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Version 5 Release 14
Electrical Library
Overview
Conventions
What's New?
Getting Started
Entering the Electrical Part Design Workbench
Defining a Single Insert Connector
Defining a Cavity Connection Point
Entering Electrical Assembly Design Workbench
Accessing Data Through a Catalog
Connecting Electrical Devices
Adding Electrical Behavior to Element Within the Assembly
Inserting New Electrical Part
User Tasks
Using Electrical Library
Entering the Electrical Assembly Design Workbench
Entering the Electrical Part Design Workbench
Defining Electrical Devices
Defining an Equipment
Defining an Electrical Connector
Defining a Filler Plug
Defining a Contact
Defining a Shell
Defining a Back Shell
Defining a Mounting Equipment
Defining Electrical Connection Points
Defining a Cavity
Defining a Termination
Defining a Connector Connection Point
Defining a Bundle Connection Point
Defining a Cavity Connection Point
Defining a Back Shell Connection Point
Creating Supports
Creating Standard Supports
Creating Retainers
Creating an Adaptative Part
Creating Protections
Connecting/Disconnecting Devices
Connecting Electrical Devices
Disconnecting Electrical Devices
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Overview
Welcome to the Electrical Library User's Guide!
This guide is intended for users who need to become quickly familiar with the product.
This overview provides the following information:
assisted device placement according to the electrical specifications coming from external, legacy or CATIA
electrical specification tool
As a scalable product, Electrical Wire Routing can be used in cooperation with other current or future
companion products such as Electrical Wire Routing, Electrical Harness Installation, Electrical Harness
Flattening and Electrical System Functional Definition.
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Before reading this guide, you should be familiar with basic Version 5 concepts such as document windows,
standard and view toolbars. Therefore, we recommend that you read the Infrastructure User's Guide that
describes generic capabilities common to all Version 5 products. It also describes the general layout of V5 and
the interoperability between workbenches.
You may also like to read the following complementary product guides, for which the appropriate license is
required:
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Conventions
Certain conventions are used in CATIA, ENOVIA & DELMIA documentation to help you recognize and understand
important concepts and specifications.
Graphic Conventions
The three categories of graphic conventions used are as follows:
Identifies...
estimated time to accomplish a task
a target of a task
the prerequisites
the start of the scenario
a tip
a warning
information
basic concepts
methodology
reference information
information regarding settings, customization, etc.
the end of a task
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Index
Text Conventions
The following text conventions are used:
The titles of CATIA, ENOVIA and DELMIA documents appear in this manner throughout the text.
Double-click
Shift-click
Ctrl-click
Drag
Drag
Move
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What's New?
This table identifies what new or improved capabilities have been documented in Version 5 Release 14 of the
Electrical Library User's Guide.
New Functionalities
Adding cavities to back shells
This functionality allows you to ground the wire/cable shielding through a contact.
Creating a new support type: the retainer
The retainer generates an additional route constraint for the bundle segment.
Unlinking a device from external data
Once a 3D object has been linked to a device, based on an external electrical specification, you may
need to remove this link, if you made a mistake.
Adding keyword for automatic catalog mapping
This functionality allows you to refine the catalog mapping, using keywords during the device storage.
Selective Loading
This functionality allows you to work in light mode to connect and link devices to external specification.
Enhanced Functionalities
Displaying internal splice graphical representation
Visualizes the position of the splice in the harness.
Electrical and Knowledge
A user function and attributes on electrical objects have been added:
Using the Browse window
The Browse window is integrated to the Store Device and Smart Place commands.
It lets you select catalogs stored in database when working in ENOVIA context.
Customizing Settings
The working catalog is now defined in the Electrical Mapping tab and no longer in the Electrical Process
Interfacing tab. However, this information is still shown in the second one.
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Getting Started
Before getting into the detailed instructions for using Electrical Library Version 5, the following tutorial
provides a step-by-step scenario demonstrating how to use key functionalities. You should be familiar
with the basic commands common to all workbenches. These are described in the Infrastructure User's
Guide.
Entering the Electrical Part Design Workbench
Defining a Single Insert Connector
Defining a Cavity Connection Point
Entering Electrical Assembly Design Workbench
Accessing Data Through a Catalog
Connecting Electrical Devices
Adding Electrical Behavior to Element Within the Assembly
Inserting New Electrical Part
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the Electrical Assembly Design workbench: to work at the level of an assembly of electrical objects.
the Electrical Part Design workbench: to add electrical behavior at the level of a part.
You will start with working in the Electrical Part Design workbench to add an electrical behavior to standard
part: it becomes an electrical connector.
Open the PrtStd.CATPart document.
1. Choose the Electrical Part Design item from the Start -> Equipments &
Systems menu.
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3. Click OK to validate.
4. Save the document with another name: PartStd2.CATPart for example.
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This document now contains an electrical connector that you will insert later in the
assembly.
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Those selections will be used as specification to create assembly constraints during the
connection of this single insert connector to a cavity.
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1. Choose the Electrical Assembly Design item from the Start -> Equipments &
Systems menu.
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an equipment: EquipmentDA4
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Note that when you insert a device into a product, you can take advantage of CATIA - Assembly
capabilities to constrain the device within the digital mock-up, profiting therefore by the associativity. For
more information, refer to Using Assembly Constraints
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connectors.
You are prompted to select a connector.
2. Select the SingleConnectorDF56R connector connection point that is represented by the front
face as shown below:
an electrical connection has been created to reflect that the connectors are electrically
connected
using the definition of the connector connection points, mechanical constraints are
created to get the correct positioning
it's the first selected object that moves to the second one's location.
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it's the first selected object that moves to the second one's location
the DF56L connector moves together with the DF56R connector owing to the
mechanical constraints.
The coincidence and surface constraints are added to the specification tree:
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Select the FillerPlugStd, drag and drop it onto the Product1 in the specification tree. The
standard part is instantiated.
Close the Catalog Browser.
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remains unchanged. This means that, only in the context of the active product, this part will be
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12. Now connect the filler plug into the equipment using this icon
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The filler plug is now electrically connected to the equipment and placed at the correct position
thanks to the connection point definition.
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You are prompted to select the product in which you want the component to be inserted.
2. Select Product1.
The dialog box opens:
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User Tasks
The User Tasks section explains and illustrates how to create various kinds of features.
The table below lists the information you will find.
Using Electrical Library
Defining Electrical Devices
Defining Electrical Connection Points
Creating Supports
Creating Protections
Connecting/Disconnecting Devices
Importing Electrical Specifications to Design the 3D Implementation
Using Catalogs
Working with Wires
Editing Electrical Properties
Viewing Related Objects
Electrical and Knowledge
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Electrical Assembly Design workbench to work at the level of an assembly of electrical objects.
Electrical Part Design workbench to add electrical behavior at the level of a part.
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1. Choose the Electrical Assembly Design item from the Start -> Equipments &
Systems menu.
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When you open a CATPart document and you add an electrical behavior to the part, it is the reference
which will be modified. If you insert this part in an assembly, all the occurrences will be modified.
When you open a CATProduct document containing a CATPart, if you double-click to activate the product of
the part or the part, and add an electrical behavior to it, the result is similar: you have modified the
reference and all the occurrences will have an electrical behavior. As a consequence, you will have to save
the part.
On the other hand, if the root product is activated and you select the product of the part, it is only this
instance of the part which will become an electrical device. The reference is NOT modified.
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Defining an Equipment
This task explains how to add an electrical behavior to a standard part.
An equipment is an electrical device with one or more associated components: connectors, shells,
contacts, filler plugs, placed in cavities.
Let's see two different cases to illustrate:
first, you will work with an instance of the product, i.e. only this instance will get the electrical
behavior.
If you insert the part to another assembly, it remains a standard part.
then, you'll work with the reference of the part, i.e. all the instances of the part will get the
electrical behavior.
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An equipment allows bundle connection points, terminations, cavities and a cavity connection point as
well as the following components connected into a cavity through a cavity connection point:
connector shells
contacts
filler plugs.
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External Splice: connector receiving bundle segments from different geometrical bundles
Terminal Block: connector receiving bundle segments, each bundle segment wire being
connected to a termination
Internal Splice: connector used between wires belonging to the same bundle segment.
An internal splice is a CATProduct document. It is only available in the context of
Electrical Assembly workbench but not in Electrical Part workbench.
A single insert connector allows one cavity connection point, one connector connection point, one
back shell connection point, bundle connection points, terminations and cavities as well as the following
components connected into a cavity through a cavity connection point:
contacts
filler plugs.
A stud allows one cavity connection point, bundle connection points and terminations.
An external splice allows bundle connection points and terminations.
A terminal strip allows one cavity connection point, bundle connection points and terminations.
A terminal block allows one cavity connection point, bundle connection points and terminations.
An internal splice only allows terminations.
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The selected object is now an electrical filler plug as the electrical behavior has been added.
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Defining a Contact
This task explains how to add an electrical behavior to a standard part to turn it into a contact.
A contact is an electrical component used within a termination and a cavity or between bundle segments.
You can add an electrical behavior to an instance or a reference.
Refer to Defining an Equipment.
The BasicTasks.CATProduct document is still open.
A contact allows bundle connection points, one cavity connection point and one termination.
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Defining a Shell
This task explains how to add an electrical behavior to a standard part to turn it into a shell.
A shell or connector shell is a non-electrical part which groups one or more electrical connector parts.
You can add an electrical behavior to an instance or a reference.
Refer to Defining an Equipment.
The BasicTasks.CATProduct document is still open.
A connector shell allows one cavity connection point, bundle connection points, terminations and
cavities as well as the following components connected into a cavity through a cavity connection point:
contacts
filler plugs.
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The selected object is now an electrical back shell as the electrical behavior has been added.
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as well as a single insert connector connected through the back shell connection point.
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and to mount them together. For instance, a mounting equipment can represent a rack or
an electrical panel.
You can add an electrical behavior to an instance or a reference.
Refer to Defining an Equipment.
Open the Cockpit.CATPart document.
mounting equipment
equipment
connector shell
terminal block
terminal strip.
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termination
cavity
Note that when deleting these objects, the associated publications are also deleted.
But the publications of the geometries which constrain their placement are NOT automatically deleted, since
they may have been created earlier, from another application.
According to your choice, you can delete them using the publication management available in the Assembly
Design workbench (Tools -> Publication menu item).
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Defining a Cavity
This task explains how to define a cavity on an electrical device.
The cavity is used to specify the location of the electrical object when connecting.
Cavities can now be added to back shells.
This functionality allows you to ground the wire/cable shielding through a contact.
Open any document containing a device where you want to place a cavity.
2. Select the electrical device where you want the cavity to be defined.
3. Enter a value in the IdNumber field.
Note that the IdNumber must be unique.
4. Select a Representation, for example a pocket, a pad, a face...
5. Optionally, place a Contact constraint, for example a surface or a point.
6. Optionally, place a Coincidence constraint, for example a surface, a line or an axis.
7. Optionally, place an Orientation constraint, for example a surface, a line or an axis.
The orientation is used to constrain the rotation i.e. the third degree of liberty.
8. Click OK to validate.
The specification tree is updated.
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For more information about the placement constraints, refer to Using Assembly Constraints.
A cavity is allowed on:
mounting equipments
equipments
connector shells
back shells.
