Resolving Faceplate and SFC Visualization Scaling Defects on High-Resolution (4K) Displays in PCS 7

In SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.0 SP3, scaling artifacts—such as truncated text, distorted picture windows, and unclickable buttons in SFC Type faceplates (@pg_@sfc_type.pdl)—occur on 4K UHD (3840x2160) displays because legacy WinCC GDI rendering and SFC Visualization ActiveX controls (@sfc_visu.ocx) do not support dynamic coordinate rescaling when Windows desktop DPI scaling (150% or 200%) is active. To resolve this defect, lock Windows operating system display scaling strictly to 100%, configure the OS Project Editor screen layout to native Full HD (1920x1080) or dual FHD, and enable 'Adapt Picture' in the WinCC runtime computer properties rather than forcing raw 4K layouts.

Executive Summary

Modern industrial control centers frequently install large ultra-high-definition (4K UHD) monitors to increase operator workspace and consolidate multi-screen consoles. However, attempting to run SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.0 SP3 / WinCC V7.5 at native 4K resolution often leads to severe graphical defects, particularly in SFC Visualization faceplates and complex APL block popups. Operators report truncated text fields, misaligned command buttons, and overlapping picture windows that render sequence operation impossible. These rendering failures stem from underlying architectural limitations in WinCC's legacy GDI graphic engine and the fixed coordinate systems of SFC ActiveX controls under Windows DPI scaling. This article analyzes the root causes of 4K rendering failures and details verified configuration standards for high-resolution industrial workstations.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

WinCC Graphics Engine Constraints, ActiveX OCX Fixed Coordinates, and Windows DPI Scaling Conflicts:

The WinCC GDI Architecture and Resolution Presets:
PCS 7 OS Project Editor provides standardized monitor resolution profiles (e.g. 1280x1024, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, and 1920x1200) calibrated specifically for standard industrial aspect ratios.
Pre-V9.1 SP2 PCS 7 releases lack native 3840x2160 (4K UHD) layout templates in the OS Project Editor.
When an engineer manually forces an arbitrary 4K resolution in OS Project Editor or WinCC Computer Properties, the base system pictures (@screen.pdl, @overview1.pdl, @buttons11.pdl) are geometrically stretched, but internal embedded picture windows and faceplates often maintain fixed pixel dimensions.
SFC Visualization OCX Coordinate Binding:
The SFC Type faceplate (@pg_@sfc_type.pdl) hosts the Siemens SFC Visualization ActiveX Control (@sfc_visu.ocx).
Unlike native vector graphics, ActiveX controls rely on hardcoded pixel coordinate boundaries. When an OS project is enlarged to 4K without proportional inner container scaling, the OCX fails to resize its internal step chain grid, resulting in severe truncation and missing action bars.
Windows Desktop DPI Scaling Interference:
On 4K monitors, Windows 10 automatically sets desktop scaling to 150% or 200% to keep text legible.
WinCC Runtime is not fully DPI-aware in older versions. Non-100% DPI scaling forces Windows Desktop Window Manager (DWM) to apply bitmap stretching, causing blurry text, coordinate misregistration for mouse clicks, and clipped faceplate borders.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Enforce 100% DPI Display Scaling in Windows 10:
* Right-click the Windows desktop and select Display settings.
* Under 'Scale and layout', locate Change the size of text, apps, and other items.
* Set the scaling strictly to 100% (Recommended/Default) on all operator client monitors.
* Sign out of Windows and log back in to ensure all font metrics reload without scaling artifacts.
Configure Monitor Resolution to Supported Standards:
* If the physical monitor is 4K (3840x2160), set the operating system display resolution to 1920x1080 (Full HD), or configure the monitor controller/graphics card for hardware 1:1 pixel doubling.
* Alternatively, if utilizing multi-monitor capabilities, configure the display as multiple virtual Full HD screens (e.g. 2x FHD or 4x FHD using NVIDIA Mosaic or multi-monitor configurations).
Align OS Project Editor Configuration in WinCC:
* Open WinCC Explorer on the Engineering Station.
* Open OS Project Editor; navigate to the Layout tab.
* Select an approved resolution profile: SIMATIC Standard 1920*1080.
* Click OK to regenerate standard system pictures.
Configure Graphics Runtime Window Properties:
* In WinCC Explorer, right-click Computer, open Properties, and select the Graphics Runtime tab.
* Check Adapt Picture (or 'Turn on picture adaptation').
* Ensure that Direct12/DirectX hardware acceleration settings match the installed graphics hardware.
Recompile and Download OS:
* Compile the OS and download changes to the runtime operator client.
* Launch WinCC Runtime; open the SFC Type faceplate and verify that all tabs, step chains, and command buttons display crisp and intact.

Verification

In WinCC Runtime on the client station, click any SFC Type block icon to open @pg_@sfc_type.pdl.
Verify that the step sequence grid is fully visible and scrollbars operate smoothly without text overlapping.
Switch between Overview, Setpoints, and Actual Values tabs; confirm that all input fields and command buttons are clickable.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Directly editing system faceplates like @pg_@sfc_type.pdl in Graphics Designer to force custom dimensions is strongly discouraged because subsequent OS Project Editor updates or PCS 7 software updates will overwrite the modified files. Always maintain standard resolutions and 100% DPI settings.

Engineer FAQ

Does PCS 7 V9.0 SP3 support native 4K (3840x2160) resolutions?

No. OS Project Editor in V9.0 SP3 provides standard layouts up to 1920x1200. Forcing 4K causes faceplate coordinate truncation.

Why does Windows DPI scaling break WinCC faceplates?

WinCC Runtime and SFC Visualization ActiveX controls do not support non-100% Windows DPI scaling, leading to GDI coordinate clipping.

What is the best way to use 4K monitors with PCS 7?

Set Windows resolution to 1920x1080 with 100% scaling, or use NVIDIA Mosaic to treat the 4K display as four Full HD quadrants.

Can I modify @pg_@sfc_type.pdl manually?

Manual modifications are overwritten whenever the OS Project Editor is executed. Use standard screen templates instead.

Does PCS 7 V9.1 support higher monitor resolutions?

PCS 7 V9.1 and WinCC V7.5 SP2 introduce improved multi-monitor scaling, but 100% desktop DPI scaling remains mandatory for all releases.

Technical References

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Resolving Faceplate and SFC Visualization Scaling Defects on High-Resolution (4K) Displays in PCS 7