Engineering Coexistence of SIMATIC PDM V8.x with TIA Portal V13 SP1 for HART and Field Devices
SIMATIC PDM (Process Device Manager) V8.x is not integrated as an embedded engineering editor or plug-in within TIA Portal V13 SP1. However, SIMATIC PDM Stand-Alone can be installed side-by-side on the same computer as TIA Portal V13 SP1 to parameterize HART, PROFIBUS DP, and PROFIBUS PA field instruments without software conflict. When operating in this configuration, field devices configured in TIA Portal (e.g. S7-1500 with ET 200SP HART modules) are managed via PDM Stand-Alone using Electronic Device Descriptions (EDDs) communicating through dedicated routing or direct communication modems. For compliant procurement, engineers must purchase a SIMATIC PDM Stand-Alone license package and consult Siemens Application Example 109478959.
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary
- Architectural Scope of SIMATIC PDM: Stand-Alone vs System-Integrated
- Why TIA Portal V13 SP1 Lacks Embedded PDM Integration
- Side-by-Side Coexistence Guidelines: PDM V8.2 SP1 and TIA Portal V13 SP1
- Parameterizing HART and Fieldbus Instruments via PDM Routing
- Step-by-Step Setup Procedure for Stand-Alone PDM Engineering
- SIMATIC PDM Integration and Compatibility Matrix across Siemens Platforms
- Verification
- Electronic Device Description (EDD) Device Integration Best Practices
- Limitations and Operational Precautions
- Engineer FAQ
- Technical References
- Related Articles
- Related Tags
Executive Summary
In hybrid automation facilities combining SIMATIC PCS 7 process units with TIA Portal discrete machine skids (utilizing controllers such as the S7-1500 or S7-300), engineers frequently configure intelligent instrumentation (pressure transmitters, Coriolis flowmeters, radar level sensors, and control valve positioners) utilizing HART or PROFIBUS PA protocols. SIMATIC PDM (Process Device Manager) is the premier Siemens universal tool for parameterizing intelligent field devices. When engineers attempt to verify whether SIMATIC PDM V8.x can be integrated into TIA Portal V13 SP1, consulting the Siemens Compatibility Tool often returns zero results, creating confusion. This technical article explains the architectural differences between integrated PDM and PDM Stand-Alone, confirms side-by-side coexistence, and outlines verified device engineering workflows.
Architectural Scope of SIMATIC PDM: Stand-Alone vs System-Integrated
SIMATIC PDM is distributed in two distinct operating models:
- Integrated PDM (STEP 7 / PCS 7):
* Fully embedded inside SIMATIC Manager, HW Config, and the PCS 7 Process Object View.
* Double-clicking a field transmitter in HW Config or Process Device Plant View directly launches the PDM parameterization window.
* Relies on the classic STEP 7 database schema. - SIMATIC PDM Stand-Alone:
* Operates as an independent application with its own project view and device network tree.
* Designed for multi-vendor environments, service laptops, and automation platforms where integrated PDM is not available.
* Installs a lightweight underlying communication shell to navigate networks and transmit EDD parameter sets.
Why TIA Portal V13 SP1 Lacks Embedded PDM Integration
During the lifecycle of TIA Portal V13 SP1, Siemens had not yet developed an embedded PDM engineering plug-in for the TIA Portal framework:
- TIA Portal V13 uses a completely redesigned unified database architecture that was incompatible with the classic STEP 7 PDM engine.
- Consequently, the Siemens Compatibility Tool does not list PDM as a compatible integrated add-on for TIA Portal V13.
- However, side-by-side installation is fully functional: PDM V8.2 SP1 and TIA Portal V13 SP1 can be installed on the exact same operating system without software conflict or DLL collisions.
Side-by-Side Coexistence Guidelines: PDM V8.2 SP1 and TIA Portal V13 SP1
To ensure trouble-free coexistence between both engineering suites:
- Operating System Alignment: Both software packages must support the underlying OS (e.g. Windows 7 SP1 64-bit).
- Automation License Manager (ALM): Both packages share the common SIMATIC Automation License Manager. Always ensure the latest ALM version (installed by the newer product) is retained.
- Communication Drivers: SIMATIC Device Drivers (Communication Settings) manage the PC's physical network adapters (CP 5711, Industrial Ethernet interfaces) and handle concurrent queries from both TIA Portal and PDM.