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Defining a Termination
This task explains how to define a termination on an electrical device.
The termination is a sub-element ensuring the electrical signal conduction between any type of electrical
component except the filler plug. It is indissociable from the electrical component and corresponds to a
contact crimped into a cavity.
Open any document containing a device where you want to place a termination.
2. Select the electrical device where you want the termination to be defined.
The Termination Definition dialog box opens:
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equipments
connector shells
single insert connectors, studs, external splices, terminal strips, terminal blocks, internal splices
contacts.
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2. Select the electrical device where you want the connector connection point to be defined.
The Connector Connection Point Definition dialog box opens:
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For more information about the placement constraints, refer to Using Assembly Constraints.
A connector connection point is only allowed on single insert connectors.
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2. Select the electrical device where you want the bundle connection point to be defined.
The Bundle Connection Point Definition dialog box opens:
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equipments
connector shells
single insert connectors, studs, external splices, terminal strips, terminal blocks
contacts
back shells.
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2. Select the electrical device where you want the cavity connection point to be defined.
The Cavity Connection Point Definition dialog box opens:
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For more information about the placement constraints, refer to Using Assembly Constraints.
connector shells
filler plugs
contacts.
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2. Select the electrical device where you want the back shell connection point to be defined.
The Back Shell Connection Point Definition dialog box opens:
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For more information about the placement constraints, refer to Using Assembly Constraints.
back shells
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Creating Supports
A support is a mechanical object used to hold the bundle segments in position.
There are several types of supports used to route electrical bundle segments.
This functionality is available in Electrical Part Design workbench only.
Creating Standard Supports
Creating Retainers
Creating an Adaptative Part
you will not be able to use the branch point in the middle of the support, as it will not be
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This will be properly handled by the flattening command in Electrical Harness Flattening.
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When you define another way through a support (multi-support), the second plane is predefined as it
is for the first way.
A first way through the support has been created:
Using the previous steps, when you select the support a second time to create the second way
through:
button).
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Defining supports generates Publication labels: if you instantiate the support in a product
environment, it can be replaced, keeping the links with the bundle segments going through the
support.
The Base Plane Definition field is used for the retainer type of support.
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Creating Retainers
This task explains how to define a retainer used to route electrical bundle segments.
A retainer is a special type of support, which is composed of a specified straight base. The bundle segment
routed through this support keeps in contact with this base, whatever the bundle segment diameter is.
This functionality is available in Electrical Part Design workbench only.
Open the retainer document.
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You are prompted to select the first plane: the way in of the support.
5. Select the front face:
You are prompted to select a second plane: the way out of the support.
6. Select the opposite face.
To be selectable, it must be parallel to the first face.
7. Select the base plane to complete the support definition as a retainer.
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Only planar surface or plane can be selected as Base Plane to avoid ambiguous positioning
on curved surface.
8. Click OK to validate.
The specification tree is updated:
The publications are created with the specific retainer parameter EHISUPPORT-RefBasePlane.
When a bundle segment is attached to this kind of support, a formula is automatically generated:
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Points are created on-the-fly to ensure that the bundle segment keeps in contact with the base plane of the
support, whatever the diameter is.
This is the case when using the Add Support command and when defining the bundle segment route
through a support.
A retainer can be a multi-support: two different base planes can be defined, along which bundle segments
can be routed.
Remember that the bundle segment slack is ignored on the route though a support.
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This document also contains three formulas that have been defined to re-compute the support geometry after
routing:
1 - The support remaining length value is set to:
20mm*(2*PI+1)-(2*PI*Radius)
2 - The inner diameter value is set to:
Radius
3 - The outer diameter value is set to:
Radius + 2mm
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1. Click the Formula Editor button
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2. Select the Length type and click the New parameter of type button.
3. Enter the name for it: ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS
and a value: 18mm for example
Note: the name must strictly be ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS.
4. Select the support radius (PartBody\Sketch.1\Radius.50\Radius) and click the Add Formula button:
5. Enter the formula:
PartBody\Sketch.1\Radius.50\Radius = 'ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS'
(the radius is equal to the new parameter ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS)
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A formula will automatically be generated under the root product of the document, if and only if the ELECSUPPORT-RADIUS parameter has been detected:
The support will exactly fit the bundle segment diameter. The formulas given above are used to re-compute
the support geometry.
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Creating a Protection
This task explains how to define a protection for electrical bundle segments.
This functionality is available in Electrical Part Design workbench only.
A protection is a mechanical object used to cover one or more bundle segments.
The bundle segments must be tangent at their extremities, within the same geometrical bundle.
The centerline of the protection is a combination of the bundle segment centerlines.
This functionality is only available for bundle segment with circular section.
It is possible to add supports to bundle segments covered with a protection.
Open a new CATPart document.
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Tape:
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a strip defined through a width, a thickness, a bend radius delta and a linear
mass.
The inner diameter is the bundle segment diameter.
Note: The tape type is also displayed as a tube in the geometry.
Inner diameter: when you enter a value, the section updates accordingly.
Inner section: when you enter a value, the diameter updates accordingly.
Thickness
Bend radius: must be greater than the sum of the inner diameter plus the thickness.
Linear mass
Width
Thickness
Bend radius: must be greater than the sum of the inner diameter plus the thickness.
Linear mass
when the option is checked, the geometry looks like a cylinder and the CATPart document
created is smaller. It's the default value.
when you uncheck this option the geometry looks like a tube.
8. Click OK to validate.
The specification tree is updated:
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You can now save the protection into a catalog. Using the Electrical Harness Installation workbench, it
will be possible to instantiate and modify it according to your needs.
As the bundle protection object is highly customizable and flexible, you can modify the reference to
create new kind of objects that protects bundles (refer to Creating a Protection of Given Length
methodology to see an example). You can modify the geometry, add a design table, user attributes or a
material to fulfill your protection specification. All this information will be stored into the catalog and reinstantiated each time you will use the protection in your 3D design.
Be aware that if you modify the geometry, you must not change any object under the ElecRouteBody
at the risk of getting hazardous behavior when instantiating, modifying or updating the protection.
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Connecting/Disconnecting
Electrical Devices
These functionalities are only available in the Electrical Assembly workbench.
It is recommended to instantiate harness connectors inside a geometrical bundle, as it will become
flexible when needed - for example, adding a multi-branchable document/bundle segment or connecting
devices.
Connecting: Click this button and select the devices you want to connect.
Disconnecting: Click this button and select the devices you want to disconnect .
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On Connector
Mounting Equipment
Cavity
Mounting Equipment
Equipment
Shell
Single Insert Connector
Stud
Terminal Block
Contact
Filler Plug
Cavity
Mounting Equipment
Bundle Segment
Cavity
Shell
Single Insert Connector
Stud
Terminal Block
Terminal Strip
Contact
Filler Plug
Cavity
Mounting Equipment
Bundle Segment
Cavity
Cavity
Mounting Equipment
Equipment
Bundle Segment
Contact
Filler Plug
Equipment
Shell
On Connector
Device/Component
Cavity
Mounting Equipment
Equipment
Shell
Bundle Segment
Back Shell Connection Point Back Shell Connection Point Back Shell
Stud
Cavity
Mounting Equipment
Equipment
Shell
Bundle Segment
External Splice
Bundle Segment
Terminal Strip
Cavity
Mounting Equipment
Equipment
Shell
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Bundle Segment
Cavity
Mounting Equipment
Equipment
Shell
Bundle Segment
Cavity
Mounting Equipment
Equipment
Shell
Single Insert Connector
Back Shell
Bundle Segment
Filler Plug
Cavity
Mounting Equipment
Equipment
Shell
Single Insert Connector
Back Shell
Back Shell Connection Point Back Shell Connection Point Single Insert Connector
Terminal Block
Contact
Bundle Segment
Bundle Segment
Cavity
Contact
Mounting Equipment
Equipment
Shell
Single Insert Connector
Stud
Terminal Block
Terminal Strip
Contact
Back Shell
External Splice
Bundle Segment
an electrical link is created between the connected components. See Related Objects.
if placement constraints have been defined on connection points, the mechanical assembly constraints
are automatically created.
Since it's now possible to use this command in visualization mode also (cache activated), the scenario is
described according to the two modes:
In visualization mode, the model is lighter since the geometry is not loaded.
It allows you to display large assemblies.
When you work in visualization mode, CATIA switches to the design mode only for the elements which
will contribute to the connection.
In Design Mode
Open the Connecting document in design mode (the cache is not activated).
The whole geometry is loaded.
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it's the first selected object that moves to the second one's location
2. Select the first device either in the geometry or in the specification tree:
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According to the selection, if a cavity is already used or if no connection point is defined onto the
second device, it is displayed in red:
4. Click to select a connection point available on the device, Cavity3 for example.
The devices are connected together and the mechanical constraints are added to the specification
tree:
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Note that you can select the second connection point using one of the three following ways to get the same
result:
In Visualization Mode
Open the Connecting document in visualization mode (the cache is activated).
The geometry is not loaded.
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it's the first selected object that moves to the second one's location
2. Select the first device either in the geometry or in the specification tree.
You are prompted to select the second device.
3. Move the cursor onto the second device before selecting it, as shown below:
Note that:
You cannot expand the specification tree since you are in visualization mode.
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5. Click to select a connection point available on the device, for example Cavity3.
The devices are connected together and the mechanical constraints are added to the specification
tree:
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Note that the specification tree also displays the plus sign
for the other devices: this is due to the update
that loads the publications. However the geometry for these components is not loaded:
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to disconnect devices.
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The mechanical constraints are deleted in the geometry and the specification tree:
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Note that the device position remains unchanged but as the mechanical constraints have been deleted,
you can shift the connectors using the compass.
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Thanks to the selective loading capabilities, you can work with the cache activated.
refer to Selective Loading in Electrical Products.
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To activate this functionality, you need to activate the cache in Tools -> Options -> Infrastructure:
Choose Product Structure, the Cache Management tab then Cache Activation.
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Then, when working with CATIA Electrical tools, the necessary information will be loaded automatically
by switching to design mode the selected or needed parts.
This means that you can work with all your mechanical environment kept in visualization mode.
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Electrical Library and Electrical Wire Routing can import and use this data in order to make the 3D
implementation in the digital mock-up of electrical systems. With this integration the whole electrical process is
completed from specification to implementation.
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is
This task explains how to select the system prior to placing electrical components.
Once a system is selected, the list of devices is loaded and ready to use.
The data used in the task can be found in .../online/cfysm_C2/samples/ElectricalIntegration.
The System Selection dialog box displays with the systems available:
3. Click OK to validate.
The component list is filled up with these data and available for assisted placement.
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if the external system connector Part Number is empty: the link is automatically done.
if the external system connector Part Number is different from the physical connector Part
Number, a message is displayed. You can decide whether you want to create the link (using
the OK button) or not (Cancel).
Then a check is performed between the sub-entities Id Number: the external system contacts
and physical cavities, terminations:
if the external system equipment Part Number is empty: the link is automatically done.
if the external system equipment Part Number is different from the physical equipment
Part Number, a message is displayed. You can decide whether you want to create the link
(using the OK button) or not (Cancel).
At that time, the external system connectors have to be reconciled with the physical connectors
of the equipment: the mapping is done between the external system connector Name and the
cavity Id Number of the equipment. When a cavity Id Number is compatible, the connector
plugged in this cavity is reconciled with the external system connector.
