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Table Of Contents
representations are supplied as a library of .dwg files and are inserted onto the
layouts in the form of AutoCAD block inserts.
AutoCAD Electrical makes use of the footprint lookup database
(footprint_lookup.mdb) to identify the footprints corresponding to the
MANUFACTURER, CATALOG, and ASSEMBLYCODE attribute values of the
schematic symbols. The footprint lookup file maps catalog information from
a schematic component to a specific panel footprint library symbol. The
database content is found at: C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\My
Documents\Acade {release #}\AeData\Catalogs.
Within the database file are tables based on manufacturer codes. When you
select a component from an AutoCAD Electrical extract file or select a
component from a catalog lookup file, it carries a manufacturer code, MFG.
AutoCAD Electrical takes this MFG code, goes to the matching table name in
the footprint lookup database and tries to find a match on the catalog number
(plus ASSEMBLYCODE if not blank). If a match is found, AutoCAD Electrical
retrieves the footprint block path/name (or optional geometry definition)
from the matching record and inserts the footprint representation into the
drawing.
The footprint lookup file supplied with AutoCAD Electrical points to symbols
that are full-size physical representations of the device. There may be times
you want to insert a footprint that is not necessarily a physical representation
but one that carries wire connection attributes. With this type of symbol
AutoCAD Electrical can annotate the symbol with schematic wire connection
data to create a panel wiring diagram drawing. From the Insert Footprint from
Schematic dialog box, if you select Use Wiring diagram tables, AutoCAD
Electrical accesses an alternate table in the footprint lookup table. This table
matches the MFG code but attaches a "_WD" suffix. The tables with the "_WD"
suffix are set up to insert a symbol that carries the wire connection attributes.
You must expand and modify these tables to meet your specific Panel footprint
needs. You can do this using tools provided with AutoCAD Electrical or
through the use of a database program that can read/write the Access file
format. You may use the footprint_lookup.mdb or a project-specific footprint
lookup file, called <project>_footprint_lookup.mdb. If the project-specific
.mdb file is used, it must in the same subdirectory as the <project>.wdp file.
AutoCAD Electrical search sequence
1st choice -- <project>_footprint_lookup.mdb in project's subdirectory
2nd choice -- footprint_lookup.mdb in project's subdirectory
3rd choice -- footprint_lookup.mdb in user subdirectory
4th choice -- footprint_lookup.mdb in panel subdirectory
1082 | Chapter 15 Panel Layout