TechTip: Preparation for the master data for the PLC data exchange
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 12. July 2024

TechTip: Preparation for the master data for the PLC dataexchange
Contents
1.

General......................................................................................................................... 22.

Preparation of the parts data ...................................................................................... 2
2.1.

Overview of the most important part properties ................................................. 3

2.2.

Configurable PLC connection points (multi-function connection points) ........ 4

2.3.

Deactivated I/O connection point......................................................................... 5

2.4.

PLC I/O connection point or bus port .................................................................. 5

2.5.

Tab Properties ....................................................................................................... 6

2.6.

Tab Function templates ........................................................................................ 9

2.6.1.

Specifying function definitions ......................................................................... 9

2.6.2.

Properties in the function templates .............................................................. 19

2.7.
3.

PLC devices with subdevices ............................................................................ 20

Macro creation........................................................................................................... 21
3.1.

Standardized macros .......................................................................................... 21

3.2.

Data in the macro ................................................................................................ 22

3.3.

Graphical view..................................................................................................... 23

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TechTip: Preparation for the master data for the PLC data exchange
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 12. July 2024

1. General
Already today the Eplan Data Portal supplies a multitude of manufacturer information andpart macros. Nevertheless, It is possible that a used PLC card is not available there.
This TechTip helps you to create parts and macros for your PLC devices in such a mannerthat they can be reused easily.
For the fundamental description of a property please refer to the Eplan help of Version 2.9:•

Terminals, Cables, Plugs, and PLC Information > PLC > Basics•

Eplan Properties: Overview

You can find further notes and specifications on individual properties in the TechTip:•

TechTip-Overview-of-the-PLC-properties

Information for reading
Structure of the individual tables:
Property<ID>

Input format
Special features

2. Preparation of the parts data
In the parts management you already specify in advance the properties of the PLC device ora bus-compatible device that do not change in your project (fixed and device-dependentdata). These data are transferred from here to your project at a part or device selection.
The following tabs, amongst others, are available to you to enter PLC-relevant data:•

Properties•

Function templates.

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TechTip: Preparation for the master data for the PLC data exchange
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 12. July 2024

2.1.

Overview of the most important part properties

In the parts management the appropriate properties have to be filled or the check boxes
activated:
ID

Property

22105

PLC type designation

22038

Object description

22037

Device description: File name

22283

Device description: Index in file22269

PLC station: Type22019

Bus coupler / head station

22020

CPU

22052

Power supply

22053

Bus distribution device

1.

Each part requires a unique Device identification (PLC type designation or in the
combination of Device description: File name and Device description: Index in file).
The check runs 501025 and 501034 support you with the search for empty or nonunique device identifications. For further information please refer to the Eplan help in thesection "Check part master data".

2.

For each CPU and each head station (first PLC card on the rack with network
connection) the property PLC station: Type must be filled.
The manufacturer name is sufficient for most manufacturers. There are fixed
designations for Siemens devices. These are specified in the TechTip "TechTipOverview-of-the-PLC-properties", chapter "Settings at PLC devices".

3.

For devices with CPU the CPU check box must be activated.

4.

For devices with bus ports the Bus coupler / head station check box has to be
activated.

The following function templates are defined:
1.

Each PLC device has a "PLC box" function definition.

2.

Each PLC connection point has a function template.

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Eplan Platform Version 2025
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3.

For each I/O connection point the Channel designation has to be numerically filled.
Due to the possible combination of connection points, we recommend entering the
Channel designation for safety controllers not at the parts but in the macro.

4.

A bus port (port / plug) only has one function definition since it is always configured as aplug and not through individual contacts.
The following applies at the function definition of the bus port:

2.2.

ID

Property

Value

20406

Plug designation

Is filled

20447

Bus interface: Name

Has to be filled for Ethernet-based bus
systems

20308

Bus system

Is filled

21000

Connection point
designation

Is empty

21007

Connection point
description

Is empty

20384

PLC subdevice: Index

Specifies to which PLC subdevice thebus port belongs. If a device has no
subdevices, therefore the value is "0".