For example: an equipment has two cavities, with IdNum1 and IdNum2 as Id Number.
If the external system specification mentioned that a connector is plugged in IdNum1, and if, in
the 3D session, a connector with the compatible Part Number is connected within this cavity,
the system will automatically link this connector by setting its reference designator to the Id of
the connector coming from the external specifications.
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Then the checks are performed for the sub-entities (see paragraph 1 above) of the connectors
previously linked (as explained above).
3. Automatic placement of a connector on an equipment already realized:
If an external system consists of an equipment with connectors, and the equipment is already
realized but not the connectors, when you place the physical connectors from the catalog using
the Link button of the Manage Links command
, they are automatically placed at the
correct location in the cavities of the equipment, and the electrical connection is performed at
the same time.
External electrical specifications can give a more detailed definition than CATIA, and the routing will be
correctly performed:
In 3D, the terminations can be missing. The links between the connectors is enough to route wires even
if the wire from-to connectivity definition is at the pin level in the external specifications (xml file).
To know more about wire routing from external data, refer to Considering External Data Routing in
Greater Depth.
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In the Tools -> Options -> Equipment & Systems -> Electrical Process Interfacing tab:
In the Tools -> Options -> Equipment & Systems -> Electrical Mapping tab:
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Click the last cavity available: the equipment is placed, the device list and the specification tree
are updated.
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Note that if you click in the free space to place the device and not a cavity, it will be placed at the origin
(0,0).
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In the Tools -> Options -> Equipment & Systems -> Electrical Process Interfacing tab:
In the Tools -> Options -> Equipment & Systems -> Electrical Mapping tab:
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This command unlinks the selected device and all its children.
This means that the Reference designator attribute of the selected device and of its
children are reset to blank. Formerly, this attribute contained the unique identifier shared
between ECAD and MCAD world.
2. Click Unlink.
The device list is updated.
The physical equipment is left in the cavity but the electrical link is broken.
3. Click Close when you are done.
Note that the cavity from where you have unlinked the equipment now shows in green: It is available
for placement.
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This task explains how to link electrical components already placed in the session, from the external device list. The components are
not yet linked.
Refer to the Electrical Integration from External Data scenario.
equipments
connectors
internal splices
shells.
Show all devices: the list displays all the devices referenced in the external data file, even if they are not placed in the
geometry.
Show only devices present in session: the list displays only the devices placed in the geometry.
Show only changed devices: the list displays only the devices which part number has been changed in the external
data file.
2. Select the component you want to link to a device already placed in the session.
As no link exists, the Place and Link buttons become available.
3. Click Link to add link to electrical components already placed in session with no link to external data.
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in the geometry
If the sub-elements are already placed with the correct part number, they will also be linked automatically. If not,
the element will be referenced as Partially linked.
5. Click Close when you are done.
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You can also link to a component with a different part number. In this case:
Choose the component you want to link in the device list and click the Link button.
The 3D Component List opens but is empty.
Click OK to validate.
The Device List is updated:
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Replacing a Device
from External Data
This task explains how the reconciliation between external and physical data is done when the device
part number has been modified.
The link between the external system's devices and the physical devices is already done.
In order to find out any device part number modification, the system compares the external device list
and the linked objects in session.
Open the PN_replace document.
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The old device is replaced with the new one to synchronize the external device list and the
devices in session. All the electrical, mechanical and external links are automatically rebuilt
together.
6. Click Close when you are done.
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a system.
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The Internal Splice Placement window opens. You can modify the offset in this field.
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The center of the sphere is the exact position of the internal splice, taking into account the offset.
when a routing is performed, leading to a modification of the bundle segment diameter, the circle
diameter of the splice is updated.
Note that double-clicking its representation does not edit the internal splice.
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b. In the Electrical Mapping tab, select the working catalog and define a mapping for the electrical objects:
.../online/elbug_C2/samples/cavityinfo/ElecIntegration.catalog
For more information about the settings, refer to the Customizing section.
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Since information is available for the selected object in the external electrical specification, the following dialog box displays
at placement:
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For more information about device placement, refer to Managing Links from External Data.
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Make sure the Electrical Library options are properly set up with the correct catalog:
.../online/elbug_C2/samples/AutomaticPlacement/CatalogOfDevicesR7.catalog
The Catalog Browser displays the correct catalog, with a pre-selected equipment:
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3. Select PN-19102000-1050.
4. Click OK to validate.
You are prompted to decide whether you want or not to import the connectors together with the
equipment.
5. Click Yes to import the connectors at the same time:
The physical equipment is imported together with the connectors, owing to the functional
information.
The electrical link between the functional and the physical device is created (a message is
displayed). When you select the functional equipment in the specification tree, the physical
equipment is highlighted in the geometry.
In the specification tree, the functional equipment
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the connectors were not imported and you've been informed that all the links have not been
performed:
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if the functional connector Nominal Part Number is empty: the link is automatically done
if the functional connector Nominal Part Number is different from the physical connector Part
Number, a message is displayed. You can decide whether you want to create the link (using the
OK button) or not (Cancel).
Then a check is performed between the sub-entities Id Number: the functional contacts and physical
cavities, terminations:
if the ID Number are identical, the link is created between functional and physical sub-entities
if some ID Number are different, a message warns you that only some of the functional and
physical sub-entities have been linked.
2. Between equipments:
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A check is performed between the functional Nominal Part Number and the physical equipment
Part Number:
if the functional equipment Nominal Part Number is empty: the link is automatically done
if the functional equipment Nominal Part Number is different from the physical equipment Part
Number, a message is displayed. You can decide whether you want to create the link (using the
OK button) or not (Cancel).
Then the functional connectors have to be reconciled with the physical connectors of the equipment:
the mapping is done between the functional connector Id Number and the cavity Id Number of the
equipment. When a cavity Id Number is compatible, the connector plugged in this cavity is
reconciled with the functional connector.
Then the checks are performed between connectors and between the sub-entities (see above).
3. Using shells:
In the physical world, an electrical assembly possibly consists of an equipment, a shell, connectors
and their sub-entities. In the functional world, the shell does not exist.
Since the mapping between physical connector and functional connector plugged on an equipment is
done through the Id Number, when a shell is used, CATIA temporarily generates an Id Number,
following the rule below:
"Id Number of the equipment cavity" + "|" + "Id Number of the shell cavity"
Example: E1|S1
It is this Id Number which will be compared to the Id Number of the functional connector.
4. Automatic placement of a connector on an equipment already realized:
If a functional system consists of an equipment with connectors, if the equipment is already realized
but not the connectors, when you place the physical connectors from the catalog using this button
, they are automatically placed at the correct location in the cavities of the equipment.
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The electrical link between the functional and the physical device is removed. When you
select the functional connector in the specification tree, the physical connector is no longer
highlighted in the geometry.
In the specification tree, the functional connector icon turns to red:
This functionality is available for the equipments and any type of connectors.
The Remove Functional Link command is deactivated when you work with external data.
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The electrical link between the functional and the physical device is created: when you select
the functional connector in the specification tree, the physical connector is highlighted in the
geometry.
In the specification tree, the functional connector icon turns to green:
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Environment Settings
Setting up the Electrical Process Interfacing
Selecting Systems from External Data
Placing Devices from External Data
Creating the Cable Harness
Placing Internal Splices
Automatic Routing
Exporting Data from CATIA
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This makes possible the contextual links between the bundle segments and the geometry when
creating the harness.
3. Then in the Equipment & Systems category, click the Electrical Harness Installation
workbench. Click the Harness Management tab:
The bundle segment naming rule is set to Parent-Bundle Segment(#PN#)
to help you recognize to which geometrical bundle a bundle segment belongs.
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of the working catalog containing the V5 parts which Part Number are referred to in the XML
files.
Click the Browse button to locate the catalog containing the V5 parts, which Part Number
attributes are referred to in the XML files.
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It is now necessary to define the electrical objects mapping regarding the working catalog.
To do so:
then in the Equipment & Systems category, select the Electrical mapping tab.
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button.
The System Selection dialog box displays with the XML files available:
4. Click OK to validate.
The component list is filled up with these data and available for assisted placement or routing.
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is available in the
.
This task explains how to place electrical components from the external device list.
button.
equipments
connectors
internal splices
shells.
Show all devices: the list displays all the devices referenced in the external data file, even if they are not placed in the
geometry.
Show only devices present in session: the list displays only the devices placed in the geometry.
Show only changed devices: the list displays only the devices which part numbers have been changed in the external
data file.
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Since a mapping has been defined, the catalog browser has been filtered to display only the object with the same
part number as the object selected in the device list.
If the part number is defined neither in the device list nor in the catalog, you can navigate in the catalog browser to
select the component of your choice.
4. Select this equipment: Battery 6volts and click OK.
The equipment is placed and automatically linked, together with the connector that belongs to it.
They are added to the specification tree under the active product and appear in the geometry at the origin. You can change
their locations using the compass.
The component list is updated: the equipment, connector and pins are shown as linked in the device list.
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If all the sub-element part numbers are filled up in the device list and found in the catalog, they are automatically
placed and linked.
5. Repeat these steps for the second equipment: Battery 6Volts.2.
6. Click Close when you are done.
Make sure you have defined the electrical objects mapping regarding the working catalog.
To do so:
then in the Equipment & Systems category, select the Electrical mapping tab.
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Since you have set up the option to enable the external systems interfacing, an additional command
Library and Electrical Wire Routing workbenches.
And the Electrical Library commands Place Physical Device
Manage Links
This task explains how to define the cable harness and place the connectors at each extremity.
button.
again.
button.
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button.
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Select successively the connector connection point of both connectors to link them.
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Since you have set up the option to enable the external systems interfacing, an additional command
Library and Electrical Wire Routing workbenches.
And the Electrical Library commands Place Physical Device
Manage Links
This task explains how to place internal splices anywhere inside the bundle segment, under the covering.
button.
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You will now place the internal splices inside the bundle segments.
button.
7. Click Place.
Since a mapping has been defined, the catalog browser opens with the predefined internal splice:
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The component list is updated: the splices and pins are shown as linked in the device list.
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Automatic Routing
Since you have set up the option to enable the external systems interfacing, an additional command
is available in the Electrical Library and Electrical Wire Routing workbenches.
This command allows you to select the systems to be imported.
This task explains how to route wires from an external wire list into an electrical bundle.
To know more details, refer to Considering External Data Routing in Greater Depth.
The document must contain at least:
a system.
button.
button.
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For the wires available in the list, you get the following information:
The routing options allow you to use or not the knowledge rule.
5. Select one or more wires and click the right arrow.
The selected wires shift to the right column: they will be routed.
6. Click Route.
The Automatic Wire Routing Report is displayed
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The bundle segments diameter are updated according to the wiring information.
To know more, refer to Customizing - Equipment & Systems - Electrical Wire Routing
documentation.
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2. Click the Tools -> Export Wires... menu item and select the Export Wires in iXF Format.
You are prompted to select a node in the specification tree and every electrical bundle belonging to it will be
exported.
3. Click a node in the specification tree.
The File dialog box opens:
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4. Navigate to select the folder where you want to store your file and enter the name of the file.
