Components as Complex Elements

Components can be used as complex elements within other components. Whereas basic elements are defined in the component they are contained in, complex elements are included by reference, i.e. if the included component is changed, those changes are effective within the including component. You can connect other diagram items to the inputs and outputs of the included component.

When you include a component, its instance name is shown in the Outline tab. The plus sign in front of the instance name () indicates that the tree structure can be further expanded.

If you include the same component again, a new instance of the component is created and assigned a unique instance name. In the diagram, the instance name is displayed below the graphical block. In the Outline tab, both the instance and class name are displayed, using the following format: <instanceName>::<className>. You can adjust the width of the list to view its entire contents.