Modular PLC Solutions by Panasonic and Mitsubishi

There are numerous prominent companies serving in the automation field. They continuously compete with one another to become the largest automation solutions provider. These brands range from PLC manufacturing to organizations owned by the largest commercial electronics groups.

To put it mildly, competition is intense, and for a variety of reasons, the environment has been shifting rapidly over the past few decades. Certain well-known brands have vanished, while larger or more adaptable businesses have purchased others. It is understandable that new identities are uncommon in businesses that must spend much to produce high-quality hardware as well as to establish the credibility and dependability required in the workplace automation industry.

Panasonic PLC Solutions

Panasonic PLCs is an exceptional technology developed for industrial automation purposes. These are frequently employed for tracking and controlling a wide range of equipment and processes in the production and operational control of entire industries. Panasonic provides a range of PLC series with different features and specifications to meet the various requirements of different fields.

Panasonic PLCs offer a variety of programming languages, including function block diagrams, structured text, and ladder logic. They may be programmed using specialist software and set to carry out tasks, including data collection, monitoring, and controlling.

Range of Panasonic PLC Products

Panasonic offers a wide variety of PLC solutions in its product portfolio. Each is designed to meet certain industrial needs. Some of their prominent PLC series and products include:

Panasonic FP series PLCs

Panasonic FP series PLCs are unbreakable and ideal for a numberless duty. Numerous beneficial features, including network connection, analog control, and positional control, have been skillfully included in the small PLCs to provide many of the benefits of a modular PLC. All  Panasonic PLCs have an excellent price-performance relationship.

Panasonic FP-X Series PLCs

The FP-X Series of PLCs, characterized by their compact and brick-style design, offer remarkable performance while simplifying I/O connections with convenient screw terminals. Key features of this series include a generous 32k step program capacity. This cassette interface enhances functionality without requiring extra space, compatibility with FP0R units for expandability, support for up to 382 I/O points, and the inclusion of built-in 4-axis pulse output channels, ideal for precise motion control applications. These features make the FP-X Series an excellent choice for applications where both performance and compactness are essential.

Panasonic GT Series

The Panasonic GT Series introduces a new HMI user library called TB-SYMKEYS, featuring standard flowchart symbols and switches tailored for water management systems. This library includes sample programs for use with Control FPWIN Pro, the PLC programming software. These symbols and switches can be easily integrated into the HMI configuration software GTWIN, which is compatible with the GT02, GT05, GT12, GT21, and GT32 touchscreen terminals in monochrome and color. By utilizing Control FPWIN Pro, users can bring these symbols and switches to life and customize them to suit their specific water management needs.

Panasonic Software

Panasonic provides user-friendly software for PLC programming and configuration, simplifying the development and maintenance of control logic.

• Experience innovation with Control FPWIN Pro, our programming software that effortlessly delivers maximum results with our PLCs. It streamlines the programming process for optimal efficiency.
• FP Data Analyzer is a powerful tool for reading and displaying PLC data. This software allows data to be stored in files and analyzed offline, providing valuable insights into your systems’ performance.

Panasonic PLC Hardware

Panasonic PLC hardware is a robust system with essential components like the Central Processing Unit (CPU), available in various models, Input and Output (I/O) modules for sensor and device connectivity, and a power supply providing necessary voltage. Communication interfaces support connections to industrial devices via protocols like Ethernet and Modbus. Specialized software tools aid in programming and configuring the PLC. This hardware follows a modular design, allowing components to be added or removed easily, and is housed in a rugged enclosure for durability. This flexibility ensures that Panasonic PLC can adapt to evolving industrial needs, providing efficient and dependable control for various applications.

Panasonic PLC integration with different automation technologies

For industrial automation, integrating a Panasonic PLC with other automation systems is highly desirable. In order to share data with other devices, the PLC must be configured, and communication links must be made. MES for data analysis and optimization, DCS for centralized control of several circuits, SCADA for large-scale process supervision, and HMI for real-time monitoring and control are examples of commonly integrated systems. In order to accomplish this integration, communication protocol compatibility is essential, necessitating the setup of variables like data format and baud rate. Through this integration, many systems may operate more productively and safely, enhancing industrial operations as a whole.