5. Click Save.
An .xml file is created.
the wire properties, particularly the wire length computed from the 3D geometry
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PowerSupply
HairDryer
HairDryer_Signals
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4. Map the functional connectors to the physical ones using the contextual menu:
(connector_M: extension cable connectors to be plugged onto the batteries)
This action makes it possible to predefine for each functional connector what device reference to be used for the 3D
placement. This will simplify the 3D Designer work: he's driven by the functional data, reusing the Electrical System
engineer knowledge to achieve the 3D implantation.
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This action makes it possible to define the signal extremities corresponding to the power supply and the hair dryer
systems.
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To do so:
Right-click the ElectricalWorkbenchIntegration product and select Components -> Existing Components...
10. Set up the options using the Tools -> Options... menu:
This product will contain the hair dryer itself and later the power cable.
3. Open the Catalog Browser using this icon
Successively:
This action places the component from the catalog at the default location.
Using the compass, you can modify the position of the equipment.
It's a first standard mode of placement.
4. Click the Add Link icon
to link the respective physical and functional equipment (the hair dryer).
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This action generates the link between the component and its corresponding functional element.
You can see if a component is connected or not: the equipment icon sign changes and turns from red to green,
meaning that the hair dryer is now electrically linked.
>>
The automatic signal routing will be possible since the signal extremities defined in the functional system can be
transposed in the 3D world using the physical/functional relations.
Right-click the Hair-DryerProd, select Components -> New Product, enter the Part Number for the power
cable in the Properties dialog box and validate.
Right-click the ElectricalWorkbenchIntegration, select Components -> New Product, enter the Part Number
for the extension cable in the Properties dialog box and validate.
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Select the power cable and click the Geometrical Bundle icon
You can change the instance name to PowerCable.
Select the extension cable and click the Geometrical Bundle icon
You can change the instance name to ExtensionCable.
again.
The power cable is part of the hair dryer: that's why you create it in the hair dryer product (Hair-DryerProd).
The extension cable is an independent assembly: that's why you create it under the root product assembly.
4. Double-click to activate the Geometrical Bundle2 (the extension cable) in the specification tree.
5. Switch to Electrical Library workbench.
7. Select the first connector in the PowerSupply system. The catalog pops up.
An alternative to steps 6 and 7 is to use the contextual menu, by right-clicking the connector in the
PowerSupply system and choose Place Physical Device.
Select the connector in the catalog and click OK to validate. The connector is added to the specification tree and
appears in the geometry at the origin (0, 0). You can change its location using the compass.
Repeat these steps for the second connector.
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The physical connector pre-selection previously performed with Electrical System Functional Definition is used to
automatically get the correct part reference.
The 3D connector is automatically placed in the active product (Geometrical Bundle2) at the product origin.
8. Use the Electrical Assembly Design workbench to create the electrical connection with the batteries.
Select successively in the geometry each connector_M connection point from the Geometrical
Bundle2(ExtensionCable) then the corresponding connector_F connection point of the battery.
1.
2.
The connectors are linked and shifted to the batteries.
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This action creates the assembly constraints between connector and battery.
9. Double-click to activate the Geometrical Bundle2 (the extension cable) in the specification tree.
10. From the catalog, drag and drop the connector_F onto the Geometrical Bundle2 for the extension cable. If needed,
position it between the hair dryer and the batteries using the compass (ExtensionCable must be active).
This action places the connector from the catalog onto the extension cable.
11. From the catalog, drag and drop the Backshell_F directly onto the Connector_F in the Geometrical Bundle2.
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This action places the back shell from the catalog onto the extension cable connector.
12. Double-click to activate the Geometrical Bundle1 (PowerCable) in the specification tree.
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13. From the catalog, drag and drop the Connector_M directly onto the Connector_F of the extension cable.
This action adds the power cable connector (connector_M) from the catalog to the extension cable connector. The
assembly constraints as well as the electrical constraints have been created between the power cable and the extension
cable connectors. When the female connector is selected, the electrical link is displayed in the Related Objects viewer.
14. From the catalog, drag and drop the Backshell_M directly onto the Connector_M of the power cable.
This action places the back shell from the catalog onto the power cable connector. The assembly constraints as well as
the electrical constraints have been created between the connector and the back shell.
You can repeat this step to place back shells on the extension cable male connectors (at the other extremity).
15. Start the Electrical Harness Assembly workbench to create the bundle segments for the power and extension cables.
To do so:
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This action creates the bundle segments that will be used to route the wires of the power and extension cables.
Boxes are displayed to help you recognize the extremities of the signal.
5. Click the Automatic Routing icon
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The bundle segments diameter are updated according to the signal section.
The specification tree is updated: the wires and wire connections are created.
The length of the wire linked to a back shell is extended with an extra-length, defined as a back shell attribute.
However, an alternative is to connect the bundle segment through the back shell: in this case, the wire length is
equal to the total length of the bundle segments of the wire route.
The bundle segments diameter is updated using the section defined on the signals (with EFD).
When only one signal is selected, the wire connections are displayed (as shown below).
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Using Catalogs
These functionalities are available in the Electrical Assembly workbench.
The first two are also available in the Electrical Part workbench.
It is recommended to instantiate harness connectors inside a geometrical bundle, as it will become
flexible when needed - for example, adding a multi-branchable document/bundle segment or connecting
devices.
The Browse window is integrated to the Store Device and Smart Place commands.
It lets you select catalogs stored in database when working in ENOVIA context.
Storing a Device: Click this button, select the catalog and the family of interest.
Refining the Catalog Mapping for the Device Storage: Use automatic keyword mapping.
Connecting Devices: Drag and drop the device from the catalog at its proper placing.
Connecting Contacts: Drag and drop the device from the catalog at its proper placing.
Using Smart Placement: Select the component, point to the correct position and click to place it.
Using Smart Move: Select the component and use the compass to move it.
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This window will appear in addition to the File Selection dialog box when using the commands listed below, provided you have
allowed the necessary document environments in your Document settings:
File->Open...
Edit->Links...
Replace Component
Catalog Browser.
The list of document access methods available from the Browse window will vary according to the document environments you
defined.
1. Select the Tools->Options... command then the General category and finally, the Document tab:
The Document Environments area lets you define the method(s) you will use to access your documents by allowing
the desired environment(s) selected from the list.
These document environments are:
Folder: default document environment (indicated by the status "Current") in which the dialog accesses the
folders containing the documents
DLName: document environment which lets you restrict the access to specific folders referenced by logical
names referred to as "DLNames".
SmarTeam: lets you access SmarTeam projects stored in SmarTeam - CATIA Integration
SmarTeam Query: lets you access SmarTeam projects stored in SmarTeam - CATIA Integration using queries
SmarTeam CIX: lets you access documents stored in SmarTeam - CATIA Xtended Integration
Loaded document: lets you access documents loaded in the current session.
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2. To allow a document environment, select it from the list then click the Allowed button. Repeat this step as many
times as necessary to allow all document environments.
For detailed information on document environments, refer to the Document tab (section entitled "Document
Environment" in the Version 5 - Infrastructure User's Guide).
The File Selection dialog box and the Browse window (displayed in the background) open simultaneously as shown
below:
6. Click Cancel to close the File Selection panel and activate the Browse window:
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Note that the icons displayed in the Browse window will vary with the document environments you have allowed in
step 2. The above picture is just an example.
In addition to that, some methods are discarded by default when using specific commands because they are not
relevant (for instance, "Catalog" is not available from the Catalog Browser command).
Let's have a look at the following matrix in which red symbols identify the discarded methods in relation to the
corresponding commands:
Commands File->Open
Edit>Links
Replace Instantiate
Component
From
Document
Catalog
Browser
Environments
Folder
DLNames
SmarTeam
SmarTeam
Query
SmarTeam CIX
ENOVIA V5
Catalog
Loaded
document
X
X
Bear also in mind that other methods may be discarded by your Version 5 administrator and thus, may impact the
look of the Browse window.
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Refer to the Document tab (section "DLName Integration") to learn how to define DLNames and use the
File Selection dialog box in the Version 5 - Infrastructure User's Guide.
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File
Opens the usual File Selection dialog box which lets you browse your folders containing the documents:
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Refer to "Opening Existing Documents" in the Version 5 - Infrastructure User's Guide for detailed
information on this dialog box.
Catalog
Opens a catalog browser which lets you browse then instantiate components stored in catalogs:
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icon to access the document to be browsed, you must select the type
Note that after clicking the
"*.catalog" from the "Files of type" list before selecting the element you want to instantiate.
For detailed information on the Catalog Browser, refer to "Browsing a Catalog Using the Catalog Browser"
in the Version 5 - Component Catalog Editor User's Guide.
Loaded document
Opens the Session document dialog box which enables you to preview and select documents opened in your
current Version 5 session:
in the context of the Edit->Links... command, the selected element will open and replace the
element highlighted in the first place and the new element name will be displayed in the Links dialog
box.
Refer to "Editing Document Links" in the Version 5 - Infrastructure User's Guide for detailed
information on links between documents
in the context of the catalog browser, the object to be accessed must be of type "*.catalog".
The selected catalog will then open in the browser.
ENOVIA V5
Lets you perform a query for document-type objects in the ENOVIA V5 database.
This document environment is only available with a VPM Navigator license.
SmarTeam
Lets you access documents stored in SmarTeam.
This document environment is only available with a SmarTeam license.
SmarTeam Query
Lets you access SmarTeam projects stored in SmarTeam - CATIA Integration using queries.
This document environment is only available with a SmarTeam license.
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SmarTeam CIX
Lets you access documents stored in SmarTeam - CATIA Xtended Integration.
This document environment is only available with a SmarTeam license.
8. Once you have accessed the desired document, click OK or Open (depending on the method) to validate.
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Storing a Device
This task explains how to store electrical devices into a catalog.
You can store both electrical parts or products.
A CATIA session is running.
a family: Contacts
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If modified, the document must be saved before being stored to the catalog.
Note that to use this option, it is the device reference, which must have the electrical behavior,
not an instance. Otherwise, this option is grayed out.
6. Click OK to validate.
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the electrical devices to be stored have the corresponding attribute specified in their Properties.
the property value is strictly equal to the keyword value for the storage family, together with an identical type
(Boolean, integer, etc.).
The system then will automatically set the keyword value equal to the attribute value.
Before the comparison of the names is done, spaces - blank characters - at the beginning and at the end of the
word are removed, but those between words are kept.
a family: Contacts
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In the Tools -> Options -> Equipment & Systems -> Electrical Mapping tab:
2. Add a family
: Connectors
defined as follows:
Name: iswaterproof
Type: Boolean
Default value: false.
Name: pinnumber
Type: Integer
Default value: 5
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select Boolean in the drop-down list and click New Parameter of Type.
select Integer in the drop-down list and click New Parameter of Type.
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In the Tools -> Options -> Equipment & Systems -> Electrical Mapping tab:
Note that to use this option, it is the device reference which must have the electrical behavior, not an
instance. Otherwise, this option would be grayed out.
12. Click OK to validate.
The device has been added to the catalog taking into account the correct keyword values.
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13. If you modify the value of a property, then use the Store Device button
updated in the catalog.
This mapping is taken into account if there is no mapping to the Part Number.
Otherwise, the mapping to the Part Number takes priority.
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an equipment: EquipmentDA4
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4. Select the EquipmentDA4, drag and drop it onto the Product1 in the specification tree.
