Integrating SIMATIC S7-300 (CPU 315-2 PN/DP) into PCS 7 V9.0 - Industry Library Architecture and Faceplates

Integrating existing SIMATIC S7-300 controllers (such as three CPU 315-2 PN/DP 6ES7315-2EH14-0AB0 units) into a modern SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.0 architecture requires deploying the SIMATIC PCS 7 Industry Library (IL). S7-300 CPUs cannot be configured as native PCS 7 automation systems; they do not support the PCS 7 Driver Generator, CFC AS-OS compilation, or the Advanced Process Library (APL). In PCS 7 V9.0 HW Config, the default catalog profile filters out S7-300 hardware; switching to the 'Standard' catalog profile restores the ability to configure CPU 315-2 PN/DP stations. The Industry Library provides dedicated S7-300 function blocks (IL_300) that execute within S7-300 memory constraints while connecting to WinCC OS faceplates that match the ergonomic styling and alarm behaviors of standard APL blocks.

Architectural Separation: S7-300 Limitations in Native PCS 7 V9.0

Industrial asset owners modernizing supervisory systems frequently desire to upgrade their Engineering Station and WinCC Operator Stations to PCS 7 V9.0 while retaining legacy SIMATIC S7-300 field controllers (such as CPU 315-2 PN/DP managing package boilers, chillers, or water treatment skids).

Engineers attempting this integration encounter fundamental boundaries: SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.0 is engineered strictly for S7-400 and AS 410-5H controllers. The S7-300 hardware platform lacks the diagnostic interrupt OB structures (OB84, OB87), work memory capacity, and online delta-download mechanisms required by the PCS 7 Driver Generator. A CPU 315-2 PN/DP cannot be compiled as a native PCS 7 AS and cannot run standard APL blocks (MotL, PIDConL).

HW Config Setup: Restoring S7-300 in the Catalog Profile

When creating a new project in PCS 7 V9.0, engineers often report that SIMATIC 300 Station is missing or greyed out. This behavior is governed by the HW Config Catalog Profile:

HW Config Catalog ProfileFilter BehaviorS7-300 AvailabilityPCS 7 Profile (Default)Hides all hardware not officially released for native PCS 7Hidden (Only S7-400 and AS 410 displayed)Standard ProfileUnfiltered classic STEP 7 hardware catalogAvailable (Full S7-300, S7-400, ET 200 catalog visible)

To configure the three CPU 315-2 PN/DP stations:

Open HW Config.
In the menu bar, select View -> Catalog Profiles -> Standard.
The hardware catalog tree immediately reveals SIMATIC 300 -> CPU-300 -> CPU 315-2 PN/DP.
Insert the CPU 315-2 PN/DP (6ES7315-2EH14-0AB0) and configure its PROFINET interface with a static IP address on the plant terminal/skid bus.

Implementing the SIMATIC PCS 7 Industry Library (IL_300 Blocks and Faceplates)

To bridge the gap between S7-300 controllers and the PCS 7 V9.0 WinCC Operator Station, Siemens engineered the SIMATIC PCS 7 Industry Library (IL):

S7-300 Block Suite (IL_300): The Industry Library provides a specialized block library programmed in SCL/LAD specifically optimized for the S7-300 architecture (S300_Mot, S300_Vlv, S300_PID). These blocks consume minimal RAM while implementing standardized operating modes (Manual, Auto, Local).
APL-Look Faceplates in WinCC: In the WinCC OS project, the Industry Library installs modern faceplates and block icons that share identical color schemes, alarm banners, and operator dialogs with PCS 7 APL blocks, giving operators a uniform interface across both S7-400 and S7-300 units.
Communication Protocol: S7 communication is established across Industrial Ethernet (PROFINET) using standard configured S7 connections in NetPro, executing communication blocks (BSEND/BRCV or PUT/GET).

Verification

Verify S7-300 integration and operator faceplate communication using these checks:

NetPro Connection Verification: In NetPro, select the WinCC OS and S7-300 stations. Verify that the S7 connection displays status Active without errors.
Block Execution Test in S7-300: In the S7-300 program, monitor an IL_300 motor block online in STEP 7. Confirm normal status and absence of error flags.
WinCC Faceplate Operation: In WinCC Runtime on the OS, open the Industry Library block icon corresponding to the S7-300 motor. Click Start in Manual mode; verify that the motor feedback changes to green and the command executes in the PLC.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

When operating S7-300 controllers under a PCS 7 umbrella, observe these operational boundaries:

Manual Engineering Overhead: AS-OS compilation does not generate automatic S7-300 tags or alarms. Tags must be managed via the Industry Library engineering wizard or configured via manual tag export/import.
No Driver Generator: Hardware fault trapping (wire breaks, module faults) cannot be automated with MOD_D1; diagnostic logic must be hand-coded in the S7-300 program.
Commercial Procurement and Licensing Disclaimer: The SIMATIC PCS 7 Industry Library is an optional commercial software package requiring Engineering licenses for the ES and Runtime licenses for each OS. Confirm exact part numbers (MLFBs) with an authorized Siemens distributor.

Engineer FAQ

Can I program the S7-300 CPUs using CFC in PCS 7 V9.0?

Yes, provided the standalone CFC engineering option package is licensed and installed. However, the charts will compile into standard S7 function blocks without PCS 7 automated AS-OS integration.

Why can't I just use standard APL blocks on CPU 315-2 PN/DP?

APL blocks use structured data types and system functions that exceed the work memory capacity and microcode instruction set of S7-300 CPUs. Attempting to load APL blocks will cause CPU memory overruns.

What is the recommended modernization path for these three S7-300 CPUs?

The optimal long-term strategy is replacing the three S7-300 controllers with a single AS 410-5H controller, consolidating the three skids into native PCS 7 architecture with full APL and Driver Generator support.