Resolving Missing Hardware Descriptions for Fail-Safe Module 6ES7336-4GE00-0AB0 via S7 F-Configuration Pack

When the fail-safe analog input module SM 336 F-AI 6 x 0/4...20 mA HART (6ES7336-4GE00-0AB0) appears in STEP 7 HW Config without a description, cannot be inserted, or reports configuration errors under ET 200M (IM 153-2), the root cause is an outdated S7 F-Configuration Pack. Fail-safe signal modules do not derive parameter definitions from standard GSD files or STEP 7 Hardware Support Packages (HSP). To resolve the issue, install S7 F-Configuration Pack V5.5 SP7 or higher, ensure S7 F-Systems V6.0 is installed, and set the HW Config catalog profile to 'Standard' or the appropriate PCS 7 release profile.

Hardware Architecture of SM 336 F-AI HART Module

The SIMATIC S7-300 / ET 200M SM 336 fail-safe analog input module (6ES7336-4GE00-0AB0) provides 6 fail-safe current inputs (0/4...20 mA) with integrated HART communication, supporting safety ratings up to SIL 3 / Cat. 4 / PL e according to IEC 61508 / ISO 13849. The module operates in centralized S7-300F racks or distributed ET 200M stations connected via IM 153-2 (6ES7153-2BA02-0XB0 or 6ES7153-2BA10-0XB0).

Unlike standard analog modules, fail-safe modules require complex safety parameter profiles including PROFIsafe addresses (F_Dest_Add), F-monitoring times, sensor evaluation (1oo1, 1oo2, 2oo3), discrepancy times, and channel-granular passivation settings that standard hardware catalogs cannot interpret.

Role of S7 F-Configuration Pack vs Standard GSD/HSP

Engineers attempting to integrate modern fail-safe modules into legacy engineering stations (e.g. PCS 7 V7.0 SP3 or STEP 7 V5.4/V5.5) often install general GSD files or run Tools > Install Hardware Updates (HSP). However:

Standard Hardware Updates (HSP) only update standard automation modules and ET 200 interface modules.
PROFIsafe Modules Require S7 F-Configuration Pack: The S7 F-Configuration Pack (F-ConfigPack) contains the specialized parameter dialogs, safety checksum calculation routines, and safety property pages required by the S7 F-Systems engineering environment.
When an older F-ConfigPack (such as SP3) is installed, newly released module MLFBs like 6ES7336-4GE00-0AB0 cannot be parsed. The module either fails to appear in the catalog, or appears as a raw hex identifier devoid of text descriptions.

Why GSD Files Fail to Provide Safety Parameterization

Installing an ET 200M GSD file (SIEM801E.GSD) into STEP 7 HW Config allows third-party PROFIBUS masters or standard configurations to recognize the rack. However, in native STEP 7 / PCS 7 S7 F-Systems installations, GSD-based slaves cannot execute native S7 F-Systems safety driver generation.

The S7 F-Systems compiler requires native STEP 7 slave object definitions so that the Safety Matrix and F-driver wizards can instantiate F_AI_HRT channel driver blocks and bind PROFIsafe telegrams directly to the safety program runtime groups.

Step-by-Step Installation and Catalog Update Workflow

Follow this procedure to properly install the module and restore complete hardware descriptions:

Close All SIMATIC Applications: Close SIMATIC Manager, HW Config, CFC, and NetPro.
Download S7 F-Configuration Pack:
- Download the latest compatible S7 F-Configuration Pack (e.g. V5.5 SP7, V5.5 SP11, or V5.5 SP13) from Siemens Industry Online Support.
Execute Installation:
- Run Setup.exe with administrative privileges.
- Confirm the installation target binds to the existing STEP 7 / PCS 7 installation directory.
Update HW Config Catalog:
- Open SIMATIC Manager and launch HW Config.
- Select Options > Update Catalog (Extras > Katalog aktualisieren).
- Under the hardware catalog window, locate the Profile dropdown.
- Switch the profile from PCS7_V70 (or legacy version) to Standard if the module does not appear under the legacy filter.
Insert Module:
- Navigate to PROFIBUS DP > ET 200M > IM 153-2 > SM-336 F-AI 6 x 0/4...20mA HART (6ES7336-4GE00-0AB0).
- Drag and drop the module into an available slot; verify that the full hardware description and parameter dialog tabs appear.

Fail-Safe Software and Catalog Compatibility Matrix

The table below details software compatibility requirements for fail-safe ET 200M modules:

Component / PackageMinimum Version RequiredRecommended ReleaseFunction / RoleF-Configuration PackV5.5 SP7V5.5 SP11 / SP13Provides hardware description, safety dialogs, and PROFIsafe parametersS7 F-SystemsV6.0V6.1 / V6.2Provides fail-safe CFC block library and safety runtime compilerSTEP 7 EngineeringV5.4 SP3V5.5 SP4Base automation engineering platform and HW Config environmentInterface Module (IM 153-2)6ES7153-2BA02-0XB06ES7153-2BA10-0XB0Required for high-feature fail-safe distributed I/O integrationSM 336 F-AI 6 HART6ES7336-4GE00-0AB06ES7336-4GE00-0AB06-channel fail-safe analog input module with HART protocol support

Verification

Verify successful hardware detection and safety parameterization:

In HW Config, double-click the inserted 6ES7336-4GE00-0AB0 module.
Confirm that the Object Properties window opens with full descriptive tabs: General, Addresses, Parameters, and F-Parameters.
In the F-Parameters tab, verify that F_Dest_Add and F_SIL can be assigned without error dialogs.
Execute Station > Save and Compile in HW Config; ensure no syntax or parameter errors are generated.
In CFC, open an F-chart, instantiate the channel driver block (F_CH_AI), and verify symbolic interconnection to the module input.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Review the following technical precautions regarding fail-safe module integration:

F-ConfigPack Compatibility: Always verify the compatibility of newer F-ConfigPack releases against the installed version of S7 F-Systems and operating system (Windows XP, Windows 7, or Windows 10).
Catalog Profile Filtering: In PCS 7 engineering, filtering catalogs strictly by release profiles (e.g. PCS7_V70) hides newer modules released after that PCS 7 version. Using modules under the Standard profile requires verifying driver support.
Commercial Procurement Guardrail: When specifying fail-safe hardware, always verify exact MLFBs (6ES7336-4GE00-0AB0) and ensure required isolation modules (6ES7195-7HA00-0XA0) and active bus modules are included in the hardware schedule.

Engineer FAQ

Can I use GSD files to configure the 6ES7336-4GE00-0AB0 in PCS 7 S7 F-Systems?

No. GSD files only provide standard fieldbus communication parameters and lack the PROFIsafe safety parameter dialogs and driver wizard hooks required by S7 F-Systems. The module must be configured using the native F-ConfigPack.

Why does the module appear under the 'Standard' catalog profile but not under 'PCS7_V70'?

The PCS7_V70 catalog profile is a restricted filter created when PCS 7 V7.0 was frozen. Modules released after that version are omitted from the filtered view. Selecting 'Standard' reveals all installed hardware.

Is SM 336-4GE00 supported in redundant ET 200M configurations?

Yes, SM 336 fail-safe modules can be installed in redundant ET 200M stations using active bus modules (6ES7195-7HA00-0XA0) with redundant IM 153-2 interface modules.