C135 PCS 7 (PCS7)
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Compatibility of PCS 7 Software Media vs License Key Versions Across Releases (V8.1 vs V8.2)

Compatibility of PCS 7 Software Media vs License Key Versions Across Releases (V8.1 vs V8.2)

A lower-version license key (e.g. PCS 7 V8.1 AS Engineering 6ES7658-1AX18-0YB5) CANNOT authorize higher-version software media (e.g. PCS 7 V8.2); the software will detect a missing license and enter Demo Mode. Conversely, a higher-version license key (e.g. V8.2 6ES7658-1AX28-0YB5) IS backward-compatible and will authorize lower-version software media (e.g. PCS 7 V8.1). Exceptionally, volume expansion licenses like AS RT PO and OS RT PO are version-independent counting keys and function across both V8.1 and V8.2 without version restrictions.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Planning software lifecycle upgrades and managing engineering license inventories in SIMATIC PCS 7 requires a precise understanding of the Automation License Manager (ALM) compatibility rules between software media versions and license key versions. Engineers frequently ask whether an existing PCS 7 V8.1 license key can be used with newly delivered PCS 7 V8.2 software media, or whether procuring newer V8.2 license keys permits operating older plant installations. This article establishes the manufacturer compatibility matrix, details forward vs backward compatibility rules, explains version-independent exceptions, and outlines upgrade licensing requirements.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

Automation License Manager (ALM) Version Compatibility Mechanics:

  • The Fundamental Rule of Versioned Software Licenses:
  • Software media interrogates ALM at runtime or editor launch for a specific minimum major version token.
  • Lower-Version License on Higher-Version Software (Forward Incompatibility):
    • NEVER ALLOWED. For example, PCS 7 V8.2 software requires a license key with version $\ge 8.2$.
    • If only a V8.1 license (6ES7658-1AX18-0YB5) is present, ALM flags the key as invalid for V8.2. WinCC or SIMATIC Manager triggers a 'Missing License Key' warning and operates in restricted Demo Mode.
    • Upgrading software requires procuring an official Upgrade License package (e.g. Upgrade AS Engineering from V8.1 to V8.2).

  • Higher-Version License on Lower-Version Software (Backward Compatibility):

    • GENERALLY SUPPORTED. A higher-version license key (e.g. V8.2 6ES7658-1AX28-0YB5) possesses full backward compatibility to authorize older software media (e.g. PCS 7 V8.1, V8.0).
    • ALM recognizes the V8.2 key as satisfying the lower version requirement, allowing an engineering team to maintain older plants using newly purchased modern licenses.

  • The Version-Independent Exception: Process Objects (PO):

  • Volume expansion licenses—specifically AS RT PO and OS RT PO (as of PCS 7 V8.x)—are version-independent counting keys.
  • Unlike engineering bundles, PO expansion keys have no major version lock. A 100 PO expansion key purchased under V8.0 works identically in V8.1, V8.2, V9.0, and V9.1 without purchasing upgrade keys.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Step-by-Step Procedure to Audit and Upgrade License Compatibility:

  1. Audit Installed License Keys in Automation License Manager (ALM):
    - Open ALM on the Engineering Station or target PC.
    - Inspect the 'Version' column for each installed license key:
    • Note whether keys display 8.1, 8.2, or without version (for POs).
  2. Identify Software Media Version:
    - Open SIMATIC Manager -> select Help -> About... -> click Display.
    - Confirm the exact installed PCS 7 software release (e.g. SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.2 SP1).
  3. Evaluate License Validity:
    - If software is V8.2 and license is V8.1: Software is unlicensed; procurement of an upgrade key is required.
    - If software is V8.1 and license is V8.2: Software is fully licensed via backward compatibility.
  4. Apply Upgrade Licenses in ALM (If Migrating to Newer Software):
    - Procure the specific Upgrade License package (e.g. PCS 7 Software Upgrade Package from V8.1 to V8.2).
    - Insert the upgrade license USB stick.
    - In ALM, select the existing V8.1 license on drive C:.
    - Select menu License Key -> Upgrade.
    - ALM pairs the old V8.1 key with the upgrade token, permanently converting it into a valid V8.2 license key.
  5. Verify Editor Operation:
    - Launch SIMATIC Manager, CFC, and WinCC Explorer; verify zero licensing popups appear.

Verification

Verification Procedure:
1. ALM Status Check: In ALM, run File -> Check License Keys. Confirm that the upgraded license reports status 'OK' with version matching or exceeding the installed software release.
2. Editor Operational Test: Open and compile a CFC chart in PCS 7 V8.2; confirm compilation proceeds without demo mode banners.
3. License Log Audit: Check ALM event log; verify successful license checkout by s7cfcapp.exe.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Operational Precautions and Commercial Licensing Guardrails:
- Single Station vs Client-Server: Upgrade packages must match the exact functional role (e.g. ES/OS Upgrade vs OS Server Upgrade vs OS Client Upgrade).
- License Invalidation on Upgrade: Executing a license upgrade in ALM consumes the older version key; you cannot revert the license back to the older version once upgraded.
- Commercial and Procurement Boundaries: Never assume forward compatibility for software bundles. Always validate upgrade part numbers (MLFBs) and target software media against the official Siemens ST PCS 7 catalog and an authorized distributor quotation.

Engineer FAQ

Will a PCS 7 V8.1 license work with PCS 7 V8.2 software media?

No. Lower-version licenses cannot authorize higher-version software. An upgrade license must be procured to upgrade V8.1 keys to V8.2.

Will a PCS 7 V8.2 license work with PCS 7 V8.1 software media?

Yes. Higher-version Siemens licenses are backward-compatible and will authorize older software media.

Are AS RT PO licenses version-dependent?

No. AS RT PO and OS RT PO expansion licenses are version-independent counting keys and function across multiple PCS 7 versions without upgrading.

What catalog number represents the PCS 7 V8.1 AS Engineering license?

The catalog number is 6ES7658-1AX18-0YB5.

What catalog number represents the PCS 7 V8.2 AS Engineering license?

The catalog number is 6ES7658-1AX28-0YB5.

Technical References

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Related Tags

  • PCS 7 Licensing
  • License Compatibility
  • Upgrade License
  • Automation License Manager
  • 6ES7658-1AX18-0YB5
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