S

FAQs about PCS 7 V6.0

March 25, 2003

Frequently
Asked
Questions
About PCS 7 V6.0
Version March 25, 2003

A&D AS PA PM

Page 1 of 11

FAQs about PCS 7 V6.0

March 25, 2003

Contents
OS............................................................................................................................................................................ 3
ARCHIVE / STORAGE PLUS ................................................................................................................................... 3
WEB ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4
SERVER ................................................................................................................................................................ 4
CLIENTS ............................................................................................................................................................... 4
GENERAL.............................................................................................................................................................. 4
ES ............................................................................................................................................................................ 5
PROCESS OBJECT LIST ........................................................................................................................................... 5
CFC/SFC ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
GENERAL.............................................................................................................................................................. 5
AS............................................................................................................................................................................ 6
F TECHNIQUE ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
BATCH................................................................................................................................................................... 7
PERIPHERALS..................................................................................................................................................... 8
COMMUNICATION ............................................................................................................................................ 9
UPGRADE / LICENCES...................................................................................................................................... 9
ADD ON ............................................................................................................................................................... 10
GENERAL ........................................................................................................................................................... 11

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Page 2 of 11

FAQs about PCS 7 V6.0

March 25, 2003

OS
Archive / Storage Plus
Query: How long can I use the new archive until I must store the data externally ? (How many
values/sec require how much storage capacity ?)
Reply: The duration depends on the hard disk capacity. An uncompressed value needs 30 bytes. A
statement cannot be made for compressed values since this depends too much on the frequency at
which the values change. Values of a cycle < 1 min are always compressed; values > 1 min are not
compressed.
Query: Can the archive server run on an OS server ? In redundant mode too ? Which will be the
resulting performance of the OS server (i.e. will I still get 5000 PLT positions in a server) ?
Reply: Basically, an archive can run as before, separately on each OS server. In large systems,
creating a separate archive server has proven helpful. The data of all OS servers are archived on this
separate server, thus relieving the individual OS servers of the archiving task. The archive server is
never connected to the process.
Query: Will the StoragePlus package also run on an archive server or an OS server? With redundant
systems too ?
Reply: The archives in PCS7 are cyclic archives. The StoragePlus package is used for final archiving
on external media (such as CD, DVD) and future evaluation. StoragePlus is used for reading the data
from the OS servers and/or the archive server at regular intervals, and for finally archiving this data.
For reasons of data integrity and performance, StoragePlus should therefore execute in a separate
PC.
Query: Which media can be used for external storage ? DVD, CD-ROM ? Can external storage also
be performed automatically ?
Reply: Basically, any medium is possible. External storage to CD-ROM or DVD is performed manually
since the medium must be inserted manually.
Automatic external storage is possible with an MOD drive that is addressed like a hard disk.
Query: Is it possible to display process values that are currently stored in the OS server or archive
server in on line mode in a curve display on the PCS 7 OS ? Can externally stored archives again be
displayed in on line mode on the PCS 7 OS ?
Reply: The stored process values can be visualized in a curve display in on line mode. External
values need not be relocated to an internal storage location for visualization. Using a viewer (WinCC
option package Dat@Monitor) permits the values that are stored in the server and the externally
stored values to be visualized as a curve. StoragePlus can be used for visualizing externally stored
data.
Query: How does redundancy work with the archive server ? When do the redundant servers
synchronize ?
Reply: Like with the OS servers, the redundancy is designed as media redundancy. This means that
both archive servers are permanently active. Following the failure of one server, the synchronization of
the two servers is triggered automatically once the failed server returns. The duration of this process
can vary depending on the loading of the servers (number of new messages).
Query: How is the connection between one redundant archive server and several redundant OS
servers ?
Reply: The communication between the archive servers and the OS servers can be configured. For
safety reasons, OS servers 1A, 2A, 3A, etc. are typically connected with archive server A, and the
redundant OS servers 1B, 2B, 3B, etc. are connected with the redundant archive server B.
Redundancy is always a media redundancy. This means that the redundant servers, too,
communicate with each other during operation.
Query: What happens to the connection with the non-redundant archive server in the event of a failure
of a redundant OS server ? Will there be any gaps in the archive then ?
Reply: The process values are not available during the switchover time (approximately 10 seconds).
Using a redundant archive server could provide a higher availability.
A&D AS PA PM

