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Released for: Schneider Electric USA | Published on: 06/22/2026 | Last modified on: 08/03/2026 | Author: Customer support team
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Selecting products and product info
The part numbers for SoMachine version 4.3 are:

- SOMNACS43 + trial license for V4.3 (21days) - USB flash drive. The USB flash drive is mandatory and supplied with a trial license.
- SOMNACCZXSPAZZ 1 (Single License)
- SOMNACCZXTPAZZ 10 (Team License)
- SOMNACCZXEPAZZ 100 (Entity License)

Supported controllers:

- Logic controllers: Modicon M238, Modicon M241, Modicon M251, Modicon M258
- Motion controllers: Modicon LMC058, Modicon LMC078
- HMI controllers: Magelis SCU, XBTGC, XBTGT/GK
- Drive controller: Altivar IMC.

EcoStruxure Machine Expert does not support controllers other than those from Schneider Electric. So the software will not allow to program an IFM CR7032 controller.

Installing, operating and maintenance
Somachine support the following programming languages
  • IL (Instruction List)
  • LD (Ladder Diagram)
  • SFC (Sequential Function Chart)
  • ST (Structured Text)
  • FBD (Function Block Diagram)
  • CFC (Continous Function Chart)

The recommended screen resolution for SoMachine v4.1 is 1680 x 1050 pixels at 100% scale.

This can be achieved by assigning a Symbol (tag/variable) inside the definition of the array.
Example - this is the declaration of a dynamically sized Array of INTs:

VAR
iArrayIndex1 : INT;
MyIntArray : ARRAY [0..iArrayIndex1] OF INT;
END_VAR

NOTE:
1) Dynamic Arrays will not work with variable sharing to HMI via the Symbol Configuration Node. Vijeo Designer and EcoStruxure Operator Terminal Expert do not handle Dynamic Arrays.
2) If you are using Dynamic Arrays inside Functions or Function Blocks, the instantiated memory size for a called Function or Function Block is limited, so limit the maximum value of the index accordingly and test your application thoroughly.
In SoMachine and EcoStruxure Machine Expert, it is possible to read PLC_R directly from an HMI programmed with Vijeo Designer.

Steps:
1) Add the Symbol Configuration Node from the Tools tree to your PLC:
Add Symbol Configuration node

2) In the menu bar of the Symbol Configuration pane, activate "Unconfigured from Libraries"
View -> Unconfigured from Libraries

3) Click Build.
Build from Symbol Configuration pane

4)From Symbol configuration, expand the SEC -> PLC_GVL -> PLC_R and place a tickmark next to PLC_R:
Tick the checkbox next to PLC_R

4) In Vijeo Designer, right-click on the Variables node and select "Import Variables From SoMachine..."
Vijeo Designer Navigator - Import Variables From SoMachine....

5) In the "Import SoMachine Variables" dialog, expand the nodes and choose the specific variables you want to use in Vijeo Designer:
Import SoMachine Variables

NOTE:
1) PLC_R.ilwSystemFault_1 and PLC_R.ilwSystemFault_2 variables will not be imported into Vijeo Designer because they are LONG WORDs (64-bit datatypes) - which are not supported by Vijeo Designer
2) Enumerated types that have Strings associated with them from the PLC will only appear as the Integer Value in Vijeo Designer. So you will have to look up the value's context from the manual when seen on the screen.

To install the ISO you will need software like MagicDisc or DVDFab to create a virtual DVD player. Then you can Mount the ISO and it will be assigned a Drive letter.


Vijeo Designer update V6.2.6.1008, otherwise known as SoMachine v4.3 Vijeo 6.2.6.1 Update is a Service Pack for Vijeo Designer v6.2 that comes integrated into SoMachine v4.3.
This addon will is delivered as a ".exe" file and can be installed on top of SoMachine V4.3 and can be obtained with the Schneider Electric Software Update tool which comes pre-installed with Schneider Electric products.

NOTE: If you choose to install Vijeo Designer v6.2 SP7 or SP8 (SP8 is the maximum version allowed on top of SoMachine v4.3), install this SoMachine v4.3 Vijeo 6.2.6.1 Update first. This will ensure that the set of iPC families (HMIPxx, HMIBMx) are also installed into SoMachine's Device repository in Logic Builder.


