Locating and Installing the Legacy PCS 7 Standard Library in SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.1

In SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.1, the legacy PCS 7 Standard Library (containing blocks from Version 7.1 such as MOTOR, VALVE, and MEAS_MON) is not included on the primary installation media, which provides only the PCS 7 Basis Library and Advanced Process Library (APL). To maintain legacy projects or execute phased migrations, download the official 'SIMATIC PCS 7 Standard Library V7.1 SP4' package directly from Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS Entry ID 109480136) and install it on the V9.1 Engineering Station as an auxiliary library.

Executive Summary

During the lifecycle of long-standing process plants, software engineering stations are upgraded to modern platforms—such as installing SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.1 on Windows 10 or Windows Server 2019. When engineers open migrated projects that rely on technological blocks from earlier eras (specifically PCS 7 V7.0 or V7.1), they discover that their Master Data Library and CFC chart folders lack the classic block types (e.g., MOTOR, VALVE, MEAS_MON, CTRL_PID).

A fresh installation of PCS 7 V9.1 installs only the 'PCS 7 BasisLibrary V9.1' (system drivers) and 'PCS 7 AP Library V9.1' (Advanced Process Library). Because the legacy Standard Library was superseded by APL starting in PCS 7 V8.0, Siemens excluded it from default setup media. However, facilities cannot always rewrite thousands of legacy control loops immediately. This guide explains where to obtain the officially supported legacy Standard Library, how to install it cleanly alongside APL in PCS 7 V9.1, and best practices for phased technological migration.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

The generational evolution of SIMATIC PCS 7 block libraries governs functional compatibility across releases:

Standard Library vs Advanced Process Library (APL):
- Standard Library (Legacy): Developed for PCS 7 V6.x and V7.x. Features classic block icons, basic 16-bit alarm structures, and elementary faceplates. Key blocks include MOTOR (FB66), VALVE (FB73), MEAS_MON (FB65), and CTRL_PID (FB61).
- Advanced Process Library (APL): Introduced in V7.1 SP1 and standardized in V8.0+. Employs structured data types (RealVal, BitVal), IEEE quality codes, integrated feature bits, and uniform high-performance operator faceplates.
Compatibility Architecture in PCS 7 V9.1:
- PCS 7 V9.1 fully supports the coexistence of legacy Standard Library blocks and modern APL blocks within the same controller (CPU 410-5H or S7-400).
- While the controller firmware executes legacy blocks seamlessly, the engineering station requires the legacy block descriptions, symbol definitions, and WinCC faceplate templates.
The SIOS Distribution Model:
- To reduce ISO image size and encourage APL adoption, Siemens distributes legacy libraries exclusively via Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS).
- SIOS Entry ID 109480136 provides cumulative legacy libraries, including 'PCS 7 Standard Library V7.1 SP4', packaged with Windows 10-compatible installation routines that register blocks and WinCC graphic templates correctly.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Follow these steps to download, install, and deploy the legacy Standard Library in PCS 7 V9.1:

Download the Legacy Standard Library Package:
- Access the Siemens Industry Online Support portal.
- Navigate to SIOS Entry ID 109480136 ('SIMATIC PCS 7 Libraries').
- Locate and download the archive for 'PCS 7 Standard Library V7.1 SP4' (or the latest cumulative legacy update for your project).
Execute Installation on Engineering Station:
- Close SIMATIC Manager and all engineering applications.
- Extract the downloaded zip archive to a local directory.
- Right-click Setup.exe and select 'Run as administrator'.
- Proceed through the setup wizard to install the library into:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Siemens\STEP7\S7LIBS\PCS 7 Standard Library\.
Verify Library Presence in SIMATIC Manager:
- Launch SIMATIC Manager.
- Select 'File > Open...' > switch to the 'Libraries' tab.
- Confirm that 'PCS 7 Standard Library V7.1' appears in the list alongside 'PCS 7 AP Library V91'.
- Open the library and inspect the 'Blocks' container to verify the presence of MOTOR, VALVE, and MEAS_MON.
Synchronize Master Data Library:
- Open your plant multiproject.
- Open the Master Data Library (MDL) block folder.
- Copy required legacy blocks from the newly installed Standard Library into the MDL.
- Select 'Options > Charts > Update Block Types...' to verify interface consistency across all existing CFC charts.
Install Legacy Faceplate Templates in WinCC:
- Open the target WinCC OS Server project in WinCC Explorer.
- Launch the 'OS Project Editor'.
- In the 'Basic Data' tab, verify that template files for legacy Standard Library faceplates (e.g., @PCS7Typicals.pdl) are selected.
- Click 'OK' to transfer templates into the local project's GraCS directory.
Compile and Download:
- Execute a full CFC compilation with 'Generate module drivers' enabled.
- Perform an AS-OS compilation to refresh WinCC tag structures.
- Download changes to the controller in RUN mode.

Verification

In SIMATIC Manager Component View, open a CFC chart containing legacy blocks: verify that MOTOR or VALVE blocks display without missing block type errors.
In WinCC Graphics Designer, open a process picture: verify that classic block icons display correctly.
Activate WinCC Runtime: click a legacy block icon and confirm that the classic faceplate opens, displaying live process values and operational commands.
Confirm that new APL blocks and legacy Standard Library blocks operate concurrently within the same controller without conflict.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

The legacy Standard Library is in maintenance status; Siemens does not add new functional features or cyber security enhancements to classic blocks. New plant sections should always be engineered using the Advanced Process Library (APL). Software licensing and library entitlements should be verified through an authorized Siemens distributor or the Siemens Industry Mall.

Engineer FAQ

Why is the PCS 7 Standard Library not installed by default in PCS 7 V9.1?

Because APL has been the primary standard library since PCS 7 V8.0; Siemens distributes legacy libraries separately via SIOS to streamline installation media.

Can Standard Library and APL blocks run in the same CPU?

Yes. A controller can execute both legacy Standard Library and APL blocks simultaneously without interference.

Where can I download the legacy Standard Library for PCS 7 V9.1?

From Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS) under Entry ID 109480136.

Do legacy Standard Library blocks consume AS Process Object licenses?

Yes. Technological blocks from both the Standard Library and APL consume AS Runtime Process Object licenses.

Can I upgrade legacy blocks to APL gradually?

Yes. Plants frequently execute phased migrations, upgrading individual units or equipment modules to APL during planned turnarounds while leaving other units on the Standard Library.