CCConfiguration Tool
CCConfiguration Tool
2
______________
System requirements
Installation of the
3
SIMATIC HMI ______________
ConfigurationTool
4
WinCC V7.0 ______________
Interface
6
Printout of the Online Help ______________
Diagnostics
7
______________
Tips and tricks
04/2008
Safety Guidelines
Safety Guidelines
This manual contains notices you have to observe in order to ensure your personal safety, as well as to prevent
damage to property. The notices referring to your personal safety are highlighted in the manual by a safety alert
symbol, notices referring only to property damage have no safety alert symbol. These notices shown below are
graded according to the degree of danger.
DANGER
indicates that death or severe personal injury will result if proper precautions are not taken.
WARNING
indicates that death or severe personal injury may result if proper precautions are not taken.
CAUTION
with a safety alert symbol, indicates that minor personal injury can result if proper precautions are not taken.
CAUTION
without a safety alert symbol, indicates that property damage can result if proper precautions are not taken.
NOTICE
indicates that an unintended result or situation can occur if the corresponding information is not taken into
account.
If more than one degree of danger is present, the warning notice representing the highest degree of danger will
be used. A notice warning of injury to persons with a safety alert symbol may also include a warning relating to
property damage.
Qualified Personnel
The device/system may only be set up and used in conjunction with this documentation. Commissioning and
operation of a device/system may only be performed by qualified personnel. Within the context of the safety notes
in this documentation qualified persons are defined as persons who are authorized to commission, ground and
label devices, systems and circuits in accordance with established safety practices and standards.
Prescribed Usage
Note the following:
WARNING
This device may only be used for the applications described in the catalog or the technical description and only
in connection with devices or components from other manufacturers which have been approved or
recommended by Siemens. Correct, reliable operation of the product requires proper transport, storage,
positioning and assembly as well as careful operation and maintenance.
Trademarks
All names identified by ® are registered trademarks of the Siemens AG. The remaining trademarks in this
publication may be trademarks whose use by third parties for their own purposes could violate the rights of the
owner.
Disclaimer of Liability
We have reviewed the contents of this publication to ensure consistency with the hardware and software
described. Since variance cannot be precluded entirely, we cannot guarantee full consistency. However, the
information in this publication is reviewed regularly and any necessary corrections are included in subsequent
editions.
Overview
The WinCC configuration tool provides a simple, high-performance option for configuring
bulk data in WinCC.
Microsoft Excel serves as the user interface. Due to its table structure, it is particularly
suitable for the handling and representation of data from WinCC. It also offers a wide range
of editing options (including autofill, etc.). Moreover, experienced users can extend the
edition options by creating VBA programs (macros).
The configuration tool allows you to set up a new WinCC project and to configure it from the
very beginning from within Excel. In addition, you can also read in existing WinCC projects
and process them in Excel. The local configuration data are used for this purpose. Only
clients without a project of their own can be read in remotely. The computer name of the
client on which the ConfigurationTool is running must be entered in the project on the server.
The right for "Configure remote" must have been assigned.
The configuration is done in a special type of Excel workbook known as a WinCC project
folder. It contains various types of worksheets that are used to configure specific types of
WinCC objects. The configuration tool allows you to configure data from the data manager,
alarm logging, tag logging and the text library.
Note
In the ConfigurationTool, you can only edit links or tags of channels that are included by
default in WinCC.
System requirements
● Windows XP SP2 / Windows Vista
● Microsoft Excel XP, Office 2003
● Internet Explorer 6 or 7
Note
You will need the "Office Assistant" in Excel, so that the warning messages of the
configuration tool will be output.
See also
Example of a quantity structure in the configuration tool (Page 123)
Alternative procedure
It is also possible to install the WinCC ConfigurationTool from the WinCC DVD.
1. Switch to the WinCC DVD directory "InstData\WinCC\setup\Products\ConfigurationTool".
2. Double-click setup.exe.
3. Follow the instructions in the dialog boxes.
The WinCC ConfigurationTool is installed.
Introduction
The configuration tool features a number of new functions. It comes with its own toolbar and
system menu entry. New menu options are also added to the Excel menu. The following
chapters describe the above menu options and functions in more detail.
See also
Status bar (Page 16)
Toolbar (Page 12)
Pop-up menu (Page 15)
Dropdown menu (Page 12)
4.2 Toolbar
Introduction
The toolbar of the configuration tool contains the following elements.
Introduction
The dropdown menu contains the options available under the respective menu headings.
The configuration tool adds a separate menu item to the Excel menu.
Create project The "New project folder" wizard is opened. This wizard allows you to set up a new
folder project folder.
Switching Opens the "Select language" dialog.
languages
Help Opens the online help of the configuration tool.
Create WinCC The "New WinCC project" wizard is opened. With this wizard, you can create a
project new WinCC project. The project folder is then linked to the new WinCC
project.
Establish project Establishes a link between the project folder and the associated WinCC
connection project.
Adding tables The "Add table" dialog is opened. In this dialog, you can add new worksheets
to the project folder.
Change RT Opens the "Change RT language" dialog.
language
Write objects Depending on the type of worksheet that is active, additional menu options
might be available. These are primarily menu options used to write objects that
can be configured on the active worksheet.
Introduction
The configuration tool adds two additional menu options to the row pop-up menu of Excel.
The row pop-up menu is only available if entire rows in the worksheet are selected.
WinCC - write This menu item is only available, if there is a link to the associated WinCC
selection project. With the menu option "WinCC - write selection", all selected objects are
written to WinCC. This is the only option allowing to write individual objects to
WinCC.
WinCC - delete This menu option "WinCC - delete selection" is used to delete selected objects
selection from the project folder and WinCC. Only this menu allows deleting individual
objects from WinCC.
Introduction
In the configuration tool the status bar of Excel shows information relating to WinCC. If a
project is opened in WinCC, the status bar shows its path and the project name of the
WinCC project currently open in WinCC.
Introduction
Generally, all functions offered by Excel can be used without restriction. Exceptions here are
the sort and delete functions as they are used by the configuration tool itself.
The configuration tool assists you in the entry of data, providing you with a range of useful
function.
Autofilling
With autofill, which is an Excel standard function, you can enter many objects in a very
efficient way. The configuration tool supports the autofill operation in two different ways. You
can specify the autofilling method you wish to use in the project properties table.
Note
For more information on the autofill tool, please refer to the Microsoft Excel help.
Unique name
The configuration tool checks object names for uniqueness. If an already used name is
detected, you can configure the system to automatically generate a new unique name. The
original name is complemented with a consecutive number.
If you wish to generate object names that are numbered consecutively, we recommend using
the Excel standard function designed for this purpose (enter first name, e.g. Tag_1 and then
autofill).
Input Prompts
The configuration tool checks each data input. If invalid data is entered, it is automatically
corrected. Each alteration performed by the configuration tool is commented by an input
prompt. This is displayed by the Office Assistant. The input prompt need not be
acknowledged but disappears automatically with the next input.
Note
If the Office Assistant is not installed, it is not possible to use the input prompt.
Introduction
The configuration data of a WinCC project is managed in a project folder. It contains various
types of table sheets which serve to configure specific types of WinCC objects. A new
project folder can be created using the toolbar or drop-down menu.
Procedure
1. Click the button in the toolbar. The "New project folder" wizard is opened.
2. The following 3 options are available on the first page of the wizard:
No connection
A project folder will be created which is not assigned to any WinCC project.
Establish connection to new project
A new project folder is created. A new WinCC project is created and assigned to the
project folder.
3. Select the required option and press the "Complete" button. For the options
"Establish connection to new project" and "Establish connection to existing project", press
the "Continue" button.