Mitsubishi PLC Solutions

“Mitsubishi Electric Corporation” is also the developer and manufacturer of the PLC series. These PLCs are widely used to control and automate intricate machinery and procedures in production, processing, and numerous other sectors. Mitsubishi PLCs are a well-liked choice for numerous tasks because of their excellent performance characteristics, durability, and flexibility. They provide a wide range of PLCs, from tiny versions for small-scale use to high-end ones for large-scale automatic control systems. These PLCs are a common choice in industrial automation operations worldwide because of their sophisticated features, which include continuous surveillance, communications, and remote management.

Range of Mitsubishi PLC Products

Mitsubishi doesn’t fall behind, providing a variety of series to meet various market needs. Mitsubishi Electric’s renowned MELSEC range of programmable controllers. It is the evidence of their unwavering commitment to innovation. It anticipates and fulfills the constantly changing requirements and expectations of industrial automation. This series focuses on the future as well as the present. MELSEC offers a better selection of PLCs and network systems, all while maintaining a dedication to high-performance and future-proof solutions. Some of its prominent PLC series and products include:

MELSEC iQ-R Series

Mitsubishi has developed an automatic controller that adds value and lowers the total cost of ownership, serving as the foundation for the future generation automation environment. In order to address common issues in seven essential areas—production, engineering, servicing, quality, connection, safety, and compatibility, the MELSEC iQ-R Series emerged from the foundation. It is combating these issues from three angles: lowering the total cost of ownership, boosting dependability, and repurposing current assets.

MELSEC-Q Series

The MELSEC-Q Series’ exceptional performance elevates the Q Family to a level seldom achieved by other PLCs.  The newly developed MELSEC-Q Series, due to its nano speed in the process, may significantly increase machine and system performance because production requirements fluctuate daily.

MELSEC iQ-F Series

The Mitsubishi MELSEC-F Family offers a better high-speed bus, greater settlement for SSCNETIII/H, more built-in functionalities, and a better engineering atmosphere. The engineering programming GXWorks3 is used to set its parameters and program. Whether used alone or as part of a linked framework, MELSEC iQ-F elevates your company to new heights in the sector.

MELSEC-L Series

Your manufacturing site is going to innovate and progress with the MELSEC-L Series’ because of its exceptional simplicity of use and versatility. Designing the MELSEC-L Series was motivated by an adoration of monozukuri, or invention, reliable technology, and dependability. The operation and installation of systems are also covered by the aforementioned concept.

MELSEC-F Series

It has rich functionality in a small package with an adjustable system setup. CPU, Power supply, and I/Os are all integrated into a single, small device in the MELSEC-F Series PLC. It comprehensively meets the requirements of a broad spectrum of applications, offering options for I/O, location, analog capabilities, and open network expansion.

Mitsubishi PLC’s Structure and Components

The architecture of Mitsubishi PLC consists of several parts that work together to automate different industrial operations. An overview of the parts and arrangement of the Mitsubishi PLC is shown below:

CPU

 The Mitsubishi PLC’s CPU functions as its brain. It interacts with various devices and controls input/output modules. It controls how program instructions are carried out.

Memory

Within the Mitsubishi PLC, there exists a program memory dedicated to user programs and a data memory designed for program-related data storage. Non-volatile storage enables programs and data to continue to be saved regardless of whether the electrical supply is switched off.

I/O Modules

Mitsubishi PLC is linked to the external environment by I/O modules. They accept outputs to operate actuators and additional machinery, and they deliver the PLC with inputs from detectors and other hardware.

Parts of Communication

Mitsubishi PLC may link with other systems and devices via communication modules. They enable communication between the PLC and additional equipment, supervisory systems for controlling, and various PLCs.

