What's New in PCS7 (V8.0)
What's New in PCS7 (V8.0)
12/2011
A5E02779862-01
Legal information
Legal information
Warning notice system
This manual contains notices you have to observe in order to ensure your personal safety, as well as to prevent
damage to property. The notices referring to your personal safety are highlighted in the manual by a safety alert
symbol, notices referring only to property damage have no safety alert symbol. These notices shown below are
graded according to the degree of danger.
DANGER
indicates that death or severe personal injury will result if proper precautions are not taken.
WARNING
indicates that death or severe personal injury may result if proper precautions are not taken.
CAUTION
with a safety alert symbol, indicates that minor personal injury can result if proper precautions are not taken.
CAUTION
without a safety alert symbol, indicates that property damage can result if proper precautions are not taken.
NOTICE
indicates that an unintended result or situation can occur if the relevant information is not taken into account.
If more than one degree of danger is present, the warning notice representing the highest degree of danger will
be used. A notice warning of injury to persons with a safety alert symbol may also include a warning relating to
property damage.
Qualified Personnel
The product/system described in this documentation may be operated only by personnel qualified for the specific
task in accordance with the relevant documentation, in particular its warning notices and safety instructions.
Qualified personnel are those who, based on their training and experience, are capable of identifying risks and
avoiding potential hazards when working with these products/systems.
Proper use of Siemens products
Note the following:
WARNING
Siemens products may only be used for the applications described in the catalog and in the relevant technical
documentation. If products and components from other manufacturers are used, these must be recommended
or approved by Siemens. Proper transport, storage, installation, assembly, commissioning, operation and
maintenance are required to ensure that the products operate safely and without any problems. The permissible
ambient conditions must be complied with. The information in the relevant documentation must be observed.
Trademarks
All names identified by ® are registered trademarks of Siemens AG. The remaining trademarks in this publication
may be trademarks whose use by third parties for their own purposes could violate the rights of the owner.
Disclaimer of Liability
We have reviewed the contents of this publication to ensure consistency with the hardware and software
described. Since variance cannot be precluded entirely, we cannot guarantee full consistency. However, the
information in this publication is reviewed regularly and any necessary corrections are included in subsequent
editions.
Overview of highlights
● Operating system
SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.0 runs on the following operating systems:
– For engineering station, single-station system and OS client:
- Windows 7 Ultimate/Enterprise SP1 (32-bit or 64-bit)
- Windows XP Professional SP3 (32-bit)
– For engineering station, single-station system and OS server:
- Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 (64-bit)
- Windows Server 2008 SP2 (32-bit)
- Windows Server 2003 R2 SP2 (32-bit)
- Windows Server 2003 SP2 (32-bit)
Engineering Station
● SIMATIC PCS 7 Maintenance Station
The Maintenance Station provides information on the status of all SIMATIC PCS 7
components in hierarchically structured diagnostics screens.
The maintenance station can be configured as a single-station or multiple-station system.
● Support of PROFINET as fieldbus
The PROFINET fieldbus system enables the connection of existing field devices from
PROFIBUS DP and PROFIBUS PA and distributed I/Os.
● Redundant, fault-tolerant terminal bus
● Cyclic archiving of projects and readback of block parameters
PROFINET Integration
SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.0 consistently supports PROFINET along with the proven PROFIBUS
DP/PA. The following automation systems are available for PROFINET integration:
Standard automation system via PROFINET interface in the CPU (CPU 414-3PN and
CPU 416-3PN) or communication module CP 443-1
Automation systems
In addition to the known automation systems
● Standard
● Fail-safe
● Fault-tolerant
● PC-based
PCS 7 mEC RTX are available as of SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.0 as additional automation
systems.
A number of centrally connected IO modules are also supported with PCS 7 mEC RTX.
These features provide a cost-effective solution for small-scale applications and distributed
control systems.
Batch
● Performance improvements with an AS-based operating mode
● Revision of diverse controls and dialogs
Licensing
● With SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.0, the number of licenses displayed has been reduced
significantly
● Licenses are consistently separated from the function and scalable quantity framework,
whereby all scalable license are run as count-relevant.
