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Electrical Wire Routing

Overview

Conventions

What's New?

Getting Started

Accessing the Workbench Creating the Bundle Selecting Systems with External Data Routing Wires from External Data

User Tasks

Starting... Creating the Session... Creating a Bundle Defining the Working Context

Working with External Data Selecting Systems Routing Wires Routing Equipotentials Automatically

Working with Electrical Functional Definition Selecting the Signal Creating a Wire Routing Wires Automatically Modifying a Wire Route Deleting a Wire Working with Signal Routes

Reconciling Objects Creating a Signal Route Deleting a Signal Route

Electrical Integration Scenarios Electrical Integration from External Data

Environment Settings Setting up the Electrical Process Interfacing Selecting Systems from External Data Placing Devices from External Data Creating the Cable Harness Placing Internal Splices Automatic Routing Exporting Data from CATIA

Electrical Integration from Functional Data Working with Wires

1Page Electrical Wire Routing Version 5 Release 13

Working with Wire Connections Creating a Wire Connection Moving a Wire Connection Deleting a Wire Connection Merging Wire Connections Splitting Wire Connection

Accessing Data From Catalog Using Electrical Library Getting Wire References Resolving Internal Splices

Exporting Wires Managing the Wire Extremities Simulating the Routing Managing Pathway/Signal Compatibility with Knowledgeware during Automatic Routing Filtering Wires Based on External Configuration System Editing Electrical Properties Viewing Related Objects Electrical and Knowledge

Electrical User Functions Electrical Package in Knowledge Expert

Electrical Application Interoperability

ENOVIA LCA Interoperability Working with Electrical Data Optimal CATIA PLM Usability

Using ENOVIA Catalog for Electrical Mapping Loading an iXF Document with VPM Nav

Workbench Description

Menu Bar Toolbars Specification Tree

Customizing

Electrical Wire Routing Electrical Mapping Electrical Process Interfacing Using Compatibility Table Using Knowledgeware Activating the Cache Electrical Data Exchange Format

Describing the iXF Electrical Schema Considering the iXF Schema in Greater Depth

Glossary

Index


Overview

Welcome to the Electrical Wire Routing User's Guide!This guide is intended for users who need to become quickly familiar with the product.

This overview provides the following information:

● Electrical Wire Routing in a Nutshell

● Before Reading this Guide

● Getting the Most Out of this Guide

● Accessing Sample Documents

● Conventions Used in this Guide

Electrical Wire Routing in a Nutshell

Electrical Wire Routing is a product which manages the definition of electrical wires according to the functional definition of electrical signal or external electrical specifications (xml files). It enables the users to solve complex routing problems within the context of the physical mock-up.

Electrical Wire Routing offers the following main functions:

● Routing an electrical signal defined in the functional system

● Define electrical wires on bundle segments on both V5 and V4 documents

● Define electrical signal routes on pathways

● Assign, manage and optimize electrical wire connection location

● Split and merge electrical wire connections

● Access electrical wire definition from catalogs

● Assign wire to termination

● Define bridge wire and crimping

● Analyze electrical disconnection

● Export wire route in several file formats

● Integration with VPM1 on Unix platform.

As a scalable product, Electrical Wire Routing can be used in cooperation with other current or future companion products such as Electrical Library, Electrical Harness Installation, Electrical Harness Flattening and Electrical System Functional Definition.

Before Reading this Guide


Before reading this guide, you should be familiar with basic Version 5 concepts such as document windows, standard and view toolbars. Therefore, we recommend that you read the Infrastructure User's Guide that describes generic capabilities common to all Version 5 products. It also describes the general layout of V5 and the interoperability between workbenches.

You may also like to read the following complementary product guides, for which the appropriate license is required:

● Assembly Design

● V4 Integration

● Systems Space Reservation

● Electrical System Functional Definition.

Getting the Most Out of this GuideTo get the most out of this guide, we suggest that you start reading and performing the step-by-step Getting Started tutorial. This tutorial will show you how to route wires in an electrical bundle.

Once you have finished, you should move on to the User Tasks section, which deals with handling all the product functions.

The Workbench Description section, which describes the Electrical Wire Routing workbench, and the Customizing section, which explains how to set up the options, will also certainly prove useful.

Navigating in the Split View mode is recommended. This mode offers a framed layout allowing direct access from the table of contents to the information.

Accessing Sample DocumentsTo perform the scenarios, sample documents are provided all along the documentation. For more information about this, refer to Accessing Sample Documents in the Infrastructure User's Guide.

Conventions Used in this GuideTo learn more about the conventions used in the documentation, refer to the Conventions section.


ConventionsCertain conventions are used in CATIA, ENOVIA & DELMIA documentation to help you recognize and understand important concepts and specifications.

Graphic Conventions

The three categories of graphic conventions used are as follows:

● Graphic conventions structuring the tasks

● Graphic conventions indicating the configuration required

● Graphic conventions used in the table of contents

Graphic Conventions Structuring the Tasks

Graphic conventions structuring the tasks are denoted as follows:

This icon... Identifies...

estimated time to accomplish a task

a target of a task

the prerequisites

the start of the scenario

a tip

a warning

information

basic concepts

methodology

reference information

information regarding settings, customization, etc.

the end of a task

functionalities that are new or enhanced with this Release.

allows you to switch back the full-window viewing mode.

Graphic Conventions Indicating the Configuration Required

Graphic conventions indicating the configuration required are denoted as follows:


This icon... Indicates functions that are...

specific to the P1 configuration



Graphic Conventions Used in the Table of Contents

Graphic conventions used in the table of contents are denoted as follows:

This icon... Gives access to...

Site Map

Split View mode

What's New?

Overview

Getting Started

Basic Tasks

User Tasks or the Advanced Tasks

Workbench Description

Customizing

Reference

Methodology

Glossary

Index

Text Conventions

The following text conventions are used:

The titles of CATIA, ENOVIA and DELMIA documents appear in this manner throughout the text. File -> New identifies the commands to be used. Enhancements are identified by a blue-colored background on the text.

How to Use the Mouse

The use of the mouse differs according to the type of action you need to perform.


Use thismouse button... Whenever you read...

● Select (menus, commands, geometry in graphics area, ...)

● Click (icons, dialog box buttons, tabs, selection of a location in the document window, ...)

● Double-click

● Shift-click

● Ctrl-click

● Check (check boxes)

● Drag

● Drag and drop (icons onto objects, objects onto objects)

● Drag

● Move

● Right-click (to select contextual menu)


What's New?

This table identifies what new or improved capabilities have been documented in Version 5 Release 13 of the Electrical Wire Routing User's Guide.

Other information, even if it does not rely on new functionalities, has been added to the documentation:

● Using ENOVIA Catalog for Electrical Mapping

● Loading an iXF Document with VPM Nav

● Considering External Data Routing in Greater Depth.

New Functionalities

ENOVIA - CATIA InteroperabilityProposes a simple scenario using VPM Navigator

Enhanced Functionalities

Electrical and KnowledgeA user function and attributes on electrical objects have been added.


Getting Started

Before getting into the detailed instructions for using Electrical Wire Routing Version 5, the following tutorial provides a step-by-step scenario demonstrating how to use key functionalities.

Before starting this scenario, you should be familiar with the basic commands common to all workbenches. These are described in the Infrastructure User's Guide.

The main tasks proposed in this section are:

Accessing the WorkbenchCreating the Bundle

Selecting Systems with External DataRouting Wires from External Data

All together, these tasks should take about 10 minutes to complete.


Accessing the Electrical Wire Routing Workbench

This task explains how to set up the environment.

1. Choose the Electrical Wire Routing item from the Start -> Equipments & Systems menu.

The Electrical Wire Routing workbench is displayed and ready to use.


Creating the Bundle

This task shows you how to create a bundle.A bundle is a document containing wires.

Open the GettingStarted1.CATProduct.

If you work in visualization mode, since routing is now possible with this mode, you need to update your document at opening to load the publication.

a. Click the Update button .

An update warning opens:

b. Click OK to validate.

1. Select the New Bundle button .

The New Bundle dialog box opens:

Note that you can change its name.

2. Select Geometrical Bundle1 in the specification tree.

3. Click OK to validate.

The new bundle is automatically created under the active product.The feature is added to the specification tree.


4. Repeat theses steps for the Geometrical Bundle2.


Selecting Systems with External Data

This task shows how to select the external system.

The GettingStarted1.CATProduct is still open from the previous task.

Since the option is set up to enable the external systems interfacing, an additional command is available in the Electrical Wire Routing workbench.

You are required to identify the path:

● of the folder in which the XML files are stored

● of the working catalog containing the V5 parts which Part Number are referred to in the XML files.

a. Use to locate the iXF systems repository.For this example, the path is: .../online/cfysa_C2/samples/ElectricalIntegration

b. Use to locate the catalog path.For this example, the path is: .../online/cfysa_C2/samples/ElectricalIntegration/ElecIntegration.catalog


1. Select the Select External Systems button .

The System Selection dialog box displays with the XML files available:

2. Select the ElectricalBundle2.1 system and click the right arrow .


The component list is filled up with this data and available for routing.

If a system has already been selected, data is reloaded.


Routing Wires from External Data

This task shows you how to route wires.

The GettingStarted1.CATProduct is still open from the previous task.

1. Select the Automatic Wire Routing button .

2. The Wire Routing dialog box opens with connectivity and attribute information:

3. Select all the wires with the double right-arrow .The selected wires shift to the right column: they will be routed.

4. Click Route.

The Automatic Wire Routing Report dialog box is displayed:

The specification tree is updated, showing the wires routed:


5. Close the report window.

Place the mouse pointer over a wire in the specification tree to highlight in the geometry the bundle segments containing the

selected wire.


User TasksThe User Tasks section explains and illustrates how to create various kinds of features.The table below lists the information you will find.

Starting...Creating the Session...

Creating a BundleDefining the Working Context

Working with WiresWorking with Wire Connections

Accessing Data From Catalog Using Electrical LibraryExporting Wires

Managing the Wire ExtremitiesSimulating the Routing

Managing Pathway/Signal Compatibility with Knowledgeware during Automatic RoutingFiltering Wires Based on External Configuration System

Editing Electrical PropertiesViewing Related ObjectsElectrical and Knowledge


Starting with Electrical Wire Routing...

This task shows you how to launch the Electrical Wire Routing workbench.

1. Choose the Electrical Wire Routing item from the Start -> Equipments & Systems menu.

The Electrical Wire Routing workbench is displayed and ready to use.

You can add the Electrical Wire Routing workbench to your Favorites, using the Tools -> Customize item. For more information, refer to CATIA V5 - Infrastructure User's Guide.


Creating the Session

This task shows you how to create the working session.

1. Choose the New... item from the File menu.

The dialog box opens:

2. Select the Product type and click OK.

3. Click the Select External Systems button to select the systems.

Refer to Selecting the Systems.

orUsing the Insert -> Existing Component... item, select the documents containing:

❍ the functional system (Electrical System Functional Definition CATProduct)

❍ the geometrical bundle or the Systems Space Reservation CATProduct or the V4 electrical model.

4. Save the document.


Creating the Electrical Bundle

This task shows you how to create an electrical bundle.A bundle or electrical bundle is a document containing wires.

Open the StartupSession.CATProduct document.

If you work in visualization mode, since routing is now possible with this mode, you need to update your document at opening to load the publication.

a. Click the Update button .



1. Select the New Bundle button .

The New Bundle dialog box opens:

2. Change the bundle name if needed.

3. Select in the specification tree one or more geometrical bundles you want to be connected to the

new bundle: GeometricalBundle1 (Power A)


5. Repeat these steps to create the second electrical bundle connected to GeometricalBundle2 (Power B).

The new bundles are automatically created under the active product.They are added to the specification tree.


An electrical bundle is associated to a geometrical bundle by the wires it contains.

If the geometry is not loaded, check the Product Structure settings.An alternative to display the geometry is to choose the Representations -> Activate Terminal Node item. Right-click Product1 to use the contextual menu or select Edit -> Representations.


Defining the Working Context

To complete the electrical process from end to end, CATIA Electrical products can import electrical specifications from various data repository. It is possible to manage links to map electrical devices positioned in 3D to any format of electrical specifications (textual, list, 2D schematics). This can be done at various steps of the process (from functional or logical information) to insure the reliability and integrity of the 3D implementation of your electrical systems. In Electrical Wire Routing, the connectivity information can also be imported to route the wires, equipotentials or signals after the component placement in the 3D geometry.You can either use the import from external data mechanism or the integration with Electrical System Functional Definition.

Working with External DataWorking with Electrical Functional Definition

Electrical Integration Scenarios


Working with External Data

Select a system from external data to be routed through wires and connections.

Selecting SystemsRouting Wires

Routing Equipotentials Automatically


Selecting Systems

Since the option is set up to enable the external systems interfacing, an additional command is available in the Electrical Library and Electrical Wire Routing workbenches.

This task explains how to select the system prior to routing.Once a system is selected, the list of devices is loaded and ready to use.

1. Open the document.

2. Click the Select External Systems button .


3. Select one or more systems and click the right arrow .


The component list is filled up with this data and available for routing.

If a system has already been selected, data is reloaded.


Routing Wires (Automatic Mode)

This task explains how to route wires from an external wire list into an electrical bundle integrating data from a catalog.

If you work in visualization mode (cache mode activated), since routing is now possible with this mode, you need to update you document to load the publication.

a. Click the Update All button .



The document is already open from the previous task.

Make sure the CATIA options are properly set up: for the purpose of this scenario

● in electrical mapping: map the wire type.

● in external data interfacing:

❍ choose ...\online\ewrug_C2\samples\XMLrouting as System Repository

❍ choose ...\online\ewrug_C2\samples\XMLrouting\WireCatalog.catalog as Electrical Working Catalog.


1. Click the Automatic Routing button.

The wire list opens with connectivity and attribute information:

For the wires available in the list, you get the following information:

❍ the wire name

❍ the wire identifier

❍ the wire external diameter

❍ the wire bend radius

❍ if the wire is routed or not

❍ if the extremities have been found or not, or changed.

Filters can help you make your selection:

❍ hide already routed wires

❍ hide not routed wires

❍ hide wires which extremities are not found.

The routing options allow you to use or not the knowledge rule.

2. Select one or more wires and click the right arrow.

The selected wires shift to the right column: they will be routed.

