Interface Elements and Use

Upon startup, E3.series looks like the following illustration. Depending on customer-specific settings layout can vary.

 

 

Menu Bar

The traditional Main Menu Bar at the top contains all the commands available within E3.series. They are arranged in groups under Pull-Down menus.

 

It is not possible to close the Main Menu bar, but it can be dragged and dropped wherever desired.

 

Project Window

E3.series's Project Window provides a hierarchical tree-structured view of the Project. Selecting the Sheet tab displays all the sheets in the project or Device tab displays all the Devices.

 

It offers the following possibilities:

• Open and Close drawing sheets by clicking in the associated checkbox, or bring a sheet to the top by double clicking on the Sheet icon next to the checkbox. Left-clicking on a sheet also displays the sheet in the Preview Window.

• If desired, a separate column can be displayed that shows any sheet attribute or a sheet-header text. See also Tree Control Properties....
  (see also: Tree Functionality)

• To open another sheet in the current window, use the buttons 'Page up', 'Page down' (next/previous sheet).

• Right-click on a sheet to display the context-sensitive menu commands (New, Open, Close, Rename...)

• Sheet-header texts can be displayed behind the sheet number in the Sheet Tree view. Higher level assignment, location, sheet attributes and sheet-header texts are available for selection.

• View all devices used in the project. Additional columns, such as Placement, Info column, Variants/Options , Characteristic and/or Extended Variant Information, containing more information can be selected from the column header's context menu.

• Open up a sub-tree to view all the parts that comprise a device by clicking on the '+' box next to the device. Here you can see which parts have been used. The second column at the right side displays their position on a sheet.

• Clicking on a part will display the symbol in the Preview Window.

• Select unused parts of a device and drag and drop them onto a sheet to place the symbol.

• The structure of terminal strips can be changed by dragging and dropping individual terminals to a new position within the terminal strip.

• The structure of devices without a component assignment can be changed by dragging and dropping individual symbols to a new position within the device tree.

• Multiple selection of devices (also of different classes) in the Device Tree view allows you to modify item designation, component type and attributes of several devices at the same time or to combine the selected devices to an assembly.

• In order to change higher level assignment and location of all devices within a folder, right-click on the folder name and change the Properties.

• If variants/options are defined in the project, these are displayed in the Variants/Options tab of the Project window.

 

The keyboard shortcut Shift + right arrow allows you to display all subfolders under the selected folder. Shift + left arrow collapses expanded tree views one level. This might be very useful to get an overview of all devices available in the Tree View.

 

To open all folders and subfolders of the project, press the * key in the keyboard's numeric keypad.

 

The Project Window can be dragged and dropped wherever desired.

 

With the E3.panel module installed, the Project Window has additional 'Panel' tabs: Panel - Placed and Panel - Not Placed.

 

All panel items are organized in a tree structure:

• The 'Panel - Not Placed' tab shows all components that have been placed in the schematic drawing, but not yet selected and placed in a panel. They are arranged according to the settings defined in the Tree Control Properties.

• Components that have already been placed in the panel can be found in the 'Panel - Placed' tab. They are arranged according to the settings defined in the Tree Control Properties.

• Additional columns, such as Placement, Info column, Variants/Options, Characteristic and/or Extended Variant Information containing more information can be selected from the column header's context menu.

 

With the E3.formboard module installed, the Project Window has an additional Formboard tab.

 

All formboard items are organized in a tree structure. This tab displays "Formboard" plus the corresponding sheet name in the Placement column of the Project Window.

 

With the E3.FunctionalDesign or E3.topology module installed, the Project Window shows an additional Functional Objects tab.

 

All functional objects are organized in a tree structure. All assigned wires/cables are displayed below each cable harness in the Project Window Functional Objects tab.

 

The appearance of the Project Window in Database Editor mode is different, see DBE Project Window.

 

In the default settings, the tree structure elements are sorted according to the tokens that are used in the element name.

 

The following characters create tokens:

• Letters

• Numbers

 

All consecutive characters of a group create a complete token. Regarding a series of numbers starting with 0, each 0 at the beginning of the token is removed. If a single 0 stands between two letters, 0 remains existing as a token.

 

 

When sorting, letter tokens have higher priority than number tokens. The length of the tokens to be compared determines the sorting order.

Letter tokens are sorted alphabetically.

Numer tokens are sorted ascendingly.

 

 

Tables

To be able to configure the objects used already before drawing the plan, it's possible to display and manage the information (e.g. names, properties, component types, attributes etc.) in a clear table window. Thus, project data can quickly and easily be edited also in larger projects. An Excel-like working procedure serves as template when editing this data.

 

The following tables are available:

• Device Table

• Pin Table

• Sheet Table

• Connection Table

• Component Table

• Cabling Table

• Terminal Table

 

Database Window

The Database Window provides a hierarchical tree-structured view of all the symbols and components in the database. Their sorting is based on the settings defined in the Database Tree Structure dialog (see also: Database Structure).

 

It allows you to

• View all components and descriptions

• Open up a sub-tree to view all the parts that comprise a component by clicking on the '+' box next to the component. Clicking on a part will display the symbol in the Preview Window.

• Search for components in the database by description or by setting component attributes in the drop-down lists, to display only those components corresponding to the attribute settings.

• Select a component (or part of a component) and drag and drop it onto a sheet to place the symbol. Once a part of a component is dragged and dropped onto a sheet, the complete component is added to the Device Tree in the Project Window.

• Activate another sheet in the current window by using the buttons 'Page up', 'Page down' (next/previous sheet).

 

The Database Window can be dragged and dropped wherever desired.

 

 

DB Object Relations

The DB Object Relations window shows the object relations of the component select in the Database Window:

 

 

Among others, the symbols, model and used cavity parts of the component are displayed as object relations.

 

 

Preview

The Preview window shows the graphic representation of the currently active object:

• Drawing sheet: During normal operations, the Preview window displays the overall view of the current active sheet window

• ZOOM area: If the view, in the active sheet window, is zoomed into, then the area of the sheet displayed in the active window, is indicated in the Preview Window by means of a rectangle. The area displayed, in the active sheet window, can be modified by dragging the 'size' handle at the bottom right corner of the rectangle, or moved, by dragging the rectangle to a new location.

• Symbol graphic: If a Device (or part of a device) is selected in the Tree View of the Project Window, or a Component (or part of a component) is selected in the Database Window, the Preview Window displays the corresponding symbol.

 

The Preview window can be dragged and dropped wherever desired.

 

3D Preview Window

The 3D Preview Window in E3.series can be placed anywhere the user wishes. The preview window is available in projects and the Database Editor.

 

Previewing the selected models gives the user an immediate overview of the models and a vivid impression of the planned project.

 

To activate the 3D preview window, select the command View -> 3D Preview Window in the Main Menu. The preview window opens.

 

The 3D preview window can be placed anywhere or docked to an area in the user interface.

 

The selected models are displayed in the 3D Preview Window. If several models are selected and placed, the 3D models are displayed as they are spatially related.

 

 

Work Space

The Work Space may contain any number of independent views of one or more drawing sheets.

 

Windows within the Work Space can be manipulated like any other window on the Windows desktop (move, resize, minimize, maximize, restore and close)

• either by using typical mouse functions (drag and drop title bar, click buttons on the title bar),

• by using commands from the control menu that appears after clicking the icon on the left of the title bar,

• by using hotkeys like CTRL-F4 to close or CTRL-F6 to switch to the next window

• or by using commands like Windows -> Cascade, or Windows ->Tile on the Main Menu bar

 

Windows within the Work Space

• cannot be moved to a position outside the application Window

• will not retain their size and position upon close/open operations of the drawing.
  Exception: When ending or closing a project, the system user-specifically saves the last sheet view, i.e. full screen or window view, in which sheets appear upon opening/creating in new or existing projects.

 

Output

E3.series logs all text output to the Output Window. Different types of information can be displayed by selecting one of the following tabs at the bottom of the window.

 

• Message: Displays the output of general messages.

• Results: Results of specific listings or searches are listed in this view.

 

The Output window can be dragged and dropped wherever desired.