Version 8.0 contains the following extensions or changes compared to the previous version, V 7.1.2:
● Fine-grained operating permissions
You can use the new "Op_Level" attribute to configure levels of operator authorization
levels for a block type.
● Block encryption
CFC supports the encryption of individual blocks
● New concept for process tag types and process tags
In addition to process tag types and process tags, there are now control module types
and control module units. These support instance-specific changes in case of process tag
synchronization and several versions of process tag types. Enhanced data
communication with PCS 7 Advanced ES is also possible.
Version 7.1.2 includes the following extensions or changes compared to the previous version, V7.1:
● Number of possible AS-wide interconnections
The maximum number of AS-wide interconnections is no longer limited to a specific
number but is determined by checking the transfer volume over time. The additional load
of the configured CPU due to AS-wide interconnections is calculated based on the
following parameters:
– Data types of the interconnections
– Cycle times of the send and receive OBs
– Performance of the configured CPU
If the maximum value for the configured CPU is exceeded, an error message is output.
It may no longer be possible to compile a program with AS-wide interconnections that
could be run with the previous version. This is the case if the default of 30% maximum
CPU load for AS-wide interconnections in this program has been exceeded. If you
increase this default to the correct value, then you will be able to compile the program
once again.
● The "Force" functionality now supports a higher number of I/Os
A maximum of 8192 I/Os can now be forced (8192 standard and 8192 F I/Os)
● New configuration options for locations
– Several instances can now be created from a location type
– There are now standard location types with fixed names
– A range of numbers for locations can be specified in the project
Version 8.0 contains the following extensions or changes compared to version 7.1.2:
● PDM Diagnostics
The new "PDM diagnostics" function allows the status of the field devices to be queried
and displayed. PDM Diagnostics does not require a Maintenance ES license.
● Basic diagnostics
With the new "Basic diagnostics" function, it is possible to use the basic functionality of
diagnostics without a license. Basic diagnostics monitors PC stations, network objects
and AS stations. Detailed diagnostics of the AS stations and the expansion with the user
diagnostics area require the "Maintenance ES" and "Maintenance RT" licenses.
● Shadow hierarchy (only relevant when using SIMATIC BATCH and SIMATIC RC)
Using the menu command "Options > Plant Hierarchy > Import Process Cell", you can
import objects from one multiproject to another. These imported objects are represented
a shadow hierarchy in the PH.
AssetM
The block is used to monitor three analog process variables and reports the maintenance
status of these process variables.
CntOhSc
Combined block for recording operating hours and start-up events.
RealToDw
Block for converting a REAL number into a double word.
FbDrive
Channel block for compact drives
FbSwtMMS
Channel block for motor management starter
Pcs7Cntx (x=1..3)
Channel blocks for recording count values of counter modules.
StRep
Block for configuring a block group for alarm hiding.
AutoExcitation
The block is used to generate suitable trigger signals for the identification of dynamic, multi-
variable process models for a model-based predictive controller, ModPreCon.
LPOptim
Block for optimizing a linear performance function. The block is used by the ModPreCon
block for static operating point optimization.
Polygon
The polygon block can be cascaded.
PidConL
Extensions to the continuous PID controller, PIDConL:
● Connection of an external control deviation
● Monitoring for the control deviation can be suppressed for a configurable period of time
following a setpoint step.
PidConR
Extensions to the continuous PID controller, PidConR
● Connection of an external control deviation
● The proportional action can be connected to the feedback.
● The derivative action can be configured for the control deviation and connected to the
feedback.
● Generation of time-stamped messages by the EventTS block.
MotSpdCL
The MotSpdCL block determines the machine and motor speed using a gear reduction
factor.
RateLim
Extension of the RateLim ramp block by the "Ramp-shaped approach to a target value"
function.
SelA16In
The signal selection can now be specified by an interconnectable input for the SelA16In
block.
Motors, valves and dosers
● Outputs have been added to the following blocks to indicate if control and feedback
match: MotL, MotRevL, MotSpdL, MotSpdCL, MotS, Vlv2WayL, VlvL, VlvAnL, VlvS and
VlvMotL.
