Resolving Compiler Error 'SSDIR Missing' for SIRIUS Soft Starter 3RW44 in SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.2

The CFC compiler error 'SSDIR Missing' or 'The library is not installed' occurs in SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.2 when charts contain block instances from the SIRIUS Soft Starter 3RW44 PCS 7 Library (specifically block SSDIR / FB1052 or SSDIR_L / FB1054) that are absent from the Engineering Station's installed block catalog. When attempting to resolve this by downloading and installing the SIRIUS Soft Starter 3RW44 PCS 7 Library V8.2 from Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS Entry 109738469), the setup installer rejects with a message that a V8.0 or V8.1 base library must be installed first. This occurs because the online download is an update/upgrade package that requires an existing licensed base installation. Resolving the error requires installing the licensed base library media, applying the V8.2 update, and updating block types in the chart folder.

The Role of the SSDIR Block in SIRIUS 3RW44 Integration

The Siemens SIRIUS 3RW44 soft starter is widely deployed across process automation for controlled starting and stopping of three-phase asynchronous motors in pumps, compressors, and conveyors. In SIMATIC PCS 7, seamless integration is achieved using the dedicated SIRIUS 3RW44 PCS 7 Library. This library provides certified channel drivers, diagnostics, and APL-style faceplates for WinCC.

The core motor control block is SSDIR (Direct Soft Starter, typically FB1052) or its large counterpart SSDIR_L (FB1054). When an engineering team retrieves an existing Multiproject onto a newly configured Engineering Station or attempts to compile a CFC containing soft starter logic, the compiler interrogates the local block library registry. If the SIRIUS library is missing or incompletely registered, compilation halts with: Error: SSDIR - The library is not installed.

Base Installation vs Online Upgrade Package Requirements

When engineers search Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS) to download the missing library, they frequently encounter entry ID 109738469 titled 'SIRIUS Soft Starter 3RW44 PCS 7 Library V8.2'. However, running Start.exe from this download abruptly aborts with an installation prerequisite error.

Software DistributionSource / DeliveryLicensing StatusInstallation PrerequisiteSIRIUS 3RW44 Base Library V8.0 / V8.1Official DVD Media / OSD PurchaseCommercial License Required (ALM)Installs as standalone base softwareSIRIUS 3RW44 Update V8.2 (SIOS 109738469)SIOS Web Download (.zip)Update / Service Pack entitlementRequires installed Base V8.0 or V8.1SIRIUS 3RW44 Hotfix 1 (SIOS 109750696)SIOS Web Download (.zip)Maintenance patchRequires installed V8.2 updateMigration Library V8.0Legacy conversion toolDeprecatedIncompatible with V8.2; must be uninstalled first

As explicitly stated in the SIOS release notes: 'The software SIRIUS Soft Starter 3RW44 PCS 7 Library V8.2 is now available for download. With this download, an existing installation of SIRIUS Soft Starter 3RW44 PCS 7 Library V8.1 can be updated to V8.2.' The download does not contain full standalone installation files; it contains delta update files that patch an existing commercial base license installation.

Step-by-Step Installation, Hotfix Application, and Library Update

To resolve the compiler error and install the SIRIUS 3RW44 library correctly in PCS 7 V8.2, follow this procedure:

Audit Existing Software and Remove Migration Tools: Open Windows Control Panel -> Programs and Features. If 3RW44 Soft Starter PCS 7 Library V8 Migration (V8.0, SP1, or SP2) is installed, uninstall it completely. The migration tool is mutually exclusive with native V8.2.
Install Licensed Base Library Media: Obtain the original commercial installation media (DVD or Siemens Online Software Delivery download) for SIRIUS Soft Starter 3RW44 PCS 7 Library V8.0 or V8.1. Run setup and complete the installation, including Automation License Manager (ALM) license transfer.
Extract and Install V8.2 Update: Download the ZIP archive from SIOS Entry 109738469. Extract the archive completely to a local folder (do not run directly from within the compressed folder). Navigate to SS_PCS7_V82 and execute Setup.exe as Administrator.
Install Hotfix 1: Download and install Hotfix 1 from SIOS Entry 109750696 to resolve runtime communication bugs under PCS 7 V8.2.
Update Block Types in SIMATIC Manager: Open the Multiproject in SIMATIC Manager. Open the Master Data Library (MDL), open the SIRIUS 3RW44 library block folder, and copy SSDIR (FB1052) and its associated driver blocks into the MDL. Select Options -> Update Block Types to synchronize all chart instances.
Execute Clean CFC Compilation: Recompile the CFC charts with Scope: Entire Program and Generate Module Drivers checked.

Verification

Verify the complete resolution of the library failure using these steps:

SIMATIC Manager Installed Software Check: Open Help -> About -> Installed Software -> Display. Confirm that SIRIUS Soft Starter 3RW44 PCS 7 Library displays version V8.2 + HF1.
CFC Catalog Inspection: Open any CFC chart. Open the block catalog (View -> Catalog). Expand the Libraries tab, locate SIRIUS 3RW44, and verify that SSDIR appears and can be dragged onto the sheet without error.
CFC Program Compilation: Execute Chart -> Compile -> Chart as Program. Confirm that compilation completes with 0 Errors and that module drivers for the soft starter are generated cleanly.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

When working with SIRIUS add-on libraries in SIMATIC PCS 7, observe these constraints:

Module Driver Generation: SIRIUS 3RW44 uses specialized diagnostic blocks (SSDIAG) inserted into OB82/OB86 during module driver compilation. Ensure HW Config contains the correct GSD or OM (Object Manager) module definitions.
WinCC Faceplate Synchronization: When updating block types from V8.0/V8.1 to V8.2, ensure the corresponding WinCC faceplate files (@pg_ssdir*.pdl) are copied into the OS project GraCS directory before performing an OS compile.
Commercial Procurement and Licensing Disclaimer: Add-on function block libraries for intelligent field devices (such as SIRIUS 3RW44, SIMOCODE pro, and SIPROTEC) are separately licensed commercial products not included in the standard PCS 7 base software bundle. Verify part numbers (MLFBs) and Engineering/Runtime license counts with an authorized Siemens distributor.

Engineer FAQ

Why didn't Siemens include the full base installer in the SIOS download?

Siemens Industry Online Support provides software updates and service packs for registered customers who already own a valid base software license. Standalone base installers require commercial purchase via Siemens Industry Mall.

Can I use the standard APL MotL block instead of SSDIR for a 3RW44?

You can use MotL to provide basic start/stop digital commands via standard I/O; however, you will lose all PROFIBUS DP diagnostics, current readings, thermal capacity monitoring, and detailed soft starter parameterization provided by SSDIR.

What is the difference between SSDIR and SSDIR_L?

SSDIR provides standard control and diagnostics for normal bidirectional or unidirectional starting. SSDIR_L (Large) includes extended statistical data, energy monitoring parameters, and advanced maintenance counter integrations.