3. Click Route.

The Automatic Wire Routing Report is displayed.


Since the routing now integrates the wire catalog:❍ if the wire is referenced in the catalog, the report indicates that the origin is From catalog.

❍ if the wire is not referenced in the catalog, the report indicates that the origin is New.

Note that the specification tree icons also show that the first wire is resolved when the other two are new.


To know more about wire routing from external data, refer to Considering External Data Routing in Greater Depth.


Routing Equipotentials Automatically

Since you have set up the option to enable the external systems interfacing, an additional command

is available in the Electrical Wire Routing workbench.

This command allows you to select the systems to be imported.

The Automatic Equipotential Routing command is available.

This task explains how to route equipotentials from an external list into an electrical bundle.





The document must contain at least: ● a geometrical bundle with bundle segments and components at their extremities

● an electrical bundle connected to the geometrical bundle

● a system.


1. Switch to Electrical Wire Routing workbench .

2. Double-click to activate the root product.

3. Click the Automatic Equipotential Routing button .

The equipotential list opens with connectivity and attribute information:

For the equipotentials available in the list, you get the following information:

❍ the name

❍ the identifier

❍ the diameter

❍ the subtype

❍ if the equipotential is routed or not



❍ hide already routed equipotentials

❍ hide not routed equipotentials

❍ hide equipotentials which extremities are not found.


4. Select one or more equipotentials and click the right arrow.

The selected equipotentials shift to the right column: they will be routed.

5. Click Route.

The Automatic Equipotential Routing Report is displayed:



The wires are added to the specification tree:

The bundle segments diameter are updated according to the equipotential information.

How are the wires generated


From the signal from-to specifications, performing the routing process allows you to generate the wires according the following design rules:

The system queries the network to find out the shortest path to link the signal extremities. This shortest path is computed by taking into account separation code rules between the signals to be routed and the already routed ones or between network and signals to be routed. Thanks to the integration with the knowledge language, it is possible to create design rules that mix network rules, inter-signal rules and even more rules!According to this path and the electrical bundle definition, the wires are generated with their attributes in the correct bundle, and wire connections (splice specification) are placed at forks in order to minimize the wire length.

At the interconnection between harnesses, the wire extremity is connected to a generic pin and it is possible to refine this definition to pins using the extremity management command. Then the wires are connected according to the from-to signal specification (at the level of the pin if defined in the signal specification) by retrieving the mating connectors or pins in the harness. It can also be refined using the extremity management command.

To know more about wire routing from external data, refer to Considering External Data Routing in Greater Depth.


Working with Electrical Functional Definition

Selecting the signal to be routed through wires and connections.

Creating a wire manually

Routing wires automatically

Modifying the wire route

Deleting a wire

Working with signal routes for Space Reservation (SSR)


Selecting the Signal

Once the bundle is created, you need to select the signal to complete the routing context definition.

There are two ways to select the signal: ● using the combo list

● using the Signal multi-selection dialog box.

This command is deactivated when working with external data.

Using the combo list

1. Click the Signal field.

2. Drag the mouse to Signal-A1.C1.B2.C2.

When you release the mouse button, the signal is selected (Signal-A1.C1.B2.C2).

Using the Signal multi-selection dialog box


1. Click the Select Signal button .The Signal Selection dialog box opens.

2. Select one or several signals using Ctrl key.

Note that the Rank allows you to choose the selection order during the automatic routing, taking into account possible Priority orders.In our example, Signal-A1.C1.B2.C2 will be routed first, then the other signals according to their ranks.

For more information, please refer to Creating Signals in CATIA - Electrical System Functional Definition user's guide (step Attributes).


You have created the bundle and set up the context.

The Signal Selection dialog box looks like this:

Note that the wire connections and signal extremities are shown in the geometry when one signal only is selected.When working in multi-selection, switch the combo to the desired signal to display the wire connections.


Creating Wires (Manual Mode)

This task shows you how to create wires.It also explains

● how the wires are distributed into the bundle segments,

● how the V5 bundle segment diameter is recomputed

● how the wires are resolved using an EFD attribute

● how the wire extremities are connected according to the signal definition.

Electrical wires are created into an electrical bundle that realizes a functional signal.In this section, you will work with bundles created using CATIA V5.

The next section concerns the space reservation network created within CATIA - Systems Space Reservation.


1. Select the Signal-A1.B1.C1 in the Signal combo box.

2. Select the New Wire button .You are prompted to select the segments to map out the wire route.

3. Click the following segments:


The Selection dialog box opens.

As soon as a segment is selected, the window is updated.

4. Enter a name for the wire: Wire1

5. Press OK to validate.

The wire has been created under the electrical bundle and added to the specification tree:

How are the wires distributed into the bundle segments?

The wires take place in the correct harness according to the relationship defined between the geometrical bundle and the electrical bundle. The wires are interrupted at the interconnections and linked to mating connectors if necessary.

How is the V5 bundle segment diameter recomputed?

The bundle segment diameter is recomputed according to the wires it contains.Consequently the geometry is updated.

Before:


After:

By default, the diameter is computed as follows:

Number of Wires Bundle Segment Diameter

N = 0 no change

N = 1 wire diameter

N = 2 or 3 2 * Max

N = 4 and above (1 + 2*((N - 1)/3)1/2) * Max

where Max is the largest wire diameter

Automatic wire resolution

When the signal is defined in EFD, if the Nominal PartNumber property is valuated, the wire will be automatically resolved at the wire creation: the part number is taken into account to get the correct information from the catalog.

The signal properties dialog box shows the following values:

When the wires are created, the specification tree looks like this:


How are the wire extremities connected according to the signal definition

● The wires are always created in the correct bundle: using the signal definition to get the functional extremities, then the physical extremities, the geometrical bundle may be deduced. Since the electrical bundle has been defined through its links to the geometrical bundle(s), it's now possible to create the wires in the correct electrical bundle.

● The wire extremities are automatically connected to the electrical terminations if it corresponds to the signal extremity.

● The wire extremities are automatically connected to the wire connection if one exists as an extremity in the signal.

However, when a signal extremity is an equipment with mating connectors, the connection is done on the mating connectors. See the example using the automating routing.

You can still create wires in a bundle network created with CATIA-ELW Electrical Wire Bundle Installation Version 4.


Routing Wires Automatically

This task shows you how to route a wire automatically.It also explains:

● how the wires are distributed into the bundle segments,

● how the V5 bundle segment diameter is recomputed

● how the wires are resolved using an EFD attribute

● how the wire extremities are connected according to the signal definition.

The algorithm optimizes the wire route according to company criteria, with the following capabilities:

● find the shortest wire route

● route multiple extremities signals

● route several signals at a time in compliance with a priority and a rank order

● manage separation code for compatibility between signal and bundle segment with a compatibility table and CATIA knowledgeware

● position automatically the connections at the wire forks.





1. Set up the routing context with two signals:


Note that the Rank allows you to choose the selection order during the automatic routing, taking into account possible Priority orders. In our example, Signal-A1.C1.B2.C2 will be routed first, then the other signals according to their ranks.

For more information, please refer to Creating Signals in the CATIA - Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide (step Attributes).


After computation, the result looks like this:


The shortest route has been found and the connections created.


N.B.: the connection created on Signal-A1.C1.B2.C2 is not displayed in multi-signal mode. Switch to Signal-A1.C1.B2.C2 to view it.

How are the wires distributed into the bundle segments?

The wires take place in the correct harness according to the relationship defined between the geometrical bundle and the electrical bundle. The wires are interrupted at the interconnections and linked to mating connectors if necessary.

How is the V5 bundle segment diameter recomputed?

The bundle segment diameter is recomputed according to the wires it contains.Consequently the geometry is updated.

Before:


After:

By default, the diameter is computed as follows:

Number of Wires Bundle Segment Diameter

N = 0 no change

N = 1 wire diameter

N = 2 or 3 2 * Max

N = 4 and above (1 + 2*((N - 1)/3)1/2) * Max

where Max is the largest wire diameter

Automatic wire resolution

When the signal is defined in EFD, if the Nominal PartNumber property is valuated, the wire will automatically be resolved during the routing: the part number is taken into account to get the correct information from the catalog.

The signal properties dialog box shows the following values:

When the automatic routing has been performed, the specification tree looks like this:


How are the wire extremities connected according to the signal definition

The wire extremities are automatically connected according to the signal definition:

● Termination (electrical termination) to termination if terminations exist

● Connector (electrical connection point) to connector if connectors exist

● Equipment to equipment if equipments exist.

However, when a signal extremity is an equipment with mating connectors, the connection is done on the mating connectors:

1. Open the Electrical-Assembly.CATProduct.

2. Select Signal-Left in the combo box .


The wire network is computed.

4. Select Single-Connector and click the Extremity Management button .

The Wire1 is connected on the cavity Number03 of the connector Single-Connector referenced in the functional definition (Connector-AX11)


5. Select Connector-on-Equipment.2 and click the Extremity Management button .

No wire is connected on this side, but Wire3 is connected on the mating connector belonging to the bundle segment network, on the cavity Number01 corresponding to the functional definition (Mating-Connector.2 corresponding with the functional Connector-AX2)


You can still create wires automatically in a bundle network created with CATIA-ELW Electrical Wire Bundle Installation Version 4.


Modifying the Wire Route

This task shows you how to modify a wire route.

This command works similarly with external or functional data.

1. Select the Modify Route button .You are prompted to select the wire to be modified.

2. Choose Signal-A1.C1.B2.C2Wire1 in the specification tree.

The wire route is highlighted.


3. The Route Modification dialog box opens.

4. Click the segments you want to deselect, then the segments to define the new route.



The route has been modified and the wires recomputed.

❍ The wire extremities are automatically connected to the electrical termination if it corresponds to the signal extremity.

❍ The wire extremities are automatically connected to the wire connection if one exists as an extremity in the signal.

You can also modify wires in a bundle network created with CATIA-ELW Electrical Wire Bundle

Installation Version 4.


Deleting a Wire

This task shows you how to delete a wire.

This command works similarly with external or functional data.

1. Select the wire in the specification tree: Signal-A1.C1.B2.C2Wire1

2. Press the Delete key or right-click to use the contextual menu: Delete.

The wire is deleted.If the wire is linked to a connection, this connection will also be removed when deleting the wire, if it is no longer used.

This functionality is also available on wires routed in a bundle network created with CATIA-ELW Electrical Wire Bundle Installation Version 4.


Working with Signal Routesfor Space Reservation (SSR)

Reconciling: Associate the functional and the physical objects.

Creating: Route automatically on the signal selected.

Deleting: Remove the signal selected.


Reconciling Objects

This task prepares the signal route creation on pathways.

In this section, you will work on electrical signals to be routed in a space reservation network (pathways) created within CATIA Systems Space Reservation Version 5.You will first reconcile the functional with the physical objects then create the signal route.Two cases are available:

● reconciling a functional connector with a physical connector:all the functional connectors belonging to a functional equipment must be reconciled with physical connectors belonging to the same reservation box (ArrBox).

● reconciling a functional equipment with a physical equipment:a physical connector must be specifically created, representing the signal connection point onto the physical equipment. In this case, the physical equipment has an extra connector which does not exist in the functional definition.

Open the SSRSession.CATProduct document.

1. Select the Map with Reservation button .

2. Select the FunctEquipment1 functional equipment in the specification tree.

3. Select the connector of the first ArrBox.

The FunctEquipment1 icon is now shown like this in the specification tree:

4. Repeat the step 1 to 3 for the other two equipments.

The system looks like this:


● An alternative is to select the functional equipment icon, and right-click to use the contextual menu Map With Reservation:


● A functional equipment which is not reconciled with a physical connector is shown like this:

After reconciliation, it becomes:

● Use the Related Objects viewer to check if functional equipments are reconciled with physical.

The instance name is no longer modified during the reconciliation.


Creating a Signal Route

This task shows you how create a signal route on pathways.

The algorithm optimizes the wire route according to company criteria, with the following capabilities: ● find the shortest wire route

● route multiple extremities signals

● route several signals at a time in compliance with a priority and a rank order

● manage available areas in the pathway

● manage separation code for compatibility between signal and pathway with a compatibility table and CATIA knowledgeware

● position automatically the connections at the wire forks.





The SSRSession.CATProduct document is still open from the previous task.


1. Select the Signal1.1 in the combo box .

2. Select the Automatic Wire Routing button .The signal is routed and the routes are added to the specification tree.

Managing the pathway-signal compatibility through the CATIA knowledgeware optimizes the automatic routing action.


Deleting a Signal Route

This task shows you how to delete a signal route.

The SSRSession.CATProduct document is still open from the previous task.

1. Select the signal route to be deleted in the specification tree: SignalRoute2

2. Press the Delete key or right-click to use the contextual menu: -> Delete.

The signal route is deleted.


Electrical Integration ScenariosTo complete the electrical process from end to end, CATIA Electrical products can import electrical specifications from various data repository. It can be either from CATIA EFD product or through external electrical specification authoring tools (schematics, database, etc.) thanks to CAA APIs or XML exchange files.

Here are two scenarios illustrating these capabilities:

Electrical Integration from External DataElectrical Integration from Functional Data


Electrical Integration from External Data

This document explains the external data exchange capabilities available in the electrical workbenches.

Environment SettingsSetting up the Electrical Process Interfacing

Selecting Systems from External DataPlacing Devices from External Data

Creating the Cable HarnessPlacing Internal Splices

Automatic RoutingExporting Data from CATIA


Setting up the Environment

Make sure the options are set up as follows:

1. Select the Tools -> Options... command then in the Infrastructure category, click Part

Infrastructure.

2. In the General tab:

Keep link with selected object option must be checked:

This makes possible the contextual links between the bundle segments and the geometry when creating the harness.

3. Then in the Equipment & Systems category, click the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.

Click the Harness Management tab:

The bundle segment naming rule is set to Parent-Bundle Segment(#PN#)to help you recognize to which geometrical bundle a bundle segment belongs.

4. Click OK to validate the entries made.


Setting up the Electrical Process Interfacing

This document shows how to set up the options to take advantage of external data from partners through XML files.See also the Customizing - Electrical Process Interfacing documentation.

It is also possible to use CAA V5 APIs to get information from legacy databases.

1. Select the Tools -> Options... command then in the Equipment & Systems category, click the

Electrical Process Interfacing tab.

