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Automation Technologies 3/2015

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Automation Technologies 3/2015

COMPONENTS AND SOFTWARE

COMPONENTS AND SOFTWARE previous page 02 Cables can be routed automatically thanks to the combination of circuit diagram information and product data The format is based on the premise that all of the involved engineering tools use the same files. However, each tool only reads and writes to those sections that are relevant to it. In order for all the tools to have a consistent interpretation of the file data, AutomationML provides so-called role class libraries. Defining such extensive role classes is a major undertaking that needs to be maintained regularly; so far, AutomationML has not been able to master this challenge. It therefore makes sense to integrate an existing classification system to act as the role class library. Growing classification system This is where eClass enters the equation. It is used for the classification and unique description of products and services. An ISO/IEC-compliant industrial standard, its 39,000 product classes and 16,000 characteristics cover the majority of products and services available on the market today. The CAx expert group provides system-independent definitions of the structures required for mapping the data in the ECAD tools. CAx is made up of ECAD tool developers as well as product manufacturers and users who jointly define and evolve this standard for data exchanging between device developers and ECAD tools. eClass facilitates not only the definition of CAErelated master data about the article but also information such as the cabling details required for automatic cable routing in the control cabinet – including connector types, positions and directions, as well as permissible cable diameters. It therefore represents an extensive and continually growing classification system that can be integrated into AutomationML as a role class library. Bringing the two formats together satisfies all the requirements for integrated engineering. Photographs: teaser and ornaments fotolia www.phoenixcontact.com AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES 3/2015

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