The equipment is imported:
it is composed of three cavities.
The connector is properly located into the cavity: the constraints are created.
The result looks like this:
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Note that when you insert a device into a product, you can take advantage of Assembly Design
capabilities to constrain the device within the digital mock-up, profiting therefore by the associativity.
For more information, refer to Using Assembly Constraints.
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two empty cavities (with no wire extremity): they will be automatically filled in with the selected filler
plug.
To see the filler plugs in the cavities, you may need to update the geometry.
The filler plugs are added to the specification tree.
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6. If you want to place a different contact (or filler plug) in a cavity of the connector, place it first into the
correct cavity then place automatically the other ones.
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If necessary, navigate to select the CatalogForNewFeatures using the Browse another catalog button
The CatalogForNewFeatures.catalog is located in: .../online/cfysa_C2/samples/ElectricalSession/
2. Select the part you want to place.
For example: Standard Parts -> Supports -> Plastic-A.
In the graphic area, a manipulator displays allowing you to select:
the direction. By pressing the Shift key, you can invert the direction.
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The support is placed on the plane selected, with a compass automatically snapped to the part.
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5. Point to the next position if you want to place the support again.
Otherwise, click a different part from the catalog and repeat these steps.
6. Click Close when you are done.
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Note that this part has been stored into the catalog with a special keyword: InstantiateAsNew. Refer to the
Catalog Editor documentation.
This keyword, valuated as True, makes it possible to use a same component several times from the catalog,
creating each time a new document with a new part number.
This functionality is specially designed to work with adaptative parts. It is not necessary to use this keyword in
other cases.
It can be practical to create a family in your catalog to store all your adaptative parts. When adding a
part to this family, the keyword InstantiateAsNew will automatically be valuated as True.
3. Point to the chosen position and click to place the support as often as needed.
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an origin point
a x, y and z direction
The origin of the part (the support in this example) is placed at the point selected with the compass.
The x, y plane of the part is parallel to the plane selected using the compass.
The z direction of the part is collinear to the z direction selected using the compass.
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The keyword InstantiateAsNew is added and valuated using the Catalog Editor.
If the keyword InstantiateAsNew is valuated as False or does not exist, the same component is used several
times, with the same part number.
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A compass appears.
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This functionality uses information stored with the part in the catalog:
an origin point
a x, y and z direction.
The origin of the part (the support in this example) is placed at the point selected with the compass.
The x, y plane of the part is parallel to the plane selected using the compass.
The z direction of the part is collinear to the z direction selected using the compass.
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4. Click OK to validate.
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Remember:
a wire reference is defined in a CATProduct document and there is only one wire per document
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Creating a Catalog
You first need to create the catalog.
Refer to Using Catalogs for more information.
Create a new document of CatalogDocument type.
1. Choose the New item from the File menu.
The New dialog box opens.
Select the CatalogDocument type.
2. Click OK to validate.
The Catalog workbench is displayed.
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a neutral file in which the wire references are described (CSV file defined in Excel).
The default column separator used by ELB for CSV files is the semi-colon ";".
Copy the following files in your c:\Temp from the samples folder and uncheck the Read-only attribute:
CreateWires.CATScript
WiresDefinition.csv
CatalogOfWires.catalog
If you work on Unix platform, make sure you modify the paths consequently in the CreateWires.CATScript
document.
The script below is given as an example of the macro:
Wire creation and storage in catalog
Language="VBSCRIPT"
Sub CATMain()
'Definition of input data
'WARNING: Define the absolute path of the inputs
'(csv file and catalog)
csvFile = "c:\Temp\ListOfWires.csv"
catalogfile = "c:\Temp\CatalogOfWires.catalog"
'Open Catalog
Dim Catalog As Document
Set Catalog = CATIA.Documents.Open(catalogfile)
'Get the "ElectricalLibrary" workbench
Dim Wkb As Workbench
Set Wkb = Catalog.GetWorkbench("ElectricalLibrary")
'Create the wires references and store them in the catalog
Wkb.CreateWiresIntoCatalog csvFile, catalogfile
End Sub
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Other views are available giving more information if attributes have been defined in the catalog:
the Preview tab shows the wire references with a graphical representation
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The Filename is the name of the document (CATProduct) containing the wire reference that will be
created.
The Family tag lets you specify the family in which the wire reference will be stored. It is not
mandatory and if not defined, the wire reference created will be stored in the first family associated
to the wire type according to the mapping defined in a preceding step. Don't forget to update them
with a valid path!
As a wire has no geometrical representation, the Icon tag allows you to associate a picture (bmp,
jpg). The smaller the picture is and the faster the load of the catalog document will be!
if the values are inconsistent: the Section will be computed from the Diameter.
The .csv file is either a text file (with columns separated by a comma or a semi-colon) or an Excel file (with
cells separated by a comma or semi-colon) saved in the .csv format.
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The default column separator used by ELB for csv files is the semi-colon ";".
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electrical bundle
defined in EWR
bundle segment
defined in EHI
Depending on the component you have activated (by double-clicking: blue object) and on the object you
have selected, the properties you will edit may be the ones of the reference or of the instance.
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1. In the Equipment.CATProduct, if you edit the properties of the Equipment, you will display the
properties of the reference.
Type and External Reference are attributes of the reference.
2. In the RootProduct.CATProduct, if the RootProduct is active (in blue in the specification tree) and if
you select the Equipment.1 to edit the properties, you will display the properties of the instance:
The instance also has instance attributes: Reference Designator and SubType.
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If you modify the attributes of instance, only this instance will be modified.
On the other hand, if you modify the attributes of reference, they will be modified in all the
occurrences and in the reference document.
3. In the RootProduct.CATProduct, if the Equipment.1 is active (double-click Equipment.1) and you
select the Equipment.1 to edit the properties, you will display the properties of the reference:
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Notes:
Catalog Path indicates the location of the catalog containing the physical component
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Functional:
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Wire:
Wire:
Harness:
Harness:
Sub objects:
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hides the wires contained in the bundle segment, shows the bundle
segments and signals.
hides the children bundle segments, only shows the signals and wires.
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Sub objects:
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On a complex electrical system, the 3D view allows you to limit display to a specific area thus enlightening
the information regarding this area.
Open the RelatedObjectsSession.CATProduct document.
1. Select an object: Geometrical Bundle1.1 for example.
2. Click the Related Objects icon
The Related Objects dialog box appears. The geometry area and the specification tree are reframed on
the object selected.
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on the right are the children objects (Assembly meaning), connected to the Bundle Segment4.1.
They represent the contents.
the Bundle Segment4.1 contains two wires and their associated signal.
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Elec_DistanceCommon
DistanceWireProduct
VisualMode
To be able to use these functions, you need to activate the ElectricalMeasure package.
To do so:
1. Select Tools -> Options... -> General -> Parameters and Measures and go to the Language tab.
2. Choose the ElectricalMeasure package and click the right arrow:
3. Click OK to validate.
Elec_DistanceCommon
Syntax
Elec_DistanceCommon(Wire1: Wire, Wire2: Wire):Length
Returns the common length of the two wires given as input arguments.
The type of Wire1 and Wire2 is ElecWire.
Example 1
The Elec_DistanceCommon user function can be used in Knowledge Expert to find all the couples of wires in the session that have a common length
greater than a given value.
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Example 2
In Knowledge Advisor, it can be used to define a rule giving the common length of two specific wires sharing properties.
Applying the rule displays the following message if the condition is met:
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Still in Knowledge Advisor, to verify that two wires selected in the specification tree have a common length, the following action can be defined:
then ran: select two wires in the specification tree and click OK to validate.
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DistanceWireProduct
Syntax
DistanceWireProduct(Wire1: Wire, Object: Product):Length
Returns the minimum length between a wire and a product in session. The product must contain at least one part.
Example 1
The DistanceWireProduct user function can be used with the f(x) command to display the distance between a wire and a component in the session.
Example 2
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The DistanceWireProduct user function can be used in Knowledge Expert to find all the wires in the session that have a minimum distance to
defined components smaller than a critical value chosen by the user. The components can be defined as heat-resistant.
Properties have been added to the product:
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Example 3
The DistanceWireProduct user function can be used in Knowledge Advisor to define a rule that displays a warning message if a minimum distance
between a wire and an object is smaller than a critical value chosen by the user.
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Example 4
Still in Knowledge Advisor, an action can be defined using the DistanceWireProduct user function, to know the distance between a wire and an
object selected in the specification tree:
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VisualMode
Syntax
VisualMode (BundleSegment: Feature, Visualization Mode (LIGHT/FULL): String): Boolean
Description
This function is useful to minimize the size of the harness in LIGHT mode. It simplifies the visualization, the curve and the diameter only are
represented, the rib being deleted.
Example
Create a rule in Knowledge Expert:
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Working in LIGHT mode allows you to modify the route (refer to Electrical Harness Installation - Branch Definition) and route wires but the split,
transfer and add branch point commands are not supported.
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1. Select Tools -> Options... -> General -> Parameters and Measures and go to the Language
tab.
2. Choose the Electrical package and click the right arrow:
3. Click OK to validate.
This package can be accessed via the object browser and objects, attributes and methods in the package
can be used in expert relations.
You can, for example, write a rule to report in a file all the bundle segments with a diameter greater than
a specified value.
The package contains the following objects:
The IncludesWires attribute has been added to the BundleSegment object.
The CoveredBundleSegments attribute has been added to the Protection object.
BackShell
FillerPlug
SignalRoute
BundlePositionPoint
FunctionalConnector
Stud
Bundle
FunctionalEquipment
System
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BundleSegment
GroundSignal
Tape
Cavity
GroupSignal
TerminalBlock
CommandSignal
InternalSplice
TerminalStrip
ConnectorShell
OffSheet
Termination
Contact
PowerSignal
Termination_GeoConstraint
ContactPoint
Protection
VideoSignal
CorrugatedTube
ShieldingSignal
Wire
Equipment
SingleConnector
ExternalSplice
Signal
BackShell
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Back Shell type that you create when you select the
Electrical Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
icon in the
The back shell is a physical component used to guide the bundle segment extremity to the single insert
connector, and to protect the crimping area.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_Extra_Length
Type: Double
Defines the cable extra-length to be added to take into account the wire length inside the back shell.
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the back shell reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the back shell in the
project.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
Type: Boolean
Defines the back shell attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during
the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command.
Is True if modified.
Elec_External_Reference Type: String
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Type: Boolean
Is True if the back shell is connected to a single insert connector and a bundle segment.
BundlePositionPoint
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Bundle Segment Position Point type.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Harness Installation User's Guide.
The Bundle Segment Position Point type defines the point along a bundle segment at which the local slack is
applied.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature
Attributes
Elec_Slack
Type: Double
Bundle
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Bundle type that you create when you click the
Wire Routing workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Wire Routing User's Guide.
Attributes
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the bundle reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the bundle in the project.
Elec_Sub_Type Type: String
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BundleSegment
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Bundle Segment type that you create when you select one of these icons
or
in the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Harness Installation User's Guide.
The BundleSegment type is a segment of a geometrical bundle.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_Bend_Radius
Type: Double
Input data defining the bend radius value that corresponds to the minimum bend radius of the bundle segment
curve.
Type: String
Elec_Di_Slack
Type: Double
Input data defining the percentage of distributed slack along the bundle segment.
