Start Programming with Schneider EcoStruxure Control Expert: A Hands-On Guide for Beginners
Published on Aug 21, 2025 | Category: FirststShare this Page:
Unity Pro has officially been renamed to EcoStruxure Control Expert.
This change is part of Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure strategy, which focuses on
innovation, integration, and future-ready automation solutions. While the name is new,
the strength and reliability of Unity Pro remain at the core of EcoStruxure Control Expert.
EcoStruxure Control Expert is not just a programming tool – it is a complete multitasking
environment designed to make automation projects easier, faster, and more reliable.
Engineers can handle everything from programming to simulation and diagnostics within
a single software platform.EcoStruxure Control Expert is the common engineering software for the
Modicon PLC ranges including M340, M580, M580S, Premium, Momentum,
and Quantum. It provides a complete environment for programming, debugging, and
operating PLCs in hybrid and process industries. With its flexible and scalable design,
Control Expert makes automation easier for engineers at every level.
In this guide, you will learn how to start using EcoStruxure Control Expert, explore the
interface, create your first PLC project, and understand the basics of ladder logic and
structured text programming. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently build, test, and
simulate real automation applications using Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Control Expert.
What is EcoStruxure Control Expert?
EcoStruxure Control Expert is the engineering and programming software developed by Schneider Electric. It has replaced the earlier Unity Pro XL and is now the standard tool used for PLC programming, hardware configuration, network communication setup, and system diagnostics.
With EcoStruxure Control Expert, automation engineers can design, program, test, and commission Modicon PLCs including M340, M580, Premium, Momentum, and Quantum. It provides an all-in-one environment that simplifies both small and large-scale automation projects while improving efficiency and flexibility.
Key Features of EcoStruxure Control Expert
- All-in-One Platform: A single software for programming, debugging, and managing PLCs.
- Multiple Languages: Supports five IEC 61131-3 standards plus LL984 for legacy projects.
- Smart Device Integration: Configure and connect devices easily with FDT/DTM support.
- Reusable Libraries: Build and customize DFB blocks to save time across projects.
- PLC Simulation: Test and validate programs directly on your PC before deployment.
- Built-In Diagnostics: Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC performance in real-time.
- Cybersecurity Ready: Protect your automation systems with integrated security features.
- Wide Hardware Support: Works seamlessly with Modicon M340, M580, Premium, Momentum, and Quantum PLCs.
- Unified Control & Safety: Manage process and safety functions in one project environment.
- Certified Safety Functions: Pre-built IEC 61508 blocks simplify safety programming.
- Faster Engineering: Reduce development effort with ready-to-use tools.
- Easy Maintenance: Keep projects reliable and safe with streamlined upkeep.
Download EcoStruxure Control Expert
You can try EcoStruxure Control Expert free for 30 days in the trial version. The installation process is simple and beginner-friendly, making it easy to get started with PLC programming and project testing.
⬇️ Download EcoStruxure Control Expert (Trial)
Programming Languages in EcoStruxure Control Expert
EcoStruxure Control Expert gives you the freedom to program PLCs using different approaches. It supports the five IEC 61131-3 languages, so you can pick the one that best matches your project style or background knowledge.
- Ladder Diagram (LD): A graphical method that looks like electrical relay logic, making it easy for electricians and technicians to understand.
- Function Block Diagram (FBD): Programs are built with blocks that represent functions, very useful for process control and repetitive operations.
- Sequential Function Chart (SFC): Also called Grafcet, this language is perfect for step-by-step or sequence-driven processes.
- Structured Text (ST): A powerful text-based language similar to high-level programming, ideal for calculations, loops, and advanced logic.
- Instruction List (IL): A low-level, code-like language mainly kept for older projects but still available for compatibility.
By combining these languages, you can create flexible and efficient PLC programs that fit both simple machine controls and complex industrial systems.
Create Your First Project in EcoStruxure Control Expert (Simulation Mode)
Getting started with EcoStruxure Control Expert is simple. If you are new, you can practice without a real PLC by using the built-in simulator. Follow these steps to create your very first project.
