About Working with Junction Points

An electrical network can be designed across different routing zones. You can use a junction point as a connection point to connect electrically and geometrically two segments routed in different routing zones.

This page discusses:

Create a Junction Point

A junction point is created on a 3D part with electrical properties. It allows you to connect segments electrically and geometrically to and from adjacent zones.

Note: You can create more than one junction point on a 3D part. For more information on the creation of a junction point, see Creating a Junction Point.

A junction point can be used to route branches to:

  • A penetration part
  • A hole in the structure
  • A limit between two zones not represented by a physical element.

Two segments are considered as linked if they are connected to the same junction point.

Important: The creation of a junction point is not compatible with the following:
  • Harness Symmetry command
  • Harness Configuration command
  • Export In iXF command
    Note: The export in KBL format is not possible either.
  • Electrical Manufacturing Preparation app.

Route Branches to a Junction Point

To connect two branches to a junction point, you can use either:

  • an electrical link with a distant connection
  • an electrical and geometrical link.
Note: To set an electrical link with a distant connection, it is possible to create a geometrical point at the coordinates of the junction point, and to add it to the branch route. To do so, see Routing without modifying the geometry.

The Segment Connection options are available in Me > Preferences > All Preferences > 3D Modeling > Electrical and Electronic Systems > Electrical 3D Design > Branch .

Note: By default, Electrical link driven by geometry is selected, and Geometrical link with a new point at Junction point location is cleared. For more information on both options, see Segment Connection.

Routing without modifying the geometry

To connect branches electrically to a junction point without impacting their geometry, set the Segment Connection options as follows:

Option status Routing command Results
  • Electrical link driven by geometry: Cleared
  • Geometrical link with a new point at Junction point location: Selected
 Connect Segments A distant connection is created between the branch extremity and the junction point.
Geometrical link with a new point at Junction point location: Selected
  • Classic Branch Definition
  • Immersive Branch Definition
  • A new point is created at the coordinates of the junction point and is added to the branch route.
    Note: The point appears under the Geometrical Set node of the segment and is used as reference to link the segments electrically.
  • A distant connection is created between the branch extremity and the new point.

Option status Routing command Results
  • Electrical link driven by geometry: Selected
  • Geometrical link with a new point at Junction point location: Selected
 Connect Segments
  • A new point is created at the coordinates of the junction point and is added to the branch route.
    Note: The point appears under the Geometrical Set node of the segment and is used as reference to link the segments electrically.
  • A distant connection is created between the branch extremity and the new point.
    Note: When using the Connect Segments command and if necessary, the branch is extended to make the distant connection.

With this configuration, if the position of the 3D part is modified, an update is required. The geometry of the branch routed in the adjacent zone is not impacted, and the segment keeps its original position.

To check the links and connectivity of the segments routed to a junction, click Link Review and Network Assistant from the Branch section of the action bar.

For more information, see Checking Connectivity and Tutorial: Using Network Assistant.

Routing and modifying the geometry

To connect branches electrically and physically to a junction point, set the Segment Connection options as follows:

Option status Routing command Results
  • Electrical link driven by geometry: Selected
  • Geometrical link with a new point at Junction point location: Cleared
 Connect Segments A geometrical and an electrical link is created between the branch and the junction point.
Note: If necessary, the branch is extended to make the geometrical link.

If the position of the 3D part is modified, the position of the branch will be modified accordingly.

Geometrical link with a new point at Junction point location: Cleared
  • Classic Branch Definition
  • Immersive Branch Definition

Option status Routing command Results
  • Electrical link driven by geometry: Cleared
  • Geometrical link with a new point at Junction point location: Cleared
 Connect Segments A distant connection is created between the branch extremity and the junction point.

If the position of the 3D part is modified, the position of the branch will not be modified.

To check the links and connectivity of the segments routed to a junction, click Link Review and Network Assistant from the Branch section of the action bar.

For more information, see Checking Connectivity and Tutorial: Using Network Assistant.