Upgrading SIMOCODE pro and Drive ES Libraries from PCS 7 V7.1 SP4 to PCS 7 V8.2 - Migration vs APL Library Selection

When upgrading an existing SIMATIC PCS 7 project containing motor management and drives from PCS 7 V7.1 SP4 to V8.2, library selection depends on field hardware and whether the project adopts the Advanced Process Library (APL) or retains the classic library. For SIMOCODE: plants with SIMOCODE pro (3UF7) hardware and an existing V7 license should select SIMOCODE pro PCS 7 Library Migration V8.2 (retaining classic faceplates) or upgrade to SIMOCODE pro PCS 7 Library V8.2 (APL). Legacy SIMOCODE-DP (3UF5) hardware requires SIMOCODE DP PCS 7 Library Migration. For Drive ES: projects using APL must deploy Drive ES PCS 7 APL V8.2, while classic projects require Drive ES PCS 7 V8.2 (Classic). Note that Drive ES Basic is strictly a parameterization tool (STARTER) and provides no CFC driver blocks or faceplates.

The Architectural Matrix of SIMOCODE and Drive ES Add-On Libraries

In industrial facilities running SIMATIC PCS 7, motor control centers (MCC) and variable frequency drives (VFD) are integrated as intelligent field devices across PROFIBUS DP and PROFINET. Two flagship Siemens product families dominate this domain: SIMOCODE (motor management relays) and SINAMICS / MASTERDRIVES integrated via Drive ES.

When upgrading a facility from legacy PCS 7 V7.1 SP4 to PCS 7 V8.2, engineers face complex library choices. Function blocks, module drivers, and WinCC faceplates underwent architectural bifurcation: Siemens created 'Migration' libraries to allow legacy blocks to compile in newer PCS 7 versions without touching existing logic, alongside modern 'APL-native' libraries that adopt Advanced Process Library look-and-feel and NAMUR NE 107 diagnostics.

SIMOCODE Selection Rules: SIMOCODE-DP (3UF5) vs SIMOCODE pro (3UF7)

Hardware type and licensing history dictate the proper SIMOCODE software package:

Hardware GenerationInstalled V7 SoftwareTarget PCS 7 V8.2 PackageUpgrade Rationale & BehaviorSIMOCODE-DP (3UF5)Legacy SIMOCODE-DP LibrarySIMOCODE DP PCS 7 Library Migration3UF5 hardware is obsolete; migration library allows legacy blocks to run on V8.2SIMOCODE pro (3UF7)SIMOCODE pro Library V7.xSIMOCODE pro PCS 7 Library Migration V8.2Software update without utilization of new functions; retains classic faceplatesSIMOCODE pro (3UF7)New installation or APL modernizationSIMOCODE pro PCS 7 Library V8.2 (APL)Software update with utilization of new functions; requires APL faceplate upgrade

Note: A 'Migration Library' is strictly an upgrade path for customers who already own an active base license for the previous version. If a facility did not previously own the SIMOCODE pro library, a full commercial license for SIMOCODE pro PCS 7 Library V8.2 must be purchased.

Drive ES Selection Rules: Drive ES Basic vs Drive ES PCS 7 vs Drive ES APL

For variable speed drives (SINAMICS G120, S120, MASTERDRIVES, MICROMASTER), engineers must understand the distinct roles of the Drive ES product tiers:

Drive ES Basic: This package provides integration into STEP 7 HW Config and launches commissioning tools (STARTER or DriveMonitor). It does NOT include CFC driver blocks or WinCC faceplates! Installing only Drive ES Basic leaves the CFC compiler unable to generate drive communication blocks.
Drive ES PCS 7 V8.2 (Classic): Contains classic function blocks (DRVPCS7) and legacy WinCC faceplates designed to match the pre-APL PCS 7 Standard Library. Use this if the overall plant retains classic faceplates (@pg_*.pdl).
Drive ES PCS 7 APL V8.2: Contains modern function blocks (DRVAPL) that interface seamlessly with the Advanced Process Library. It provides modern APL faceplates, NE 107 maintenance states, flutter suppression, and high-resolution icons.

Verification

Verify library installation and block type compatibility using these checks:

Installed Software Verification: In SIMATIC Manager, select Help -> About -> Installed Software -> Display. Confirm that SIMOCODE pro PCS 7 Library and Drive ES PCS 7 display version V8.2.
Master Data Library Synchronization: Open the Multiproject Master Data Library (MDL). Copy the updated SIMOCODE and Drive ES blocks from their respective library folders into the MDL. Execute Options -> Update Block Types.
CFC and Module Driver Compilation: Compile the CFC charts with 'Generate module drivers' checked. Confirm that diagnostic drivers (SIMO_DIAG, DRV_DIAG) generate cleanly without compilation errors.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

When upgrading intelligent motor and drive libraries, observe these operational constraints:

Incompatibility Between Migration and Native APL: Do not attempt to run SIMOCODE pro Migration blocks and native APL SIMOCODE pro blocks on the same physical motor without re-engineering; their block interfaces and message IDs differ.
WinCC Faceplate Distribution: Ensure updated graphic pictures (@pg_simocode*.pdl and @pg_drv*.pdl) are copied from the library GraCS directory into all OS projects and OS client caches before running an OS compile.
Commercial Procurement and Licensing Disclaimer: SIMOCODE pro and Drive ES PCS 7 libraries are separately licensed Siemens software products requiring Engineering licenses on the ES and Runtime licenses on each AS. Verify exact MLFB order numbers and distributor pricing prior to engineering deployment.

Engineer FAQ

Can I use Drive ES Basic alone to control a SINAMICS drive in PCS 7?

No. Drive ES Basic only provides hardware configuration and STARTER integration. To control the drive in CFC and operate it from WinCC faceplates, you must license and install Drive ES PCS 7.

What happens if I try to install a Migration library without the old version?

The installer will perform a prerequisite check in the Windows Registry or Automation License Manager. If an existing V7 license/installation is not detected, setup will abort with an 'Eligible previous version not found' error.

Is SIMOCODE-DP (3UF5) supported in PCS 7 V9.0?

No. Support for legacy SIMOCODE-DP (3UF5) hardware was phased out after PCS 7 V8.2. Upgrading to PCS 7 V9.0 mandates modernizing MCC hardware to SIMOCODE pro (3UF7).