This attribute induces the value of the Elec_Length attribute.
Elec_Diameter
Type: Double
Type: Boolean
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Defines the bundle segment attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified
during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.
Elec_FullConnected
Type: Boolean
Type: Double
Type: String
Defines the bundle reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the bundle in the project.
Elec_Segreg
Type: String
Defines the bundle segment separation code used by the routing algorithm.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
Type: Double
Attribute used in the fake length context of the extracted data in EHF.
This attribute keeps the bundle segment real length, coming from the 3D data.
In this context, the Elec_Length returns the fake length.
IncludedWires
Type: CATIList
Cavity
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Cavity type that you create when you click this icon
Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
The cavity defines a reservation for a connector.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
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Type: String
Defines a unique identifier for the cavity used to map a functional component and the corresponding physical
part.
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the cavity reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the cavity in the project.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
CommandSignal
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Command Signal type that you create when you click this icon
Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.
in the
The command signal is a logical connection between two or more components. It will be realized by a wire in
physical world.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product -> Electrical - ElecSignal
Attributes
Elec_Nominal_Part_Num
Type: String
Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the command signal.
Elec_Recom_Wire_Type
Type: String
Type: Double
Type: String
Defines the separation code of the command signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.
Elec_Signal_Section
Type: Double
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Type: String
ConnectorShell
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Connector-Shell type that you create when you click the
Electrical Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
icon in the
A connector shell or shell is a non-electrical part which groups one or more electrical connector parts. It may be
part of an equipment.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the connector shell reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the connector shell
in the project.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
Type: Boolean
Defines the connector shell attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified
during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.
Elec_External_Reference Type: String
Defines the connector shell external reference attribute.
It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.
Contact
Description
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Describes the electrical feature of Contact type that you create when you click the
Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
A contact is an electrical component used within a termination and a cavity or between bundle segments.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_Barrel_Diameter
Type: Double
Type: Boolean
Type: String
Defines the contact reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the contact in the project.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
CorrugatedTube
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Corrugated Tube type that you create when you click the
icon in the
Electrical Library workbench. The corrugated tube is then instantiated using the Electrical Harness Installation
workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library and Electrical Harness Installation User's Guides.
A corrugated tube is an electrical component applied onto bundle segments as a protection.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_Bend_Radius
Type: Double
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Defines the bend radius value, which corresponds to the minimum bend radius of the corrugated tube curve.
Elec_Bend_Radius_Protection_OK Type: Boolean
Is True if the Elec_Bend_Radius attribute is smaller than the real value of bend radius of the largest bundle
segment linked to the corrugated tube.
Elec_Fmbd_Modify
Type: Boolean
Defines the single connector attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified
during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.
Elec_Inner_Diameter
Type: Double
Type: Double
Type: Double
Type: Double
Defines the corrugated tube linear mass, used for the flattened representation.
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the corrugated tube reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the corrugated
tube in the project.
Elec_Ref_PartNumber
Type: String
Type: String
Equipment
Description
Type: Double
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Describes the electrical feature of Equipment type that you create when you click the
Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
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An equipment is an electrical device with one or more associated components: connectors, shells, contacts,
filler plugs, placed in cavities. An equipment can also comprise terminations and bundle connection points.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_External_Reference Type: String
Defines the equipment reference from an external library.
It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.
Elec_Fmbd_Modify
Type: Boolean
Defines the equipment attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during
the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the equipment reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the equipment in the
project.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
ExternalSplice
Description
Describes the electrical feature of External Splice type that you create when you click the
Electrical Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
icon in the
An external splice is an electrical connector receiving bundle segments from different geometrical bundles.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_External_Reference Type: String
Defines the external splice reference from an external library.
It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.
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Elec_Fmbd_Modify
Type: Boolean
Defines the external splice attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified
during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the external splice reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the external splice
in the project.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
Type: Boolean
Is True if all the bundle connection points and terminations of the external splice are connected.
FillerPlug
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Filler Plug type that you create when you click the
Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
Attributes
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the filler plug reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the filler plug in the
project.
Elec_Sub_Type Type: String
Defines the filler plug subtype.
ContactPoint
Description
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Describes the electrical feature of Contact Point type that you create when you select the
Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.
icon in the
This contact point is a functional electrical component that defines the point of contact or attachment for an
electrical signal.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_Id_Number
Type: String
Type: Integer
Defines a unique identifier for the contact point used to map a functional component and the corresponding
physical part.
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the contact point reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the contact point in
the project.
Elec_Signal_IO
Type: String
Type: String
FunctionalConnector
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Functional Connector type that you create when you click the
Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.
icon in the
This connector is a functional electrical component with one or more associated contact points, for example, a
power or signal transmission connector.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
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Attributes
Elec_External_Reference Type: String
Defines the functional connector reference to an external library.
Elec_Id_Number
Type: String
Defines a unique identifier for the functional connector used to map a functional component and the
corresponding physical part.
Elec_Nominal_Part_Num Type: String
Defines the nominal part number of the physical connector that realizes the functional connector.
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the functional connector reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the connector
in the project.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
FunctionalEquipment
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Functional Equipment type that you create when you click the
Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.
icon in the
This equipment is a functional electrical component with one or more associated connectors, for example a
lamp or a battery.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_External_Reference Type: String
Defines the functional equipment reference to an external library.
Elec_Nominal_Part_Num Type: String
Defines the nominal part number of the physical equipment that realizes the functional equipment.
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
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Defines the functional equipment reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the
equipment in the project.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
GroundSignal
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Ground Signal type that you create when you click this icon
Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.
in the
The ground signal is a logical connection between two or more components. It will be realized by a wire in
physical world.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product -> Electrical - ElecSignal
Attributes
Elec_Ground_Unicity
Type: Boolean
Defines the unicity of the ground signal: True if the signal is unique.
Elec_Nominal_Part_Num
Type: String
Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the ground signal.
Elec_Recom_Wire_Type
Type: String
Type: Double
Type: String
Defines the separation code of the ground signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.
Elec_Signal_Section
Type: Double
Type: String
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GroupSignal
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Group Signal type that you create when you click this icon
Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.
in the
Groups signals will be routed together, for example shielded or twisted signals.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product -> Electrical - ElecSignal
Attributes
Elec_Nominal_Part_Num Type: String
Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the group signal.
Elec_Recom_Wire_Type Type: String
Defines the attribute of the wire recommended to realize the signal.
Elec_Routing_Priority
Type: Double
Type: String
Defines the separation code of the group signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.
Elec_Signal_Section
Type: Double
Type: Boolean
Defines the internal splice attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified
during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
InternalSplice
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Description
Describes the electrical feature of Internal Splice type that you create when you click the
Electrical Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
icon in the
An internal splice is a type of connector used to connect two or more wires belonging to the same bundle.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_External_Reference Type: String
Defines the internal splice reference to an external library.
It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.
Elec_Mass
Type: Double
Type: Double
Defines the distance to the bundle segment extremity selected to place the internal splice.
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the internal splice reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the internal splice in
the project.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
OffSheet
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Off Sheet Connector type that you create when you click the
Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.
icon in the
An off sheet connector is a marker in the functional definition that is used to establish connections between
different systems.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
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Type: String
Type: Integer
Type: String
Type: String
Stud
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Stud type that you create when you click this icon
Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
in the Electrical
A stud is an electrical connector receiving bundle segments with one or more wires connected through a
termination. It is used to ground bundle segments or pieces of equipment.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_External_Reference
Type: String
Type: String
Defines the stud reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the stud in the project.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
Type: Boolean
Is True only if all the stud bundle connection points are connected.
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PowerSignal
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Power Signal type that you create when you click this icon
Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.
in the
The power signal is a logical connection between two or more components. It will be realized by a wire in
physical world.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product -> Electrical - ElecSignal
Attributes
Elec_Nominal_Part_Num
Type: String
Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the power signal.
Elec_Nominal_Voltage
Type: Double
Type: String
Type: Double
Type: String
Defines the separation code of the power signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
Type: Double
Protection
Description
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Describes the electrical feature of protection type from which both the corrugated tube and the tape derives.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library and Electrical Harness Installation User's Guides.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
CoveredBundleSegments Type: CATIList
Returns the list of bundle segments covered by the protection.
Elec_Fmbd_Modify
Type: Boolean
Defines the bundle segment attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified
during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.
Elec_Length
Type: Double
Type: Double
Type: Double
Defines the protection linear mass, used for the flattened representation.
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Type: String
Type: String
ShieldingSignal
Description
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Describes the electrical feature of Shielding Signal type that you create when you click this icon
Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.
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The shielding signal is a logical connection between two or more components. It will be realized by a wire in
physical world.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product -> Electrical - ElecSignal
Attributes
Elec_Nominal_Part_Num
Type: String
Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the shielding signal.
Elec_Recom_Wire_Type
Type: String
Type: Double
Type: String
Defines the separation code of the shielding signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
Type: Double
Type: Double
SingleConnector
Description
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Describes the electrical feature of Single Insert Connector type that you create when you click this icon
the Electrical Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
in
A single insert connector is an electrical connector male or female. It's the physical representation for both the
plugs and the sockets.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_External_Reference Type: String
Defines the single insert connector reference to an external library.
It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the single insert connector reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the single
insert connector in the project.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
Type: Boolean
Defines the single connector attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified
during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.
Elec_FullConnected
Type: Boolean
if the single insert connector is integrated into an equipment and connected to another single insert
connector,
if the single insert connector is connected to a bundle segment or a back shell and connected to another
single insert connector.
Signal
Description
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Describes the electrical feature of Signal type that you create when you click the
icon in the Electrical
System Functional Definition workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.
A signal is a logical connection between two or more components. May be of the following types: ground,
shielding, video, power, command or grouped.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_Nominal_Part_Num
Type: String
Defines the nominal part number of the physical wire that realizes the signal.
Elec_Recom_Wire_Type
Type: String
Type: Double
Type: String
Defines the separation code of the signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.
Elec_Signal_Section
Type: Double
Type: CATIList
SignalRoute
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Signal Route type that you create when you click this icon
Electrical Wire Routing workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Wire Routing User's Guide.
in the
The signal route is computed to find out the optimized way between two or more extremities of a signal.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature
Attributes
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Type: Double
Type: String
Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the signal.
Elec_Section
Type: Double
Type: String
System
Description
Describes the electrical feature of System type that you create when you click the
icon in the Electrical
System Functional Definition workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.
A system consists of equipments, connectors and signals. It is an electrical unit, which accomplishes a specific
function.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the system reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the system in the project.
Elec_Sub_Type Type: String
Defines the system subtype.
Tape
Description
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Describes the electrical feature of Tape type that you create when you click the
icon in the Electrical
Library workbench. The tape is then instantiated using the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library and Electrical Harness Installation User's Guides.
A tape is an electrical component applied onto bundle segments as a protection.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_Bend_Radius_Delta
Type: Double
Defines the bend radius value, which corresponds to the minimum bend radius of the tape curve.
This value takes into account the bundle segment and tape bend radius rule and ends up to an increased
rigidity due to the tape.
Elec_Bend_Radius_Protection_OK Type: Boolean
Is True if the Elec_Bend_Radius attribute is smaller than the real value of bend radius of the largest bundle
segment linked to the tape protection.
Elec_Covering_Length
Type: Double
Type: Boolean
Defines the bundle segment attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified
during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.
