Resolving 'Optional Package is Not Installed' and Dummy Object for ET 200SP IM 155-6PN HF in STEP 7 HW Config

In STEP 7 HW Config, an ET 200SP High Feature PROFINET interface module (IM 155-6PN HF V4.2, MLFB 6ES7155-6AU00-0CN0) displaying the error 'The optional package is not installed' and rendering as a 'Dummy object'—despite installing GSD files—is caused by missing the official Siemens Hardware Support Package (HSP 0255 / HSP 0262). In STEP 7, generic GSD files lack the internal 'module knowledge' software components required to parameterize advanced PROFINET features (such as PROFINET System Redundancy S2, isochronous real-time, and shared device configurations). To resolve, download and install the official ET 200SP Hardware Support Package (HSP) via 'Options -> Install Hardware Updates' in HW Config, close all HW Config instances, and execute the installation.

Executive Summary

When deploying modern SIMATIC ET 200SP distributed I/O stations in SIMATIC PCS 7 or STEP 7 V5.6, automation engineers frequently specify the High Feature interface module IM 155-6PN HF (6ES7155-6AU00-0CN0) to support advanced PROFINET topologies. However, upon opening HW Config, a warning pop-up declares that the required optional package is not installed. Acknowledging the prompt causes the module to appear as a non-configurable 'Dummy object', blocking I/O module insertion and station compilation. Even after installing the latest vendor GSDML files, the error persists. This technical guide explains the architectural difference between GSDML files and Hardware Support Packages in classic STEP 7 and outlines the definitive resolution procedure.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

The hardware representation engine in STEP 7 HW Config operates on two distinct integration tiers:
1. GSDML Files vs Hardware Support Packages (HSP):
- GSDML Files (General Station Description XML): Standardized, vendor-neutral XML descriptors. They provide basic communication parameterization (device name, IP, slot layout), but lack deep integration with STEP 7 system dialogs.
- Hardware Support Packages (HSP): Native Siemens software extensions. An HSP contains compiled binary libraries ('module knowledge') that define graphical parameter masks, diagnostic driver synthesis rules, firmware dependencies, and advanced PROFINET features.
2. Why IM 155-6PN HF Rejects GSD-Only Integration:
- High-Feature PROFINET modules (such as IM 155-6PN HF V4.2) support PROFINET System Redundancy S2 (connecting to redundant AS 410-5H controllers), Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP), and dynamic time stamping.
- In STEP 7 HW Config, these features require native module knowledge components. If only a GSDML file is installed, STEP 7 detects that the complex property pages cannot be rendered and demotes the module to a 'Dummy object'.
3. The 'Dummy Object' State:
- A dummy object retains the network address and station name, but locks all slot insertion and diagnostic parameterization, preventing hardware compilation.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Identify the Exact Module Part Number and Firmware Release:
a. Inspect the physical rating plate on the ET 200SP interface module.
b. Confirm the MLFB: 6ES7155-6AU00-0CN0 (IM 155-6PN HF).
c. Note the firmware version: V4.2.x.
Download Hardware Updates (HSP) from Siemens Industry Online Support:
a. Access the Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS) portal.
b. Search for 'STEP 7 V5.x Hardware Support Packages (HSPs)' (Entry ID 23183356).
c. Download the consolidated HSP container file (HSP_Complete_Collection.zip).
d. Extract the archive to a local engineering directory (e.g., C:\Siemens\HSP).
Install the ET 200SP HSP in STEP 7 HW Config:
a. Open STEP 7 HW Config on the Engineering Station.
b. From the main menu, select Options -> Install Hardware Updates.
c. In the dialog, select 'Copy hardware updates from storage location' and browse to the extracted HSP directory.
d. Click 'Execute' to parse available update packages.
e. In the update list, locate the HSP corresponding to ET 200SP (e.g., HSP 0255 / HSP 0262 for IM 155-6PN HF).
f. Select the HSP and click Copy.
Execute Installation of Copied Hardware Updates:
a. In the 'Install Hardware Updates' window, select the copied HSP.
b. Close all open STEP 7 and HW Config windows (installation cannot proceed if HW Config is open).
c. Click Install.
d. Wait for the installation progress bar to complete and verify the success confirmation.
Replace Dummy Object in Station Layout:
a. Reopen HW Config for the AS station.
b. Locate the PROFINET IO system.
c. If the existing station still displays as a dummy object, delete the dummy station.
d. Browse the refreshed Hardware Catalog: navigate to PROFINET IO -> I/O -> ET 200SP -> Interface Modules -> IM 155-6PN HF -> 6ES7155-6AU00-0CN0 -> V4.2.
e. Drag the module onto the PROFINET line: confirm that the module opens with complete parameterization tabs (PROFINET S2 redundancy, I/O slots, server module) without dummy alerts.
f. Execute Station -> Save and Compile.

Verification

In HW Config, double-click the newly inserted IM 155-6PN HF module: verify that all property tabs render cleanly without 'Optional package' error prompts.
Insert ET 200SP I/O modules (DI, DO, AI, AO) and the mandatory Server Module in the final slot: confirm all slots accept modules.
Execute Station -> Save and Compile: confirm compilation finishes with 0 errors.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Ensure that the mandatory Server Module (6ES7193-6PA00-0AA0) is configured in the final slot of the ET 200SP rack. Omitting the server module will cause hardware bus faults on physical stations.

Engineer FAQ

Why does the IM 155-6PN HF appear as a dummy object in HW Config?

Because STEP 7 lacks the required Hardware Support Package (HSP) containing the module's native parameterization software components.

Why did installing the GSDML file not resolve the dummy object issue?

Generic GSDML files lack the compiled 'module knowledge' required by classic STEP 7 to configure advanced features like PROFINET S2 redundancy.

What SIOS Entry ID provides STEP 7 Hardware Support Packages?

Siemens Industry Online Support Entry ID 23183356.

Why must all HW Config windows be closed before installing an HSP?

The installation utility must overwrite active catalog databases and DLLs, which are locked while HW Config is running.

What is the mandatory final module required on all ET 200SP racks?

The ET 200SP Server Module (6ES7193-6PA00-0AA0), which terminates the internal backplane bus.

Technical References

Related Tags

ET 200SP
IM 155-6PN HF
HSP
Dummy Object
HW Config
PROFINET

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Resolving 'Optional Package is Not Installed' and Dummy Object for ET 200SP IM 155-6PN HF in STEP 7 HW Config