Mastering Automation: Your Essential Mitsubishi FX Series Product Selection Companion

Automation has become increasingly vital in modern industries. It is revolutionizing the operation of businesses and transforming their productivity. Companies are rapidly shifting themselves to technological advancement to gain a competitive edge. In this context, the “Mitsubishi FX Series” products have emerged as a prominent solution for automation needs. These products are a range of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) employed to control and automate various processes in industrial applications. The “FX series” offers a wide range of options, from entry-level compact PLCs to advanced models with enhanced capabilities and connectivity options.

This article comprehensively explains the features and applications of Mitsubishi FX Series products to help readers select the right product for their automation projects.

In the following sections, we will delve into the intricacies of the “Mitsubishi FX Series,” explore its different product lines, discuss factors to consider when selecting the right product, and provide insights into installation, programming, and support. This article will also serve as your essential companion in mastering automation through the “Mitsubishi FX Series,” helping you unlock the full potential of automation in your industry.

Understanding The Mitsubishi FX Series

The “Mitsubishi FX Series” is a renowned family of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) developed by Mitsubishi Electric, a global leader in industrial automation solutions. PLCs are electronic components that serve a purpose in industries for controlling and automating various operations. The FX Series is a well-liked option for automation across a variety of sectors because of its exceptional dependability, adaptability, and scalability.

Introduced in 1981, the Mitsubishi PLC “FX series” is a type of mini-PLC with integrated input/output functionality. It comes in varying sizes and memory configurations, with memory capacity ranging from 2kStep to 8kStep and up to 64kStep if connected to external memory. It can have up to 256 input/output (I/O) ports, with the FX3U variant capable of 384 I/O on its own. It can also support up to eight extension modules.

• The CPUs of the “Mitsubishi FX Series” PLCs offer integrated features like two-coordinate pulse output, PID (HSC) high-speed counter, and real-time clock.
• Various categories of modules may be added to expand the capabilities of the PLCs, including Temperature, Analogue, and position control, as well as network modules like Cclink and Profibus.
• Additionally, expansion boards are available for adding functionalities such as Analogue support, standard RS232, RS422, RS485 communication, and USB connectivity.
• The supported programming languages for these PLCs are Instruction, Ladder, and SFC.

Available Models of FX Series

For those seeking superior speed, power, and flexibility, the FX 3U and FX 3UC are the high-end models to consider. These PLCs offer advanced features such as fast-speed control, comprehensive network support, and data logging capabilities. They are capable of handling complex automation tasks and provide the necessary tools for demanding applications that require precise control and extensive functionality.

The FX 3GE, FX 3G, and FX 3GC belong to the standard model category. These PLCs provide a wide range of capabilities, from automation to networking and more advanced control. They are designed to meet the requirements of basic control systems and can be utilized in various applications where moderate complexity is involved.

The FX 3S is an entry-level model that offers simplicity and cost-effectiveness. It serves as a basic PLC with support for analog and communication expansion. This model is particularly suitable for simple automation tasks requiring a straightforward and affordable solution.

FX3U

The FX3U is a top-of-the-line compact PLC that offers fast-speed performance, expandability, and seamless control over networking, analog, communication, and positioning systems. It features a dual system-bus design. This design enables efficient communication and control. This system can control and manage up to 384 input/output (I/O) devices, both locally and through a network, using the CC-Link communication protocol; this offers versatility for a wide range of applications.

The FX3U boasts improved speed, performance, memory, and new functions compared to previous generations. It features in-built fast-speed positioning and processing capabilities. The PLC can control up to 256 linked I/O points, and with “AnyWireASLINK” or “CC-Link” remote I/O, it can handle up to 384 points. The FX3U provides convenient, all-in-one functionality. It combines a single unit’s power supply, CPU, and I/O. The FX3U also supports expandability through Special Adapters and Expansion Boards. It delivers fast instruction times and has a large memory capacity of 64,000 steps for program storage. The FX3U complies with UL/cUL and EN standards and supports many shipping approvals. Overall, it stands out as a high-performance compact PLC with extensive capabilities.

FX3UC

It is an ultra-compact and fast-speed PLC designed for space-conscious and modular applications. The PLC comes with built-in fast-speed I/O for efficient data processing. It also utilizes a double system-bus architecture, which enhances communication, networking, and control capabilities. The FX3UC supports expansion to control up to 256 local input/output points and up to 384 points with remote Input/Output. It delivers fast instruction times, a large memory capacity, and complies with EN and UL/cUL standards. The FX3UC is an excellent choice for applications where space is limited, but high performance and expandability are essential.

