Drive ES Basic Maintenance V5.7 is the final software release from
designed for the maintenance and diagnostics of legacy drive systems. Released on August 26, 2021, it replaces version V5.6 SP2 and is now largely discontinued as of October 1, 2023, in favor of newer commissioning tools like Key Features and Tools
The V5.7 package integrates several specialized tools for managing older drive hardware: DriveMonitor V5.5 SP2 : Used for parameterizing and monitoring MASTERDRIVES SimoCom U V14.03.02 : Support for older SimoCom A V05.05.04 : Dedicated tool for SimoCom A hardware. Object Manager (OM) Integration
: Provides enhanced integration into SIMATIC STEP 7, allowing drives to be managed as objects rather than through generic GSD files. Siemens SiePortal Version 5.7 Enhancements
This specific revision was primarily focused on modernizing compatibility before the product's total phase-out: Operating System Support : Updated to support modern Microsoft operating systems STEP 7 Integrity
: Added support for the "monitoring the application integrity" feature found in STEP 7 >= V5.7 Automatic Fixes
: Includes a Hotfix (HF2) for DriveMonitor that automatically installs the necessary MSXML V4.0 components on newer OS environments to prevent startup errors. Siemens SiePortal Maintenance and Continuity Notes
Because development for this software has ceased, users face specific technical constraints:
Delivery release for Drive ES Basic Maintenance V5.7 - SiePortal
Drive ES Basic Maintenance V5.7 is a legacy engineering software package from Siemens designed for the maintenance and diagnostics of earlier drive systems. Released on August 26, 2021, it replaced version V5.6 SP2 and serves as the final update for this software product. Core Purpose and Included Tools
This version is primarily used for maintaining and parameterizing older Siemens drive families that are not supported by the newer STARTER commissioning tool. It includes the following integrated tools: DriveMonitor (V5.5 SP2): Used for MASTERDRIVES and SIMOREG.
SimoCom U (V14.03.02): For SIMODRIVE 611U and POSMO CA/CD/SI.
SimoCom A (V05.05.04): For older digital drives like Simodrive. Key Features and Advantages
Installing Drive ES Basic Maintenance offers several benefits over using individual standalone tools: drive es basic maintenance v5.7
STEP 7 Integration: It integrates drives directly into the SIMATIC S7 hardware configuration using Object Managers (SlaveOM) instead of standard GSD files.
Network Routing: Supports communication across network boundaries, allowing your engineering PC to communicate with drives on different subnetworks.
Direct Communication: Enables direct communication via PROFIBUS, which is more efficient than the USS protocol used by standalone versions of DriveMonitor.
Application Integrity: Version 5.7 supports the "monitoring the application integrity" feature introduced in STEP 7 V5.7. System Requirements & Compatibility
STEP 7 Requirement: Requires a full version of STEP 7 V5.5 SP2 or higher (including STEP 7 V5.7).
Operating Systems: Compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows 10, Windows 7 Professional/Enterprise, and Windows Server 2016/2019.
Licensing: Only available as a full version (Floating License) for a single user; upgrade versions from previous releases are not offered. Current Support Status
As of October 1, 2023, Siemens has discontinued development and maintenance for this software.
Future-Proofing: Siemens recommends transferring existing projects to a virtual environment (such as VMware) to avoid incompatibilities with newer operating systems or PCS 7 versions.
Successor: For modern drive families like SINAMICS or MICROMASTER 4, the STARTER commissioning tool is the current standard and includes many Drive ES features for free.
Are you planning to install this on a new machine, or do you need help migrating an old project to a virtual environment?