EcoStruxure Control Expert Open EcoStruxure Control Expert
Launch EcoStruxure Control Expert from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut. Once the software is open, you will see the welcome screen where you can start a new project or open an existing one.
EcoStruxure Control Expert Create a New Project
Click on File → New Project. A window will appear asking you to choose a PLC model. For practice, you can select Modicon M340 or M580. After selecting, press OK to create the project.
EcoStruxure Control Expert Add Your PLC and Configuration
Once you create a new project, the New Project window appears. Here you must select which PLC and rack configuration you want to use. On the left side, you will see different PLC families like Modicon M340, Modicon M580, Premium, Quantum, etc. For most simulation and training projects, Modicon M580 is commonly selected.
Each PLC option (e.g., BME P58 6040) represents a specific CPU model with different memory, communication, and redundancy features. You also need to select a Rack from the list below (4-slot, 6-slot, 8-slot, etc.) which acts as the backplane where CPU and modules are mounted.
Add Security Password in EcoStruxure Control Expert
Securing your project is very important, especially if multiple engineers or operators have access to the PLC. EcoStruxure Control Expert allows you to set different levels of password protection to prevent unauthorized access, editing, or downloading of your project into the PLC.
Step 1: Open Project Properties
After creating your project, go to the Project Browser, right-click on your project name, and select Properties. This will open the Properties of Project window where you can configure security options.
Step 2: Program & Safety Protection
In the Program & Safety Protection tab, you can set a password to protect your application logic and safety code. This ensures that only authorized users can view, edit, or make modifications to your program. You can also enable features like Auto-lock and File encryption for an extra layer of safety.
Step 3: Project & Controller Protection
Next, switch to the Project & Controller Protection tab. Here, you can add passwords to secure the entire project and the PLC controller. This prevents unauthorized users from downloading, uploading, or connecting to the controller without the correct password. For example, you can protect firmware updates, web diagnostics, and data storage access by setting a dedicated password.
Conclusion
By setting up Program & Safety Protection and Project & Controller Protection, you make sure that your project is safe from accidental or malicious changes. Always use strong passwords and keep them secure to maintain the integrity of your PLC program.
Create a New Program Section in EcoStruxure Control Expert
After setting up your project and PLC, the next step is to create your first program. In EcoStruxure Control Expert, all programming is organized under Tasks and Sections. Each section can contain logic written in your choice of IEC 61131-3 languages (Ladder, FBD, ST, etc.).
Ecostruxure Control Expert Open Project Browser
Go to the Project Browser window. Expand the tree and navigate to:
Program → Tasks → Logic
Step 2: Add a New Section
Right-click on Logic and select New Section. A dialog box will appear where you can enter the section name and choose the programming language.
Ecostruxure Control Expert Choose a Language
Select the programming language you want to use. For beginners, Ladder Diagram (LD) is the most user-friendly option because it is graphical and easy to understand.
Ecostruxure Control Expert Create a Simple Program
Now that the section is created, let’s build a simple PLC logic. In this example, we will use:
- Start_Button → Normally Open (NO) contact
- Motor_Coil → Output coil
- Ton_1 → TON (On-Delay Timer)
Ecostruxure Control Expert Build and Compile
After writing the logic and assigning variables, click on the Build button from the toolbar. This step checks your project for syntax errors and validates all variables and instructions. If there are no errors, your program is ready for simulation.
Ecostruxure Control Expert Test in Simulation Mode
EcoStruxure Control Expert provides a built-in simulator for testing without hardware. To activate it:
- From the menu, select Simulation Mode.
- The PLC icon changes to indicate you are running in simulation.
- Run the program and test inputs/outputs to verify the logic.
Ecostruxure Control Expert Download Project to PLC
When you are ready to test on a real controller:
- Switch back from Simulation Mode to Standard Mode.
- Set the PLC communication parameters:
- Select PLC → Set Address from the menu.
- A dialog will open where you can choose the PLC driver (e.g., USB, Ethernet).
- Configure the IP address or COM port according to your hardware.
- Click Test Connection to ensure successful communication with the PLC.
- If successful, press Download to transfer the project to the controller.