Configurable PLC connection points (multi-function
connection points)

In the field of PLC devices there are increasingly devices whose PLC connection points are
configurable: PLC connection points can be either inputs or outputs.
In order to minimize the number of parts data and required macros in this case it is possible
to define PLC connection points as a PLC connection point, multi-function.
The behavior of this connection point is then determined for these PLC connection points
with the Type of signal property set in the Connection point logic.
Advantages:-

Reduction of the parts data and macros;only one part record without parts variants and one macro
Correct overlapping of the function templates in the navigators

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TechTip: Preparation for the master data for the PLC data exchange
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 12. July 2024

2.3.

Deactivated I/O connection point

Multiple I/O connection points can be combined into one channel for modules with analog
connections or safety controllers.
In Eplan only one connection point from the category PLC connection point, I/O, 1
connection point may be active within one channel in Eplan. If a channel has more that one
PLC I/O connection point, mark the other connection points of the channel with the property
Deactivated I/O connection point. This way these connection points are not filled with datainaccurate for the PLC configuration program during the PLC data exchange.
To allow the post-addressing of these connection points in Eplan, enter the same value in the
Channel designation field for each of the combined connection points.

2.4.

PLC I/O connection point or bus port

In the area of PLC devices there are devices whose PLC connection points can be either an
input or output or bus port (for example I/O link devices).
In this case use the possibility to create variants in the parts management:-

In Variant 1 the affected PLC connection points are defined as bus ports
In Variant 2 the affected PLC connection points are defined as PLC connection point,
multi-function (see above)

A common macro can be used for both variants since the suitable variants for the affected
PLC connection points can be created in the macro.
Disadvantage:-

In Eplan it is not possible to select the correct part variant during the PLC data importsince both part variants have an identical PLC type designation.
In this case Eplan always uses the first found variant.
You are pointed to these circumstances with the check run 004057.
If necessary, correct the part at the affected modules after the import.

5TechTip: Preparation for the master data for the PLC data exchange
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 12. July 2024

2.5.

Tab Properties

PLC data nodes
PLC type designation

22105

String
The value has to be filled in at all the PLC cards or bus-compatible devices if the "Device
description: File name" is not filled.
As a rule the original order number under observance of any blanks and separators is tobe specified.

Device description: File name22037

File name of the device description file with file name extension and without file path
specification
The value has to be filled at all the PLC cards or bus-compatible devices if the "PLC typedesignation" is not filled.
Is used together with Device description: Index in file.

Device description: Index in file22283

Numerical reference to the device in the file specified by means of Device description: File
name
Is used together with Device description: File name.
You will find detailed information on the use of PLC type designation, Device description:
File name and Device description: Index in file in the Eplan Help in the section "Data
Exchange of PLC Configuration Files" with the keyword "Device identification".
Object description

22038

Any string
Designation of the PLC box.

Version22104

Any string

PLC station: Type

22269

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Eplan Platform Version 2025
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String, depending on the target system
The value has to be filled in at each PLC box that represents a CPU or a head station or isa bus-compatible device.

Bus coupler / head station

22019

Check box
All PLC boxes or bus-compatible devices that represent a bus coupler or a head station
have to be identified by activating the check box.

CPU

22020

Check box
All PLC boxes or bus-compatible devices that represent a CPU have to be identified by
activating the check box.
Power supply

22052

Check box
All PLC boxes or bus-compatible devices that represent a power supply have to be
identified by activating the check box.

Bus distribution device

22053

Check box
All PLC boxes or bus-compatible devices that represent a bus distribution device have tobe identified by activating the check box.

PLC card is placed on head station

22290

Check box
Identifies a PLC card that is placed on a head station or is integrated into it and is not
adjoined next to the head station.

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Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 12. July 2024

Address range (SIEMENS STEP 7 Classic),
Address range 2 (SIEMENS STEP 7 Classic)

22106,
22261

Numerical value
Address range: Specification for inputs.
Can also be used for outputs if the card only has outputs.
Address range 2: Specification for outputs.
Is only used at SIEMENS STEP 7 Classic and, depending on the PLC card, determines
the number of input / output bits or bytes.

PLC device: Data length (inputs),
PLC device: Data length (outputs)

20571,
20573

Numerical value
Number of bits up to the next free address on the next PLC card.

