C135 PCS 7 (PCS7)
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Synchronizing Visible and Invisible I-O Attributes in PCS 7 Control Module Types

Synchronizing Visible and Invisible I-O Attributes in PCS 7 Control Module Types

When synchronizing a Control Module Type (CMT) in SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.0 SP3, changing an I/O attribute from 'Invisible' to 'Visible' propagates automatically across all instances, but changing an attribute from 'Visible' to 'Invisible' disables the synchronization icon (grayed out) unless graphical coordinate synchronization is enabled. To successfully propagate invisible attributes to all Control Module (CM) instances, open the 'Synchronize with CMT' wizard, check the option 'Include graphical coordinates' ('Mit grafischen Koordinaten abgleichen'), which activates the synchronization button and hides the modified pins across all instances.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Control Module Types (CMTs) in SIMATIC PCS 7 represent the standardized, object-oriented engineering methodology for templating equipment (valves, motors, transmitters). When optimizing template layouts in the Master Data Library, engineers frequently hide unused block pins to declutter charts. However, in PCS 7 V9.0 SP3, engineers encounter an asymmetric synchronization behavior: making pins visible synchronizes immediately, but making pins invisible disables the synchronization tool. This article documents the official Siemens resolution, detailing the required wizard settings to synchronize invisible attributes.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

CMT Synchronization Architecture and Attribute Visibility Mechanics:

  • Object-Oriented CMT Architecture:
  • Master CMT (Type): Resides in the Master Data Library. Defines the block composition, parameter defaults, and visible/invisible pin attributes.
  • Control Module (CM / Instance): Instantiated across plant hierarchy charts in the AS project.
  • The Asymmetric Visibility Synchronization Anomaly:
  • In PCS 7 V9.0 SP3, the CMT synchronizer evaluates visibility changes as graphical layout shifts rather than pure technological attribute deltas.
  • When a pin is made Visible: The synchronizer easily identifies that an instance lacks a displayed connection and enables synchronization.
  • When a pin is made Invisible: The synchronizer recognizes that hiding an already displayed pin alters the graphical layout and wire routing of existing CFC charts. To protect custom chart layouts, the synchronization action is disabled by default.
  • The Solution Mechanism:
  • Enabling the checkbox 'Include graphical coordinates' explicitly permits the synchronizer to adjust chart geometry, unlocking the synchronization button and hiding the pins.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Procedure to Synchronize Invisible Pin Attributes Across CMT Instances:

  1. Modify Attribute Visibility in the Master CMT:
    - Open the Master Data Library in SIMATIC Manager.
    - Open the target Control Module Type (e.g., CMT_Valve).
    - Select the target block pin; open Object Properties.
    - Check Invisible (or uncheck 'Visible'); click OK.
  2. Launch the CMT Synchronization Wizard:
    - In the Master Data Library, select the CMT folder -> right-click -> Plant Types -> Synchronize with CMT....
    - Select the target AS project containing instances.
  3. Enable Graphical Coordinate Synchronization:
    - In the synchronization dialog options, locate the checkbox:
    Include graphical coordinates (German: Mit grafischen Koordinaten abgleichen).
    - Check this box.
  4. Execute Synchronization:
    - Notice that the 'Synchronize' action icon (green double-arrow) is now active and clickable.
    - Click Synchronize; allow the tool to update all CM instances across the plant hierarchy.
  5. Verify Instance Charts in AS Project:
    - Open any instance CFC chart in the project; confirm that the modified pins are now cleanly hidden.

Verification

To verify visibility synchronization:
1. Open several instantiated CM charts across different hierarchy folders.
2. Confirm that the targeted block pins are no longer displayed on the block graphical body.
3. Open the block Object Properties in the instance; verify the pin's 'Invisible' attribute is checked.
4. Perform a CFC compilation ('Changes only'); confirm zero compiler warnings or broken connection errors.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Operational precautions:
- Do not hide a pin that has an active physical interconnection in an instance chart; hiding an interconnected pin can cause confusing chart visual overlap where connection lines terminate at hidden pins.
- Synchronizing graphical coordinates can reset custom manual block positions in instance charts to match the master CMT layout.
- Always perform a project archive prior to executing bulk CMT synchronization across hundreds of instances.

Engineer FAQ

Why is the CMT synchronize button grayed out when making a pin invisible?

Because changing an attribute to invisible affects chart graphical geometry; the synchronization tool requires the 'Include graphical coordinates' option to be enabled.

What document explains CMT engineering in PCS 7?

Siemens Application Document 'PCS 7 Control Module Type (CMT) Engineering' (Entry ID 109475748).

Can I make pins invisible on an individual CM instance without changing the CMT?

Yes, but during the next CMT synchronization, the instance will be flagged as divergent unless synchronization ignores instance-specific attributes.

What happens to existing interconnections if a pin is made invisible?

The interconnection remains logically active in the controller memory, but the pin is hidden from view on the chart sheet.

Does CMT synchronization require an AS download?

Hiding pins is a visual/graphical change in the chart; it does not alter compiled machine code unless parameter connections changed.

Technical References

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Related Tags

  • Control Module Type
  • CMT Synchronization
  • Pin Visibility
  • Graphical Coordinates
  • Plant Hierarchy
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