Elec_Length
Type: Double
Type: Double
Defines the tape line type, used for the flattened representation.
Elec_Line_Weight
Type: Double
Type: Double
Defines the tape number of layers applied onto the bundle segment.
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the tape reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the tape in the project.
Elec_Ref_PartNumber
Type: String
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Type: String
Type: Double
Type: Double
Type: Double
Type: Double
Defines the tape length considering the overlapping due to the taping angle, and also the number of layers.
Elec_Total_Thickness
Type: Double
Defines the tape thickness considering the overlapping due to the taping angle, and also the number of layers.
TerminalBlock
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Terminal Block type that you create when you select this icon
Electrical Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
in the
A terminal block is an electrical connector receiving bundle segments, each bundle segment being connected to
a termination.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_External_Reference Type: String
Defines the terminal block reference to an external library.
It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.
Elec_Fmbd_Modify
Type: Boolean
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Defines the terminal block attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified
during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the terminal block reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the terminal block
in the project.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
Type: Boolean
Termination
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Termination type that you create when you click this icon
Electrical Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
in the
A termination is a sub-element ensuring the electrical signal conduction between any type of electrical
component except the filler plug. It is indissociable from the electrical component and corresponds to a contact
crimped into a cavity.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_Extra_Length Type: Double
Defines the length to be added to the wire routing length.
Elec_Id_Number
Type: String
Defines a unique identifier for the termination used to map a functional component to the corresponding
physical part.
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the termination reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the termination in the
project.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
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Termination_GeoConstraint
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Termination type that you create when you click this icon
Electrical Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
in the
This type of termination only exists for terminal strip and the stud connectors. It has an associated geometry (a
line), which allows the connection to be constrained between the bundle segment and the connector. The
bundle segment can only be connected via this associated geometry (the line).
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_Extra_Length Type: Double
Defines the length to be added to the wire routing length.
Elec_Id_Number
Type: String
Defines a unique identifier for the termination used to map a functional component and the corresponding
physical part.
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the termination reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the termination in the
project.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
TerminalStrip
Description
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Describes the electrical feature of Terminal Strip type that you create when you click this icon
Electrical Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
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in the
Attributes
Elec_External_Reference Type: String
Defines the terminal strip reference to an external library.
It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.
Elec_Fmbd_Modify
Type: Boolean
Defines the terminal strip attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified
during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.
Elec_Ref_Des
Type: String
Defines the terminal strip reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the terminal strip in
the project.
Elec_Sub_Type
Type: String
Type: Boolean
VideoSignal
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Video Signal type that you create when you click this icon
Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.
in the
The video signal is a logical connection between two or more components. It will be realized by a wire in
physical world.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product -> Electrical - ElecSignal
Attributes
Elec_Nominal_Part_Num
Type: String
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Defines the part number of the wire that realizes the video signal.
Elec_Recom_Wire_Type
Type: String
Type: Double
Type: String
Defines the separation code of the video signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.
Elec_Signal_Section
Type: Double
Type: String
Wire
Description
Describes the electrical feature of Wire type that you create when you click the
Library workbench.
For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.
Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product
Attributes
Elec_Bend_Radius
Type: Double
Type: String
Type: String
Type: Double
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Type: String
Returns the reference designator value of the device to which the first extremity of the wire is connected.
Elec_FullConnected
Type: Boolean
Type: Boolean
Is True if a route exists between whatever nodes only using the network connected branches.
Elec_IsRouted
Type: Boolean
Type: Double
Type: Double
Type: String
Type: String
Defines the separation code of the wire used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.
Elec_Shielding_Signal
Type: String
Type: ElecSignal
Type: String
Defines the identifier of the signal used during the wire routing.
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Type: String
Type: String
Returns the reference designator value of the connection point to which the second extremity of the wire is
connected.
Elec_ToDevice
Type: String
Returns the reference designator value of the device to which the second extremity of the wire is connected.
IsSingleInBundleSegment Type: Boolean
Is True when the wire route follows at least one bundle segment containing only this wire.
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ENOVIA V5 Interoperability
using VPM Navigator
This task explains how to work with electrical data stored in ENOVIA V5, using VPM Navigator.
Also refer to Optimal CATIA PLM Usability.
We recommend that you read the VPM Navigator User's Guide to know more about this product.
This documentation can be found on the ENOVIA LifeCycle Applications Documentation CDROM.
1. Log on to VPM Navigator.
Once the connection has completed successfully, the icons in the ENOVIA V5 toolbar are no longer grayed out.
2. Click the the ENOVIA Search... button
A PRC (referred to as Product Root Class or root in VPM Navigator) is the most basic entity in your Product Structure.
3. In this window, double-click the object you want to open.
The VPM Navigator window displays, looking something like this:
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1. In the Product tree, right-click the object you want to open and, in the contextual menu, select the
Open... command.
Note that the multi-selection is possible using the Ctrl-key.
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3. Now switch to Electrical Library to connect the plug of the geometrical bundle to the female socket
of the other.
To do so:
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Also refer to Working with ENOVIA V5: Optimal CATIA PLM Usability.
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Checks are performed when using the Electrical tools to ensure that all entities created or modified will be correctly
stored, using the following rules:
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No links to geometry (that is to say external references) can be done from the part inside a workpackage to a part
outside the workpackage.
The context for the external links must be set to a product node inside the workpackage.
Refer to Infrastructure User's Guide - Customizing Part Infrastructure.
Mechanical constraints and electrical connections between parts inside the workpackage and outside the workpackage
must rely on published objects.
To make this possible, the following settings must be applied when working with CATIA connected to ENOVIA V5, to
store the geometrical bundles as workpackage in ENOVIA V5:
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a. Select Tools -> Options -> Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure -> General tab.
b. Select Tools -> Options -> Equipment and Systems -> Electrical Harness Installation -> Harness
Management tab.
In the Contextual Links frame, for Keep link with selected object, choose In geometrical bundle in the
list.
Anyway, the system checks that the rules are not violated and if those options are not set properly, an error message is
displayed:
Moreover, during the electrical connection between devices and/or bundle segments that are not inside the same
workpackage, publications are automatically created on the geometrical bundle stored as workpackage, to ensure that
constraints and connections are correctly stored.
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Using the Explode mode, all the nodes of the product structure are stored in ENOVIA V5.
This means that each component and its children are as many documents visible in ENOVIA V5.
Within CATIA connected to ENOVIA V5 through to VPM Navigator, if the user selects a new component as a geometrical
bundle, the system automatically knows that this geometrical bundle has to be stored in explode mode.
A single check is performed when using the Electrical tools to ensure that all the entities created or modified will be
correctly stored:
The context for the external links must be set to the root product node of the session.
Refer to Infrastructure User's Guide - Customizing Part Infrastructure.
To make this possible, the following settings must be applied when working with CATIA connected to ENOVIA V5, to
store the geometrical bundles in explode mode in ENOVIA V5:
a. Select Tools -> Options -> Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure -> General tab.
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For the time being, the following commands are not available if CATIA is connected to ENOVIA V5 Database:
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button.
Together with:
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10. Define the mapping as explained in the CATIA - Infrastructure User's Guide - Customizing - Customizing Settings Equipment and Systems - Electrical Mapping.
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Together with:
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button.
The System Selection dialog box opens containing the previously selected iXF files:
For more information about external systems, refer to the CATIA - Electrical Library User's Guide - User Tasks Electrical Integration Scenarios - Electrical Integration from External Data
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Workbench Description
The Electrical Library Version 5 applications windows look like this:
Click the hotspots to display the related documentation.
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Menu Bar
Toolbars
Electrical Workbench Specification Tree
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Menu Bar
The Menu Bar and most of the items available in Electrical Library workbenches are the standard ones. The
different commands and tools are described in Infrastructure Version 5. For more information, refer to the
standard Menu Bar section.
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Mounting Equipment
Equipment
Shell
Single Insert Connector, External Splice, Internal Splice, Stud, Terminal Strip, Terminal Block,
Filler Plug
Contact
Back Shell
Electrical container
Cavity
Termination
Connector Connection Point
Bundle Connection Point
Cavity Connection Point
Back Shell Connection Point
Geometrical Bundle
Multi-Branchable Bundle Segment
Branchable Bundle Segment
Bundle Segment
Electrical Bundle
Wire (not resolved)
Resolved Wire
Wire Connection Container
Wire Connection
Internal Splice
Functional System
Functional Equipment
Not linked to physical
Linked to physical
Linked to physical
Linked to physical
Partially routed
Functional Connector
Not linked to physical
Functional Connection Point
Not linked to physical
Signal, Power Signal
Not routed
Shielding Signal
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Group Signal
Ground Signal
Video Signal
Other
Routed Signal in System Space Reservation (SSR)
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Customizing
Before you start your first working session, you can customize the way you work to suit your habits. This type
of customization is stored in permanent setting files. Settings will not be lost if you exit your session.
Other information can be considered as customization:
Electrical Data Exchange Format deals with electrical specifications from external data.
The Electrical Mapping tab lets you define the catalog and the electrical objects mapping.
The Electrical Process Interfacing tab lets you define the access to external data, the electrical
iXF repository path and the identifier for mapping management.
The General tab lets you define the Automatic compass option.
The Electrical Library Access tab lets you define the library and the compatibility table and
their locations.
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General
Automatic Compass
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Electrical System Functional Definition takes advantage of Electrical Library for the mapping between
functional equipments and connectors to V4 library parts. It consists of the definition of the
corresponding physical components for functional equipments or connectors.
This is done in Electrical System Functional Definition.
Moreover, a compatibility can be established between functional and physical components in order to
reduce the list of physical components available for a functional component. The compatibility sets a
relation between the External Reference attribute of the functional component and the Part Number
attribute of the physical component. These relations are stored in a compatibility table, in csv format.
The Electrical Library Access tab contains two categories of options letting you customize:
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You can delete or modify the library access, using respectively the Remove or Edit button.
To gain access to the compatibility table, enter its path (for example: c:\Temp) in the Compatibility Path
field.
By default, the field is blank.
Let's see the compatibility table structure:
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In this sample, the functional equipment which External Reference is ExtRefEqt is compatible with
three physical equipments which PartNumber are PN1, PN2, PN3.
For more information about the interoperability with Electrical System Functional Definition, refer to
Mapping Functional Components to Physical Parts in this User's Guide.
The Electrical Library Access can be set by the administrator.
In this case it can also be locked.
To get more information about the Administration Mode in CATIA, refer to Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Electrical Mapping
Catalog
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select a family
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select a keyword
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This document lets you define the options to take advantage of external data from partners, through XML files
or from CAA V5 APIs, retrieving information from legacy databases.
This tab shows:
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System repository
Identify the folder path in which the XML files available are stored.
To do so, use this button
Catalog path
The catalog path is displayed in this frame. However, it is defined in the Electrical Mapping tab.
Select the Electrical Mapping tab to select the working catalog using the Browse button
Locate the catalog containing the V5 parts, which Part Number attributes are referred to in the XML files.
By default, this option is cleared.
Identifier Management
Instance Name
Select this option so that the Instance Name will be taken into account instead of the Reference
Designator to insure the mapping between 3D objects and external system's objects.
By default, this option is cleared.
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It is also necessary to define the electrical object mapping regarding the working catalog.
To do so, select the Electrical Mapping tab.