FX3G

It is also a compact PLC constructed for performance-critical devices with simplicity in mind. It belongs to the third generation of compact PLCs and offers high flexibility and a double system-bus architecture. With the FX3G, users can handle up to 128 connected Input/output points, which can be expanded up to 256 points with “AnyWireASLINK” or “CC-Link” remote input/output. This compact PLC features an all-in-one design that integrates the power supply, CPU, and I/O. It utilizes the “FX series” ADP bus system and expansion boards (BD) to provide enhanced functionality. The FX3G offers two modes, standard and extension modes, with varying instruction times. In the standard mode, basic instructions like Contact Instruction take 0.21 μs per instruction, while applied instructions like MOV Instruction take 0.52 μs per instruction. In the extension mode, these times increase to 0.42 μs and 1.29 μs, respectively.

The FX3G boasts a generous built-in program memory capacity of 32,000 steps. It also supports an EEPROM memory cassette with a loader function for added convenience. The PLC complies with EN and UL/cUL standards, ensuring its adherence to industry regulations. It is worth noting that the FX3G supports various shipping approvals as well.

FX3GC

The FX3GC is an entry-level PLC model. It adds to the lineup by having a connector-type design. It offers a similar processing capacity as the highly successful FX3G PLC. However, it comes in a super compact form factor. This compact design reduces the required installation space. It also reduces wiring time and minimizes potential wiring faults. As a third-generation super-small PLC, the FX3GC features minimal size and simplified wiring thanks to its connector-type Input/Output. It also utilizes a dual system-bus architecture for optimized performance. The FX3GC can control up to 128 directly linked I/O points or up to 256 I/O points with “AnyWireASLINK” or “CC-Link” remote I/O.

The details of the product include an all-in-one design that combines the CPU, power supply, and I/O components. It shares the exact programming specifications of the FX3G products, offering compatibility and ease of use. The FX3GC features fast instruction times, with basic instructions like Contact Instruction taking 0.21 μs per instruction in standard mode and 0.42 μs per instruction in extension mode. Applied instructions like MOV Instruction require 0.52 μs per instruction in standard mode and 1.29 μs per instruction in extension mode. The FX3GC provides a large memory capacity of 32,000 steps for program storage. It adheres to EN and UL/cUL standards, ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Various shipping approvals are also supported.

FX3GE

The FX3GE is a third-generation PLC that offers an all-in-one solution with added features such as built-in analog input/output and Ethernet connectivity. It builds upon the performance of the FX3G and is highly flexible, making it suitable for a broad range of applications. Featuring a double system-bus architecture, the FX3GE can manage up to 128 directly linked I/O points or up to 256 I/O points with “AnyWireASLINK” or “CC-Link” remote I/O.

The details of the product highlight its all-in-one design, incorporating the power supply, CPU, and I/O components. Additionally, it includes integrated analog I/O and an Ethernet port, enabling immediate use without additional setup. Instruction times for the FX3GE are fast, with standard mode contact instructions taking 0.21 μs per instruction and extension mode contact instructions taking 0.42 μs per instruction. Applied instructions, such as MOV instructions, require 0.52 μs per instruction in standard mode and 1.29 μs per instruction in extension mode.

The FX3GE provides a large memory capacity of 32,000 steps for program storage. It also supports an EEPROM memory cassette with a loader function for added convenience. The FX3GE PLC complies with EN and UL/cUL standards, ensuring its adherence to industry regulations.

FX3S

The FX3S is a simple, cost-effective PLC solution designed for applications with up to 30 I/O points. It is specifically tailored for space and cost-conscious environments where straightforward processes must be controlled. The FX3S is a minimum-expandability controller that requires no battery and offers maintenance-free operation, making it suitable for locations with no regular maintenance.

As a basic controller for general applications, the FX3S combines high performance with a compact size. Its all-in-one design integrates the CPU, power supply, and I/O components. Expansion alternatives are available, including adapters and expansion boards, temperature input, or analog control. The FX3S offers fast instruction times, with basic instructions like Contact Instruction taking 0.21 μs per instruction. Depending on the specific instruction, applied instructions may vary from 0.5 μs to hundreds of μs per instruction. With 4,000 steps of in-built program memory, the FX3S provides sufficient storage capacity. It operates without the need for a battery and requires no maintenance, providing a hassle-free solution.

