When creating a terminal strip, you are required to use a basic repeating numbering pattern (configuration) to enable logical terminal numbering. You can select an existing configuration or create a new one. Creating or editing a terminal configuration affects only the creation of new terminal strips and I/O cards Existing terminal strips retain their previous definitions. Note that a pattern identifies the basic numbering system, or stepping method used for terminals on a terminal strip. Set +1,-1,+2,-2, for example, has a pattern of two, while the Set 1,2,3SH,4,5,6SH has a pattern of three.
You can label the terminals on a terminal strip according to any numbering system that you require (up to ten characters in length). To facilitate logical terminal numbering, Smart Instrumentation requires you to configure the basic repeating numbering pattern (configuration) for the terminals on the new terminal strip before defining that terminal strip.
You can create a configuration with or without channels. To define a configuration without channels, set the number of terminals per channel to zero.
The dialog fields are available for editing only after you select New or Edit.
New
Allows you to define a new terminal strip configuration. This opens the Terminals in Pattern dialog to define the number of terminals in a repeating pattern. This number determines the number of rows (terminals) that constitutes the basic repeating numbering pattern displayed in the Terminal Numbering data window.
Configuration name
Allows you to type a unique name for the strip terminal configuration, or edit the existing name.
Configuration description
Allows you to type a brief description of the current strip configuration.
Total number of terminals
Allows you to type or select a number of terminals.
First terminal
Allows you to type or select a starting number for the first terminal in the current terminal strip.
Number of terminals per channel
Allows you to type or select a required number of terminals per channel. If you set the number to 0 (zero), the terminals on the terminal strip are created without channels. This option is available only when you create a terminal strip for I/O cards belonging to a DCS or to a PLC panel.
First channel
Allows you to type or select the first channel number. This option is available only when you create a terminal strip for I/O cards belonging to a DCS or PLC panel.
Terminal Numbering Pattern
This pane displays the pattern of terminal numbering on the terminal strip as you defined on the Number of Terminals in Pattern dialog. The pattern reflects the number of rows (terminals) that will constitute the basic repeating numbering (naming) pattern. The fields in the pane become accessible after clicking New or Edit.
Prefix
Allows you to type a prefix for the terminal if required.
Incremented
Increments the terminal number within the pattern.
Numbered
Makes the number of the terminal appear between the prefix and the suffix.
Suffix
Allows you to type a suffix for the terminal.
Orientation
Allows you to select a connection orientation:
-
Regular — a conventional terminal that functions as a single unit.
-
Left — a terminal that has wires on the left side only.
-
Right — a terminal that has wires on the right side only.
-
Left / Right — a terminal that has wires on the left side only.
Terminal type
Allows you to select a terminal type.
Create
Creates a terminal strip based on the selected configuration. This opens the Terminal Strip Properties dialog where you fill in the terminal strip information.
Terminal Type
Opens the Terminal Types dialog box, where you can add a new terminal type. After clicking Save or Create, this can then be selected from the Terminal Type list in the Terminal Numbering Pattern pane.