This tab lets you define:❍ the access to external data

❍ the electrical iXF repository path

❍ the electrical working catalog path.

2. Make sure Enable external systems interfacing is checked.

However, you are required to identify the path:❍ of the folder in which the XML files available are stored

❍ of the working catalog containing the V5 parts which Part Number are referred to in the XML files.

3. Use to locate the iXF systems repository.For this example, the path is: .../online/cfysa_C2/samples/ElectricalIntegration

4. Use to locate the catalog path.For this example, the path is: .../online/cfysa_C2/samples/ElectricalIntegration/ElecIntegration.catalog

5. Click OK to validate the entries made.


It is now necessary to define the electrical objects mapping regarding the working catalog.To do so:

● use the Tools -> Options... menu

● then in the Equipment & Systems category, select the Electrical mapping tab.

Refer to the Customizing - Equipment & Systems - Electrical mapping documentation.


Selecting Systems from External Data


is available in the Electrical Library and Electrical Wire Routing workbenches.

This task explains how to select the system prior to placing electrical components or routing.Once a system is selected, the list of devices is loaded and ready to use.

1. Switch to the Electrical Assembly Design workbench or Electrical Wire Routing .

2. Click the Select External Systems button.


3. Select one or more systems and click the right arrow .for example: Electrical Bundle2.1


The component list is filled up with these data and available for assisted placement or routing.

If a system has already been selected, the data is reloaded.


Placing Devices from External Data

Since you have set up the option to enable the external systems interfacing, an additional command is available in the Electrical Library and Electrical Wire Routing workbenches.

And the Electrical Library commands Place Physical Device and Add Link are replaced with this one:

Manage Links .

This task explains how to place electrical components from the external device list.

1. Click the Manage Links button.

The device list displays:

The components you can place are:❍ equipments

❍ connectors

❍ internal splices

❍ shells.

You can filter the list:❍ Show all devices: the list displays all the devices referenced in the external data file, even if they are not

placed in the geometry.

❍ Show only devices present in session: the list displays only the devices placed in the geometry.

❍ Show only changed devices: the list displays only the devices which part numbers have been changed in the external data file.

2. Select a component, for example the battery: Battery 6volts.1


If the component is not linked to a 3D element, the Place and Link buttons become available.

3. Click Place.

The catalog browser opens.

Since a mapping has been defined, the catalog browser has been filtered to display only the object with the same part number as the object selected in the device list.If the part number is defined neither in the device list nor in the catalog, you can navigate in the catalog browser to select the component of your choice.

4. Select this equipment: Battery 6volts and click OK.

The equipment is placed and automatically linked, together with the connector that belongs to it.They are added to the specification tree under the active product and appear in the geometry at the origin. You can change their locations using the compass.

The component list is updated: the equipment, connector and pins are shown as linked in the device list.


If all the sub-element part numbers are filled up in the device list and found in the catalog, they are automatically placed and linked.

5. Repeat these steps for the second equipment: Battery 6Volts.2.

6. Click Close when you are done.

Make sure you have defined the electrical objects mapping regarding the working catalog.To do so:

● use the Tools -> Options... menu




Creating the Cable Harness



Manage Links .

This task explains how to define the cable harness and place the connectors at each extremity.

1. Switch to Electrical Harness Assembly workbench .

2. Insert a new product under the root product.

Either use the contextual menu - Components -> New Product - or select the Insert -> New Product menu item.

3. Click the Geometrical Bundle button.

4. Switch to Electrical Assembly Design workbench again.

5. Double-click to activate the geometrical bundle to place the extremities.

6. Click the Place Physical Device button.

The component list displays:

You will place the mating connectors: Connector_M.1 and Connector_M.2.


7. Select a connector, for example Connector_M.1

8. Click Place.

Since a mapping has been defined, the catalog browser opens with the predefined connector:

9. Select this connector: Connector_M and click OK.

The connector is placed and automatically linked, together with the pins that belong to it.They are added to the specification tree under the active product and appear in the geometry at the origin (0, 0). You change the location using the compass.

The component list is updated: the connector and pins are shown as Linked in the device list.

10. Repeat these steps for the other mating connector if you perform the whole scenario.

The result looks like this:

You will now connect the male connectors to the batteries.

The parent product, common to both devices to be connected, must be active.

11. Click the Connect Electrical Devices button.


Select successively the connector connection point of both connectors to link them.


Placing Internal Splices



Manage Links .

This task explains how to place internal splices anywhere inside the bundle segment, under the covering.

1. Switch to Electrical Harness Assembly workbench .

2. Double-click to activate the geometrical bundle.

3. Create the bundle segment harness.

To do so:

a. Click the Bundle Segment button.

b. Define the bundle segment parameters.

c. Define a construction point to link the harness between the batteries.

d. Define the bundle segment routes.

These steps are detailed in the Basic Tasks - Creating the Bundle Segment Document.



You will now place the internal splices inside the bundle segments.

4. Switch to Electrical Assembly Design workbench .

5. Click the Manage Links button.The device list displays.

6. Select an internal splice:

7. Click Place.

Since a mapping has been defined, the catalog browser opens with the predefined internal splice:

8. Select this internal splice: IS-2Term and click OK.

You are prompted to select the bundle segment on which you want to place the internal splice.

9. Click to select the bundle segment.

The Internal Splice Placement dialog box opens:


10. Move then click to place the internal splice.

You can also modify the offset in the dialog box.

11. Click OK.

Repeat these steps for the other splice.The internal splice is placed and automatically linked.They are added to the specification tree under the active product. They do not have a geometrical representation.

The component list is updated: the splices and pins are shown as linked in the device list.


12. Click Close when you are done.


Automatic Routing


is available in the Electrical Library and Electrical Wire Routing workbenches.

This command allows you to select the systems to be imported.

The Automatic Wire Routing command in Electrical Wire Routing is modified:

This task explains how to route wires from an external wire list into an electrical bundle.To know more details, refer to Considering External Data Routing in Greater Depth.


a. Click the Update button.



To know more about the cache activation, refer to Electrical Wire Routing - Customizing - Activating the

Cache.

The document must contain at least:● a geometrical bundle with bundle segments and components at their extremities

● a system.



2. Double-click to activate the root product.

3. Create the electrical bundle connected to the geometrical bundle.

To do so:

a. Click the New Bundle button.

b. Select the geometrical bundle to be connected to.

These steps are detailed in the Basic Tasks - Defining the Routing Context - Creating the Bundle.

The electrical bundle is added to the specification tree under the root product.

4. Click the Automatic Routing button.

The wire list opens with connectivity and attribute information:

For the wires available in the list, you get the following information:

❍ the wire name

❍ the wire reference designator

❍ the wire external diameter

❍ the wire bend radius

❍ if the wire is routed or not



❍ hide already routed wires

❍ hide not routed wires

❍ hide wires which extremities are not found.


5. Select one or more wires and click the right arrow.

The selected wires shift to the right column: they will be routed.

6. Click Route.

The Automatic Wire Routing Report is displayed



The wires are added to the specification tree:

The bundle segments diameter are updated according to the wiring information.To know more, refer to Customizing - Equipment & Systems - Electrical Wire Routing documentation.


Exporting Data from CATIA

Since you have set up the option to enable the external systems interfacing, an additional command is available in the Electrical Library and Electrical Wire Routing workbenches.And the Export Wires... command in Electrical Wire Routing is modified.Refer to the Electrical Wire Routing - Basic Tasks - Exporting Wires to know more about the Wire Export first method.

This task explains how to export data from CATIA, for back annotation purpose through CAA V5 APIs or using an XML file.

Using this method, you can export data from a complete harness or a sub-assembly.It allows you to generate the full harness schematic with the wires, the connectors at the their extremities, the equipments, etc.


2. Click the Tools -> Export Wires... menu item and select the Export Wires in iXF Format.

You are prompted to select a node in the specification tree and every electrical bundle belonging to it will be exported.

3. Click a node in the specification tree.

The File dialog box opens:


4. Navigate to select the folder where you want to store your file and enter the name of the file.

5. Click Save.

An .xml file is created.

Note that the wires are exported by harness (electrical bundle).The data exported are:

● the wire properties, particularly the wire length computed from the 3D geometry

● the electrical objects connected to the wires (termination, cavity, etc.).


Electrical Integration from Functional Data

This scenario puts together the functionalities from the four workbenches used successively to create an electrical product. As an example: a hair dryer.

It can be split in four phases:

the electrical system definition using Electrical System Functional Definition

the device implantation in 3D environment with Electrical Library

the physical harness creation using Electrical Harness Installation

and finally the electrical wire routing with Electrical Wire Routing.

Re-using predefined electrical systems to create a more elaborate system

1. Start an Electrical System Functional Definition session.

2. Click the New icon and assemble the electrical systems:

3. Import existing components using the contextual menu:


❍ PowerSupply

❍ HairDryer

❍ HairDryer_Signals

4. Map the functional connectors to the physical ones using the contextual menu:

(connector_M: extension cable connectors to be plugged onto the batteries)

This action makes it possible to predefine for each functional connector what device reference to be used for the 3D

placement. This will simplify the 3D Designer work: he's driven by the functional data, reusing the Electrical System

engineer knowledge to achieve the 3D implantation.

5. Connect terminations and signals using the Assign icon .


This action makes it possible to define the signal extremities corresponding to the power supply and the hair dryer

systems.

6. Save the electrical system assembly using this icon .

The electrical functional system is defined.

It is saved in the HairDryer_Assembly.CATProduct document in the samples folder.

7. Launch a CATIA session.

8. Open the ElectricalWorkbenchIntegration.CATProduct.

It contains two batteries with two female connectors.


9. Load the functional system.

To do so:

❍ Right-click the ElectricalWorkbenchIntegration product and select Components -> Existing Components...

❍ Select the HairDryer_Assembly.CATProduct.

The correct path is: ...\online\cfysa_C2\samples\ElectricalIntegration

10. Set up the options using the Tools -> Options... menu:

❍ Select Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure -> General:Activate the External References option: Keep link with selected object.

❍ Select Mechanical Design -> Assembly Design -> General:Activate the option: Automatic update.

3D implantation of the device

You will place the physical device: the hair dryer.

1. Start the Electrical Assembly Design workbench.

2. Insert a New Product.

❍ Right-click the ElectricalWorkbenchIntegrationand select Components -> New Product,

❍ In the Properties dialog box, enter the Part Number value for the hair dryer:Hair-DryerProd and validate.

This product will contain the hair dryer itself and later the power cable.

3. Open the Catalog Browser using this icon .

Successively:

❍ Choose the catalog: ElecIntegration.catalog

if necessary, use the Browse button . The correct path is:...\online\cfysa_C2\samples\ElectricalIntegration

❍ Drag and drop the hair-dryer equipment onto Hair-DryerProd.

❍ Close the Catalog Browser when done.

This action places the component from the catalog at the default location.Using the compass, you can modify the position of the equipment.It's a first standard mode of placement.

4. Click the Add Link icon to link the respective physical and functional equipment (the hair dryer).


This action generates the link between the component and its corresponding functional element.

❍ You can see if a component is connected or not: the equipment icon sign changes and turns from red to green, meaning that the hair dryer is now electrically linked.

>>

❍ The automatic signal routing will be possible since the signal extremities defined in the functional system can be transposed in the 3D world using the physical/functional relations.

Physical harness creation

1. Start the Electrical Harness Assembly workbench.

2. Create two new products:

one for the hair dryer power cable, the second for the extension cable.

To do so:❍ Right-click the Hair-DryerProd, select Components -> New Product, enter the Part Number for the power

cable in the Properties dialog box and validate.

❍ Right-click the ElectricalWorkbenchIntegration, select Components -> New Product, enter the Part Number for the extension cable in the Properties dialog box and validate.


3. Create the geometrical bundles:

❍ Select the power cable and click the Geometrical Bundle icon .You can change the instance name to PowerCable.

❍ Select the extension cable and click the Geometrical Bundle icon again.You can change the instance name to ExtensionCable.

❍ The power cable is part of the hair dryer: that's why you create it in the hair dryer product (Hair-DryerProd).

❍ The extension cable is an independent assembly: that's why you create it under the root product assembly.

4. Double-click to activate the Geometrical Bundle2 (the extension cable) in the specification tree.

5. Switch to Electrical Library workbench.

6. Click the Place Physical Device icon to import the 3D connector for each battery.

7. Select the first connector in the PowerSupply system. The catalog pops up.

An alternative to steps 6 and 7 is to use the contextual menu, by right-clicking the connector in the PowerSupply system and choose Place Physical Device.

❍ Select the connector in the catalog and click OK to validate. The connector is added to the specification tree and appears in the geometry at the origin (0, 0). You can change its location using the compass.

❍ Repeat these steps for the second connector.


The physical connector pre-selection previously performed with Electrical System Functional Definition is used to automatically get the correct part reference.The 3D connector is automatically placed in the active product (Geometrical Bundle2) at the product origin.

8. Use the Electrical Assembly Design workbench to create the electrical connection with the batteries.

❍ Double-click to activate the ElectricalWorkbenchIntegration in the specification tree.

❍ Click the Connect Electrical Devices icon to connect the connector_M to the battery.

❍ Select successively in the geometry each connector_M connection point from the Geometrical Bundle2(ExtensionCable) then the corresponding connector_F connection point of the battery.

1.

2.The connectors are linked and shifted to the batteries.


This action creates the assembly constraints between connector and battery.

9. Double-click to activate the Geometrical Bundle2 (the extension cable) in the specification tree.

10. From the catalog, drag and drop the connector_F onto the Geometrical Bundle2 for the extension cable. If needed,

position it between the hair dryer and the batteries using the compass (ExtensionCable must be active).

This action places the connector from the catalog onto the extension cable.

11. From the catalog, drag and drop the Backshell_F directly onto the Connector_F in the Geometrical Bundle2.


This action places the back shell from the catalog onto the extension cable connector.❍ it places the connector in the assembly

❍ it creates the assembly constraints between connector and back shell

❍ it establishes the electrical link between connector and back shell.

It is a second placement mode.When the back shell is selected, the electrical link is displayed in the Related Objects viewer.

