How to Access and Utilize the SIMATIC PDM LifeList Utility for Rapid HART Field Device Diagnostics and Commissioning

In SIMATIC PDM (Process Device Manager), the LifeList utility is a specialized diagnostic tool designed for rapid point-to-point identification, online testing, and commissioning of intelligent HART and PROFIBUS PA field instruments without creating a formal engineering project structure. While legacy SIMATIC PDM V6 featured a standalone LifeList desktop icon that launched direct point-to-point parameterization, modern SIMATIC PDM V8.x and V9.0 integrate LifeList functionality into the Process Device Network View under 'Device Identification' and the 'SIMATIC PDM - LifeList' utility. Accessing it requires opening the standalone PDM shell, selecting the communication network, and initiating a bus scan.

Evolution of SIMATIC PDM LifeList: PDM V6 vs PDM V8/V9 Architecture

Instrumentation maintenance technicians frequently utilize SIMATIC PDM on field laptops for bench-calibration and loop-checking:

The Legacy PDM V6 LifeList Workflow:
PDM V6 included a dedicated, standalone LifeList executable.
A technician connected a HART modem (USB/RS-232) to an instrument, clicked LifeList, and the utility automatically scanned address 0, identified the connected device (e.g., SITRANS P DS III), and launched directly into full parameterization with zero project setup.
The PDM V8 and V9 Architectural Shift:
In modern PDM releases, Siemens aligned PDM with the unified EDD (Electronic Device Description) and FDT/DTM architectural standards.
The separate desktop icon was merged into the core PDM shell. In PDM V8/V9, point-to-point diagnostics are executed via the Process Device Network View using Device Identification or by launching the integrated SIMATIC PDM - LifeList tool from the Start menu / PDM tools menu.

Accessing the Modern SIMATIC PDM LifeList Utility

To access LifeList functionality in SIMATIC PDM V8.2 and V9.0:

Locating LifeList in Windows:
* Open the Windows Start menu.
* Navigate to: Siemens Automation > SIMATIC > SIMATIC PDM > LifeList (or launch pdm_lifelist.exe from C:\Program Files (x86)\Siemens\SIMATIC_PDM\bin\).
Accessing via PDM Standalone Shell:
* Launch SIMATIC PDM (Stand-alone).
* In the navigation tree, expand the root object: Process Devices.
* Right-click the network interface (e.g., Networks > HART modem) and select LifeList or Start Device Identification.
Automated Topology Scan:
* LifeList interrogates the active communication interface, cycling through HART polling addresses 0 to 15 (or PROFIBUS addresses 0 to 126).

Executing Point-to-Point HART Device Identification

When connecting directly to a field instrument on the test bench:

Hardware Setup:
* Connect a certified USB HART modem (e.g., Siemens or Microflex) across the instrument terminals.
* Ensure an external DC 24V loop power supply is connected with a minimum 250-ohm loop resistor in series.
Configure Interface in PDM:
* In LifeList, select menu Options > Settings....
* Under Communication Interface, select the COM port assigned to the USB HART modem (verify in Windows Device Manager).
Scan and Launch Configuration:
* Click the Scan icon.
* LifeList displays the connected device: Manufacturer (Siemens), Device Type (SITRANS P DS III), Tag Name, and Serial Number.
* Double-click the identified device: PDM loads the exact matching EDD from the local library and opens the parameterization window.

Troubleshooting Communication Link and Modem Configuration

If LifeList fails to detect the connected field device:

Missing Loop Resistance: The HART FSK signal cannot modulate voltage without impedance; a minimum 250-ohm resistor (up to 1100 ohms depending on voltage) must be present.
HART Polling Address Mismatch: Standard analog 4-20 mA devices use address 0. If an instrument was previously in multi-drop mode, its address may be between 1 and 15. Configure LifeList to scan the full address range 0 to 15.
COM Port Latency: In Windows Device Manager, open the USB Serial Port properties: set Latency Timer to 1 ms to prevent buffer timeout errors in PDM.

Comparison of SIMATIC PDM Operational Modes

The table below compares the different operational methods for configuring devices in SIMATIC PDM.

Operational ModeSoftware EnvironmentProject Required?Best ApplicationDevice Parameter PersistenceSIMATIC PDM LifeListStandalone UtilityNo (Direct scan)Field troubleshooting / Bench calibrationSaved to device directlyPDM Stand-alone ShellIndependent PDM AppYes (Local PDM tree)Dedicated Asset Management (AMS)Saved in PDM project DBPDM Integrated (PCS 7)SIMATIC ManagerYes (PCS 7 Multi-project)Plant engineering and commissioningIntegrated in PCS 7 multi-projectUniversal HART HandheldPhysical field communicatorNoField calibration at valve/sensorSaved in handheld memory

Verification

To confirm that SIMATIC PDM LifeList is operating properly:
1. Connect a USB HART modem across a powered HART transmitter with a 250-ohm resistor.
2. Launch SIMATIC PDM LifeList: select the assigned COM port.
3. Click Start Scan: verify that the progress bar scans addresses 0 to 15.
4. Confirm that the connected transmitter appears in the scan results tree with its green operational icon.
5. Double-click the device: verify that PDM loads the device description and successfully uploads current sensor readings, measuring range limits, and tag names.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Never connect a non-intrinsically safe HART modem directly to instrumentation located inside hazardous classified areas (Zone 0/1 or Class I, Div 1); always use galvanically isolated, intrinsically safe barrier connections.
Ensure that the SIMATIC PDM Device Library is fully installed; if the specific instrument EDD is missing, LifeList will identify the device but fall back to generic universal commands.
Running a continuous bus scan on a live, multi-drop fieldbus network can temporarily increase bus cycle jitter; perform diagnostics during calm operating periods.
Always validate final software licensing, PDM TAG capacity, and communication hardware against the applicable Siemens catalog and authorized distributor quotation.

Engineer FAQ

Where is LifeList located in PDM V8.2?

In PDM V8.2, LifeList is located in the Windows Start menu under Siemens Automation > SIMATIC > SIMATIC PDM > LifeList or can be triggered directly from the Process Device Network View via Start Device Identification.

Why does LifeList say 'No device found' even though the transmitter is powered?

Verify that a 250-ohm resistor is installed in series with the power supply. Without sufficient loop resistance, the HART AC voltage modulation cannot develop across the terminals.

Can I use LifeList to configure PROFIBUS PA instruments?

Yes. By connecting through a PROFIBUS DP/PA coupler or link (such as DP/PA Link 6ES7153-2BA10-0XB0), LifeList can scan the PROFIBUS PA segment and identify PA field instruments.