C135 PCS 7 (PCS7)
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Resolving Missing APL_OpenFaceplate Function and Inactive Faceplates in SIMATIC PCS 7

Resolving Missing APL_OpenFaceplate Function and Inactive Faceplates in SIMATIC PCS 7

In SIMATIC PCS 7, when clicking block icons during runtime or simulation fails to open faceplates with an error stating that APL_OpenFaceplate does not exist, the issue is caused by an unexecuted OS Project Editor or missing APL Global Script header files. Resolving this requires running the OS Project Editor in WinCC Explorer to copy standard APL C-scripts into the project Library folder, generating C-script headers via Options -> Generate Header in Global Script, and ensuring the PCS 7 WinCC Faceplates package was installed.

Table of Contents

Role of APL_OpenFaceplate in PCS 7 Graphical Architecture

In the SIMATIC PCS 7 Advanced Process Library (APL), clicking any process block icon (such as MotL, VlvL, or PIDConL) initiates an event-driven C-script call that dynamically loads the appropriate faceplate picture window (@PG_*.pdl):
* Function Purpose: APL_OpenFaceplate.fct is the central C-function responsible for parsing the clicked object's tag prefix, calculating screen coordinates, checking operator authorization, and commanding the WinCC picture window manager to display the faceplate.
* Storage Location: The source file resides in the WinCC project subfolder Library\aplib\Faceplate\APL_OpenFaceplate.fct or within the global script search path Siemens\WinCC\aplib.
* Common Failure Scenarios:
1. OS Project Editor Omitted: Creating a new OS project or retrieving an incomplete archive leaves the project GraCS and Library directories populated only with basic STEP 7 files, omitting APL scripts.
2. Uncompiled C-Headers (ap_def.h): If Global Script headers were not generated, the internal C-compiler cannot resolve function prototypes, causing runtime execution to abort silently or log Function APL_OpenFaceplate not found.
3. Incomplete Installation: Installing only the PCS 7 AS engineering components on an Engineering Station without selecting the WinCC APL Faceplates setup component leaves the physical .fct files missing from the hard drive.

Step-by-Step Restoration and Compilation Procedure

Follow this procedure to restore APL_OpenFaceplate and re-enable faceplate invocation in WinCC.

Prerequisites

  • Administrative credentials on the Engineering Station / OS Server.
  • SIMATIC PCS 7 APL software package installed on the computer.
  • WinCC project opened in WinCC Explorer with Runtime deactivated.

Step 1: Verify APL Faceplates Installation on the PC

  1. Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Siemens\WinCC\Options\PDL\Faceplates_APL (or ...\Siemens\WinCC\aplib\Faceplate)
  2. Verify that APL_OpenFaceplate.fct and corresponding @PG_*.pdl files exist in this master repository.
  3. If this directory is missing or empty, insert the PCS 7 installation media, run Setup.exe, select Package installation, and check PCS 7 Faceplates / APL Faceplates.

Step 2: Run the OS Project Editor in WinCC Explorer

  1. In WinCC Explorer, double-click OS Project Editor.
  2. On the Layout tab, select the target screen resolution (e.g., 1920 * 1080).
  3. Click the Complete configuration radio button (or ensure Update diagnostic screens and system pictures is checked).
  4. Click OK.
  5. The OS Project Editor copies all standard system pictures, bitmaps, and C-script functions (including APL_OpenFaceplate.fct) from the Siemens installation master directory into the active project's GraCS and Library folders.

Step 3: Regenerate Global Script Headers

  1. In WinCC Explorer, expand Global Script.
  2. Right-click C-Editor and select Open.
  3. In the C-Editor menu, select Options -> Generate Header.
  4. The compiler recompiles all standard functions and regenerates the internal header file ap_def.h.
  5. Verify in the output window that header generation completes with 0 errors.

Step 4: Recompile and Test CFC / OS

  1. In SIMATIC Manager, perform an OS Compile:
    * Right-click the OS object and select Compile.
    * Choose Entire OS - with memory reset if this is a fresh setup.
  2. Activate WinCC Runtime to verify faceplate operation.

Verification

  • In WinCC Explorer, open Global Script -> C-Editor and expand Standard Functions -> Faceplate. Confirm that APL_OpenFaceplate appears in the function tree.
  • Launch WinCC Runtime or start the project in simulation mode.
  • Click an APL motor or valve block icon. The corresponding faceplate popup window must appear immediately over the process graphic.
  • Open the WinCC diagnostic viewer (apdiag.exe -> Output Window) and confirm that zero script compilation or runtime execution errors occur during faceplate opening.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

  • Avoid Renaming Standard APL Functions: Never edit or rename APL_OpenFaceplate.fct directly; customizations should be implemented via customized faceplate types or user scripts calling the standard API.
  • Server-Client Distribution: In client-server systems, running the OS Project Editor is required on the OS Server, followed by generating Server Data and downloading client projects to ensure uniform script versions.
  • APL Library Version Matching: Ensure the version of APL installed on the Engineering Station matches the APL block versions placed in CFC; mixing V8.x faceplates with V9.1 AS blocks can lead to tag communication mismatches.

Engineer FAQ

  • Can I manually copy APL_OpenFaceplate.fct into the project?
    Yes, copying APL_OpenFaceplate.fct from the WinCC installation directory into the project's Library\aplib\Faceplate folder works, but running the OS Project Editor is preferred because it synchronizes all accompanying pictures and scripts.
  • Why did this error happen in PLCSIM simulation?
    Simulation tests the exact same WinCC graphical scripts as physical runtime. If the OS project files were incomplete on the ES, simulation fails identically.
  • What is apdiag.exe and how does it help?
    apdiag.exe is the native WinCC C-script diagnostics utility located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Siemens\WinCC\bin. Opening its Output Window captures real-time script crashes and missing function errors.
  • Does generating headers delete my custom project functions?
    No. Options -> Generate Header only scans function declarations to update compiler indexes; it does not alter or delete existing C-code.
  • Why does clicking the block icon produce an hourglass cursor but no faceplate?
    An hourglass cursor indicates a script timeout. This typically occurs when the tag prefix configured on the block icon does not exist in WinCC Tag Management.

Technical References

  • Siemens Industry Online Support Entry ID 109801081: SIMATIC PCS 7 Advanced Process Library (APL) Faceplate Architecture.
  • Siemens WinCC V7.5 Manual: ANSI-C for Creating Functions and Actions (Global Script).
  • Siemens System Manual: OS Project Editor Configuration and System Graphics.

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Related Tags

  • PCS 7
  • APL
  • Faceplate
  • WinCC
  • Global Script
  • OS Project Editor
  • C-Script
  • Industrial Automation
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