Wiktor Wise
Adding a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to an AutoCAD electrical drawing can be done in a few ways. One method involves using the PLC Parametric Selection tool, which allows users to select and insert a PLC into their drawings. Another approach is to manually adjust stand-alone blocks using the Stretch PLC Module tool. When working with PLCs, it is essential to consider the manufacturer's specifications and ensure that the correct attributes are assigned to the PLC blocks. This includes utilizing the Symbol Builder tool to guide the addition of appropriate attributes and graphics. Understanding the specific PLC being used, such as those from CTI, Allen Bradley, or Siemens, is crucial for determining the most suitable method for integration into AutoCAD Electrical.
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What You'll Learn
Using the PLC Parametric Selection
AutoCAD Electrical supports inserting a full PLC module if you create your own. The Parametric PLC method is used by AutoCAD Electrical to build a PLC module. All the information to build a module is stored in the PLC database file, ace_plc.mdb, but you don't have to edit that file directly. The PLC Database Editor should be used to make all modifications.
The PLC Parametric Selection feature allows you to insert a parametrically generated PLC I/O module. You can generate PLC I/O modules on demand in a variety of graphical styles, with no complete I/O module library symbols. The modules adapt to the underlying ladder rung spacing and can be stretched or broken into two or more pieces at insertion time.
To use the PLC Parametric Selection, you can follow these steps:
- Open the PLC Parametric Selection Dialog Box in AutoCAD Electrical.
- Specify the graphical appearance of the PLC module by selecting one of the provided styles (Styles 1-5) or creating a user-defined style (Styles 6-9).
- Select a module type or a specific module from the Manufacturer Catalog tree, which is compiled from the "ace_plc.mdb" database file.
- AutoCAD Electrical will read the information from the selected module and display the available options for insertion.
- Make any necessary adjustments to the module, such as stretching or breaking it into multiple pieces.
- Insert the PLC module into your drawing.
It is worth noting that, as mentioned in the Autodesk Community forums, each computer may have a different PLC database. This can cause issues when sharing PLC symbols between computers. To address this, you can change the link of the PLC Parametric Selection to a public link that connects all computers. This can be achieved by typing "Option" and inputting the desired server path under the file option.
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Using the Symbol Builder
AutoCAD Electrical is a program used for creating and editing electrical diagrams and schematics. It offers a range of features, including the ability to insert Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) modules and custom schematic symbols.
When using the Symbol Builder in AutoCAD Electrical, there are a few key steps and considerations to keep in mind:
- Understanding the Symbol Builder: The Symbol Builder in AutoCAD Electrical allows users to create custom symbols and modules for their electrical diagrams. It provides a flexible way to build PLC modules without needing a fully built library symbol for each one.
- Defining Terminal Types: Before creating custom symbols, it is important to define the blocks associated with each terminal type you plan to use. Open and modify existing similar blocks, saving them according to the correct library location and style number.
- Using Existing Symbols as a Starting Point: When creating new symbols, it is often helpful to start with an existing symbol that is similar to the one you want to create. You can then make the necessary modifications to customize it for your specific needs.
- Following Naming Conventions: Adhere to the naming conventions when saving your custom symbols. For example, use the "`PLCIO` block name prefix" and follow the attribute naming rules to ensure compatibility and consistency.
- Setting Up Symbol Relationships: AutoCAD Electrical allows you to tie symbols together using "Sibling" symbols. This helps save time and effort in the design and debugging phases. For example, you can link a switch in a P&ID drawing to an input on a PLC.
- Pathing Considerations: When adding custom symbols, pay attention to pathing. Ensure that AutoCAD Electrical can access the correct location of your custom symbols by specifying the paths in the project parameters. This is important when using the PLC I/O Utility to ensure your symbols are recognized and inserted properly.
- Inserting Custom Symbols: Once your custom symbols are created, you can insert them into your diagrams using the PLC I/O Utility. This utility automates the insertion of entire PLC modules or individual I/O points. Ensure that you provide the correct block name without an asterisk (*) when inserting symbols to avoid issues.
By following these steps and considerations, you can effectively utilize the Symbol Builder in AutoCAD Electrical to create and insert custom symbols for your electrical diagrams and schematics.
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Adjusting Stand-Alone Blocks
When adjusting stand-alone blocks in AutoCAD Electrical, there are a few key considerations and steps to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to understand that stand-alone blocks in AutoCAD Electrical refer to blocks that are not associated with a particular layer and have their own unique properties.
