Installation Media

Control Expert can be installed by using the DVD-ROM or .iso file downloaded from the web.

Access Levels

Control Expert installs with two access levels:

Control Expert

It includes the Topology Manager, which manages system projects. One or more controllers (each with their own control project) and various devices constitute a system project. The control projects can be managed by starting one or more Control Expert editor instances within the Topology Manager.

Control Expert with Topology Manager is based on a client-server architecture. Setup installs both a Control Expert system server service and the client application on the computer.

The Control Expert repository constitutes the database, which is managed by the system server and contains system project data.

NOTE: Refer to EcoStruxure™ Control Expert, Topology Manager, User Manual for details on the interaction between a system project and control projects.
Control Expert Classic

It is the equivalent of Control Expert V15.0 and earlier versions. Each instance of Control Expert Classic manages one control project at a time.

Languages

The following display languages are available for Control Expert:

  • English

  • French

  • German

  • Spanish

  • Italian

  • Chinese

NOTE:

To modify the language of Control Expert select Start > Programs > EcoStruxture Control Expert > Language Selection.

Recommended Control Expert Architectures

Schneider Electric recommends using either of the following architectures for Control Expert (with Topology Manager):

  • All-in-one architecture: Consists of one computer on which client instances are started and connect locally to the system server (default configuration).

  • Distributed architecture, which consists of:

    • One computer that acts as system server.

      (Client instances can also be started on this computer and connect locally to the server.)

    • One or more remote computers on which client instances are started and connect to the system server.

NOTE: The maximum number of Control Expert client instances that you can open per computer is 4.

Software Licenses

There is one Control Expert setup (.iso file) and the license determines the access level and version that can be launched.

Access level to Control Expert according to the license is given in the following table.

Software License

Control Expert (with Topology Manager)

Control Expert Classic

Control Expert S

No

Yes

Control Expert L

No

Yes(1)

Control Expert XL

No(2)

Yes(1)

Control Expert XL with M580 Safety

No(2)

Yes

Control Expert XL with Topology Manager and M580 Safety

Yes

Yes

(1) Adding the M580 Safety CPUs is possible with a M580 Safety Add-On license.

(2) Access to Control Expert with Topology Manager is possible with a Topology Manager Add-On license.

Two types of licenses are available to activate Control Expert:

  • Node-locked license for use on a local PC. A node-locked license is used on the PC where Control Expert is installed.

  • Floating license for multiple uses of an authorized number of PCs in a network connected to the Enterprise License Server.

NOTE: To use remote desktop connection on Windows Server it is advised to use floating license.

  • Only one remote desktop connection is allowed with a node-locked license, whatever the number of seats.

  • With a floating license, several remote desktop connections are supported but limited by the available usage rights.

Activation

Control Expert software comes with a 30-day trial license.

When the first installation is complete, the trial license is automatically activated during first launch of the software product.

The trial license includes the maximum set of software product features which corresponds to the Control Expert XL with Topology Manager and M580 Safety license.

At any time during the trial period or after the trial period you can activate your license.

NOTE: When a license is activated, the trial version is no more usable.

If you do not activate your license, Control Expert software no longer runs after the trial period has expired.

Registration

You can register your Control Expert license at any time on the Schneider Electric Software Licensing Web Portal.

NOTE: Registration is not mandatory and can be done even if the license has not yet been activated.

The registration of the license on the Schneider Electric Software Licensing Web Portal allows you to:

  • View all your licenses and their status.

  • Increase the number of authorized transfer of licenses between PCs.