 

Automatic Display of Device Properties

The properties of devices that are selected on a sheet or within the Device tree view, are automatically displayed in the Properties window.

 

To have the Device Properties displayed, the Properties window must be opened. To do so, select the View -> Properties command from the main menu bar.

 

 

 

Status Bar

Useful information is displayed on-line in the Status Bar, e.g. command explanations and cursor coordinates.

 

In addition, results of on-line checks are displayed here (for example: invalid position). When moving objects, the Status Bar shows, for example, not only the coordinates, but also the offset.

 

'Autohide' Windows and Tables

The windows (such as the output, preview, database and project windows) and the tables (such as the device, pin, connection and sheet table) can be made visible or hidden automatically by clicking on the Auto Hide button or selecting the Auto Hide command from the context menu displayed when right-clicking in the header part of the desired window.

 

If you want to display the corresponding window once again, drag the cursor on the area of the screen where the window is located.

 

If the window should no longer be visible or automatically hidden, click again on the Auto Hide button: or again select the Auto Hide command from the context menu to deactivate it.

 

Toolbars

Some commands are represented by small icons. A simple click on the icon will execute the command. These iconized commands are combined in groups called Toolbars.

 

The most important properties of existing objects in a drawing can be defined / modified by means of these toolbars.

 

Moreover, toolbars also allow for quick access to the most commonly-used commands.

 

For some of these commands, 'command repetition' can be activated by double-clicking on the icon, instead of single clicking:

• Draw graphic line / polygon / rectangle / circle / arc / oval / dimension line / symbol

• Place block

• Place (symbol loaded last)

• Place conductor indicator

• Place node (DBE mode)

• Insert connection

• Autoconnect (within an area, horizontally, vertically, from one area to another area)

 

Command repetition is deactivated by selecting the same command again, or by selecting another command, or by using the ESC key.

 

If no object has been selected, the default settings are displayed in the toolbar and can be modified as required. If an object is selected on the sheet then the object's properties are shown in the toolbar. Changes made to the properties apply only to the selected object.

 

By default, the following toolbars are available (sorted by Project and Database Editor mode and in alphabetical order):

Project mode	Database Editor mode only
3D-view Busbar Settings Display Electrical Checks Formboard Funct.Design/Topology Graphic Hose/Tube Setting Menu Bar (main menu) MIL Settings Align objects Panel Placement Selection Standard Text format Wire Setting	Database Component Database Model Database Symbol Database Symbol Node Graphic Menu Bar (main menu) MIL Settings Selection Text format

 

You can define your own toolbars and modify default toolbars to suit your needs using the Tools -> Customize command on the Main Menu bar.

 

 

Project mode

'3D - View' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Top Displays the top view
	Bottom Displays the bottom view
	Left Displays the left view
	Right Displays the right view
	Front Displays the front view
	Back Displays the back view
	Isometric Displays the view in isometric and axonometric projection
	Dimetric Displays the view in dimetric and axonometric projection
	Animation An animation occurs while changing the view

 

'Busbar Setting' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Used busbar for connection
	Use default busbar when connecting
	Assigns default busbar to existing graphic busbar connection

 

'Connect' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Inserts a connect line
	Automatically inserts a connection between two selected pins
	Inserts a multi-connection
	Inserts a curved connection
	Reconnects a connect line
	Inserts a bus connection (E3.logic only)
	Connects lines from connect nodes in one area to another
	Connects matching connect nodes in a digitized area
	Connects nodes within a digitized area in vertical direction
	Connects matching nodes in a digitized area in horizontal direction
	Connects open line ends
	Angles a connection clockwise
	Angles a connection counter clockwise
	Modifies the color for connect lines
	Modifies the width for connect lines
	Modifies the style for connect lines
	Creates system-generated signals for new graphical connections
	Unconnects the selected objects and keeps the signals on the connect nodes
	Unconnects the selected objects and deletes signal definitions on the connect nodes as well
	Uses line properties of starting connect line
	Uses line properties of starting bus connect line (E3.logic only)
	Unconnects the conductors / hoses / tubes in the selected area
	Move conductors from pin to pin
	Reorders conductors
	New connections are ignored in the cabling table
	Logic plug connection remains existing when graphically unconnecting

