Resolving Missing Drive ES Library in CFC After Installing Starter and DriveMonitor

In SIMATIC PCS 7, the drive engineering library DRVPCS7 (Drive ES PCS 7) does not appear in the CFC block catalog after installing STARTER or DriveMonitor because Drive ES PCS 7 is an independent, separately licensed commercial software package. STARTER and DriveMonitor are standalone drive parameterization tools that do not include the PCS 7 CFC driver blocks, diagnostic faceplates, or module drivers required for cyclic control. To use DRVPCS7 blocks, you must purchase and install the dedicated 'Drive ES PCS 7' software package matching your PCS 7 version and retrieve the library into your project.

Why STARTER and DriveMonitor Do Not Include DRVPCS7

A frequent source of confusion during the commissioning of variable frequency drives (such as MICROMASTER 4, SINAMICS G120, SINAMICS S120, or SIMOREG) in SIMATIC PCS 7 is the assumption that installing standard drive commissioning software provides the necessary controller blocks.

Engineers frequently install:
* DriveMonitor: The legacy parameter configuration tool for MASTERDRIVES and MICROMASTER 3/4.
* STARTER: The modern parameter configuration software for SINAMICS and MICROMASTER 4 drives.

After completing the installation and opening CFC, the engineer expects to find the DRVPCS7 library containing technological drive blocks (such as MM4_DRV, SINAM_APL, or DRV_STATUS). Instead, the library is nowhere to be found in the CFC catalog.

The Missing Component

Neither STARTER nor DriveMonitor contains PCS 7 block libraries. The CFC blocks, module drivers, WinCC faceplates, and diagnostic interfaces reside exclusively inside Drive ES PCS 7, which is a distinct, commercially sold add-on package from Siemens.

Drive ES Product Family Architecture

To select the correct drive integration tools, engineers must understand the four distinct packages within the Siemens Drive ES product family:

Drive ES Basic:
* Integrates STARTER or DriveMonitor directly into SIMATIC Manager.
* Enables routing over PROFIBUS / PROFINET to access drive parameters from the Engineering Station without plugging cables directly into the drive.
* Does not include PCS 7 CFC blocks.
Drive ES Graphic:
* Legacy engineering tool for SIMADYN D and SIMATIC TDC drive control systems.
Drive ES SIMATIC:
* Provides function block libraries (DRVDIM) for standard STEP 7 (S7-300 / S7-400), but not tailored for PCS 7 APL architectures.
Drive ES PCS 7 (DRVPCS7):
* The official PCS 7 integration package.
* Contains CFC function blocks, APL-compliant faceplates, and automatic module driver generators (Generate Module Drivers).
* Supports MICROMASTER 4, SINAMICS, SIMOREG, and ROBICON drives over PROFIBUS DP and PROFINET IO.
* Licensed via Automation License Manager (e.g., 6SW1700-1JD00-0AA0 or version-specific MLFB 6SW1700-8JD00-0AA0).

[!IMPORTANT]
Drive ES PCS 7 licenses are version-dependent. Always confirm compatibility with your installed PCS 7 version (e.g., Drive ES PCS 7 V8.1 for PCS 7 V8.1) and validate MLFBs with an authorized Siemens distributor.

Comparison Table - Drive Integration Software Tools

The following table clarifies the capabilities, scopes, and licensing requirements of drive software components in a PCS 7 environment.

Software PackagePrimary PurposeIncludes CFC Blocks?Includes WinCC Faceplates?Commercial LicensingSTARTERDrive commissioning and parameterizationNoNoFree download on SIOSDriveMonitorLegacy drive parameterizationNoNoFree download on SIOSDrive ES BasicSTEP 7 Manager integration & routingNoNoLicensed software packageDrive ES PCS 7 (DRVPCS7)PCS 7 CFC blocks & APL faceplatesYes (DRVPCS7)Yes (APL & Classic)Dedicated Commercial LicenseSINAMICS PCS 7 LibraryModern APL-native library for SINAMICSYesYes (APL Native)Dedicated Commercial License

Step-by-Step Installation and Library Retrieval Workflow

To obtain, install, and instantiate DRVPCS7 blocks within your PCS 7 project, execute the following steps:

