View
239
Download
1
Category
Preview:
Citation preview
EPLAN NEWS for Version 2.0 SP 1
Copyright © 2010 EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG
EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG assumes no liability for either technical or printing errors,
or for deficiencies in this technical information and cannot be held liable for damages that may result
directly or indirectly from the delivery, performance, and use of this material.
This document contains legally protected proprietary information that is subject to copyright. All rights
are protected. This document or parts of this document may not be copied or reproduced by any other
means without the prior consent of EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG.
The software described in this document is subject to a licensing agreement. The use and reproduce-
tion of the software is only permitted within the framework of this agreement.
RITTAL® is a registered trademark of Rittal GmbH & Co. KG.
EPLAN®, EPLAN Electric P8
®, EPLAN Fluid
®, EPLAN PPE
®, EPLAN Cabinet
®, EPLAN Pro Panel
®
and EPLAN Mechatronic Integration® are registered trademarks of EPLAN Software & Service GmbH
& Co. KG.
Windows NT®, Windows 2000
®, Windows XP
®, Windows Vista
®, Windows 7
®, Microsoft Windows
®,
Microsoft® Excel
®, Microsoft
® Access
®, and Notepad
® are registered trademarks of the Microsoft
Corporation.
PC WORX®, CLIP PROJECT
®, and INTERBUS
® are registered trademarks of Phoenix Contact
GmbH & Co.
AutoCAD® and AutoCAD Inventor
® are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc.
STEP 7®, SIMATIC
® and SIMATIC HW Konfig.
® are registered trademarks of Siemens AG.
InstallShield® is a registered trademark of InstallShield, Inc.
Adobe® Reader
® and Adobe
® Acrobat
® are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc.
TwinCAT® is a registered trademark of Beckhoff Automation GmbH.
Unity Pro® is a registered trademark of Schneider Electric.
RSLogix 5000® and RSLogix Architect
® are registered trademarks of Rockwell Automation.
All other product names and trade names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
owners.
EPLAN uses the Open Source software 7-Zip (7za.dll), Copyright © by Igor Pavlov. The source code
of 7-Zip is subject to the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL). The source code of 7-Zip and
details on this license can be found on the following Web site: http://www.7-zip.org
EPLAN uses the Open Source software Open CASCADE, Copyright © by Open CASCADE S.A.S.
The source code of Open CASCADE is subject to the Open CASCADE Technology Public License.
The source code of Open CASCADE and details on this license can be found on the following Web
site: http://www.opencascade.org
Table of Contents
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 3
Table of Contents
Preface ................................................................................................................... 7
Notes for the reader ............................................................................................. 8
Distributed Representation of Terminals .......................................... 10
Use of distributed terminals............................................................................... 10
Displaying the distributed terminals ................................................................... 11
Distributed representation of potential terminals ................................................ 11
Generating reports of distributed terminals ........................................................ 11
Inserting Distributed Terminals ......................................................................... 12
Inserting distributed terminals as symbols ......................................................... 12
Optimizing distributed terminals ......................................................................... 14
Inserting distributed terminals as device ............................................................ 16
Jumper Creation for Distributed Terminals ...................................................... 18
Connecting associated distributed terminals automatically ................................ 18
Jumper optimization for distributed terminals ..................................................... 19
New Messages for Distributed Terminals ......................................................... 20
New Monitor for Multi-user Mode ....................................................... 21
Setting up the Multi-user Monitor ...................................................................... 22
Making the Settings for the Multi-user Monitor ................................................ 23
Using the Multi-user Monitor ............................................................................. 24
Possible steps .................................................................................................... 26
Other New Features and Fixes for the Overall EPLAN Platform ...... 27
Form Editor.......................................................................................................... 27
Conditional forms for other reports ..................................................................... 27
Adding up a property in one row ........................................................................ 28
Reports ................................................................................................................ 29
Outputting reports in another project .................................................................. 29
Outputting the automatic page description in the set source / display language ............................................................................................................ 33
Project Data Navigators ..................................................................................... 33
Standardized use of the [N] key ......................................................................... 33
Devices ................................................................................................................ 33
Inserting macros with multiple main functions as devices .................................. 33
Online numbering when inserting devices ......................................................... 34
Placing devices in location boxes ...................................................................... 34
Table of Contents
4 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Project Editing ..................................................................................................... 34
System messages when projects are opened.................................................... 34
Graphical Editor .................................................................................................. 35
Improved performance for page changes .......................................................... 35
Changing to the line thickness on plot frames when printed .............................. 35
PDF export of drawings ..................................................................................... 35
Connections ........................................................................................................ 35
Check run message 005042 for predefined connection colors .......................... 35
Parts Management .............................................................................................. 36
Renamed field for EMI models ........................................................................... 36
File selection for external documents ................................................................. 36
New Features and Corrections in the "EPLAN Multi Language Translation" Add-on ........................................................................................... 36
Detection of multiple meanings when reports are updated ................................ 37
New Features and Corrections in the "EPLAN Mounting Panel" Add-on ...... 37
Editing legend items for terminal strips .............................................................. 37
Selecting macro variants when placing on the mounting panel.......................... 37
Special Topics EPLAN Electric P8 ..................................................... 38
New Features in the "EPLAN Net Based Wiring" Add-on ............................... 38
Managing saddle jumper connection points and all net connections in the net definition point .................................................................................... 38
New settings for net-based connections ............................................................ 40
Terminals / Plugs ................................................................................................ 41
Automatic correction functionality for function definitions ................................... 41
Terminals with plug-in adapters ......................................................................... 42
New Features in the "EPLAN Pro Panel" Add-on ............................. 43
Realigning Mounting Surfaces .......................................................................... 44
EPLAN Reference System for 3D Macros ......................................................... 46
New Features in the "EPLAN API Extension" Add-on ...................... 47
New Features in the Master Data ....................................................... 48
Master Data: Symbols ........................................................................................ 48
Master Data: Identifiers ...................................................................................... 51
Master Data: Macros ........................................................................................... 51
Table of Contents
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 5
Other New Features and Information ................................................. 53
Customer Queries and Messages ..................................................................... 53
Validation Code ................................................................................................... 56
Retrieving the validation code online ................................................................. 56
Installation ........................................................................................................... 58
Directory structure after installation .................................................................... 59
Software Requirements and Approvals ............................................................ 61
General requirements ........................................................................................ 61
Client operating systems .................................................................................... 61
Server operating systems .................................................................................. 62
EPLAN Mechatronic Integration ......................................................................... 62
Database systems for parts management / selection ........................................ 63
Microsoft Office Excel versions .......................................................................... 63
Internet browsers for the EPLAN Data Portal..................................................... 63
Unsupported operating systems ........................................................................ 63
EPLAN software no longer supported ................................................................ 64
Other software that is no longer supported ........................................................ 64
Hardware Requirements ..................................................................................... 65
Workstation hardware requirements .................................................................. 65
Recommended workstation configuration .......................................................... 66
Minimum net requirements................................................................................. 66
Minimum multi-user requirements ...................................................................... 66
Table of Contents
6 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Preface
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 7
Preface
Dear EPLAN users,
With over 1,000 new features, EPLAN version 2.0 is already generating
enthusiasm all around the globe. CAE innovations and new options for
consistent engineering to save both time and money are particularly
valued in periods of economic upturn by companies in every industry.
This systematic and forward-looking further development of the EPLAN
platform – EPLAN 2.0 service pack 1 – is based on your feedback and
suggestions.
Professional terminal engineering: New features for distributed terminal
configuration bring even greater flexibility and clarity to project documen-
tation. For example, innovative terminal technology can be configured
quickly and easily with new automatic functions, optimizations and spe-
cial checks.
