C135 PCS 7 (PCS7)
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Installing and Coexisting Legacy PCS 7 V7.1 SP3 Libraries in SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.2

Installing and Coexisting Legacy PCS 7 V7.1 SP3 Libraries in SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.2

In SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.2, engineers can install and run legacy block libraries (such as PCS 7 Standard Library V7.1 SP3 or APL V7.1 SP3) to maintain existing controller programs without forcing an immediate, plant-wide AS block upgrade. Siemens provides historical library packages via the dedicated 'PCS 7 Former Libraries' portal (SIOS Entry ID: 109480136). Before installation, engineers must verify library compatibility using the official Siemens Compatibility Tool (Kompatool). Once installed on the Engineering Station, legacy blocks reside in separate library directories, allowing the AS to compile and download using V7.1 block interfaces while the WinCC OS is upgraded to V8.2.

Table of Contents

Architecture of Version Coexistence in SIMATIC PCS 7

During large DCS modernization campaigns, upgrading both the Automation Station (AS) software and the Operator Station (OS) visualization simultaneously is often impossible due to continuous process operation. A plant turnaround window may allow upgrading the Engineering Station and redundant OS servers to PCS 7 V8.2, while the S7-400 controllers must remain running legacy PCS 7 V7.1 SP3 block types.

SIMATIC PCS 7 supports this asynchronous migration strategy under the 'Software Update without Utilization of New Functions' methodology. To achieve this, the Engineering Station must host both the new PCS 7 V8.2 system components and the legacy V7.1 SP3 block libraries, ensuring that the CFC compiler does not alter block interfaces or invalidate controller work memory.

Retrieving Legacy Libraries via the Siemens Former Libraries Portal

Legacy block packages are not bundled on the standard PCS 7 V8.2 DVD. They must be downloaded from Siemens Industry Online Support:

  1. Access Former Libraries Portal: Navigate to SIOS Entry ID: 109480136 ('SIMATIC PCS 7 Former Libraries').
  2. Select Target Package: Download the required historical archive, such as PCS 7 Library V7.1 SP3 or PCS 7 AP Library V7.1 SP3.
  3. Execute Installation: Extract the downloaded setup files on the Engineering Station. Run Setup.exe with administrative privileges. The installer registers the legacy blocks into <Step7_Path>\S7LIBS alongside the active V8.2 libraries.

Using the Siemens Compatibility Tool (Kompatool) for Validation

Before introducing legacy libraries into a V8.2 engineering environment, validate system compatibility:

  1. Open the Siemens Compatibility Tool (http://www.siemens.com/kompatool).
  2. Select primary environment: SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.2 on Windows 7 SP1 (64-bit).
  3. Add secondary software component: PCS 7 Standard Library V7.1 SP3.
  4. Check the generated compatibility matrix: verify that the tool indicates 'Compatible' or 'Compatible with restrictions' (e.g., driver generation restrictions).

Engineering Workflow: Coexistence of V7.1 Blocks with V8.2 OS

To manage projects utilizing legacy libraries in PCS 7 V8.2:

  1. Project Master Library: Maintain the project's Master Library containing the V7.1 SP3 block types. Do NOT execute 'Update Block Types' in CFC.
  2. CFC Compilation: When compiling CFC charts, ensure Generate module drivers uses the V7.1 driver family rather than V8.2 driver templates.
  3. WinCC OS Compilation: Execute OS compile. WinCC V8.2 creates tag management structures conforming to the V7.1 block interfaces.
  4. Graphics Engine Support: WinCC V8.2 includes backward-compatible @pg_ classic faceplates and APL V7.1 faceplate views, allowing operators to monitor legacy blocks seamlessly.

Comparison of Migration Strategies (Upgrade Blocks vs Library Coexistence)

The following table compares upgrading AS blocks immediately versus maintaining legacy library coexistence in PCS 7 V8.2:

| Operational Dimension | Immediate Block Upgrade (V8.2 APL) | Legacy Library Coexistence (V7.1 SP3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS Controller Downtime | Mandatory (Requires CPU STOP for full download) | Zero (Supports online delta downloads) |
| Engineering Effort | High (Requires chart re-verification & testing) | Minimal (Preserves existing CFC logic) |
| Utilization of New Features | Full access to new V8.2 APL features | Retains V7.1 functional limitations |
| OS Visualization | Modern V8.2 style faceplates | Classic / V7.1 style faceplates |
| Recommended Scenario | Major capital plant turnaround | Fast OS upgrade during continuous operation |

Verification

Verify legacy library coexistence in PCS 7 V8.2:
1. In SIMATIC Manager, select File > Open > Libraries; confirm that both 'PCS 7 Library V71' and 'PCS 7 AP Library V82' appear in the library selection dialog.
2. Open a project CFC chart containing V7.1 blocks; verify that block headers display the V7.1 version stamp and that no broken interface flags exist.
3. Execute 'Chart > Compile > As Program' with scope 'Changes Only'; verify that compilation finishes with 0 errors and permits an online delta download to the running CPU.
4. Activate WinCC Runtime; confirm that legacy faceplates open and operate without script errors.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

While library coexistence allows deferred AS modernization, maintaining legacy libraries across multiple PCS 7 generations (e.g., jumping from V7.1 directly to V9.0) is not supported. Eventually, all legacy Standard Library blocks must be migrated to the Advanced Process Library (APL) to maintain compatibility with 64-bit operating systems and modern CPU 410-5H firmware. Never mix different versions of the same block within a single S7 program.

Engineer FAQ

Where can I download former PCS 7 libraries?

Siemens hosts all legacy libraries on Siemens Industry Online Support under Entry ID 109480136.

Can I perform a delta download to an AS running V7.1 blocks from a V8.2 ES?

Yes, provided the block types in the project have not been updated to V8.2 and the CFC chart compilation was executed with scope 'Changes Only'.

Do legacy V7.1 faceplates work in WinCC V8.2?

Yes. WinCC V8.2 includes compatibility graphic templates and scripts for classic and early APL faceplates.

Technical References

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Related Tags

  • Former Libraries
  • PCS 7 V7.1
  • PCS 7 V8.2
  • Library Migration
  • Coexistence
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