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Enabling PXD File Exports from SICAM PAS for SIMATIC WinCC Integration

Enabling PXD File Exports from SICAM PAS for SIMATIC WinCC Integration

When integrating Siemens SICAM PAS V8.14 with SIMATIC WinCC (using the SICAM PAS CC channel) and the export dialog only allows exporting TEAX (.teax) files while disabling PXD (.pxd) export, the cause is an incompatible text format setting. To enable the PXD exchange format, open the SICAM PAS configuration tool, click on the target communication interface, navigate to 'General Parameters', and change the 'Text format' parameter from 'Long text' to 'Short text'. Once set to Short text, the PXD export format is activated, allowing generation of the .pxd mapping file for direct import into WinCC.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

In electrical substation automation and power distribution systems integrated with SIMATIC PCS 7 / WinCC, engineers deploy Siemens SICAM PAS (Power Automation System) to collect telemetry and telecontrol data from protection relays via IEC 61850 or IEC 60870-5-104. To import substations tags into WinCC without manual re-typing, SICAM PAS exports a process data exchange file in the proprietary PXD (*.pxd) format for the WinCC SICAM PAS Channel (SICAM_PAS.chn). A frequent hurdle in SICAM PAS V8.14 occurs when an engineer attempts to export the database, only to find the PXD option greyed out or absent, offering only XML-based TEAX files. This occurs because the PXD legacy driver structure cannot accommodate hierarchical long-text naming. Switching the interface configuration to 'Short text' resolves the issue.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

The data exchange interface between SICAM PAS and WinCC depends on string formatting and channel architecture:

1. The PXD vs TEAX Format Distinction

SICAM PAS provides two primary engineering export formats:
- PXD Format (*.pxd): The established binary/text data exchange format specifically parsed by the WinCC SICAM PAS CC channel. It maps electrical signals (breaker status, current measurements, MW active power) directly to WinCC tag management structures and alarms.
- TEAX Format (*.teax): A modern XML-based hierarchical exchange format designed for cross-engineering tools (such as SICAM SCC or advanced IEC 61850 engineering tools).

2. The Text Format Dependency Rule

The WinCC PXD channel has strict tag name length limitations inherited from classical WinCC architectures:
- When SICAM PAS is parameterized with 'Long text' (hierarchical naming containing full substation, voltage level, bay, and device strings), the generated tag names exceed classical PXD buffer specifications.
- Consequently, SICAM PAS automatically disables PXD export whenever an interface is configured for 'Long text', offering only TEAX.
- Configuring the interface parameter Text format = 'Short text' truncates internal names to compliant PXD tag lengths, immediately enabling the PXD export filter.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

To enable PXD file export from SICAM PAS V8.14 for WinCC:

Step 1: Open SICAM PAS Configuration Tool

  1. Launch the SICAM PAS UI - Configuration tool on the active PAS server.
  2. Open your substation automation project.
  3. Ensure the project is checked out for editing.

Step 2: Change Interface Text Format to Short Text

  1. In the project tree, navigate to the specific communication interface communicating with WinCC (e.g., WinCC Channel or target protocol).
  2. Click on the interface object to display its properties in the right-hand pane.
  3. Under General Parameters, locate the parameter Text format (Textformat).
  4. Change the dropdown selection from Long text (Langtext) to Short text (Kurztext).
  5. Save the configuration changes.

Step 3: Export PXD File

  1. In the project tree, right-click the interface (or the project root) and select Export....
  2. In the Export Wizard dialog, observe the file format dropdown.
  3. Verify that PXD exchange format (*.pxd) is now enabled and selectable.
  4. Select destination directory (e.g., D:\SICAM_Export\Substation1.pxd) and click Finish.

Step 4: Import PXD into WinCC Explorer

  1. On the WinCC / PCS 7 OS station, open WinCC Explorer.
  2. Ensure the SICAM PAS CC communication channel is installed in Tag Management.
  3. Right-click the SICAM PAS channel unit and select Import PXD File....
  4. Browse to Substation1.pxd and complete the tag generation wizard.

Verification

To confirm export and import success:

  1. File Generation Check:
    - Inspect the export folder; confirm that Substation1.pxd exists with non-zero file size.

  2. WinCC Tag Management Verification:
    - In WinCC Tag Management, open the SICAM PAS channel.
    - Confirm that all electrical bay measurements, breaker position tags, and alarm bits populate with valid addressing.

  3. Online Telemetry Test:
    - Start WinCC Runtime and SICAM PAS Runtime.
    - Confirm that live electrical voltage and current values update dynamically on WinCC substation mimic screens.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Operational limitations and precautions:

  1. Tag Name Truncation: Switching to 'Short text' alters tag names in SICAM PAS; ensure existing graphics or scripts that relied on older names are cross-checked before renaming.
  2. Dongle Licensing: SICAM PAS V8.14 requires an active hardware dongle; running in demo mode restricts communication telegrams.
  3. Channel Compatibility: Ensure the version of the WinCC SICAM PAS Channel matches the SICAM PAS server release.
  4. Commercial Disclaimer: Verify all software options, SICAM PAS licenses, and WinCC channel packages with an authorized Siemens distributor or the Siemens Industry Mall.

Engineer FAQ

Why is PXD export disabled in SICAM PAS V8.14?

PXD export is disabled when the interface is configured for 'Long text' naming. Changing the parameter to 'Short text' enables PXD export.

What is the difference between PXD and TEAX files?

PXD is the classical format parsed by the WinCC SICAM PAS channel, while TEAX is an XML-based format used by modern engineering tools like SICAM SCC.

Where is the 'Text format' parameter located?

Inside the SICAM PAS Configuration tool under the properties of the target interface in 'General Parameters'.

Does WinCC require an additional channel driver for SICAM PAS?

Yes. WinCC requires the SICAM PAS CC channel component installed to read .pxd files and communicate with PAS servers.

What communication protocols does SICAM PAS convert for WinCC?

SICAM PAS converts IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-101/103/104, DNP3, and Modbus into standardized WinCC tags.

Technical References

Related Articles

Related Tags

  • SICAM PAS
  • WinCC Channel
  • PXD Export
  • Substation Automation
  • IEC 61850
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