The device repository of Automation Builder manages the pool of devices that can be used in the PLC configuration.
You install or uninstall devices in the “Device Repository” dialog box. The system installs a device by reading the device description files, which define the device properties for configurability, programmability, and possible connections to other devices.
You can use the devices provided in the device repository by adding them to the device tree of your project.
Install device descriptions (DevDesc)
How to install a new or updated device description (DevDesc) to Automation Builder is explained in the application note ⮫ AC500 device description.
Dialog device repository
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Click “Tools Device Repository”.
The “Device Repository” dialog box opens.
[Edit Locations]: Changes the default repository location. The devices can be managed at different locations.
[Install] / [Uninstall]: Installs or uninstalls devices.
[Renew device repository]: Updates the device list, e.g. after uninstallation of a device.
[Details]: Provides technical details on the selected device.
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Select the install location. “System Repository” is set by default.
Installing devices
The device repository cannot be changed manually, e.g. by copying or deleting files. Use always the “Device Repository” dialog to add or remove devices.
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Click [Install] and select the appropriate file format.
The “Install Device Description” dialog box opens.
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Select the file path of the device description.
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Select the file type filter of the required device description.
All device descriptions of the selected file type are listed.
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Select the required device description and click [Open].
Automation Builder adds the device description to the matching category of your device repository.
If errors occur during installation (for example, missing files that are referenced by the device description), then Automation Builder displays them in the lower part of the “Device Repository” dialog box.
During the installation the device description files and all additional files referenced by that description will be copied to an internal location. Altering the original files will have no further effects to an internal location.
The changes take only effect after reinstalling the corresponding device(s). The version number shown in the information section of the device should be verified.
Uninstalling devices
Select the device you want to remove and click [Uninstall].
The device is removed from the list.
Uninstalled devices which are used
in existing projects are indicated by the symbol 
. The
device will not be configured properly.