Connecting with Smart Connect

You can connect by smart connect in two ways:

  • Drag a component over a matching connector in such a way that a connector of the component hits that connector.
  • Drop a component on an existing connection line in such a way that a connector of the component hits the connection line of a matching connector.
  • Drop a two-port component on an existing matching connection line.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin:
  • The component you want to connect must first be instantiated in the diagram. See Instantiating a Component.
  • To be able to create smart connections, make sure that the smart connection mode is active, it is active by default. If it is not activated, activate it by, from the Diagram section of the action bar, clicking Smart Connection .
    Tip: You can also access this command from the Action Pad panel. To access the Action Pad panel, from the Tools section of the action bar, click Action Pad , or right-click an empty area and select Display > Action Pad.
    Notes:
    • The command works in toggle mode.
    • The command is actually a shortcut to the option Use smart connection on ports and connections from Me > Preferences > App Preferences > 3D Modeling > Systems Modeling and Execution > Dymola Behavior Modeling , the Editor tab.
See Also
About Connectors and Connections

Connecting When a Component´s Connector is Dragged Over a Matching Connector

You can connect by dragging a component over a connector in such a way that a connector of the component hits that connector. If they match a connection is created.

In this scenario you connect a resistor to a capacitor by smart connect.

Before you begin:
Drag the resistor component until the right connector is on top of the left connector of the capacitor.

Tip: To display the connectors´name in the diagram layer, from the Diagram section of the action bar, click Show Connector Names .

A short highlight is seen around the matching connectors when the connection is created and connected.

In general, the color of the highlight indicates the degree of success:

  • Green: Connection successful.
  • Yellow: It is possible to create a connection, but not with smart connect. You must use the ordinary way of connection. This is the case for, for example, expandable connectors and array of connectors.
  • Red: Connection is not possible, for example, the connectors are not matching. A tooltip appears to inform about the reason for failure.

Tip: To check if a connection was created, you can drag the components apart. If successful, you will see the connection line between the connectors.

Connecting When a Component´s Connector is Dropped On a Connection Line of a Matching Connector

You can drop a component on an existing connection line in such a way that a connector of the component hits the connection line. If the connector matches a connector of the connection line, a connection is created between these connectors.

In this scenario you connect a resistor to a connection line between a capacitor and an inductor.

Before you begin:
  • Perform the previous task, and drag the components apart to have a connection line between them.
  • Instantiate an inductor in the model.
Drag the inductor component until the left connector is on top of the connection line between the resistor and capacitor and drop it there.

Tip: To display the connectors´name in the diagram layer, from the Diagram section of the action bar, click Show Connector Names .

A short highlight is seen displaying the new connection line when the connection is created and connected.

In general, the color of the highlight indicates the degree of success:

  • Green: Connection successful.
  • Yellow: It is possible to create a connection, but not with smart connect. You must use the ordinary way of connection. This is the case for, for example, expandable connectors and array of connectors.
  • Red: Connection is not possible, for example, the connectors are not matching. A tooltip appears to inform about the reason for failure.

Tip: To check if a connection was created, you can drag the component away from the connection line. If successful, you will see the new connection line following the component.

Connecting When Dropping a Two-Ports Component On An Existing Connection Line

You can connect a two-ports component by dropping it on a corresponding existing connection line.

Before you begin: The connection line must be of a type that allows connection to the ports of the component.
  1. Instantiate a component by dragging it from the Package Browser.
  2. Drag it on top of the connection line.

    You must first instantiate the component, you cannot drag it directly to the connection line from the Package Browser.

    Tip: To display the connectors´name in the diagram layer, from the Diagram section of the action bar, click Show Connector Names .

    The following is performed:
    • The connection line is deleted.
    • Two new connection lines are created, to connect the two-ports component.
    • The two new connection lines are highlighted in a couple of seconds to indicate the success.