Project: Control a small conveyor with LOGO! 12/24RCE.
No manual symbol drawing needed.
The Siemens Logo Eplan P8 Macrol is not just a time-saver; it is a strategic asset for automation engineering firms. By mastering the generation of window macros, respecting the shared I/O logic of the LOGO! hardware, and linking them to accurate part data, you eliminate grunt work and focus on logic design.
Whether you are programming a small conveyor system or a building automation node, a properly built LOGO! macro in EPLAN P8 ensures that your documentation is as smart and efficient as the PLC itself.
Next Steps:
Your future self will thank you every time you bypass drawing the 16th input terminal block.
Keywords utilized: Siemens Logo Eplan P8 Macrol, EPLAN P8, Siemens LOGO 8.3, Window Macro, Electrical CAD, Automation Engineering.
For Siemens LOGO! projects in EPLAN Electric P8, macros are primarily distributed in the .edz format. These data containers include the necessary macro files (*.ema or *.ems) and article properties required for the EPLAN Data Portal or parts database. Downloading and Importing Macros
To get the latest official macros for Siemens LOGO!, you can use these methods:
Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS): You can search for specific part numbers (e.g., 6ED1052-xxx) and download CAx/CAD data directly from the Siemens SiePortal.
Importing .edz Files: In EPLAN P8, go to Utilities > Parts > Management and use the Import function to load .edz files. This process automatically populates the article master data and associated graphic macros.
Manual Extraction: If needed, .edz files can be opened with tools like WinRAR to manually extract the *.ema (window macros) or *.xml data files for older EPLAN versions. Macro Configuration Features
Placeholder Objects: Many Siemens macros use placeholder objects. These allow you to easily switch between different configurations (e.g., voltage vs. current inputs) directly within the macro properties in EPLAN.
Function Text: To ensure your LOGO! inputs and outputs are clearly labeled on the schematic, you can use the Function text automatic feature. This synchronizes the text from the main function (the PLC) to all associated connections. Programming Message Texts Siemens Logo Eplan P8 Macrol
If you are looking for information on "text" in the context of the LOGO! device's display rather than EPLAN:
Message Text Block: In LOGO! Soft Comfort, use the "Message Text" special function block. You must connect a high signal to the EN (Enable) input for the text to appear on the device's screen.
Flags: You can use flags (like M29) to change the display background color to red, white, or amber during specific events.
Siemens LOGO! EPLAN P8 macros are pre-configured digital components that allow engineers to integrate LOGO! logic modules into electrical schematics with minimal manual effort. These macros typically include 2D/3D representations, terminal diagrams, and complete article master data in .edz or .ema formats. Key Features of Siemens LOGO! Macros
Comprehensive Data Integration: Macros provide all-pole representations, PLC connection points, and 3D ProPanel layouts for control cabinet design.
Placeholder Objects: Many macros feature placeholder objects that allow users to toggle between different configurations (e.g., analog voltage vs. current inputs) directly within EPLAN.
Time Efficiency: By using pre-defined modules, engineering time is significantly reduced, and manual data entry errors are minimized. How to Obtain and Import Macros Download from CAx Download Manager:
Navigate to the Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS) CAx-data link.
Enter the specific part number for your LOGO! module (e.g., 6ED1...).
Select "EPLAN Electric P8 macro" as the data type and generate the download. Import into EPLAN P8: Open EPLAN and go to Utilities > Parts > Management.
Use the Extras > Import function and select the .edz file type.
The system will automatically populate your parts database with the macro and master data. Editing and Customizing Macros
If a standard macro requires adjustment, you can edit it following these steps: How to edit Siemens' .EMA macro's in Eplan? Project: Control a small conveyor with LOGO
To integrate the Siemens LOGO! series into your EPLAN Electric P8
projects effectively, you should use Window Macros (*.ema) or Symbol Macros (*.ems). These macros allow you to drop pre-configured PLC modules—complete with technical data, connection points, and 2D/3D graphics—directly into your schematics. 1. Where to Get Official Siemens Macros
Instead of creating them from scratch, you can download high-quality, manufacturer-certified macros:
Siemens Industry Mall / CAx Download Manager: This is the official source. You can search for specific part numbers (e.g., 6ED1052-1FB08-0BA1) and use the CAx Download Manager to export data specifically in EPLAN format.
EPLAN Data Portal: If you have a subscription, you can pull Siemens LOGO! parts directly into your project via the EPLAN Data Portal, which includes the macros, part numbers, and technical specs. 2. How to Create Your Own Custom Macro
If you have a unique configuration, you can create a custom macro following these steps:
Draw the Schematic: Place the Siemens LOGO! PLC box and its connection points (Inputs/Outputs) on a schematic page.
Assign Parts: Link the schematic symbol to the correct Siemens part number in the Parts tab.
Define a Macro Box: Draw a "Macro Box" around the component.
Generate: Right-click the macro box or go to Edit > Create window macro / symbol macro. EPLAN Help provides a detailed guide on variant designations and naming conventions. 3. Key Benefits of Using LOGO! Macros in EPLAN
Automatic Addressing: Correctly configured macros allow EPLAN to automatically track PLC addresses across your project.
Accurate Bill of Materials (BOM): Since the macro is linked to a Siemens part number, your parts list will be generated error-free.
Wiring Diagrams: Pre-defined connection points ensure that your wiring and terminal diagrams are consistent with the physical Siemens LOGO! hardware. No manual symbol drawing needed
LOGO! Software – Intuitive PLC Configuration Tools - Siemens
LOGO! Soft Comfort V9 is the central engineering software for LOGO! Siemens Creating Macros - EPLAN Help
For Siemens LOGO! users working in EPLAN Electric P8 , macros are essential digital twins that automate the design process by providing pre-defined circuit modules and 2D/3D layouts. Instead of drawing every terminal and connection manually, these macros allow you to drag and drop logic modules—like the LOGO! 12/24RCEO —directly into your schematics. EPLAN Data Portal Where to Find LOGO! Macros
Siemens provides official EPLAN data through several channels to ensure your project information is accurate and up-to-date: EPLAN Data Portal
: The most direct method for integrated users. You can find basic units like the LOGO! 8.3 basic units
with full technical data, PLC connections, and product group details. Siemens CAx Download Manager
: Allows you to create a custom list of part numbers (MLFB) and download a comprehensive package in the .edz format Siemens Industry Image Database
: A helpful alternative for single-device searches where you can download macros, 2D drawings, and 3D models individually. Siemens SiePortal File Formats and Content Official Siemens macros typically come as .edz files
(EPLAN Data Archived Zipped). These archives are highly efficient because they bundle multiple data types into one package:
| Left side (Inputs) | Center | Right side (Outputs) | |--------------------|--------|----------------------| | I1 | LOGO! | Q1 | | I2 | 8 | Q2 | | I3 | | Q3 | | I4 | | Q4 | | I5 | | | | I6 | | | | I7 | | | | I8 | | | | L1 (PWR) | | N (PWR) | | PE | | |
Note: Power supply terminals are often placed at top/bottom or far left/right depending on macro variant.
Let's enhance the macro to automatically insert and connect terminals:
Macro Parameters: