1.1           Features

The assistant Cabinet Routing enables the automatic wire routing and the calculation of wire lengths using a specified cable duct system of a switching cabinet layout diagram.

The information needed for routing the wires in the cabinet is taken from the layout diagram (position of devices and cable ducts in the layout), the part information (pin position at the device) and the wiring list (source/target, wire type).

The assistant Cabinet Routing calculates the route through specified cable ducts and the coordinates of the placed device pins based on a minimum distance approach for each individual wire the length. During this operation, the framework of cable ducts is checked and problems in creating the layout are reported when indicated. In calculating the wire length, there is an option to add a length supplement on a percentage base (values between 0% and 100% are supported). If no wiring specification has been defined, the program uses a default wiring direction. The default wiring direction can be defined globally.

Routing can be carried out across multiple units (mounting plates). The layouts of each unit can be displayed on one or multiple sheets.

By assigning attributes to cable ducts and wires, restrictions to the signal routing can be specified (signal type). Wires and devices can also be excluded from routing (e.g. wire jumpers).

For a cable duct, you may also specify a maximum filling level at its attribute Maximum Filling Level in % (Cable Duct) which will then be taken into account by the assistant Cabinet Routing. If the preset value is exceeded during routing, the assistant provides the following indications:

·            The tab Cable Ducts is marked in red.

·            On the tab Cable Ducts, all cable ducts exceeding the maximum filling level with the current routing process are marked in red.

You may then abort the routing process and carry out changes to the wiring or the filling level of the cable duct.

 In the project properties, you may activate the check box Find alternative routes if cable duct is full in the category Routing. If the filling level is exceeded during routing, the assistant will use another cable duct which has not yet reached its maximum filling level.

The calculated data (route, length of the wire, etc.) is inserted into the wire's properties and is entered in the layout diagram as line graphs.

The transfer of information to manufacturing support systems (wire manufacturing, etc.) is guaranteed by using other modules.