Page 3 of 11

FAQs about PCS 7 V6.0

March 25, 2003

Query: Are user archives also routed via the redundant archive server ?
Reply: User archives are a WINCC option. They are not tested explicitly with PCS 7.
Query: Is external storage of the data in Excel format (xls, csv, ...) possible ? Is, following external
storage, internal storage for visualization possible ?
Reply: The file format of the PCS 7 archives is the Microsoft SQL database format. External storage
of the archive data in EXCEL format is thus only possible in a user-specific way.
Query: Which programs can be used for reading the MS SQL archive data ? Is reading with ORACLE,
for example, possible ?
Reply: Archive data can be read via the WinCC OLEDB Provider (part of the Connectivity Pack - note
that this pack will come some time after V6.0), hiding the compression. ORACLE may basically also
be used for reading. Requirement: Using the WinCC OLEDB Provider.
Query: How does handling/configuration (TagLogging) of the archive server work ?
Reply: Like any other OS server, the archive server is engineered centrally from the Engineering
Station (also in on line mode). Like an OS client, the archive server is provided with the packages from
all OS servers.
Query: In PCS 7 V6.0, is there a basic difference to the known TagLogging ?
Reply: In V5.x, there was an unlimited number of archives for TagLogging. In V6.0, only two archives
are possible:
- TagLogging fast
- TagLogging slow

Web
Query: Can I use the web navigator for PCS 7 V6.0 ? Do I need one web navigator for each OS
server (i.e. a web server) ?
Reply: Like with PCS 7 V5.2, there will be an add-on tool for PCS 7 V6.0 that renders the OS images
web-capable. The web navigator must always be installed in each OS server. From a Remote Web
Client you may then, using a menu selection mask for example, connect to each server of the system.

Server
Query: Will there be towers available for the PCS7 OS servers ?
Reply: In the standard configuration, we offer rack PCs in industrial quality that have been tested and
released with PCS 7. A customer may as well employ different PCs at his or her own risk.
Query: Redundant servers are interconnected via serial cables for data synchronization. Which is the
maximum length permitted between the two servers and which means can I use to implement this ?
Who provides repeaters ?
Reply: A maximum length of 30 m per cable. With conversion to TTY, up to 1 km. Unlimited distance
with modems. Tests for long distances are performed for V6.0 SP1.

Clients
Query: In V6, are there still uniclients (like in V4.02), or only multiclients.
Reply: Within the scope of the migration, using uniclients will still be possible in V6.0. A maximum of
16 uniclients per server can be used. New additional clients may only be set up as multiclients.

General
Query: Is the PMC channel DLL also available in V6.0 ?
Reply: This has not been a standard that is tested by PCS7, and will not be one in V6.0. However, it
can be used in conjunction with PCS7 like any other TIA product.
A&D AS PA PM

Page 4 of 11

FAQs about PCS 7 V6.0

March 25, 2003

Query: Will V6 still support the chip card in the OS? Will the chip card also be supported by the AUA ?
Will the chip card also be supported with Batch Flexible ?
Reply: The chip card reader is also supported in PCS 7 OS V6.0. SIMATIC Logon has not been
tested up to now. AUA will not exist in conjunction with the chip card reader.
Query: Will, during a data export from WINCC, the transfer of the pathname
"\ProjectName\ProcessAreaName\ProcessUnitName\TagName\ExtensionName" be possible, or can
only the pure variable name be transferred ?
Reply: The path name can also be transferred. However, the "ProjectName" is not a part of the path.
Query: Will there be a common log-on service for Batch and OS ? Will a single log-on in the OS
station be sufficient or do I have to log on again in Batch ?
Reply: With PCS 7 V6, there will be the PCS 7 option SIMATIC Logon. This software is always a
stand-alone product that can be linked to any other component via API interfaces, provided that this
component possesses certain properties. SIMATIC Logon is completely integrated with SIMATIC
BATCH. With PCS 7 OS, it can be integrated with a few script changes.
When SIMATIC Logon is used, all components inherit the logged-on users. Thus, you need only to log
on once with a computer.

