Cross References

January 2021

This function has various terms "interruption points", "wire jumps", etc - in any event it refers to a means to show that a connection starts somewhere and it's counter half can be found somewhere else in the schematic.

In the above example, HAND/8.6.8 has two attributes, firstly this XREF is defined by a Group of "HAND", and secondly the other half of the connection will be located on Sheet 8, Column 6 and Row 8.

Setting Up Xrefs

The steps to using XREFs are as follows:-

    • add first Interruption Point and define a Group for all the Xrefs that need to be connected to each other

    • add more Interruption Points where you need them, assign them to that Group

    • add the gene of $xref to the Interruption Point

    • use the Path feature to set the Columns and Rows

    • run the Update Cross References feature to complete

Add First Interruption Point

Open a Sheet to Edit then select the Node toolbar...

The Interruption Points available are defined as N, S, E and W, and refer to the direction they point towards.

Choose an East and place somewhere on the Sheet...

It's important to set the following attributes in this order:-

    • set the gene to $xref

    • set the element to main

    • assign a new Group, for example +V - then press [Apply] as required to complete...

Importantly, we only assign an element of main to the very first item of any Group - as this permits us to create a Group.

All subsequent objects that refer to that Group are "children" and therefore do not need an element of main.

This is a principle used through-out Circuit, also for wire numbering, coils/contacts, etc.

Add More Interruption Points

Of course, all Interruption Point nodes must be in multiples of TWO... so at the very least add one more.

All Interruption Points must be of the opposite direction, meaning if one is South the counter half MUST be North, and likewise, if one if East the the counter half MUST be West.

Add the counter half then of the East node with a West node... again, DO NOT assign the element of main now...

As with any node type, the following applies...

Tip: With any connection node type, once it has been selected, you can change it's orientation simply by pressing SHIFT + Arrow Key...

Setting The Path

The Path feature is not just an aid for placing objects, it actually serves various functions, including how to work out the Column (X) and Row (Y) of Interruption Point Cross Referencing.

To display the Path check Display > Path or hit F9...

To change the Path settings choose Display > Path, then 5, 10 or 20, or indeed set a custom value...

Update Cross References

Now SAVE the Sheet before the last step!

To run the cross reference update function, choose Circuit > Update Cross References...

Cross References updated...

That's all for using Cross References for now.