Mass Rewiring Digital Inputs and Interconnections in CFC Using Process Object View

In SIMATIC PCS 7, the classic STEP 7 'Rewire' function (Options -> Rewire) applies exclusively to ladder and statement list blocks and cannot rewire interconnections or channel addresses in CFC charts. To mass rewire hundreds of digital inputs (DIs) or block interconnections across CFC charts, use the Process Object View (POV) in SIMATIC Manager. In the POV, navigate to the 'Signals' tab to inspect, filter, edit, or paste new physical I/O addresses (such as changing I 0.0–I 50.7 to I 100.0–I 150.7) across all channel drivers. For block-to-block interconnections, use the 'Parameters' tab. Alternatively, export the entire table to Microsoft Excel, modify addresses in bulk, and re-import via the Process Object View.

Executive Summary

During plant revamps, I/O relocation, or electrical panel re-allocations, engineering teams frequently face the task of rewiring hundreds of digital input signals (such as limit switches, run feedbacks, and interlocks) across dozens of CFC charts. Engineers familiar with classic STEP 7 often attempt to execute 'Options -> Rewire', only to find that CFC charts remain completely unaffected. In SIMATIC PCS 7, CFC interconnections and peripheral bindings are managed through high-level database tables. This guide explains how to leverage the Process Object View (POV) to perform rapid, bulk signal rewiring, parameter modifications, and Excel round-trip engineering with 100% data integrity.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

The architectural distinction between classic STEP 7 rewiring and PCS 7 CFC signal routing explains the tool requirements:
1. Classic STEP 7 Rewiring Limitations:
- The classic 'Rewire' utility parses compiled STL/LAD network code in the S7 block folder (FB, FC, OB).
- In PCS 7, the authoritative design source is the CFC chart database, not the block folder. Any direct changes made to compiled blocks are overwritten upon the next CFC compilation.
2. Process Object View (POV) Architecture:
- The Process Object View provides a tabular, centralized database interface to all technological objects in the Plant Hierarchy.
- It exposes multiple dedicated views:
a. Signals Tab: Contains all hardware I/O addresses connected to channel blocks (Pcs7DiIn, Pcs7DoIn, Pcs7AnIn). Allows sorting by module rack, slot, channel, address, and signal name.
b. Parameters Tab: Exposes block inputs and outputs configured as visible or system attributes, including block-to-block interconnections.
c. Process Tags Tab: Displays chart names, block instances, and comments.
3. Excel Round-Trip Integration:
- POV supports clipboard operations and native text/CSV export.
- Engineers can export the entire signal table to Excel, apply formulaic address shifts, and paste or re-import the updated data directly back into the Plant Hierarchy.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Open Process Object View in SIMATIC Manager:
a. Open the Multiproject in SIMATIC Manager.
b. In the toolbar, click the Process Object View icon (or select View -> Process Object View).
c. In the tree pane, select the top-level Plant Hierarchy folder or specific plant area containing the CFC charts to be rewired.
Bulk Rewiring via the 'Signals' Tab:
a. In the right-hand table pane, click the Signals tab.
b. Click the column header 'Signal' or 'Address' to sort existing channel assignments.
c. To shift physical I/O addresses directly: click an address cell (e.g., I 10.0), type the new address (e.g., I 110.0), and press Enter.
d. For contiguous blocks of addresses, copy the new address sequence from a text editor or spreadsheet and paste directly into the table cells.
Exporting and Re-importing via Microsoft Excel:
a. In the Signals tab, select all rows by pressing Ctrl + A.
b. Press Ctrl + C to copy the tabular data.
c. Open Microsoft Excel and paste (Ctrl + V).
d. Use Excel functions (such as CONCATENATE or drag-fill) to compute the new I/O addresses and signal names.
e. Select the modified address column in Excel, copy it, and paste it back into the 'Address' column in the Process Object View.
Rewiring Block-to-Block Interconnections via 'Parameters' Tab:
a. If rewiring logical connections between blocks (rather than physical I/O), switch to the Parameters tab in POV.
b. Filter by the target parameter name (e.g., AutModLi or Intlock).
c. In the 'Interconnection' column, update the chart and block reference (e.g., Area1/Chart02/Motor01.Run -> Area1/Chart05/Motor01.Run).
Execute CFC Compilation and Module Driver Generation:
a. In SIMATIC Manager, select the AS station.
b. Execute Options -> Charts -> Compile.
c. Ensure Generate module drivers is checked.
d. The compiler re-binds all diagnostic blocks (MOD_D1, @OM) to the newly assigned physical addresses.

Verification

Open several modified CFC charts: verify that Pcs7DiIn blocks reflect the new physical address (e.g., I 110.0) on their inputs.
In HW Config, verify that module symbols align with the rewired signals.
Perform a delta compilation of charts: confirm compilation completes with 0 errors and 0 warnings.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Rewiring signals to non-existent hardware addresses or addresses outside configured Process Image Partitions (PIPs) will cause module driver generation errors. Always verify HW Config addressing before rewiring in POV.

Engineer FAQ

Why does 'Options -> Rewire' not work in PCS 7?

Because classic Rewire only updates compiled STL/LAD blocks. In PCS 7, CFC is the master source; changes must be made in CFC or Process Object View.

Can I export POV signals to Excel and import them back?

Yes. You can copy/paste directly between the POV Signals tab and Microsoft Excel, or use the Import/Export Assistant (IEA).

What block parameter receives the rewired address on Pcs7DiIn?

The input parameter PV_In receives the physical peripheral bit address (e.g., I 110.0).

Do module drivers need to be regenerated after rewiring in POV?

Yes. Always run CFC compilation with 'Generate module drivers' enabled so diagnostic connections update to the new module slots.

Can I rewire analog signals in the POV Signals tab?

Yes, both digital (I/Q) and analog (IW/QW) signals can be rewired in the Signals tab.

Technical References

Related Tags

Process Object View
Rewire
CFC Charts
Signals Tab
Mass Engineering
Pcs7DiIn

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Mass Rewiring Digital Inputs and Interconnections in CFC Using Process Object View