4. The procedures for this are described in the chapters below.
See also
Creating a project folder with a connection to an existing WinCC project (Page 22)
Creating a project folder with a connection to a new WinCC project (Page 24)
Creating a project folder without a connection (Page 21)
Introduction
The configuration tool allows you to set up a project folder that is not assigned to a WinCC
project. A project folder that is not linked to a WinCC project can be configured without any
restrictions. It is however not possible to write data to WinCC. In order to write configured
data to WinCC, you must create a new WinCC project.
Procedure
1. Click the button in the toolbar. The "New project folder" wizard is opened.
2. Select the option "No connection". Click "Complete" to close the wizard.
See also
Creating a new WinCC project (Page 26)
Introduction
The configuration tool offers you the option to create a new project folder and to assign it to
an already existing WinCC project. The data of the WinCC project are then read to the new
project folder.
Procedure
1. Click the button in the toolbar. The "New project folder" wizard is opened.
2. Select the option "Establish connection to existing project". Click "Continue" to open the
second page of the wizard.
3. Select the desired WinCC project. Click "Complete" to close the wizard.
Note
When reading large WinCC projects, Microsoft Excel might display an OLE message box.
This box is automatically acknowledged by the configuration tool. While the OLE message
box is displayed, performance might be impaired.
Introduction
The configuration tool offers you the option to create a new project folder and to assign it to a
new WinCC project. The data already available in the project are read.
Procedure
1. Click the button in the toolbar. The "New project folder" wizard is opened.
2. Select option "Establish connection to new project". Click "Continue" to open the second
page of the wizard.
3. Select the type of the new WinCC project. Click "Continue" to open the third page of the
wizard.
4. On the third page of the wizard, select the location in which the new WinCC project is to
be saved. Enter a name for the new WinCC project. Also specify the folder in which the
project folder is to be set up. Click "Complete" to close the wizard.
Introduction
The configuration tool allows you to set up a new WinCC project for an existing project
folder. This WinCC project is assigned to the project folder.
Procedure
1. Click the button in the toolbar. The "New project folder" wizard is opened.
2. Select the type of the new WinCC project. Click "Continue" to open the second page of
the wizard.
3. On the second page of the wizard, select the location in which the new WinCC project is
to be saved. You must enter the name of the new WinCC project. Also specify the folder
in which the project folder is to be set up. Click "Complete" to close the wizard.
5.3 Worksheets
5.3.1 Worksheets
Introduction
When a new project folder is created, at least one copy of each necessary sheet type is
created. You also have the option to add additional sheets.
Structure of a worksheet
In the table, one row each is assigned to each object to be configured. The colored lines are
headings, and the gray cells are the parameter headings. The data area consists of the cells
below the parameter headings. The cells outside the data area are available for use as
required.
Introduction
The "Project Properties" sheet contains information on the WinCC project. In addition, it is
possible to define settings here that affect the entire project folder.
WinCC project
Project name Path and project file of the connected WinCC project.
Project type Type of the project.
Establish connection Choose between "Manual" and "On opening".
If "Manual" is selected, use the toolbar button or dropdown menu to establish a connection
to the associated WinCC project after the project folder is opened.
If "On opening" is selected, the connection to the associated WinCC project is automatically
established when the project folder is opened.
Connection status Indicates whether the associated WinCC project is open or not. Data can only be written to
WinCC, if a connection is established to the project.
Data input
Use default values It is possible to define whether default values should be used or not.
If this is the case, the default values from the default value table are used during
configuration.
If not, the default values are not used. The use of default values increases performance
considerably.
Add-In
Maximum number of lines This is used to define the number of lines after which a new sheet should be created when
reading out data.
Limiting the number of lines improves the performance as Excel requires a considerably
longer time to create new data from a certain number of lines.
Create Messages
Deleting existing messages Specify here whether the already existing messages are to be deleted when messages from
the tag table are generated for the selected tags.
Display dialog Define here whether you wish to use the dialog for the generation of messages from the tag
table.
If not, the settings defined in the "Alarm Logging Default Values" sheet are used.
Delete existing limit values Define here whether existing limit values for the selected tags are to be deleted when limit
values are generated from the tag table.
Display dialog Define here whether the dialog for the creation of limit values from the tag table is to be
used.
If not, the settings defined in the "Alarm Logging Default Values" sheet are used.
Delete existing archive tags Define here whether existing archive tags for the selected tags are to be
deleted when archive tags are created from the tag table.
Display dialog Specify whether the dialog is to be used to create archive tags from the
tag table.
If you deactivate the dialog, the dialog will open one time. Enter a process
value archive in the dialog as the default archive. Check the "Retain
settings" option so that the dialog will not longer be opened in the future.
The settings defined in the
"Tag Logging Default Values" sheet will be used.
Alarm logging
Check bits for use Define here whether the WinCC configuration tool is to check the tag bit
combination in the alarm logging.
Prompt to display request for modification of This option is used to define whether, following modification of a status
all status texts used text in a message category, a prompt is to be displayed requesting the
modification of all identical status texts.
Prompt to display request for modification of This option is used to define whether, following modification of a message
all message texts used text, a prompt is to be displayed requesting the modification of all identical
message texts.
Delete unused texts This option is used to define whether unused texts are to be automatically
deleted from the text library when deleting objects from the alarm logging
system.
Delete limit values when deleting your single This option is used to define whether limit values are also to be deleted
message when deleting the set single messages or whether a default message
number is to be set.
Comments
Display comments Define here whether the comments are to be displayed on the
"Project Properties" sheet.
Introduction
Connections, tags, structure tags and structure types can be configured on the data
manager sheets. It is also possible to define default values for tags in the "Data Manager
Default Values" sheet. The procedure to configure data in the data manager is explained in
the following chapters.
See also
Operation of the "Connections/Groups" sheet (Page 35)
Operation of the "Structure Tags" sheet (Page 41)
Operation of the "Structure Types" sheet (Page 44)
Operation of the "Tags" sheet (Page 38)
Operation of the "Data Manager Default Values" sheet (Page 33)
Introduction
The configuration tool offers the option of pre-assigning default values to parameters of
newly created objects. These default values can be defined on the "Data Manager Default
Values" sheet.
The settings defined here are also used for the structure type elements.
Procedure
One row each is available for the data types that can be set for tags. Define the settings for
the relevant data type in this row.
Table structure
The following table lists all parameters that must be defined for tags in the "Data Manager
Default Values" sheet. Parameters with dropdown list boxes are identified by a icon.
Type Conversion
Connection of the tag.
Connection
Group
Address Address of the tag. This can only be adjusted for external tags. The
structure of the address depends on the communication driver set for
the connection. For the structure of the address, refer to the tags in
the parameters column in the WinCC Explorer. The address is
currently not checked for validity. All entries are thus considered
valid.
Update of the tag. This option is only available for internal tags. You
can choose between the options "for entire project" and "local
computer related".
Update
Linear scaling process from Scaling range in the process (source scaling).
Linear scaling process to Scaling range in the process (source scaling).
Linear scaling tag from Scaling range of the tag (scaled representation).
Linear scaling tag to Scaling range of the tag (scaled representation).
Upper limit Upper limit value of the tag.
Lower limit Lower limit value of the tag.
Substitute value to be used if the actual value is below the lower limit.
Tag synchronization Internal tags are compared on partner computers as soon as one of
the tags is modified on one of the redundant servers.
See also
Operation of the "Project Properties" sheet (Page 30)
Introduction
The connection sheet is used for the configuration of two different types of WinCC objects.
This concerns both the connection and the groups assigned to it. The logical assignment of
connections and groups is determined by the position of the respective object in the table.
Procedure
Connections
To create a new connection, you must assign a name to it. The connection thus becomes a
valid object and can be written to WinCC. The connection parameters are assigned default
values. The default values cannot be modified.
Groups
Groups can only be added to existing connections. In order to configure a group, you must
assign only one name to the group.
Writing
Groups are always automatically written to WinCC together with the associated connection.
In order to write groups, you must write the associated connection.
