Is this possible with the autocad parametric PLC builder?

[mason_sakac]

I am having trouble figuring out a way to make a custom parametric PLC for the flex 5000 series of cards, which my company uses often. The main issue I am having is that these cards have their own dedicated power terminals right underneath the inputs on the cards TB. I want the parametric PLC builder to build a set of terminals out like the image I will link below. Ignore the info on the cards in the screenshot, they are just placeholders. I'd like to achieve this goal because I have an excel rack design form that practically automates card insertion, but I cannot do it with these types of cards. Right now, I just have to insert them and copy the block over and mirror it, but that is most certainly not the most efficient way. Any help is appreciated, Thanks all!!!

[arshdeepsingh404]

Hello @mason_sakac 

Not sure if I am fully understanding your question here, Are you asking if it is possible to insert power terminals to Parametric PLC?

If so, then the answer is yes, You can add Terminals Points (Non IO Terminals like 24VDC,0VDC) for power terminals.

[mason_sakac]

I'll try to clarify, the flex 5000 series cards have three rows of terminals on the cards themselves, one for the positive, one for the common, and one for the inputs/outputs. I was wondering if the parametric PLC builder can build multiple sets of terminals at the same time, like the screenshot I provided. Focusing on only one half of the page because that is one card, in that screenshot, I had to manually place the card terminal on the left after the parametric PLC builder built the one on the right, I am wondering if I can get the parametric PLC builder to do it for me, so that way I can use the PLC I/O utility for these cards we use often. 

TLDR can the parametric PLC builder place down more than one "terminal strip" per card?

[arshdeepsingh404]

How about the Break After feature?

Let's say Terminal 1-10 will be IO, Then you enable Break, and Terminals 11-20 is Power, Then you enable Break again, and Terminals 21-30 are Common.

When placing, The parametric tool will split the PLC into three symbols, sort of like your screenshot.

[mason_sakac]

I will do some experimenting with that in the morning, does the break after feature allow you to specify where in the drawing you want the other terminals to be placed, because if it breaks like an IA32, that wouldn’t be what I’m looking for. I didn’t think of that though, I appreciate it and I will update on how it goes.

[arshdeepsingh404]

Yes, you click the first point and it will insert all terminals before the Break comes, Then it will ask you again for a new point to insert the rest of terminals, and repeat.

Try experimenting with it tomorrow and let me know how it goes.

Cheers!

[mason_sakac]

So, a quick update, the break utility absolutely does work, but is there a way to specify where it breaks for when you are using the PLC I/O import utility from spreadsheets? Right now, it is treating the card as if though it is an IB32 and splitting it to the other side of the page, whereas it should be on the same half. If it isn't possible, I understand that I am asking for a lot.

[arshdeepsingh404]

Yes, you can select the number of ladders (Modules) under setup.

I tested adding a BREAK row and it worked perfectly, It splits the module at BREAK.