How to Add Additional Messages to APL MotL Faceplates Using EventTS

To add more alarms to an APL MotL block when all built-in and external message inputs are exhausted, connect the companion message block EventTS (FB 1212) or Event (FB 1211) to the motor block in CFC. EventTS monitors up to eight discrete binary signals with high-precision time stamping. Interconnecting the structured output EventTS.EventTsOut to the input pin MotL.EventTsIn (or EventTs2In) integrates all additional messages directly into the motor faceplate's alarm view, allowing operators to view and acknowledge up to 16 extra alarms.

Architecture of APL Message Expansion and the EventTS Block

In SIMATIC PCS 7 Advanced Process Library (APL), the large motor block MotL (FB 1850) provides built-in alarm monitoring for standard drive faults:
* Dynamic feedback errors (MonDynErr), static feedback errors (MonStaErr), thermal protection trips (Trip), and interlock violations (LockAct).
* It also includes general external message inputs (ExtMsg1 through ExtMsg3).

However, complex heavy industrial drives (such as mining slurry pumps, ball mills, or variable frequency drives) often monitor dozens of auxiliary status signals:
* Winding temperature high, drive cooling fan failure, vibration warning, lubrication oil low pressure, and local isolator trips.

When built-in message pins are exhausted, modifying the compiled internal code of MotL is strictly prohibited. Instead, APL provides the EventTS (FB 1212) and Event (FB 1211) companion blocks. EventTS captures up to eight discrete Boolean signals (In1 to In8), assigns millisecond-precise time stamps (Sequence of Events - SOE), and routes alarm states into technological blocks via dedicated structure pins.

Step-by-Step CFC Interconnection and Configuration Workflow

Follow this procedure to expand motor faceplate alarms:

Instantiate EventTS in the Motor CFC Chart:
* Open the CFC chart containing the MotL instance.
* From the APL library catalog, drag and drop EventTS (FB 1212) onto the chart.
* Place EventTS in the same cyclic runtime group and execution sequence slice immediately preceding MotL.
Interconnect Additional Alarm Signals:
* Connect auxiliary digital input channel blocks (Pcs7DiIn) to inputs EventTS.In1 through EventTS.In8.
* Double-click EventTS, open the Messages configuration dialog, and configure custom alarm texts (e.g., Bearing DE Vibration High) and message classes (Alarm, Warning, Tolerance).
Link EventTS to MotL:
* Interconnect output pin EventTS.EventTsOut to input pin MotL.EventTsIn.
* If eight additional messages are still insufficient, instantiate a second EventTS block and connect its output to MotL.EventTs2In, providing a total of 16 additional faceplate alarms.
Compile AS and OS:
* Compile CFC charts with Changes only.
* Execute an OS compilation to transfer the new message descriptors to the WinCC Alarm Logging database.

Verification

In WinCC Runtime, open the faceplate for the configured motor.
Click on the Alarm View tab in the faceplate header.
In the field or via CFC test mode, force an auxiliary fault on EventTS.In1.
Verify that:
The motor block icon on the process screen indicates an active alarm.
Opening the MotL faceplate displays the new alarm text (Bearing DE Vibration High) directly within the motor's alarm list.
Acknowledging the alarm from the MotL faceplate acknowledges the EventTS message simultaneously.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Strict 1:1 Relationship: An EventTS block can be interconnected to only one technological block. Splitting EventTsOut across multiple motor or valve blocks is strictly forbidden and causes compiler errors.
For time-stamping to achieve 1 ms Sequence of Events precision, the digital input hardware modules must support hardware time-stamping (e.g., ET 200SP HA DI 16x24VDC with SOE enabled in HW Config).
Ensure that the EventTS block's MsgLock pin is linked to the master plant message lock signal to ensure unified suppression during maintenance.

Engineer FAQ

What is the difference between Event and EventTS?
Event (FB 1211) generates standard alarms with controller cycle time resolution. EventTS (FB 1212) supports high-precision 1 ms hardware Sequence of Events time stamping from distributed I/O racks.
Can I link EventTS to blocks other than MotL?
Yes. All major APL technological blocks—including VlvL, VlvMotL, PIDConL, and MonAnL—feature EventTsIn pins for alarm expansion.
Will the additional alarms sound the operator alarm horn?
Yes. Because the messages are registered in WinCC Alarm Logging with standard message classes, they trigger horn annunciators according to the plant's WinCC Horn configuration.

Technical References

SIMATIC PCS 7 Advanced Process Library (APL) Function Manual: EventTS Block (A5E43360408-AA).
SIMATIC PCS 7 High-Precision Time Stamping System Manual.
Siemens Industry Online Support Entry ID 109801081: Expanding Technological Block Alarms in PCS 7.