Delete
When a connection is deleted, all subordinate groups are deleted with it. In addition, all
connection tags are deleted. The "Internal tags" connection cannot be deleted. When a
group is deleted, all tags in the group are also deleted.
Note
The data are deleted permanently from the project folder and WinCC. The deletion of the
data cannot be undone.
Table structure
The following table lists all parameters that must be set for connections in the
"Connections/Groups" sheet. Parameters with dropdown list boxes are identified by a
icon.
Communication driver
Channel unit of the connection.
Channel unit
Parameters Parameter string of the connection. The structure of the parameter string
depends on the chosen communication driver. The parameter string is
currently not checked for validity. All entries are thus considered valid.
Error text Short description of an error that occurred while writing to WinCC. Error-free
objects are assigned the error text "OK".
The following table lists all parameters which must be set for groups in the
"Connections/Groups" sheet.
Introduction
The tags required can be configured in the "Tags" sheet. When configuring structure tags,
their structure instance elements are automatically created in the tag table.
Procedure
In order to create a new tag, you must assign a name to it. However, the assignment of a
name alone does not mean that the tag is a valid object or that it can be written to WinCC.
If no tag name has been specified, it is not possible to edit the other tag parameters. After
specifying a tag name, only the data type can be edited. The tag becomes a valid object only
after it has been assigned a data type.
If filling with default values has been activated, the other archive parameters of the tag are
assigned the values defined in the default value table.
Writing
As soon as the tag becomes a valid object, it can be written to WinCC. Structure instance
elements cannot be written from the tag table. They are automatically written together with
the associated structure tags.
Delete
On deleting a tag, all limit value monitoring settings configured for this tag are also deleted.
For other objects, the cross-references to the tag are deleted.
Note
The data are deleted permanently from the project folder and WinCC. The deletion of data
cannot be undone.
Special functions
The configuration tool allows you to configure single messages, limit value monitoring and
archive tags from the tag table. The row pop-up menu in the tag table provides a number of
selection options. The procedure of creating objects via the row pop-up menu of the tag table
is explained in the following chapters.
Table structure
The following table lists all parameters that must be set for tags in the "Tags" sheet.
Data type
Length Length of the tags in WinCC in bytes. For most data types, this value
cannot be edited.
Type conversion of the tag. This can only be adjusted for external
tags. Not all data types are assigned format adaptation features.
Type Conversion
Connection of the tag.
Connection
Group of the tag. This parameter is optional.
Group
Address Address of the tag. This can only be adjusted for external tags. The
structure of the address depends on the communication driver set for
the connection. For the structure of the address, refer to the tags in
the parameters column in the WinCC Explorer. The address is
currently not checked for validity. All entries are thus considered valid.
Update
Specify here whether linear scaling is to be used. Linear scaling can
only be chosen for external tags. Not all data types support linear
scaling.
Note
If external tags are created in the tag management of WinCC using the mapper from STEP7,
the connection association must not also be changed using the WinCC Configuration Tool.
See also
Creating archive tags from the tag table (Page 105)
Creating limit value monitoring from the tag table (Page 111)
Creating single messages from the tag table (Page 107)
Address strings for Simatic S7 Protocol Suite (Page 129)
Introduction
The required structure tags can be configured on the "Structure Tags" sheet. To do so, at
least one structure type must have already been configured in the project folder.
Procedure
In order to create a new structure tag, you must assign a name to it. However, the
assignment of a name alone does not mean that the structure tag is a valid object or can be
written to WinCC.
If no name has been assigned, it is not possible to edit the other structure tag parameters.
After specifying a tag name, only the data type can be edited. The structure tag becomes a
valid object after it has been assigned a data type.
After defining the structure type, the structure instance elements required for the structure
tag are automatically created on a tag table. After modifications to the structure tag, its
structure instance elements are automatically updated. This also applies to modifications to
the structure type itself.
While adding new structure elements or changing data types of structure elements, you need
to enter the address of all structure tags of this type.
Note
In the following SIMATIC channels, the addresses of the structure instance elements are
generated automatically from the start address of the structure tags:
• SIMATIC S7 Protocol Suite
• SIMATIC S5 Ethernet Layer 4
• SIMATIC S5 Ethernet TF
• SIMATIC S5 PMC Ethernet
• SIMATIC TI Ethernet Layer 4
• SIMATIC S5 PMC Profibus
• SIMATIC S5 Serial 3964R
• SIMATIC S5 Programmers Port AS511
Write
If an attempt is made to write a structure tag to WinCC whose set structure type does not
exist in WinCC or whose parameters in WinCC are not updated, a prompt appears
requesting whether the structure type should also be written. If the prompt is answered with
"No", the selected structure tags are not written to WinCC.
The structure instance elements are also automatically written to WinCC.
Delete
On deleting a structure tag, all associated structure instance elements are also deleted.
Note
The data are deleted permanently from the project folder and WinCC. The deletion of the
data cannot be undone.
Table structure
The following table lists all parameters that must be set on the "Structure Tags" sheet.
Structure
type
Connection of the structure tag.
Connection
Group of the structure tag. This parameter is optional.
Group
Address of the structure tag. The address can only be defined for external structure
Address tags. The structure of the address depends on the communication driver set for the
connection. For the structure of the address, refer to the tags in the parameters
column in the WinCC Explorer. The address is currently not checked for validity. All
entries are thus considered valid.
Update of the structure tag. This parameter can only be set for internal structure tags.
You can choose between the options "for entire project" and "local computer related".
Update
Error text Short description of an error that occurred while writing to WinCC. Error-free objects
are assigned the error text "OK".
See also
Address strings for Simatic S7 Protocol Suite (Page 129)
Introduction
The structure type table is used for the configuration of two different types of WinCC objects,
namely the structure type itself and the structure type elements associated with it. The
logical assignment between structure type and structure type element is determined from the
position of the respective object in the table.
Procedure
Structure types
In order to create a new structure type, you must assign a name to it. In this way, the type
becomes a valid object and could be written to WinCC. The other structure type parameters
are optional.
Writing
It is not possible to write structure type elements individually to WinCC. You must always
write the entire structure type to WinCC. It is irrelevant whether the structure type with all its
structure type elements is selected or the structure type alone. The complete structure type
with all its elements is always written to WinCC.
Deleting
If a structure type is deleted, all associated structure type elements, structure tags and
structure instance elements are also deleted. If a structure type element is deleted, all
associated structure instance elements are also deleted. The deletion of the structure
instance element from WinCC is performed the next time the structure type is written.
Note
The data are deleted permanently from the project folder and WinCC. The deletion of data
cannot be undone.
Table structure
The following table lists all parameters that must be defined for structure types on the
"Structure Types/Structure Type Elements" sheet. Parameters with dropdown list boxes are
identified by a icon.
Communication driver
Channel unit whose formats are to be used. These parameters can only be
set when a communication driver has been chosen.
Channel unit
The following table lists all parameters that must be defined for structure type elements on
the "Structure Types/Structure Type Elements" sheet. Parameters with dropdown list boxes
Data type
Length Length of the tag in the process in bytes. For most data types, the length
depends on the format adaptation and cannot be modified.
Offset Address offset of a structure instance element to the address set on the
structure tag (start address).
Offset bit Structure type element offset bit of the set structure tag start address.
Format adaptation of the tag. This can only be defined for external structure
type elements. Not all data types are assigned format adaptation features.
Format adaptation
Specifies whether the structure type element is to be external or internal.
External tag
Specify here whether linear scaling is to be used. Linear scaling can only be
chosen for external tags. Not all data types support linear scaling.
Linear scaling
yes/no
Linear scaling Scaling range of the process (source scaling).
process from
Linear scaling Scaling range of the process (source scaling).
process to
Linear scaling tag Scaling range of the tag (scaled representation).
from
Linear scaling tag to Scaling range of the tag (scaled representation).
