CATIA V5: Creating Electrical Automatic Assembly Between Connectors (Part 2)
In Part 1 we saw that the Installation and Equipment workbench can provide ease of installation, robust assembly behaviour and routine design reduction by automating the assembly on Electrical components. This post will show further capabilities on this topic, with a different combination of electrical links.
In the following example, in addition to the connector connection point (
) we have set up the back shell connection point (
) in the electrical workbench (Equipment & system > Electrical harness discipline > Electrical part design). The methodology used to create a back shell connection point is similar to a connector connection point. Both the connector and back shell need a back shell connection point in order to be automatically connected in the electrical assembly design workbench.
When each part has been set up correctly following the instruction view in Part 1, the next step is to add all the parts in an assembly and open the electrical assembly design workbench (Equipment & system > Electrical harness discipline > Electrical assembly design). Then use Connect electrical devices (
) to automatically connect the relevant part in the correct position, like below:
Many combinations are available in CATIA. The following table recaps the possibilities of assemblies in the electrical assembly design workbench:
| Icon | Electrical Device Definition | Electrical Connection Point Type Allowed | Number | Can Be Connected With | Number |
 |
Connector (single connection point) | Connector connection point | 1 | Connector (single connection point) | 1 |
| Connector (multiple connection point) | 1 | ||||
| Back shell connection point | ∞ | Back shell | ∞ | ||
| Connector (multiple connection point) | Connector connection point | ∞ | Connector (single connection point) | ∞ | |
| Connector (multiple connection point) | ∞ | ||||
 |
Back shell | Back shell connection point + Support part  |
1 | Connector (single connection point) | 1 |
| Shell | 1 | ||||
 |
Shell | Back shell connection point | 1 | Back shell (if not connect to a back shell) | 1 |
| Shell connection point | 1 | Shell (if not connect to a back shell) | 1 |
Missed the first instalment in the series? Read it here
