For particular graphical arrangements, EPLAN automatically recognizes which PLC supply connection points belong to an I/O connection point. The search occurs on both schematic pages and overview pages.
Search for the channel membership on schematic pages
On schematic pages, the search begins at a power supply connection point and proceeds upwards. The search then proceeds in a counter-clockwise direction at the same distance ("every 15 minutes"). The distance is always increased upwards ("at every full hour").
The search ends when an I/O connection point is found. The power supply connection point then belongs to the same channel as the found I/O connection point.
Example:
If the search encounters a power supply connection point, then EPLAN assumes that this belongs to the same channel. The search then continues in the same direction ( i.e., no longer in a circle) until the same distance from this new supply connection point is reached, as when the search began. From there, the search continues in a circle around both connection points.
If the search again encounters a power supply connection point, it then proceeds in a straight line (until the same distance as to the first connection point is reached) and then again in a circle.
Search for the channel membership on PLC overview pages
The search for related connection points on overview pages follows the same principle as with schematic pages. There is however a difference:
On overview pages, the search proceeds downwards and the distance is increased downwards each time.
An error message is not generated when no channel is found for a power supply connection point since this may be intentional.
See also