To launch the update tool, the shortcutcan be found at this path:
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Schneider Electric Software Update\
The shortcut is called "Schneider Electric Software Update"

Once it is launched, if you have SoMachine v4.3 installed, you will be able to see the Update:
Schneider Electric Software Update Tool

In the Schneider Electric Software Update tool, this update will appears as "SoMachine v4.3 Vijeo 6.2.6.1 Update". When you download the update, it will be saved as filename "SoMachineV4.3_Vijeo_6.2.6.1008_18.05.03.01.exe".
Running the executable file will automatically launch the SoMachine Configuration Manager (SCM) to install this addon.

The installation of this addon requires Windows Administrator privileges to start.

Note: Former versions of Vijeo Designer will be uninstalled at first. Afterwards Vijeo Designer v6.2 SP6.1 will be installed.

Improvements inside Vijeo Designer 6.2 SP6.1
New features
€¢ Support new Magelis displays (and XL display) HMIDT752 and HMIDT952 on HMIG5U2 in SoMachine
€¢ Support new Magelis iPC
—‹ HMIPSP
—‹ HMIPEP
—‹ HMIPSO
—‹ HMIBMU
—‹ HMIBMP
€¢ Improved Microsoft Windows10 Pro 32bit/64bit support
€¢ Support resolution on Magelis iPC HMIBMU and HMIBMP:
—‹ 800 x 600 (SVGA)
—‹ 1280 x 720 (HD720)
—‹ 1280 x 800 (WXGA)
—‹ 1280 x 1024 (SXGA)
—‹ 1440 x 900 (WSXGA)
—‹ 1600 x 1200 (UXGA)
—‹ 1680 x 1050 (WSXGA+)
—‹ 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)
—‹ 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)

Quality improvements
€¢ Improve robustness of HMSCU by preventing USB event file corruption due to the power interruption (which could be provoked by backing-up Event Log groups).
€¢ Improve robustness of HMSCU by preventing SRAM alarm file corruption due to power interruption (which could be provoked by backing-up Alarms)
€¢ Improve robustness of HMISCU (runtime) when using function block READ_VAR (of library PLCCommunication) for Modbus communication (thus avoiding loss of read registers).
€¢ Improve robustness of Vijeo-Designer by accepting also variables with specific or empty namespace attribute to be shared via SoMachine€™s symbol configuration.
€¢ Improve robustness on HMIS5T: the connection via Ethernet to a controller will be reestablished after a temporary disconnection.
€¢ Allow to convert a HMI €œwith Control€� into one without control within the Standalone version of Vijeo Designer.
This implies performing first an export from SoMachine into a Vijeo Designer vdz file, followed by the conversion within the €œStandalone€� version of Vijeo Designer, followed by the import of the new vdz file into SoMachine.
€¢ Avoid the dialog €œSecurity has been set up on the target machine€� (prompting for an user and password) when downloading an application via Vijeo Designer (€œDownload Target€�), in case security was not set-up.

SoMachine / Codesys is an open international standard IEC 61131-3 for programmable logic controllers.

The following programming languages are supported.
-IL (instruction list) is an assembler like programming language (Is now deprecated but available for backward compatibility)
-ST (structured text) is similar to programming in Pascal or C
-LD (ladder diagram) enables the programmer to virtually combine relay contacts and coils
-FBD (function block diagram) enables the user to rapidly program both Boolean and analogue expressions
-SFC (sequential function chart) is convenient for programming sequential processes and flows

Additional graphical editor available in CODESYS not defined in the IEC standard.
CFC (Continuous Function Chart) is a sort of freehand FBD editor. Other than in the network-oriented FBD editor where the connections between inputs, operators and outputs are set automatically they have to be drawn by the programmer. All boxes can be placed freely which makes it possible to program feedback loops without interim variables.

Prior to SoMachine V4.3 Patch 2, an activation code was required to get the OPC UA feature to be licensed and activated.
This activation code was provided through tech support at no additional cost.
With Patch 2 applied to SoMachine v4.3, the OPC UA no longer requires an activation code.
SoMachine v4.3 Patch 2 is available through the Schneider Electric Software Update tool (SESU).

Note: The current iteration of SoMachine is now EcoStruxure Machine Expert v2.1

Yes. Somachine Basic V1.6 with service pack 2 will support User-Defined Function Block(DFB).

The SoMachine Basic software supports the following IEC61131-3 programming languages:
  • IL: Instruction list
  • LD: Ladder diagram
  • Grafcet(List)
  • Grafcet(SFC)

A program can be written comprised of three Variables and three Ladder Logic Rungs.

Please see the example below.

Goal:
Turn on PULSEDBIT for 2 seconds after a 5 second delay after a rising edge (transition from FALSE to TRUE) from BUTTONPRESS.

