Otis Singleton
AutoCAD Electrical is a software that supports the creation of custom Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) symbols and modules. It provides a range of predefined PLC styles and symbols, which can be modified to suit specific needs. Users can also create entirely new PLC styles and symbols with custom attributes. The process involves defining parameters, utilizing the PLC Database File Editor tool, and understanding how AutoCAD builds blocks. The software offers flexibility in inserting PLC modules, either by creating a full module or using the Insert PLC (Parametric) command, which automates the insertion process. The end result is a functional custom PLC style that adapts to rung spacing and I/O style requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| PLC styles provided with AutoCAD Electrical | 5, numbered 1 through 5 |
| Number of symbols associated with each style | About 3 dozen |
| File name | "HP?*.dwg" where "?" is the style number |
| Location of PLC styles on Windows XP | \Documents and Settings\\My Documents\Acade \AeData\Plc |
| Location of PLC styles on Windows Vista, Windows 7 | \Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Acade\AeData\Plc |
| Bitmap file name for Drawing Properties dialog box | P_STYLExH.bmp or P_STYLExV.bmp where 'x' is the PLC style number (1-9) and H or V indicate orientation |
| Bitmap file name for Insert PLC dialog box | STYLExH.bmp or STYLExV.bmp where 'x' is the PLC style number (1-9) and H or V indicate orientation |
| Number of PLC modules supplied by AutoCAD Electrical | Hundreds, potentially thousands |
| Method of PLC module creation | Built on-the-fly from a small set of building blocks |
| Adaptability | Module adapts to rung spacing and I/O style |
| Customization | Custom PLC styles and symbols can be created with custom attributes |
| Process for creating a parametric symbol in ACADE | Define parameters, evaluate parameters, fetch pieces from libraries, place according to parameters, add values to attributes, explode blocks, re-block into one comprehensive block |
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What You'll Learn
Inserting a full PLC module
AutoCAD Electrical comes with five predefined PLC styles, numbered 1 through 5. Each style has about three dozen symbols associated with it, which are located in the jic1 and jic125 folders. These symbols are the building blocks of a Parametric PLC, with each block having a different arrangement of attributes and wire connection points.
To insert a full PLC module, you will need to first create a custom style in AutoCAD. Once you have zoomed in on the new PLC style, save the file as a bitmap with the name definition as outlined below:
- For the Drawing Properties dialog box: the graphic must be named P_STYLExH.bmp or P_STYLExV.bmp, where 'x' is the PLC style number (1-9) and H or V indicate the module orientation (horizontal or vertical).
- For the Insert PLC dialog box: the file name must be STYLExH.bmp or STYLExV.bmp, where 'x' is the PLC style number (1-9) and H or V indicate the module orientation (horizontal or vertical).
Once you have created and saved your custom style, AutoCAD Electrical will select the appropriate symbols to use. The software will then stack these symbols together in the order defined by the parametric data file and produce a completed I/O module. AutoCAD Electrical will insert the symbols based on the rung spacing of the underlying ladder. It will then explode them, draw a rectangular box around the entire assembly, and create a single block out of the collection. Finally, it will annotate the attributes of the new module.
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PLC styles and bitmap files
AutoCAD Electrical comes with five predefined PLC styles, numbered 1 to 5. Each style has about two to three dozen symbols associated with it. These symbols are located in files named HP#*.dwg, where "#" is the style number. Styles 6 to 9 are available for user-defined PLC modules.
To create a new style, copy an existing style's symbols to one of the unused style numbers (6-9) and edit each library symbol. To do this, open the PLC Database File Editor dialog box and click "Style Box Dimensions." Select a style number—a sample portion of a PLC module will appear. Specify the module box dimensions for the selected style, including the offset values and line properties.
When creating a PLC module, the PLC Database File Editor will list as many blank field terminal types as there are terminals defined in the New Module dialog box. You will then need to define information for each terminal in the module, including the symbols AutoCAD Electrical toolset should stack together to build the module.
The bitmap files for the PLC styles are saved to \Program Files\Autodesk\Acade {version}\Acade. These files are used in the Insert PLC and Drawing/Project Properties dialogs. To save a new style, use the following name definition: For the Drawing Properties dialog box, the graphic must be named P_STYLExH.bmp or P_STYLExV.bmp, where 'x' is the PLC style number (1-9) and H or V indicate the module orientation (horizontal or vertical). For the Insert PLC dialog box, the file name must be STYLExH.bmp or STYLExV.bmp, using the same conventions.
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Modifying PLC styles
AutoCAD Electrical comes with five predefined PLC styles, numbered 1 through 5. Each predefined style has about three dozen symbols associated with it. These symbols are located in the library folder, in files named HP#*.dwg, where "#" is the style number. If none of the predefined styles work for you, you can modify them or create a new style.
