Interpreting Firmware Expansion and Pre-Release P Firmware in SIMATIC Management Console

In SIMATIC Management Console (SMMC), 'Firmware expansion' represents the officially released functional automation version recognized by STEP 7 HW Config (e.g. V8.0.0 or V8.2.0), whereas 'Firmware version' displays the internal low-level operating system build running on the CPU 410-5H microkernel. A firmware revision beginning with the letter 'P' (such as P 30.7.0) designates a non-commercial Pre-release, Pilot, or internal factory test build. To ensure full commercial warranty, system stability, and technical support compliance, update the controller to an officially released commercial firmware revision (such as V8.2.0 or higher) available via Siemens Industry Online Support.

SIMATIC Management Console (SMMC) Inventory Architecture

The SIMATIC Management Console (SMMC) provides centralized software and hardware lifecycle management across SIMATIC PCS 7 plants. SMMC interrogates field controllers (such as the CPU 410-5H 6ES7410-5HX08-0AB0 and S7-400 CPUs) via Industrial Ethernet, compiling comprehensive inventory sheets detailing order numbers (MLFBs), serial numbers, memory allocations, and operating system firmware revisions.

Firmware Version vs Firmware Expansion Distinction

In SMMC Plant View under the CPU sheet, two distinct firmware metrics are reported:

Firmware Version (Firmware-Version): Represents the low-level operating system / microkernel revision executing directly on the processor hardware core. For CPU 410-5H, this internal build string tracks Siemens internal development builds.
Firmware Expansion (Firmware-Erweiterung): Represents the officially released, user-facing functional automation firmware version (e.g., V 8.0.0, V 8.1.0, V 8.2.0). This is the version number referenced in STEP 7 HW Config, catalog release documentation, and the Siemens Compatibility Tool.

Significance of Pre-Release 'P' Firmware Designations

When a CPU 410-5H reports a firmware version beginning with P (e.g., P 30.7.0):

The P prefix explicitly stands for Pilot / Pre-release / Prototype.
These builds are generated during Siemens factory system testing, pilot customer field trials, or beta qualification prior to official market release.
Standard commercial units procured through the authorized Siemens Industry Mall logistics chain always ship with standard release versions beginning with V (e.g. V 8.2.0).
Running P firmware in a production commercial facility poses operational risks because pilot builds have not completed full release qualification and are not supported by standard Siemens technical support agreements.

Updating CPU 410-5H to Officially Released Firmware

To bring a pilot or unreleased CPU into full production compliance:

Download Official Firmware: Obtain the latest released firmware update package for CPU 410-5H (6ES7410-5HX08-0AB0) from SIOS Entry ID 109476571.
Execute Update via SMMC:
- In SMMC, select the target AS station.
- Execute the Update Firmware wizard, selecting the downloaded .upd archive files.
Alternative Update via STEP 7 HW Config:
- Switch the CPU to STOP mode (or execute redundant update in RUN mode for fault-tolerant pairs).
- In HW Config, select PLC > Update Firmware....
- Browse to the firmware directory and confirm the flash download.
Verify Inventory Refresh: Run a new inventory scan in SMMC to verify the firmware displays standard V nomenclature.

Comparison of Firmware Reporting Across Siemens Tools

The table below illustrates how different Siemens engineering tools report CPU firmware status:

Engineering ToolMetric NameExample Released ValueExample Pre-Release ValueDescriptionSIMATIC Management ConsoleFirmware VersionV 8.2.0P 30.7.0Internal processor microkernel buildSIMATIC Management ConsoleFirmware ExpansionV 8.2.0V 8.0.0Functional automation release levelSTEP 7 HW ConfigModule Information - VersionV8.2.0V8.0.0 (or internal)Functional catalog release levelCPU Web Server / DiagnosticsFirmware RevisionV8.2.0P30.7.0 / V8.0.0Direct hardware diagnostic responseAutomation License ManagerHardware Product ID6ES7410-5HX08-0AB06ES7410-5HX08-0AB0Associated hardware asset identifier

Verification

Verify official firmware deployment:

Open SIMATIC Manager, select the AS station, and open PLC > Diagnostic/Setting > Module Information.
In the General tab, verify that the Firmware field displays an official release version (e.g. V 8.2.0).
Open SMMC and execute Update Plant View Data.
In the CPU inventory table, verify that both Firmware version and Firmware expansion reflect official V revisions.
Verify that controller diagnostic buffer reports clean startup without microkernel version warnings.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Adhere to the following precautions regarding controller firmware:

Redundant Controller Pairs: In a fault-tolerant CPU 410-5H system, both CPUs must run the identical firmware release. Mismatched firmware between partner CPUs prevents redundant coupling and synchronization.
Plant In-Run Updates: CPU 410-5H supports firmware updates in RUN mode for redundant systems; however, verify that the intermediate firmware step supports bumpless failover as detailed in SIOS 109476571.
Commercial Procurement Guardrail: SMMC reports asset inventories. Do not order replacement hardware solely based on firmware text; always verify the full 16-character MLFB (6ES7410-5HX08-0AB0).

Engineer FAQ

What does the 'P' prefix in CPU 410 firmware mean?

The 'P' prefix indicates a Pilot or Prototype firmware version released internally by Siemens for preliminary testing and evaluation prior to general commercial availability.

Is it safe to run a CPU 410 with 'P' firmware in a production chemical plant?

No. Pilot builds are not officially released for commercial production and may contain unverified test routines. The CPU should be flashed with the latest officially released firmware (e.g. V8.2.0) before plant commissioning.

Why does SMMC show both 'Firmware version' and 'Firmware expansion'?

Firmware version reflects the low-level microkernel build on the CPU processor, while Firmware expansion represents the user-facing functional automation level recognized by STEP 7 HW Config and PCS 7.