ES
Process object list
Query: Must user-specific blocks have specific attributes to make the inputs/outputs visible in the
process object list ? If this is necessary, how do I set the attribute ? And at which expenditure ?
Reply: Yes. The attribute S7_edit of the inputs and/or outputs of the blocks must be set to = para in
order to enable them to be seen in the process object list. The attribute at the signal connections of
the PCS 7 channel drivers has already been set to S7_edit = signal. Thus, these connections are
visible in the "Signals" register. This attribute can be set in the Simatic Manager at the block types.
Open block, mark block connection, object properties, enter key word (here: S7_edit) and attribute
(here: para), save block, and close.
For PCS 7 V6.0 SP1 and later: Function in the Simatic Manager: Extras > Process objects > Select
connections, function "Use default settings". Result: All instances in the project have S7_edit set like at
the related block type.
Query: Can the process object list also be used for migrated projects (V4.x => V6; V5.x => V6) ?
Reply: Yes. The procedure is described above.

CFC/SFC
Query: Does the automatic version management in SFC and CFC comply with CFR 21 ?
Reply: Using the Version Cross Checker (VXC), two project versions can be compared with each
other. The changes can be saved in the form of a CSV file, and/or printed. The version management
proper of the engineering data must manually be performed by corresponding measures (e.g. writing
on CD).

General
Query: When will there be an UNDO functionality ?
Reply: There is a multi-stage UNDO functionality in the V6.0 process object list. This means that a
change of values in the process object list can be undone by clicking the right-hand mouse button,
pressing CTRL-Z, or pressing the "UNDO" button in the top right corner. There is no final planning yet
for an UNDO functionality in the underlaid engineering tools (such as CFC, SFC, HW-Konfig).

A&D AS PA PM

Page 5 of 11

FAQs about PCS 7 V6.0

March 25, 2003

Query: How many persons can work on a PCS 7 project at the same time ?
Reply: In PCS 7, a multi-project can be created that may consist of an unlimited number of projects. A
project must contain at least one AS or OS. Each configuring engineer who works on an AS or OS can
work on a separate project of the multi-project in parallel and simultaneously with other configuring
engineers who work on other projects of the multi-project.
Query: Is there a DVD drive in the ES computer for PCS 7 V6.0 ?
Reply: For PCS 7 V6.0 SP1 (approximately 07/2003) and later, there will be the PCS 7 PC IL40
Midrange with DVD drive. There is a DVD/CD-RW (i.e. reading DVD and writing CD) in the ES station.
Furthermore, there will be an advanced ES station with DVD recorder (approximately 10/2003). DVD
recorders are not permitted at the side of the OS server.
Query: How is the handling of the master data library ? What happens to the derivatives when the
types are changed ?
Reply: In the master data library, the user can define measuring point types (CFC charts with logic,
such as motor, valve, controller, etc.) centrally throughout the project. In the project, derivatives are
generated from these types. If the type is changed, this change can automatically be propagated to all
derivatives. Changes affect inputs and outputs of the measuring point types. Structural changes of the
measuring point type within the CFC chart are not possible.

AS
Query: What happens if a module does not exist physically (has not been inserted) after the CIR
operation ?
Reply: A corresponding error message is generated and sent to the OS. The common fault indicator
(red LED) of the interface module in the corresponding station and of the CPU are ON, and an error
message is entered in the diagnosis buffer of the CPU.
Query: Possible on line changes ET 200M: What do I have to schedule/preconfigure for an extension
by one module / ET200M tier / I/O channel (key word in HW-Konfig: CiR module) ?
Reply: The CiR capability per DP branch must be activated once during the first configuration. The
associated CIR object on the Profibus branch defines the maximum number of DP slaves that can be
added (10 DP slaves are guaranteed in the standard configuration).
Query: Are all inputs and outputs of a CPU frozen during the CIR process ? How long is this time ?
Reply: Yes. The CIR process affects all Profibus branches connected to the respective CPU, and the
peripheral units connected to them. The time during which the I/O peripherals are frozen depends on
the connected peripheral units and on the extent of the change. The "worst-case" time is displayed in
the Engineering System beforehand. Usually, this time is significantly shorter than 1 second. The time
for inserting a new ET200M module, for example, is shorter than 30 ms. After the CIR process has
been completed, this time is shown as an I&C message on the PCS 7 OS.
Query: Can the CIR object be changed in on line mode ?
Reply: The CIR object on the Profibus branch is defined after the hardware configuration has been
completed. The major parameter value assignment concerns the maximum number of DP slaves that
can be added later. This parameter value assignment cannot be changed in on line mode.
Query: Is FW update possible during operation ?
Reply: Even with H machines, FW update is currently only possible in conjunction with a CPU stop.
Query: Which hardware is required for CIR (CPUs, CPs, IMs) ?
Reply:
AS:
Firmware V3.1 for the following hardware:
CPU414-3
6ES7 414-3XJ00-0AB0, all versions
CPU416-2
6ES7 416-2XK02-0AB0, all versions
CPU416-3
6ES7 416-3XL00-0AB0, all versions
CPU417-4
6ES7 417-4XL00-0AB0, all versions

