Adding sockets

Device objects incorporate any number of input, output, or input/output (I/O) sockets. Since signals typically flow from left to right, place input sockets on the left side of a device and output sockets on the right. Sockets can be named based on the type of connector and the signal they carry, or by a custom naming convention. While sockets can be placed on the top side of a device, that area is normally reserved for the device name label.

Loop sockets loop to connect one socket to an adjacent socket on the same device (creating a “loop-thru”). The Terminator tool adds or removes a terminator on loop-thru outputs.

1. Click the tool that matches the orientation for the socket from the Schematics tool set.

Parameter	Description
Database Entries	Enter the name that appears in various worksheets; socket names must be unique
Display Entries	Enter the name that displays on the drawing; this can be a shorter name to save space on the drawing
Socket Type	Select whether the socket is type is IN, I/O, or OUT. This setting determines how the Connect tool draws circuits.
Orientation	Displays the relative location of the socket graphics on the device, according to the selected tool; this can be changed later from the Object Info palette if needed
Signal Type	Select the type of audio, video, communication, networking, computer, phone, or provider signal; select --- to indicate a passive socket, or select ??? for an unknown type of signal. The selected signal type displays below the list.
Conn Type	Select the type of connection; select --- to indicate that there is no connector, or select ??? for an unknown type of connection. The selected connection type displays below the list.
Multi-Circuit	If the socket is a multi-circuit socket, select the number of circuits
Repeat	Adds the specified number of sockets, all with the same information
Repeat options
Layout	Opens the Advanced Layout dialog box; select the direction for adding the duplicate sockets, and select the spacing in grid units
Labelling	Opens the Labelling options dialog box; indicate how to number the duplicate sockets; see Renumbering devices and sockets

In addition to label information, the socket’s appearance indicates whether it is an output socket (red triangle), input socket (green triangle), or I/O socket (both red and green triangles). Socket appearance can be changed; see Editing devices and sockets.

3. Add a Terminal to a socket if needed by clicking on the socket with the Terminator tool or by selecting Is Terminated from the Object Info palette of a selected socket. This type of socket cannot be connected with a circuit.

If you plan to reuse the device in the future, click Save as Symbol from the Object Info palette of the selected device to save the device as a symbol definition resource.

Socket L	Socket R
Socket T	Socket B
Socket L Loop	Socket R Loop
Socket T Loop	Socket B Loop
Terminator