Rewiring Group and Route Links During CEMAT Upgrades to V8.0 Using C_MIG_V80.XLS

In SIMATIC PCS 7 CEMAT migrations from V7.1 to V8.0, the Excel-based migration utility C_MIG_V80.XLS automates the bulk rewiring of technological interconnections that were converted from classical elementary data types (such as BOOL, REAL, and WORD) into Advanced Process Library (APL) structured types (containing Value and ST). In CEMAT V8.0, block parameters—such as group/route links, damper positioner actual values, and drive setpoints—were redesigned into structures (e.g., measured value output MV was replaced by PV_Out). To execute the migration, export the Process Object View (POV) interconnections from SIMATIC Manager, run C_MIG_V80.XLS to automatically update target pin names, update block types in the Master Data Library, re-import the modified POV file, and close textual interconnections in CFC.

Executive Summary

The SIMATIC PCS 7 CEMAT industry suite provides specialized technological control blocks for cement manufacturing, mining, and bulk material handling. In CEMAT V7.1 and earlier, many technological interconnections—such as group start/stop sequences, route selection vectors, and analog damper feedback signals—used elementary data types. With the release of CEMAT V8.0, Siemens aligned the suite with PCS 7 APL technological standards by converting these parameters into structured data types. Updating block types in CFC without an automated migration path would sever hundreds of chart connections, converting them into open textual references. The official C_MIG_V80.XLS macro automates this tedious rewiring across the entire plant hierarchy.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

The parameter restructuring and automated migration mechanics between CEMAT V7.1 and V8.0 operate through defined database interfaces:

The Structural Evolution of CEMAT Block Pins:
* In CEMAT V7.1 SP1, blocks like C_DRV_1D (unidirectional drive), C_DAMPER (actuator damper), and C_GROUP relied on elementary pins:
- MV (Measured Value) was declared as elementary REAL.
- Group and route interconnections were declared as elementary WORD or BOOL vectors.
- In CEMAT V8.0, these pins were replaced by APL-compliant structures:
- PV_Out (Struct with .Value: REAL and .ST: BYTE).
- Group and route links were upgraded to structured status and command records.
The Textual Interconnection Fallback in CFC:
* When block types are updated in the Master Data Library and imported into CFC, any pin that changed name or data type is deleted from the instance.
* Existing chart lines pointing to the obsolete pin (MV) cannot bind to the new pin (PV_Out) automatically; CFC converts them into yellow 'Textual Interconnections' pointing to non-existent pins.
The Role of the C_MIG_V80.XLS Macro Utility:
* C_MIG_V80.XLS is an official Microsoft Excel VBA tool supplied with the CEMAT V8.0 installation media.
* It operates on the exported Process Object View (POV) table from SIMATIC Manager.
* The macro parses every exported chart interconnection, identifies legacy CEMAT pin names, and maps them to their corresponding V8.0 structured pins according to internal translation rules (e.g., mapping *.MV -> *.PV_Out.Value or *.PV_Out).
* Re-importing the modified POV file instructs CFC to resolve and close the textual interconnections automatically.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Follow these procedures to migrate and rewire CEMAT project interconnections using C_MIG_V80.XLS:

Create an Emergency Archive of the V7.1 Project:
* In SIMATIC Manager, select File > Archive to create a complete compressed backup before initiating migration.
Export Process Object View Interconnections:
* Open SIMATIC Manager and switch to Process Object View (View > Process Object View).
* In the Plant Hierarchy, select the root project folder.
* Select the Signals or Parameters tab.
* Select all rows (Ctrl + A), right-click, and choose Export to File....
* Save the export file in text or CSV format (e.g., CEMAT_POV_Export.csv).
Execute C_MIG_V80.XLS Migration Tool:
* Locate C_MIG_V80.XLS on the CEMAT V8.0 media under Tools/Migration.
* Open the file in Microsoft Excel and enable macros.
* In the macro interface, click Import POV File and select your exported CSV file.
* Click Execute Rewiring.
* The macro processes all records, updates pin identifiers (e.g., changing MV to PV_Out), and highlights modifications.
* Click Export Migrated POV to save the updated CSV file.
Update Block Types in SIMATIC Manager:
* Open the CEMAT V8.0 library in SIMATIC Manager (File > Open > Libraries).
* Copy the new V8.0 block types into your project's Master Data Library.
* In CFC editor, select Options > Block Types, select the CEMAT blocks, and click New Version to update charts across the multiproject.
* Charts will display open textual interconnections.
Import Migrated POV File and Close Textual Interconnections:
* In SIMATIC Manager Process Object View, select Import from File... and choose the migrated CSV file.
* The editor applies the updated pin targets across all CFC charts.
* In CFC editor, select Options > Close Textual Interconnections.
* Verify that all textual interconnections resolve cleanly into live graphical signal lines.
Compile Charts and OS:
* Compile all CFC charts: Scope: Entire program with Generate module drivers enabled.
* Execute a complete AS-OS compilation to update WinCC faceplates and tag connections.

Verification

In CFC editor, open a technological chart containing a C_DAMPER or C_DRV_1D block. Verify that the output connection from PV_Out displays a solid green line with no unresolved textual references. Open the CFC Log (Options > Logs > Open...); verify that zero open textual interconnections remain. Download the program to S7-PLCSIM or test controller and verify that motor feedback and damper analog values read correctly.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Ensure that custom user modifications made to legacy CEMAT blocks in V7.1 are documented and re-applied to V8.0 sources; C_MIG_V80.XLS rewires standard library pins but cannot account for proprietary custom pin modifications. Always perform migration on an isolated Engineering Station before touching production controllers.

Engineer FAQ

Where is the C_MIG_V80.XLS tool located?

It is located on the official CEMAT V8.0 installation media under the Tools/Migration directory.

Why did my interconnections turn into textual interconnections after block update?

In CEMAT V8.0, obsolete elementary pins like MV were removed and replaced by structured pins like PV_Out; CFC cannot automatically guess the new pin name without migration mapping.

Does C_MIG_V80.XLS rewire group and route vectors?

Yes. It specifically rewires group and route command links, damper positioner feedbacks, and drive setpoint interfaces.

Can I close textual interconnections manually without the Excel tool?

While you can manually edit every broken pin in CFC, large plants with thousands of drives would require hundreds of hours of error-prone manual labor.