C135 PCS 7 (PCS7)
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Integrating Field Instrumentation with the SIMATIC PCS 7 SITRANS Library - Architecture, Devices, and Faceplates

Integrating Field Instrumentation with the SIMATIC PCS 7 SITRANS Library - Architecture, Devices, and Faceplates

The SIMATIC PCS 7 SITRANS Library is Siemens' official technological add-on library engineered to seamlessly integrate intelligent field instrumentation (such as SITRANS F flowmeters, SITRANS P pressure transmitters, SITRANS T temperature sensors, SITRANS L level devices, and SIPART PS2 electro-pneumatic valve positioners) into the SIMATIC PCS 7 Advanced Process Library (APL) environment. Built adhering to the APL design philosophy, the SITRANS Library provides device-specific Function Blocks in CFC, dynamic block icons, and rich WinCC faceplates that expose diagnostic telemetry (e.g., NAMUR NE 107 diagnostic states, wear counters, sensor fouling, and partial stroke test curves) directly on the operator console without manual signal programming.

Table of Contents

The Role of the SITRANS Library in Modern PCS 7 Systems

In standard process automation, intelligent field instruments connected across HART, PROFIBUS PA, or PROFINET are often integrated using generic analog channel drivers (such as Pcs7AnIn). While functional for reading a single 4-20 mA process variable (PV), this approach discards extensive diagnostic and maintenance data generated by modern smart sensors.

The SIMATIC PCS 7 SITRANS Library bridges this gap:
- Extends the Advanced Process Library (APL) with dedicated technological blocks engineered specifically for Siemens process instruments.
- Reads secondary and tertiary process variables (e.g., mass flow, density, sensor temperature, totalized flow).
- Decodes internal device diagnostics according to international standard NAMUR NE 107 (Failure, Function Check, Out of Specification, Maintenance Required).
- Provides pre-configured, high-resolution WinCC faceplates that replicate the physical transmitter display, enabling operators and maintenance personnel to view diagnostic alarms, calibration dates, and valve travel curves directly on the DCS console.

Supported Device Families (SITRANS F, P, L, T, and SIPART PS2)

The SITRANS Library encompasses all major Siemens process instrumentation lines:
- Flow Measurement (SITRANS F): Coriolis flowmeters (FC430, MASS 2100), Electromagnetic meters (MAG 5000/6000, MAG 8000), Ultrasonic flowmeters (FUS060).
- Pressure Measurement (SITRANS P): Differential, gauge, and absolute pressure transmitters (P DS III, P300, P310, P410, P500).
- Level Measurement (SITRANS L): Radar level transmitters (LR250, LR560), Ultrasonic controllers (LUT400, HydroRanger 200), Capacitance switches (CLS).
- Temperature Measurement (SITRANS T): Temperature transmitters (TH300, TH400).
- Valve Positioners (SIPART PS2): Intelligent electro-pneumatic positioners with integrated Partial Stroke Testing (PST).

Device-Specific Technological Blocks vs Standard APL Drivers

Deploying SITRANS Library blocks replaces complex custom CFC programming:
- Standard APL: Reading flow, temperature, and totalizer from a Coriolis meter requires 3 separate channel drivers, multiple logic gates, and custom WinCC faceplates.
- SITRANS Library: An instantiated SITRANS_F_Coriolis block connects directly to the fieldbus telegram. It automatically unpacks all 4 process variables, status bytes, and device health bits into a single cohesive block with a unified faceplate.

NAMUR NE 107 Diagnostic Integration and Maintenance Station

A key advantage of the SITRANS Library is native compatibility with NAMUR NE 107 and the SIMATIC PCS 7 Maintenance Station (MS):
- Translates fieldbus status bytes into standardized maintenance categories:
- Red: Failure (F)
- Yellow: Maintenance Required (M)
- Orange: Function Check / Simulation (C)
- Blue: Out of Specification (S)
- Propagates maintenance alarms automatically to the plant Maintenance Station, facilitating predictive maintenance workflows before catastrophic sensor failure occurs.