● The following blocks now allow you to specify whether bumpless switchover should be
performed in automatic mode or via interconnection: MotL, MotRevL, MotSpdL,
MotSpdCL, Vlv2WayL, VlvL, VlvAnL, VlvMotL and DoseL.
Channel blocks
● The channel blocks support the flutter suppression function for OB82 and OB83 events of
the system blocks from the PCS 7 Basic Library V8.0.
● Detection of frozen measured values by the analog channel blocks
MOD_DRV
System block for the connection of compact drives.
MOD_SWT
System block MOD_SWT for the connection of motor management starters
Extension of blocks
● Extension of ASSET functionality
● Support of multiple MODE allocation for the 6ES7331-1KF02-0AB0 module
● The PADP_L10, MOD_PAX0, MOD_PAL0 system blocks have been extended to 32
channels.
● Flutter suppression for OB82 and OB83 events
● Support for new hardware:
– S7_mEC
– S7-400 STD. CPU V6
New OS controls
We offer new SIMATIC BATCH OS controls for more convenient operation and monitoring of
batch processes on a PCS 7 OS client. From here, you can also perform other important
functions in SIMATIC BATCH.
Remote PCells
Locations from remote PCells can be addressed at transfer parameters (source, destination,
via) in addition to locations from the local batch PCell.
CSV import/export
CSV import/export has been revised with the following objectives:
● Unique address
● Complete import
● Streamlining of CSV data
Material configuration
The material configuration has been completely revised. The stored route can be started at a
later point in time.
User keys
User keys are now also assigned types.
Control texts
Control texts are supplied and can be extended or edited.
Static routes
When downloading the Route Control server, routes stored online are deleted and routes
stored offline are copied online.
FB 815
The RC_ResPosV5 compatibility block provides the behavior of V5 at the QRESTPOS
output at RC_IF_ROUTE (FB 800).
Export / Import
When parameters are imported, a check is performed to see whether the tag name in the
import file matches that of the target object. This makes it possible for parameter content to
be exchanged between various device types or manufacturers.
When parameters are imported, the import object type / version is no longer changed in the
target object if the two devices are not of the same type.
Long process tag names for field devices featuring HART communication
A unique process tag name is possible in the project for field devices with HART
communication and a HART revision < V6. The contents of the "Message" parameter are
used for this purpose. In this way, 32 characters are available for the name (standard is 8
characters).
The long process tag name is displayed as follows in the PDM views:
● As object name in the process device plant view in place of the "TAG" parameter
● As object name in the process device network view in place of the "TAG" parameter
You enable the display of long process tag names in the SIMATIC Manager with: Options >
SIMATIC PDM > Settings.
Device import
The "Manage SIMATIC PDM device catalog" function has been replaced by the "Device
Integration Manager" function. The characteristics of the "Device Integration Manager" are
as follows:
● User interface overhauled to make it more user-friendly
● Field devices displayed in the form of a list together with details of the field device version
that has already been imported
● Intelligent filter function for finding groups or individual field device descriptions quickly
Device management
With SIMATIC PDM V8.0, it is possible to freely assign a new device description to an
existing, configured field device. All the device descriptions that are assigned to the same
communication type are made available for selection from the catalog. This makes device
replacement and upgrade work really easy. The export and import functions of SIMATIC
PDM allow the parameters to be transferred with the same internal parameter names.
Field devices that are deleted in HW Config or in the Process Device Network View are now
removed from the Process Device Plant View as well. It is no longer necessary to remove
them manually.
Function overview
● Real-time archiving of process values and messages of the SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.0
Operator System.
● Support of PCS 7 OS Single Stations V8.0
● Archiving the SIMATIC BATCH V8.0 batch data
● Support of multiple PCS 7 V8.0 projects
● Scaled with the computer hardware used with regard to performance and quantity
framework
● Export of all data, including the catalog system, to external storage media
● Reading in the swapped out data, including the catalog system, from external storage
media
● Data visualization on the OS clients and OS Single Stations
Information Server
The Information Server is the Process Historian reporting system. It can be installed and
operated on the Process Historian computer or as a separate application on a different
computer. It is based on the Microsoft Reporting Services and provides Web-based Thin
Client access to historical data. The Information Server also contains add-ins for Microsoft
Word and Excel that enable further access to Process Historian.
