Assigning and Changing APL Block Icon Variants in Continuous Function Chart (CFC)

To assign or change the visual block icon variant of an APL block in SIMATIC PCS 7—such as switching MonAnL from the default horizontal bar (@MonAnL/1) to the compact gauge variant (@MonAnL/3)—enter only the numeric variant index in the block properties in CFC. In the CFC chart, right-click the block, select Object Properties, locate the 'Block Icon' (Bausteinsymbol) field, and enter '3' (not the full string '@MonAnL/3'). PCS 7 automatically prepends '@/' during compilation. After setting the number, execute 'Create/Update Block Icons' in SIMATIC Manager to update process screens.

APL Block Icon Variant Architecture in @PCS7Typicals

In SIMATIC PCS 7, the Advanced Process Library (APL) provides diverse graphic representation options for each technological function block. In the template picture @PCS7TypicalsAPLV9.pdl (or @PCS7TypicalsAPLV8.pdl), each block icon is tagged with an internal attribute type formatted as:

@<BlockType>/<VariantNumber>

For example, for analog monitor block MonAnL, the typicals library provides:
- @MonAnL/1: Standard horizontal bar with process value, limits, and engineering units.
- @MonAnL/2: Compact square icon displaying only process value and unit.
- @MonAnL/3: Analog dial / gauge with trend indicator.
- @MonAnL/4: Vertical bar graph representation.

This allows process engineers to adapt HMI screens to high-density mimic overviews or detailed equipment graphics.

The Suffix Naming Syntax Rule in CFC Object Properties

A pervasive engineering mistake occurs when an engineer enters the full string @MonAnL/3 into the CFC block properties. Doing so fails because of the internal generator concatenation algorithm:

The PCS 7 icon generator takes the block type name (MonAnL) and concatenates it with the string entered in the Block Icon field: @MonAnL/ $+$ <CFC_Entry>. If the engineer entered @MonAnL/3, the generator searches the typicals library for:
@MonAnL/@MonAnL/3

Because that symbol does not exist in @PCS7Typicals, the generator falls back to the default variant (@MonAnL/1 or @MonAnL/) or reports an unreferenced template error. The engineer must enter only the numeric suffix: 3.

Standard APL Block Icon Variants for Analog and Drive Blocks

The table below details standard APL block icon variant indices, graphic styles, and typical application scenarios:

Block TypeVariant Index (CFC Entry)Resulting type PropertyVisual Representation & Best Use CaseMonAnL(Blank) or 1@MonAnL/1Horizontal Bar: Standard process monitoring with high/low limit markers.MonAnL2@MonAnL/2Compact Display: Displays numerical value and unit; ideal for dense overview screens.MonAnL3@MonAnL/3Gauge / Dial: Circular instrument dial with trend preview arrow.MonAnL4@MonAnL/4Vertical Bar: Vertical tank level indicator with limit thresholds.MotL1@MotL/1Standard motor symbol with mode box and interlock indicators.MotL2@MotL/2Compact motor symbol without alarm state borders.VlvL1@VlvL/1Standard two-way valve symbol with open/closed directional triangles.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Change Icon Variants and Update Screens

Set Block Icon Variant in CFC:
- In SIMATIC Manager, open the CFC chart containing the target block (e.g., MonAnL).
- Right-click the block -> select Object Properties.
- In the General tab, locate the field Block Icon (Bausteinsymbol).
- Enter the desired numeric suffix: enter 3.
- Click OK to save block properties.
Bulk Assignment via Process Object View (Optional):
- To modify hundreds of blocks simultaneously, open Process Object View (POV) in SIMATIC Manager.
- Select the Blocks tab -> filter by Block Type MonAnL.
- Locate the column Block Icon: enter 3 across all target rows.
Execute Create/Update Block Icons:
- In SIMATIC Manager, right-click the OS project or plant hierarchy folder.
- Select Plant Hierarchy -> Create/Update Block Icons....
- Select the target process pictures and click OK.
Verify Updated Graphics in WinCC:
- Open the target process screen in Graphics Designer: confirm that the old horizontal bar has been replaced by the circular gauge icon (@MonAnL/3).

Verification

Verify icon variant generation through the following steps:
1. In Graphics Designer, inspect the Object Properties of the generated icon: confirm that type reads @MonAnL/3.
2. Activate WinCC Runtime: verify that the gauge displays the real-time process value, high/low alarm limits, and units.
3. Click the block icon: verify that the standard APL faceplate opens normally with all diagnostic views intact.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Never attempt to change block icon styles merely by typing a new value into the type property of an already-placed icon in Graphics Designer. Modifying the text string does not replace the internal vector graphics or shapes of an existing object; it only updates metadata. You must always change the variant in CFC and run 'Create/Update Block Icons' so the generator extracts the true graphic template from @PCS7Typicals.