A&D AS PA PM

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FAQs about PCS 7 V6.0

March 25, 2003

Firmware V3.1.1 for the following hardware:

CPU414-4H
6ES7 414-4HJ00-0AB0, all versions
CPU417-4H
6ES7 417-4HL01-0AB0, all versions
IM 153-2 High Feature
IM 153-2 High Feature FO
Bus module (153-2, red.)

6ES7 153-2BA00-0XB0
6ES7 153-2BB00-0XB0
6ES7 195-7HD10-0XA0

IM 153-2
High Feature, Redundancy Bundle
I/O Subsystem High Feature (Hot Swapping)

6ES7 153-2AR01-0XA0
6ES7 654-0XX06-1XA0

IM 157
Bus module (157, red.)
Y Link

6ES7 157-0AA82-0XA0
6ES7 195-7HD80-0XA0
6ES7197-1LA02-0XA0

CP443-5 Ext.
6GK7443-5DX03-0XE0 FW: V 5.0
(CIR also works with the internal Profibus interface of the S7-400 CPUs)

F Technique
Query: How does the new F stop work ?
Reply: Not, like before, the CPU but - depending on the configuration - merely the corresponding step
logic group or the entire F program is switched to stop when the F program detects a fault.
Query: CIR with F technique ? Which restrictions ? Can there be a stop of the CPU if the time
required for inserting is longer than the F watchdog time ?
Reply: During operation, a new F module can - even with a singular CPU - only be added during
standard mode (i.e. deactivated F operation).

Batch
Query: Can the structure / parameter documentation of the SFC be inserted into WORD descriptions,
for example ? In batch configuration, the description of a process-related sequence is required
additionally for validation.
Reply: The SFC structure cannot be inserted directly as graphics into MS-WORD.
However, SIMATIC BATCH offers a graphical documentation of the recipe structure.
Query: Is it possible to jump with a mouse click directly from a step (GOP) in the RT representation of
the batch control into the associated SFC ?
Reply: No, in V6.0 there is no possibility of jumping directly from SIMATIC BATCH into another
component. However, you can jump from the unit faceplate into the visualization of the corresponding
phase.
Query: In V4.02, the currently running batches are set to HALT when the redundant server pair is
being loaded. Does this behavior also exist in V6 ? Could the reason of this behavior be in the fact that
the V4.02 batch is connected with only one OS-DB ?
Reply: With V4.02, too, the batches will not transition directly to HALT when the OS is loaded.
However, the batch control that is linked with the OS is brought down. Upon the restart of the CST, all
batches that have not been terminated transition to the state "Halt after AF". This is no longer the case
with V6.
Query: Does SIMATIC BATCH V6.0 employ the S88 and S95 naming convention ?
Reply: S88 yes; S95 naming conventions yes, graphical representation no.
Query: How does license counting work for SIMATIC BATCH ? What is a batch object ? Which is the
correlation with the ES objects (POs) ? Do I need more POs in Engineering for SIMATIC BATCH ?
Reply: The licensing concept of SIMATIC BATCH is different than the licensing concept of BATCH
flexible V4.02. You always need a Basic Package License that includes a license for a recipe editor
A&D AS PA PM

