WinCC Strip Chart

Siemens industrial automation platform for process control

Industrial
Real-time
Reliable

WinCC Introduction

Learn about WinCC's powerful capabilities for creating industrial strip charts

What is WinCC?

WinCC (Windows Control Center) by Siemens is a comprehensive SCADA system that provides powerful strip chart capabilities for industrial automation. It offers real-time data visualization with extensive customization options.

Key Features

  • Native strip chart controls
  • Real-time data acquisition
  • Multi-trend displays
  • Historical data analysis
  • Alarm integration
  • OPC connectivity

Main Applications

  • Industrial automation
  • Process control systems
  • Manufacturing monitoring
  • Power generation
  • Water treatment facilities
  • Oil and gas operations

Advantages of Using WinCC for Strip Charts

Why WinCC is the preferred choice for industrial strip chart applications

Industrial Reliability

Designed specifically for industrial environments with robust architecture, ensuring reliable operation in harsh conditions and 24/7 industrial applications.

Native Strip Chart Support

Built-in strip chart controls optimized for industrial data visualization with real-time updates, historical playback, and multi-channel display capabilities.

Seamless Integration

Excellent integration with Siemens automation systems, PLCs, and industrial networks, providing seamless data flow from field devices to strip charts.

Advanced Data Management

Comprehensive data management with built-in historians, archiving capabilities, and database connectivity for long-term data storage and analysis.

Security and Compliance

Enterprise-grade security features and compliance with industrial standards, ensuring data integrity and system security in critical applications.

Scalable Architecture

Scalable from single-user applications to enterprise-wide deployments, supporting multiple clients and distributed systems across large facilities.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Strip Charts in WinCC

Follow these detailed steps to create industrial strip charts in WinCC

1

Set Up WinCC Project and Tags

WinCC Project Setup

Create a new WinCC project and configure the tag system to connect to your industrial data sources for strip chart visualization.

  • Create new WinCC project
  • Configure tag connections
  • Set up data acquisition
  • Configure communication drivers
2

Create Graphics Designer Project

Graphics Designer Setup

Open the Graphics Designer and create a new picture for your strip chart display, setting up the basic layout and structure.

  • Open Graphics Designer
  • Create new picture
  • Set picture properties
  • Configure display settings
3

Add Trend Control Object

Trend Control Addition

Add a Trend Control object to your picture and configure it for strip chart functionality with real-time data display.

  • Add Trend Control object
  • Configure object properties
  • Set up data connections
  • Configure display parameters
4

Configure Strip Chart Properties

Strip Chart Configuration

Configure the strip chart properties including time range, data points, colors, and real-time update settings for optimal industrial monitoring.

  • Set time range and buffer size
  • Configure line colors and styles
  • Set up real-time updates
  • Configure axis labels and scaling
5

Deploy and Test Strip Chart

Strip Chart Deployment

Deploy your strip chart to the WinCC runtime and test its functionality with real-time data from your industrial systems.

  • Deploy project to runtime
  • Test with live data
  • Configure user access
  • Set up monitoring and alerts

WinCC Configuration Examples and Applications

Practical configuration examples and real-world applications for WinCC strip charts

Basic WinCC Strip Chart Configuration

// WinCC Strip Chart Configuration
// Object: WinCC Trend Control
// Properties: Strip Chart Mode

// Trend Control Properties:
TrendControl.ChartType = "StripChart";
TrendControl.UpdateMode = "RealTime";
TrendControl.TimeRange = 3600; // 1 hour
TrendControl.MaxPoints = 1000;

// Data Source Configuration
TrendControl.AddTag("Temperature", "DB1.DBD0");
TrendControl.AddTag("Pressure", "DB1.DBD4");
TrendControl.AddTag("Flow", "DB1.DBD8");

// Real-time update
void UpdateStripChart() {
    TrendControl.UpdateData();
    TrendControl.Refresh();
}

// Tag Configuration
TagConfig = {
    "Temperature": {
        "Address": "DB1.DBD0",
        "DataType": "REAL",
        "UpdateRate": 1000
    },
    "Pressure": {
        "Address": "DB1.DBD4", 
        "DataType": "REAL",
        "UpdateRate": 1000
    }
};

Explanation:

This basic configuration shows how to set up a simple strip chart in WinCC with real-time data binding and automatic updates from industrial tags.

