C135 PCS 7 (PCS7)
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Configuring Server View Layout and Screen Resolution in OS Project Editor for Multi-Client Architectures

Configuring Server View Layout and Screen Resolution in OS Project Editor for Multi-Client Architectures

To configure the SIMATIC Server View on a PCS 7 OS Client or Single Station, open the OS Project Editor in WinCC Explorer and navigate to the 'Layout' tab. Under 'Screen Format / Layout', select the desired server layout matching your physical monitor resolution (e.g. 'SIMATIC Server 1920*1080' or multi-monitor variants). The OS Project Editor applies the standardized picture split, alarm line banners, and navigation button bars. Note that ultra-high-resolution layouts such as 2560x1600 are approved by Siemens exclusively for single-monitor operation and are not supported in Multi-VGA multi-monitor configurations.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

In SIMATIC PCS 7 (V8.0 through V9.1), configuring operator station ergonomics, monitor aspect ratios, and server navigation hierarchies is governed by the WinCC OS Project Editor. When commissioning OS Clients in multi-server or multi-client environments, engineers must configure the layout templates that govern how picture windows, Split Screen Manager, and alarm banners adapt to physical displays. This article explains how to select and parameterize the Server View layout in OS Project Editor, details supported multi-monitor resolutions, and highlights critical hardware display limitations.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

Architectural Mechanics of OS Project Editor and Multi-Client Layouts:

  • Role of the OS Project Editor:
  • Standardizes the WinCC runtime graphical shell according to PCS 7 guidelines.
  • Automatically copies and links core system pictures (@screen.pdl, @overview1.pdl, @button11.pdl, @alarmline.pdl) into the target WinCC project.

  • Configures the Split Screen Manager (SSM) which manages workspace coordinate geometry, multi-monitor panning, and faceplate popup positioning.

  • Multi-Client vs Server Layout Designations:

  • SIMATIC Standard: Standard operator station layout designed for full-screen process control with picture tree navigation buttons at the top or bottom.

  • SIMATIC Server View: Specialized operational layout optimized for supervisory server overview, system diagnostic faceplates, and maintenance monitoring across multiple loaded server packages.

  • Multi-Monitor / Multi-VGA Architecture:

  • PCS 7 supports multi-monitor consoles displaying 2, 3, or 4 monitors per operator workstation using approved Multi-VGA graphics cards (e.g. Matrox or NVIDIA commercial multi-display adapters).
  • When configuring Multi-VGA in OS Project Editor, the layout selection sets the horizontal coordinate span (e.g. 2 x 1920*1080 or 4 x 1920*1080).
  • Critical Resolution Restriction: Layouts utilizing 2560*1600 screen formats are approved exclusively for single-monitor installations. Siemens system specifications strictly do not support 2560*1600 in Multi-VGA configurations due to internal DirectX/GDI coordinate buffer boundaries.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Step-by-Step Procedure to Configure Layout in OS Project Editor:

  1. Open Target OS Project in WinCC Explorer:
    - Open the OS Client or OS Single Station project in WinCC Explorer.
    - Verify that WinCC Runtime is deactivated.
  2. Launch OS Project Editor:
    - In the WinCC Explorer project tree, double-click OS Project Editor.
  3. Select the Desired Layout:
    - In the OS Project Editor dialog, select the Layout tab.
    - Under the Layout dropdown menu, browse through the available Siemens layouts:
    • For single-monitor full-HD: Select SIMATIC Server 1920*1080 (or SIMATIC Standard 1920*1080).
    • For dual-monitor full-HD: Select SIMATIC Server 1920*1080 2 Monitors.
    • For quad-monitor setups: Select SIMATIC Standard 1920*1080 4 Monitors.
    • Confirm the selected resolution matches the native operating system display resolution set in Windows Display Settings.
  4. Configure Runtime Window and Alarm Options:
    - Select the Runtime Window tab to designate monitor assignments for overview, work area, and alarm line.
    - Select the Basic Data tab to specify which @ system pictures should be overwritten or retained (enable 'Apply default' when initially establishing layout).
  5. Apply Configuration and Generate System Pictures:
    - Click OK to run the OS Project Editor.
    - The editor regenerates the @ pictures and updates project configuration files.
    - Verify completion without error messages.

Verification

Verification Procedure:
1. Configuration Verification: Open the Graphics Designer in WinCC. Open @screen.pdl; verify its canvas width and height match the exact resolution configured in the OS Project Editor.
2. Runtime Visual Check: Activate WinCC Runtime. Verify that the overview area, alarm line, and picture workspace fill the monitor screen seamlessly without scrollbars or graphical distortion.
3. Faceplate Positioning Test: Open several process faceplates; verify that popups snap into the designated working coordinates without clipping behind taskbars or adjacent monitors.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Operational Precautions and Multi-VGA Constraints:
- Resolution Uniformity: When using Multi-VGA multi-monitor configurations, all connected monitors must have identical native resolutions and orientation. Mixing 1080p and 4K displays on the same client causes coordinate misalignment in Split Screen Manager.
- Overwrite Caution: Running OS Project Editor overwrites standard @ system pictures. Any custom modifications made directly to @overview1.pdl or @button11.pdl will be lost unless stored as custom templates.
- 2560x1600 Multi-Monitor Incompatibility: Never attempt to configure multi-monitor setups using 2560x1600 resolution templates; this configuration is explicitly rejected by Siemens product specifications.

Engineer FAQ

Where is the Server View layout selected in WinCC?

It is selected inside the OS Project Editor on the Layout tab under the 'Layout' dropdown list.

Can I run a 2560x1600 resolution in a multi-monitor Multi-VGA setup?

No. Siemens product specifications explicitly restrict the 2560x1600 resolution layout to single-monitor configurations; it is not approved for Multi-VGA.

What happens if Windows display resolution differs from the OS Project Editor layout?

WinCC Runtime will either display black margins or scrollbars, and faceplate positioning coordinates will misalign with clicked icons.

Does running OS Project Editor overwrite custom graphics?

It overwrites system pictures starting with the @ prefix (@screen.pdl, @overview1.pdl). User process pictures are untouched.

How many monitors can a PCS 7 OS Client support?

A standard PCS 7 OS Client supports up to 4 monitors using approved multi-display graphics hardware.

Technical References

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Related Tags

  • OS Project Editor
  • Layout Configuration
  • Multi-Client
  • Multi-Monitor
  • WinCC Runtime
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