 

'Display' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Zooms in on the current sheet
	Zooms out to fit the complete drawing sheet into the current graphic window
	Zooms in with the ratio defined in the settings
	Zooms out with the ratio defined in the settings
	Adjusts zoom to selection
	Searches for objects in drawing, optionally highlights them
	Resets highlight of all marked objects
	Displays grid points in graphic windows
	Displays rulers for graphic windows
	Shows additional crosshairs cursor in graphic window
	Displays connection types
	Displays origin of subcircuits
	Shows or hides logic lines between pins and nets with same signal
	Shows or hides logic lines between pins connected through a conductor, but without graphical connection
	Shows active variants/options in different color
	Marks connect points in connection nets at T connections
	Marks connect points in connection nets at forced wirings
	Marks connect points in connection nets at line ends
	Displays the diameter of all conductors or wires in selected segment
	Deactivates terminal plan online update
	Arranges windows so that they overlap
	Arranges windows horizontally as non-overlapping tiles
	Arranges windows vertically as non-overlapping tiles
	Define if all or only the active variants will be shown
	Define if all or only the active options will be shown
	Show or hide objects with options
	Show all conductor logic lines of signal
	Reset display of all conductor logic lines of signal
	Displays the graphic working area in full screen mode

 

'Electrical Checks' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Switches to the previous state
	Switches to the next state
	Enables / Disables the electrical checks

 

'Formboard' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Marks segments with different lengths
	Displays effective direction on selected segments
	Displays nodes
	Displays table subsidiary lines
	Displays/hides logic lines between pins connected through conductors on formboard sheets
	Automatically rotates connectors on formboard sheets
	Switches the effective direction of selected segments
	Inserts a new node on a connect line
	Locks a node on a formboard sheet
	Unlocks a node on a formboard sheet
	Adjusts the segment length to manufacturing length
	Rotates branches
	Segment-splitting node
	Segment-merging node
	Displays shared formboard sheets

 

'Functional Design / Topology' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Display graphic representation of functional units
	Fill color for assigned functional blocks
	Fill color for assigned disconnecting points
	Displays signal logic lines
	Splits the harness

 

'Graphic' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Draws a line
	Draws a polygon
	Draws a rectangle
	Draws a graphic curve
	Draws a circle
	Draws an oval
	Draws an arc
	Draws an arc (3 points)
	Draws a cloud
	Creates a freehand drawing
	Draws a graphical dimension line
	Inserts a dimension
	Inserts a running dimension
	Draws a symbol as graphic
	Modifies the selected object
	Modifies the line color
	Sets the line width
	Defines the line style
	Groups selected graphic or binds to selected symbol
	Ungroups selected objects
	Groups selected objects
	Selects all items of referenced group
	Unplaces all items of referenced group
	Changes display order of selected graphic - Bring to foreground
	Changes display order of selected graphic - Send to background
	Changes display order of selected graphic - One step forward
	Changes display order of selected graphic - One step backward
	Activates/deactivates the Use read-only level option: Graphics and text can be defined on a specific level as read-only.
	Optimizes graphical objects

 

'Hose/Tube Setting' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Uses defined hose/tube when connecting
	Uses default hose/tube when connecting
	Inserts the default hose/tube in graphical connection or between connect nodes

 

'MIL Settings' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Displays the complete connector when the final pin is contained in the group.
	Defines the line style for MIL connector representation
	Always displays the complete group.
	Treats the connectors of an assembly as unit.
	Treats backshell pins as unit
	Displays the pin's type (male or female).
	Hides the mating connector pin names.
	Displays the block connector on the block's outlines.
	Displays the block connector outside the block.
	Displays the block connector inside the block.
	Displays the color of the block's graphic (i.e. the "connection" lines).
	Displays the width of the block's graphic (i.e. the "connection" lines).
	Displays the line style of the block's graphic (i.e. the "connection" lines).