Error text Short description of an error that occurred while writing to WinCC. Error-free
objects are assigned the error text "OK".
Introduction
The alarm logging sheets are used to configure message blocks, message classes, group
messages, single messages as well as limit value monitoring. Moreorver, the
"Alarm Logging Default Values" sheet can be used to define default values for individual
messages and limit value monitoring. The procedure to configure data in alarm logging is
explained in the following chapters.
See also
Operation of the "Limit value monitoring" sheet (Page 63)
Operation of the "Single Message" sheet (Page 60)
Operation of the "Group Messages" sheet (Page 58)
Operation of the "Message Classes/Message Types" sheet (Page 54)
Operation of the "Message Blocks" sheet (Page 52)
Operation of the "Alarm Logging Default Values" sheet (Page 47)
Introduction
The configuration tool offers the option of pre-assigning default values to parameters of
newly created objects. These default values can be defined on the "Alarm Logging Default
Values" sheet.
Procedure
In alarm logging, you can set default values for single messages, the "Generate single
messages" dialog, for limit value monitoring and for the "Generate limit values" dialog.
Table structure
Single messages
The following table lists all parameters that must be defined for single messages in the
"Alarm Logging Default Values" sheet. Parameters with dropdown list boxes are identified by
a icon.
Class
Message type of the single message
Type
Group message of the single message. This parameter is optional.
Group
Priority Priority of the single message.
Message tag of the single message. Only certain data types can be used
as a message tag. This parameter is optional.
Message tag
Message bit Message bit of the single message. If a message tag is set, a message
bit must be specified.
Status tag of the single message. Only certain data types can be used as
status tags. This parameter is optional.
Status tag
Status bit Status bit of the single message. If a status tag is set, a status bit must
be specified.
Acknowledgement tag of the single message. Only certain data types can
be used as acknowledgement tags. This parameter is optional.
Acknowledgement tag
Acknowledgement bit Acknowledgement bit of the single message. If an acknowledgement tag
is set, an acknowledgement bit must be specified.
PLC number PLC number of the single message
CPU number CPU number of the single message
Message text1 to Message texts of the single message. A message text can only be
message text10 configured if the respective message block is activated.
Process value tag 1 to Process value tags of the single message. A process value tag can only
process value tag 10 be configured, if the respective process value block must be activated.
Info text Information text of the single message.
Requires individual
acknowledgement
Defines whether the single message is to trigger the signaling device.
Will be archived
Defines whether the single message is to be triggered at the negative
edge.
Is created on a negative
edge
Defines whether the standard GMsgFunction is to be triggered.
Triggers an action
Loop in alarm function Name of the function that is to be triggered by the single message.
Loop in alarm parameters Transfer parameter of the loop in alarm function.
Format DLL adapting incoming raw data telegrams to suit the WinCC
alarm logging system.
FormatDll
Generate messages
The following table lists all parameters that must be defined in the "Alarm Logging Default
Values" sheet for the "Generate messages" dialog. Parameters with dropdown list boxes are
identified by a icon.
Bit 0 to bit 31
Raw data Indicates the number of messages to be generated for one raw data tag.
quantity
a icon.
Delay unit
The following table lists all parameters that must be defined for limit values in the "Alarm
Logging Default Values" sheet. Parameters with dropdown list boxes are identified by a
icon.
Limit
Message number Single message to be triggered. If the parameter "One message for all
limit values" is set for limit value monitoring, you cannot enter a
message number here.
Defines whether the messages from tags whose quality code is not
"GOOD" are to be suppressed.
Hysteresis
Hysteresis value Value of hysteresis. 0 means that no hysteresis is used.
Defines when the hysteresis is to take effect.
Introduction
The "Message Blocks" sheet can be used to activate or deactivate system blocks, user text
blocks and process value blocks.
Procedure
In order to activate a message block, set the parameter in the "Use" column to "Yes". Not all
parameter settings can be modified in all message blocks. If a message block is deactivated,
all parameter settings on the single message table defined for this message block are
deleted.
If a user text block or process value block are activated, a new column is added to the single
message table. The name of the message block is entered as the heading.
No further message blocks can be added.
Writing
Since all available message blocks already exist, the message blocks can be written to
WinCC immediately.
Delete
Message blocks cannot be deleted in the configuration tool, only deactivated.
Table structure
The following table lists all parameters that must be set for message blocks. Parameters with
Use
Name Name of the message block.
Block type Message block type. This parameter is provided for information purposes only and is
write-protected.
Length Message block length. This parameter cannot be set for all message blocks.
Defines whether a message displayed in the message window is to flash.
Flashing
Defines the alignment of the text displayed in the message window.
Alignment
Representation in the message window. Format1 is determined by the message block
and can only be chosen for some message blocks.
Format1
Format2
Error text Short description of an error that occurred while writing to WinCC. Error-free objects
are assigned the error text "OK".
Introduction
The "Message Classes/Message Types" sheet is used for the configuration of two different
types of WinCC objects, namely message classes as well as the message types which are
subordinate to the message classes. The logical assignment of message classes and
message types is determined by the position of the respective object in the table.
Procedure
Message classes
To create a new message class, you must assign a name to it. The remaining parameters
are allocated default values. After entering a name, the message class is defined as a valid
object and can be written to WinCC. The name of the message class must be unique and
may not be identical to the name of a message type or group message.
It is possible to create a maximum of 16 user-defined message classes each with 16
message types. In addition, two system message classes each with two system message
types are already provided and can only be configured in a limited respect.
Message types
In order to create a new message type, a message class must already be available. The new
message type must be given a name. The remaining parameters are allocated default
values. The coloration of the message types must be defined using the standard Excel
function for cell formatting.
Note
The parameters of the group messages which are automatically generated in WinCC for
each message class and message type are different in that they are already provided on the
sheet.
Writing
Message types cannot be written to WinCC individually. The superordinated message class
must be written to WinCC in order to write message types there. The subordinate message
types are automatically written with the message classes.
Deleting
If a message class is deleted, all associated message types are deleted with it. The system
message classes cannot be deleted. Message types can be deleted individually from the
table. In order to delete message types from WinCC, the associated message class must be
written to WinCC.
The single messages belonging to a message type or message class are also deleted during
the deletion action.
Note
The data are deleted permanently from the project folder and WinCC. The deletion of data
cannot be undone.
Table structure
The following table lists all parameters which must be set for message classes in the
"Message Classes/Message Types" sheet. Parameters with dropdown list boxes are
identified by a icon.
Acknowledgement came in
Defines whether outgoing messages are to be acknowledged.
Flashing
Defines whether only the first queued message of this message class
is to flash.
Group message
acknowledgement tag
Group message Group message acknowledgement bit of the message class. If an
acknowledgement bit acknowledgement tag is specified, an acknowledgement bit must also
be specified.
Error text Short description of an error that occurred while writing to WinCC.
Error-free objects are assigned the error text "OK".
The following table lists all parameters which must be set for message types in the
"Message Classes/Message Types" sheet. Parameters with dropdown list boxes are
identified by a icon.
Introduction
On the "Group Messages" sheet, you can configure group messages of all six possible
levels.
Procedure
To create a new group message, you must assign a name to it. After a name has been
entered, the group message is defined as a valid object and can be written to WinCC. The
name of the group message must be unique.
Group messages are structured hierarchically. This means that group messages related to
the first level must be configured first, before configuring group messages for the second
level. In order to configure third level group messages, second level group messages must
have been configured beforehand, etc.
Writing
Only group messages from the first level can be written to WinCC. All subgroups which exist
are automatically written to WinCC with them.
Delete
Group messages from all levels can be deleted. All subgroups are automatically deleted with
them.
Single messages for which a deleted group message was specified are not deleted. Only the
references to the group message are deleted.
Note
The data are deleted permanently from the project folder and WinCC. The deletion of the
data cannot be undone.
