PROFIBUS Communication Processor Compatibility in PCS 7 V9.0: Migrating CP 5613/5614 to A2 and A3 PCIe Models

When upgrading SIMATIC PCS 7 to V9.0, V9.1, or newer 64-bit operating systems (Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC or Windows Server 2016/2019), original legacy CP 5613 and CP 5614 (PCI non-A2) cards will not function because their hardware drivers are incompatible with 64-bit SIMATIC NET. PCS 7 V9.0 officially supports CP 5613 A2 / CP 5614 A2 (PCI) and CP 5613 A3 / CP 5614 A3 (PCIe). If migrating to modern SIMATIC IPCs without legacy PCI slots, plants must upgrade to the CP 5613 A3 (PCI Express) model. In HW Config, existing CP 5613 A2 configurations can be retained or updated to A3 without software modifications. Confirm card part numbers with an authorized Siemens distributor or the Siemens Industry Mall.

Executive Summary

During plant lifecycle migrations from PCS 7 V8.0 (32-bit Windows 7) to PCS 7 V9.0/V9.1 (64-bit Windows 10/Server 2016), engineers frequently discover that PROFIBUS DP master communication processors (CP 5613 / CP 5614) fail to be recognized by Windows Device Manager, or SIMATIC NET reports driver initialization faults. This failure arises because original first-generation CP 5613 cards were discontinued years prior and lack 64-bit kernel drivers. Furthermore, modern SIMATIC IPCs (such as IPC547G, IPC647E) have eliminated legacy 32-bit PCI slots in favor of PCI Express (PCIe). This technical guide details hardware version differences, driver prerequisites in SIMATIC NET PC Software, and physical migration procedures to CP 5613 A3.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

The hardware and driver architecture of the CP 5613 PROFIBUS family spans three distinct product generations:
1. Generation 1 - CP 5613 / CP 5614 (Legacy PCI, 6GK1561-3AA00):
Engineered for legacy 32-bit PCI buses (5V/3.3V). Drivers were developed for 32-bit Windows XP, Windows 2000, and 32-bit Windows 7. No 64-bit drivers exist. This card cannot operate on PCS 7 V9.0 or any 64-bit Windows operating system.
2. Generation 2 - CP 5613 A2 / CP 5614 A2 (Universal PCI, 6GK1561-3AA01):
Equipped with an updated ASIC supporting universal PCI slots (33 MHz / 66 MHz, 3.3V / 5V). Siemens released 64-bit kernel drivers bundled into SIMATIC NET PC Software V14 and V15, making the A2 model officially supported on PCS 7 V9.0. However, the card requires a physical legacy PCI slot on the motherboard.
3. Generation 3 - CP 5613 A3 / CP 5614 A3 (PCI Express x1, 6GK1561-3AA02):
Designed for modern motherboards using PCI Express (PCIe x1). It features the same internal DP-RAM interface and application programming interface as the A2. In STEP 7 HW Config, the card is 100% functionally compatible with configurations originally created for the A2 model.
4. SIMATIC NET Driver Stack:
In PCS 7 V9.0, SIMATIC NET V14 SP1 handles card initialization through the Windows Plug-and-Play driver. The driver establishes the CP5613_A2 or CP5613_A3 interface used by WinCC Channel Drivers (SIMATIC S7 PROTOCOL SUITE -> PROFIBUS) and Softnet/DP master layers.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Verify Physical Card Hardware and IPC Slot Availability:
a. Inspect the physical communication processor installed in the PC.
b. Check the part number on the barcode label:
- 6GK1561-3AA00: Legacy CP 5613 (Incompatible with PCS 7 V9.0; replacement required).
- 6GK1561-3AA01: CP 5613 A2 (Compatible if motherboard provides a legacy PCI slot).
- 6GK1561-3AA02: CP 5613 A3 (Compatible; requires PCIe x1 slot).
  c. Inspect the IPC motherboard: verify whether physical PCI or PCIe slots are available.
Install Hardware and Verify Windows Device Manager:
a. Shut down the IPC, isolate power, and insert the CP 5613 A2 or A3 card into the corresponding bus slot.
b. Power on the IPC and log in to Windows 10 / Server 2016 as Administrator.
c. Open Windows Device Manager (devmgmt.msc).
d. Expand 'SIMATIC NET': confirm that 'SIMATIC NET CP 5613 A2' or 'CP 5613 A3' appears without yellow exclamation marks.
Configure Communication Interface in SIMATIC NET:
a. Open 'Communication Settings' or 'Set PG/PC Interface' from the Windows Control Panel.
b. Verify that CP5613_A2(PROFIBUS) or CP5613_A3(PROFIBUS) is available.
c. Configure the station operating mode: select 'Configured mode' if managing via Station Configuration Editor, or 'PG operation' for engineering access.
Align Hardware Configuration in STEP 7:
a. In SIMATIC Manager, open the SIMATIC PC Station hardware configuration in HW Config.
b. If replacing an older card with CP 5613 A3, ensure the card object in the rack slot matches the installed model.
c. Save and compile HW Config, open the Station Configuration Editor, and import the XDB file or download the station configuration.
d. Verify online bus communication to downstream ET 200 slaves.

Verification

In Station Configuration Editor, verify that the CP 5613 A2/A3 card displays a green run status indicator.
In HW Config online test mode, open 'Module Information' for the CP: verify that the PROFIBUS bus status reads 'Active / Operational'.
In WinCC Explorer, verify that the PROFIBUS connection under S7 Protocol Suite connects and process values update dynamically.
Confirm that diagnostic LEDs on the card bracket (RUN / STOP / BUS) display solid green.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Original legacy CP 5613 (non-A2) cards cannot be forced to operate on 64-bit operating systems using compatibility modes or third-party drivers; hardware replacement with CP 5613 A3 is mandatory.

Engineer FAQ

Why did my CP 5613 stop working after upgrading to PCS 7 V9.0?

Original CP 5613 cards are 32-bit legacy hardware with no 64-bit driver support. PCS 7 V9.0 runs on 64-bit operating systems, requiring CP 5613 A2 or A3.

What is the difference between CP 5613 A2 and CP 5613 A3?

CP 5613 A2 uses a conventional 32-bit PCI slot, while CP 5613 A3 uses a modern PCI Express (PCIe x1) slot. Their software functionality is identical.

Can I use an existing HW Config setup for CP 5613 A2 with an A3 card?

Yes. CP 5613 A3 is designed to be software-compatible with A2 configurations in STEP 7.

What SIMATIC NET software version is bundled with PCS 7 V9.0?

PCS 7 V9.0 includes SIMATIC NET PC Software V14 SP1, which contains native 64-bit drivers for CP 5613 A2 and A3.

Does CP 5614 support two PROFIBUS connections?

Yes. CP 5614 models feature two independent interfaces: a DP Master interface and a DP Slave interface on a single card.

Technical References

Related Tags

CP 5613
CP 5614
PROFIBUS DP
PCI Express
SIMATIC NET
PCS 7 Migration

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PROFIBUS Communication Processor Compatibility in PCS 7 V9.0: Migrating CP 5613/5614 to A2 and A3 PCIe Models