Smart Instrumentation employs two methods for implementing cable terminations – direct visual connection, and a more advanced technique called connection type. The connection concept behind these methods is based on the simple idea of letting you work as you would in the field, meaning that if you install a wire and connect it to a panel, for example, you can do exactly the same on the screen.
The software enables you to make connections by using the drag-and-drop operation in the Connection window.
You can make the following connections:
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Connect cables and cable sets to terminals in single mode — this option allows you to connect cables one by one to the appropriate terminals.
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Connect cables and cable sets to terminals in batch mode — this option allows you to simultaneously connect cables to the appropriate terminals and define their connections.
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You can keep more than one Connection window open at the same time. This can be useful when viewing the wiring routing.
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Dragging a cable, cable set, or wire to a terminal not currently visible in the Connection window makes the screen scroll up or down until the required terminal is displayed.
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If the width of your computer monitor allows it, you can follow the course of a cable from one terminal strip to the other (provided that the cable is connected between two terminal strips). You can view the cable continuation between two terminal strips by resizing the Connection window and selecting
(or selecting Actions > Adjacent on the Connection window menu bar) to simultaneously display both terminal strips.
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When connecting the right side of a DCS or PLC panel, the software increases the signal level by one.
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When working in a Project, only in combined mode, you can claim As-Built terminals from the Connection window by right-clicking an item and then on the shortcut menu, click Claim Terminal.