Sophisticated project documentation: The conditional forms were already
greeted with enthusiasm in version 2.0. This new technology is now
available for other types of report. Dynamic and detailed project reports
at the push of a button speed up configuration and ensure consistent
quality throughout the entire product development process.
This News document highlights many additional features of the new
version. We wish you every success with the new EPLAN platform 2.0
service pack 1.
Your EPLAN Software & Service team
Preface
8 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Notes for the reader
Important information:
Before installing the new version please read the information in "Other
New Features and Information" from page 53 onwards. In particular
please read "Software Requirements and Approvals" on page 61.
Before you begin reading, please note the following symbols and styles
used in this document:
Warning:
Text preceded by this symbol contains a warning; you should be abso-
lutely sure to read this warning before proceeding!
Note:
Text preceded by this image contains extra notes.
Example:
Examples are highlighted by this symbol.
Tip:
Useful tips to facilitate your interaction with the program are presented
after this image.
• User interface elements are marked in bold (and blue) so they can
immediately be located in the text.
• Italic text provides particularly important information that you should
definitely pay attention to.
• Code examples, directory names, and direct input (among other ele-
ments) are displayed in a non-proportional font.
• Function keys, keyboard keys, and buttons within the program are
shown in square brackets (e.g., [F1] for the "F1" function key).
Preface
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 9
• To improve the flow of the text, we often use "menu paths" in this
document (for example, Help > Contents). In order to find a particular
program function, the menus and options shown in a menu path must
be selected in the sequence shown. For example, the menu path
mentioned above calls up the EPLAN help system.
• In combination with settings or fields (e.g., check boxes) which can
only be switched on or off, in this document we often use the term
"activate" (after which the setting is active ) and "deactivate" (after
which the setting is inactive ).
Distributed Representation of Terminals
10 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Distributed Representation of Terminals
Use of distributed terminals
The use of distributed terminals now allows the connection points of ter-
minals to be shown in a distributed display in EPLAN Electric P8. This
applies both to potential and also general terminals.
Benefit: By using the new distributed terminals, you can now add the
connection points of potential terminals, for example, directly
where they are needed in the project. There is no complicated
and time-consuming routing of potentials via interruption
points. This makes the schematic clearer and easier to read,
and greatly reduces the configuration work required.
Current standards and directives require project documenta-
tion to be clear and easy to understand. These requirements
can be effortlessly met by creating high-quality documentation
based on new terminal master data and exciting automatic
functions.
The terminal targets of a distributed terminal are only analyzed at con-
nection points that have a connection point designation. Which connec-
tion point is entered for which connection point designation is therefore
important. Saddle jumper connection points and connection points for
internal jumpers do not require a connection point designation.
Distributed terminals belong to the same terminal function when you
have
• the same function definition,
• the same identifying DT and
• the same terminal designation.
Distributed Representation of Terminals
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 11
The distributed terminals for a terminal function all override the same
function template.
Displaying the distributed terminals
In the navigators, distributed terminals are indicated by a special
icon ( ).
The Edit terminal strip dialog summarizes associated distributed ter-
minals and displays them as one terminal.
Distributed representation of potential terminals
If you want to show potential terminal connection points that are con-
nected to one another in a distributed manner, you can use distributed
terminals. A potential terminal is depicted here using distributed termin-
als in succession with the same terminal designation and different con-
nection point designations.
Generating reports of distributed terminals
In the reports, distributed terminals from the same terminal function are
summarized and the properties of the summarized terminal are output.
You will find examples and more information about the distributed termin-
als in the EPLAN online help. Read the "Distributed representation of
terminals" section, for example.
We discuss these topics in more detail in the following sections:
• "Inserting Distributed Terminals" on page 12
• "Jumper Creation for Distributed Terminals" on page 18
• "New Messages for Distributed Terminals" on page 20.
Distributed Representation of Terminals
12 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Inserting Distributed Terminals
You can add distributed terminals as symbols using a special menu item
or by inserting devices into the project.
Inserting distributed terminals as symbols
The Insert menu contains a new Distributed terminal menu item for
inserting a distributed terminal into the schematic. Alternatively you can
click the (Distributed terminal) button on the Connections toolbar.
Place the distributed terminal on the page. Enter the device data for the
terminal on the Terminal tab in the Properties <...> dialog. At least the
DT must be entered; the connection point designation and description
can be assigned automatically – even retrospectively – by optimizing the
distributed terminals.
Tip:
You can modify the symbol during entry with the [Back] button.
When you insert a distributed terminal, the new Distributed terminal
check box is automatically activated on the Terminal tab. This means
that the connection points for a terminal function are displayed in a dis-
tributed manner. A distributed terminal can represent one or more con-
nection points on the terminal. The Connections tab is not displayed
for distributed terminals.
Distributed Representation of Terminals
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 13
Note:
In the Display tab of the property dialog the connection point designa-
tions of terminals are listed by default in the property arrangement. This
takes place in the Connection points tab via the indexed property Sym-
bol: Connection point designation (ID 20028). So that the connection
point designations of the distributed terminals are visible in the schematic
and can be printed, you have to activate the check boxes Visible and
Print in the layer management for the layer EPLAN430, Property
placement.Terminal connection point designations.
Defining a function definition
A terminal symbol with the function definition "Terminal with saddle jum-
per, 4 connection points" is used by default when you insert distributed
terminals as symbols. The new Function definition project setting also
allows you to define another function definition for inserting the distri-
buted terminals, however.
You will find the setting in the new Settings: Distributed terminals
dialog. In this dialog, you can specify the default settings for working
with distributed terminals. One possible menu path to this dialog is:
Project data > Terminal strips > Settings (distributed terminals).
Distributed Representation of Terminals
14 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
New symbols for distributed terminals
We have provided five new terminal symbols for inserting distributed ter-
minals (XT4OL_2, XT4_2, XT3_2, XT2_2, XT1_2; see also page 48 in the
"Master Data: Symbols" section). These symbols all have either no con-
nection line or just one, which keeps the schematic clear and compre-
hensible.
By default, the XT4OL_2 symbol with four connection points and with no
connection line is used for a distributed terminal. In contrast to other ter-
minal symbols with four connection points, connection point designations
are placed in all four directions with this symbol.
Optimizing distributed terminals
When you are working with distributed terminals, you have the option
of initially inserting distributed terminals into the schematic without a ter-
minal and connection point designation, which means that you also do
not have to worry about the terminal devices. This can also be done
retrospectively using the Optimize distributed terminals automatic
function. This optimization function combines distributed terminals that
are connected to one another and sorts them by jumper.
To optimize the distributed terminals, first select the desired distributed
terminals (in the graphical editor, terminal navigator or the relevant page
in the page navigator). Then select Project data > Terminal strips >
Optimize distributed terminals. In the Optimize distributed terminals
dialog that opens, define the settings for optimizing the distributed ter-
minals.
Distributed Representation of Terminals
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 15
The optimization consists of the following steps:
• Distributed terminals that are connected to one another and have the
same DT, function definition and terminal designation are combined to
form complete terminal functions.
• The Main terminal check box is activated automatically for the first
distributed terminal of a terminal function (as per the display in the
terminal strip navigator).
• The parts that are entered in the Part number group box are as-
signed to the distributed terminals. If function templates for terminals
have been entered for a part, the data of the first function template is
assigned to the terminals to be optimized.
• The terminal designations are reassigned as per the settings for the
online numbering.
(If the Keep existing terminal designations check box is activated,
existing terminal designations for distributed terminals are retained.)
Distributed Representation of Terminals
16 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
• A connection point designation is automatically assigned for each
connection point to which at least one wire (i.e. any function, jumper
etc., apart from saddle and internal jumpers) is connected. Connec-
tion point designations of unassigned connection points or connection
points connected to only one saddle jumper or one internal jumper are
deleted.
