Siemens Desigo CC is an integrated building management platform that unifies HVAC, fire safety, security, lighting, and energy management into a single interface. This guide covers system architecture, navigation, graphics, alarming, trending, BACnet integration, and tips for technicians familiar with Niagara or Metasys.
| Component | Role | Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Desigo CC Server | Central management, database, logic engine | Proprietary + BACnet |
| Desigo CC Client | Operator workstation (Windows or web) | HTTPS |
| PXC Controllers | Field controllers (PXC12, PXC22, PXC36, PXC100) | BACnet/IP, BACnet/MSTP |
| PXA Stations | Automation stations for larger systems | BACnet/IP |
| DXR Controllers | Room automation controllers | BACnet/MSTP |
| Model | Points | I/O Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PXC12 | 64 | 12 universal | Small AHU, single zone |
| PXC22 | 128 | 22 universal | Medium AHU, multi-zone |
| PXC36 | 256 | 36 universal | Large AHU, plant room |
| PXC100 | 512+ | Modular expansion | Campus, central plant |
| PXC-U | Varies | Unitary | VAV terminals, FCU |
The System Browser is the primary navigation tool in Desigo CC. It organizes all building objects in a hierarchical tree.
Management View (default):
Site
├── Building A
│ ├── Floor 1
│ │ ├── AHU-1 (PXC36)
│ │ ├── VAV-101 through VAV-110
│ │ └── Room Controllers
│ ├── Floor 2
│ │ └── [similar structure]
│ └── Central Plant
│ ├── Chiller-1
│ ├── Boiler-1
│ └── Pumps
├── Building B
└── External Systems
├── Fire Alarm
└── Access Control
Logical View: Groups by function (HVAC, Fire, Security, Lighting) Physical View: Groups by network/controller User View: Custom organization per operator preference
| Area | Purpose | Access |
|---|---|---|
| System Browser | Object tree navigation | Left panel |
| Object Viewer | Properties, values, configuration | Center panel |
| Graphics | Visual representations | Center panel (tab) |
| Alarm Viewer | Active and historical alarms | Bottom panel or dedicated |
| Trend Viewer | Historical data charts | Center panel (tab) |
| Scheduler | Time programs | Dedicated view |
| Reports | Generated documents | Dedicated view |
| Type | Purpose | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Process Graphics | HVAC equipment schematics | Desigo CC Graphics Editor |
| Floor Plans | Spatial layout with sensor overlays | Import DWG/DXF + overlay |
| Dashboards | KPIs, energy metrics | Widget-based builder |
| Plant Schematics | Mechanical system diagrams | Symbol library + connections |
Drag a data point from System Browser onto a graphic symbol to create a binding. The symbol automatically displays the live value. For writable points, enable operator interaction (slider, input field, toggle).
Alarms in Desigo CC are configured at the controller level (PXC) and aggregated by the server.
| Alarm Class | Priority | Example | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Safety | 1 (Critical) | Fire alarm, gas leak | Immediate evacuation |
| Equipment Protection | 2 (High) | High discharge pressure, freeze stat | Immediate maintenance |
| Comfort | 3 (Medium) | Zone temp out of range | Within 4 hours |
| Maintenance | 4 (Low) | Filter change due, runtime exceeded | Next scheduled visit |
| Information | 5 (Info) | Mode change, schedule override | No action required |
Configure email/SMS notifications: Management Station > Notification > Add Rule > Set conditions, recipients, schedule, and escalation timers.
For technicians coming from Niagara or Metasys:
| Concept | Niagara | Metasys | Desigo CC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main navigation | Nav tree (Station) | Site Management Portal | System Browser |
| Graphics tool | PX Editor | Graphics+ / MUI | Graphics Editor |
| Programming | Wire sheet / Program | GCL+ / LCT | ABT Site (PXC programs) |
| Alarm manager | Alarm Console | Alarm Manager | Alarm Viewer |
| Trending | History service | Trend studies | Trend Viewer |
| Scheduling | Weekly Schedule | Scheduler | Time Program |
| Web access | HTML5 station | MUI (browser) | Flex Client or Web Client |
| BACnet role | Client + Server | Client + Server | Client + Server |
From Niagara: Desigo CC uses a centralized server model vs Niagara distributed stations. Graphics are built in a dedicated editor rather than PX XML. Programming happens at the controller level (PXC) rather than in the management platform.
From Metasys: Desigo CC integrates fire and security natively rather than as separate systems. The System Browser provides more granular object navigation than the Metasys tree. Alarm management includes built-in escalation workflows.
| Role | Typical Access | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Administrator | Full system access, engineering | BAS manager |
| Engineer | Configuration, programming, graphics | Controls engineer |
| Operator | Monitoring, acknowledge alarms, adjust setpoints | Building operator |
| Viewer | Read-only monitoring | Tenant, facility manager |
| Custom | Defined per project | Security guard (alarms only) |
Management Station > User Management > Add User > Assign role, set password policy, configure scope (which buildings/systems visible).