Variables:
BUTTONPRESS (%M0) - the variable that triggers the sequence on rising edge
TIMERTRIGGER (%M1) - an intermediary variable that turns on the first timer in the program
PULSEDBIT (%M2) - the boolean variable that we wish to turn on for 2s after 5s delay

Rung0: Rising Edge detection latch
1) Create a Contact -| |- with BUTTONPRESS (%M0) assigned
2) In parallel with the first Contact, add a second Contact with TIMERTRIGGER (%M1) assigned
3) To end the ladder Rung, add a Set Coil -(S)- with BUTTONPRESS (%M0) assigned

Rung1: Delay timer
1) Create a Contact -| |- with TIMERTRIGGER (%M1) assigned.
2) In series to the contact, add a TON Timer (%TM0).
3) Mouse over the TON Timer block and change the time to 5 seconds.
4) To end the ladder Rung, add a Set Coil -(S)- with PULSEDBIT (%M2) assigned - this turns PULSEDBIT to TRUE after the 5s delay

Rung2: Turn ON PULSEDBIT for 2 seconds and reset all variables to FALSE
1) Create a Contact -| |- with PULSEDBIT (%M2) assigned.
2) In series to the contact, add a TON Timer (%TM0).
3) Mouse over the TON Timer block and change the time to 2 seconds.
4) To end the ladder Rung, add three parallel Reset Coils -(R)- with each of the three Variables assigned - this will reset all the variables back to FALSE once the timer sequences are completed.

The completed project should appear as follows:
Machine Expert Basic

Example project (created in EcoStruxure Machine Expert Basic v1.0.0.63163):
"PulsedBitExample.zip" - extract the PulsedBitExample.smbp project file
Yes, there is a way to return the CPU processor load using a Library called CmpSchedule.

In the Libraries->Add Library dialog, you will find it under Company->System under System->SysLibs:
add library

The function in the library that returns processor load is SchedGetProcessorLoad:
screenshot

An example of the program is as follows in Structured Text:

Declaration:
VAR
pResult1   : RTS_IEC_RESULT;  //required pointer to the internal data location type (variable name is arbitrary)
processorLoad : UDINT;      //CPU load percentage
END_VAR

Code:
processorLoad := SchedGetProcessorLoad(pResult:=ADR(pResult1));

Note:
  • The value returned in "processorLoad" in his example is is a percentage (in UDINT format).
  • It is recommended that processorLoad should remain lower than 70% (the lower the better). If this is not the case, then increase cycle times.
Case 1) There is no connection between the PC and the Schneider Electric file server:
The message "Updating product and version list. Please wait for the process to complete..." and a spinning green arc loading symbol won't go away.
In the top corner, there is a message "Not connected to Schneider Electric's server"
Case 1 - Schneider Electric Software Installer blank Product and Version dropdowns

Case 2: There is a connection, but the Schneider Electric Software Installer Tool cannot write the information to the local directory.
In this case, the screen will appear almost the same, however, without the two messages:
"Not connected to Schneider Electric's server" indicator at the top-right of the window
"Updating product and version list" indicator at the bottom-left.
Case 2 - Schneider Electric Software Installer blank Product and Version dropdowns


Case 1 is caused by no connection to the Schneider Electric software server either because of no connection to the Internet or the domain or port is blocked by the network the PC is on by IT.

Case 2 occurs if My Documents on the PC is mapped to a network folder path.
One can check this by launching the Schneider Electric Software Installer tool and clicking the "Hammer & Wrench" button at the top-right corner.
Choose "Download Full software version":
Download Full software version button

If the next screen appears with the message: "Access to the path: '\\<Network Folder Path>\Users\Downloads\OfflineMedium' is denied".
That would indicate that this is indeed Case 2.

The Schneider Electric Software Installer Tool writes to the the Windows default directories to store information (available software) from the Server, and if it cannot access the folder, you will get this message:
Creating an Offline medium message popup

Case 1 - Connection to Server:
In this case, in order to have the installer in working order, follow these steps:
1) Ensure that your PC has a connection to the Internet and there is no network infrastructure blocking it from connecting to the URL: https://www.seupdate.schneider-electric.com
2) Ensure the port that needs to be open to this endpoint, port 443 for https is not blocked
3) Depending on your network, you may also check with your local IT department if they need to provide a proxy to connect to the server.