(If the Keep existing connection point designations check box is
activated, existing connection point designations for distributed ter-
minals are retained.)
• Terminals that are connected with one another are resorted such that
they are next to one another, sorted by jumper.
(The Allow combining of terminals that are connected to one
another check box must be activated.)
If the current selection of distributed terminals is extended, then other
entries will appear in the Extent drop-down list.
Inserting distributed terminals as device
A terminal can also be entered by inserting devices as distributed termin-
als in the project. They are numbered automatically.
The Placing from number of connection points project setting, which
is also new, allows you to define the number of connection points (1, 2,
3, 4, 6, 8, never) after which a terminal is divided into distributed termin-
als when you insert devices. Connection points with the "saddle jumper"
connection point type are not counted here.
To allow distributed terminals to be inserted as a device, you must have
defined the relevant terminal devices in parts management. The function
templates must also contain connection point designations.
Distributed Representation of Terminals
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 17
Then select Insert > Device. In the Part selection dialog, scroll through
the tree structure and select the desired terminal. If the selected terminal
has at least the same number of connection points as stated in the
Placing from number of connection points project setting, the symbol
for the first distributed terminal hangs on the cursor and the first connec-
tion point designation for the terminal is displayed.
Place the distributed terminal on the page. The first distributed terminal
automatically becomes the main terminal. The other distributed terminals
are hung on to the cursor in succession with their connection point desig-
nations and the associated connection point descriptions. Empty connec-
tion point designations are skipped and cannot be inserted.
Then place the other distributed terminals. If all the connection point de-
signations from the function template have been placed, the next func-
tion is offered for placing.
Tips:
• Use symbols for which the connection points used for the internal
connections are not drawn. In this way the schematic stays clearer
and the risk of entering connection point designations on the wrong
connection points is reduced.
• When inserting distributed terminals as a device a separate distri-
buted terminal is placed for each connection point designation. If
you want to show several connection points of a terminal with a com-
ponent, you must then enter the other connection point designations
manually on the relevant distributed terminal.
Distributed Representation of Terminals
18 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Jumper Creation for Distributed Terminals
The relevant internal jumpers, saddle jumpers or wire jumpers are gener-
ated from all the connections that run between the distributed terminals
on a terminal strip when you update the connections. Internal jumpers
are generated between associated distributed terminals (same function
definition, same DT, same terminal designation); saddle or wire jumpers
are generated between distributed terminals that are not associated.
Connecting associated distributed terminals automatically
When you insert distributed terminals, you can set up EPLAN so that the
distributed terminals of a terminal function that belong together are con-
nected automatically even if there are no drawn connections between
them.
The Settings: Distributed terminals dialog contains the Connect asso-
ciated distributed terminals automatically check box for this purpose.
If this check box is activated, internal jumpers are generated between as-
sociated distributed terminals when the connections are updated. These
automatically generated internal jumpers are each created on the last
connection point of the terminal function. The order of the distributed
terminals in the terminal strip navigator is key to generating the internal
jumpers.
If this check box is deselected, then associated distributed terminals are
not automatically connected. In check run 001026, distributed terminals
are reported that were detected as associated but are not connected.
Distributed Representation of Terminals
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 19
Jumper optimization for distributed terminals
If you use distributed terminals in the configuration, then jumper optimi-
zation is carried out by default when the connections are updated. During
the jumper optimization – and regardless of any drawn connections – it
is ideally saddle jumpers, rather than wire jumpers, that are generated
between the terminals. The internal jumpers are also re-generated.
If jumper optimization is not required, you can deactivate the Jumper
optimization check box in the Settings: Distributed terminals dialog.
In this case, the graphically drawn connections are used to create jum-
pers. The relevant internal jumpers, saddle jumpers or wire jumpers are
generated from all of the connections that run between distributed ter-
minals when updating the connections. In this case you yourself must
ensure that the required connections are drawn on the schematic.
Notes:
• Net based connections cannot be used together with distributed ter-
minal jumper optimization. The two functionalities generate different
connections that are incompatible with one another.
• If there is an autoconnect line between two distributed terminals for
which an internal jumper was generated, then this connection is on
the "EPLAN510" layer for internal connections. You can show or hide
these connections in the graphical editor by setting the Visible check
box in layer management accordingly.
• In the Connections navigator, the internal connections generated be-
tween the distributed terminals are identified by the "Internal jumper"
function definition. The "Jumper (automatic)" connection type is dis-
played for automatically-generated jumpers (saddle jumpers, internal
jumpers). Automatically-generated jumpers typically occur when jum-
pers are created between distributed terminals. You may have to first
configure the columns so that the two columns Type of connection
and Function definition are displayed in the navigator.
Distributed Representation of Terminals
20 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
New Messages for Distributed Terminals
The settings for messages and error checking contain several new
messages for checking projects in which you have used the distributed
display of terminals. The following messages have been added to the
"Terminals" message class:
• Message 001025 "Connection point designation at a jumper connec-
tion"
• Message 001026 "Unconnected distributed terminals with same de-
signation"
• Message 001027 "Individual distributed terminal"
• Message 001028 "Distributed terminals have different function defini-
tions"
• Message 001029 "A connection definition point lies on a connection
between distributed terminals"
• Message 001030 "Used distributed terminal connection point without
connection point designation"
• Message 001031 "The distributed terminal could not be included in
optimization. %1!s!".
New Monitor for Multi-user Mode
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 21
New Monitor for Multi-user Mode
Note:
The "EPLAN Multiuser Monitor" add-on is available as an option for all
module packages for program variants EPLAN Electric P8, EPLAN Fluid,
EPLAN PPE, EPLAN Education for Classrooms, EPLAN Trial and
EPLAN View.
The new version introduces a new monitor for multi-user mode. This new
add-on will help you to see which other users are active on which project.
You will see at a glance the actions of other users in the project, thus
allowing you to efficiently coordinate the project work.
Benefit: Who has already made a start on which project? Are there
comprehensive reports or checks already running in the cur-
rent project? It is important to have a quick and simple over-
view of the actions of individual people, particularly when
working on projects with multiple users. Structured and effi-
cient configuration shortens project implementation times,
and this is perfectly supported by the multi-user monitor. When
combined with well thought-out organization of the configura-
tion work, the new multi-user monitor will be the central source
of information for transparency in your current projects.
The following sections discuss how to set up and use the multi-user
monitor:
• "Setting up the Multi-user Monitor" on page 22
• "Making the Settings for the Multi-user Monitor" on page 23
• "Using the Multi-user Monitor" on page 24.
New Monitor for Multi-user Mode
22 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Setting up the Multi-user Monitor
The monitor for multi-user operation was implemented as a client-server
solution.
The server application is installed on the required computer by the
EPLAN installation wizard. This may also be a "normal" EPLAN worksta-
tion. The server application is then available as a service in the server-
computer's Control Panel. This EPLAN Multiuser Monitor service
starts automatically. It can be uninstalled as usual in the Add or Re-
move Programs dialog in Control Panel.
For the other EPLAN workstations to be able to log onto this "monitor
server" when the program is started, a further setting has to be made in
EPLAN on the relevant client computers (see the following section on
page 23). When the service and the client-server connection have been
set up, the monitor server receives the information about actions that
have been carried out, collates it, and redistributes it to the EPLAN work-
stations.
Notes:
• The server application "EPLAN Multiuser Monitor" must be installed
from a user account with administrator rights. You will need the rele-
vant authorizations to start, exit and restart services.
• We recommend that a system administrator sets up the multi-user
monitor and makes the necessary settings on the EPLAN worksta-
tions. You will find the other settings and requirements for multi-user
mode in the "Multi-user operation" section of the EPLAN online help.