Procure and Install Drive ES PCS 7:
* Procure the official Drive ES PCS 7 media matching your PCS 7 version (e.g., Drive ES PCS 7 V8.1).
* Close SIMATIC Manager.
* Run Setup.exe from the installation media with administrative privileges.
* The installer places the library files into:
C:\Program Files (x86)\SIEMENS\STEP7\S7LIBS\DRVPCS7
Transfer Licenses in ALM:
* Open Automation License Manager.
* Transfer the Drive ES PCS 7 engineering license key onto the local drive.
Open and Verify Library in SIMATIC Manager:
* Open SIMATIC Manager.
* Select File -> Open -> Libraries tab.
* Locate and select DRVPCS7 (or DRVPCS7_APL for APL systems) and click OK.
* Verify that the library contains the S7 Program blocks (e.g., MM4_DRV, SINAM_APL) and WinCC faceplates in the GraCS directory.
Copy Blocks to Master Data Library:
* In SIMATIC Manager, open your Multiproject Master Data Library.
* Copy the required drive blocks from DRVPCS7 into the Master Data Library's Blocks folder.
* In the OS project, copy the drive faceplates (@PG_... and @PL_...) into the OS GraCS folder.
Instantiate Drive Blocks in CFC:
* Open the target CFC chart.
* In the CFC block catalog, switch to the Libraries tab, expand Master Data Library, and drag the drive block (e.g., MM4_DRV) onto the chart.
* Interconnect the drive's logical base address (LADDR) configured in HW Config.
* Run CFC compile with Generate module drivers enabled.

Verification

Confirm that the drive library is correctly integrated using the following checks:

Verify CFC Catalog Visibility:
* Open any CFC chart. Open the block catalog (Ctrl+K).
* Expand Libraries -> Master Data Library. Confirm that the drive blocks appear with valid names and version tags.
Verify Module Driver Generation:
* Compile the CFC chart with Generate module drivers checked.
* Open the compile log. Confirm that the driver generator creates and connects the diagnostic driver block (MOD_DRV) without errors.
Verify Online Communication:
* Download the program to the CPU.
* Set the CFC block in Test Mode (glasses icon).
* Confirm that actual speed, status word (STATUS), and fault codes are received from the physical drive.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Version Incompatibility Trap: Installing an older version of Drive ES (e.g., Drive ES V6.1) on modern PCS 7 (V8.0, V8.1, or V9.0) causes compilation crashes and driver generator failures. Always use the version of Drive ES officially validated for your PCS 7 release.
Standard Telegram Alignment: Drive ES blocks require specific PROFIBUS/PROFINET telegram configurations (e.g., Standard Telegram 1, 20, or Siemens Telegram 352). Ensure the telegram selected in HW Config matches the block specification.
Classic vs APL Libraries: Modern PCS 7 projects should utilize the APL version of Drive ES blocks rather than classic legacy blocks to maintain consistent alarm handling and operator visualization.

Engineer FAQ

Can I download Drive ES PCS 7 for free from the Siemens website?

No. Unlike STARTER and DriveMonitor which are free utility downloads, Drive ES PCS 7 is a commercial software product that must be purchased through Siemens sales channels or authorized distributors.

Can I control a MICROMASTER 4 without Drive ES PCS 7?

Yes, but you would have to write custom SCL/STL logic to parse the drive control words (STW) and status words (ZSW) manually using standard peripheral I/O (PIW/PQW), forfeiting automatic driver generation, diagnostic alarming, and standard WinCC faceplates.

What is the difference between Drive ES PCS 7 and SINAMICS PCS 7?

Drive ES PCS 7 is the legacy overarching library supporting MICROMASTER, SIMOREG, and early SINAMICS. For modern SINAMICS G120/S120 drives, Siemens recommends the newer dedicated 'SINAMICS PCS 7' APL library.

Why did my library disappear after reinstalling Windows?

Reinstalling Windows formats the operating system drive, removing all software files in C:\Program Files (x86)\SIEMENS\STEP7\S7LIBS\. You must reinstall the Drive ES PCS 7 software package and restore its license via ALM.