Power Supply

In the Mitsubishi PLC, the power supply unit performs the essential task of converting incoming power into the voltage and current levels needed to operate the PLC and its associated components.

Tools for Programming

AS tools for programming, many software programs are available for programming Mitsubishi PLCs, such as GX Developer and GX Works3. With these instruments, users may write, edit, and debug PLC software programs that make use of function blocks, structured text, and ladder logic.

HMI

Mitsubishi PLC can be monitored and controlled by operators through a system called the “Human-Machine Interface,” or “HMI.” The HMI might be made up of a computer screen, touch screen, or other technology.

Applications of Mitsubishi PLC in Industrial Automation

Mitsubishi PLCs are widely used in a wide range of sectors for control and industrial automation. Mitsubishi PLCs are frequently employed in the following industrial automation projects:

Production Line

 Mitsubishi PLCs can be utilized in production line processes to automate robots, transportation systems, and component inspection, among other tasks. They may help increase production and throughput while lowering the need for human intervention.

Material Handeling

Material handling procedures, such as sorting, packing, and shipping, are automated with the help of Mitsubishi PLCs. They may be used to operate robots, conveyor systems, and other machinery to transport things from one place to another.

Packaging Industry

Mitsubishi PLCs can employ automated packaging methods such as securing, filling, and labeling. It may accelerate and improve the accuracy of the packing process, which will reduce waste and boost productivity.

Process Controls

Mitsubishi PLCs are widely used in applications involving process control to automate flow, pressure, and temperature control, among other activities. They may be set up to monitor and regulate a variety of characteristics, guaranteeing consistency in product quality and cutting down on waste.

Energy Saving

A wide range of manufacturing operations have energy usage that can be controlled using Mitsubishi PLCs. They may be set up to regulate the HVAC system, lights, and other appliances, which will save energy use and expenses.

Water Treatment

To control variables like water flow, chlorine concentration, and pH levels, Mitsubishi PLCs are used in the treatment of water. They may help reduce environmental impact and improve water quality.

Mitsubishi PLCs are essential tools for enhancing efficiency, productivity, and safety for many kinds of sectors because of their broad range of usage in industrial automation.

Conclusion

It is impossible to understate the importance of selecting the appropriate PLCs in the dynamic field of industrial automation. Such powerful instruments are the foundation of contemporary manufacturing, guaranteeing accuracy, effectiveness, and control in a variety of sectors. We have examined modular PLC solutions in this post, highlighting products from two major players in the market, Panasonic and Mitsubishi.

Panasonic PLC Solutions has proven itself to be a technological marvel. Because it is designed to cater to a wide spectrum of industrial automation applications, its user-friendly interface and wide range of programming languages enable it to perform complex processes quickly and accurately. Panasonic’s product line provides solutions for a variety of industrial demands, ranging from the tough FP series to the small FP-X Series and the sophisticated GT Series.

Mitsubishi PLC Solutions is a symbol of excellence, creativity, and flexibility. The MELSEC series, which includes the iQ-R, Q, iQ-F, L, and F Series, offers a variety of choices to meet a variety of applications related to industrial automation. The structure and components of Mitsubishi PLCs, from the CPU to I/O modules and communication interfaces, create a robust foundation for automation.

We’ve learned more about the specifics of Mitsubishi and Panasonic PLC solutions, and it’s evident that both companies provide modern technology that is suited to the rapidly developing field of industrial automation. The selection of a PLC solution is not merely a decision for the present but an investment in the future of manufacturing and operational control.

The heart of automation beats stronger than ever with Panasonic and Mitsubishi. The door is still open to increased productivity and efficiency as we adopt new ideas and technology. Making intelligent decisions at the outset of modular PLC systems is the first step on this road.

This entry was posted on December 26th, 2023 and is filed under Automation, Mitsubishi, Panasonic. Both comments and pings are currently closed.