Comparative Device Block Matrix: SITRANS Library Suite

The table below outlines key functional blocks within the SITRANS Library:

Technological BlockTarget Device FamilyPrimary TelemetryUnique Faceplate CapabilitiesSIPART PS2 (PS2)SIPART PS2 PositionerValve position, setpointPartial stroke test (PST), travel counterMAG6TSITRANS F M MAG 6000Volume flow, totalizerElectrode fouling monitoring, coil diagnosticFCMSITRANS F C MASS 2100 / FC430Mass flow, density, tempFraction calculation (Brix, Plato), viscosityLUT400SITRANS LUT400 UltrasonicHead level, open channel flowPump runtime equalization, echo profileP_DSIIISITRANS P DS III / P410Static/diff pressureSensor diaphragm overload monitoring

Step-by-Step Procedure: Deploying SITRANS Blocks in CFC and WinCC

Follow this procedure to integrate a SITRANS device:

Step 1: Install SITRANS Library Software

  1. Download the SITRANS Library package matching your PCS 7 release (e.g., SITRANS Library V8.1 for PCS 7 V8.1).
  2. Run Setup.exe on the Engineering Station and OS Servers/Clients.
  3. Open SIMATIC Manager; the library appears under Libraries > SITRANS Library.

Step 2: Copy Blocks to Master Data Library

  1. In SIMATIC Manager, open your project's Master Data Library.
  2. Copy the required device blocks (e.g., PS2 or MAG6T) into the MDL Blocks folder.
  3. Execute Options > Charts > Update Block Types across all AS programs.

Step 3: Instantiate and Wire in CFC

  1. Open the target CFC chart. Drag the SITRANS block from the catalog onto the chart.
  2. Interconnect the peripheral I/O addresses (LADDR / PIW...) from HW Config to the block input pins.
  3. If using HART over ET 200M/SP, interconnect the channel driver signals.

Step 4: Compile and Deploy OS

  1. Perform a full AS Compilation (Changes only).
  2. Execute Compile OS; the compiler generates the SITRANS device block icons in the target WinCC picture automatically.
  3. Activate WinCC Runtime; click the block icon to access the rich APL-style faceplate.

Verification

To confirm that the SITRANS Library integration is operational:
1. CFC Online Telemetry: Open the CFC chart in online test mode; verify that primary and secondary process values reflect live field transmitter readings with valid quality status (ST = 16#80).
2. WinCC Faceplate Inspection: Click the generated block icon in runtime; confirm that the SITRANS faceplate opens, displaying live engineering units, transmitter serial numbers, and diagnostic icons.
3. NAMUR Diagnostic Simulation: In SIMATIC PDM or via transmitter local display, simulate an out-of-specification condition; verify that the WinCC faceplate displays the yellow maintenance wrench icon in real time.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Engineering teams must observe the following precautions:
- The SITRANS Library is an add-on product built upon the PCS 7 Advanced Process Library (APL); it cannot be deployed in classic Standard Library environments without APL installed.
- SITRANS blocks consume standard AS Process Object (PO) runtime licenses; verify controller SEC headroom prior to bulk deployment across hundreds of field instruments.
- Always validate final license quantities and MLFBs against the applicable Siemens catalog and authorized distributor quotation when procuring SITRANS Library software.

Engineer FAQ

Where can I download the latest SITRANS Library?

The SITRANS Library software, documentation, and device integration templates are available for free download on Siemens Industry Online Support under SIOS Entry ID 65741624.

Does the SITRANS Library require a separate engineering license?

Basic engineering use of the SITRANS Library blocks is typically free of charge, but runtime block instances consume standard SIMATIC PCS 7 AS and OS Process Objects (PO).

Can non-Siemens HART transmitters use the SITRANS Library?

No. The SITRANS Library blocks contain proprietary internal register mappings specific to SITRANS and SIPART devices. Generic third-party HART instruments should be integrated using standard APL drivers (Pcs7AnIn / FbAnIn).

Technical References

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Related Tags

  • SITRANS Library
  • SIPART PS2
  • Process Instrumentation
  • Advanced Process Library
  • NAMUR NE 107
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