Case 2 - Default My Documents folder path in Windows:
In this case, in order to have the installer in working order, follow these steps:
1) Close the Schneider Electric Software Installer tool.
2) Configure the Windows My Documents folder path to one that is on the local disk C:\ rather than the "\\<Network Folder Path>\"
For more information on this, refer to the Microsoft topic: "Configuration of the My Documents Folder" article or talk to your Network and IT Administrator.
3) Once the My Documents folder path is now in your local disk, launch the Schneider Electric Software Installer again.

To create a Machine Expert project archive in Machine Expert version 1.x or 2.x you will have to navigate to Machine Expert Logic builder / File / Project Archive / Save Archive.

Only Referenced devices and Referenced libraries options are check by default. This information is usually enough for most project archives.

Machine Expert v2.0.3.0 was taken off the market due to some source code leaks in the version. It is recommended to go to v2.0.3.1 and update your v2.0.3.0 projects to that version.

The battery only works to keep the internal clock running while there's no power in the PLC. It has nothing to do with the project being loaded into the controller.

The boot program is stored in the flash memory, which does not require battery backup; in case of a power outage you won't lose the program.

You can clone the application on an SD Card and have it as a backup just in case you need to put it into a replacement PLC if the PLC happens to be damaged in the future.

To convert an INT to REAL you can use this syntax in an operate block:

%MF10:=INT_TO_REAL(%MW2)

The fast inputs on the M258 are configured as regular inputs. by default:(EcoStruxure Machine Expert v1.2 depicted below)
DM72F0 and DM72F1 I/O Configuration
To add a High Speed Counter, Event Latch, Frequency Generator, Standard Encoder or PWM generator, click on the green (+) button to the right of the DM72F0 or DM72F1 node (or use Right-click and "Add Device")
Add Device with (+) button
Choose an Expert module
For example with a High Speed Counter:
The node you choose (HSCMain in this example) will appear under the DM72Fx node (A).
Click on the "HSC Main Configuration" tab (B) to configure the parameters of Counter/Event Latch/etc.
Choose a Counting Mode under the General Parameters folder (C):
HSC Main example configuration
A SoMachine Basic program support up to 96 Grafcet Step objects.
Videos
Video: How to setup Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) with a SoMachine HMISCU HMI/Controller using SoMachine V4.3
SoMachine v4.3 - Removing Password protection from a project
Product services, support, and warranty

The most common reason why the IP Address is not assigned to the controller is because the controller already has a Post Configuration loaded. To load a new IP Address to the controller there are two options. One option is to reload the firmware on the controller with a post configuration or you can Process the Communication Settings in SoMachine. You must right-click on the controller and select Process Communication Settings. This will send another post configuration to the controller.

img1

The DPI is changed in the Windows settings. In Windows 10 that is available under Settings / Display. Windows DPI settings should be set to 100%.The computer needs to be rebooted for SoMachine to recognize the new setting.Starting with Machine Expert 1.1 this problem should not appear anymore.

Note: SoMachine is an older Software and does not support 4k resolution.

Windows 10 Update 1809 had an unexpected effect of causing the SoMachine green border to take up the entire screen when upon launching SoMachine on a PC with two or more monitors if the left-most display is not set as the primary display (Display 1).

There are 4 methods to solve this issue upon launching SoMachine. Please choose the one most convenient for you:

Method 1 - Change the Shortcut properties to always launch on Display 1:
1) Close SoMachine
2) Right-click on your SoMachine v4.3 Shortcut (or create a copy of it)
3) Go to "Properties"
4) In the "Shortcut" Tab, next to "Run:", select "Maximized".
5) Click OK
6) Launch SoMachine from this shortcut.

Method 2 - Change the order of your display devices:
1) Close SoMachine
2) Set the left-most display of your multiple monitors to be the Main display (Display 1 in Windows)
3) Run SoMachine

Method 3 - Disconnect secondary monitors temporarily:
1) Close SoMachine
2) Disconnect the 2nd monitor (or just set your video card to Duplicate one monitor)
3) Run SoMachine.
From this point, you should be able to activate your second monitor as per normal.

Method 4 - Only use the Logic Builder as a Standalone component:
Install the Logic Builder Standalone component from SoMachine Configuration Manager and start directly the Logic Builder component instead of using SoMachine Central.

NOTE: The final product release of SoMachine v4.3 was in 2018. The issue is fixed in the latest software line - EcoStruxure Machine Expert - which does not use the same green box UI element.

The memory register on the PLC that EcoStruxure Machine Expert gets the value from in order to populate the IP_Address column from contains only the primary IP Address of the PLC which is tied to Ethernet_1. Ethernet_2 is originally designed to be on a different subnet than Ethernet_1 for a Device Network, but also has the ability to be used as a point of connection for configuration from EcoStruxure Machine Expert.