Function overview
Contains a set of frequently used report templates for process values, messages, and
batches
● Open reporting system for creation and insertion of any number of report templates
● Storage of configured (parameterized) report templates for faster access
● Export of reports to standard document formats
● Support of subscriptions for cyclic generation of reports, including e-mail delivery
● Role management for Windows users; supports work groups and Active Directory.
● User rights can be assigned for specific projects
● Generation of reports and insertion as images and tables in MS Office Word documents
● Creation of Excel reports for historical process values and messages, as well as the
storage of Excel report templates on the Information Server
● Support of subscriptions for Excel report templates
New manuals
The following new manuals will be introduced as part of PCS 7 V8.0:
● PCS 7 Compendium, Part D
● PCS 7 APL Operator Guide
● PCS 7 APL Style Guide
● Maintenance Station Manual
● Manual on licenses & quantity frameworks
The "Device Integration Manager" function enhances user experience by providing a more user-friendly interface, displaying field devices as lists with detailed version information, and offering an intelligent filter function for quickly finding field devices or groups. This streamlines the process of managing and updating field device information .
The "ModPreCon" block in PCS 7 V8.0 serves as a model-based predictive controller that utilizes dynamic process models for control optimization. The "AutoExcitation" block is used to generate trigger signals for model identification, and the "LPOptim" block optimizes static operating points. Together, they facilitate advanced control strategies, leading to improved process efficiency and stability .
The "AutoExcitation" block generates suitable trigger signals for the identification of dynamic, multi-variable process models essential for a model-based predictive controller, ModPreCon. This is crucial for enhancing model accuracy and control performance, as it facilitates the identification of the process dynamics in a controlled manner .
The PDM V8.0 update enhances device management by allowing for the assignment of new device descriptions to existing devices, simplifying updates and replacements. The historical data analysis is improved with features like saving history trends as CSV files, enabling further analysis and reporting, which supports informed decision-making and continuous process improvement .
The AS-based mode delivers high-speed step change times by executing the entire unit recipe logic in the Automation Station (AS), rather than in the Batch Control Server. This can lead to more efficient batch processing by reducing communication delays between the recipe logic and execution. The mixed mode offers flexibility by allowing the simultaneous operation of both AS-based and PC-based processing within a single batch .
The PCS 7 V8.0 faceplates have been improved with visually optimized block icons, configurable text displays for binary controls, and fine-grained, instance-specific operating authorization via the new "Op_Level" attribute. These enhancements improve user interaction and provide better control over plant operations by tailoring the UI to specific operational needs and enhancing information accessibility .
SIMATIC BATCH V8.0 introduces the capability to archive batches from different process cells on a single central archive server (CAS), improving data management efficiency. Additionally, the visualization of archived batches has been enhanced, allowing for control recipe visualization within the Batch Control Center. This provides greater transparency and traceability of batch processes, facilitating better decision-making and process optimization .
The "Shadow hierarchy" feature, applicable when using SIMATIC BATCH and SIMATIC RC, allows objects from one multiproject to be imported into another and represented as a shadow hierarchy in the Plant Hierarchy (PH). This enables users to manage and visualize process configurations across multiple projects efficiently .
PDM Diagnostics in PCS 7 V8.0 provides a comprehensive overview of the status of field devices without requiring a Maintenance ES license. By offering basic diagnostics for PC stations, network objects, and AS stations, it streamlines maintenance by enabling early detection and troubleshooting of issues, minimizing downtime .
The PCS 7 Operator Station V8.0 introduces several enhancements for web client functionality including SFC visualization, online trend configuration, and load balancing for distributing web clients across servers. The ability to connect Web Client V8.0 to Web Server V7.1 ensures backward compatibility, facilitating efficient remote monitoring and operation .