function class for this purpose. Functional placing of functions Using the PlaceAt method from the Function class, it is now possible to place functions with the "Functional" representation type correctly in the required operational sequence sheet. Generate PLC schematic In the EPLANAPI, you can now also generate a PLC schematic. (In the user interface, this corresponds to the menu path Project data > PLC > Generate schematic.) The new GenerateSchematic method in the PlcService class is available for this.
Generate individual report pages When creating a report for a project by means of EPLAN API in the past, you could only create a report for the total project, update reports or generate embedded reports. Now, you can generate individual report pages via EPLAN API, thanks to the new CreateReport method in the Reports class. In addition, the new CreateReportsFromTemplates method has been added to the same class. Using this method, you can create reports for the templates of one or several report types.
QL2 // 113
FLTR3 // 1283
XU_2 // 1464
X5_NB // 1481
X5_B // 1482
X5_NB_1 // 1483
X5_B_1 // 1484
X5_B_2 // 1485
X7_NB // 1487
X7_B // 1488
X7_NB_1 // 1489
X7_B_1 // 1490
X7_B_2 // 1491
NFPA standard The following new symbols are available in the symbol libraries NFPA_symbol and NFPA_single_symbol:
QL2 // 1134
FLTR3 // 1283
XU_2 // 1464
X5_NB // 1481
X5_B // 1482
X5_NB_1 // 1483
X5_B_1 // 1484
X5_B_2 // 1485
X7_NB // 1487
X7_B // 1488
X7_NB_1 // 1489
X7_B_1 // 1490
X7_B_2 // 1491
Special symbol library The following new symbols have been added to the SPECIAL symbol library for the display of complex devices:
D2DCP1S // 512
D3DCP1S // 513
D4DCPI // 514
D2DCPFEM1S // 515
D3DCPFEM1S // 516
D4DCPFEMI // 517
D2DCPJICFEM1S // 518
D3DCPJICFEM1S // 519
D4DCPJICFEMI // 520
D2DCPM1S // 521
D3DCPM1S // 522
D4DCPMI // 523
D3DCPNG1S // 528
D4DCPNGI // 529
D2DCPP31S // 530
D3DCPP31S // 531
D4DCPP3I // 532
D2DCPPJIC1S // 533
D3DCPPJIC1S // 534
D4DCPPJICI // 535
D2DCPPO1S // 536
D3DCPPO1S // 537
D4DCPPOI // 538
D2DCPPOJIC1S // 539
The following new symbols have been created in the SPECIAL symbol library for PCT loops and PCT loop functions in EPLAN PPE:
PID31 // 480
PID32 // 481
PID33 // 482
PID34 // 483
PID35 // 484
PID36 // 485
PID37 // 486
PID38 // 487
PID39 // 488
PID39 // 489
PID41 // 490
PID42 // 491
PID43 // 492
PID44 // 493
PID45 // 494
PID46 // 495
PID47 // 496
PID48 // 497
PID49 // 498
PID50 // 499
PID51 // 500
PID52 // 501
The following new symbols have been added to the SPECIAL symbol library for the planning of piping in EPLAN P&ID:
PCDP // 103
PCCP // 104
TPIDA // 105
TPIDL // 106
The following new symbols have been added to the SPECIAL symbol library for the "EPLAN FieldSys" extension module:
CABSP // 200
CABBP // 201
CABS // 202
CABSPCP // 203
CABSTND // 210
In addition, the symbols CABSP, CABBP, CABSPCP, and CABSTND are also included in the new symbol libraries for the topology (IEC_topology_symbol, etc.). In addition, the following symbols have been added to the SPECIAL symbol library:
DCPOL // 58 // Device connection point (line only)
DCPOL // 58
BPF // 339
The symbol description of the symbol SC // 2 has been renamed to Structure box (previously: "Location box"). The symbol description of the symbol SC2 // 52 has also been renamed, to Structure box (polyline) (previously: "Location box (polyline)"). General For the "EPLAN FieldSys" extension module, the following four new symbol libraries with topology symbols have been created: - IEC_topology_symbol - IEC_topology_symbol_M20 - IEC_topology_symbol_M50 - IEC_topology_symbol_M100. M20, M50, M100 designate the scaling factor by which the topology symbols have been enlarged compared to the symbol library IEC_topology_ symbol. On the basis of the miscellaneous symbol libraries, you can also, in case of a scaling down of the topology pages (1:20, 1:50, 1:100), select enlarged topology symbols that are still visible on pages with the reduced scale.
Motor overload switch, single-line. Under Electrical engineering // Protection device // Motor
overload switch // Motor overload switch, 4 connection points, the following new function definition has been added:
Motor overload switch, three-pole (previously: "Motor overload switch"). Trade: Mechanics Under Mechanics // Design mode // Area definition // Restricted area, the following function definitions have been renamed: Restricted drilling area (previously: "Restricted hole area") Restricted placing area (previously: "Restricted mounting area") Restricted routing area (renamed in the German version only). Under Mechanics // Current distribution // Copper bundles // Copper bundle, the following new function definition has been added: Copper bundle.