12. Double-click to activate the Geometrical Bundle1 (PowerCable) in the specification tree.


13. From the catalog, drag and drop the Connector_M directly onto the Connector_F of the extension cable.

This action adds the power cable connector (connector_M) from the catalog to the extension cable connector. The assembly constraints as well as the electrical constraints have been created between the power cable and the extension cable connectors. When the female connector is selected, the electrical link is displayed in the Related Objects viewer.

14. From the catalog, drag and drop the Backshell_M directly onto the Connector_M of the power cable.

This action places the back shell from the catalog onto the power cable connector. The assembly constraints as well as the electrical constraints have been created between the connector and the back shell.

You can repeat this step to place back shells on the extension cable male connectors (at the other extremity).

15. Start the Electrical Harness Assembly workbench to create the bundle segments for the power and extension cables.

To do so:❍ Define a bundle segment in the Geometrical Bundle1(PowerCable):

(Diameter = 10mm, Bend Radius = 15mm, Slack = 10%)

❍ Define a point in the Geometrical Bundle2(ExtensionCable):(Mode Between + Middle)

❍ Define a bundle segment in the Geometrical Bundle2(ExtensionCable):(Diameter = 10mm, Bend Radius = 15mm, Slack = 5%)

❍ Define their routes.


This action creates the bundle segments that will be used to route the wires of the power and extension cables.

Electrical wire routing

1. Start the Electrical Wire Routing workbench to create the wires.

2. Create two electrical bundles using the New Bundle icon .

They will contain the wires for:❍ the power cable (first electrical bundle)

❍ the extension cable (second electrical bundle).

3. Associate each of them to the respective geometrical bundle.

The wires will be created in the correct bundle according to their route.

4. Select Signal_check.

Boxes are displayed to help you recognize the extremities of the signal.

5. Click the Automatic Routing icon .


❍ The bundle segments diameter are updated according to the signal section.

❍ The specification tree is updated.

6. Multi-select Signal_plus and Signal_minus using the Signal icon .

7. Click the Automatic Routing icon .

❍ The specification tree is updated: the wires and wire connections are created.

❍ The length of the wire linked to a back shell is extended with an extra-length, defined as a back shell attribute.However, an alternative is to connect the bundle segment through the back shell: in this case, the wire length is equal to the total length of the bundle segments of the wire route.

❍ The bundle segments diameter is updated using the section defined on the signals (with EFD).

❍ When only one signal is selected, the wire connections are displayed (as shown below).


Working with Wires

Creating a wire in a bundle segment

Automatic wire routing: finds the shortest route, taking advantage of knowledgeware

Modifying the route: changes the signal route through the network

Deleting a wire also deletes the unused connection.


Working with Wire Connections

These commands are deactivated when working with external data.

Create a connection on the active bundle to link several wires of a same signal.

Move a connection to the segment's other extremity. The wires will be resized.

Deleting a connection links the wires.

Merging wire connections: Create a unique connection, linking wires from several connections located at the same place.

Splitting a wire connection: Create several connections and reconnect the wires.


Creating a Wire Connection (Manual Mode)

This task shows you how create a connection between several wires.


Open the StartupSession.CATProduct document and create the electrical bundles.

1. Select Signal-A1.B1.C1 in the signal list .

2. Create two wires sharing a common extremity.

3. Select the New Wire Connection button .

4. Select Wire1 then Wire2 in the specification tree.


5. Enter the name of this connection: Cnx1.


The wire connection has been created and the wires computed.


The Wire Connection has been added to the specification tree.

Basic checks are performed during the creation:for example, two different signals cannot be linked.

This functionality is also available on bundle networks created with CATIA-ELW Electrical Wire Bundle Installation Version 4.


Moving a Wire Connection

This task shows you how change the wire connection location on a wire.


1. Select the Move Connection button .

2. Select the wire connection to be moved in the specification tree.

You are prompted to select the segments along which you want to sweep the connection.

3. Select the segments as shown below:


For each selected segment, the wire connection location will be inverted to the other segment extremity.


The connection has been moved to the segments' other extremity and the wires have been resized.


Moving a connection to the location of another one is equivalent to merge them.The resulting wires with a zero length are removed.

This functionality is also available on bundle network created with CATIA-ELW Electrical Wire Bundle Installation Version 4.


Deleting a Wire Connection

This task shows you how delete a wire connection and what's the result on the wires.


1. Select the Delete Connection button .

2. Select the connection to be deleted.

The Reconnect Wires dialog box opens with the list of the wires impacted.It lets you choose between several alternatives:

❍ Link

❍ Unlink

❍ Clear Selection

Link: when at least two wires are selected in the list, this button becomes available. Clicking it merges them together.

Unlink: when two (or more) wires have been linked, selecting one of them selects both (or more). Clicking it breaks the link. In the list they are merged with Nothing.

Clear Selection: deselect the wire(s) in the list.

3. Select Wire1.1 and Wire2.1

4. Click Link.


The connection is removed and the wires resized.

On this image, the new Wire1.1 is highlighted.


This functionality is also available on bundle networks created with CATIA-ELW Electrical Wire Bundle Installation Version 4.


Merging Wire Connections

This task shows you how to merge connections linking several wires at the same location.


Open the StartupSession.CATProduct document for example, and create four wires connected as follows:

Wire1 is connected to Wire3.Wire2 is connected to Wire4.

The specification tree looks like this:


1. Select the Merge Connections button .You are prompted to select the connections to be merged.

2. Select the first connection in the specification tree: WireConnection1.

The Select Connections dialog box opens.

3. Ctrl-select the connections to be merged.



The connections have been merged into one.

The specification tree displays only one connection.


Splitting a Wire Connection

This task shows you how to split a connection and what to do with the wires.


1. Select the Split Connection button .You are prompted to select the connection to be split.

2. Select the connection.

The Reconnect Wires dialog box opens with the list of the wires and their status.

It lets you choose between several alternatives:

❍ Link to First Connection

❍ Link to Second Connection

❍ Unlink the Wire

❍ Clear Selection


Link to First Connection: when at least a wire is selected in the list, this button becomes available. Clicking it connects the wire.

Link to Second Connection: when at least a wire is selected in the list, this button becomes available. Clicking it connects the wire.

Unlink the Wire: clicking this button breaks the link. In the list the wire is linked to Nothing.

Clear Selection: deselect the wire(s) in the list.

3. Select the wires you want to link to the same connection and press the corresponding button.


4. Press OK to validate.The connection has been split and renamed as Wire Connection2Sp1 and Wire Connection2Sp2.


You cannot split a connection leaving a wire not connected.

If you want to split a connection in three, you first split it in two then repeat the operation.


Accessing Data From CatalogUsing Electrical Library

Getting wire reference from catalog.

Resolving a wire connection into an internal splice using a catalog.


Getting Wire ReferencesUsing catalog is possible when the CATIA Electrical Library license is available.

The Resolve Wires button is then added to the toolbar.A catalog used in Electrical Wire Routing may contain any types of electrical device, that is to say:

● wires

● equipments

● connectors

● shells

● etc.

This task shows you how to get a wire reference from a catalog.Note that you can also apply the wire definition onto a functional signal.

Open the StartupSession.CATProduct document for example, and create some wires.The specification tree looks like this:


1. Select the Resolve Wires button .The Catalog Browser dialog box opens.

2. If needed, navigate using the Browse button to select the CatalogOfWires.catalog.The full path is: online/ewrug_c2/samples/CatalogOfWires.catalog

3. Double-click to open the Power Wire.The content is displayed.

4. Select the PN-WAR-1480P wire in the list.

5. Drag and drop the icon onto the Wire1 in the specification tree.

The wire is updated and renamed with the catalog wire reference: ❍ the wire is replaced by the reference from the catalog and gets its name, color, diameter, etc.

❍ the wire retains its contextual properties as length, link to the functional signal, etc.


6. When you are satisfied with the result, Close the Catalog Browser.

Applying the wire definition onto a functional signal


2. Double-click or Browse to open the Power Wire catalog.

The catalog is displayed.

3. Select a wire specification (PN-PLE-2318F for example) in the list, drag and drop it onto the

Signal-1 functional signal.

The wires linked to the signal selected (Signal-1) are replaced by the reference from the catalog:

❍ the wires get the catalog reference name, color, diameter, etc.

❍ the wires retain their contextual properties as length, link to the functional signal, etc.



The reference wire attributes are listed in a csv file. This file lets you define a mapping between chapter keywords and the attributes of the wire component type. The default column separator used by EWR for csv files is the semi-colon ";".

For more information, refer to CATIA - Electrical Library User's Guide


Replacing Wire Connectionswith Internal Splices

This task shows you how to resolve a wire connection into an internal splice.

Open the Session.CATProduct document containing wires.The document looks like this when Signal A is selected: the wire connection is displayed.



2. If needed, navigate using the Browse button to select the CatalogForNewFeatures.catalog.It is located in: .../online/cfysa_C2/samples/ElectricalSession/

3. Double-click to open the Internal Splices.The contents is displayed.

4. Drag and drop the internal splice icon onto the wire connection.

The wire connection is replaced with the internal splice:


You can drag and drop the internal splice onto: ● a signal: all the wires which make up this signal will be connected through the internal splice.

● a bundle segment: if the extremity is connected to a wire connection, it will be replaced.

● an electrical bundle: all the wire connections of the bundle will be replaced.

● the wire connection container: all the wire connections of the container will be replaced.

● a wire connection: it will be replaced.


Exporting Wires

This task explains how to create the list of the wires contained in an electrical bundle with the related cross references.

When you are in the Electrical Wire Routing workbench, the Export Wires... item is added to the Tools Menu.It allows you to export the characteristics of the wires belonging to an electrical bundle.Another command - Export Wires in iXF format... - is more specific if you are working with external data: refer to Exporting Data from CATIA.

Anyway both work for all types of data used within CATIA.

1. Open a CATProduct document containing wires.

2. Select the electrical bundle you want to export.

3. Choose the Tools -> Export Wires... menu item.

The File dialog box opens:

Note that you can choose between html (default format), csv and xml file types.

4. Enter the name of the file.


An .html file is created.At the same time and in the same location the Electrical.css is generated if it doesn't already exist. It is a style sheet that you can customize. Using the default one, the html file looks like this:


This file shows two tables: ❍ the wire list

❍ the bill of materials (BOM) or device list .

The wire list displays the characteristics of each wire, its associated signal, as well as the pin, connector or device connected to it. It is used to build the harness.

The device list (BOM) displays all the elements connected to the extremities of each wire. They are linked to the wire list.

How to customize the style sheet for html format

To be taken into account, the style sheet must be named Electrical.css.It is generated only when it is not found in the folder where you save the html file. Otherwise the existing one is used (whichever it is customized or not).

See below an example of customized style sheet. Add these lines to the default Electrical.css to:

● hide the wire list, the sub type, etc.,

● display some attributes smaller, in different color, etc.

.dev {display:none}

#Elec_Ref_Des {font-size:smaller}

#Elec_Sub_Type {display:none}

#Contact_PartNumber_From {display:none}


#Contact_PartNumber_To {display:none}

#Elec_Sep_Code {font-size:smaller}

#Elec_Length {color:yellow}

● You can sort your data using Excel.

● The html format is only available for CATIA V5 data, that is to say electrical bundle created with CATIA V5.

About the xml format

This format is available for data exchange purpose.

The file generated looks like this:

This format does not use css file and cannot be customized.

However, this format is subject to modification and for the time being the data continuity is not guaranteed.


Managing the Wire Extremities

This task explains how to manage the wire extremities with regard to the physical connector.

This functionality is also available for equipments.

Open the StartupSession.CATProduct document and route the signal-A1.C1.B2.C2.

1. Select the Extremity Management button .You are prompted to select a connector or equipment.

2. Select CONNECTOR-DEF-C1 in the specification tree or in the geometry.

The Wire Extremity Management dialog box opens, displaying the following information:❍ in the upper frame:

■ the list of wires connected to each electrical termination (Termination) of the selected connector,

■ in the case of a mating connector, the list of wires respectively connected to each termination of the mating connector.

❍ in the lower frame (Wires Not Affected): ■ the wires not affected to the selected connector.


In case of the selection of a mating connector, the dialog box looks like this:

The correspondence between the cavities or terminations on each side of the mating connector is done on the IdNumber.


Let's see the different commands available: ❍ Affect

❍ Deaffect

❍ Reaffect

❍ Create Bridge Wire

❍ Delete Bridge Wire

All these commands respect the signal continuity principle, it's to say that it is not possible to connect two or more wires which are not belonging to the same signal.

The Affect command is selected.

3. Select the wire in the lower frame: Wire6.1

4. Select an electrical termination/cavity in the upper frame:

The wire is affected to the connector onto this termination.

5. Select the Reaffect command.

6. Select the wire in the upper frame: Wire6.1

7. Select the termination/cavity on which you want to connect the wire.

The connection is modified.

Note that the lower frame is disabled.


8. Select the Deaffect command.

9. Select the wire in the upper frame: Wire6.1

The wire is "disconnected" and moved to the lower frame.

Note that the lower frame is disabled.


10. Select the Automatic Affectation button.

All the wires in the lower frame are affected to the empty cavities of the connector in the same order.

Use the Reaffect command to modify the connection.

11. Select the Initial Configuration button to reset the dialog box.

12. Select the Create bridge wire button.

13. Select the two terminations you want to be linked using Ctrl key.

It is possible to create a bridge wire between two terminations already affected with wires belonging to the same signal or between a termination containing wires and an empty one.

The Create Bridge Wire dialog box opens displaying a default name.


In case of the selection of a mating connector, the radio buttons indicate on which side you want the bridge wire to be created.The dialog box looks like this:

14. Change the Wire Name if need be and click OK to validate.

The bridge wire is added to the list onto the corresponding terminations.

15. To delete the bridge wire, click the Delete Bridge Wire button and select BridgeWire3 in the list.

16. When you are satisfied with your choice, press OK to validate.


Simulating the Routing

This task explains how: ● to simulate a signal,

● to display the signal route when the signal is selected.

Open the StartupSession.CATProduct document.

Simulating a signal route

1. Select the Routing Simulation button .You are prompted to select a signal or a segment.

2. Select the Signal-3.1 functional signal.The extremities are highlighted and the route is being computed.

A message informs you of the routing result. The route is highlighted.