 

'Align objects' toolbar

Symbol	Purpose
	Align left The selected objects are aligned to the left.
	Align right The selected objects are aligned to the right.
	Distribute horizontally The selected objects are distributed horizontally.   Note To use this command, three objects must be selected at least.
	Distribute vertically The selected objects are distributed vertically.   Note To use this command, three objects must be selected at least.
	Align top The selected objects are aligned to the top.
	Align bottom The selected objects are aligned to the bottom.
	Align Distances Horizontal Defines the horizontal distance of objects to be moved.   Note The distance of coordinates can be defined analogously in the settings under General - Distance of coordinates.
	Align Distances Vertical Defines the vertical distance of objects to be moved.   Note The distance of coordinates can be defined analogously in the settings under General - Distance of coordinates.

 

'Panel' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Inserts a new mount
	Inserts a new cable duct
	Automatic physical routing in cable ducts
	Displays shared panel sheets
	Displays wire parameters
	Displays connection logic on pin
	Marks sheet comprehensive wires
	Only available in Database Editor mode Displays the contents of the current sheet in 3D
	Only available in Project mode Displays the contents of the current sheet in 3D
	Only available in Project mode Displays the contents of all panel sheets in project in 3D. The contents of the active sheet is highlighted.   Note Since the objects of all panel sheets are loaded in project, this may take some time. When the project contains only one panel sheet, the displayed contents of and are identical.
	Only available in Project Mode Creates an orthographic 2D projection of panel sheets. Models are represented as solids in the projection.
	Displays models in wireframe or solid mode
	Displays perspective/orthographic projection
	Lighting on / off
	Displays model orientation in 2D
	Displays model orientation in 3D
	Displays model graphic from 2D in 3D
	Displays STEP models in 3D

 

'Placement' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Inserts a new sheet
	Inserts a new shared sheet
	Places a connect template symbol on any connection
	Inserts a new field
	Inserts a dynamic symbol
	Places a test point on any connection or pin
	Places a new block symbol in the drawing
	Places origin for subcircuits
	Deletes the select objects
	Moves selected objects
	changes the scaling factor of the symbols to be placed
	Select an object by digitizing position
	Select an object by digitizing rectangle
	Moves with snap functionality
	The set pin terminal symbol is used

 

'Selection' toolbar

Symbol	Purpose
	Selection Mode Inactive: Selects all elements inside the selection area. Active: Select all elements inside and intersecting or touching the border of the selection rectangle
	Select Symbols Off: No symbol selection when an area is selected On: Symbol selection when an area is selected
	Select Texts Off: No text selection when an area is selected On: Text selection when an area is selected
	Select Graphics Off: No graphic selection when an area is selected On: Graphic selection when an area is selected
	Select Connect Lines Off: No connect line selection when an area is selected On: Connect line selection when an area is selected
	Select Net Nodes Off: No net node selection when an area is selected On: Net node selection when an area is selected
	Select Attribute text templates Off: No attribute text template selection when an area is selected On: Attribute text template selection when an area is selected
	Select Dimensions Off: No dimensions selection when an area is selected On: Dimensions selection when an area is selected

 

'Standard' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Creates a new document
	Opens an existing document
	Closes an open document
	Saves the active project
	Activates the selection mode.
	Cuts selection
	Copies selection to Clipboard
	Pastes Clipboard data at insertion point
	Pastes Clipboard data (extended) at insertion point. Device designation, Higher level assignment and Location can be modified when pasting.
	Copies graphic information and transfers it to other graphic elements
	Copies attribute information and transfers it to other elements
	Duplicates the selection
	Opens a separate window to show all existing clipboards
	Prints the active document
	Displays the table of contents for the online documentation
	Undoes the last action
	Redoes the last action

 

'Text format' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Provides for adding graphic text to a drawing
	Specifies font type to apply to text
	Specifies the font size to apply to text
	Modifies the text color
	Sets the font style to bold
	Sets the font style to italic
	Sets the font effect to underline
	Aligns the text with the left margin.
	Aligns the text with both margins.
	Aligns the text with the right margin.

