Configuring State Color Codes and Pastel Green Transitions in APL MonDiL Blocks

In SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.0 and V9.1 Advanced Process Library (APL), the discrete monitoring blocks MonDiL and MonDiS utilize color code 5 for the standardized 'Pastel Green' state transition, replacing legacy fluorescent 'Lime Green' (Limonengrün / code 0) to comply with ISA-101 ergonomic standards. In newly created projects, assigning Color = 5 renders calm pastel green for operational process messages, while legacy codes 7, 8, and 9 can be configured to emulate older color transitions. Enforcing consistent color schemes project-wide is managed through Control Module Types (CMT) or the WinCC Project Palette.

Color Management Evolution in PCS 7: ISA-101 and APL Standards

In early PCS 7 versions (V7.x, V8.0), discrete state monitoring blocks (MonDiL, MonDiS) signaled active digital states using bright, high-saturation colors—most notably a fluorescent "Lime Green" (Limonengrün) assigned to color code 0.

Starting with PCS 7 V9.0 and V9.1:
* The Advanced Process Library was aligned with ANSI/ISA-101 (Human Machine Interfaces for Process Automation Systems).
* ISA-101 mandates "calm" control room design: non-critical operational states must use muted pastel tones to prevent operator fatigue, reserving high-saturation vibrant colors (red, yellow, bright orange) strictly for active alarms and emergency safety trips.
* In new PCS 7 V9.x installations, the standard active state transition was updated to Pastel Green (Color = 5). Code 0 was deprecated and labeled in system documentation as "Old procedure / Standard setting for migrated projects".

Color Parameter Coding for MonDiL and MonDiS

The input parameter Color on MonDiL (FB 1848) and MonDiS (FB 1849) controls the color shift of block icons and faceplate status displays:

Color CodeTone NameIntended Operational UseCompliance Note0Standard / Legacy Lime GreenMigrated projects backward compatibilityDeprecated in V9.x1White / Neutral GrayNormal de-energized or idle stateISA-101 Standard2BlueMaintenance request / bypass stateNAMUR NE1073YellowWarning state / low priorityISA-18.2 Warning4RedAlarm / trip stateISA-18.2 Alarm5Pastel GreenStandard active process state / Process messageAPL V9.x Default7 to 9Legacy Emulation ModesRestores V7.x/V8.x flashing & color schemesLegacy Migration Only

When migrating an older project from V7.1 or V8.2 into V9.1, existing instances retain Color = 0 to preserve existing operator familiarity. However, blocks instantiated newly from the V9.1 library enforce Color = 5.

Step-by-Step Configuration in CFC and Control Module Types

To enforce consistent color coding across all digital monitoring loops in a project:

Configuring on Individual CFC Block Instances:
* Open the CFC chart containing MonDiL.
* Double-click the block, go to the I/Os tab, and locate the input parameter Color.
* Set Color := 5 for modern pastel green, or Color := 0 if legacy lime green is required.
Standardizing Project-Wide via Control Module Types (CMT):
* In the Master Data Library, open your master Control Module Type for digital indicators (e.g., CMT_Digital_Indication).
* Select the embedded MonDiL block.
* Configure Color = 5 in the master template.
* Select Options -> Plant Types -> Synchronize with CMT. All digital monitoring instances across the entire plant hierarchy will update simultaneously.
WinCC Project Palette Verification:
* Open WinCC Explorer -> Computer Properties -> User Interface and Design -> Palette.
* Confirm that the Advanced Process Library palette is active, ensuring that color index 5 resolves to RGB (180, 220, 180) (Pastel Green).

Verification

In WinCC Runtime, open the process graphic containing the MonDiL block icon.
Toggle the monitored field contact from 0 to 1.
Verify that:
The block icon transitions smoothly to soft pastel green without harsh glare.
Opening the MonDiL faceplate confirms that the state text badge displays matching pastel green styling.
In the alarm banner, operational process messages reflect standard muted priority formatting.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Mixing legacy lime green (Color = 0) and modern pastel green (Color = 5) within the same graphic screen creates visual inconsistency and operator confusion. Standardize across the entire plant.
Do not configure active running states with red or high-saturation yellow; reserving red exclusively for fault/tripped conditions is a fundamental functional safety requirement.

Engineer FAQ

Can I restore the bright lime green across the entire project in V9.1?
Yes. You can update the Color default parameter in the Master Data Library CMT to 0 or 7, or customize the RGB definition of color index 5 in the WinCC APL Color Palette XML file.
Why did my newly added blocks look different from existing migrated blocks?
Migrated blocks retained their legacy database parameter (Color = 0), whereas newly inserted blocks from the V9.1 library catalog initialized with the modern standard (Color = 5).
What does Color = 2 represent?
In APL standard palettes, blue represents operator guidance, maintenance demanded, or manual override conditions.

Technical References

SIMATIC PCS 7 Advanced Process Library (APL) Function Manual: MonDiL Block (A5E43360408-AA).
ANSI/ISA-101.01-2015: Human Machine Interfaces for Process Automation Systems.
Siemens Industry Online Support Entry ID 109801081: Color Philosophy in PCS 7 Advanced Process Library.