3. Press OK to end the simulation.

Simulating the signal route according to bundle segment selection


1. Select the Routing Simulation button .You are prompted to select a signal or a segment.

2. Select a segment.A network is generated along which virtual signals will be routed.You are prompted to select a segment or a connector.You need to select at least another two elements to simulate the route.

3. Select the first element: a segment or a connector.

The Routing Simulation dialog box opens.

The Section and Separation Code fields allow you to define selection criteria.This information is optional. The compatibility table contains the separation codes of the wires and is customizable in the settings.

4. Select the second element: a segment or a connector.

The virtual signal may have multiple extremities.

The Compute button is enabled.

5. Press Compute to simulate the route.

The route is highlighted.

6. Press New Extremities to create a new virtual signal.You are prompted to select other segments or connectors.

7. With these four elements selected for example, click Compute again.The new route is highlighted.


8. Press Close to end the simulation.


Managing Pathway/Signal Compatibilitywith Knowledgeware during Automatic Routing

This task explains how to manage pathway/signal compatibility using CATIA knowledgeware.

Open the SessionPlane document. It represents the wiring of a plane, consisting of a light system and of pathways

and connection boxes. You should be fluent with CATIA Knowledge.

By default, signals are routed according to their rank and priorities, using the shortest available route, according to the list below.

Through the options, you can choose to route all signals or some of them, and to respect or not the priority. For more information, see Routing a Wire.

You can define additional rules in the Tools -> Options ... menu.For more information, see Using Knowledgeware.These rules are used to define compatibilities between signals or between signals and arcs and to optimize the automatic routing. For example here is a Signal-Arc rule:

1. Select one arc used by the Power signal and another signal.

2. Set its attributes to WET through Edit, Properties, Attributes.


3. As a rule, enter : NetworkArc.SeparationCode<>"WET" OR SignalToRoute.Section > 0.005m2.

4. Delete all signal routes and compute a new routing. Now only Power goes through this arc (its section is lower than 0.005m2) while others do not.

5. Now let's implement a Signal-Signal rule: "Separation Code" <>Other.Signal."Separation Code": Power route is now longer valid since Check has priority 1.

All pathways located near a connector have their separation code set to ANY, meaning that all signals are allowed to

go through them.


Filtering WiresBased on External Configuration System

This command is available in the Electrical Wire Routing and the Electrical Harness Flattening workbenches.It is dedicated to electro-mechanical designers.

How does the filtering command work:

● The filtering command is performed from a maximum harness configuration (called 150%) including all the wires, the bundle segments, the connectors, supports and protections of the harness.

● It retrieves through CAA V5 interfaces the list of filtering criteria depending on the selected systems, as it is the harness part number.

● The user selects a criteria.

● The filtering command retrieves from CAA V5 interfaces the list of valid wires for the selected criteria.

● According to the wires routed in the harness for the selected criteria and the filtering options:❍ the bundle segment diameter is recomputed,

❍ the bundle segments and/or devices are shown or hidden:if no wires are routed in a bundle segment, it is hidden by default,if no wires are connected to a device, it is hidden by default.

❍ the supports are shown or hidden according to the wires routed in the bundle segments that are using them:if no wires are routed in bundle segments going through supports, the supports are hidden by default.

❍ the protections are shown or hidden according to the wires routed inside the bundle segments they are covering:if no wires are routed in bundle segments covered with a protection, the protections are hidden by default.

Without CAA V5 development, this functionality is not available.

This task explains how to filter any 150% harness to get accurate geometry for a configured harness.


The document may contain:● a geometrical bundle with bundle segments and connectors

● an electrical bundle with the corresponding wire references

● supports and protections.

1. Click the Filtering Management button.

The Filtering Management dialog box opens:


It displays:

a. the list of filtering criteria corresponding to the harness part number.

b. the filtering options:

■ Activate bundle segments with no routed wires:check this option to show the bundle segments which do not contain wires.

■ Activate devices with no connected wires:check this option to show the devices belonging to the selected harness when no wires are connected to them.

■ Activate supports with no bundle segments inside:check this option to show the supports which do not contain bundle segments routing wires.

■ Activate protections with no bundle segments inside:check this option to show the protections which do not contain bundle segments routing wires.

The combination of these options is possible.

c. the Reset the 3D Mockup button: click this button to come back to the original

document, with no criteria selected.


2. Select a criteria.

3. Select the filtering options, if need be.

4. Click Apply to display the harness according to your previous choice.



5. Optional: use the Reset the 3D Mockup button to come back to the original document.

6. Click OK when you are done.


Editing Electrical PropertiesHere is an example of a document demonstrating how electrical properties on component are managed within CATIA Electrical products.And moreover, new properties have been added to a number of electrical components:

functional equipments and connectors defined in EFD

electrical bundle defined in EWR

bundle segment defined in EHI

A CATProduct document may contain references or instances of the components.Let's see the differences on the following documents:

● The Equipment.CATProduct contains an equipment.It is the reference of the component.

● The RootProduct.CATProduct contains an occurrence of the equipment (Insert -> Existing Component...).The Equipment(Equipment.1) is an instance of the component.

Depending on the component you have activated (by double-clicking: blue object) and on the object you have selected, the properties you will edit may be the ones of the reference or of the instance.


1. In the Equipment.CATProduct, if you edit the properties of the Equipment, you will display the

properties of the reference.

Type and External Reference are attributes of the reference.

If you modify them, all the occurrences will be modified.

2. In the RootProduct.CATProduct, if the RootProduct is active (in blue in the specification tree) and if

you select the Equipment.1 to edit the properties, you will display the properties of the instance:

The instance also has instance attributes: Reference Designator and SubType.


If you modify the attributes of instance, only this instance will be modified.On the other hand, if you modify the attributes of reference, they will be modified in all the occurrences and in the reference document.

3. In the RootProduct.CATProduct, if the Equipment.1 is active (double-click Equipment.1) and you

select the Equipment.1 to edit the properties, you will display the properties of the reference:

If you modify the attributes, the reference will be modified:❍ Equipment.CATProduct will be modified

❍ and all the occurrences of the component.


Notes:

● This behavior is specific to the electrical properties.

● When a product is activated (by double-clicking), editing the electrical properties operates in the same way as if the electrical properties were edited in the document in which the root product is the reference of the active product. (i.e. Equipment.1 in the RootProduct document against Equipment in the Equipment document.)This definition is recursive within all the levels of instance.

Functional equipments and connectors propertiesWhen you edit the properties of a functional equipment or connector, the Preselected Physical Device frame indicates if a physical component corresponding to the functional one has been chosen to be placed in the geometry. Two fields give this information:

● Catalog Path indicates the location of the catalog containing the physical component

● Part Number indicates the part number of the physical component.


Electrical bundle propertiesWhen you edit the properties of an electrical bundle, the Associated Geometrical Bundle frame indicates in a list the name of the geometrical bundles being part of the electrical bundle.


Bundle segment propertiesWhen you edit the properties of a group of bundle segments, the Length in out field indicates the total length of the bundle segments selected.


Viewing Related Objects

This task shows how to use the Related Objects viewer to navigate through the objects connected to the selected object.

You can focus on an object and see how it was constructed via its related objects.The related objects command identifies the parent, any children or connected objects and the relationship between objects. It is available when none of the icons of the workbench are activated that is to say when you are

in Select command . Accessing related objects can be done in two ways:

● by clicking the Related Objects icon in the toolbar

● from the contextual menu, by selecting Related Objects.


The different options available are:

Reframe on selection: reframes the main 3D window on the Related objects selection.

Reframe on selection: the main window selection corresponds to the Related objects selection. The main window display is not reframed.

Freeze: freezes the contents of the Related objects window. You can still navigate in the main window: the Related objects view will not be updated.

Freeze: the Related objects selection corresponds to the main window selection.

View related objects: displays the parent, any children or connected objects.

View related objects: only displays the selected objects.

Functional: displays the functional system. If the bundle segment contains wires, the corresponding signals are displayed in the bundle segment.N.B.: the signal name is displayed followed by the separation code, if

any:

Functional: hides the functional children elements.

Wire: displays the wires contained in the bundle segment.

Wire: hides the wires contained in the bundle segment, shows the bundle segments and signals.

Harness: displays the relationship to the harness: connectors, equipments, shells, etc.


Harness: hides the children bundle segments, only shows the signals and wires.

Sub objects: displays the electrical contents.

Sub objects: hides the electrical contents.

On a complex electrical system, the 3D view allows you to limit display to a specific area thus enlightening the information regarding this area.

Open the RelatedObjectsSession.CATProduct document.


1. Select an object: Geometrical Bundle1.1 for example.

2. Click the Related Objects icon .

The Related Objects dialog box appears. The geometry area and the specification tree are reframed on the object selected.

3. Select the Bundle Segment4.1 in this window.

The dialog box focuses on the object selected: Bundle Segment4.1 (center of the window) and shows the parent and the connected objects:

❍ on the left is the parent object (Assembly meaning).It represents the container object.

❍ on the right are the children objects (Assembly meaning), connected to the Bundle Segment4.1. They represent the contents.


This window shows the following:❍ the bundle segments assembly within the geometrical bundle

❍ the Bundle Segment4.1 is connected to three bundle segments

❍ the Bundle Segment4.1 contains two wires and their associated signal.

4. Select the Sig2.

The geometry area is reframed on the signal and it shows:❍ the signal extremities with the functional connectors

❍ the wire that realizes the signal

❍ the harness objects: the physical connectors that correspond to the signal extremities as well as the bundle segments, and the wire they contain.

5. Click the 3D tab to display the geometry.


6. Close the dialog box to exit the Related Objects viewer.


Electrical and Knowledge

This section exposes the functions and objects available in the Knowledge Products.

Electrical User FunctionsElectrical Package in Knowledge Expert


Electrical User Functions in Knowledge Products

DistanceWireProduct is a new function.

About the Electrical User Functions...● ElecDistanceCommon

● DistanceWireProduct

To be able to use these functions, you need to activate the Electrical Measure package.To do so:

1. Select Tools -> Options... -> General -> Parameters and Measures and go to the Language tab.

2. Choose Electrical Measure and click the right arrow:


ElecDistanceCommonSyntax

ElecDistanceCommon(Wire1: Wire, Wire2: Wire):Length

Returns the common length of the two wires given as input arguments.

The type of Wire1 and Wire2 is ElecWire.

Example 1

The ElecDistanceCommon user function can be used in Knowledge Expert to find all the couples of wires in the session that have a common length

greater than a given value.


Example 2

In Knowledge Advisor, it can be used to define a rule giving the common length of two specific wires sharing properties.

Applying the rule displays the following message if the condition is met:


Example 3

Still in Knowledge Advisor, to verify that two wires selected in the specification tree have a common length, the following action can be defined:

then ran: select two wires in the specification tree and click OK to validate.

The following message displays:

DistanceWireProduct


Syntax

DistanceWireProduct(Wire1: Wire, Object: Product):Length

Returns the minimum length between a wire and a product in session. The product must contain at least one part.

Example 1

The DistanceWireProduct user function can be used with the f(x) command to display the distance between a wire and a component in the session.

This formula returns the following value:

Example 2


The DistanceWireProduct user function can be used in Knowledge Expert to find all the wires in the session that have a minimum distance to

defined components smaller than a critical value chosen by the user. The components can be defined as heat-resistant.

Properties have been added to the product:

and to the wires:

A check is defined as follows:


Updating the session displays green/red light on the check:

A report is generated showing the check result: some wires verify the condition, other not.

Example 3

The DistanceWireProduct user function can be used in Knowledge Advisor to define a rule that displays a warning message if a minimum distance

between a wire and an object is smaller than a critical value chosen by the user.


Running this rule displays the following message:

Example 4

Still in Knowledge Advisor, an action can be defined using the DistanceWireProduct user function, to know the distance between a wire and an

object selected in the specification tree:

Run the action using the Action.1 contextual menu:

select a wire and a product in the specification tree then validate.


This message displays:


Electrical Package in Knowledge Expert

An Electrical package is supported by Knowledge Expert.This package can be accessed via the object browser and objects, attributes and methods in the package can be used in expert relations.You can, for example, write a rule to report in a file all the bundle segments with a diameter greater than a specified value.

The package contains the following objects:

The attribute IsSingleInBundleSegment has been added to the Wire object.

BackShell FillerPlug SignalRoute

BundlePositionPoint FunctionalConnector Stud

Bundle FunctionalEquipment System

BundleSegment GroundSignal Tape

Cavity GroupSignal TerminalBlock

CommandSignal InternalSplice TerminalStrip

ConnectorShell OffSheet Termination

Contact PowerSignal Termination_GeoConstraint

ContactPoint Protection VideoSignal

CorrugatedTube ShieldingSignal Wire

Equipment SingleConnector

ExternalSplice Signal

BackShell

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Back Shell type that you create when you select the icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

The back shell is a physical component used to guide the bundle segment extremity to the single insert connector, and to protect the crimping area.

Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product

AttributesElec_Extra_Length Type: Double


Defines the cable extra-length to be added to take into account the wire length inside the back shell.

Elec_Ref_Des Type: String

Defines the back shell reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the back shell in the project.

Elec_Sub_Type Type: String

Defines the back shell subtype (User defined subtype).

Elec_Fmbd_Modify Type: Boolean

Defines the back shell attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command.Is True if modified.

Elec_External_Reference Type: String

Defines the back shell external reference attribute.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.

Elec_FullConnected Type: Boolean

Is True if the back shell is connected to a single insert connector and a bundle segment.

BundlePositionPoint

DescriptionDescribes the electrical feature of Bundle Segment Position Point type.For more information, refer to the Electrical Harness Installation User's Guide.

The Bundle Segment Position Point type defines the point along a bundle segment at which the local slack is applied.

Inheritance path: Standard - Feature

AttributesElec_Slack Type: Double

Defines the slack length at the bundle segment position point.

Bundle

Description


Describes the electrical feature of Bundle type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Wire Routing workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Wire Routing User's Guide.

The ElecBundle type is an object that contains wires.


AttributesElec_Ref_Des Type: String

Defines the bundle reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the bundle in the project.


Defines the bundle subtype (User defined subtype).

BundleSegment

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Bundle Segment type that you create when you select the icon in the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Harness Installation User's Guide.

The BundleSegment type is a segment of a geometrical bundle.


AttributesElec_Bend_Radius Type: Double

Input data defining the bend radius value that corresponds to the minimum bend radius of the bundle segment curve.

