Preserving CFC Chart Block Layouts During AdvES Control Module Generation in SIMATIC PCS 7

In SIMATIC PCS 7 mass engineering workflows utilizing the Advanced Engineering System (AdvES) or Plant Automation Accelerator (PAA), generated Control Module (CM) instances often place all technological blocks into the upper corners of CFC chart sheets if coordinate synchronization is not enforced. Preserving the intended multi-sheet graphical layout of the Control Module Type (CMT) requires arranging blocks cleanly within the Master Data Library template, enabling graphical coordinate retention in the AdvES instance generation rules, and synchronizing CM instances via the Plant Types synchronization wizard in SIMATIC Manager.

AdvES Generation Mechanism and Block Positioning Logic

The SIMATIC PCS 7 Advanced Engineering System (AdvES) enables tabular, mass-data engineering by importing I/O lists and process tag data from spreadsheets or CAE systems and generating hundreds of CFC charts automatically. In standard Control Module Type (CMT) architecture, a type definition in the Master Data Library contains driver blocks, motor/valve controllers, interlocks, and message blocks arranged across multiple chart sheets (Sheet 1 to Sheet 6).

When AdvES instantiates Control Modules from type definitions, the internal compiler maps technological parameters, signal assignments, and message texts. However, if the instance generation profile does not explicitly mandate strict coordinate copying, the CFC chart builder applies an automated compact placement algorithm. This algorithm places all newly instantiated blocks sequentially into Sheet 1 or stacks them in corner coordinates (0, 0), creating an overlapping visual tangle that obscures signal flow.

Configuring CMT Master Templates for Graphical Preservation

To ensure generated instances inherit clean, readable block layouts:

Format the Master Data Library CMT:
- Open the Control Module Type in the Master Data Library CFC editor.
- Neatly arrange blocks across sheets: place channel drivers (FbAnIn, FbDiIn) on Sheet 1, technological core blocks (MotL, VlvL) on Sheet 2, and interlocks (Intlk02, Intlk04) on Sheet 3.
- Ensure adequate spacing between blocks so that line routing is clear and dynamic parameters do not overlap pin labels.
- Save the chart and close the editor.
Configure AdvES Generation Profile:
- In AdvES, open the Generation Options or Template Mapping dialog.
- Under Chart Generation Settings, enable the option Retain Type Layout and Block Coordinates.
- Ensure the setting Auto-arrange blocks after import is set to False or disabled.

Synchronizing Control Modules in SIMATIC Manager

If instances have already been generated with stacked or corner-placed blocks, their graphical layout can be realigned with the master type using SIMATIC Manager:

Open Plant View: In SIMATIC Manager, navigate to the Plant View.
Access Plant Types: Select the target Plant Hierarchy folder or the entire Multiproject.
Execute Type Synchronization:
- Select Options > Plant Types > Synchronize....
- In the synchronization wizard, choose the target Master Data Library as the source.
- Select the modified Control Module Types.
Select Graphical Layout Scope:
- In the synchronization options dialog, check the box Synchronize block positions and chart layouts.
- Click Finish to propagate layout coordinates to all instantiated CM charts across the project.

Coordinate Retention Parameter Settings Table

The following table details configuration settings governing block placement in AdvES and PCS 7:

Tool / WizardSetting / OptionValueOperational EffectMaster Data Library CFCBlock Sheet AssignmentExplicit (Sheets 1–6)Establishes reference coordinate matrix in the type definitionAdvES Generation RuleKeep Template CoordinatesEnabled (True)Forces instance generation engine to copy block X, Y coordinatesAdvES Auto-LayoutOptimize Chart SpaceDisabled (False)Prevents algorithm from packing blocks into Sheet 1 cornersPlant Types WizardSynchronize LayoutCheckedRe-aligns existing out-of-position instances to match the type templateCFC Chart PropertiesOverflow Sheet HandlingCreate AutomaticallyGenerates secondary sheets when optional CMT variants are enabled

Note: In PCS 7 V8.2 and V9.0, Plant Automation Accelerator (PAA) supersedes AdvES, featuring advanced 1:1 bidirectional graphical synchronization.

Verification

Verify block layout retention across generated Control Modules:
1. Generate a batch of 10 new Control Module instances from the modified CMT using AdvES.
2. Open three random generated CFC charts in the AS project.
3. Verify that channel blocks appear on Sheet 1, technological control blocks appear on Sheet 2, and no blocks overlap in the (0, 0) corner.
4. Verify that signal interconnections between sheets display clean chart margin references without crossing through block bodies.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Essential mass engineering precautions:
- Synchronizing block positions via Plant Types will overwrite any manual graphical repositioning performed on individual instance charts.
- When optional blocks in a CMT (variants) are not instantiated in a specific CM, small gaps in the layout will occur; do not run auto-compact utilities on instance charts, as this breaks layout symmetry with the master type.
- Always perform a full project backup using SIMATIC Manager File > Archive prior to executing large-scale AdvES generation or Plant Types synchronization.

Engineer FAQ

Why did AdvES stack all blocks into Sheet 1?

AdvES defaulted to space-optimization auto-layout. You must disable auto-layout in the AdvES profile and enable 'Retain Type Layout and Block Coordinates'.

Can I synchronize layouts without losing instance-specific parameter values?

Yes. The Plant Types synchronization wizard allows updating block layouts and chart structures while preserving configured instance parameter values and setpoints.

What software replaced AdvES in newer PCS 7 releases?

Siemens introduced SIMATIC Plant Automation Accelerator (PAA), which integrates directly with COMOS and PCS 7 to provide full bidirectional hardware and software engineering synchronization.