"Drive ES Basic Maintenance V5.7 Release" makalesinin özeti
Drive ES Basic Maintenance V5.7 is the final version of the engineering software designed for the maintenance and diagnostics of legacy Siemens drive systems. Released in August 2021, it primarily ensures that older projects remain functional within modern operating environments while acting as a bridge for systems being phased out. Key Integrated Commissioning Tools Drive ES Basic Maintenance V5
This version consolidates several essential tools for older Siemens drive families: DriveMonitor V5.5 SP2 : Used for MASTERDRIVES and SIMOREG systems. SimoCom U V14.03.02 : Used for SIMODRIVE 611U and POSMO CA/CD/SI. SimoCom A V05.05.04 : Used for POSMO A. Core Features and Improvements STEP 7 Integration
: Supports the "monitoring application integrity" feature of STEP 7 V5.7
or higher. It requires at least STEP 7 V5.5 SP2 for installation. Enhanced Communication
: Supports routing in SIMATIC and SIMOTION stations, allowing communication beyond network boundaries. Direct PROFIBUS Access
: Enables direct communication via PROFIBUS without needing extra serial interfaces or OPC servers. Unified Data Archiving
: Allows all drive and automation system data to be managed and archived consistently within the SIMATIC Manager www.industry-mobile-support.siemens-info.com System Requirements & Compatibility Delivery release for Drive ES Basic Maintenance V5.7
Drive ES Basic Maintenance V5.7 is the final engineering software version from Siemens designed for the maintenance and diagnostics of legacy drive systems integrated into STEP 7 V5.x environments. Key Integrated Tools
This version includes specific commissioning tools required for legacy hardware:
DriveMonitor (V5.5 SP2): Used for MASTERDRIVES, MICROMASTER, and SIMOREG units.
SimoCom U (V14.03.02): Used for SIMODRIVE 611 and POSMO systems.
SimoCom A (V05.05.04): Used for various specialized drive applications. Compatibility & System Requirements
Operating Systems: Supports 64-bit versions of Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019.
Engineering Environment: Requires STEP 7 V5.5 SP2 or higher (up to V5.7). 4) Required tools & test equipment
Licensing: Issued as a Floating License for a single user (Article number: 6SW1700-5JA00-7AA0). Important Maintenance Notes
Product Discontinuation: Siemens officially discontinued this product in late 2021. It is now primarily available as a spare part for existing installations.
Virtualization Recommendation: Due to the stop in development, Siemens recommends transferring projects to a virtual environment (such as VMware) to ensure future compatibility with newer operating systems.
Modern Alternative: For current drive systems like SINAMICS or newer MICROMASTER units, the STARTER commissioning tool should be used instead.
An interesting article regarding Drive ES Basic Maintenance V5.7 is the official delivery release from Siemens, which details the software's role in maintaining legacy drive systems like MASTERDRIVES and SIMOREG. Key Technical Insights
Purpose: It is specifically designed for basic maintenance and diagnostics of earlier Siemens drive systems that have not yet transitioned to the newer STARTER or Startdrive tools. Version Highlights:
OS Support: Updates include support for newer Microsoft operating systems and integration with STEP 7 >= V5.7.
Integrated Tools: It includes DriveMonitor V5.5 SP2, which is the primary tool for managing older drive hardware.
Critical Phase-out: As of October 1, 2023, Siemens has officially discontinued the development and maintenance of this software package. Recommended Maintenance Strategy
For long-term reliability, users are advised to transition their Drive ES projects into virtual environments. This prevents software incompatibilities caused by upgrading host operating systems or SIMATIC STEP 7 versions.
Delivery release for Drive ES Basic Maintenance V5.7 - Support
Drive ES Basic v5.7 projects can become inconsistent after hardware swaps or software updates.
For those unfamiliar with the specific "flavors" of the Drive ES software, it is important to distinguish Basic Maintenance from the full engineering suites.
While full engineering suites (like Drive ES Basic or Advanced) allow for complex parameterization and start-up, the Maintenance version is streamlined. It is designed specifically for the end-user—the technician on the floor—who needs to diagnose issues, back up parameters, and perform routine checks without the complexity (or cost) of full engineering licenses.
Version 5.7 introduced enhanced Windows 10 compatibility (32-bit), improved PROFIBUS parameter server reliability, and better support for CUVC (Masterdrives Compact Plus) and CUMC (Motion Control) boards. Maintenance for v5.7 differs from older versions due to updated database structures and communication timeouts.