Create Accurate Dynamic Cables in E3.series: Define Cores, Shields, and Twisted Pairs

Every project eventually needs a cable that is not in the library. The common workaround is to shoehorn a near match and patch it with free text. That shortcut creates wrong core counts, missing shields, and reports that do not match the build. Dynamic Cables in E3.series give you a clean way to define the exact cable structure inside the project so design intent, documentation, and manufacturing stay aligned.

Who this helps

Harness engineers who build bespoke variants. Teams standardizing on shielded pairs or mixed core sizes in a single jacket. Anyone who wants accurate physical data without waiting for a new database part to be created.

The real problem

Reusing a near match from the database often produces bad labels and duplicate wires. BOMs drift from reality and the formboard team loses time reconciling drawings with what is actually built. You need a reliable way to define cable structure once and have that truth flow through the device tree, reports, and PDFs.

What Dynamic Cables are

A Dynamic Cable is defined directly in the project. You set core count, names, colors, cross sections, and outer diameters. You add shields and twisted pairs, then place cores on the drawing with the correct symbols. The device tree mirrors the physical build, which keeps outputs consistent.

Workflow overview

Insert a cable and set the core count. Name cores clearly and assign colors that match your standard manufacturing terminology. Add structure in the cable tree by creating shields that wrap selected cores and twisted pairs where required. Assign physical data at both core and jacket levels. Place the cores on the schematic and drop the shield and twisted pair symbols so intent is obvious at a glance.

Why this approach works

Accuracy improves because inheritance and structure drive documentation instead of free text. Clarity improves because shields and pairs are visible without clutter. Speed improves because you define and place once and your reports follow automatically.

Common pitfalls and fixes

Duplicate wires appear. After inserting a dynamic cable, place cores from that cable rather than dragging generic wires from the database.
Symbols do not show the names you expect. Open symbol properties and switch to a core name view that suits your layout.
Missing physical dimensions. Set per core cross section and top level jacket OD so manufacturing can validate bend radius and protection selection.

Watch the chapter video

This chapter demonstrates inserting a dynamic cable, naming cores, adding shields and twisted pairs, setting physical data, and placing cores and symbols cleanly.

Related chapters

• Chapter 6 Fields. Group data on a single sheet with Field regions
• Chapter 7 Levels. Control visibility and hide part numbers with saved presets
• Chapter 5 Formboard. From schematic to build ready harness layout

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