Refer to the Customizing - Equipment & Systems - Electrical Mapping documentation.
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a device list containing the device attributes and the assembly connectivity
and a wire or equipotential list containing their attributes and the from-to connectivity.
This information will be used by CATIA Electrical products to implement in the digital mock-up the
electrical systems driven by any electrical authoring tool (schematics or database for example).
You can either access this information through CAA APIs (refer to CAA documentation) or through an
XML file. This method (using an XML file) is described in Electrical Integration from External Data.
You will find hereafter the XML schema to create your own interface to CATIA Electrical Tools.
The exchange data model is different from the data model of CATIA Electrical solutions. Actually, this
data model consists of pertinent information that needs to transit between Electrical specification tools
(schematics, etc.) and CATIA. It only aims at implementing those specifications in the mock-up. So only
this pertinent information (objects, attributes and connectivity) is described in the following XML schema
and not all the information stored in the CATIA electrical product documents.
In the context of CATIA P1, the CAA APIs are not supported.
As well, several objects are not managed in CATIA P1:
equipotential
connector shell
splice
even if defined in the XML file: the same XML schema is shared for P1 and P2 products.
Preamble
iXF is a format defined by Dassault Systmes, which is used for the data exchange in XML within CATIA.
Succinctly, iXF is based on the SOAP format and relies on the XML and the XML schema concept. It
makes it possible to describe a grammar (a specific data model) expressing the object, class and
behavior concepts as well as documents containing data conforming to the defined grammar.
A detailed description of the iXF format can be found at the following address: http://www.ixfstd.org/
Describing the iXF Electrical Schema
Considering the iXF Schema in Greater Depth
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Electrical Objects
The following classes with their associated behavior describe the electrical objects within the iXF Electrical Schema.
Harness
Harness
Wire
Wire
Equipment
Equipment
Product
Function
ConnectorShell
ConnectorShell
Product
Splice
Splice
Product
Connector
Connector
Product
Equipotential
Equipotential
Product
Product
Pin
Pin
Product
Cavity
Cavity
All these classes derived from the Object abstract class. This one is not to be used as is but allows you to define the Name
attribute for all the classes deriving from the Object class.
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The units for all the attributes are given in the standard MKS system.
The following behaviors, associated to the electrical objects are defined in the iXF electrical schema (behavior named
ClassBehavior):
Harness
Attribute: SubType
Wire
Attribute: SubType
ConnectorShell
Attribute: SubType
Connector
Attribute: SubType
Pin
Attribute: SubType
Cavity
Attribute: SubType
Product
Attribute: PartNumber
Equipotential
At last, all the objects expressed in a iXF document have an attribute identifying in a unique way each object within the project,
except for the objects of Link type, which have a unique identifier within the document.
To illustrate how to describe an electrical object with the iXF format, let's take the example of an electrical connector:
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as subtype: Single Insert Connector (attribute 'SubType' via its Connector behavior)
WireLink
EquipotentialLink
DeviceLink
HarnessLink
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the first one: ElectricalSchema.xsd refers to the other three and describes the Electrical Object Classes.
the third one: IXF_CB_NS2.xsd describes the Link type Behaviors (iXF standard reference).
and last but not least, the fourth one: IXF_CB_NS3.xsd describes the Functional Behaviors.
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Functional Behaviors
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Methodology
This section explains how to create other kinds of features.
The table below lists the information you will find:
Protection of Given Length Methodology
Using Back Shells as Guiding Supports
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Width: 16mm
Thickness: 2mm
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To do so:
Distance on curve
Length: 250mm
The offset from Point.3, entered in the Length value (250mm) is the parameter which
will drive the protection length.
c. Click OK to validate.
Point.6 is added to the geometry.
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6. Create a new split on the joint between Point.3 and the newly created Point.6 to define a new
centerline between Point.3 and Point.6.
To do so:
a. Click the Split button
Point.6.
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c. Click OK to validate.
The geometry is updated.
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7. Now replace Split.1 in the PartBody with Split.2, using the contextual menu, to define the rib
between Point.3 and Point.6.
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b. Click OK to validate.
8. Save your protection for a further instantiation.
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With such a methodology you can also create grommets, green lines or boots.
Green line
Grommet
Boot
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The catalog browser closes and the selected protection displays in the upper right corner of the primary
window.
4. Select one or more bundle segments to be covered with the protection:
The dialog box updates and the protection start and end points display in the geometry.
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5. Click OK to validate.
Note that using this methodology, the covered length indicated in the Protection Information is not correct: it indicates
the distance between the Start extremity and the End extremity of the selected bundle segment when the protection is
applied between the Start extremity and for a length of 250mm (Point.4).
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1. Using the Electrical Part Design workbench, click the Define Back Shell
the device. It will be used to get the correct positioning of the back shell during connection to the
connector.
To do so:
a. select the outer face as Representation and Contact constraint
b. select the hole axis as Coincidence constraint.
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button to add the position point and planes. Those geometries will
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1. Switch to the Electrical Assembly Design workbench and click the Connect Electrical Devices
button. Thanks to the definition of the back shell connection point on the back shell and on the
connector, the placement and connection of those two devices will be done automatically.
2. Select the back shell then the connector.
3. Switch to the Electrical Harness Assembly workbench to define a branchable bundle segment.
4. Click the Branchable Bundle Segment Definition
button.
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The bundle segment definition takes into account the accurate length needed to go to the
connector through the back shell, as well as the exact geometry according to the routing
constraints. Moreover, the bundle segment is visualized up to the connector (and not only to the
bundle connection point as it is the case with a plain back shell.)
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Glossary
B
back shell
Electrical component used to guide the wire extremity to the single insert connector
and to protect the crimping area. A back shell can comprise bundle connection points
and only one back shell connection point. A back shell does not have an equivalent in
the functional world.
Sub-element allowing the connection with another back shell connection point. This
element can only be used between a single insert connector and a back shell. A back
shell connection point does not have an equivalent in the functional world.
The minimum bend radius allowed for the bundle segment: it corresponds to the
maximum torsion possibly applied to a wire according to its physical characteristics.
A document containing wires
A geometrical subdivision of a bundle
Also called segment or BNS in V4 environment.
Sub-element used to place the bundle segment extremity on the electrical
component (except on filler plug and internal splice). A bundle connection point does
not have an equivalent in the functional world.
C
cavity
cavity connection
point
connect
connector
connector connection
point
contact
if connection points have been defined, the mechanical assembly constraints are
automatically created.
Basic term grouping six connector types each of them with specific capabilities: single
insert connector, stud, external slice, terminal strip, terminal block, and internal
splice. A connector has an equivalent in the functional world: the functional
connector.
Sub-element allowing the connection with another connector connection point. Only
the single insert connectors use the connector connection point. A connector
connection point does not have an equivalent in the functional world.
Electrical component used within a termination and a cavity or between bundle
segments.
Electrical Library
convert
into electrical device
csv file
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D
diameter
disconnect
E
electrical behavior
electrical component
electrical connection
electrical system
equipment
external splice
F
filler plug
I
instance
internal splice
Electrical connector used between wires belonging to the same bundle segment. It
comprises terminations. An internal splice does not have an equivalent in the
functional world.
M
mapping
mounting equipment
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P
pin
An electrical termination
properties
protection
R
realize
reference
retainer
S
section
segment
shell
signal
T
terminal block
Electrical connector receiving bundle segments, each bundle segment wire being
connected to a termination. It comprises bundle connection points as well as
terminations. A terminal block has an equivalent in the functional world: the
functional connector.
Electrical Library
terminal strip
termination
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Electrical connector comprising a strip of terminations. Each strip can receive bundle
segments with one or more wires connected through a termination. It comprises only
one cavity connection point as well as bundle connection points. A terminal strip has
an equivalent in the functional world: the functional connector.
Sub-element ensuring the electrical signal conduction between any type of electrical
component except the filler plug. It is indissociable from the electrical component and
corresponds to a contact crimped into a cavity. A termination has an equivalent in
the functional world: the ContactPoint.
Also called pin.
W
wire
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Index
A
adaptative part
ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS
InstantiateAsNew (keyword)
adding link to physical devices
automatic placement
automatic placement from external data
B
back shell
back shell connection point
bend radius
Browse window
bundle connection point
bundle segment
C
catalog
connecting devices by drag and drop
creating a catalog
internal splice
keyword mapping
placement from catalog
smart placement
storing a component
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wire references
CATScript
cavity
cavity connection point
cavity information for placement from xml file
cavity placement
command
Add Link
Automatic Wire Routing
Catalog Browser
Connect Electrical Devices
Define Back Shell
Define Back Shell Connection Point
Define Bundle Connection Point
Define Cavity
Define Cavity Connection Point
Define Connector
Define Connector Connection Point
Define Contact
Define Filler Plug
Define Mounting Equipment
Define Protection
Define Shell
Define Support
Define Termination
Define Wire
Disconnect Electrical Devices
Formula Editor
Manage Links
Place Physical Device
Remove Functional Link
Select Systems
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Electrical Library
Smart Move
Smart Place
Store Device
compass
device position and orientation
smart move
smart placement
connecting
connecting devices by drag and drop
connecting electrical devices
connector connection point
contact
converting into electrical device
creating wire references
csv file
D
defining a protection
defining back shell connection points
defining back shells
defining bundle connection points
defining cavities
defining cavity connection points
defining connector connection points
defining electrical connectors
defining filler plugs
defining mounting equipments
defining retainers
defining shells
defining supports
defining supports (retainers)
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Electrical Library
defining terminations
diameter
disconnecting
disconnecting devices
DistanceWireProduct
documents
opening using the Browse Window
drag and drop
connecting devices
internal splice
smart placement
E
ElecDistanceCommon
ELEC-SUPPORT-RADIUS
adaptative part
electrical application interoperability
electrical behavior
electrical connection
electrical connector
electrical data exchange format
electrical object class
electrical package
electrical user function
DistanceWireProduct
ElecDistanceCommon
VisualMode
equipment
external data
automatic placement
linking devices
management
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Electrical Library
F
filler plug
from external data
placing devices
functional behavior
I
importing external systems
instance
InstantiateAsNew (keyword)
adaptative part
internal splice
definition
drag and drop
iXF electrical schema
K
keyword InstantiateAsNew
smart placement
keyword mapping
catalog
keyword mapping to added properties
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Electrical Library
L
link type behavior
linking devices from external data
linking devices from functional data
loading an iXF document with VPM Navigator
M
macro
managing links
managing part number change
replacing device
mapping
mounting equipment
O
optimal CATIA PLM usability
P
part number change
placing devices
from external data
from functional data
replacing a device from external data
placing internal splices
external data
placing physical devices
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Electrical Library
PRC
Product Root Class
R
reconciling systems and physical data
reference
removing functional links
removing links
replacing devices
retainer
S
section
selective loading
shell
single insert connector
smart move
compass
smart placement
compass
drag and drop
keyword InstantiateAsNew
smart placement from catalog
storing a device
stud
support
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Electrical Library
terminal block
terminal strip
termination
Tools Options - Electrical Library
Electrical Library Access
General
Tools Options - Equipment and Systems
Electrical Mapping
Electrical Process Interfacing
U
unlinking physical devices
using ENOVIA catalog for electrical mapping
V
VisualMode
W
wire
wire reference
X
XML file
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