C135 PCS 7 (PCS7)
6C
6 Cielo Ciencia y Tecnología
·Publicada en C135 PCS 7 (PCS7)

Configuring Dynamic and Multilingual Position Texts in SIMATIC PCS 7 SFC Types

Configuring Dynamic and Multilingual Position Texts in SIMATIC PCS 7 SFC Types

In SIMATIC PCS 7 Sequential Function Chart (SFC) Types, displaying dynamic, multilingual equipment text (e.g., resolving specific tag names like 'Inlet Valve XV-100' or 'Pump P-100' rather than hardcoded generic phrases like 'Route 1') without placing excessive string manipulation loads on the S7-400 CPU is achieved using the SFC Position Text (POSINO) function paired with WinCC Text Lists. In this architecture, the SFC Type outputs an integer position identifier (POSINO) possessing the 'S7_m_c' attribute. In WinCC, the standard SFC faceplate or an associated Text List maps the integer index to translated phrases stored in the WinCC Text Library, supporting seamless runtime language switching.

Table of Contents

SFC Type Text Handling: Static vs Dynamic Architecture

In SIMATIC PCS 7 batch and continuous automation, SFC Types execute sequential phases across standardized equipment units (e.g., mixing tanks, filtration skids). Operators monitoring sequential execution rely on the Position Text displayed on the standard SFC faceplate (@pg_@sfc_type.pdl) to understand current operations.

Engineering challenges arise when an SFC Type must serve multiple physical equipment variants:
- Hardcoded Static Strings: Typing 'Checking Inlet Valve XV-100' directly inside the SFC Type step makes the template non-reusable for Tank 2 (which uses XV-200).
- Multilingual Demands: Static strings hardcoded in the SFC Editor do not automatically populate the WinCC Text Library, making runtime language switching (e.g., English to German or Spanish) impossible.
- CPU Resource Waste: Performing string concatenations inside S7-400 PLC logic consumes heavy work memory and CPU cycle slices.

The Position Text (POSINO) Mechanism in SFC Types

The standardized Siemens method for dynamic status text utilizes the POSINO (Position Number) property:
- In the SFC Type interface characteristics, the engineer defines a set of Position Texts.
- Each position text is linked to an internal integer identifier:
- POSINO = 1 -> 'Filling from Raw Storage'
- POSINO = 2 -> 'Heating to Target Temperature'
- POSINO = 3 -> 'Agitating and Dosing'
- During step execution in CFC/SFC, an action instruction assigns the integer value: POSINO := 1;.
- Because POSINO has system attribute S7_m_c := 'true', the integer compiles directly into the WinCC OS tag database with minimal communication overhead.

Multilingual Support via WinCC Text Library Integration

To achieve full multilingual translation:
1. When the SFC Type is compiled via Compile OS, the configured position texts are transferred to the WinCC Text Library.
2. In WinCC Text Distributor / Text Library, each position text entry can be translated into multiple plant languages (e.g., Language 1033 = English, Language 1031 = German).
3. In runtime, when the operator toggles the language switch on the OS navigation bar, WinCC automatically swaps the displayed text strings in the SFC faceplate without modifying the underlying PLC tag value.

Step-by-Step Procedure: Implementing Dynamic Position Texts

Follow this procedure to configure reusable, multilingual position texts:

Step 1: Define Position Texts in SFC Type Characteristics

  1. In the Master Data Library, open the SFC Type.
  2. In the tree view, expand Characteristics > Position Texts.
  3. Insert new text entries:
    - Index 1: Position 1: Line up supply route
    - Index 2: Position 2: Verify inlet isolation
    - Index 3: Position 3: Initiating transfer pump

Step 2: Assign POSINO Values in Step Actions

  1. Open the target step properties (e.g., Step_Supply).
  2. In the Initialization or Processing tab, add an assignment:
    - Address: POSINO
    - Value: 1

Step 3: Compile OS and Translate in Text Library

  1. In SIMATIC Manager, perform an OS Compilation (Entire OS or Changes only).
  2. Open the WinCC project on the Engineering Station.
  3. Open the Text Library editor.
  4. Filter for text category SFC.
  5. Locate the generated strings and input corresponding foreign language translations.

Step 4: Display on WinCC Faceplates

  1. In runtime, open the SFC faceplate for the instantiated phase.
  2. Observe that the position text box displays the translated string corresponding to active POSINO value.

Comparative Architecture Matrix: SFC Text Display Methods

The table below compares methods for managing sequential status text:

MethodPLC Memory UsageReusability Across InstancesMultilingual SupportEngineering EffortHardcoded SFC StringsLowNone (Instance-specific)No (Monolingual)LowPLC String ConcatenationHigh (Heavy SCL logic)ModeratePoor (Requires PLC translation DBs)HighPOSINO + Text LibraryNegligible (Single INT)High (Standard Template)Native WinCC MultilingualRecommended Best PracticeWinCC Alarm Message SD_xLow (Integer trigger)HighFully supported via Alarm LoggingModerate

Verification

To confirm proper operation of dynamic position texts:
1. Runtime Step Transition Check: Execute the SFC phase; verify that as the sequence advances from Step 1 to Step 2, the POSINO value changes in CFC test mode.
2. Faceplate Text Update: In WinCC Runtime, confirm that the position text field on the SFC faceplate updates immediately to reflect the active step.
3. Language Switch Test: Toggle the runtime language (e.g., from English to German); confirm that the position text translates seamlessly without restarting runtime.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Engineering teams must observe the following precautions:
- Modifying Position Texts inside the Master Data Library requires compiling the OS to synchronize strings into the WinCC Text Library.
- Do not use non-standard control characters or quotes within SFC Position Text definitions to prevent CSV export/import syntax errors.
- Always validate final license quantities and MLFBs against the applicable Siemens catalog and authorized distributor quotation when ordering multi-language WinCC options.

Engineer FAQ

Can POSINO display dynamic tag names like 'P-101' dynamically?

POSINO displays predefined text lists. To display dynamic equipment tags dynamically, pair POSINO with WinCC script formatting or pass the equipment tag as an associated string value (SD_x) in an accompanying ALARM_8P message.

Where is POSINO declared in the SFC Type interface?

POSINO is a built-in standard output characteristic automatically created by the SFC Type editor; it does not need to be manually declared in the block I/O table.

Does changing POSINO require an AS controller STOP?

No. Altering POSINO step assignments can be downloaded to the S7-400 controller in RUN mode via CFC/SFC changes-only download.

Technical References

Related Articles

Related Tags

  • SFC Types
  • POSINO
  • Text Library
  • Multilingual
  • SFC Visualization
6 respuestas