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FAQs about PCS 7 V6.0

March 25, 2003

and a batch control center. Depending on the system size, there are three different options with 600,
1800, or more than 1800 process objects for batch. Process objects are the instances of the unit
blocks and equipment module (EPH/EOP) blocks . Furthermore, there are licenses for the options
batch planning, hierarchical recipes, ROP libraries, formulae, and API. There is an upgrade license for
the migration from V4 to V6.
Query: Configuration variants BATCH (OS single station and batch in the same computer - OS server
and Batch server in one computer - separate OS / batch servers). From which quantity framework
onwards do I need a separate batch server ? Which performance / loading do the individual batch
packages require when they are used in an OS server ?
Reply: With four and more OS servers, you should install the batch server in a separate computer.
Currently, there are no results yet from the performance tests.
Query: Is there an enabling or disabling of operator actions by activity, function of status (Phase
Complete).
Reply: There is a sophisticated operator rights management based on functions and operations,
computers and units.

Peripherals
Query: The ET200M line has now also been approved for zone 2. Which modular packaging system
is used and can I remove or insert modules during operation in zone 2 ?
Reply: In zone 2, the ET200M must be installed in suitable stainless-steel enclosures (contact person:
Helmut Heib, phone +49 (721) 595-3776). The zone-2 certificate certifies that there are no sparks
during normal operation. Normal operation means: The PROFIBUS-DP connector, the front
connectors of the module, and the modules are installed. The PROFIBUS-DP cable must be protected
against damage. Replacing a module requires permission ("fire note"). Transmitters and actuators
must be approved for operation with equipment that is not intrinsically safe.
The same restrictions apply to Zone-2 approvals of competitor systems.
Query: Redundant ET200 M; which modules do support the redundancy ? Is this also possible for
AO ? Switchover times ?
Reply: From PCS 7 V5 already, redundant peripherals can be obtained for all signal types through
application (see PAS Technical Ticker Redundant I/O signal processing with PCS7 V5.2 V2.0).
From V6-0 onwards, PCS 7 automatically supports three ET200M modules (DI 16 x DC24V, with
diagnosis, 6ES7 321-7BH00-0AB0; DO 32 x DC24V/0.5A 6ES7 322-1BL00-0AA0; AI 8 x 12 bits,
6ES7 331-7KF02-0AB0). This means that the user need not program explicitly the redundancy in the
CFC. The system performs switchover through the PCS 7 drivers.
The switchover time is chiefly determined by three factors:
a) Signal conditioning time of the module, and bus propagation time (typically 10-50 ms, see module
specifications).
b) Discrepancy time of the redundant signals (selectable in ms in HW-konfig).
c) Cyclic invocation of the PCS 7 driver in the prompting alarm OB (typically 20 ms 1 s).
This means that the error detection and, consequently, the switchover times are chiefly determined by
the invocation of the driver blocks.
The PCS 7 add-on module Add FEM can be used for very fast processes. This module contains two
modules that are connected with each other, thus permitting a switchover time of less than 1 ms.
Query: Do ET200iS and ET200S work after the Y link ?
Reply: Has not been released for PCS 7 V6.0. In individual cases, there are application solutions with
restricted functionality (no diagnosis that is automatically integrated in PCS 7; configuration via GSD
file, parameter value assignment via PDM works without any restrictions).
Query: Does the diagnosis repeater report directly to the OS in the event of a failure ? Function of the
diagnosis repeater ?
Reply: Yes. The diagnosis repeater has been integrated into the PCS 7 driver concept. A system
block is produced automatically that sends corresponding alarm messages to the PCS 7 OS in the
event of a failure. The diagnosis repeater is used for amplifying the signals on the Profibus.
Furthermore, it provides a detailed diagnosis function of the connected Profibus segments.

A&D AS PA PM

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FAQs about PCS 7 V6.0

March 25, 2003

Query: Which diagnosis information/messages do the new PA drivers offer in PCS 7 ?

