Sourcing Base Installation Media and Managing S7-PLCSIM Add-On Setups in SIMATIC PCS 7

In SIMATIC PCS 7 systems, post-installing simulation software such as S7-PLCSIM requires access to the original base software installation media. Siemens does not provide full base installation DVD ISO images as free public downloads on Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS), as SIOS distributes only service packs and update collections. Base installation media must be obtained via official Online Software Delivery (OSD) through the Siemens Industry Mall, software contract entitlements, or authorized distributors.

Distribution Policies for Siemens Base Software vs. Public SIOS Updates

When engineers need to post-install optional packages—such as S7-PLCSIM for controller simulation, SIMATIC BATCH, or Route Control—they often search the Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS) portal for downloadable ISO disk images:
* Public SIOS Downloads: SIOS provides free access to Update Collections (UC), Cumulative Updates, Service Packs, and Hotfixes. These packages update existing installations but cannot execute as standalone software setups without pre-installed base software.
* Full Base Installation Media: Complete base installation media (such as the multi-gigabyte DVD ISO images for PCS 7 V8.0, V8.2, V9.0, or V9.1) are commercial licensed software assets. Siemens does not provide unrestricted public ISO downloads on SIOS to comply with export control regulations and commercial licensing agreements.

Post-Installing S7-PLCSIM: Prerequisites and Setup Execution

To add S7-PLCSIM to an existing Engineering Station:
1. Locate Base Installation Media: Mount the original PCS 7 base software DVD (or virtual ISO image) acquired through your initial software delivery.
2. Execute Setup Wizard:
* Launch Setup.exe from the root of the installation media.
* Select the setup language and click Next.
* When prompted for installation type, choose Package installation or User-defined installation.
3. Select S7-PLCSIM Component:
* In the component tree, expand Engineering Station -> STEP 7 Optional Packages.
* Check the box for S7-PLCSIM.
4. Complete Installation and Reboot:
* Complete the wizard. The setup installs the simulation virtual controller engine and communication drivers.
* Reboot the workstation.
5. Apply Matching Updates: Download and install the latest cumulative update for S7-PLCSIM from SIOS to match your installed PCS 7 update level.

Procuring Base Software Media via Online Software Delivery (OSD)

If the original physical DVDs or ISO images have been lost:
* Online Software Delivery (OSD): Registered license owners can log into the Siemens Online Software Delivery portal via the Siemens Industry Mall. If your organization holds an active Software Update Service (SUS) contract or purchased digital delivery, complete ISO images remain available in your personal download account.
* Replacement Media Procurement: If no digital entitlement exists, replacement media must be procured as a physical DVD package (or authorized digital transfer) through an authorized Siemens distributor.
* Never download installation ISOs from unauthorized third-party file-sharing websites, as modified binaries risk introducing malware or destabilizing production engineering databases.

Licensing Guardrails: Engineering, Simulation, and Process Object Rules

When configuring simulation environments in SIMATIC PCS 7:
* S7-PLCSIM Licensing: S7-PLCSIM requires a valid license key (e.g., S7-PLCSIM V5.4 or SIMATIC PCS 7 Engineering suite license that bundles PLCSIM entitlements) transferred via Automation License Manager (ALM).
* AS Process Objects in Simulation: Simulating an automation station in S7-PLCSIM does not consume physical CPU 410 System Expansion Card (SEC) capacity. However, compiling charts in the Engineering Station requires available software AS RT PO licenses in ALM.
* Commercial Verification: All commercial claims regarding license additions, software packages, or replacement media must be validated against the official Siemens Industry Mall catalog and authorized distributor quotations.

Verification

In SIMATIC Manager, open a project containing an S7-400 or CPU 410 station.
Click the Simulation On/Off icon on the toolbar: confirm that the S7-PLCSIM application window launches cleanly.
Select the CPU operating mode switch to RUN-P.
In SIMATIC Manager, download the hardware configuration and CFC charts to the virtual controller: verify that the download completes successfully.
Switch to CFC dynamic test mode: verify that block inputs and outputs display live simulation data.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

S7-PLCSIM simulates controller execution logic; it does not fully simulate real-time deterministic Ethernet plant bus communication or hardware-level PROFINET redundancy switchover.
Running S7-PLCSIM on the same workstation as an active online Engineering Station connected to live controllers requires strict communication path isolation to prevent accidental downloads to physical plant controllers.
Always check the PCS 7 Readme file to verify the exact PLCSIM version certified for your specific service pack.

Engineer FAQ

Can I download the full SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.0 ISO image for free from SIOS?
No, SIOS only distributes updates and service packs; full base installation media is commercial software.
How can a licensed user re-download lost PCS 7 base installation media?
Through the official Siemens Online Software Delivery (OSD) portal using an active SUS contract or digital software entitlement.
Does S7-PLCSIM require a separate license key in Automation License Manager?
Yes, it requires a valid license key or is authorized under a comprehensive PCS 7 Engineering bundle license.
Can S7-PLCSIM simulate PCS 7 Advanced Process Library (APL) blocks?
Yes, S7-PLCSIM executes standard APL blocks, PID loops, motor controls, and interlock logic.
Does downloading to S7-PLCSIM book out AS Process Object licenses?
Yes, compiling and downloading to PLCSIM performs standard license checks against available ES PO licenses in ALM.
What physical controller memory is simulated by S7-PLCSIM?
It simulates S7-400 CPU work memory and load memory within the PC's host RAM.
Can WinCC OS connect to S7-PLCSIM for virtual commissioning?
Yes, WinCC can connect directly to PLCSIM via the MPI, PROFIBUS, or Named Connections simulation channel.
What is the difference between S7-PLCSIM and SIMIT Simulation Platform?
S7-PLCSIM simulates the internal CPU execution; SIMIT simulates external plant physics, sensors, actuators, and fieldbus responses.
What should I do if my base installation DVD is damaged?
Contact your authorized Siemens distributor with your original Certificate of License (CoL) to request replacement media.
Is S7-PLCSIM V5.4 compatible with Windows 10?
S7-PLCSIM V5.4 SP8 and newer service packs are certified for Windows 10 in PCS 7 V9.0 and V9.1 environments.

Technical References

SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM V5.4 Operating Manual
SIMATIC PCS 7 PC Configuration and Authorization Manual
Siemens Industry Online Support Entry: Sourcing Installation Media and Updates (Entry ID 299544)
Siemens Industry Mall: Software Delivery and Licensing Guidelines