A net can be generated by placing components and connection symbols so that the connection points of the components are connected via autoconnecting lines. If connection symbols with target specification are used, EPLAN automatically generates the connections within the net. If the target specification is switched off, the connections must be specified via a net definition point.
Changing nets
The connections stored at the net definition point are managed on the basis of the connection point IDs (property ID for net-based connections).
If functions are renamed within the net, the connections are retained since the connection point IDs have not changed.
If a function is deleted from a net, its connection points and the connections to these remain stored at the net definition point, but are marked as invalid. The invalid connections must be deleted subsequently - either manually in the property dialog of the net definition point or automatically when compressing the project.
If you insert a new function into a net and assign the same connection point IDs to the connection points as the previously deleted function, the connections are retained and lead to the new function. If the new function has other connection point IDs, these connection points are not connected and the net is incomplete.
Copying nets
If a net is copied together with its net definition point, the connections are also copied. The connection properties of the copied connections are also retained. However, the source and target of the connections become invalid if they are not included in copying, for example, when copying a partial net.
If a macro contains a net definition point, the connections stored at the net definition point are also placed when the macro is placed.
If a net is copied to a position in the schematic where functions or connection symbols are already located, the net can be separated or extended.
Example:If the net is copied to a position where a net-isolating function is located, it is separated into two nets.
Connections in the left-hand net:
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Connection point |
ID |
Connection point |
ID |
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Connections in the right-hand schematic section:
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Connection point |
ID |
Connection point |
ID |
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Connection points not connected in the right-hand schematic section:
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Connection point |
ID |
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If the net is copied to a position where a connection symbol is located, the net is extended. The existing connections are retained. Connections to the newly added functions must be supplemented manually.
Connections in the left-hand net:
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Connection point |
ID |
Connection point |
ID |
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Connections in the right-hand net:
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Connection point |
ID |
Connection point |
ID |
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Connection points not connected in the right-hand net:
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Connection point |
ID |
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Deleting net definition points
If a net definition point is deleted, all connections that are stored at this net definition point are deleted. The net is then incomplete. In order to obtain a complete net again, the missing connections must be specified either via a new net definition point or by the use of connection symbols with target specification.
Moving net definition points
If a net definition point is moved to another net, EPLAN tries to restore the connections stored at the net definition point on the basis of the connection point IDs. If connection points with the same IDs as in the old net exist in the new net, connections are generated between these. IDs that are not found in the new net are displayed as invalid connection points. The connection points in the old net become invalid and the net is then incomplete.
If the net definition point is moved back again, the original connections are restored on the basis of the connection point IDs.
The net definition point is moved from the left-hand net to the right-hand net. Some connection points with the same connection point IDs exist in both nets. In the left-hand net X5:1 (ID 2) was connected to X5:2 (ID 3). In the right-hand net, X5:5 (ID 2) is connected to X5:7 (ID 3). L2 and X5:6 have IDs that did not exist in the old net. These cannot be connected and the new net is incomplete.
Connections in the left-hand net:
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Connection point |
ID |
Connection point |
ID |
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Connections in the right-hand net:
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Connection point |
ID |
Connection point |
ID |
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Connection points not connected in the right-hand net:
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Connection point |
ID |
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See also