New Monitor for Multi-user Mode
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 23
Making the Settings for the Multi-user Monitor
You will first have to make a few settings before you can display the
multi-user mode data on the multi-user monitor at an EPLAN work-
station. The menu path is as follows: Options > Settings > User >
Management > Multi-user monitor.
In this dialog, specify the computer on which the monitor server service
has been set up. Enter the relevant details in the Server name and Port
boxes. Check the Active check box to establish the connection with the
server.
Click the [Check] button to check the settings: If there is a connection to
the server computer, a suitable message is sent to the Status field.
New Monitor for Multi-user Mode
24 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Using the Multi-user Monitor
To open the multi-user monitor, select Project > Multi-user monitor.
The Multi-user monitor dialog is in table format, similar to other familiar
dialogs such as message management. As in that dialog, the multi-user
monitor can be docked and undocked on EPLAN's main window and
saved with a workspace.
This dialog has two tables listing the projects that are relevant for multi-
user operation. If you have not opened a project in multi-user mode, do
not have access to the project directory for multi-user mode or are not
connected to the monitor server, then one or both tables are empty.
Own opened projects in multi-user operation:
The table on the left provides detailed information about the multi-user
operation. It shows the projects that you and other users have open at
the same time. The following data is listed for these projects:
• Project
• User
• Product version
• Project action
• Progress.
New Monitor for Multi-user Mode
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 25
If a user has started an action with a corresponding run-time for a project
that you also have open (checks, reports, etc), this will be indicated by a
progress bar in the Progress column.
If, in the User column, you click the User code set up as a hyperlink, the
email application on your computer opens and you can email this user.
If you click the icon to the left of a project name, other information
about a user appears in both tables (name, phone, computer). For this
to happen, the users working in multi-user mode must have saved their
user data in the settings (Options > Settings > User > Display > User
code / address).
Note:
Projects that only you have open do not appear in the multi-user monitor.
Other open projects:
The table on the right of the dialog lists all the projects that have only
been opened by other users. The following data is listed for these pro-
jects:
• Project
• User.
If more than one other user has a project open, the Users column dis-
plays more than one User code for the relevant project.
If you wish to email a user in this table, you first need to drop down the
row of information below. Here, click the user name that has been set up
as a hyperlink.
New Monitor for Multi-user Mode
26 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Possible steps
Get information from the multi-user monitor before the action
In multi-user mode, you want to start a lengthy action for an open project
(e.g. a project-wide check or report, etc.). To do this, first use the monitor
to find out whether another user has also initiated such an action for the
current project.
If this is not the case, start the required action.
If a lengthy action is being carried out for the current project, you have
the following options:
• You accept that execution will be lengthy and start your action none-
theless.
• You can postpone your action to later.
• You can contact the other user to discuss things. To do this you can,
e.g., click the other user's user ID in the User column and send an
email.
Get information from the multi-user monitor during the action
You start an action. Because the action is taking longer than usual to
execute, you open the multi-user monitor. Here you find out whether the
delay is being caused by actions running in parallel in multi-user mode.
If it is, you have the following options:
• You accept that execution will be lengthy and wait until your action is
finished.
• You stop your action by clicking [Cancel]. You can then – as stated
previously – contact the other user to discuss things.
Other New Features and Fixes for the Overall EPLAN Platform
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 27
Other New Features and Fixes for the Overall EPLAN Platform
Form Editor
Conditional forms for other reports
Since the launch of EPLAN version 2.0, you have been able to use the
conditional forms to define one or more "subforms" for a dynamic form.
The output of a subform is associated with certain conditions. This pro-
duces a so-called "main form" and the "conditional forms" assigned to it.
In the past, conditional forms were only evaluated by the "Device tag list"
report type. In the new EPLAN version, the conditional forms are now
supported by the following function-specific reports:
• Cable diagram
• Terminal diagram
• Terminal line-up diagram
• Enclosure legend
• PLC diagram
• Plug diagram.
Benefit: This new functionality provides extensive options for optimiz-
ing your project reports. Flexible and dynamic reports pro-
duced at the push of a button increase the information content
and quality of your documentation without increasing the
amount of configuration required.
Forms and reports that are created while processing the mas-
ter data can be used flexibly and thus save valuable configura-
tion time. We will be pleased to help you to initially create your
conditional forms and the associated reporting concepts with a
range of services specially tailored for this purpose.
Other New Features and Fixes for the Overall EPLAN Platform
28 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
The conditional forms and associated conditions are defined in the form
editor using the Conditional forms dialog (menu path: Insert > Condi-
tional forms).
We have already described how to use this dialog and how to create re-
ports with the conditional forms in the "Graphical device tag list" section
of News 2.0. You will find more information on the conditional forms in
the EPLAN online help.
Adding up a property in one row
The EPLAN reports now allow you to add up the values of an output
property in one row. The Add up property in one row check box has
been added to the Placement tab of the Properties dialog for place-
holder texts for this purpose.
Benefit: This new way of calculating in forms, when combined with
the Value / unit display settings, allows you to create sophisti-
cated project reports at the push of a button. Adding together
the relevant project data in this way will help you with dimen-
sioning and setting out components and plant parts. No ma-
nual calculations are required and, once defined, forms can
be transferred quickly and easily to all projects.
If multiple values are output in a row in a report for a property, then the
different values are listed separated by separators by default. This
means, for example, that the following will be output on a row of a parts
list for the length of a connection that was identified in the schematic
using otherwise identical connection definition points: 2;4;6.
If you wish to add the values for this property, then you must open the
relevant form in the form editor and adapt the placeholder text by activat-
ing the Add up property in one row check box. For the example shown
above, the result would be the following total: 12.
Other New Features and Fixes for the Overall EPLAN Platform
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 29
Reports
Outputting reports in another project
In the past, reports were output in another project by specifying a target
project, known as the output project. While it was being output, the sche-
matic project was blocked for other users, and it was not possible to up-
date the reports in the output project.
This service pack introduces a new approach to the problem of inserting
reports from other projects in which the source projects are added to the
report templates.
Benefit: Since the data is simply read from a source when it is reported
in another project, it is no longer necessary to block the sche-
matic project for other users. This gives significant flexibility,
particularly in multi-user mode. The option of a provisional
report offers additional potential for optimizing the workflow.
The reporting of data from another schematic project (known as a
"source project") takes place in a project that is currently open, known as
the "report project". You specify the source project from which the data
originates in the templates for the report project.
For any subsequent reports, the source project is opened for reading in
the background for the duration of the report, the data is read and the
reports are generated in the report project. This allows another user to
continue working in the source project, thus preventing the occurrence
of multi-user conflicts.
Notes:
• When you generate reports, the master data (forms, symbol libraries,
etc.) and settings for the currently open project, i.e. the report project,
are always used in EPLAN.
Other New Features and Fixes for the Overall EPLAN Platform
30 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
• The connections are updated automatically before a connection list is
generated in a "normal" project. When the connection list is output in
the report project, the connections are not updated automatically! If
a current connection list in a source project is to be output in a report
project, the connections must first be updated in the relevant source
project.
Source project in the reports
There are several ways to enter a source project in the report templates.
• In the Reports dialog, create new templates by clicking the [New]
button on the Templates tab. In the Select report dialog that opens
there is a new Source project field for entering the data source. Click
[...] to open a selection dialog for selecting the required source pro-
ject.
• For an existing template, the Templates tab now contains a new
Source project property. To enter a source project here, click in the
relevant field in the Value column and then click [...] to switch to a
project selection dialog.
Tip:
If you want to enter the source project for all or multiple templates at
the same time, first fully expand the tree on the Templates tab. Then
hold down the [Ctrl] key while you click the relevant template name
(e.g. 0001). Once you have selected the required templates, click [...]
to select the source project.
The project names are now displayed at the top level of the reports and
templates tree structure in the Reports dialog. If a source project has
been entered for a template, the template is listed under this project's
name. The name of the current project is always at the top.
Other New Features and Fixes for the Overall EPLAN Platform
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 31
Source project in the page properties
The page properties now contain a new property Report: Source
project <11067> so that you can see for a generated report page from
which project the data for the report originates. The name of the source
project is entered automatically when the report is generated.
Update reports
The reports in the report project are updated via Utilities > Reports >
Update, for example, as usual.
Provisional report projects for daily use
One possible use is the creation of provisional report projects for daily
use. This method reports on a provisional status of a schematic project.
First enter the actual project as a source project in the report templates
for your schematic project. This will not interfere with the project report.
When you subsequently create a report project by copying, the source
will already be set correctly.
Then create the report project as a copy of the schematic project. To
copy the project, select the Only header data option. This will create
a project without pages or report, but to which the project settings and
report templates for the schematic project have already been copied.
The correct source project is already entered in the templates. You can
then generate the reports.
Other New Features and Fixes for the Overall EPLAN Platform
32 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Since the provisional reporting takes place in the report project, the sche-
matic project is not blocked to prevent further editing. The current version
and the official reports continue to remain in the schematic project.
Other methods
Other methods are also possible. For example, the report project may
also be the source project. In this way, it is possible to display the table
of contents for the report project in the schematic project, for example.
To do this, create a report template for the table of contents in the sche-
matic project and enter the report project as the source for it.
Jump to another project using "Go to (graphic)"
The Go to (graphic) jump function has been extended for the placehold-
er texts on the report pages. This pop-up menu item now allows you to
jump to the graphical editor if the data originates from another project.
Benefit: The Go to (graphic) jump function allows you to jump from
the reports of a report project to the schematic of the sche-
matic project. The ability to jump between projects ensures
that all the user-friendly functions for navigating in the project
data are available for the type of report. For example, all the
project information is always centrally accessible, regardless
of the type and manner of the report.
If the schematic project (the source project) is not yet open, you will see
a message with the option to open the project. Confirm this message
with [Yes]; the schematic project is then opened automatically and you
jump to the cross-reference object. If you select [No], the schematic
project remains closed and the action is cancelled.
Other New Features and Fixes for the Overall EPLAN Platform
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 33
Outputting the automatic page description in the set source / display language
The automatic page description for report pages is now always output in
the set source / display language when you update or generate reports.
This is done even if the dialog language is different from the source and
display language.
Project Data Navigators
Standardized use of the [N] key
When you insert devices (using function templates), you have the option
of using the [N] key to browse through the functions and select the one
you want. It does not matter whether you use the Insert > Device menu
items or simply drag the device from a navigator onto an open page in
the graphical editor. For Place and Assign from a navigator you can
now use the [N] key consistently to browse through the functions.
The [Shift] + [Tab] shortcut that was used to browse through the func-
tions before version 2.0 is now used to browse through the display
modes when you insert or place macros.
Devices
Inserting macros with multiple main functions as devices
If you insert a device for which there is a macro with multiple main func-
tions in parts management, then in the past the part was transferred to
the first main function in the graphic. This behavior has changed in the
new version. In such a case, the part will now be assigned to the first
suitable main function.
Other New Features and Fixes for the Overall EPLAN Platform
34 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
This means that the part is assigned to the first main function in the
macro that it can overlay correctly. The other main functions are not
changed. If no matching main function is found, EPLAN first searches for
a black box. If this does not exist, then the part is transferred to the first
graphical main function.
See the "Procedure for inserting devices" section of the EPLAN online
help for more information about inserting devices with macros.
Online numbering when inserting devices
When you insert devices in the graphical editor (using the Insert >
Device menu item, for example), the set numbering format for online
numbering is followed once more.
Placing devices in location boxes
If devices are placed in a location box when they are inserted, then the
structure identifiers (e.g. higher-level function, mounting location, etc.) for
the location box are now taken into account once more.
Project Editing
System messages when projects are opened
When you open or apply projects in EPLAN version 2.0, it is possible
under certain circumstances to search for a specific project setting and
for the two system messages S322012 and S322013 to be displayed as
a result. The two system messages are no longer output for this applica-
tion.
Other New Features and Fixes for the Overall EPLAN Platform
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 35
Graphical Editor
Improved performance for page changes
When you browse through the pages of a project in the graphical editor,
you will notice that the pages change faster due to the accelerated con-
nection updating.
Changing to the line thickness on plot frames when printed
In version 2.0, the line thickness of the lines stored in a plot frame was
affected by the scale set in the relevant page properties when they were
printed. This has been corrected in this service pack. The line thickness
on plot frames now no longer changes when printed if a different page
scale is set.
PDF export of drawings
Problems occurred under certain marginal conditions during the PDF
export of drawings that were placed on project pages. These drawings
are now displayed correctly in the PDF after exporting.
Connections
Check run message 005042 for predefined connection colors
In the Settings: Connection colors dialog (Options > Settings >
Projects > "Project name" > Connections > Connection colors menu
item), you can predefine project-specific color codes and color names for
connections. The entries in this table from row 21 onwards are now also
taken into account by EPLAN.
As a result, the check run message 005042 is no longer output when a
given connection color was selected as the Color / number property in
the Properties dialog for a connection / connection definition point.
Other New Features and Fixes for the Overall EPLAN Platform
36 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Parts Management
Renamed field for EMI models
In parts management on the Mounting data tab there is a special field
that can be used to store an EMI model for one or more parts. This oper-
ation is the reason why data can be transferred from EPLAN Mecha-
tronic Integration (EMI) to AutoCAD Inventor. This field has now been
renamed to differentiate it more clearly from other fields.
Old name: New name:
3D macro EMI model
File selection for external documents
In parts management you can store up to 20 external documents for a
part on the Documents tab. Once you have entered a document, click in
the File / hyperlink column; the correct folder is opened in the file selec-
tion dialog that opens and the document is entered in the Files of type
field by default. This may be of relevance to you if subfolders were
created in the Documents directory after parts were imported from the
EPLAN Data Portal.
New Features and Corrections in the "EPLAN Multi Language Translation" Add-on
Note:
The "EPLAN Multi Language Translation" add-on is available as an
option for EPLAN Electric P8 Select. This add-on is part of the standard
scope of delivery for EPLAN Electric P8 Professional, EPLAN Fluid, and
EPLAN PPE.
We have also made a number of corrections to this version in the Trans-
lation utility in the "EPLAN Multi Language Translation" add-on.
Other New Features and Fixes for the Overall EPLAN Platform
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 37
Detection of multiple meanings when reports are updated
In projects in which the project-specific translation setting Manual selec-
tion for terms with multiple meanings is active, it was possible for the
Found words dialog to be opened when reports were updated, even
though the terms were unique. This problem has now been fixed.
New Features and Corrections in the "EPLAN Mounting Panel" Add-on
Note:
The "EPLAN Mounting Panel" add-on is available as an option for
EPLAN Electric P8 Compact and EPLAN Fluid Compact. This add-on
is part of the standard scope of delivery for EPLAN Electric P8 Select,
EPLAN Electric P8 Professional, and for EPLAN Fluid.
The "EPLAN Mounting Panel" add-on is used to configure enclosures
and mounting panels.
Editing legend items for terminal strips
Since version 2.0 it has been possible to place a terminal strip for which
no parts have yet been placed entirely on a mounting panel. The terminal
strip is displayed graphically on the mounting panel as a "block" and is
given a legend item. The legend item of such a complete terminal strip is
now listed in the Edit legend item dialog.
Selecting macro variants when placing on the mounting panel
When parts from the 2D panel layout navigator are placed on the mount-
ing panel, it is now once again possible to use [Tab] to browse through
the available macro variants for macros stored at the parts.
Special Topics EPLAN Electric P8
38 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Special Topics EPLAN Electric P8
New Features in the "EPLAN Net Based Wiring" Add-on
Note:
The "EPLAN Net Based Wiring" add-on is available for EPLAN Electric
P8 Professional as an optional extra.
This add-on allows you to define nets with net-based connections. Unlike
a "normal" net with automatic connections, the connection sequence
within the net here is not determined via the connection symbols in the
schematic; it must be specified later in the properties dialog of the asso-
ciated net definition point.
Benefit: You can generate the schematic without taking into account
the precise wiring. When the spatial arrangement of the com-
ponents and their optimal wiring is clarified, this information
can be added as required.
Connections can easily be represented in the schematic even
in the case of complex wiring sequences. The plans become
more legible, particularly with potentials over more than one
page which are distributed throughout the entire project.
Managing saddle jumper connection points and all net connections in the net definition point
To date, saddle jumper connection points of terminals using a net defini-
tion point have not been taken into account in the net definition. With the
new version, you can configure EPLAN so that it now also displays
saddle jumper connection points on the Net connection tab.
Special Topics EPLAN Electric P8
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 39
Furthermore, it is now also possible to define all the connections within a
net using a net definition point. In the case of the directly linked functions
in a net, the connections have up till now been generated automatically.
These may, for instance, be two terminals that are connected to one
another directly without a T-node and have the Net-connecting property
activated.
You can now use the new setting Manage all the net connections in
the net definition point to specify that for such functions the connec-
tions must be defined manually using the net definition.
Benefit: If both settings are selected (Manage saddle jumper connec-
tion points in the net definition point and Manage all the
net connections in the net definition point), all of the net
connections can be controlled via the net definition point. This
enables the wiring to be optimized across saddle jumpers and
subnets.
Special Topics EPLAN Electric P8
40 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
New settings for net-based connections
For the reasons stated above, the project settings for the connections
have had two check boxes added: Manage net connections in the net
definition point and Manage saddle jumper connection points in the
net definition point. To access this setting, go to Options > Settings >
Projects > "Project name" > Connections > General.
Manage saddle jumper connection points in the net definition point:
If this check box is selected, the Net connections tab in a net definition
point's properties dialog also displays symbol connection points with the
connection point type "saddle jumper". However, additional function con-
nection points for saddle jumpers are not displayed.
If the check box is deselected, saddle jumpers are not displayed in the
Net connections tab. This is the default setting.
Note:
Net based connections cannot be used together with distributed terminal
jumper optimization. The two functionalities generate different connec-
tions that are incompatible with one another.
Manage all the net connections in the net definition point:
If this check box is checked, the targets are not automatically specified
for net-connecting functions that are directly connected to one another
(i.e. the Net-connecting property is activated for the function). In this
case the connections are not automatically generated and have to be
specified manually.
If the check box is deselected, the targets are automatically specified for
net-connecting functions that are directly connected to one another, and
connections are generated automatically. This is the default setting.
These connections are displayed in the Other connections dialog, but
cannot be deleted or changed.
Special Topics EPLAN Electric P8
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 41
Note:
If there is a connection symbol with target specification between the net-
connecting functions (e.g. a T-node), the connections are specified auto-
matically in all cases.
Terminals / Plugs
Automatic correction functionality for function definitions
The new EPLAN version 2.0 provides many new function definitions for
terminals.
Benefit: The new standardized function definitions for terminals facili-
tates the intuitive handling of terminals in the planning phase
and the preparation of high-quality master data. Once terminal
parts have been defined in EPLAN parts management, they
can be copied into a project quickly and easily using drag &
drop. This reduces the designer's workload and ensures high-
quality machine and plant documentation. All the new features
in the "Terminals" area will help you implement and document
new terminal technologies in your future EPLAN projects.
If projects created before version 2.0 are used with the latest version, the
terminals may have "old" and "new" function definitions existing in paral-
lel.
To avoid having to update terminal function definitions manually, we
have included an automatic correction facility. You can use the "Update
Terminal FuncDef" add-on to automatically transfer all the "old" function
definitions from the projects and parts management to the "new" function
definitions. The add-on resides on your data carrier and can also be
downloaded from the EPLAN support area on the Internet.
Special Topics EPLAN Electric P8
42 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Terminals with plug-in adapters
To characterize inserted terminals even more precisely, the new property
Terminal with plug-in adapter <20283> is available in the Settings
category. Activating the check box for this property means you are
indicating that the terminal has a plug-in adapter.
Like other properties (such as Terminal category), the Terminal with
plug-in adapter property is available in the terminal reports and can be
used there with the form property Assignment: Property / value to
graphic [1-10] to output terminal graphics.
To also enable the new property to be used as a selection criterion when
selecting devices, it has been added for terminals in the parts manage-
ment function templates.
New Features in the "EPLAN Pro Panel" Add-on
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 43
New Features in the "EPLAN Pro Panel" Add-on
The "EPLAN Pro Panel" add-on is used for placing electrical engineering
and fluid power devices from the EPLAN project, from the EPLAN parts
management, or from the EPLAN Data Portal, as required. In conjunction
with mechanical components such as cable ducts, mounting rails, mount-
ing panels, or entire enclosures, "EPLAN Pro Panel" simplifies the con-
struction of complex 3D mounting layouts dramatically.
Note:
The "EPLAN Pro Panel" add-on is available as an option for EPLAN
Electric P8 Compact, EPLAN Electric P8 Select, EPLAN Electric P8
Professional, EPLAN Fluid Compact and EPLAN Fluid.
New Features in the "EPLAN Pro Panel" Add-on
44 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Realigning Mounting Surfaces
Individual surfaces of an item that has been imported as a "3D graphic"
can be defined as mounting surfaces. This is done in EPLAN Pro Panel
via the menu items Edit > Device logic > Mounting surface. The refer-
ence point of these surfaces is usually in the bottom left. When surfaces
are not perpendicular, the mounting surface also has to form a surround-
ing rectangle with a reference point in the bottom left. If – because the
item has special shapes – the automatic alignment of the mounting sur-
face is unsuitable for your purposes, you now have the ability to realign
the mounting surface.
For this purpose the layout space navigator popup menu has the two
new menu items Mounting surface > Adjust X-axis and Mounting
surface > Adjust Y-axis.
Once you have selected one of the menu items, the prompt "Starting
point for direction" appears in the status bar. When the cursor is moved
over the mounting surface, geometric points appear. Click to select a
point. Next the prompt "End point for direction" appears in the status bar.
Now select the second point.
The X-axis or the Y-axis of the mounting surface is aligned by the direc-
tion of the connection from start and end point. The reference point of the
mounting surface is moved in such a way that it lies on the bottom left
point of the mounting surface. The mounting surface is then activated so
that the change becomes visible.
If the selected points are not on the current mounting surface, the two
points are projected onto the mounting surface and then the X- or Y-axis
is aligned.
New Features in the "EPLAN Pro Panel" Add-on
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 45
Example:
The illustration below shows an example of mounting surface alignment
on an item whose surfaces are not at right angles to each other.
Once the X-axis has been aligned with two mouse clicks on points 1
and 2, the mounting surface will have a correct origin.
New Features in the "EPLAN Pro Panel" Add-on
46 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
EPLAN Reference System for 3D Macros
The latest version of EPLAN Pro Panel now also supports the EPLAN
reference system for 3D data. This is a base technology of the EPLAN
platform that serves, for instance, to manage the macro data of com-
ponents that are used more than once in the project in a way that takes
up less storage.
Benefit: The EPLAN reference system enables a 3D macro to be used
in more than one place without all the 3D macro data having to
be duplicated. The amount of storage space required for 3D
components used more than once is correspondingly less.
In this way, large terminal strips can be managed with a con-
siderably smaller storage requirement.
As a result, projects containing 3D macros need significantly
less memory at run time. The compact data storage also
enables 3D macros to be added and placed even more
quickly.
Note:
The EPLAN reference system is supported for all new 3D macros that
are created using the latest EPLAN Pro Panel Version 2.0 SP 1, based
on imported 3D data in STEP format.
New Features in the "EPLAN API Extension" Add-on
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 47
New Features in the "EPLAN API Extension" Add-on
Note:
The "EPLAN API Extension" add-on is available as an option for EPLAN
Electric P8 Professional, for EPLAN Fluid, and for EPLAN PPE.
A unified, and especially high-performance, programming interface (API,
Application Programming Interface) is available for EPLAN platform pro-
ducts. This add-on – the EPLAN API – allows you to develop your own
customized solutions in collaboration with EPLAN or other partners. The
following section provides information on the various new features of
EPLAN API.
Defining function definitions of unplaced connections
EPLAN API now also provides the facility to define or modify the function
definitions of unplaced connections. The new FunctionDefinition
property has been added to the Connection class for this purpose.
Creating unplaced connections
EPLAN API can now also be used to create unplaced connections.
A new constructor has been added to the Connection class for this
purpose.
New Features in the Master Data
48 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
New Features in the Master Data
Master Data: Symbols
Note:
The following pages show a number of illustrations of new symbols from
different symbol libraries. The illustrations show variant "A" of the respec-
tive symbols in multi-line representation. The name and number of the
symbol are shown underneath the symbol.
IEC, GOST, and GB standards
• The following new symbols for distributed terminals are avail-
able in the symbol libraries IEC_symbol, IEC_single_symbol,
GOST_symbol, GOST_single_symbol, GB_symbol and
GB_single_symbol:
XT4OL_2 // 1401 XT4_2 // 1402 XT3_2 // 1404 XT2_2 // 1405
XT1_2 // 1406
New Features in the Master Data
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 49
• The following terminal symbols have also been added to these symbol
libraries:
X2_STBU // 1361 X2_BU // 1362 X2_ST // 1363
NFPA standard
• The following new symbols for distributed terminals are available in
the symbol libraries NFPA_symbol and NFPA_single_symbol:
XT4OL_2 // 1401 XT4_2 // 1402 XT3_2 // 1404 XT2_2 // 1405
XT1_2 // 1406
New Features in the Master Data
50 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
• The following terminal symbols have also been added to these symbol
libraries:
X2_STBU // 1361 X2_BU // 1362 X2_ST // 1363
Fluid power and process engineering
• The following new symbols have been added to the PNE1ESS symbol
library:
V11.5.1_22_40
// 668
Z_ZUB_42
// 679
V11.5.1_52_12
// 882
V11.5.1_53_25
// 955
Special symbol library
• A new symbol for interruption points has been created in the SPECIAL
symbol library:
BP2 // 53 // Interruption point (double arrow)
BP2
New Features in the Master Data
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 51
Master Data: Identifiers
• Under Utilities > Master data > Identifier, an identifier set is now
available for the Chinese standard GB/T 5094. For this purpose, the
column GB/T 5094, which contains the relevant identifiers, was added
to the Suggested identifiers dialog.
Master Data: Macros
Fluid power
• In EPLAN Fluid, 60 new symbol macros have been created for the
"Pneumatics" trade, and more than 1,000 new symbol macros for the
"Hydraulics" trade. Following the installation, numerous devices and
accessory parts from fluid power are available as symbol macros in
the corresponding subdirectories of the macro directory (\VDMA\
Pneumatics and \VDMA\Hydraulics).
New Features in the Master Data
52 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
The large number of motors, pumps, valves, sensors, cylinders and
other devices in these macros can be used directly in the planning of
your EPLAN Fluid projects.
Note:
The new symbol macros for fluid power also form part of the Fluid data-
pack, which you can download from the EPLAN support area on the
Internet or from http://www.eplan.de/download. This datapack contains
the very latest set of fluid master data.
Other New Features and Information
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 53
Other New Features and Information
Customer Queries and Messages
Note:
Please note that the following EPLAN service is not possible in all
countries.
A large number of your queries and wishes have contributed to the new
version of the EPLAN platform. Please note that not all subjects can be
listed within the scope of this document. You can, however, query the
status of your message ("issue") with us at any time.
Login to EPLAN Support on the Internet (software service customers
only) and, within our support area, click the Login Call-Tracking hyperlink
under Call tracking. The "EPLAN Support Call Tracking" page will now
open in your browser.
Other New Features and Information
54 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
You need the following information to log on here:
• User name (= your last name)
• The first five digits of your Software service number.
After filling out the form, confirm this information by clicking [Login].
In the Issue No. field on the next page, enter the issue number that you
were given by support and click [Search].
Other New Features and Information
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 55
You will be redirected to your message. This will show you an overview
of your support query.
Other New Features and Information
56 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Validation Code
If you already have an activation of Version 2.0, then you do not need a
new activation code.
Users with activations for older EPLAN versions, on the other hand, do
need a new activation code. This is provided on the delivery note sent
with your storage medium. In addition, you can now have the option of
retrieving the validation code via the internet (see the following section).
Retrieving the validation code online
EPLAN enables you to carry out the final installation step quickly and
easily by allowing you to retrieve the validation code required for licens-
ing via the internet. After the required data have been transmitted, the
validation code is automatically copied into the license dialog.
Note:
Please note that you must be connected to the internet to download
the validation code. You cannot retrieve a validation code for network
licenses or licenses without a dongle.
The Enter validation code dialog has been enhanced to allow you the
option of retrieving the validation code online.
This dialog opens when you start the application for the first time after
installation. Click the new [Retrieve online] button.
Other New Features and Information
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 57
The Company name and Serial number are automatically entered into
the open Set validation code online dialog. This data is needed to re-
trieve the validation code successfully.
Up-to-date information
If you would like to receive information in the future (such as our eNews-
letter), please select the I would like to receive further information
check box. EPLAN will then save your personal details (Name, Phone,
E-mail address, etc.).
Internet settings
The settings for the existing internet connection are adopted by default.
You can also use a proxy server as a network component via the
[Settings] button and the dialog that then opens. In this case, enter the
relevant data in the fields Address, Port, etc. Contact your administrator
for the relevant settings.
Returning the validation code
Click [Send] to send the encoded data to EPLAN. If your details are
already held by EPLAN and are valid, a validation code is created and
sent to the license dialog. Then start the application by clicking [OK].
Other New Features and Information
58 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Installation
Warning:
Data of previous versions generated with the EPLAN platform can still be
used in the latest version. Data edited with the latest version of the pro-
gram cannot always be used with earlier versions due to extensions to
the program. We explicitly advise against using different program ver-
sions on the same data.
For original EPLAN master data (reference master data and examples)
the installation wizard creates version-dependent directories (e.g. for
forms <Directory for Original EPLAN Master Data>\<Version
number>\Forms\EPLAN).
The directories for system master data are version-independent. When
installing for the first time or installing EPLAN 2.0 SP 1 as another
EPLAN version, this means the following:
• Initial installation
When installing for the first time, the directories for the system master
data are created when the program is started for the first time. A
directory with the company code specified in the installation (e.g.
<Directory for System Master Data>\Forms\<Company Code>)
is then created for each master data type (e.g. forms) below the rele-
vant master data directory. The master data from the directories for
the original EPLAN master data is copied into this directory.
• Installation of another EPLAN version
If the directory for the system master data and the company code are
unchanged during the installation, the previous system master data
remains unchanged. The new master data will for now only be in-
stalled in the new version-dependent directory for the original EPLAN
master data.
Other New Features and Information
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 59
Notes:
• To update your company-specific master data in this case, perform a
synchronization of the system master data.