A PLC card can consists of multiple integrated modules (subdevices), that each have theirown Address ranges and start addresses. Each subdevice is defined by corresponding
properties. Up to twelve subdevices can be specified (in the text below x designates thenumber of the subdevice 1…12). See also chapter "PLC devices with subdevices".
Subdevices are exported if they have at least one start address or a Device identification.
Note:
If a PLC card has no subdevices (meaning that it only consists of one module), definitions forthese can be omitted. The value "0" is entered at the PLC subdevice: Index property at theassociated PLC connection points.
You can obtain further information on the definition of subdevices from the manufacturer of
the PLC device or in the TechTip "TechTip-Configuring-PLC-devices-with-devicedescription-files".
PLC subdevice x: Name

22293 foll.

Any string

PLC subdevice: Position (slot / module)

22305 foll.

Numerical value

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Eplan Platform Version 2025
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PLC subdevice x: Data length (inputs),
PLC subdevice x: Data length (outputs)

20572 foll.,
20574 foll.

Numerical value
Number of bits up to the next free address on the next PLC card.

PLC subdevice x: PLC type designation

22365, 22341 foll.

Any string
This property has to be filled for subdevices if these are expected as independent devices
in the PLC configuration program.
As a rule the original order number under observance of any blanks and separators is tobe specified. Every subdevice can only have one PLC type designation. A combination ofseveral parts by entering several PLC type designations is not supported.

PLC subdevice x: Device description: Index in file22366, 22352 foll.

Numeric reference to the device in the device description file that is entered at the PLC
box (main device) in the property Device description: File name.
This property has to be filled for subdevices if these are expected as independent devices
in the PLC configuration program and are identified via a device description file and theassociated index.
Notes: The device description file is specified at the PLC box (main device). The indexesof the device description files additionally have the specification of a context in the AML
file. For a subdevice this context must always be specified during the configuration:
•
•
•
•

/D
(Device)/R(Rack)/DAP (Device Access Point)/M(Module)2.6.
2.6.1.

Tab Function templates
Specifying function definitions

A function definition is assigned to each PLC connection point. However, this is not possible
if the relevant module is not known. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain the data sheet of themodule from the manufacturer. Reference to the hardware catalog or the corresponding
device manual (in many cases available as a download from the manufacturer site) can help.
In the following example the procedure is shown as an example. An analog module of
SIEMENS (6ES7331-7HF0x-0AB0: SM 331: AI 8 x 14 bits) is used.

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Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 12. July 2024

Data sheet extract of manufacturer

10TechTip: Preparation for the master data for the PLC data exchange
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 12. July 2024

Identifying channel-independent connection points
Channel-independent connection points are all connection points that cannot be assigned
directly to one individual channel. These are•

Card power supplies•

Power supplies that are used for more than one channel.

Use the function definitions from the Card power supply, 1 connection point group forthese connection points.
•

Use the Network- / Bus cable function definitions from the group for bus ports

11TechTip: Preparation for the master data for the PLC data exchange
Eplan Platform Version 2025
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The function templates are selected according to the connection point description specified
by the manufacturer:L+→

CS (+)

L-→

CS (-)MANA→

CS (M)MANA→

CS (SH)12

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Eplan Platform Version 2025
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Identifying channels
Now the channels are selected from the remaining connection points. In our example you
can see eight identical channels:

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Eplan Platform Version 2025
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Looking at a channel•

Within a channel there can only be one active PLC connection point (input or output)
among all connection points of a channel.

•

All other connection points have to either have a function definition from the Powersupply, 1 connection point range or must be deactivated.
A PLC connection point is activated or deactivated with the check box Deactivated I/Oconnection point. A deactivated PLC connection point acts like a power supply.

•

Each function definition from the group of the power supplies must only be assigned once
for a channel. Otherwise Writing back the connection point designations of the overview
page on the schematic page is not possible without errors.

•

For the function definition PLC connection point, multifunction the type of signal in the
logic is used to determine which actual function is used (see section "Configurable PLC
connection points" in the Eplan help).

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Eplan Platform Version 2025
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If none of the special function definitions matches at a card, you use the function
definition PLC connection point, general.

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The complete card•

Now write the function definitions specified for a channel to the further channels, with adifferent channel designation specification.

