Configuring Faceplate Direction Controls D1 and D2 in CEMAT C

Configuring Faceplate Direction Controls D1 and D2 in CEMAT C_DAMPER Blocks

In SIMATIC PCS 7 CEMAT V8, the manual direction control buttons D1 (Direction 1 / Open) and D2 (Direction 2 / Close) on the C_DAMPER (FB 1009) faceplate are automatically disabled and grayed out whenever the block is configured for analog percentage positioning. To enable direct manual directional inching commands (D1 and D2), the damper must be configured for digital open/close actuator operation (KDV = 0) or the operating mode switched from setpoint positioning to manual digital mode, allowing direct contactor jogging.

Operational Modes and Actuator Types in C_DAMPER

In the Siemens CEMAT library, the C_DAMPER function block (FB 1009) controls modulating valves, dampers, diverters, and flow control actuators across two distinct operational paradigms:

1. Modulating Setpoint / Percentage Positioning Mode

The damper receives an analog setpoint (0.0 to 100.0%) from an upstream process controller or operator input.
An internal or external position controller compares the setpoint with actual analog feedback (POS_IN), generating automatic pulses or an analog output to reposition the valve.
Direction Button Behavior: When percentage control is configured or active, direct manual jogging buttons (D1 and D2) are strictly locked out by the faceplate script. Because an analog controller regulates the stroke, arbitrary manual direction pulses would conflict with the closed-loop algorithm.

2. Three-Point Inching / Digital Directional Mode

The damper is controlled as a three-point stepping device using two digital outputs:
DIR1: Open command (Direction 1)
DIR2: Close command (Direction 2)
When placed in Manual Mode, the operator uses the faceplate buttons D1 (Open) and D2 (Close) to jog or drive the damper until the desired end position or intermediate opening is reached.

The configuration parameters on FB 1009 dictate whether directional commands are permissible.

+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| CEMAT C_DAMPER Block (FB 1009) Parameterization             |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
             |                                     |
             v                                     v
+---------------------------+       +---------------------------+
| Analog Positioning Mode   |       | Digital Inching Mode      |
| KDV = 1 (Continuous / SP) |       | KDV = 0 (3-Point Inching) |
| Positioner Active         |       | Manual Mode Selected      |
| D1 / D2 Faceplate LOCKED  |       | D1 / D2 Faceplate ENABLED |
+---------------------------+       +---------------------------+

Step-by-Step Procedure to Enable Faceplate Direction Commands

Follow this procedure to configure parameterization on the C_DAMPER instance in CFC and restore manual D1/D2 button functionality.

Prerequisites

SIMATIC Manager open with write permissions to the AS project.
CEMAT V8 (or V8.1/V8.2/V9.x) library installed.
Target CFC chart containing the C_DAMPER block.

Step 1: Configure Damper Operating Parameters in CFC

Open the CFC chart containing the C_DAMPER block.
Inspect the following configuration inputs:
* KDV: Damper control type.
- Set KDV = 0 if the actuator is an open/close or inching damper without continuous analog positioning.
- If KDV = 1 (analog positioning enabled), directional buttons are locked out during automatic positioning.
- EN_INCH: Inching permission.
- Set EN_INCH = 1 to permit manual inching via faceplate direction commands.
- T_PULS: Pulse duration. Ensure the minimum pulse time is parameterized (e.g., T#500ms) to match actuator motor response.
Verify that safety interlock inputs (KB1 for Direction 1 protection, KB2 for Direction 2 protection) are healthy (1). If interlocks are active (0), direction commands are suppressed.

Step 2: Configure Faceplate Operating Modes

Compile and download CFC changes: Chart -> Compile -> Changes Only.
In WinCC Runtime, open the faceplate for the C_DAMPER instance.
Select the Operation Mode:
* Switch the damper from Automatic Mode to Manual Mode.
* If the faceplate features a mode selector for Setpoint vs. Inching, select Inching Mode.
Observe the buttons D1 and D2:
* The buttons transition from grayed out (disabled) to active (operable).

Step 3: Test Directional Commands

Click D1 on the faceplate: verify that output parameter DIR1 asserts in the AS and commands the actuator toward the Open direction.
Click D2 on the faceplate: verify that output parameter DIR2 asserts toward the Close direction.
Verify that end-position limit switches (KVS1 = Open limit, KVS2 = Closed limit) deassert the command upon stroke completion.

Verification

In the WinCC CEMAT faceplate, confirm that buttons D1 and D2 show clear text captions and are clickable without generating permission rejection popups.
In CFC dynamic test mode, confirm that clicking D1 sets DIR1 = 1 and clicking D2 sets DIR2 = 1.
Verify on the physical motor contactors that forward and reverse relays energize in response to faceplate commands.
Check the CEMAT alarm window to confirm zero interlocking or torque switch faults (KVT1/KVT2).

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Torque Switch Monitoring: Ensure electrical torque switches (KVT1 and KVT2) are properly wired and parameterized; if a torque switch trips during manual jogging, the block immediately halts direction commands to prevent mechanical actuator damage.
Runtime Supervision: Parameterize transit time supervision (L_DIR1, L_DIR2). If the damper fails to reach its limit switch within the configured duration, the block raises a transit time fault and de-energizes directional outputs.
Never Force Outputs: Do not bypass C_DAMPER logic by writing directly to hardware output addresses; doing so bypasses essential travel limits and travel reversal delays.

Engineer FAQ

Why are D1 and D2 grayed out in automatic mode?
Automatic mode delegates command authority entirely to plant sequencing logic or the continuous analog loop; operator manual commands are locked out to protect automated recipes.
What is the difference between D1 and D2 in CEMAT?
D1 represents Direction 1 (conventionally assigned to Opening or Forward stroke), while D2 represents Direction 2 (Closing or Reverse stroke).
Can a damper have analog feedback while using D1/D2 inching?
Yes. A damper can have an analog position transmitter (POS_IN) for visualization on the faceplate while using discrete D1/D2 digital outputs for three-point inching control.
What does parameter KDV stand for in CEMAT?
KDV is the German abbreviation for Kontinuierliche Drosselklappenverstellung (Continuous Damper Control). Setting KDV = 1 activates analog setpoint positioning.
Why does the direction button deactivate immediately after clicking?
If inching mode is active, D1 and D2 act as momentary jog commands or run until the button is released, unless configured for maintained travel to limit switches.

Technical References

Siemens Industry Online Support Entry ID 109801081: SIMATIC PCS 7 CEMAT Function Block Library Manual - C_DAMPER.
Siemens CEMAT V8 System Documentation: Technological Object Description for Actuators and Dampers.
Siemens Technical Guideline: Configuring Cement and Minerals Plant Objects in PCS 7.

Configuring Faceplate Direction Controls D1 and D2 in CEMAT C_DAMPER Blocks