Elec_Bend_Radius_OK Type: Boolean

Is True if the bundle segment real bend radius is greater than the Elec_Bend_Radius attribute.

Elec_Creation_Mode Type: String


Defines the electrical bundle segment creation mode.Three modes exist:

● Slack: Elec_Length is not valuated.

● Bend: Elec_Slack and Elec_Length are not valuated.

● Length: Elec_Slack is not valuated.

Elec_Di_Slack Type: Double

Input data defining the percentage of distributed slack along the bundle segment.This attribute induces the value of the Elec_Length attribute.

Elec_Diameter Type: Double

Defines the bundle segment diameter.


Defines the bundle segment attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.


Is True if both bundle segment extremities are connected.

Elec_Length Type: Double

Defines the bundle segment length.


Defines the bundle reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the bundle in the project.

Elec_Segreg Type: String

Defines the bundle segment separation code used by the routing algorithm.


Defines the bundle segment subtype.

Elec_True_Length Type: Double

Output data valuated by the routing algorithm at the creation of the bundle segment in Slack or Bend mode. It defines the bundle segment length.

Cavity

Description


Describes the electrical feature of Cavity type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

The cavity defines a reservation for a connector.



Defines the wire length to be added to the wire routing length.

Elec_Id_Number Type: String

Defines a unique identifier for the cavity used to map a functional component and the corresponding physical part.


Defines the cavity reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the cavity in the project.


Defines the cavity subtype.

CommandSignal

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Command Signal type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

The command signal is a logical connection between two or more components. It will be realized by a wire in physical world.

Inheritance path: Standard - Feature -> ProductPackage - Product -> Electrical - ElecSignal

AttributesElec_Nominal_Part_Num Type: String

Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the command signal.

Elec_Recom_Wire_Type Type: String


Defines the attribute of the wire recommended to realize the signal.

Elec_Routing_Priority Type: Double

Defines the priority for the signal routing.

Elec_Sep_Code Type: String

Defines the separation code of the command signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.

Elec_Signal_Section Type: Double

Defines the command signal section.


Defines the command signal subtype.

ConnectorShell

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Connector-Shell type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

A connector shell or shell is a non-electrical part which groups one or more electrical connector parts. It may be part of an equipment.



Defines the connector shell reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the connector shell in the project.


Defines the connector shell subtype.


Defines the connector shell attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.



Defines the connector shell external reference attribute.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.

Contact

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Contact type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

A contact is an electrical component used within a termination and a cavity or between bundle segments.


AttributesElec_Barrel_Diameter Type: Double

Defines the hole diameter which lets the wire through.


Defines the contact reference from an external library.


Is True if all the contacts are connected.


Defines the contact reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the contact in the project.


Defines the contact subtype.

CorrugatedTube

Description


Describes the electrical feature of Corrugated Tube type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench. The corrugated tube is then instantiated using the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library and Electrical Harness Installation User's Guides.

A corrugated tube is an electrical component applied onto bundle segments as a protection.



Defines the bend radius value, which corresponds to the minimum bend radius of the corrugated tube curve.

Elec_Bend_Radius_Protection_OK Type: Boolean

Is True if the Elec_Bend_Radius attribute is smaller than the real value of bend radius of the largest bundle segment linked to the corrugated tube.


Defines the single connector attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.

Elec_Inner_Diameter Type: Double

Defines the corrugated tube inner diameter.


Defines the corrugated tube length.

Elec_Line_Type Type: Double

Defines the corrugated tube line type.

Elec_Line_Weight Type: Double

Defines the corrugated tube linear mass, used for the flattened representation.


Defines the corrugated tube reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the corrugated tube in the project.

Elec_Ref_PartNumber Type: String

Defines the corrugated tube reference part number.



Defines the protection subtype.

Elec_Thickness Type: Double

Defines the corrugated tube thickness.

Equipment

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Equipment type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

An equipment is an electrical device with one or more associated components: connectors, shells, contacts, filler plugs, placed in cavities. An equipment can also comprise terminations and bundle connection points.


AttributesElec_External_Reference Type: String

Defines the equipment reference from an external library.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.


Defines the equipment attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.


Defines the equipment reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the equipment in the project.


Defines the equipment subtype.

ExternalSplice

Description


Describes the electrical feature of External Splice type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

An external splice is an electrical connector receiving bundle segments from different geometrical bundles.


Attributes Elec_External_Reference Type: String

Defines the external splice reference from an external library.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.


Defines the external splice attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.


Defines the external splice reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the external splice in the project.


Defines the external splice subtype.


Is True if all the bundle connection points and terminations of the external splice are connected.

FillerPlug

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Filler Plug type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

A filler plug is an electrical component used to block up an unused cavity.




Defines the filler plug reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the filler plug in the project.


Defines the filler plug subtype.

ContactPoint

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Contact Point type that you create when you select the icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

This contact point is a functional electrical component that defines the point of contact or attachment for an electrical signal.


AttributesElec_Id_Number Type: String

Defines the contact point Id number.

Elec_Number Type: Integer

Defines a unique identifier for the contact point used to map a functional component and the corresponding physical part.


Defines the contact point reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the contact point in the project.

Elec_Signal_IO Type: String

Defines if the signal is input or output.

Elec_Signal_Unicity Type: Boolean

Defines the unicity of the signal: True if the signal is unique.


Defines the contact point subtype.


FunctionalConnector

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Functional Connector type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

This connector is a functional electrical component with one or more associated contact points, for example, a power or signal transmission connector.



Defines the functional connector reference to an external library.


Defines a unique identifier for the functional connector used to map a functional component and the corresponding physical part.

Elec_Nominal_Part_Num Type: String

Defines the nominal part number of the physical connector that realizes the functional connector.


Defines the functional connector reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the connector in the project.


Defines the functional connector subtype.

FunctionalEquipment

Description


Describes the electrical feature of Functional Equipment type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

This equipment is a functional electrical component with one or more associated connectors, for example a lamp or a battery.



Defines the functional equipment reference to an external library.


Defines the nominal part number of the physical equipment that realizes the functional equipment.


Defines the functional equipment reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the equipment in the project.


Defines the functional equipment subtype.

GroundSignal

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Ground Signal type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

The ground signal is a logical connection between two or more components. It will be realized by a wire in physical world.


AttributesElec_Ground_Unicity Type: Boolean

Defines the unicity of the ground signal: True if the signal is unique.



Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the ground signal.






Defines the separation code of the ground signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.


Defines the ground signal section.


Defines the ground signal subtype.

GroupSignal

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Group Signal type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

Groups signals will be routed together, for example shielded or twisted signals.



Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the group signal.







Defines the separation code of the group signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.


Defines the group signal section.


Defines the internal splice attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.


Defines the group signal subtype.

InternalSplice

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Internal Splice type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

An internal splice is a type of connector used to connect two or more wires belonging to the same bundle.



Defines the internal splice reference to an external library.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.

Elec_Mass Type: Double

Defines the internal splice mass.

Elec_Offset Type: Double

Defines the distance to the bundle segment extremity selected to place the internal splice.


Defines the internal splice reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the internal splice in the project.



Defines the internal splice subtype.

OffSheet

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Off Sheet Connector type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

An off sheet connector is a marker in the functional definition that is used to establish connections between different systems.


AttributesElec_Name Type: String

Defines the off sheet connector name.

Elec_Number Type: Integer

Defines the off sheet connector number.

Elec_Signal_IO Type: String

Defines if the signal is input or output.


Defines the off sheet connector subtype.

Stud

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Stud type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

A stud is an electrical connector receiving bundle segments with one or more wires connected through a termination. It is used to ground bundle segments or pieces of equipment.



Attributes Elec_External_Reference Type: String

Defines the stud reference to an external library.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.


Defines the stud reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the stud in the project.


Defines the stud subtype.


Is True only if all the stud bundle connection points are connected.

PowerSignal

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Power Signal type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

The power signal is a logical connection between two or more components. It will be realized by a wire in physical world.



Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the power signal.

Elec_Nominal_Voltage Type: Double

Defines the power signal nominal voltage.







Defines the separation code of the power signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.


Defines the power signal subtype.


Defines the power signal section.

Protection

DescriptionDescribes the electrical feature of protection type from which both the corrugated tube and the tape derives.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library and Electrical Harness Installation User's Guides.


AttributesElec_Length Type: Double

Defines the protection length.


Defines the protection line type.


Defines the protection linear mass, used for the flattened representation.


Defines the protection reference designator attribute.


Defines the protection reference part number.



ShieldingSignal


Description

Describes the electrical feature of Shielding Signal type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

The shielding signal is a logical connection between two or more components. It will be realized by a wire in physical world.



Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the shielding signal.






Defines the separation code of the shielding signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.


Defines the shielding signal subtype.


Defines the shielding signal section.

Elec_Nominal_Voltage Type: Double

Defines the shielding signal nominal voltage.

SingleConnector

Description


Describes the electrical feature of Single Insert Connector type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

A single insert connector is an electrical connector male or female. It's the physical representation for both the plugs and the sockets.



Defines the single insert connector reference to an external library.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.


Defines the single insert connector reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the single insert connector in the project.


Defines the single insert connector subtype.

Elec_Fmdb_Modify Type: Boolean

Defines the single connector attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.


Is True in only two cases: ● if the single insert connector is integrated into an equipment and connected to another single insert

connector,

● if the single insert connector is connected to a bundle segment or a back shell and connected to another single insert connector.

Signal

Description


Describes the electrical feature of Signal type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

A signal is a logical connection between two or more components. May be of the following types: ground, shielding, video, power, command or grouped.


Attributes Elec_Nominal_Part_Num Type: String

Defines the nominal part number of the physical wire that realizes the signal.






Defines the separation code of the signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.


Defines the signal section.

Elec_ListPhysical Type: CATIList

Contains the list of ElecWire objects that realize the signal.

SignalRoute

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Signal Route type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical Wire Routing workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Wire Routing User's Guide.

The signal route is computed to find out the optimized way between two or more extremities of a signal.


Attributes



Defines the signal route length.


Defines the nominal part number of the wire that realizes the signal.

Elec_Section Type: Double

Defines the signal route section.


Defines the signal route subtype.

System

Description

Describes the electrical feature of System type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

A system consists of equipments, connectors and signals. It is an electrical unit, which accomplishes a specific function.



Defines the system reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the system in the project.


Defines the system subtype.

Tape

Description


Describes the electrical feature of Tape type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench. The tape is then instantiated using the Electrical Harness Installation workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library and Electrical Harness Installation User's Guides.

A tape is an electrical component applied onto bundle segments as a protection.


AttributesElec_Bend_Radius_Delta Type: Double

Defines the bend radius value, which corresponds to the minimum bend radius of the tape curve.This value takes into account the bundle segment and tape bend radius rule and ends up to an increased rigidity due to the tape.

Elec_Bend_Radius_Protection_OK Type: Boolean

Is True if the Elec_Bend_Radius attribute is smaller than the real value of bend radius of the largest bundle segment linked to the tape protection.

Elec_Covering_Length Type: Double

Defines the tape overlapping used when instantiating the protection.


Defines the bundle segment attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.


Defines the tape length.


Defines the tape line type, used for the flattened representation.


Defines the tape linear mass.

Elec_Number_Layer Type: Double

Defines the tape number of layers applied onto the bundle segment.


Defines the tape reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the tape in the project.



Defines the tape reference part number.



Elec_Tape_Thickness Type: Double

Defines the tape thickness.

Elec_Tape_Width Type: Double

Defines the tape width.

Elec_Taping_Angle Type: Double

Defines the taping angle.

Elec_Total_Tape_Length Type: Double

Defines the tape length considering the overlapping due to the taping angle, and also the number of layers.

Elec_Total_Thickness Type: Double

Defines the tape thickness considering the overlapping due to the taping angle, and also the number of layers.

TerminalBlock

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Terminal Block type that you create when you select this icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

A terminal block is an electrical connector receiving bundle segments, each bundle segment being connected to a termination.



Defines the terminal block reference to an external library.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.



Defines the terminal block attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.


Defines the terminal block reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the terminal block in the project.


Defines the terminal block subtype.


Is True if all the terminal block terminations are connected.

Termination

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Termination type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

A termination is a sub-element ensuring the electrical signal conduction between any type of electrical component except the filler plug. It is indissociable from the electrical component and corresponds to a contact crimped into a cavity.



Defines the length to be added to the wire routing length.


Defines a unique identifier for the termination used to map a functional component to the corresponding physical part.


Defines the termination reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the termination in the project.



Defines the termination subtype.

Termination_GeoConstraint

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Termination type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

This type of termination only exists for terminal strip and the stud connectors. It has an associated geometry (a line), which allows the connection to be constrained between the bundle segment and the connector. The bundle segment can only be connected via this associated geometry (the line).



Defines the length to be added to the wire routing length.


Defines a unique identifier for the termination used to map a functional component and the corresponding physical part.


Defines the termination reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the termination in the project.


Defines the termination subtype.

TerminalStrip

Description


Describes the electrical feature of Terminal Strip type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.

A terminal strip is an electrical connector comprising a strip of terminations.



Defines the terminal strip reference to an external library.It is used in Electrical Harness Flattening for 2D detail graphic replacement in a drawing.


Defines the terminal strip attribute, which makes it possible to know if the component has been modified during the Electrical Harness Flattening Synchronization command. Is True if modified.


Defines the terminal strip reference designator attribute, which is the unique identifier for the terminal strip in the project.


Defines the terminal strip subtype.


Is True if all the terminal strip terminations are connected.

VideoSignal

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Video Signal type that you create when you click this icon in the Electrical System Functional Definition workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical System Functional Definition User's Guide.

The video signal is a logical connection between two or more components. It will be realized by a wire in physical world.




Defines the part number of the wire that realizes the video signal.






Defines the separation code of the video signal used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.


Defines the video signal section.


Defines the video signal subtype.

Wire

Description

Describes the electrical feature of Wire type that you create when you click the icon in the Electrical Library workbench.For more information, refer to the Electrical Library User's Guide.



Defines the bend radius.

Elec_Catalog Type: String

Defines the catalog from which the wire is selected.

Elec_Color Type: String

Defines the color of the wire.

Elec_Diameter Type: Double


Defines the wire diameter.