•

Ensure that you specify the channels in ascending order.

•

In addition add the PLC box as function definition at the top position:

Function definition

Connection point
designation

Channeldesignation

PLC box
PLC connection point, PLC-CS (+)

1

PLC connection point, AI

20

PLC connection point, PLC-PS (M)30

PLC connection point, AI

4

1

PLC connection point, PLC-PS (M)51

PLC connection point, AI

62

PLC connection point, PLC-PS (M)72

PLC connection point, AI

83

PLC connection point, PLC-PS (M)93

PLC connection point, PLC-CS (M)10

PLC connection point, PLC-CS (SH)11

PLC connection point, AI

12

4

PLC connection point, PLC-PS (M)134

PLC connection point, AI

14

5

PLC connection point, PLC-PS (M)155

PLC connection point, AI

16

6

PLC connection point, PLC-PS (M)176

PLC connection point, AI

18

7

PLC connection point, PLC-PS (M)197

PLC connection point, PLC-CS (-)

20

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Eplan Platform Version 2025
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A different view of the channels
The PLC card used in this example also allows deviating connection wirings thanks to theirusage options, and thus deviating channel assignments and other function definition
assignments resulting from this:

The various channels are have different background colors here and are designated asfollows in the example above:
(1)
(2)
(3)

Two channels with 4-wire circuiting
One channel with 3-wire circuiting
One channels with 2-wire circuiting

In this case create a corresponding part variant in the parts management for each circuiting
used.

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Eplan Platform Version 2025
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Network / bus cable
If the module has one or more bus ports to connect extension racks or fieldbus systems, usefunction definitions from the Network / bus cable group for these bus connection points.
You can also find further information on the properties of network connection points in the"TechTip-PLC-data-exchange" in the chapter "Automatic connections between network
connection points that belong together".
Create a corresponding function template for each bus port (not for each pin of a bus port!).
Different function definitions are available to this purpose:•

General: Is used for all bus systems.
For Ethernet-based bus systems enter the designation of the corresponding interface into
the Bus interface: Name property.

•

Switch connection point: These connection points are used for passive devices and aretreated like busbar connection points. This way all connection points are connected toeach other.

In the Plug designation field enter the designation of the corresponding pin on the device.
The connection point designation remains empty in this case.
For the bus ports the Plug designation is identifying together with the Bus interface: Nameproperty.

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2.6.2.

Properties in the function templates

Channel designation

20407(Numerical) value equal to or greater than 0
The value has to be filled and has to be in accordance with the method of counting and thenumber system of the PLC configuration program.

Bus system

20308

Selection list

Connection point designation

20038

Any string
The connection point designation has to be unique within a PLC box.

Connection point description

20039

Any string
The connection point description has to be unique within a PLC box.
The connection point description may occur several times at card power supplies.

Plug designation

20431

Any string
Value has to be filled at bus ports.

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Bus interface: Name

20447

Any string
Serves to group bus ports for the export of Ethernet-based bus systems. Associated bus
ports are combined into a logical unit via this name. To do this use the bus ports of thetype "Network / bus cable connection point, general".
Value has to be filled at Ethernet-based bus ports in accordance with the hardware
specifications of the PLC manufacturer.
Since Version 2.8 the plug designation is identifying together with the bus interface name.

PLC subdevice: Index

20384

Numerical value in the range of 0 to 12
Specification to which subdevice this PLC connection point belongs.

2.7.

PLC devices with subdevices

PLC devices that consist of multiple integrated modules can be displayed as multiple devices
in the PLC configuration program. This case occurs in particular when the device was madeknown in the PLC configuration program via a device description file. For the combination of
the apparently individual devices as an actual device use the subdevice technology in Eplan.
To do this create the first of these devices with its function templates in the parts
management (Function templates tab). You also enter the function templates of all otherdevices under this part and in addition assign the PLC subdevice: Index property
accordingly to the PLC I/O connection points.
In addition enter the following properties on the Properties tab:•

For the main device:-•

PLC type designation or
Device description: File name and Device description: Index in file

For the respective subdevice:-

PLC subdevice x: Name
PLC subdevice x: Position (slot / module)
PLC subdevice x: PLC type designation or PLC subdevice x: Device
description: Index in file

These properties make the identification of the associated devices possible.
As of Eplan version 2022 there is a workflow which supports you with the creation of data for
a PLC device with subdevices. Further information is available in the TechTip "TechTipCreate-PLC-devices-with-subdevices".