Table structure
The following table lists all parameters that must be set for group messages. Parameters
Status tag
Status bit Status bit of the group message. Two tag bits are used. If a status tag is
specified, a status bit must also be specified.
Lock tag of the group message. This parameter is optional.
Lock tag
Lock bit Lock bit of the group message. If a lock tag is specified, a lock bit must also
be specified.
Acknowledgement tag of the group message. This parameter is optional.
Acknowledgement tag
Acknowledgement bit Acknowledgement bit of the group message. If an acknowledgement tag is
specified, an acknowledgement bit must also be specified.
Hide tag The hide tag of a customized group message is used for automatically
hiding single messages that belong to this group message.
Error text Short description of an error that occurred while writing to WinCC. Error-free
objects are assigned the error text "OK".
Introduction
The required single messages can be configured on the "Single Message" sheet. The
number of parameters to be set varies according to the number of message blocks that have
been activated or deactivated. Single messages can also be generated from the tag table.
Procedure
In order to create a single message, you must assign a name to it. If filling with default
values has been activated, the other parameters of the single message are assigned the
values defined in the default value table. Otherwise, the remaining parameters are assigned
predefined values.
After a number has been entered, the single message is defined as a valid object and can be
written to WinCC.
Single messages can also be generated from the tag table. The procedure for this is
described in the chapter below.
Writing
As soon as the single message is defined as a valid object, it can be written to WinCC. The
configured message texts are also written to WinCC. It is important to make sure the tags
used in the single message table have been written to WinCC beforehand.
Delete
On deleting a single message, all message texts that are no longer necessary are also
deleted. This is defined in the settings entered in the project properties table. Limit values
are also handled according to the settings in the project properties table
(delete or set default message number).
Note
The data are deleted permanently from the project folder and WinCC. The deletion of the
data cannot be undone.
Table structure
The following table lists all parameters that must be set for single messages. Parameters
Class
Message type of the single message
Type
Group message of the single message. This parameter is optional.
Group
Priority Priority of the single message.
Message tag of the single message. Only certain data types can be
used as a message tag. This parameter is optional.
Message tag
Message bit Message bit of the single message. If a message tag is set, a
message bit must be specified.
Status tag of the single message. Only certain data types can be
used as status tags. This parameter is optional.
Status tag
Status bit Status bit of the single message. If a status tag is set, a status bit
must be specified.
Acknowledgement tag of the single message. Only certain data types
can be used as acknowledgement tags. This parameter is optional.
Acknowledgement tag
Acknowledgement bit Acknowledgement bit of the single message. If an acknowledgement
tag is set, an acknowledgement bit must be specified.
PLC number PLC number of the single message
CPU number CPU number of the single message
Message text1 to message Message texts of the single message. A message text can only be
text10 configured if the respective message block is activated.
is single acknowledgment
only
Defines whether the single message is to trigger the signaling device.
Will be archived
Defines whether the single message is to be triggered at the negative
edge.
Is created on a negative
edge
Defines whether the standard GMsgFunction is to be triggered.
Triggers an action
Loop in alarm function Name of the function to be triggered by the single message.
Loop in alarm parameters The transfer parameter to the Loop in Alarm function.
Format DLL adapting incoming raw data telegrams to suit the
WinCC alarm logging system.
Format Dll
Hide mask Specify the system statuses for hiding the single mask via the hide
mask.
Error text Short description of an error that occurred while writing to WinCC.
Error-free objects are assigned the error text "OK".
See also
Creating single messages from the tag table (Page 107)
Introduction
The "Limit value monitoring" sheet serves to configure two different types of WinCC objects,
namely the limit value monitoring as well as the subordinate limit values. The logical
assignment between limit value monitoring and limit value is determined from the position of
the respective object in the table.
Procedure
Limit values
Limit values can only be added to existing limit value monitoring settings. In order to create a
limit value, either a limit value must be entered or a tag from which the limit value can be
indirectly transferred. In this way, the limit value is defined as a valid object and can be
written to WinCC. The limit value parameters are assigned default values. The default values
can be defined on the "Alarm Logging Default Values" sheet.
Writing
Limit values are automatically written together with the superordinated limit value monitoring.
Limit values cannot be written to WinCC individually.
Note
In WinCC you have to activate the limit value monitoring function in the Alarm Logging editor
by selecting "Tools - Add ins".
Deleting
On deleting a limit value monitoring setting, all subordinate limit values are also deleted.
Limit values can also be deleted individually.
Note
The data are deleted permanently from the project folder and WinCC. The deletion of the
data cannot be undone.
Using the tag table pop-up menu, you can generate limit value monitoring together with limit
values. The procedure for this is described in the chapter below.
Limit values for existing limit value monitoring can be generated by using the "Limit Value
Monitoring/Limit Values" table sheet. To do this, select the limit value monitoring to which the
limit values are to be added. Select the item "WinCC - create limit values" in the sheet pop-
up menu.
The "Limit value monitoring" dialog is displayed. The subsequent procedure is described in
the chapter below from item 3.
Table structure
The following table lists all parameters which must be set for limit value monitoring in the
"Limit Value Monitoring/Limit Values" sheet. Parameters with dropdown list boxes are
identified by a icon.
Tag
One message for all limit A single message to be used for all limit values. If a message number is
values entered, no other single messages can be entered for the individual limit
values.
Delay time Defines the period of time the value is to be above or below the upper or
lower limit value respectively, before a single message is triggered. The
value 0 signifies no delay. The total delay may be a maximum of 24
hours.
Unit of delay time.
Delay unit
Error text Short description of an error that occurred while writing to WinCC.
Error-free objects are assigned the error text "OK".
The following table lists all parameters which must be set for limit values in the "Limit Value
Monitoring/Limit Values" sheet. Parameters with dropdown list boxes are identified by a
icon.
Limit
Message number Single message to be triggered.
Defines whether the messages from tags whose quality code is not
"GOOD" are to be suppressed.
Hysteresis
Hysteresis value Value of hysteresis. 0 means that no hysteresis is used.
Defines when the hysteresis is to take effect.
See also
Creating limit value monitoring from the tag table (Page 111)
Introduction
The "Tag Logging" sheets can be used to configure times, process value archives and
compressed archives. In addition, the "Tag Logging Default Value" sheet can be used to
define default values for process value archives and compressed archives. The procedure to
configure data in tag logging is explained in the following chapters.
See also
Operation of the "Compressed Archives" sheet (Page 78)
Operation of the "Process Value Archive" sheet (Page 74)
Operation of the "Times" sheet (Page 72)
Operation of the "Tag Logging Default Values" sheet (Page 68)
Introduction
The configuration tool offers the option of pre-assigning default values to parameters of
newly created objects. These default values can be defined on the "Tag Logging Default
Values" sheet.
Procedure
The tag logging feature can be used to define default values for process value archives,
process value archive tags, compressed archives and compressed archive tags.
Table structure
The following tables list the parameters which must be set in the sheet. Parameters with
Archive type
Comment Any comment.
Defines whether the archiving is to begin when the system is started.
Memory location
Supplying tags
Type of data acquisition.
Acquisition type
Cycle to be used for data acquisition.
Acquisition cycle
Archiving on change
Defines whether the hysteresis is absolute or relative (in percentages).
Hysteresis
Hysteresis value Value of hysteresis. 0 means that no hysteresis is used.
Trigger in the case of binary process value archive tags. This parameter
is write-protected for analog and process controlled tags.
Archiving on
Defines whether the last value or replacement value is to be archived
following an error.
Save on error
Number of values leader The number of values to be taken into account prior to archiving. This
parameter can only be set in the case of cyclically selective archiving.
Number of values trailer Number of values to be taken into account after archiving. This
parameter can only be set in the case of cyclically selective archiving.
Representation limit, The lower limit of the tag value range. 0 signifies no limit.
lower limit
Representation limit, The upper limit of the tag value range. 0 signifies no limit.
upper limit
Start event Name of the function that triggers archiving.
