Sourcing and Integrating AddFEM Libraries in SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.0

The AddFEM (Additional Front-End Module) Function Block Library for SIMATIC PCS 7 is delivered on the product media accompanying the AddFEM hardware (6DL3100-8ACxx) and is available via Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS) under specialized migration downloads. In PCS 7 V9.0, the certified AddFEM V9.0 library package includes updated APL-compliant driver blocks, channel blocks, and WinCC faceplates designed to interface high-speed analog/discrete frontend modules over PROFIBUS DP to S7-400 and CPU 410-5H controllers.

Executive Summary

AddFEM (Additional Front-End Module) units are high-density, high-speed input/output subsystems originally developed for TELEPERM M migration and specialized high-speed turbine/compressor control within SIMATIC PCS 7. When migrating plants to PCS 7 V9.0 SP3, engineers often find that the standard PCS 7 DVD distribution media does not include the AddFEM library in its default installation catalog. This guide explains the sourcing channels, package components, installation prerequisites, and integration methods for the AddFEM V9.0 library in modern PCS 7 engineering environments.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

AddFEM Hardware Architecture and Library Mechanics:

Role of AddFEM Modules in PCS 7:
AddFEM (e.g., 6DL3100-8AC02-0AA0) operates as an intelligent PROFIBUS DP slave providing high-precision analog inputs, analog outputs, digital I/O, counter inputs, and millisecond-level event recording.
Frequently used in power generation (turbine governing) and critical chemical compressor loops requiring closed-loop cycle times faster than standard remote I/O.
AddFEM Library Components:
Hardware Support Package (HSP / GSD): Defines the AddFEM DP slave profiles in STEP 7 HW Config.
CFC Block Library: Contains channel driver blocks (AF_AnIn, AF_AnOu, AF_DiIn, AF_Count) and diagnostic management blocks.
WinCC Faceplates & Typicals: Process picture icons and pop-up faceplates for viewing channel values, limits, and calibration data in WinCC Runtime.
Compatibility Across PCS 7 Versions:
AddFEM library releases correlate to PCS 7 versions (V7.1, V8.2, V9.0). While older V8.2 blocks can execute in V9.0 controllers, using the certified V9.0 library ensures compatibility with modern 64-bit operating systems, APL faceplate styles, and CPU 410 firmware.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Sourcing and Installing the AddFEM V9.0 Library:

Sourcing the Installation Media:
- Check the physical delivery package received with AddFEM hardware modules (provided on CD/DVD).
- If physical media is unavailable, search SIOS (Siemens Industry Online Support) for 'AddFEM PCS 7 V9.0' or contact your Siemens regional account team for the software delivery download (SDD) link.
Install the AddFEM Software Package on the ES:
- Ensure SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.0 (with STEP 7, CFC, and WinCC) is installed.
- Run Setup.exe from the AddFEM media as Administrator.
- Complete the installation wizard and restart Windows.
Update Hardware Catalog in STEP 7 HW Config:
- Open HW Config -> select Options -> Update Catalog.
- In the catalog tree, locate PROFIBUS DP -> Additional Field Devices -> I/O -> AddFEM.
Insert AddFEM Blocks into the Master Data Library:
- In SIMATIC Manager, open File -> Open -> Libraries -> select the installed AddFEM Library.
- Copy the required driver blocks into your project's Master Data Library.
Configure Channel Drivers in CFC:
- Place AddFEM driver blocks in the appropriate cyclic interrupt OB (e.g., OB35 - 100ms or OB32 - 10ms for fast loops).
- Connect peripheral I/O addresses from HW Config to the block input pins.
- Run 'Generate Module Drivers' during CFC compilation.

Verification

To verify AddFEM integration:
1. In HW Config, switch online; verify the AddFEM slave icon reports active communication without DP bus faults.
2. In CFC test mode, verify that raw counts from the AddFEM input channels are correctly scaled into engineering units by the driver blocks.
3. In WinCC Graphics Designer, run OS Project Editor; verify AddFEM faceplates appear under the project typicals and operate cleanly in Runtime.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Operational precautions:
- AddFEM modules communicate over standard PROFIBUS DP; do not exceed 1.5 Mbps baud rates on copper segments with long line lengths or noisy turbine environments.
- Ensure that AddFEM diagnostic blocks (AF_DIAG) are scheduled in the run sequence to detect sensor wire breaks and frontend power supply failures.
- Verify that the AddFEM firmware release on the physical module matches the requirements stated in the AddFEM V9.0 library release notes.

Engineer FAQ

Is the AddFEM library included on the standard PCS 7 installation DVDs?

No. The AddFEM library is a specialized software package delivered with the AddFEM hardware or downloaded separately from Siemens support.

Can I use an AddFEM V8.2 library in PCS 7 V9.0?

It may function in the AS, but upgrading to the certified V9.0 library is strongly recommended to ensure 64-bit WinCC faceplate compatibility and full APL integration.

What type of fieldbus does AddFEM use?

AddFEM modules connect via PROFIBUS DP to S7-400 or CPU 410 DP master ports or CP 443-5 Extended processors.

What are the primary applications of AddFEM?

High-speed closed-loop control, turbine governing, compressor protection, and TELEPERM M migration.

Does AddFEM require special licenses in Automation License Manager?

The AddFEM block library generally does not require a runtime ALM license, but standard AS/OS Process Object rules apply to instantiated technological blocks.