The new connector wizard is the number one user requested enhancement for SOLIDWORKS Electrical 2015. Managing connector pin assignments across multiple schematics can be time consuming. The connector wizard is packed with automation and intelligence that will simplify and organize the use of connectors throughout your electrical projects. It is obvious that this tool is all about saving you time and making you more productive. Here is a summary of what this tool has to offer.
Wizard Driven Component Type
In previous versions of SOLIDWORKS Electrical, connectors were lumped in with what I would call “generic components” for lack of a better term. They were implemented with the same workflow as many other component types. PLC’s, terminal strips, and black boxes are examples of components that have their own interface to effectively deal with the intricacies that are unique to managing a specific type of device. The connector wizard is a new tool for managing specific tasks associated with connector pin management.
Connectors are now a unique component type (similar to PLC’s and terminal strips). The user interface provides tools for creating new connector components and dynamically creating schematic symbols while managing connector pins. Since the interface is designed specifically for dealing with connectors, automated tasks are optimized maximizing productivity.
Connector Pin Management
A list provides a visual display of pin usage. Pin usage is tracked so that you know which pins have been used and where. Huge productivity gains can be realized as a result of enhanced pin management.
Based on manufacturers’ part information, connectors can be defined using mixed circuit and pin types. The wizard facilitates pin swapping and modification of pin assignments throughout the project.
Connector orientation can be set on the fly as the symbol is placed. Additional mnemonic and utilization data can be entered. The information will automatically be added to a dynamically created symbol.
Connector Symbol Management
The wizard provides the user with a choice of symbols styles for schematically representing connectors. As with previous versions, symbols can be selected from the standard symbol library. The new functionality automatically and dynamically generates connector symbols, with or without circuit specific pin symbols.
Each pin type can be represented with a unique symbol. Additionally, user definable pin allocation and a “one pin per symbol” option maximize your flexibility and allow you to disperse pins across multiple schematics while representing a single connector. This is by far one of the most powerful characteristics of this new tool.
Automatically Generated Symbols
In summary, managing connectors and their pin allocation, is a common everyday task for most electrical engineers who generate schematics. This new functionality saves time by automating time consuming tasks related to connector management. That’s just one of the reasons why it was the number one user requested enhancement…