Start tag Binary tag.
Stop event Name of the function that stops archiving.
Stop tag Binary tag.
Relevant long term You can define here whether the archive tag on the central archive
server (WinCC CAS) is to be written to the archive.
Standardizing DLL
Compressed archives
Processing method
Time period for compressing in the archive set
up. The compressing period must be at least one
minute.
Compression time period
Editing
Unit Unit of the tag to be archived.
Relevant long term You can define here whether the archive tag is to
be written to the archive on the central archive
server (WinCC CAS).
Introduction
The time cycles required for the archives can be configured on the "Times" sheet. When a
new project folder or new WinCC project is created, five times are provided by default. These
can be modified or deleted.
Procedure
In order to create a new time, it must be assigned a name. The remaining parameters are
assigned predefined values. After entering a name, the time is defined as a valid object and
it can be written to WinCC.
Writing
As soon as the time becomes a valid object, it can be written to WinCC. If a time is written to
WinCC, all modified archive system objects are also written to WinCC.
Deleting
Only times that are not used by any archive can be deleted.
Note
The data are deleted permanently from the project folder and WinCC. The deletion of the
data cannot be undone.
Table structure
The following table lists all parameters that must be set for times. Parameters with dropdown
Base
Factor Factor with which the base is to be multiplied. The product of base x factor
is the cycle time.
Defines whether the cycle is to be triggered when the system is started.
Introduction
The process value archive table is used for the configuration of two different types of WinCC
objects, namely the process value archive and the process value archive tags associated
with it. The logical assignment between archive and tag is determined from the position of
the respective object in the table.
Procedure
Note
Process value archives and process value archive tags can also be configured using the tag
table. The procedure for the configuration of data in the tag table is explained in the following
chapter.
Writing
If a process value archive or process value archive tag is written to WinCC, all modified
objects of the tag logging function are automatically written to WinCC.
Delete
If a process value archive is deleted, all subordinate process value archive tags are deleted
with it. In addition, all compressed archive tags set via the process value archive or process
value archive tag are also deleted.
Note
The data are deleted permanently from the project folder and WinCC. The deletion of the
data cannot be undone.
Table structure
The following tables list the parameters which must be set in the sheet. Parameters with
Archive type
Comment Any comment.
Defines whether the archiving is to begin when the system is started.
Memory location
Supplying tags
Type of data acquisition.
Acquisition type
Cycle to be used for data acquisition.
Acquisition cycle
Time base to be used by the cycle for archiving and displaying data. The
archiving cycle results from the product time base and the archiving
cycle factor. This must be an integer multiple of the acquisition cycle.
Archiving cycle
Archiving cycle factor Archiving cycle factor. The archiving cycle results from the product time
base and the archiving cycle factor. This must be an integer multiple of
the acquisition cycle.
Also write in tag Tag into which the last archived value is to be transferred.
Processing of the data acquired. All selection options are available in the
case of cyclically selective and cyclically continuous archiving. Only the
current value can be used in the case of acyclic archiving and archiving
Editing after every change.
Action for processing Action with which the data is to be processed. This parameter can only
be set if processing is set to action.
Unit Unit of the time value entered.
Defines whether the tag is only to be archived following a modification.
Archiving on change
Defines whether the hysteresis is absolute or relative (in percentages).
Hysteresis
Hysteresis value Value of hysteresis. 0 means that no hysteresis is used.
Archiving on
Defines whether the last value or replacement value is to be archived
following an error.
Save on error
Number of values leader The number of values to be taken into account prior to archiving. This
parameter can only be set in the case of cyclically selective archiving.
Number of values trailer Number of values to be taken into account after archiving. This
parameter can only be set in the case of cyclically selective archiving.
Representation limit, The lower limit of the tag value range. 0 signifies no limit.
lower limit
Representation limit, The upper limit of the tag value range. 0 signifies no limit.
upper limit
Start event Name of the function that triggers archiving.
Start tag Binary tag.
Stop event Name of the function that stops archiving.
Stop tag Binary tag.
Relevant long term You can define here whether the archive tag on the central archive
server (WinCC CAS) is to be written to the archive.
Archive after segment It can be determined here whether the acyclic archived tags are archived
change during a segment change.
Error text You can enter an error text here.
Adaptation program associated with the tag. It is determined by the AS
manufacturer.
Standardizing DLL
See also
Creating archive tags from the tag table (Page 105)
Introduction
The compressed archive table is used for the configuration of two different types of WinCC
object, namely the compressed archive and the compressed archive tags associated with
the compressed archive. The logical assignment between archive and tag is determined
from the position of the respective object in the table.
Procedure
Compressed archives
In order to create a new compressed archive, you must assign a name to it. As soon as a
name has been assigned, the archive is defined as a valid object and can be written to
WinCC.
If filling with default values has been activated, the other archive parameters are assigned
the values defined in the default value table.
Writing
If a compressed archive or compressed archive tag is written to WinCC, all modified objects
of the Tag Logging function are automatically written to WinCC, too.
Delete
If a compressed archive is deleted, all subordinate compressed archive tags are deleted with
it.
Note
The data are deleted permanently from the project folder and WinCC. The deletion of the
data cannot be undone.
Table structure
The following tables list the parameters which must be set in the sheet. Parameters with
Compressed archives
Processing method
Time period for compressing in the archive set up. The compressing
period must be at least one minute.
Editing
Unit Unit of the tag to be archived.
Relevant long term You can define here whether the archive tag is to be written to the
archive on the central archive server (WinCC CAS).
Error text You can enter an error text here.
Introduction
The text library can be used to edit texts which are used by various modules in the Runtime
system.
Introduction
The "Texts" sheet is used for the administration of the text library. By default, the languages
German, English, French, Italian and Spanish are available. You have the option to add or
remove texts and languages.
Procedure
In the "Texts" sheet, you can edit existing texts and add new ones.
New texts can be added in two different ways. You can enter a new text by assigning a new
text ID. Alternatively, you can set up a new text by making an entry in any text column. In this
case, the text ID is assigned automatically but can be changed.
Message texts can be configured directly in the respective sheets that are automatically
created in the text library.
Writing
As soon as a text has been entered, it can be written to WinCC. If a sheet containing
message texts is written to WinCC, the text library is also written to WinCC.
Deleting
Message block names, message class names and message type names cannot be deleted.
If you delete a message text or a status text, it is also deleted at the point at which it is used.
Texts not used in the message system can be deleted.
Note
The data are deleted permanently from the project folder and WinCC. The deletion of the
data cannot be undone.
Special functions
To add a language to the text library, select "Add RT language" in the "WinCC" menu. The
"Select language" dialog is displayed. It lists all available languages. Select the language
you wish to add and click "OK" to close the dialog box. The selected language is added in a
new column.
Table structure
Introduction
This sheet lists all defective objects contained in the project folder.
Procedure
The error list is added to the project folder if an error occurs while writing an object.
The first column in the error list contains the name of the object in which an error has
occurred. The second column contains the table type, not the table name. The third column
contains a short description of the error which has occurred.
Double click an entry in the error list to access the defective object directly.
Table structure
See also
Error column (Page 119)
Introduction
This sheet lists all defective objects detected during the reading from WinCC.
Procedure
The error list is only added to the project folder when an error has occurred while reading an
object.
The first column in the error list indicates the type of the error. The system issues warnings
and error messages. In the event of a warning, the object is entered in the list and the
incorrect parameter is corrected. In the event of an error, the object is not entered in the
table as the error could not be eliminated.
The second column contains the table type, not the table name. The third column contains a
short description of the error which has occurred.
The other columns contain the object data in which the read error occurred.
Table structure
5.4 Dialogs
5.4.1 Dialogs
Introduction
Overview of the configuration tool dialogs The dialogs of the configuration tool are described
in detail in the following chapters.