To adjust stand-alone blocks, follow these steps:
- Identify the stand-alone block you want to adjust. Stand-alone blocks are typically identified by having a block name that ends with "_REF". This indicates that they are separate from other blocks and have their own properties.
- Use the "Stretch PLC Module" tool: As mentioned by Brad Coleman, an Electrical Draftsman, stand-alone blocks in AutoCAD Electrical can be manually adjusted using the "Stretch PLC Module" tool. This tool allows you to stretch or modify the block to fit your specific requirements.
- Check the block's properties: Before making adjustments, ensure that you understand the current properties of the stand-alone block, including its layer, colour, linetype, and lineweight. This will help you make informed decisions during the adjustment process.
- Modify the block's attributes: You can adjust the attributes of the stand-alone block to match your needs. This includes changing its size, shape, or any other visual properties. You can also use the "Block Definition" dialog box to modify the block's name, insertion point, and other parameters.
- Consider using layers: While stand-alone blocks are not associated with a specific layer, you can utilise layers to your advantage. By placing objects on Layer 0 and setting their properties to "ByLayer," you can ensure that they take on the block's layer properties. This provides more flexibility in adjusting the appearance and behaviour of the stand-alone block.
- Create a new block: If you want to create a new stand-alone block, you can use the CTRL+SHIFT+C shortcut to snap to the insertion point and select the objects you want to include in the block. Then, use CTRL+SHIFT+V to paste the selected objects as a new, unnamed block.
By following these steps, you can effectively adjust stand-alone blocks in AutoCAD Electrical to suit your specific requirements. Remember to pay attention to the block's properties and utilise the tools and features available in AutoCAD Electrical to achieve the desired outcome.
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Using the Stretch PLC Module Tool
The Stretch PLC Module tool is used to stretch or compress a windowed portion of a PLC module or any block insert. The tool allows users to manipulate components while maintaining all the original block information, including attributes.
To use the Stretch PLC Module tool, follow these steps:
- Click on the "Schematic" tab in the AutoCAD Electrical User's Guide.
- Navigate to the Edit Components panel and select Modify Components.
- From the drop-down menu, choose Stretch PLC Module.
- At the command prompt, enter "AESTRETCHPLC".
- Select the blocks you want to stretch by using a crossing window or a crossing polygon window.
- Press "Enter".
- Choose your base point and second point of displacement.
The selected blocks will then be stretched or exploded and rebuilt, ensuring that all the original block information, including attributes, is maintained.
It is important to note that the Stretch PLC Module tool can be used for any symbol, not just for stretching PLCs. As a result, some users have suggested renaming the command to "Stretch Symbol" or "Stretch Block" to better reflect its versatility.
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Creating 'Smart' Footprints
AutoCAD Electrical is a time-saving solution for documenting electrical controls. It comes with a library of 1:1 footprints in imperial and metric sizes. When you place a footprint, it will automatically be placed based on the catalog number identified in the schematic symbol.
To create a smart footprint, you can follow these steps:
- Define the catalog information within the catalog database.
- Create a record in the footprint lookup database to assign the footprint block to the catalog number.
- Use the symbol builder command in AutoCAD Electrical and select the required symbol definition and symbol type.
- Assign the required panel footprint attributes suitable for the component type.
- Create the panel footprint as a 'WBLOCK' with no symbol naming convention required.
- Store this panel footprint within the icon menu via the icon menu wizard.
You can also use the reverse workflow, where you design the panel layout first and then drive the schematics from the list of panel layout components. For example, if you need to add motor starters to your custom enclosure design, you can insert a motor starter panel footprint representation by selecting "Motor Control" from the "Icon Menu" on the "Panel" ribbon.
It's recommended to utilize one of the standards and its data, such as NFPA, IEEE, or IEC, to ensure proper industry standard symbols are used.
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Frequently asked questions
You can add a new PLC by copy-pasting the modules from the DWG files into your drawings. Alternatively, you can use the "PLC Parametric Selection" tool, which will guide you to add the correct attributes once you start it and add the graphics.
Ensure that you have the DWG and DXF files of the PLC modules from the manufacturer's website. If you want the PLC card to look like the actual model developed by the manufacturer, specify the path of the module's .dwg file in the "AutoCAD Block to insert" option in the New Module dialog box.
Parametric built PLC blocks are adjusted according to the dwg settings when built. Stand-alone blocks need to be manually adjusted using the 'Stretch PLC Module' tool.
If the drawings CTI provide are footprints, you can download and add the appropriate attributes to turn them into 'smart' footprints. You can check the Online Help to get a list of the required/suggested attributes for each type.