Reply: The PCS 7 PA blocks cyclically read the process value with status byte (Quality Code) of the
PROFIBUS PA field device (structure according to Analog Input of the PA profiles). The status byte
contains information about the measured value and the state of the PROFIBUS PA field device.
To improve the interconnectability, further important detail information - in addition to the status byte is offered as Boolean values at the output interface. This information corresponds to the bit
combinations defined in the PROFIBUS PA 3.0 "General Requirements". Based on the Quality Codes,
device-specific I&C messages are generated via ALARM_8P.
Acyclic events are captured with special diagnosis blocks, and routed to the corresponding PA blocks
(see above). The interconnection is made automatically using the driver wizard.

Communication
Query: How does the new AS-OS communication work ? Do they necessitate user-specific blocks to
be adapted ? Increased performance ?
Reply: In PCS 7 V5, communication works cyclically. This means that the AS sends the requested
data every 2 seconds after an inquiry from the OS (e.g. invocation of a face plate). In PCS 7 V6.0, the
AS also sends cyclically every 2 seconds, but only after the data has changed. Depending on the data
type (analog values, binary values), this results in a performance increased by a factor of 3...6.

Upgrade / licenses
Query: How does an upgrade from V4.02 to V6.0 work ?
Reply: First install V5.2 in ES migrate the project to V5.2 (in particular adaptation to the new driver
concept). Next, upgrade ES to V6.0 with WIN2000, and migrate the project to V6.0.
Query: Is upgrading possible while the operation is running ?
Reply: With redundant OS servers, yes. If no new functions are used in the AS, the AS systems can
be used without interruption.
Query: Can the driver blocks and user-specific blocks of V4.02 still be used in V6.0 ? Do I have to
replace hardware on AS or I/O level, even if I do not use new functions ?
Reply: Currently, the drivers of PCS 7 V4.02 have not been tested with PCS 7 V6.0, and released.
Basically, we recommend to upgrade the drivers to V5.2 and V6.0 and to carry out the associated
upgrade of the CPU. We currently test whether or not V4.02 drivers can be used with PCS 7 V6.0 in
exceptions. Related statements will probably be available by end of July 2003. Due to the multitude of
user-specific blocks, the product management is not able to make a basic statement about the
utilization of these blocks in PCS 7 V6.0.
Query: How long will V5.2 still be maintained ?
Reply: Up to PCS 7 V7.0.
Query: Which is the strategy with respect to upgrading from V5.2 to V6.0 ?
Reply: Minimum upgrading includes the ES and OS stations to WIN2K and memory configuration.
The automation level can remain, new functions (such as CiR or QTM) can then not be used.
Query: Will a CP443-5 Ext., that is ordered today, already be equipped with the new firmware V5.0 ?
Reply: Yes.
Query: Do the I/O bundles (ZuS), the redundancy bundle and the Y link already contain the new
IM153-2 ?
Reply: There are three new bundles for V6.0:
IM 153-2 High Feature, Redundancy Bundle
6ES7 153-2AR01-0XA0
I/O Subsystem High Feature (ZuS)
6ES7 654-0XX06-1XA0
Y link
6ES7197-1LA01-0XA0