Elec_FromConnectionPoint Type: String

Returns the reference designator value of the connection point to which the first extremity of the wire is connected.

Elec_FromDevice Type: String

Returns the reference designator value of the device to which the first extremity of the wire is connected.


Is True if both wire extremities are connected.

Elec_IsNetworkConnex Type: Boolean

Is True if a route exists between whatever nodes only using the network connected branches.

Elec_IsRouted Type: Boolean

Is True if the wire is routed.


Defines the wire length.


Defines the wire linear mass.


Defines the wire reference designator.


Defines the separation code of the wire used by the algorithm to find out the wire route.

Elec_Shielding_Signal Type: String

Returns a product of type ElecSignal that realizes the wire.

Elec_Signal Type: ElecSignal

Returns a product of type ElecSignal that realizes the wire.

Elec_Signal_Id Type: String

Defines the identifier of the signal used during the wire routing.



Defines the wire subtype.

Elec_ToConnectionPoint Type: String

Returns the reference designator value of the connection point to which the second extremity of the wire is connected.

Elec_ToDevice Type: String

Returns the reference designator value of the device to which the second extremity of the wire is connected.

IsSingleInBundleSegment Type: Boolean

Is True when the wire route follows at least one bundle segment containing only this wire.


Electrical Application Interoperability

In this section, you will find information about interoperability between CATIA Electrical Applications and

other applications listed below:

ENOVIA LCA Interoperability

Using ENOVIA Catalog for Electrical Mapping

Loading an iXF Document with VPM Navigator


ENOVIA LCA Interoperabilityusing VPM Navigator

This task explains how to work with electrical data stored in ENOVIA, using VPM Navigator.

We recommend that you read the VPM Navigator User's Guide to know more about this product.This documentation can be found on the ENOVIA LifeCycle Applications Documentation CDROM.

1. Log on to VPM Navigator.

Once the connection has completed successfully, the icons in the ENOVIA toolbar are no longer grayed out.

2. Click the the Search ENOVIA data button in the ENOVIA toolbar.

The Result window listing all the PRCs appears.

A PRC (referred to in VPM Navigator as the Product Root Class or root) is the most basic entity in your Product Structure.

3. In this window, double-click the object you want to open.

The VPM Navigator window displays, looking something like this:

You are now ready to work with this ENOVIA data.

4. Click the Close button if you no longer need the Result window.


Working with Electrical Data

This task shows you how to open electrical objects for editing purposes.

Electrical data can be saved in product document (in workpackage) or in component (in explode

mode): Geometrical bundles can be saved with both these modes, when CATPart documents (bundle

segments, devices, etc.) and electrical bundles can only be saved as workpackage.

1. In the Product tree, right-click the object you want to open and, in the contextual menu, select the

Open... command.

Note that the multi-selection is possible using the Ctrl-key.

The following dialog box appears:


2. Click OK to open the documents in context.

3. Now switch to Electrical Library to connect the plug of the geometrical bundle to the female socket

of the other.

To do so:


a. Click the Connect Electrical Devices button .

b. Select the female socket.

c. Select the plug.

For more information about electrical device connections, refer to Electrical Library User's

Guide - User Tasks - Connecting Electrical Devices.

The bundle segment of the second geometrical bundle is updated.

4. Click Save in ENOVIA V5 to store your data in ENOVIA V5.

Also refer to Working with ENOVIA LCA: Optimal CATIA PLM Usability.


Working with ENOVIA LCA:Optimal CATIA PLM Usability

This section explains in more details how electrical data designed in CATIA is stored in ENOVIA LCA, using VPM Navigator. And this being user-friendly.

When working with ENOVIA LCA, a new mode ensures that you only create data in CATIA that can be correctly saved in

ENOVIA LCA.

ENOVIA LCA offers two different storage modes: Workpackage (Document kept - Publications Exposed) and Explode

(Document not kept). Electrical products have been configured to work in the Workpackage mode and the Explode

mode, according to the objects considered.

We recommend that you read the VPM Navigator User's Guide to know more about this product.

This documentation can be found on the ENOVIA LifeCycle Applications Documentation CDRom.

Working with Geometrical Bundle as Workpackage

A workpackage is a set of documents that are stored in ENOVIA LCA as a single entity.

This means that a node in CATIA specification tree is chosen as an entity to be shown in ENOVIA LCA. The children are

not visible as documents in ENOVIA LCA.

The geometrical bundle is a candidate to be stored this way, as it represents a complete and coherent package for the

electrical design.

Within CATIA connected to ENOVIA LCA through VPM Navigator, if the user selects a new product as a geometrical

bundle, the system automatically knows that this geometrical bundle has to be stored as a workpackage.

Checks are performed when using the Electrical tools to ensure that all entities created or modified will be correctly

stored, using the following rules:


● No links to geometry (that is to say external references) can be done from the part inside a workpackage to a part

outside the workpackage.

● The context for the external links must be set to a product node inside the workpackage.

Refer to Infrastructure User's Guide - Customizing Part Infrastructure.

● Mechanical constraints and electrical connections between parts inside the workpackage and outside the workpackage

must rely on published objects.

To make this possible, the following settings must be applied when working with CATIA connected to ENOVIA LCA, to

store the geometrical bundles as workpackage in ENOVIA LCA:

a. Select Tools -> Options -> Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure -> General tab.

In the External References frame, uncheck Use root context in assembly.

b. Select Tools -> Options -> Equipment and Systems -> Electrical Harness Installation -> Harness

Management tab.

In the Contextual Links frame, for Keep link with selected object, choose In geometrical bundle in the

list.

Anyway, the system checks that the rules are not violated and if those options are not set properly, an error message is

displayed:


Moreover, during the electrical connection between devices and/or bundle segments that are not inside the same

workpackage, publications are automatically created on the geometrical bundle stored as workpackage, to ensure that

constraints and connections are correctly stored.

Working with Geometrical Bundle in Explode Mode

Using the Explode mode, all the nodes of the product structure are stored in ENOVIA LCA.

This means that each component and its children are as many documents visible in ENOVIA LCA.

Within CATIA connected to ENOVIA LCA through to VPM Navigator, if the user selects a new component as a geometrical

bundle, the system automatically knows that this geometrical bundle has to be stored in explode mode.

A single check is performed when using the Electrical tools to ensure that all the entities created or modified will be

correctly stored:

The context for the external links must be set to the root product node of the session.

Refer to Infrastructure User's Guide - Customizing Part Infrastructure.

To make this possible, the following settings must be applied when working with CATIA connected to ENOVIA LCA, to

store the geometrical bundles in explode mode in ENOVIA LCA:


a. Select Tools -> Options -> Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure -> General tab.

In the External References frame, check Use root context in assembly.

Commands Not Supported in ENOVIA LCA For the time being, the following commands are not available if CATIA is connected to ENOVIA LCA Database:

In Electrical Library - Electrical Assembly workbench

Place Physical Device

Add Link

Remove Functional Link

Define Mounting Equipment

Define Equipment

Define Shell

Define Contact

Define Filler Plug

Define Back Shell

Define Cavity

Define Termination

Define Connector Connection Point

Define Bundle Connection Point

Define Cavity Connection Point

Define Back Shell Connection Point

In Electrical Wire Routing


New Wire Connection

Move Connection

Delete Connection

Merge Connections

Split Connection

New Wire

Select Signal


Using ENOVIA Catalogfor Electrical Mapping

This methodology explains how to set up the Electrical Mapping option to use catalogs coming from ENOVIA.

First of all, the document environment needs to be set up to allow the catalog stored in ENOVIA LCA to be

browsed/accessed. Then the catalog of interest is selected in the Electrical Mapping tab. To do so:

1. Select the Tools -> Options command.

The Options dialog box displays.

2. Choose the General category in the left-hand box and click the Document tab.

This tab lets you define the document environment.

3. Select ENOVIA and click the Allowed button on the right.

The Current button is activated.

4. Click the Current button if you want ENOVIA to be launched by default.

The dialog box becomes:

5. Make sure you are connected to VPM Navigator.

6. Switch then to the Equipment & Systems category, to the Electrical Mapping tab:


This tab lets you define the Catalog/Electrical objects mapping.

7. Click the Browse button.

The Search ENOVIA data is displayed as follows:

Together with:


8. Enter one or more criteria and validate.

The Search Result window updates.

9. Select the desired catalog and click Open.

The Electrical Mapping tab is updated.


10. Define the mapping as explained in the CATIA - Infrastructure User's Guide - Customizing - Customizing Settings -

Equipment and Systems - Electrical Mapping.

The catalogs stored in ENOVIA appears in the editor as ENOVIA5\Catalog name.catalog.


Loading an iXF Document with VPM Navigator

This methodology explains how to load iXF documents when using VPM Navigator.

First of all, the document environment needs to be set up to allow the documents stored in ENOVIA LCA to be

browsed/accessed. To do so:

1. Make sure you are connected to ENOVIA LCA through VPM Navigator.

2. Click the the Search ENOVIA data button in the ENOVIA toolbar.

The Search ENOVIA data is displayed as follows:

Together with:


3. Enter one or more criteria and validate.

For example: documents with iXFElec file extension

The Search Result window updates.

4. Select the desired document and open it, using the contextual menu (right-click -> Open item).


The document is stored in the current session, and ready to use.

5. Switch to Electrical Assembly Design.

6. Click the Select External Systems button.

The System Selection dialog box opens containing the previously selected iXF files:

7. Select the iXF file of interest and validate.

The iXF document is loaded.

For more information about external systems, refer to the CATIA - Electrical Library User's Guide - User Tasks - Electrical Integration Scenarios - Electrical Integration from External Data


Workbench DescriptionThe Electrical Wire Routing Version 5 application window looks like this:

Click the hotspots to display the related documentation.

Menu BarToolbars

Specification Tree


Menu Bar

The Menu Bar and most of the items available in Electrical Wire Routing workbench are the standard ones. The different commands and tools are described in Infrastructure Version 5.For more information, refer to the standard Menu Bar section.

However an item is added to the Tools menu: Export Wires...Refer to Textual Reports and Exporting Data from CATIA.


Electrical Wire Routing Toolbars

This section describes the various icons available in the Electrical Wire Routing workbench.The toolbars are located on the right in the default set-up except for the Signal which is located in the horizontal bottom toolbar.

See Selecting the Signal

See Creating Bundle

See Routing Simulation

See Reconciling Objects

See Related Objects

See Creating a Connection

See Deleting a Connection

See Moving a Connection

See Merging Connections

See Splitting a Connection

See Creating a Wire

See Routing a Wire, Creating a Signal Route

See Routing Equipotentials


See Modifying a Signal Route

See Managing Wire Extremities

See Accessing Data From Catalog Using Electrical Library

See Filtering Wires

See Working with External Data, External Data Exchange


Specification Tree

The Specification Tree displays the following icons:represents an electrical bundle, that is a document containing wires.

represents a wire

represents a wire associated to a reference (from a catalog)

represents a signal route on pathways

represents a set of wire connections

represents a connection

The full set of icons displayed in the electrical workbenches is now available.Also refer to the Product Structure Symbols.


Customizing

Before you start your first working session, you can customize the way you work to suit your habits.This is done using Tools -> Options from the menu bar.

This type of customization is stored in permanent setting files: your settings will not be lost if you exit your session.

Electrical Wire RoutingElectrical Mapping

Electrical Process InterfacingUsing Compatibility Table

Using KnowledgewareActivating the Cache

Electrical Data Exchange Format


Customizing Electrical Wire Routing

Before you start your first working session, you can customize the way you work to suit your habits.This is done using Tools -> Options from the menu bar.This type of customization is stored in permanent setting files. Settings will not be lost if you exit your session.

1. Select the Tools -> Options command.

The Options dialog box is displayed.

2. Expand the Equipments & Systems in the left-hand box.

3. Click the Electrical Wire Routing workbench.

The General tab is displayed:

This tab lets you customize:❍ the wire extremities management

❍ the property naming to be displayed as a column title

❍ the separation code file access

❍ the extremity color

❍ the bundle segment update mode.

4. Click OK in the dialog box when done.


Wire Extremities Management

● The Favorites list contains the properties displayed in the Interconnection frame of the Wire Extremities Management dialog

box. To add properties to the list, select the property in the Available list and click the ---> arrow.

● To remove properties, do the reverse: select the property from the Favorites list and click the <--- arrow.

Property Naming

● Select a property in the Favorites list and enter a name in the Favorite column Title field.

It is displayed in the Wire Connection Management dialog box:

Separation Code File

The Separation Code File area is used to define Separation Code rules to optimize the routing.● the separation code is not used. The routing is done according to the shortest route found.

It is the default value.

● the separation codes may be File Based. In that case, define the path to access the compatibility table by clicking the Browse button to choose the separation code file.This file is used during the Automatic Routing and the Routing Simulation.Two options are available:

❍ Signal-Signal manages compatibility between signals,

❍ Signal-Arc manages compatibility between signal and pathways.

● the separation codes may also be Rule Based, using CATIA Knowledgeware.Only one rule can be implemented at a time, but this rule may combine several conditions.Click the Edit button to enter a new rule: the Routing Rule Editor is displayed.

The line above the input field is a reminder of the knowledgeware syntax.The Eraser icon is used to clear the input field.


Extremity Color

● The Extremity Color field is used to change the color of the extremity boxes.

Select a color from the combo box.

or

Bundle Segment Minimum Bend Radius Update

Three modes are available:● Never: no update of the bundle segment minimum bend radius is performed.

● Always: the greatest bend radius of the wires routed in the bundle segment determines the segment bend radius to be applied.

● Conditional: the wire bend radius is taken into account for update when it is greater than the bundle segment bend radius.

The default mode is Always.


Electrical Mapping

In order to valuate the keywords automatically when the devices are stored in the catalog with their properties, you need to define a mapping between keywords of each family and the attributes of the component type.

1. Select the Tools -> Options command.The Options dialog box is displayed.

2. Click Equipments & Systems in the left-hand box.

3. Click the Electrical Mapping tab.

The tab lets you:

❍ define the current catalog using the drop-down list or the Browse button

❍ customize the mapping between the catalog and the electrical objects

❍ define the keyword attributes.

4. Customize the mapping: associate an electrical type to the currently selected Family.


Use the combo list to select the corresponding type.

5. Define for each keyword the corresponding reference attribute.


Use the combo list to select the corresponding attribute.

