PortSynchronization - Helmut-Ortmann/EnterpriseArchitect_hoTools GitHub Wiki

Port Synchronization

Click Port SP (Show Port) on a Part/Instance and hoTools synchronize the ports with its owning Block/Class. You have to enbale this feature by Configuration.

Procedure:

  • Select Part
  • Click on SP
  • EA updates missing or superfluous Ports of the Part from specification of Block

Principle

Port synchronization works for parts/properties that are typed by a classifier (Class, Block). In this situation, EA ensures consistency between ports of the part/property and its type (Class, Block). It is possible to add ports to a part/property manually. Manually adding ports is dangerous regarding consistency.

You can create a part/property without EA generating its ports. After you visualize it EA generates the port.

Select Part, Click on SP (Show Port).

The picture shows the synchronization of EA from Block (Block2) to all its parts (here nameless Part with type Block2).

Feature Show Port / Synchronization

The feature:

  • SP Show Port

synchronizes Part with its Class/Block and links them to the defining port of the Class/Block.

EA Background

EA synchronizes Ports of Class/Blocks and their dependent Part/Properties. In EA13 You create a Part/Property by:

  • Create a class or a block, let say 'Class1'
  • Create some ports, let say 'Port1' and 'Port2'
  • Drag 'Class1' onto a Composite Structure or IBD Diagram
  • Choose 'Create Property', let say 'Property1'
  • EA creates a property 'Property1' with the type 'Class1'
    • Note: EA internal type is 'Part' and the visualized is 'Property', a little confusing
  • The first time you visualize the Ports of 'Property1' EA creates the Ports from 'Class1'
    • Usually, you do it by:
      • Creation
      • Dialog "Structural Elements"
  • After creating the ports of 'Property1', they are connected to the ports of 'Class1'
    • Changing port name of a 'Class1' port results in changing the port name in 'Property1'
    • Deleting port of a 'Class1' port results in changing the port name in 'Property1'
    • Adding a port to 'Class1' results in adding a port to 'Property1'
  • EA implements this behavior with PDATA3 of 'Property' Port holding the GUID of the corresponding 'Class1' Port

Configuration

File, Settings General

The following table show the mechanism of synchronization and handling of deleted Ports in the Port type (Class/Block).

Option Description
Off Don't syncronize Ports
Only add Ports Ports are only added, manually added Ports are remaining
Mark Ports as Deleted Add suffix "_DeleteMe" to Port name
Delete Delete Port