A&D AS PA PM

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FAQs about PCS 7 V6.0

March 25, 2003

Query: Does the upgrading of V4.x / V5.x systems to V6 require new PC / CPU / CP / IM ...
components ?
Reply: For ES and OS servers, we recommend as a minimum Pentium III 800 MHz and 512 MB RAM.
New functions, such as CiR and QTM, require new CPU, CP and IM hardware and firmware (see
migration foil set).
Query: Are there instructions on how to carry out the upgrading from Batch V4.02 to V6.0 ?
Reply: Yes. This is described in the documentation of Batch V6.0.
Query: Why is there no upgrade package for the OS server redundancy license ?
Reply: This upgrade is not necessary. When a customer has purchased the redundancy license in
PCS7 V5.2, this license is also valid in PCS 7 V6.0 without the need of purchasing an upgrade
package.
Query: Why is there no package for PCS 7 - OS software server V6.0 (PO250/RT8k) ?
Why is there no package PCS 7 OS software redundant server pack V6.0 (PO250/RT8k) ?
Reply: For this small license, there is not usually an OS server or a redundant server used, but an OS
single-position station.
If a customer needs this OS server redundant license, he or she can obtain these licenses individually
via WINCC:
2 x WINCC OS Server license
1 x WINCC Redundancy license
2 x 250 POs PCS 7 OS single-position package
Query: Are the licenses of Microsoft SQL Server 2000 included in WinCC, or do I have to purchase
these licenses separately ?
Reply: The licenses of Microsoft SQL Server 2000 are included in the price of PCS 7 V6.0 (WinCC). If
you access the SQL server from an office PC, you must purchase an additional CAL (Client Access
License) for this PC.
Query: Simatic Logon - which licenses do I have to purchase ?
Reply: The license Simatic Logon Service must be ordered for each computer that shall be logged
on via the Simatic Logon. The computer that shall define the administration for the Simatic Logon
requires the license Logon Admin Tool. Both licenses must be installed here if the ES station shall
also be protected in the group (i.e. log-on via SIMATIC Logon).
Query: How can I upgrade a PCS 7 V5.2 256k OS license to PCS 7 V6.0 ?
Reply: This license was only available for certain customers. Upgrading is performed without costs in
agreement with PM.
Query: Are there still the two license counts, WinCC variables and PCS 7 ES process objects ?
Reply: For PCS 7 V6.0, there are only AS/OS engineering complete packages in PO license grading.
Since variable counting still exists on the OS side, a definition was made that says that one project
object corresponds to 30 OS variables. An upgrade power pack is required if a customer exceeds the
number of POs or OS variables.
Licenses on PO basis are also offered for PCS 7 OS Runtime. License counting is based on the
number of OS variables. Here, too, 1 PO = 30 OS variables.
Query: Is a mixed configuration of an OS server V6 with AS systems with V5 blocks and V6 blocks
possible ?
Reply: On an OS server V6, you can use either AS systems with V5 or with V6. Mixed operation on a
server is not possible.

Add On
Query: Will add-on libraries work after the migration V5.2 -> V6.0 ?
Reply: Each add-on partner will basically test his products with V6.0 and release them after V6.0 has
been released. The deadline is approximately 3 months after the release of V6.0.
Where blocks are concerned, there should be no problems in the migration V5.2 -> V6.0 since "old"
blocks are still supported if V6.0 functions are not required.
A&D AS PA PM

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FAQs about PCS 7 V6.0

March 25, 2003

Query: How will the CFR 21-compatible AUA be available for all further user management in V6.0 ?
Reply: In V6.0, the new uniform user management Simatic Logon will be used. AUA will still be
available for V5.2 as an add-on. AUA will not be released for PCS 7 V6.0. There will be migration
instructions for projects that migrate from AUA to Simatic Logon.

General
Query: How long will Microsoft still supply Windows 2000 ? Will there be an XP version later ?
Reply: Unfortunately, we cannot tell how long Microsoft will support Windows 2000. If necessary, we
will decide whether or not PCS 7 will be released under WinXP, too.
Query: Are there any 5.2 functions that will no longer be available with version V6.0 ?
Reply: We do not know any.
Query: When will there be a new Protime calculator for PCS 7 V6.0 ?
st
Reply: For the delivery release 1 quarter 2003.
Query: Does the V5.2 -> V6.0 upgrade package also contain the WIN2K license ?
Reply: No. There will be a separate WIN2K license with our MLFB number. Contact person is Manfred
Br.
Query: Is there an integration of the telecontrol system in PCS7 V6.0 ?
Reply: There are application-based solutions within the scope of T.I.A.
Query: Has the installation of MS Office packages (such as Excel for providing values to the process
object list) in the ES officially been approved in V6 ?
Reply: Yes. PCS 7 V6.0 engineering has been tested for compatibility with the Office 2000 package.
However, we do not assume any responsibility for any problems that may result from using the Office
package with PCS 7.
Query: Which are the minimum requirements with respect to PCs for V6.0 ?
Reply: As a minimum configuration, we recommend PIII 800 MHz with 512 MB memory for all PCS 7
computers (ES, OS server, OS client). The project size, however, is decisive with the ES and OS
server computers. This requires a memory size of 1024 MB and a faster CPU. In PCS 7 V6.0, the
standard configuration of the bundled computers is 2.0 GHz and 512 MB RAM.

A&D AS PA PM

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