FAQ: Failure of the DP/DP couplers after downloading the hardware configuration

QUESTION:
Why do my DP/DP couplers fail when I load my hardware configuration into the controller?

ANSWER:
You have a PROFIBUS-DP configuration in which you implement DP/DP couplers of release A2. Until now your configuration has worked perfectly. Once you change the version of STEP 7 (e.g. to STEP 7 V5.0 SP4), there no more communications come via the couplers.

Upon reinstallation of STEP 7, the GSD files of the "old" coupler modules are replaced by new ones. However, these new modules cannot be used for configuring the old modules. You can continue using the old modules if you import the GSD file contained in the download into your HW Config.

Note:
Before reinstalling STEP 7, you should always save all the GSD files that are located in the ":\Siemens\Step7\s7data\gsd\.." directory.

Download with the GSD file

sie8070a.exe ( 31 KB )

Copy the "sie8070a.exe" file into a separate directory and then start the file with a double-click . The GSD file is then unpacked automatically. Now you can import the GSD file into your HW Config following the instructions given in Below. How to integrate GSD File into STEP 7.

Keywords:
Communications abort, Master/slave communication

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How do you integrate a GSD file into the STEP 7 HW Config for PROFIBUS or PROFINET?

Instructions:
New modules are supplied in a new version of STEP 7 in the STEP 7 module catalog. The new devices can be added to the hardware catalog via GSD files.

• From STEP 7 V5.2 onwards, you can also update the module catalog with a Hardware Support Package (HSP).
• From STEP 7 V5.3 SP1 onwards you can install PROFINET GSD files in the HW Config.

Install the GSD files according to the table below.

No.	Procedure:
1	Ensure that you can access the GSD files to be integrated via the directory on your PG/PC. The files should be located on the hard disk, on a floppy disk or CD, or even in a STEP 7 project.
2	Open the HW Config and close the project opened in it.
3	Select the menu command "Options > Install GSD file...". Fig. 01
4	Browse to the file's directory in the next dialog and then click "Install". You can choose whether to search for the GSD files in the directory or in a STEP7 project. During the installation process, you may receive (error) message support (indicating, for instance, that a certain GSD file is already installed). Once the installation is complete, you can call up a record. Where necessary, use the Online Help ("Help" button). Fig. 02
5	Now update your Hardware Catalog using the menu command "Options > Update catalog". The slaves are read into the module catalog whose GSD files were installed after startup of STEP 7. Then you can incorporate the slaves in your STEP 7 project. The newly installed devices are in the Hardware Catalog. For PROFIBUS DP under "PROFIBUS DP > Other Field Devices > I/O ...". For PROFINET under "PROFINET IO > I/O ...".

Storing the GSD files on the hard disk:
You store the GSD files in the directory "\ Program Files\Siemens\Step7\S7DATA\GSD" on your hard disk.

Fig. 03

Name of the GSD file of the slave configured:
Double-click the configured slave in the Hardware Configuration. The name of the GSD file is located in the "Properties - DP slave" dialog to the right of the order number.

Fig. 04

More information on the requirements and procedure for installing, overwriting and recovering overwritten GSD files is available in the following manual:

• "Configuring Hardware and Communication Connections with STEP 7 V5.4" (Entry ID: 18652631) Section: 3.9 Working with GSD Files.

Keywords:
Generic station description file, Hardware configuration, Import