6. Click OK to validate the options.

The mapping definition can be set by the administrator.In this case it can also be locked.

To get more information about the Administration Mode in CATIA, refer to CATIA - Infrastructure User's Guide.


Electrical Process Interfacing This document shows how to set up the options to take advantage of external data from partners through XML files or from CAA V5 APIs to get information from legacy databases.

Note that the default value for External Data Interfacing is enabled:Enable External System Interfacing is checked.

1. Select the Tools -> Options... command.

The Options dialog box is displayed.

2. Click Equipments & Systems category.

3. Click the Electrical Process Interfacing tab.

The tab lets you define:❍ the access to external data

❍ the electrical iXF repository path

❍ the electrical working catalog path

❍ the identifier for mapping management.

4. Make sure Enable external systems interfacing is checked.


However, you are required to identify the path:❍ of the folder in which the XML files available are stored

❍ of the working catalog containing the V5 parts which Part Number are referred to in the XML files.

5. Use to locate the iXF systems repository.

6. Use to indicate the catalog path.

7. Check the Instance Name option so that the Instance Name will be taken into account instead of the Reference

Designator to insure the mapping between 3D objects and external system's objects.

8. Click OK to validate the options.

It is also necessary to define the electrical objects mapping regarding the working catalog.To do so:

● use the Tools -> Options... menu.




Using Compatibility Table

The compatibility table contains the list of the separation codes.

The separation code is a criterion used as a filter applied to the segments. It is possibly used during the

automatic routing: if the separation codes are compatible, the signal can follow the segments whereas, if

the separation codes are not compatible, the route is forbidden.

This list is organized as follows: to each signal separation code (Segreg-1, Segreg-2, Segreg-3,

Segreg-4, Segreg-a) corresponds one or more compatible segment separation codes (type1, type2,

type3, type4).

The pattern is the following:

[Signal Separation Code]: [Compatible Segment Separation Code]; [...]; [Compatible

Segment Separation Code].

It looks like this:

The first line of the table can be read: Segreg-1 is compatible with type2, type3 and type4.

Note that:

● a signal with an empty separation code can be routed on all the network segments

● a segment with an empty segregation allows all the signals routing

● a signal with the same separation code as a segment can be routed on this segment (even with no compatibility table)

● the separation code of the V4 bundle segments (BNS) can only be modified in CATIA V4 (E3MANAGE/MANAGE/Element)


● for the pathways, the separation code is modified using Edit -> Properties

● for the signals, the separation code is defined using CATIA - Electrical Systems Functional Definition


Using Knowledgeware

The Separation Code File area is used to define Separation Code rules to optimize the routing.See also Managing Pathway/Signal Compatibility during Automatic Routing with Knowledgeware.

The Separation Code may be File Based.In this case, define the path to access the compatibility table by clicking the Browse button to choose the separation code file. This file is used during the Automatic Wire Routing and the Routing Simulation.Two options are available:

● Signal-Signal manages compatibility between signals,

● Signal-Arc manages compatibility between signal and pathways.

The Separation Code may also be Rule Based, using the Knowledge language.Only one rule can be implemented at a time, but this rule may combine several conditions.

1. Push the Edit button to enter a new rule.

The Routing Rule Editor is displayed.

The line above the input field is a reminder of the knowledgeware syntax.The Eraser icon is used to clean the input field.

2. Enter the required elements by picking them from the lists.

The Rule is now displayed in the option box, using the knowledgeware syntax.


3. Click OK when done to exit the Routing Rule Editor.

4. Click OK in the Options dialog box when done.


Activating the Cache

When working with Electrical Wire Routing, it may be useful to activate the cache.Activating the cache allows you to work in visualization mode rather than in design mode.

In visualization mode, a representation of the geometry only is available and the corresponding cgr file is inserted from the cache system. Using a cache system considerably reduces the time required to load your data.

For more information, refer to Customizing Cache Settings.

1. Select the Tools -> Options... command.

The Options dialog box appears.

2. Click Infrastructure -> Product Structure in the left-hand box.

3. Click the Cache Management tab.

4. Turn the cache activation mode on.

By default, the activation mode is set to off.

5. When the routing is completed, come back to the design mode .

To do so: ❍ Turn the cache activation mode off

❍ Select Edit -> Representations -> Design Mode

6. Update the geometry using the Update command .


Electrical Data Exchange Format

To complete the end-to-end process, it is possible to get electrical specifications from external data. Those specifications consist of:

● a device list containing the device attributes and the assembly connectivity

● and a wire or equipotential list containing their attributes and the from-to connectivity.

This information will be used by CATIA Electrical products to implement in the digital mock-up the electrical systems driven by any electrical authoring tool (schematics or database for example).You can either access this information through CAA APIs (refer to CAA documentation) or through an XML file. This method (using an XML file) is described in Electrical Integration from External Data.

You will find hereafter the XML schema to create your own interface to CATIA Electrical Tools.

The exchange data model is different from the data model of CATIA Electrical solutions. Actually, this data model consists of pertinent information that needs to transit between Electrical specification tools (schematics, etc.) and CATIA. It only aims at implementing those specifications in the mock-up. So only this pertinent information (objects, attributes and connectivity) is described in the following XML schema and not all the information stored in the CATIA electrical product documents.

Preamble iXF is a format defined by Dassault Systèmes, which is used for the data exchange in XML within CATIA.

Succinctly, iXF is based on the SOAP format and relies on the XML and the XML schema concept. It makes it possible to describe a grammar (a specific data model) expressing the object, class and behavior concepts as well as documents containing data conforming to the defined grammar.

A detailed description of the iXF format can be found at the following address: http://www.ixfstd.org/

Describing the iXF Electrical SchemaConsidering the iXF Schema in Greater Depth


Describing the iXF Electrical Schema

The electrical schema, defined for the data exchange between CATIA V5 electrical products and external applications (CAA partners applications, etc.), describes a subset of electrical objects together with their relations.

This schema is based on the fact that an object is defined as a class, which one is associated to a behavior set. Thus, an electrical connector corresponds to the Connector class, to which the Connector and Product behaviors are associated.

Electrical ObjectsThe following classes with their associated behavior describe the electrical objects within the iXF Electrical Schema.

● Harness❍ Harness

❍ Product

● Wire❍ Wire

❍ Product

● Equipotential❍ Equipotential

● Equipment❍ Equipment

❍ Product

❍ Function

● ConnectorShell❍ ConnectorShell

❍ Product

● Connector❍ Connector

❍ Product

● Splice❍ Splice

❍ Product

● Pin❍ Pin

❍ Product

● Cavity❍ Cavity

All these classes derived from the Object abstract class. This one is not to be used as is but allows you to define the Name attribute for all the classes deriving from the Object class.


The units for all the attributes are given in the standard MKS system.

The following behaviors, associated to the electrical objects are defined in the iXF electrical schema (behavior named ClassBehavior):

● Harness❍ Attribute: SubType

● Wire❍ Attributes: InnerDiameter, OuterDiameter (mandatory), BendRadius, Length, Color, LinearMass, SeparationCode,

SubType, SignalId

● Equipment❍ Attribute: SubType

● ConnectorShell❍ Attribute: SubType

● Connector❍ Attributes: SubType, Color, MatingConnector

● Splice❍ Attribute: SubType

● Pin❍ Attribute: SubType

● Cavity❍ Attribute: SubType

● Product❍ Attribute: PartNumber

● Equipotential❍ Attributes: EstimatedDiameter, SeparationCode, RoutingPriority, WirePartNumber, SubType

● Function❍ Attributes: System_Type (mandatory if the Function behavior is defined), Description, Localization

At last, all the objects expressed in a iXF document have an attribute identifying in a unique way each object within the project, except for the objects of Link type, which have a unique identifier within the document.

To illustrate how to describe an electrical object with the iXF format, let's take the example of an electrical connector:


This electrical connector of Connector class has:

● as identifier: V242 (attribute 'id')

● as name: Motor,Window_Driver (attribute 'Name')

● as reference: 5584555 -5W (attribute 'PartNumber' via its Product behavior)

● as subtype: Single Insert Connector (attribute 'SubType' via its Connector behavior)

● as color: Yellow (attribute 'Color' via its Connector behavior)

Relations between Electrical Objects

Using a Link type behavior

Nearly all the relations between electrical objects take the form of objects with a Link type behavior To know about the standard behavior definition, refer to http://www.ixfstd.org/std/ns/core/classBehaviors/links/1.0.

The Link object classes of the electrical schema are the following:

● WireLink

● EquipotentialLink

● DeviceLink

● HarnessLink

These object classes allow you to define:

a. the connectivity of the wire and equipotential objects, that is to say their connections with the electrical components

(instantiated standard parts).

b. the aggregation relations between the electrical components (instantiated standard parts).

For example a connector with pins or an equipment with connectors and pins.

c. the harness composition (wires and electrical components)

These links take the form of identifiers.For example: a wire, which identifier is W1, connected to two electrical connectors, which identifiers are C1 and C2:


Using a Specific Attribute

The relation between two connectors (mating connector, connector) is not managed by a Link type object as above but using a specific attribute named MatingConnector (behavior attribute of Connector type). This attribute is optional and is valuated with the identifier of the mating connector on both sides of the connection.

Let see an example where two connectors are connected together. The connectivity between them is described as follows:


Considering the iXF Schemain Greater Depth

The iXF electrical schema is split in four parts (four files):

● the first one: ElectricalSchema.xsd refers to the other three and describes the Electrical Object Classes.

● the second one: IXF_CB_NS1.xsd describes strictly the Electrical Behaviors.

● the third one: IXF_CB_NS2.xsd describes the Link type Behaviors (iXF standard reference).

● and last but not least, the fourth one: IXF_CB_NS3.xsd describes the Functional Behaviors.

Electrical Object Classes


Electrical Behaviors


Link Type Behaviors


Functional Behaviors


Glossary

A

assign An operation that lets you connect functional electrical components by means of signals.affect An operation that lets you connect wires onto terminations/pins.

Bbill of materials A list of connectors/devices referenced by the wire list, displayed with their

characteristics.bridge wire A wire between two pins of a connector to propagate the connection.bundle A document containing wires, also called electrical bundlebundle segment A geometrical subdivision of a bundle, also called segment

Ccompatibility table Contains the list of the separation codes.connector A electrical component providing an electrical interface between two bundles, an

equipment and a bundle or between wires. Comprises one or more electrical terminations.They are of two types: physical connector (from ELB, Catalog and V4) and functional connector (from EFD application)

cvs file A text file used for data exchange between CATIA V4 and V5

Ddeaffect An operation that lets you disconnect a wire from terminations/pins.

Eelectrical bundle See bundle.electrical system An electrical unit which accomplishes a specific function. Consists of equipment,

connectors and signals. Described in a CATProduct document.electrical terminationElectrical connection (often called pin) on a bundle connection pointequipment A electrical device with one or more associated connectors.equipotential A signal specification, which handles the signal extremities (two or more) and other

properties used for routing purpose.

Ggeometrical bundle Assembly of wires grouped together with a common covering and connected to electrical

connection points.

Iinternal splice Electrical connector used between wires belonging to the same bundle segment. It

comprises terminations. An internal splice has a reference (part number) but does not have a geometrical representation.

M


mapping An operation that consists of assigning to every keywords of each chapter the corresponding attributes of the wire component type.

mating connector A double connector: connector to connector or connector to equipment

Ppathway A path reservation between two or more components in CATIA - Systems Space

Reservationpin An electrical terminationproperties Attributes of a component that define its electrical, mechanical, etc. characteristics.

Rrank Selection order followed during the automatic routingreaffect An operation that lets you modify the termination on which a wire is connected.reconcile An operation that lets you establish a link between a physical equipment (Reservation

Box or Reservation Connector) and a functional connector. Only available on CATIA - Systems Space Reservation objects.

resolve An operation that adds technological information to an electrical element from a reference catalog:

● a wire reference to a wire,

● an internal splice reference to a wire connection,

● etc.

routing An operation that computes the optimized wire route between two or more extremities of a signal.

Ssegment See bundle segment and pathwayseparation code A criterion used as a filter for the segments on a network: if the separation codes are

compatible, the signal can follow the segments whereas, if the separation codes are not compatible, the route is forbidden.

signal A logical connection between two or more components. May be of the following types: ground, shielding, video, power, command or grouped.

Wwire Electrical wire: physical object corresponding to a signalwire connection An electrical object linking two or more wires that share a common extremity.wire list A list of wires belonging to an electrical bundle, displayed with their characteristics.


Index

Aaffect

arrangement box (ArrBox) automatic routing

equipotentials

wires

Bbridge wire

bundle bundle segment

definition

diameter

recomputing

Ccatalog command

Automatic Equipotential Routing

Automatic Wire Routing

Delete (Wire)

Delete Connection

Delete Signal Route

Export Wires...

External System Selection

Extremity Management


filtering management

Manage Links

Map with Reservation

Merge Connections

Modify Route

Move Connection

New Bundle

New Wire

New Wire Connection

Resolve Wires

Routing Simulation

Select Signal

Select Systems

Split Connection

Update All

compatibility management

compatibility table connection

mating connector

connector

context creating

wires

creating a bundle

creating a signal route

creating a wire

creating a wire connection

csv file

Ddeaffect


deleting

wires

deleting a signal route

deleting a wire diameter

bundle segment distributing

wires

Eelectrical behavior

electrical bundle

electrical connection point

electrical object class

electrical package

electrical termination

electrical user functions

Electrical.css

equipment equipotential

automatic routing

definition

exporting wires external data

management

placing internal splices

working with...

xml files

F


filtering management

functional behavior

Ggeometrical bundle

getting wire reference

Hhtml

Iinternal splice

Kknowledge

Llink type behavior

Mmapping

mapping with reservation mating connector


connection

merging wire connections

modifying the wire route

Ppathway placing internal splices

external data

placing physical devices

PRC

Product Root Class

Rrank

reaffect recomputing

bundle segment

reconciling objects

replacing wire connection with external splice resolving

wires

route

routing simulation

Sselecting system from external data

selecting the signal

separation code


signal

splitting wire connections

style sheet

Ttermination

Uupdate all

Vvisualization mode

Wwire connections

merging

splitting

wire extremity management wires

automatic routing

creating

deleting

distributing

getting reference

resolving working with...

external data


Xxml
