How to Embed, Resize, and Anchor SFC Visualization Windows in SIMATIC PCS 7 WinCC Screens

In SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.0, embedding an interactive Sequential Function Chart (SFC) permanently into a specific WinCC overview screen and customizing its window dimensions is accomplished using the 'PCS 7 SFC Control' ActiveX/OCX component or by modifying the standard SFC faceplate templates (@pg_@sfc_rts.pdl). To embed an SFC directly into a permanent process graphic (such as a plant overview start screen), insert the 'PCS 7 SFC Control' from the Graphics Designer ActiveX Controls palette and bind its 'SFCName' property to the target SFC chart. To customize popup window sizes, edit the picture geometry properties in '@pg_@sfc_rts.pdl' or utilize the WinCC Dynamic Wizard 'Configure SFC button'.

SFC Visualization Architecture in WinCC: ActiveX Controls vs Popups

In batch synthesis, CIP cycles, and boiler sequencing, operators must monitor sequential progression continuously without repeatedly opening and closing popup windows:
* Standard Popup Behavior:
* Clicking an SFC block icon opens the standard runtime faceplate (@[email protected] / @pg_@sfc_rts.pdl).
* By default, this window floats as an independent modal/modeless dialog with fixed dimensions.
* If the operator navigates to another overview picture, the popup may obscure critical process alarms or disappear behind windows.
* Permanent Embedded SFC Display:
* An SFC control can be integrated directly into a fixed picture window (e.g., inside START_SCREEN.PDL).
* The chart remains anchored, automatically resizing with the parent viewport and executing real-time step highlighting without popup management.

Embedding the 'PCS 7 SFC Control' ActiveX into Permanent Screens

To embed an SFC chart permanently into a process picture:

Open Target Graphic in Graphics Designer:
* Open the overview screen (e.g., Reactor_Overview.pdl).
Insert PCS 7 SFC Control:
* In the Object Palette, select the Controls tab.
* Expand ActiveX Controls: locate and drag PCS 7 SFC Control onto the canvas.
Configure Control Properties:
* Double-click the inserted control to open its Properties window.
* Under the General tab:
- SFCName: Enter the exact plant hierarchy path and SFC chart name (e.g., Plant1/Area2/SFC_ReactorBatch).
- Set display options: enable/disable toolbar, step details, or overview bar.
- Under Geometry: define the exact width and height in pixels matching the layout container.

Customizing SFC Faceplate Templates (@pg_@sfc_rts.pdl)

If standard popup windows must be resized to fit larger multi-step sequences:

The Faceplate Architecture:
The runtime visualization of an SFC chart is hosted inside @pg_@sfc_rts.pdl (SFC Runtime View).
Modifying Template Geometry:
1. In Graphics Designer, open @pg_@sfc_rts.pdl from the OS project's GraCS directory.
2. Select the top-level picture object: adjust the Picture Width and Picture Height properties.
3. Select the embedded SFC ActiveX Control inside the PDL: adjust its width and height proportionally.
4. Save the file.
Preserving Custom Templates:
In the OS Project Editor, ensure that @pg_@sfc_rts.pdl is not marked for automatic overwrite, or preserve a backup in the project library.

Configuring Dynamic SFC Launch Buttons with the Dynamic Wizard

To create customized screen buttons that open specific SFCs in predefined screen coordinates:

Draw a standard Windows button on the picture canvas (e.g., labeled Show CIP Sequence).
While the button is selected, open the Dynamic Wizard pane.
Select the SFC tab: double-click Configure SFC button.
Follow the wizard steps:
* Select the target SFC chart from the project browser.
* Choose display mode: standard popup, modal dialog, or embedded view.
The wizard automatically generates the required C-script (sfc_open.fct) on the button's mouse-click event.

Comparison of SFC Display Architectures in WinCC

The table below compares methods for visualizing Sequential Function Charts on PCS 7 operator stations.

Display ArchitectureWindow BehaviorScreen PlacementOperator ErgonomicsPerformance ImpactEmbedded ActiveX ControlPermanent (Fixed)Embedded in dedicated panelIdeal for continuous trackingMinimal (Loaded with picture)Standard SFC PopupFloating DialogCenters on screenDraggable; can obscure processLow (Instantiated on click)SFC Overview BrowserStandalone ScreenFull WinCC workspaceGlobal view of all plant SFCsModerateCustomized @pg_@sfc_rtsFloating DialogResized dimensionsBetter visibility for wide chartsLow

Verification

To confirm that the embedded and customized SFC visualization functions properly:
1. In WinCC Graphics Designer, save the picture containing the embedded PCS 7 SFC Control.
2. Activate WinCC Runtime and navigate to the picture.
3. Verify that the SFC chart renders completely with active steps highlighted in green and inactive steps in gray.
4. Execute sequence steps: confirm that step transitions, transition conditions, and timer countdowns animate smoothly.
5. In the toolbar, click Zoom In / Zoom Out: verify that the chart layout scales properly within the anchored ActiveX boundary.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Running dozens of active embedded SFC ActiveX controls simultaneously across multiple picture windows can increase client GPU and GDI resource consumption; embed SFC controls only on screens where continuous monitoring is operationally required.
When running the OS Project Editor during PCS 7 upgrades, system PDLs starting with @ will be overwritten unless explicitly protected in the configuration settings.
Ensure that the SIMATIC PCS 7 SFC Visualization software license (SFC Visualization RT) is installed on the target OS station in Automation License Manager.
Always validate final software licensing and system documentation against the applicable Siemens catalog and authorized distributor quotation.

Engineer FAQ

Why did my modifications to @pg_@sfc_rts.pdl disappear after OS Project Editor ran?

The OS Project Editor restores factory default @ screen files. To prevent this, uncheck the replacement option for SFC faceplates in the OS Project Editor or restore your customized file from backup after running the editor.

Can operators interact with the embedded SFC control (Hold, Abort, Resume)?

Yes. If the operator possesses adequate user authorization rights (e.g., Level 5 or Level 6 Process Controlling), the embedded control toolbar provides full command execution.

Can I bind the SFCName property dynamically at runtime?

Yes. You can link the SFCName property of the ActiveX control to an internal WinCC text tag, allowing a dropdown menu or script to change which SFC chart is displayed dynamically.