Device-specific configuration values are parameters that can be set individually at a device. These can, for example, be switch levels for pressure switches or basic conditions of safety-relevant devices after switching on. Device-specific configuration values can be exchanged during the PLC data exchange in AutomationML AR APC format (as of AutomationML AR APC Version 1.2.0). You can also exchange the properties that are not available by default in EPLAN by means of the exchange of device-specific configuration values.
In EPLAN you have two possibilities to use such device-specific configuration values: In the PLC device: TemplateIdentifier and/or PLC station: TemplateIdentifier properties you can reference a template in a PLC configuration program (detailed information on this is available from the PLC manufacturer) or you can create user-defined part reference properties in EPLAN.
- Some PLC configuration programs support a template technology at which only the reference to the template is exchanged. For this case the individual parameters of the devices are not configured, but solely the specification of the template is stored in the property PLC device: TemplateIdentifier (ID 20580) at the main function. This property can also be preassigned at the part. To this purpose the property PLC device: TemplateIdentifier (ID 22338) is used in the parts management on the Properties tab under the PLC data node.
In addition or alternatively to the property PLC device: TemplateIdentifier you can use the property PLC station: TemplateIdentifier (ID 20614) and enter the name of a station-specific template here. The property should be filled in at each PLC box that represents a CPU or a head station within the affected station. - Alternatively or in addition to the template technology you can create device-specific configuration values in the parts management as user-defined part reference properties and assign a part or a part group, if necessary.
Through a device selection the device-specific configuration values that have been assigned to the part as user-defined part reference properties are transferred to the device in the project and can be changed there on the Part tab of the property dialog.
Creating user-defined part reference properties
In the following cases it is necessary to create user-defined part reference properties:
- You are working without a template (PLC device: TemplateIdentifier property).
- In addition to the configuration values defined in the template you also want to exchange other configuration values.
- You want to overwrite specific configuration values from the template.
The device-specific configuration values are defined in the parts management as user-defined properties via the Configure properties dialog. The following settings are required so that these properties are considered during the PLC data exchange in AutomationML AR APC format:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | PLC data |
| Assignment | Part |
| Also validate for part references |
|
The user-defined part reference properties created in this way are stored in the parts database and can be assigned to a part or a part group by means of the User-defined properties tab.
Exchange of device-specific configuration values
The Export device-specific configuration values check box must be activated in the Settings: AutomationML AR APC export dialog so that device-specific configuration values can be output as well in the export file.
The device-specific configuration values are output in the export file with their identifying name. In the process the name is shortened by the first prefix.
During the import of device-specific configuration values the first matching user-defined property of the part to be imported is assigned.
See also
PLC Data Exchange in AutomationML AR APC Format