 

'Wire Setting' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Uses default database group for wires when connecting
	Uses default database type for wires when connecting
	Uses default symbol to be placed on horizontal connect lines
	Uses default symbol to be placed on vertical connect lines
	Uses default wire when connecting
	Inserts default wire in graphical connection or between connect nodes
	Check and update connector pin terminal by selected
	Generates a new wire name
	Checks for invalid references between conductor/wire and pins
	Corrects invalid references between conductor/wire and pins   Equivalent pins can cause incorrect display of the end pins on conductors/wires. This is corrected to the correct display of end pins in the connector pin terminal.
	Connects a conductor/wire that is not distributed over equivalent pins.   The behavior is identical to the setting Don't distribute wire/conductor over equivalent pins.

 

DBE mode only

'Database Component' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Changes the symbol order in a component
	Pin Assignment Symbol / Model
	Assigns reference and/or pin texts
	Automatic assignment of pin texts
	Shows or hides subsidiary lines between assigned schematic and model pins
	Shows or hides subsidiary lines between reference texts and symbols and/or pin texts

 

'Database Model' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Inserts model slots
	Displays the model slot
	Inserts a model contour
	Inserts the model's back view
	Inserts the model's top view
	Inserts the model's bottom view
	Inserts the model's left view
	Inserts the model's right view
	Inserts a STEP model

 

'Database Symbol' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Edits the space requirements of symbols
	Adapts the space requirements of a symbol to the working area
	Edits the symbol's origin
	Displays the sheet layout
	Draws a terminal placement line
	Edits drawing area of sheet border symbols
	Fits drawing area of sheet border symbols
	Show/Hide Sealed Pins Assignment

 

'Database Symbol Node' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Adds a single connect point
	Adds multiple nodes
	Selects the required node symbol
	Edits the node order
	Groups selected texts and nodes
	Ungroups selected texts and nodes
	Edits node coordinates

 

'Graphic' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Draws a line
	Draws a polygon
	Draws a rectangle
	Draws a graphic curve
	Draws a circle
	Draws an arc
	Draws an arc (3 points)
	Draws a cloud
	Draws a graphical dimension line
	Inserts a dimension line
	Draws a symbol as graphic
	Modifies the selected object
	Modifies the line color
	Sets the line width
	Defines the line style
	Ungroups selected objects
	Groups the selected objects
	Selects all objects of the group
	Changes display order of selected graphic - Bring to foreground
	Changes display order of selected graphic - Send to background
	Changes display order of selected graphic - One step forward
	Changes display order of selected graphic - One step backward
	Uses read-only level for free graphic
	Moves with snap functionality
	Optimizes graphical objects

 

'MIL Setting' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Edits the MIL default view.
	Edits the MIL male view.
	Edits the MIL female view.
	Places the MIL graphic origins.
	Places the left graphic origin.
	Places the right graphic origin.

 

'Selection' toolbar

Symbol	Purpose
	Selection Mode Inactive: Selects all elements inside the selection area. Active: Select all elements inside and intersecting or touching the border of the selection rectangle
	Select Symbols Off: No symbol selection when an area is selected On: Symbol selection when an area is selected
	Select Texts Off: No text selection when an area is selected On: Text selection when an area is selected
	Select Graphics Off: No graphic selection when an area is selected On: Graphic selection when an area is selected
	Select Connect Lines Off: No connect line selection when an area is selected On: Connect line selection when an area is selected
	Select Net Nodes Off: No net node selection when an area is selected On: Net node selection when an area is selected
	Select Attribute text templates Off: No attribute text template selection when an area is selected On: Attribute text template selection when an area is selected
	Select Dimensions Off: No dimensions selection when an area is selected On: Dimensions selection when an area is selected

 

'Text format' toolbar

Button	Purpose
	Provides for adding symbol text
	Edits the order of the symbol text
	Defines the text type order in a symbol
	Changes the text type
	Modifies the default font size
	Aligns text left, centered, right
	Controls the display mode of the text nodes

 

Additional Toolbar Categories

Select the Tools -> Customize command from the Main Menu bar to display the Customize dialog box.

Besides the standard categories with the corresponding toolbars, there are additional categories that contain more icons and commands that can be arranged as desired:

• Addons category

• Default Menu category

• Removed from menu category

• Misc accelerator category

• All Commands category
  Lists all commands with the corresponding icons.