How to Configure Local and Remote Operating Modes for SIMOCODE pro V from SIMATIC PCS 7 Faceplates

In SIMATIC PCS 7, controlling operating mode switching (Local vs Remote) for a SIMOCODE pro V motor management system is governed by the cyclic PROFIBUS DP / PROFINET control word telegram and the SIMOCODE PCS 7 Library block (MMStat / MMDiag / MotL). To switch between Local mode (control via physical pushbuttons or local operator panel) and Remote mode (control via WinCC faceplates and CFC logic), the controller manipulates Control Bit 0.5 ('Operating Mode / Station Control') in cyclic send telegram 1. This command is driven either directly from the WinCC motor faceplate mode selector via the APL 'ModLiOp' / 'AutModLi' / 'ManModLi' interconnections or by routing a software bit into the SIMOCODE cyclic control interface.

SIMOCODE pro V Operating Modes and Control Authority Architecture

The SIMOCODE pro V motor management system (3UF7010-1AU00-0) provides comprehensive motor protection, diagnostics, and control for low-voltage switchgear. A foundational safety principle in process plants is governing Control Authority:

Local Mode (Manual Local): The motor is operated exclusively from physical local pushbuttons, an emergency stop station, or the SIMOCODE Operator Panel (OP) mounted on the MCC bucket door. Commands from the central DCS are locked out to protect field operators during maintenance.
Remote Mode (DCS Automatic / Manual): Control authority shifts to the central control room. Operators start/stop motors from WinCC faceplates or automated recipe sequencers (SFC).
Control Authority Arbitration: Governed by the SIMOCODE internal logic matrix: Operating Mode Selector and Control Station functional blocks configured via SIMATIC PDM or ES-SIMOCODE.

Cyclic Telegram Mapping: Control Bit 0.5 and Status Word Feedback

Communication between the S7-400 CPU and SIMOCODE pro V utilizes standardized PROFIBUS DP / PROFINET cyclic telegrams (such as Basic Type 1 or Basic Type 2):

Cyclic Send Data (S7-400 to SIMOCODE - 4 Bytes):
Byte 0, Bit 0: Motor ON (Right / Forward)
Byte 0, Bit 1: Motor OFF
Byte 0, Bit 2: Motor ON (Left / Reverse)
Byte 0, Bit 5 (Bit 0.5): Remote / Local Mode Selection (Station control transfer). Setting Bit 0.5 to 1 grants control to the DCS (Remote); setting Bit 0.5 to 0 assigns control to Local field pushbuttons.
Cyclic Receive Data (SIMOCODE to S7-400 - 4 to 16 Bytes):
Byte 0, Bit 0: Ready to start
Byte 0, Bit 1: Motor running
Byte 0, Bit 2: Motor fault / General fault
Byte 0, Bit 5: Local Mode Feedback (Confirms SIMOCODE is operating locally).

PCS 7 SIMOCODE Library Architecture (MMStat, MMDiag, and MotL)

In SIMATIC PCS 7, motor management is streamlined using the dedicated SIMOCODE PCS 7 Library:

Block Hierarchy:
MMDiag (FB1302): Handles hardware diagnostics, diagnostic alarms, and acyclic communication over DP/PN.
MMStat (FB1303): Unpacks cyclic telegram status words, current measurements, and thermal overload status.
MotL (FB1850): Standard APL motor block providing the operator faceplate, interlocks, and mode logic.
Interconnection Workflow:
Interconnect MMStat.LocalAct to MotL.LocalAct to inform the APL block when the physical motor switch is turned to local.
When MotL.LocalAct = TRUE, the WinCC faceplate displays the 'Local' mode icon and disables remote start/stop buttons.

Configuring Local/Remote Faceplate Control in WinCC

To allow operators to toggle Local/Remote directly from the WinCC faceplate:

APL Mode Selection Configuration:
* Set parameter MotL.ModLiOp := 0 (Operator control enabled).
* The operator can click the mode button on the faceplate and select Manual, Auto, or Local.
Routing the Command to SIMOCODE:
* In CFC, monitor parameter MotL.LocalAct or custom mode output.
* If the control architecture requires the DCS to command SIMOCODE to shift control authority, route the mode signal into the SIMOCODE cyclic send word (Bit 0.5) via the MMStat / MMLog control block.
Hardware Key-Switch Integration:
* If a physical local/remote key switch exists on the MCC door, wire it to SIMOCODE Digital Input IN1.
* Configure SIMOCODE internal parameters in SIMATIC PDM so that IN1 directly controls the SIMOCODE Control Station selection, passing status back to PCS 7 via cyclic receive Bit 0.5.

Comparison of SIMOCODE Control Station Modes

The table below outlines control authority states for SIMOCODE pro V in SIMATIC PCS 7.

Control ModeBit 0.5 StateStart/Stop Command SourceFaceplate AppearanceInterlocks Active?Local (Field Pushbutton)0 (or field input)Field Start/Stop pushbuttonsDisplays 'Local'; controls greyed outSafety interlocks strictly enforcedOperator Manual (WinCC)1WinCC Faceplate Start/StopDisplays 'Manual'; buttons activeYes (Permit, Protect, Interlock)DCS Automatic (CFC/SFC)1CFC logic / SFC Step ActionsDisplays 'Auto'; tracking activeFull interlock enforcementEmergency OffAnyHardware E-Stop contactorsDisplays 'Fault / Tripped'Immediate hardware contactor drop

Verification

To confirm that SIMOCODE pro V operating mode switching is functioning:
1. In the WinCC operator station, open the motor faceplate for the SIMOCODE feeder.
2. In the field or at the MCC, turn the Local/Remote switch to Local (or set Bit 0.5 to 0): verify that the faceplate mode indicator transitions immediately to 'Local'.
3. Attempt to start the motor from the WinCC faceplate: confirm that the Start button is inhibited or rejected.
4. Press the local field start button: confirm that the motor starts, feedback updates on the faceplate, and motor current displays in the faceplate analog bar.
5. Turn the switch back to Remote: confirm that the faceplate returns to 'Auto' or 'Manual' and central DCS start/stop control is restored.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Local mode selection must never bypass hardware safety interlocks or emergency stop circuits; safety-instrumented functions must wire directly to fail-safe contactors or F-I/O.
If communication between the S7-400 and SIMOCODE is lost, SIMOCODE defaults to its configured 'Emergency Strategy' (typically: Maintain running state or trip after timeout); verify this parameter during commissioning.
Ensure that the cyclic telegram structure configured in HW Config matches identically with the telegram type configured in the SIMOCODE device parameters via SIMATIC PDM.
Verify final hardware ordering numbers, current measuring modules, and software licenses against the applicable Siemens catalog and authorized distributor quotation.

Engineer FAQ

Can I switch between Local and Remote using an internal marker memory bit like M0.0?

Yes. In CFC, you can drive Bit 0.5 of the SIMOCODE cyclic send word using an internal marker or block output, allowing automated sequencing logic to control station authority.

Why did the WinCC faceplate remain in Local mode after switching back to Remote?

If parameter MMStat.LocalAct remains TRUE, check whether the physical digital input on SIMOCODE is stuck or whether the cyclic feedback telegram byte assignment is mismatched in HW Config.

What SIMOCODE pro model is required for PROFIBUS DP?

SIMOCODE pro V Basic Unit (3UF7010-1AU00-0 for DC 24V or 3UF7010-1AU00-0 for AC 110-240V) provides integrated PROFIBUS DP communication up to 12 Mbps.