To create a new style, you can copy the library symbols of an existing PLC style to one of the unused style numbers (6, 7, 8, or 9) and then edit each one to suit your needs. For example, copy style 1 to style 6 by copying \Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Acade {version}\libs\{library}\hp1*.dwg to \Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Acade {version}\libs\{library}\hp6*.dwg. Open the hp6*.dwg drawing files in AutoCAD and modify them as required. To access your new style, select "6" in the style sub-dialog box when you prepare to select and insert a new PLC module.
When modifying PLC styles, it is important to first define the blocks associated with each terminal type you plan to use. Open all existing similar blocks, modify them, and save them according to the correct library location with the accurate style number. Then you will have a fully functional custom PLC style.
The icon menu graphics that display for the various PLC styles are bitmap files. To create a bitmap file for your new style, first create the style in AutoCAD and zoom in to the new PLC style. Save the file as a bitmap using the following name definition: For the Drawing Properties dialog box, the graphic must have the name P_STYLExH.bmp or P_STYLExV.bmp, where 'x' is the PLC style number (1-9) and H or V indicates the module orientation (horizontal or vertical). For the Insert PLC dialog box, the file name must be STYLExH.bmp or STYLExV.bmp, where 'x' is the PLC style number (1-9) and H or V indicates the module orientation.
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PLC Database File Editor tool
AutoCAD Electrical is a powerful tool for creating and modifying PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) modules and styles. While AutoCAD Electrical provides a range of predefined PLC styles and modules, users often need to create custom PLC styles to suit their specific requirements. This is where the PLC Database File Editor tool comes in.
The PLC Database File Editor tool is a feature within AutoCAD Electrical that allows users to edit and create modules in the ACE.MDB file. To access this tool, users can go to the "Schematic" ribbon in AutoCAD Electrical and find it under the "Other Tools" section. With this tool, users can edit existing modules to understand their structure and create new modules by entering functions for terminals. Additionally, it provides the option to add components and part numbers directly into the Access database, especially when dealing with a large number of part numbers or a new manufacturer.
When creating a custom PLC style, it is important to first define the blocks associated with each terminal type that will be used. Users can then modify existing blocks, add new symbols, and save them according to the correct library location and style number. By following these steps, users can create a fully functional custom PLC style.
To insert a PLC module, users can utilise the Insert PLC (Parametric) command, which automates the process. This command inserts each I/O point as a block on a rung of an existing ladder and adjusts the spacing between I/O points to match the rung spacing. AutoCAD Electrical also offers the flexibility to insert a full PLC module if users create their own, although it does not provide many pre-built options.
Overall, the PLC Database File Editor tool in AutoCAD Electrical empowers users to customise PLC styles and modules according to their specific needs. By understanding the structure of modules and utilising the tools provided, users can efficiently design and modify PLC configurations for their projects.
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Creating a custom PLC symbol
Firstly, it is important to define the blocks associated with each terminal type you plan to use. All existing similar blocks must be opened, modified, and saved according to the correct library location and style number.
Secondly, when creating a new style, it is advisable to start with a similar block. You can then copy the new blocks into your custom symbol library and modify them as needed. If you want to create an entirely new library, rename the numbers to 6, 7, 8, or 9 and then make your desired changes.
Thirdly, when inserting a PLC symbol, AutoCAD Electrical selects the appropriate symbols based on the rung spacing of the underlying ladder. It then explodes them, draws a rectangular box around the assembly, and creates a single block. This process results in a completed I/O module with annotated attributes.
Finally, when saving your custom symbol, ensure you use the correct naming convention. For the Drawing Properties dialog box, the bitmap file name should be P_STYLExH.bmp or P_STYLExV.bmp, where 'x' is the PLC style number (1-9) and H or V indicates horizontal or vertical orientation. For the Insert PLC dialog box, the file name should be STYLExH.bmp or STYLExV.bmp, with the same conventions.
By following these steps, you can create a fully functional custom PLC symbol in AutoCAD Electrical, tailored to your specific needs.
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Frequently asked questions
First, define the blocks associated with each terminal type you plan to use. Then, open, modify and save all existing similar blocks according to the correct library location and style number. You can then use the Insert PLC (Parametric) tool button to select your custom symbol.
Save the file as a bitmap using the following name definition: For the Drawing Properties dialog box, the graphic must have the name P_STYLExH.bmp or P_STYLExV.bmp where 'x' is the PLC style number (1-9) and H or V indicate the module orientation (horizontal or vertical). For the Insert PLC dialog box, the file name must be STYLExH.bmp or STYLExV.bmp where 'x' is the PLC style number (1-9) and H or V indicate the module orientation (horizontal or vertical).
At the beginning of the command, you define parameters. AutoCAD Electrical then evaluates the parameters and decides which pieces it needs. It will fetch all of those pieces from the libraries and place them according to the parameters. It will then enclose all of the pieces in a rectangle and add values to the attributes. Finally, it will explode all of the blocks and re-block them together into one comprehensive block.
You can insert a full PLC module by creating your own and inserting it using the Symbol Builder. Remember to use the "PLCIO" block name prefix and follow the attribute naming rules.