The FX3S complies with EN and UL/cUL standards, ensuring its adherence to industry regulations. It also has various shipping approvals, further validating its reliability and quality.

FX Control Solutions

The “FX series” fits the requirements of a range of user applications because of its outstanding built-in features and simple usage. The FX control solution illustrates the fundamental characteristics that serve as the foundation for the control of automation.

Analogue Control: All models in the “FX series” may easily convert from analog to digital and from digital to analog utilizing expansion boards, specialty adapters, or specialty function blocks.

Fast-speed Counters: The FX range is ideal for applications requiring pulse-catch operations, closed-loop information processing, and fast-speed sensor utilization since each model has six to eight fast-speed counters.

Serial Communication: The “FX series” system is more adaptable thanks to serial connectivity, which enables dependable data interchange through a range of interconnections from personal computers, printers, barcode scanners, modems, and other PLCs.

Information Exchange: The system’s dependability and efficiency may be increased by sending data to a more advanced PC that continuously oversees production.

Inverter Control: The RS-485 connection interface and unique instructions included in “FX series” PLCs facilitate the control of all “Mitsubishi Electric FREQROL Inverters.” Analog inverter control is available for use with all other versions.

Positioning: The main components of the “FX series” are equipped with fast-speed pulse outputs and unique instructions. With the help of these characteristics, they can operate up to three separate servo axes from the main unit. Furthermore, special function blocks provide the capability for interpolated and networked servo control solutions.

Broad Area Networks: Networks in the Open Field: The “FX series” is compatible with several networks, including “CC-Link,” Ethernet, MODBUS®, and PROFIBUS. This support enables a broad range of innovative solutions and streamlines their easy integration with current networks.

Data Management: Both the FX3U and FX3UC versions are compatible with the FX3U-CF-ADP. It makes CF card data writing automated. This might be carried out either depending on predetermined circumstances or at specific intervals. The information is kept in the widely used CSV format. For increased efficiency, you may specify file names and automated timestamps.

Visualization: The FX series offers a range of HMI options, including Graphic Operation Terminals (GOT2000 series) with advanced touch-screen displays in sizes ranging from 3.8 to 15 inches, as well as basic text-based units.

Embrace The Potential of Advanced Control.

The “Mitsubishi Electric FX PLC Family” continues to thrive as a supplier of customized and compact control solutions, enabling customers to select the ideal model for their specific applications.

User-Friendly: Effortless setup and streamlined program development result in control systems that are easy to operate and save valuable time.

Affordable: It has a remarkable performance-to-cost ratio. This ratio offers economically efficient design results for a wide range of applications. These remarkable attributes, joined with Mitsubishi Electric’s renowned reputation for reliability and quality, ensure that the third-generation microcontrollers will lead the way in the compact PLC market. Finally, they will be providing the customers with advanced technology.

Versatile: A modifiable structure that facilitates open communication, extensive I/O capacity, analog control, and precise positioning allows systems to adapt to each client’s unique requirements.

Customer Confidence: With an aesthetic ideology spanning over twenty-five years, a global customer base, numerous industry certifications, and nearly Ten million CPUs traded, the “FX series” maintains its position as the preferred choice for compact PLCs.

Conclusion

The Mitsubishi FX Series is a family of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) developed by Mitsubishi Electric. These PLCs are renowned for being dependable, flexible, and scalable. A variety of versions are available in the FX Series to meet various automation requirements.

The higher-end versions, including the FX 3U and FX 3UC, provide revolutionary features for complex automated tasks. Fast-speed control, extensive network support, and data recording capabilities are all provided.  The typical versions, such as the FX 3GE, FX 3G, and FX 3GC, are intended for applications with low complexity and simple control systems. They provide adaptability, networking possibilities, and extensibility. The FX 3S is a base model that offers an easy and affordable solution for basic automation chores.

All FX Series devices contain capabilities including analog control, fast-speed counters, and serial connectivity, in addition to supporting a variety of programming languages, allowing for extension via modules and expansion boards. They provide possibilities for data management and visualization and are network-compatible.

The Mitsubishi FX Series PLCs are a popular option for compact PLCs because they are simple to operate, economical, and adaptable. They have a solid track record, large international clients, and various professional credentials. In the final analysis, the Mitsubishi FX Series PLCs provide modern automation solutions that are dependable and versatile. They enable users to raise productivity and efficiency across a range of sectors.

This entry was posted on August 28th, 2023 and is filed under Education, Electrical, Mitsubishi. Both comments and pings are currently closed.