See also
Operation of the "Archive tag" dialog (Page 89)
Operation of the tag dialog (Page 86)
Introduction
The configuration tool provides a tag dialog for entering tags. We recommend that you
always use the tag dialog. Firstly, this ensures that the tag already exists and, secondly, you
can enter several tags in the tag dialog in one operation. At the bottom of the dialog there is
a dropdown list box from which to select the tag table in which tags are to be inserted.
be entered. Select the tags to be inserted. Use the spin box to define how often the
tag is to be inserted. Click the "Paste" button to insert the tags.
The tag dialog also allows for the insertion of various different tags in one operation. To do
this, select the tags to be inserted.
Use the "Paste" button repeatedly to insert the selected tags the same number of times as
Click the buttons to sort the tags by name in alphabetical order (ascending or
descending).
● Sorting tags by data type
Click the button to sort the tags according to their data type in descending order.
● Applying a filter
Click the button to define a filter for the "Name" and "Data type" columns. Use the
added dropdown list boxes to select a filter.
Click the button to access the "Column width" dialog. In this dialog, you can modify
the width of the two columns.
Introduction
The configuration tool provides an "Archive tag" dialog for entering process value archive
tags in the compressed archive table. We recommend that you always use the "Archive tag"
dialog. Firstly, this ensures that the archive tag already exists and, secondly, you can enter
several tags in the "Archive tag" dialog in one operation. At the bottom of the dialog there is
a dropdown list box from which to select the process value table in which tags are to be
inserted.
Click the button to update the view of the "Archive tag" dialog.
● Setting column widths in the dialog
Click the button to access the "Column width" dialog. In this dialog, you can modify
the width of the two columns.
Introduction
Generally, all functions offered by Excel can be used without restriction. However, when
processing configured data in the configuration tool, certain points must be taken into
account. These points are dealt with in detail in the following chapters.
See also
Sorting data (Page 99)
Setting a filter (Page 100)
Cutting data (Page 98)
Copying data (Page 98)
Deleting data from the project folder and WinCC (Page 95)
Writing data to WinCC (Page 91)
Introduction
In order to write data to WinCC, a connection must exist to the corresponding WinCC
project. The following options are available for writing data to WinCC.
Note
If the data in the WinCC project and project folder do not match after writing the data, this
may be due to an updating problem in the WinCC Explorer. In order to update the display,
close the WinCC project and open it again.
3. Use the dialog to select the sheets whose data are to be written to WinCC. Please note
that only tables that are of the same type as the active table are available.
2. Open the row pop-up menu using the right mouse button and select "WinCC - write
selection". All selected objects are written to WinCC. By using the pop-up menu, only
changed objects are written to WinCC.
Introduction
It is not possible to delete rows, columns or cells from the data areas of WinCC objects. To
delete WinCC objects, use the pop-up menu item "WinCC - delete selection". As complete
sheets are deleted, all WinCC objects configured on it are deleted. Please note that not all
sheets can be deleted.
Note
If the data in the WinCC project and project folder do not match after writing the data, this
may be due to an updating problem in the WinCC Explorer. In order to update the display,
close the WinCC project and open it again.
2. Open the row pop-up menu using the right mouse button and select "WinCC - delete
selection". All selected objects are deleted.
Deleting a Worksheet
1. Open the pop-up menu related to the sheet using the right mouse button and select
"Delete". The sheet is deleted together with the data configured on it.
Introduction
In Excel you can copy data with pop-up menus, the dropdown menu, a toolbar command or
a key combination. In the configuration tool, data can be copied and pasted without
restriction. Data that is inserted is checked and corrected, if necessary. To copy entire
WinCC objects, proceed as described below.
Note
If names have already been specified before copying the WinCC objects, only the object
parameters can be copied.
Introduction
In Excel, any data can be cut and pasted at any location. This is however not possible in the
configuration tool. In order to cut data in the WinCC configuration tool, you must always
select the entire object. The cut data can only be cut and pasted between sheets of the
same type. All options to cut data provided by Excel are available for use.
Cut
1. Select the objects to be cut. You must either select the entire row or all object
parameters.
2. Cut the data.
Paste
1. Select either the area in which the cut data is to be pasted, or select the initial cell as
starting point for the insertion of the data. If an area is selected, the cut size and paste
size must be the same.
2. Paste the data.
Introduction
The WinCC configuration tool can be used to sort the data in the project folder by columns.
This can be done in two ways.
Sorting by double-click
1. In order to sort data with the WinCC configuration tool in ascending or descending order,
simply double-click the parameter heading. The data on the sheet is then sorted
according to this column.
Introduction
Filters are standard Excel functions. They can be used to organize data in the table in a
more concise manner. When using the tag table, you can for example set a filter in the "Data
type" column to view only the tags of one data type at a time.
Note
If a filter is applied, and you attempt to write data to WinCC or to delete data, using the pop-
up menu, only the visible data are written or deleted.
Setting filters
1. Highlight the entire "Data type" column in the "Tags" sheet.
2. Select the option "Filter" in the "Data" menu. Select the suboption "Auto Filter". A filter is
applied in the column "Data type".
3. The dropdown list box attached to the top cell in the "Data type" column indicates that a
filter is set. In the dropdown list, you can now select the filter you wish to set, e.g. "Raw
data type".
4. Only tags of the data type "Raw data type" are shown in the table.
Resetting filters
1. In the dropdown list box of the filter, select item "(All)". All tags in the sheet are displayed.
2. In order to remove a filter for good, click the "Data" menu. Select the "Filter" option.
Select the suboption "Auto Filter". The filter is removed.
5.6 Creating objects by means of the pop-up menu of the tag table
5.6.1 Creating objects by means of the pop-up menu of the tag table
Introduction
The WinCC configuration tool provides the option of creating objects by using the tag table.
This is done by means of the tag table row pop-up menu. This menu enables you to easily
create single messages, limit value monitoring processes and archive tags. The procedures
for this are described in the chapters below.
See also
Creating archive tags from the tag table (Page 105)
Creating limit value monitoring from the tag table (Page 111)
Creating single messages from the tag table (Page 107)
Introduction
The WinCC configuration tool provides the option of archiving tags from the tag table. This is
done by means of the tag table pop-up menu.
Procedure
1. Select all tags you wish to archive.
2. Open the row pop-up menu and select "WinCC - archive". The "Archive" dialog is
displayed.
3. In the "Archive" dialog, you can select the process value archive to be used for archiving
using the dropdown list box. If you wish to create a new process value archive, enter the
name of the process value archive in the dropdown list box. Click "OK" to set up the
archive tags.
4. The relevant process value archive tags are created on the process value archive table.
Introduction
The WinCC configuration tool provides the option of creating single messages from the tag
table. This is done by means of the tag table pop-up menu.
Note
The settings in the dialogs can be adjusted by means of the "Alarm Logging Default Value"
sheet.
Procedure
1. Select all tags for which you wish to generate messages.
2. Open the row pop-up menu and select "WinCC - log on". The "Log on" dialog is
displayed.
3. Use the "Log on" dialog to select the tag bits for which single messages are to be
generated. Select the "Delete existing messages" check box if you wish to delete any
messages that might already exist for the tags and generate new ones. If this check box
is not selected, existing single messages are retained and only those that do not exist
generated.
4. In the case of raw data tags, enter the number of single messages to be generated.
Introduction
The configuration tool provides the option of creating limit value monitoring from the tag
table. This is done by means of the tag table pop-up menu.
Note
The settings in the dialogs can be adjusted by means of the "Alarm Logging Default Value"
sheet.
Procedure
1. Select the tags for which you wish to set up limit value monitoring.
2. Open the row pop-up menu of the tag table and select "WinCC - limit value monitoring".
The "Limit value monitoring" dialog is displayed.
3. Limit values that exist in the default values table are already entered in the "Limit value
monitoring" dialog. Click the "Add" button to add further limit values for the tags. The "Add
limit value" dialog is displayed.
