Parts Management: Modules

Modules have the same properties as parts, but additionally contain lists of subparts (so-called module positions). These subparts are identified via a subordinate DT or a so-called "DT ID". A module is thus a set of parts that belong to several nested devices (for example, a motor control unit installed in a 19" rack). Modules form one of the possibilities in the EPLAN platform of mapping complex devices.

A module can contain parts, assemblies and other modules. The parts contained in modules also contain information about part variants. Specially for device selection and for reports, then, the technical data for variants will also be taken into account.

Procedure

Prepare macros for the modules:
Before you define the part-specific data for a module in the parts management, you must first create a macro for using with this module.
We recommend preparing the macros for the modules in a macro project. If the DT ID is used, these identifiers have to be unique within a macro / module. The DT ID is stored at the devices via the DT ID property. Note that you have to define this property both at the main and the auxiliary functions so that modules are also taken into consideration during the device selection.
It is imperative that the elements of a macro be located within a black box. This black box also becomes part of the macro. All the devices belonging to the module have to be nested in the macro within the black box. It is not absolutely necessary to assign the parts when you create the macro as this is done automatically when you place a module part in the graphical editor.
Creating modules in the parts management:
Creation of modules is carried out below the hierarchy level "Generic product group" (analog to individual components or assemblies). The items, i.e. the parts, that are to be contained in a module are assigned to the module on the Module tab. The associated macro has to be assigned to each module (on the Technical data tab in the Macro field.)
Either the subordinate DT of the device or the DT ID entered at the device is used to identify a device located in the macro. DT IDs make the used macros and modules independent of a device identification standard, so that different standards can be used as a result.
Using modules in the configuration:
Modules can be used similarly to devices and inserted, for example, through the menu items Insert > Device.

Mechanical modules

In the 3D mounting layout a mechanical module constitutes a standard item that has been delivered as a whole to a manufacturer by another manufacturer (for example, an enclosure socket that consists of different elements such as socket corner piece, socket orifice, cable rail, etc.). In the parts management you create such a module below the "Mechanics" generic product group. In contrast to other modules, mechanical modules may only contain parts and no other assemblies or modules.

The procedure for the mechanical modules correspondents more or less to the procedure for the other modules. For the placement of a mechanical module in the 3D mounting layout, you must create a 3D macro that represents the standard item and in which all module elements are already included. For the later DT numbering, the elements in the 3D macro must have a DT ID or a subordinate DT. You store the finished 3D macro at the module part in the parts management (on the Mounting data tab in the Graphical macro field).

Mechanical modules can only be placed as a unit. Accordingly the Distributed placement of module setting in the Module tab is preset to the option "Place module part and its elements" and cannot be changed either.

When placing mechanical modules in a layout space, the length of the length-variable items are determined from the stored macro and the part reference data is entered in the property Subset / length (ID 31008). Snap points are displayed for a mechanical module during the placement so that a module can be adjoined multiple times.