This dialog displays the information (Dongle number, Version, etc.) that is transferred to EPLAN support automatically. If you agree to this transfer of information, click [Yes]. Subsequently, you will be logged into the support area automatically. There, you can submit your support request or view information on an existing support request. If you do not agree to the transfer of this information and click [No], the EPLAN website opens, and you have to log into the support area as before. Note: This improved support request is available to you only if you have a valid software service agreement, and your customer number is stored in the EPLAN platform. For this purpose, the Settings: User code / address dialog has been extended to included the Customer number field. Enter your customer number here.
Validation Code
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).
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.). 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
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. For the user interface and directories, the following modifications have been made to the installation of this version: Separate installation of the dongle driver The installation of the dongle driver is now down independently of the installation of the EPLAN License Client. In the EPLAN Setup Manager, you specify whether you want to install the dongle driver or not. For this, you can use the new Install dongle driver check box below the [Master data and languages] button in connection with a user-defined installation. Notes: By default, the Install dongle driver check box is activated. For example, you must deactivate the check box so as not to install the driver again when installing another EPLAN program variant. With a distributed installation (e.g., MSI installation), too, the dongle driver is no longer installed automatically. For an installation with the dongle driver, you must make the call HASPUserSetup.exe with the parameter /passive. During the installation, the dongle driver is stored in the directory of the EPLAN License Client. For Windows 7, the directory for the corresponding file HASPUserSetup.exe could be, for example: C:\Program Files (x86)\EPLAN\COMMON. Tip: The dongle driver can be uninstalled in the Control Panel. In the uninstall dialog, select the entry "Sentinel Runtime" for this purpose.
Installation
Renamed installation packages for the master data To differentiate the data installation packages of the original EPLAN master data more clearly from the program add-ons to be installed, the installation packages for the master data have been renamed. Thus, for example, the installation package with the original EPLAN master data of the EPLAN variant EPLAN Fluid is now called "EPLAN Fluid Data 2.2", while the program add-on continues to be called "Fluid Add-on". New directory for settings databases The configuration directory for the settings databases generated at the time of the installation now has a new component, the directory Win32. The CFG directory with the user, company, etc. settings is generated as a subdirectory of this new directory (e.g., for the Windows 7 operating system in Windows Explorer: C:\Users\Public\EPLAN\Electric P8\2.2.0\Win32\Cfg). No empty directories for original EPLAN master data The installation of the EPLAN program variants no longer generates empty master data directories in the directories for the original EPLAN master data. Note: For the Windows XP operating system, the default directory for the original EPLAN master data is, e.g., C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\EPLAN\, and for Windows 7, the default directory is C:\ProgramData\EPLAN.
English directory names for original EPLAN master data In addition, the original EPLAN master data are now copied to directories with English designations during the installation. This way, the original EPLAN master data are now found in uniform directories all over the world. Note: The directory names of the master data that users work with (the system master data) continue to be translated into all EPLAN user interface languages. These directory names, at the time of the installation, are created in the language that is set as the activated language module in the EPLAN Setup Manager. Installation of server-stored profiles For the EPLAN platform to be used in connection with server-stored profiles, it is now possible also to specify environment variables (e.g., %APPDATA%) for the directories of the settings databases during the installation (see the following section).
To install the settings databases in such a directory, it is now permitted to specify environment variables for the settings databases in the EPLAN Setup Manager during the installation. The environment variables may be entered only for the target directories of the fields User settings, Workstation settings, and Company settings. A meaningful input would be, for example, %APPDATA%\EPLAN. The %APPDATA% environment variable returns the directory path where applications save data by default. During the installation, such a directory path is then carried over to the install.xml file. The settings databases are not generated in the %APPDATA%\EPLAN directory until EPLAN is started. In detail, the directory path could look like this, for example: C:\Users\<YourProfilename>\AppData\Roaming\EPLAN. Note: For such an installation, you should be logged in as an administrator and have a more profound knowledge of the program and system. In case of an automatic installation (e.g., via a MSI file), the directory path is resolved by the Windows command prompt. In this case, after the installation, you must modify the directories for the settings databases in the install.xml file to %APPDATA%. You can find the install.xml file in the CFG directory of the installed EPLAN program variant.
General requirements
The operation of the EPLAN platform requires .NET Framework 4.0 and Microsoft Core XML Services (MSXML6) 6.0 from Microsoft. Further information and the latest versions of these Microsoft components 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
Operating systems
EPLAN recommends the use of a 64-bit Windows operating system due to improved memory management. The EPLAN platform has been cleared for the following operating systems: Workstation Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3 (32 bit) Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 (32 bit and 64 bit) Professional, Enterprise, Ultimate Server Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2 (32 bit and 64 bit) Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2 (32 bit and 64 bit) Microsoft Windows Server 2008 RC2 (64 bit)
Microsoft products
Microsoft products
Microsoft Office 2007 (32 bit) Microsoft Office 2010 (32 bit) Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 Microsoft Internet Explorer 9
SQL server
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 SP2 Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Microsoft SQL-Server 2010
Autodesk products
AutoCAD 2011 (32-bit und 64-bit) AutoCAD 2012 (32-bit und 64-bit) Autodesk Productstream Professional 2011 Autodesk Productstream Professional 2012 Autodesk Vault 2011 Autodesk Vault 2012 Autodesk Vault 2013
PDF redlining
Adobe Reader Version X Adobe Reader Version X Standard / Pro / Pro Extended
Schneider Unity Pro 6.0 Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7 version 5.4 SP4 Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7 version 5.5