4. You can enter a limit value in the "Add limit value" dialog. Ensure that the new limit value
is within the actual limits determined by the tag. If you wish to read the limit value
indirectly from a tag, select the "Indirect" check box and enter the name of an existing tag
instead of the limit value. Use the "Limit" dropdown list to define whether the limit value is
an upper or lower limit. Click "OK" to accept the limit value in the "Limit value monitoring"
dialog.
5. Select the "Delete existing limit values" check box if you wish to delete any limit values
that might already exist for the selected tag. Click "OK" to create the limit values.
6. The limit values for the tags are generated on the "Limit value monitoring/Limit" sheet.
Introduction
The configuration tool allows you to change the storage location of data. It is for example
possible to transfer the project folder to a different computer or change the location at which
the WinCC project is stored.
See also
Transferring a WinCC project (Page 117)
Transferring a project folder (Page 117)
Introduction
You can transfer a WinCC project connected to a project folder to another storage location
without problems. You just have to set up a new project connection.
Procedure
1. Close the WinCC project and transfer it to the desired target location. Open the project
folder linked to the project. Use the dropdown menu or the toolbar to establish a new
project connection.
2. The Excel Office Assistant for "Project connection" appears. Confirm with "Yes" to record
the new path of the WinCC project in the project folder.
3. The "Open" dialog is displayed. Select the WinCC project and click on "Open" to close
the dialog. The project connection is established.
Introduction
The configuration tool allows you to transfer a project folder to another computer. It is thus
possible to move a project folder to another PC for further processing.
Procedure
1. Save the existing project folder and transfer it to the new computer.
2. Open the project folder on the new computer. The Excel Office Assistant appears. Click
"No" to answer the query.
3. The configuration tool asks you whether you wish to update the references. Click "Yes" to
update the references of the project folder on the new computer.
Introduction
The configuration tool provides you with the Office Assistant and an error column for
diagnostics and fault identification purposes. The Office Assistant supports you in the
configuration of data. Each modification or correction executed by the configuration tool is
initiated through the Office Assistant.
If errors occur during writing to WinCC, they are displayed in the error column. In addition,
the "Error list" table is generated. This table lists all project folder errors.
See also
Error column (Page 119)
Operation of the "Read Error" sheet (Page 84)
Introduction
Each sheet on which data can be configured includes an error column. In the event of an
error, the respective error text is shown in this column. The list below shows all error texts
available in the configuration tool.
Error list
Introduction
The following chapters contain some tips and tricks designed to assist you in working with
the WinCC configuration tool.
See also
Packages (Page 132)
Address strings for Simatic S7 Protocol Suite (Page 129)
Special characters (Page 128)
VBA macros (Page 128)
Address generation (Page 126)
Row limitation (Page 126)
Changing the worksheet (Page 125)
Example of a quantity structure in the configuration tool (Page 123)
Introduction
Using the configuration tool, you can for example create a large number of tags, messages
and archive tags in WinCC. Performance, however, is influenced by the hardware and Office
version used.
The example below is based on a typical configuration with appropriate values.
Configuration
A WinCC project is read into Excel with the configuration tool.
A new WinCC project is created with the configuration tool. Data from the first project are
written to the new WinCC project.
Quantity structure
● 20,000 internal tags
● 40,000 process tags
● 40,000 archive tags
● 10,000 messages
● 80,000 texts
Hardware used
● Pentium 4, 3.1 GHz
● Memory: 1024 MByte
● Virtual memory: 756 MByte
Software used
● Windows XP Professional SP1
● Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1
● Office 2003
● WinCC V6.0 SP3
Performance
● Reading to Excel: approx. 30 minutes
● Writing to WinCC: approx. 3.5 hours
Note
The values in this example depend upon additional factors, such as system configuration
and configuration of the WinCC project.
See also
System requirements (Page 7)
Introduction
From a certain number of sheets, it becomes necessary the change between sheets. Excel
provides a useful tool for this.
Procedure
Use the pop-up menu accessible at the left bottom corner of the window to switch between
worksheets.
Introduction
During configuration in Excel, you should not use the maximum number of available rows,
which is 65536. The number of rows used should thus be restricted, as the performance is
greatly affected if Excel sheets are filled to the limit. The configuration tool provides you with
the option to distribute the data to several worksheets.
The relevant default value for row limitation in the configuration tool is 16,000 rows per
sheet. We recommend using this row limitation.
Introduction
In the configuration tool, you can use standard functions provided by Excel to generate
addresses for external tags.
The following example illustrates the generation of the address string of a SIMATIC S7
Protocol Suite with the "Signed 8-bit value" data type.
Procedure
The address string of the example is structured as follows:
DB50,DBB0,QC
The data block number 50 and byte number 0 are editable components of the address string.
The QC string is optional and is used to define the quality code.
1. Define a column in the user-defined area of the tag table for each editable component of
the address string. Complete the first and second row.
2. Highlight the first two addresses. Generate the remaining addresses automatically using
the autofill function.
3. In the address column, enter the formula shown below. The column labels AJ3, AK3 and
AL3 depend on where the address string components were set up in the user-defined
area.
4. Click the first address. The remaining address strings are generated automatically using
the autofill function.
Introduction
Since the data in the configuration tool are available in an Excel folder, they can be
addressed via VBA macros. This means, for example, that objects can be automatically
created by means of a macro.
However, VBA macros should only be used by experienced users because the operational
procedures for using the configuration tool differ from those for normal Excel folders.
Introduction
Microsoft Excel interprets texts which begin with, or include, certain special characters as
equations. This can cause problems when working with the configuration tool.
These special characters are "=", "+" and "-". Therefore, these characters should not be used
as a part of object names (group names, tag names, texts, etc.).
Introduction
The address strings are not automatically generated in the configuration tool. You must enter
them manually in the configuration tool. The table below lists all address strings for the
Simatic S7 Protocol Suite.
Address strings
Table 7-5 Floating point number 32-bit IEEE 754/floating point number 64-bit IEEE 754
Table 7-6 Text tag 8-bit character set/text tag 16-bit character set
7.9 Packages
Introduction
The configuration tool can also be used to work with tags loaded from packages. To do this,
create a new WinCC project in WinCC Explorer (multi-user project) and load the required
packages. Read this WinCC project with the configuration tool. The tags provided in the
package are then available for selection in the tag dialog.
A
E
Address strings, 129
Alarm logging, 47 Excel, 5, 7
Worksheets, 52, 54, 58, 60, 63
Archive tag, 74
Archive Tag dialog, 89 G
Group Messages, 58
Groups, 36
C
Compressed archive tag, 78
Compressed archives, 78 I
Configuration Tool, 5
Interface, 12, 15, 16
Diagnosis, 119
Menu, 12, 15
Dropdown menu, 12
Fundamentals, 5
Insert Project Folder, 19
L
Interface, 11
Menu, 12 Limit, 63
Operating system, 7 Limit Value Monitoring, 63
Operation, 17 Limit value monitoring/Limit, 63
Quantity structure, 123
Requirements, 7
System Requirements, 7 M
Tips, 123
Memory location, 116
Worksheets, 28
Project folder, 117
Connections, 36
WinCC Project, 117
Connections/Groups, 36
Menu, 12, 15
Dropdown menu, 12
Shortcut Menu, 15
D
toolbar, 12
Data manager, 32 Message blocks, 52
Worksheets, 33, 35, 38, 41, 44 Message classes, 55
Default values, 33, 68 Message classes/Message types, 55
Data manager, 34 Message types, 55
Diagnosis Microsoft Excel, 5, 7
Error column, 119
Reading error, 84
WinCC Configuration Tool, 119 O
Write error, 83
Operate
Dialogs, 85
WinCC Configuration Tool, 17
Archive Tag dialog, 89
Operating system
Tag dialog, 86