Multi-Channel Industrial Strip Chart

// Multi-Channel Industrial Strip Chart
// Supporting multiple industrial parameters

// Data Source Configuration:
var dataSources = {
    "Temperature": {
        "tags": ["Temp_1", "Temp_2", "Temp_3"],
        "color": "Red",
        "yAxis": "left"
    },
    "Pressure": {
        "tags": ["Press_1", "Press_2", "Press_3"],
        "color": "Blue", 
        "yAxis": "right"
    },
    "Flow": {
        "tags": ["Flow_1", "Flow_2", "Flow_3"],
        "color": "Green",
        "yAxis": "left"
    }
};

// Trend Control Configuration:
TrendControl.ChartType = "StripChart";
TrendControl.UpdateMode = "RealTime";
TrendControl.TimeRange = 7200; // 2 hours
TrendControl.MaxPoints = 2000;
TrendControl.MultipleYAxes = true;

// Real-time update function
function UpdateMultiChannelChart() {
    var currentTime = new Date();
    
    for (var channel in dataSources) {
        var tags = dataSources[channel].tags;
        var values = ReadTags(tags);
        
        TrendControl.AddDataSeries(channel, currentTime, values);
    }
    
    TrendControl.Refresh();
}

// Alarm Configuration:
AlarmConfig = {
    "highLimit": 100,
    "lowLimit": 0,
    "alarmEnabled": true,
    "notificationMethod": "WinCCAlarm"
};

Explanation:

This advanced configuration demonstrates how to create a multi-channel strip chart with different Y-axes, multiple data sources, and real-time updates for comprehensive industrial monitoring.

Advanced Strip Chart with Historical Data

// Advanced Strip Chart with Historical Data
// Including data archiving and historical playback

// Historical Data Configuration:
HistoricalConfig = {
    "archiveEnabled": true,
    "archiveInterval": 1000, // 1 second
    "archiveDuration": 86400, // 24 hours
    "compressionEnabled": true,
    "storageLocation": "WinCCArchive"
};

// Trend Control Advanced Properties:
TrendControl.ChartType = "StripChart";
TrendControl.UpdateMode = "RealTime";
TrendControl.TimeRange = 14400; // 4 hours
TrendControl.MaxPoints = 4000;
TrendControl.HistoricalData = true;
TrendControl.ArchiveAccess = true;

// Data Archiving Function:
void ArchiveStripChartData() {
    var currentTime = new Date();
    var data = ReadAllTags();
    
    // Archive data
    ArchiveManager.StoreData(currentTime, data);
    
    // Update strip chart
    TrendControl.AddDataPoint(currentTime, data);
    TrendControl.Refresh();
}

// Historical Playback Function:
void PlaybackHistoricalData(startTime, endTime) {
    var historicalData = ArchiveManager.RetrieveData(startTime, endTime);
    TrendControl.LoadHistoricalData(historicalData);
    TrendControl.PlaybackMode = true;
}

// Export Configuration:
ExportConfig = {
    "format": "CSV",
    "timeRange": "24h",
    "dataPoints": "All",
    "includeHeaders": true
};

Explanation:

This advanced configuration includes data archiving, historical playback, and export capabilities, demonstrating WinCC's comprehensive industrial data management features.

WinCC Strip Chart Applications

See how WinCC strip charts are used in actual industrial applications

Manufacturing

Manufacturing Process Control

Manufacturing facilities use WinCC strip charts to monitor production processes, track equipment performance, and ensure quality control in industrial operations.

  • Production process monitoring
  • Equipment performance tracking
  • Quality control visualization
  • Production efficiency analysis

Power Generation

Power Generation and Distribution

Power plants and electrical utilities use WinCC strip charts to monitor electrical parameters, grid stability, and equipment performance in real-time.

  • Electrical parameter monitoring
  • Grid stability analysis
  • Equipment performance tracking
  • Predictive maintenance

Water Treatment

Water Treatment and Process Control

Water treatment facilities and process control systems use WinCC strip charts to monitor treatment processes and ensure water quality standards.

  • Water quality monitoring
  • Treatment process control
  • Chemical dosing optimization
  • Compliance reporting