Note: This applies to TM4ES4 Secondary Ethernet modules for Modicon M241.

Keep a record of IP Addresses tied to Ethernet_1 and Ethernet_2 for your PLC(s). Be aware of this behaviour in the Communication Settings (Controller Selection in SoMachine) tab screen when you connect to the PLC.

If you use the setting "Connection Mode -> IP Address" at the bottom of the Communication Settings tab screen, you can still enter the IP Address of Ethernet_2 to connect to the PLC.
The cause of this message is because the product is either:
1)not registered on the PC with a valid license or
2) The version is a pre-release version of EcoStruxure Machine Expert v1.0 which did not support this operation

You will need to have an Activation ID provided in your purchase email or mailed paper copy (in the format: "A-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX")

Launch the Schneider Electric License Manager and check that the Name of the License row is either of the following:
1) EcoStruxure Machine Expert Standard
2) EcoStruxure Machine Expert Professional
and that the Version is 1.1
(this version number "1.1" in the License Manager is valid for bothMachine Expert v1.1 or v1.2.x installed on the PC)

If those either of those do not appear, or the Version shows 1.0, follow the steps below to register by web:
  1. Start the Schneider Electric License ManagerTool
  2. In the Local tab click the Activate button.
    Result: The Activation ID dialog opens.
  3. Enter the Activation ID which can be found in the Entitlement Certificate of the software product to be activated. If you want to activate multiple software products, you have to enter the different Activation IDs in separate lines.
    Result: The Next button is enabled.
  4. Click the Next button.
    Result: The Activation in Progress dialog opens.
    In the text box information about the internal processing of license activation is displayed.
  5. After the license is successfully created, click the Finish button.
    Result: The Local tab of the Schneider Electric License Manager is displayed showing each activated license in a new line.

To see your existing registered/floating licenses, visit:
https://www.schneider-electric.com/sites/corporate/en/support/software-licensing/landing-page

When Classic Mode is activated, a further setting will be available which is about the communication settings. The communication settings will be part of the project per default as the box is unchecked. If you have downloaded the saved and up-to-date project any new network scan will modify the project-file as the settings will be stored even they are unchanged. The project is marked (* behind project name in header) as changed and a download will be necessary.

Check the "Don't store communication settings in the project" box to be able to go directly online in classic mode - the checked box prevents project changes after a network scan.

checkbox

For the HMI to read the STRING and WSTRING type variables via MachineExpertNetwork protocol,

  1. In EcoStruxure Operator Terminal Expert software, open your HMI project
  2. Navigate to theProject Explorer
  3. ExpandTarget01 > Drivers
  4. Select "Schneider Electric-MachineExpertNetwork*" node
  5. In the System Architecture page, click on the row of the Equipment (default name "MachineExpertEquipment1")
  6. On the far right side of the screen under the Properties box, find "String Encode" near the bottom of the list.
  7. In theString Encode dropdown, select "CodePage1252"
  8. Download the changes to your HMI (or Simulate)

String Encode setting in MachineExpertNetwork Driver and Equipment Settings

ALSO NOTE: The best font to use for String Displays showing String Variables from M2xx PLCs is <LanguageName>_Gothic

Other topics

For EcoStruxure Machine Expert V2.1 there are no new licenses required. A valid license from EcoStruxure Machine Expert V2.0 can be used. A valid V2.0 license allows you to use also EcoStruxure Machine Expert V1.1 and V1.2 installations on your system.

The part numbers are:
STANDARD License - Node locked - Single (1 seat): ESEEXPCZZSPAZZ
STANDARD License - Node locked - Team (10 seats): ESEEXPCZZTPAZZ
STANDARD License - Floating - Team (10 seats): ESEEXPCZZTPBZZ

PROFESSIONAL license - Node Locked - Single (1 seat): ESECAPCZZSPAZZ
PROFESSIONAL license - Node Locked - Team (10 seats): ESECAPCZZTPAZZ
PROFESSIONAL license - Node Locked - Entity (100 seats): ESECAPCZZEPAZZ
PROFESSIONAL license - Node Locked - University (100 seats): ESECAPEZZEPAZZ

PROFESSIONAL license - Floating - Team (10 seats): ESECAPCZZTPBZZ
PROFESSIONAL license - Floating - Entity (100 seats): ESECAPCZZEPBZZ

How to Videos
Video: How to setup Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) with a SoMachine HMISCU HMI/Controller using SoMachine V4.3
SoMachine v4.3 - Removing Password protection from a project
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