• If you install EPLAN 2.0 SP 1 as another version of EPLAN, a dialog
opens when you start the program for the first time in which you can
opt to use the settings of the previous version.
Directory structure after installation
The precise appearance of the directory structure for the installed data
depends on the operating system used and the setting you have speci-
fied for the application in the installation wizard. If you selected the Any-
one who uses this computer option, the system master data is stored
in a public folder. If you select the Only for me option, then this data is
stored in the user-specific area of the user currently logged on.
Note:
Please note that this setting cannot be subsequently changed.
Windows XP
Under the Windows XP operating system, the original and the system
master data are stored in the following directory by default:
• Anyone who uses this computer:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\
Application Data\EPLAN\<Program Variants>
• Only for me:
C:\Documents and Settings\<Your User Name>\
Application data\EPLAN\<Program Variants>
Other New Features and Information
60 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Example:
Following the installation of EPLAN Electric P8 with the default settings,
the directory structure for the forms described above would look some-
thing like this:
Directory for original EPLAN master data:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\
EPLAN\Electric P8\2.0.8\Forms\EPLAN
Directory for system master data:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\
EPLAN\Electric P8\Forms\MyCompanyCode
Note:
Please note that to see the application data under Windows XP, you
must make the following settings in Windows Explorer: Select Tools >
Folder options. Open the View tab and in the Advanced settings field
look for the Hidden files and folders folder. Select the Show hidden
files and folders option here. The Application Data folder will now
be visible.
Windows Vista and Windows 7
Under the Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems, the original
EPLAN master data is stored in the following directory by default:
• Anyone who uses this computer:
C:\ProgramData\EPLAN\<Program Variants>\<Version
Number>
• Only for me:
C:\ProgramData\<Your User Name>\EPLAN\<Program
Variants>\<Version Number>
Other New Features and Information
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 61
Under the Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems, the system
master data is stored in the following directory by default:
• Anyone who uses this computer:
C:\Users\Public\EPLAN
• Only for me:
C:\Users\<Your user name>\EPLAN
Note:
To see the protected program directory ProgramData, you must enter
%ProgramData% in the Windows Explorer address bar.
Software Requirements and Approvals
General requirements
The Microsoft .NET framework 3.5 SP1 is required to operate the EPLAN
platform. Further information and the latest version of .NET framework
are available for download from the Microsoft website.
EPLAN recommends that a 64 bit Windows operating system is used.
The EPLAN platform is approved for the following operating systems and
applications:
Client operating systems
• Windows XP Professional SP3 (32 bit)
• Windows Vista SP2 Enterprise (32 or 64 bit)
• Windows Vista SP2 Business N (32 or 64 bit)
• Windows Vista SP2 Ultimate (32 or 64 bit)
• Windows 7 Professional (32 or 64 bit)
• Windows 7 Enterprise (32 or 64 bit)
• Windows 7 Ultimate (32 or 64 bit).
Other New Features and Information
62 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Note:
Further information on these operating systems is available on the
Microsoft website.
Server operating systems
• Windows Server 2003 SP2 (with all hotfixes and updates)
• Windows Server 2008 SP2 (32 or 64 bit)
• Windows Server 2008 R2 (64 bit).
Notes:
• Please note that the EPLAN platform may not be installed on servers
that run Back Office products from Microsoft (e.g. proxy servers, SQL,
Exchange, Active Directory) or other suppliers (e.g. Lotus Notes,
Linux servers, Novell servers).
• Please also bear in mind that the EPLAN License Manager is not
approved for use with virtual operating systems.
EPLAN Mechatronic Integration
EPLAN EMI is approved for the following Inventor products:
• AutoCAD Inventor Professional Suite 2010
• AutoCAD Inventor Routed Systems Suite 2010
• AutoCAD Inventor Professional Suite 2011
• AutoCAD Inventor Routed Systems Suite 2011.
Note:
Please also note the relevant hardware requirements when installing
these Inventor products.
Other New Features and Information
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 63
Database systems for parts management / selection
• Microsoft SQL Server 2005 SP2 Express / Workgroup / Standard or
Enterprise Edition
• Microsoft SQL-Server 2008.
The EPLAN platform supports these Microsoft SQL servers for all client
and server operating systems approved by us.
Note:
Other database systems from other manufacturers are not currently
supported.
Microsoft Office Excel versions
• Microsoft Office Excel 2003 SP2 and SP3
• Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and Excel 2007 SP1.
Internet browsers for the EPLAN Data Portal
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.
Unsupported operating systems
Windows 2000 Professional
The EPLAN platform no longer supports the Windows 2000 Professional
operating system that is no longer supported by Microsoft.
Windows 2000 Server
The EPLAN platform no longer supports the Windows 2000 Server
operating system that is no longer supported by Microsoft. Microsoft
has ceased official support for this operating system.
Note:
Further information on the life cycle of operating systems is available on
the Microsoft website.
Other New Features and Information
64 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
EPLAN software no longer supported
Remote Dongle Server 4.3
We are offering a new version of our EPLAN License Manager for the
management of network licenses alongside the new EPLAN platform.
For this reason, Remote Dongle Server 4.3 is no longer supported.
Other software that is no longer supported
AutoCAD 2006
EPLAN PPE now has a new P&ID AutoCAD interface that supports the
current 32-bit versions of AutoCAD 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. Auto-
desk software AutoCAD 2006 is no longer supported by the EPLAN
P&ID AutoCAD interface.
Interface cards for parallel dongles
The latest EPLAN platform includes a new dongle driver. Because of the
enhanced technology in the new Microsoft operating systems (Windows
7 and Windows Server 2008), this dongle driver no longer supports
interface cards (PCI cards). For this reason, interface cards for parallel
dongles will no longer be supported in the next main version of the
EPLAN platform.
Other New Features and Information
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 65
Hardware Requirements
Workstation hardware requirements
The computer platform is a PC with an Intel Pentium 4 or compatible
processor.
Notes:
• The introduction of the enhanced command set SSE2 (Streaming
SIMD Extensions 2) started with the Intel Pentium 4 in 2001. In the
case of AMD processors, this enhancement was introduced with the
Athlon 64 in 2005. If you use a computer system from Intel, the CPU
should be restored to 2002. In the case of AMD processors, the CPU
should be newer than 2005.
• If you are using a processor that dates to before 2005, check whether
this processor supports SSE2 command sets. The "CPU-Z" program
allows you to do this. This program can be downloaded free of charge
from http://www.cpuid.com/.
It is preferable to choose a high speed dual-core computer rather than a
quad-core computer at the same price (i.e. a slower machine), as you
will get better performance from the EPLAN platform.
A high speed quad-core processor (which is therefore slightly more ex-
pensive) is optimal since it also offers further potential for the future.
We advise against choosing a single-core computer (which also includes
a Pentium 4 with its 2 virtual cores).
Other New Features and Information
66 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Recommended workstation configuration
Processor: Comparable to an Intel Pentium D at 3 GHz or
comparable to an Intel Core 2 Duo at 2.4 GHz
RAM: 4 GB
Hard disk: 160 GB
Monitor / graphics
resolution:
2-screen solution 21" or 16:10 graphics system
with a resolution of 1680 x 1050
3D display: Graphics card from ATI or Nvidia with the latest
OpenGL driver
Minimum net requirements
As stated in the software requirements and performance, only operate
the server with a Microsoft Windows operating system.
Net transfer rate of the server: 1 Gbits/s
Net transfer rate of the client computer: 100 Mbits/s
Recommended latency: < 1 ms
Minimum multi-user requirements
With regard to minimum requirements for multi-user operation, please
contact EPLAN Support. We can advise you specifically according to
your individual requirements.
Other New Features and Information
EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1 67
Other New Features and Information
68 EPLAN NEWS 2.0 SP 1
Recommended