What is Schneider PLC? | Complete Guide for Beginners

Schneider PLC refers to Programmable Logic Controllers manufactured by Schneider Electric, a global leader in industrial automation and energy management. These PLCs are widely used to automate machines, processes, and control systems across various industries.

About Schneider Electric PLC

Schneider Electric offers a range of PLCs under the Modicon family, known for reliability, scalability, and Industrial IoT integration. These PLCs are designed for everything from small machine control to large process automation.

🧩 Main Schneider PLC Series

PLC Series	Application Area	Software Used	Key Features
Modicon M221	Small machines	EcoStruxure Machine Expert – Basic	Compact design, Modbus & Ethernet support
Modicon M241 / M251	Medium-scale automation	EcoStruxure Machine Expert	High-speed processing, motion control
Modicon M262	Smart connected machines	EcoStruxure Machine Expert	IIoT-ready, MQTT, OPC-UA, cloud connectivity
Modicon M340	Process & infrastructure	EcoStruxure Control Expert	Modular design, redundancy, analog & digital I/O
Modicon M580	Large-scale process control	EcoStruxure Control Expert	Ethernet-based PAC, advanced cybersecurity

Programming Software

Schneider PLCs are programmed using the EcoStruxure platform:

EcoStruxure Machine Expert (SoMachine): For M221, M241, M251, M262
EcoStruxure Control Expert (Unity Pro): For M340, M580, Quantum
Supported Languages: Ladder Diagram (LD), Function Block (FBD), Structured Text (ST), Sequential Function Chart (SFC)

Communication Protocols Supported

Modbus RTU / Modbus TCP
EtherNet/IP
CANopen
Profibus / Profinet
OPC-UA
MQTT (for Industrial IoT)

Common Applications

Simple VFD and filed instrument based system
HVAC and Building Management Systems (BMS)
Energy monitoring and load control
Food, chemical, and oil & gas process automation

💡 Example: Motor RPM control

Monitor VFD Input & Output signal
Control Motor start stop Auto-Manual Operation
Communicate with SCADA/HMI through Ethernet.
As per logic development run Motor and as per received signal shown in to SCADA/HMI

💡 Tip: For new projects, prefer Modicon M262 or M580 — they support IoT, cybersecurity, and remote monitoring through Schneider’s EcoStruxure™ platform.