Parameterizing HART and Fieldbus Instruments via PDM Routing
Engineers can parameterize field devices connected to TIA Portal automation stations via two workflows:
- Direct Point-to-Point Connection: Connect an engineering laptop directly to the transmitter using a certified USB-HART modem or RS-485 / PROFIBUS interface (e.g. CP 5711).
- S7 Routing via TIA Portal Hardware (Application Example 109478959):
- An S7-1500 controller connects to an ET 200SP or ET 200M distributed I/O station equipped with HART analog input modules.
- SIMATIC PDM Stand-Alone connects via Industrial Ethernet to the S7-1500 CPU.
- Utilizing S7 data set routing, PDM tunnels HART FSK commands through the S7-1500 backplane and distributed I/O module directly to the field transmitter.
Step-by-Step Setup Procedure for Stand-Alone PDM Engineering
To parameterize field instruments in a TIA Portal V13 SP1 facility:
- Install Software: On the engineering PC, install TIA Portal V13 SP1 Update 7, followed by SIMATIC PDM V8.2 SP1 Stand-Alone.
- Install Device EDDs: Open the SIMATIC PDM Device Integration Manager (DIM). Import the Device Description Library (EDDs) for all plant field instruments (Siemens, Emerson, Endress+Hauser, ABB).
- Configure Network in PDM Stand-Alone:
* Launch SIMATIC PDM Stand-Alone.
* Create a new project and insert a communication network (e.g.HART on ModemsorPROFIBUS DP / PA).
* Assign the device address and select the matching EDD device profile. - Establish Online Connection: Connect the communication cable. Click
Device -> Connect to Device. - Parameterize and Calibrate: Adjust zero/span, damping, transfer functions, and sensor trim values. Download parameters to the device.
SIMATIC PDM Integration and Compatibility Matrix across Siemens Platforms
The following table summarizes SIMATIC PDM deployment modes across Siemens automation platforms:
Verification
Confirm successful PDM device engineering:
- Side-by-Side Execution Test: Open TIA Portal V13 SP1 and SIMATIC PDM Stand-Alone simultaneously. Confirm that both applications run without license or communication driver conflicts.
- Device Communication Check: In PDM, establish an online connection to a field transmitter. Confirm that device identity (manufacturer, model, tag, firmware revision) is read accurately via EDD.
- Parameter Read/Write Test: Modify a non-critical parameter (e.g. process tag descriptor). Download to the transmitter and verify that the new value is stored in device non-volatile memory.
Electronic Device Description (EDD) Device Integration Best Practices
To maintain comprehensive device library integrity:
- Use Device Integration Manager (DIM): Always manage, import, and catalog EDDs using the official SIMATIC PDM Device Integration Manager utility.
- Match EDD Revisions: Ensure the imported EDD revision matches the physical hardware firmware version stamped on the instrument faceplate.
- Archive Device Datasets: After commissioning, export all device parameter sets to XML/PVM archives for plant maintenance disaster recovery.
Limitations and Operational Precautions
Never write parameters to a process transmitter while the associated control loop is in Automatic mode on a live plant. Parameter downloads cause instruments to enter calibration/safe mode, temporarily freezing analog output signals.
When procuring SIMATIC PDM software licenses (such as PDM Stand-Alone Basic, PDM Communication, and PDM Tag counts), all software MLFBs must be validated against official Siemens catalogs and confirmed through an authorized Siemens distributor quotation.
Engineer FAQ
Can PDM be opened by clicking a device in TIA Portal V13?
No. In TIA Portal V13, PDM cannot be opened from within the TIA Portal hardware editor; it must be launched as a standalone application.
Which license is required for SIMATIC PDM with TIA Portal?
You need the SIMATIC PDM Stand-Alone license package (e.g. SIMATIC PDM Single Point or SIMATIC PDM Basic).
Can PDM route through an S7-1500 controller?
Yes. Siemens Application Example 109478959 demonstrates how PDM communicates with HART devices via S7-1500 and ET 200 distributed I/O.
Why is PDM not listed under TIA Portal in the Compatibility Tool?
Because PDM is not an integrated plug-in for TIA Portal V13; it is a standalone product that coexists side-by-side.