20TechTip: Preparation for the master data for the PLC data exchange
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 12. July 2024

3. Macro creation
3.1.

Standardized macros

Eplan recommends prepared macros for standardization. In principle macros are notrequired. But the usage of macros makes the configuration easier. These macros arereferenced in the parts.
Note:
Please ensure that the functions in the macros match with the function templates in the parts.
1.

Physical mapping of the rack structure.
Representation type "single-line", main function

2.

Overview of complete I/O card as graphical control of the channel assignment.
Representation type "Overview"

3.

Channel-wise mapping of the I/O for functionally oriented schematics.
Representation type "Multi-line"(can also be dragged-and-dropped from symbols.)

4.

Bus ports for mapping the network structure.
Representation type "Single-line"(Separate compact representation or summary with 1.)

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Eplan Platform Version 2025
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5.

Voltage supply (power supply).
Representation type "Multi-line"(Separate compact representation or summary with 1.)

3.2.

Data in the macro

These data if required are filled with concrete values in the macro and are not changed in the
project anymore.
Usage atPLC
connection
point

Bus port

PLC
box

Connection point designation

✓

-

-

20039

Connection point description

✓

-

-

20431

Plug designation

✓

✓

-

20428

Channel designation

✓

-

-

20405

Data type

✓

-

-

20384

PLC subdevice: Index

✓

✓

-

20308

Bus system

-

✓

✓

20312

Subslot

-

✓

✓

20289

Integrated module

-

✓

✓

20409

PLC station: Type

-

-

✓

20416

PLC type designation

-

-

✓

20415

Device description: File name

-

-

✓

20381

Device description: Index in file

-

-

✓

20418

Version--✓

20432,
20299

Address range (SIEMENS STEP 7
Classic),
Address range 2 (SIEMENS STEP 7
Classic)

-

-

✓

20164

Bus coupler / head station

-

-

✓

20189

Bus distribution device

-

-

✓

20184

Power supply

-

-

✓

ID

Property

20038

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Usage atPLC
connection
point

Bus port

PLC
box

CPU

-

-

✓

20315

PLC-specific settings

-

-

✓

20444

PLC card is placed on head station

-

-

✓

20447

Bus interface: Name

-

✓

-

20521
foll.

PLC subdevice x: Name

-

-

✓

20533
foll.

PLC subdevice x: Position (slot /module)--✓22365,
22341
foll.

PLC subdevice x: PLC typedesignation

-

-

✓

22366,
22352
foll.

PLC subdevice x: Device description:
Index in file

-

-

✓

ID

Property

20167

3.3.

Graphical view•

All macros for a PLC device are saved in a macro file.
This is assigned to the corresponding part.

•

The functions used for the graphical view must correspond with the function templates
defined in the part.

•

The PLC macros contain:- PLC connection points- PLC boxes- Graphic.

Single-line (PLC box)•

The macro is used for the representation of the rack structure.

•

The Main function check box is to be activated at the PLC box.

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The macro consists of a PLC box and can contain graphic elements and / or images, see
example:•Connection points are not represented.

Overview•

An overview macro can look as follows:24TechTip: Preparation for the master data for the PLC data exchange
Eplan Platform Version 2025
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The special symbol "40" (PLCCPOV) with the following data is used tor these connection
points:- Property arrangement "Default value horizontal"- Move the "All connection point descriptions" property to the inside (X=0; Y=1,3)•

The following applies for bus ports:- Same DT, plug designation and function definition as in the single-line representation.
- The following indirect properties are to be used for the properties to be displayed.

•

The inside of the box can be designed freely.

•

Connection points should be arranged in such a way that they correspond to the real
device in order to have a recognition value.

•

The overview macro is saved as "Variant A" in the "Overview" representation type.

Mounting panel (2D panel layout)•

Devices have to be drawn true to scale.

•

The function definition "Part placement, PLC card" must be used.

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