Week 8- The Mitsubishi PLC System

About

Mitsubishi Electric is one of the world’s leading names in the manufacture and sales of electrical
and electronic products and systems used in broad range of fields and applications.

(Reference: About Mitsubishi Electric; Corporate Data www.mitsubishielectric.com)

History

From its founding in 1921, Mitsubishi Electric has been at the forefront of Japan’s technical
ingenuity and product innovation.

(Reference: About Mitsubishi Electric; History www.mitsubishielectric.com)

Mitsubishi Electric PLC Overview

PLC System Mitsubishi Electric’s controller line is one of the widest in the industry.
Mitsubishi Electric Automation offers a wide line of industry-leading controllers that are
applicable in basic, mid-range, or advanced applications. Mitsubishi manufactures controllers
that are programmable with a high level of precision, reliability, and positioning control.

Mitsubishi Electric PLC Series

 MELSEC-F Series

It is now over 30 years since Mitsubishi Electric launched the first compact PLC on the European
market. Since then Mitsubishi has become the world market leader in this sector, with over 17
million of its compact controller installations to its credit. With their compact dimensions and
low cost compact controllers have opened up new perspectives in industrial automation. Many
 applications for which automation was once not even an option can now benefit from the many
advantages of these controllers.

The FX3U series that is now being launched worldwide is the third generation Mitsubishi
Electric's extremely successful family of compact PLCs. The new flagship line once again sets
new standards - and not only in the compact controllers class. The FX3U takes compact
controllers into another dimension, delivering performance that was formerly the exclusive
domain of larger control systems in a compact package. The FX family now includes independent
but fully mutually-compatible product lines.

MELSEC-F Series

Rich features and flexible system configuration in a compact size. The MELSEC-F Series PLC incorporates
power supply, CPU and I/Os into a single compact unit. It perfectly meets the diverse needs of a variety
of user applications with options for I/O, analog, positioning and open network expansion.

Features:

PLC main unit

All-in-one power supply, CPU and I/O main unit. Built-in features include high-speed counters and
positioning outputs.
FX3GE
FX3S
FX3U

I/O extension
Both 'I/O Extension Units' with a built-in power supply and 'I/O Extension Blocks' without a power
supply are available in various I/O sizes and configurations.

Analog control
Options for analog inputs and outputs, temperature sensor inputs and temperature control are
available.

High-speed counting
Options are available to supplement the built-in high-speed counters with additional high-speed
counting capacity or greater performance high-speed counting.

Positioning control
High-speed pulse output modules in addition to SSCNETIII positioning options are available.
Network communication
Expansion options are available for CC-Link and Ethernet networks, as well as for RS-232C and RS-485
serial communication protocols.
Communication options

Option
A lineup of optional cables, signal converters and training software is available.

Compact PLC
Full PLC performance in a tiny package

What can you expect from the MELSEC FX series?

Worldwide compatibility thanks to their wide power supply range the FX controllers can be used all over
the world internationally approved MELSEC FX controllers conform to all major international industrial
standards and maritime classifications.

Flexible solutions
The base unit can be combined with optional expansion and special function modules to configure a
system that is precisely geared to the needs of your application

Simple programming
Complex functions can be combined and executed with a single instruction

Speed
The entire FX family has always set the standards for execution speed (FX3U: 0.065µs per logical
instruction)

Compatibility
The lines in the FX family are different and independent products, but they are still fully compatible with
one another

(Reference: MELSEC-F Series; https://eu3a.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en/products/cnt/plc_fx/items/)

  MELSEC iQ-F

The Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC-F series has undergone many advancements, making way for the
next generation MELSEC iQ-F Series, with enhanced high speed bus, expanded built-in functions,
advanced SSCNET III/H support, and improved engineering environment with parameter settings in GX
Works3 engineering software. From standalone use to networked system application, MELSEC iQ-F
takes your business to the next level.

Features:

CPU module
All-in-one main unit with power supply, CPU and I/O. Built-in features include high-speed counters,
positioning outputs, Ethernet, and SD card slot.

I/O module
I / O modules are available with and without built-in power supply, and in various input / output
configurations.

Analog Control module

Options for analog inputs and outputs, temperature sensor inputs, and temperature control. FX3 series
analog intelligent function modules can also be connected.

High-Speed Counting module

High speed counter modules. FX3 series high speed counter modules can also be connected.
Simple motion / Positioning Control module
Simple motion module supporting SSCNETIII/H. FX3 series pulse output modules can also be connected.

Network / Communication module

CC-Link IE Field Network intelligent device station module. RS-232, RS-485, RS-422 communication
modules. FX3 series CC-Link master modules can also be connected.

Safety extension module

Safety extension module. Easily create a system just by connecting a safety extension module to
FX5U/FX5UC CPU module.

Option
Bus conversion module, power supply, battery lineup.

(Reference: MELSEC-iQ-F Series;https://eu3a.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en/products/cnt/plcf/items/)

 MELSEC-L Series
MELSEC L Series

The MELSEC-L Series will innovate and evolve your production site by providing flexibility and excellent
ease-of-use.The MELSEC-L Series has been designed based on a passion for monozukuri (creation),
trustworthy technology and reliability. This concept also applies to system installation and operation.

The L series is a powerful but compact modular controller with many features built-in to the CPU itself.
With its excellent cost performance and usability it is ideal for use in mid-size control applications.

High system flexibility

The rack-free design promotes high system flexibility with minimum form factor. The single-CPU
architecture includes built-in Ethernet and Mini-USB interfaces, a SD/SDHC memory card slot for
program storage and data logging, and 24 digital I/O for simple high-speed counting and positioning
functions. The high-performance CPU also includes a CC-Link V2 Master/Local station for connection to
the powerful open field network CC-Link.

Besides the functions already built-in, the CPU can be supplemented with up to 10 extension and special
function modules for additional digital and analog I/Os, highspeed counters, communications interfaces,
Simple Motion, positioning etc.

The compact size, easy expandability, networking capabilities, and multitude of built-in high-powered
functions makes the L series ideal for both stand-alone machines as well as networked stations in larger
applications.

Data logging

The built-in data logging function provides an easy way to collect information for troubleshooting,
performance evaluation, and other uses. The included configuration tool makes setting up the data
logging function a breeze with a step-by-step wizard like interface. Using GX LogViewer, the captured
data is easy to interpret and understand.

USB and Ethernet as standard

The built-in USB 2.0 port or Ethernet interface can be used to connect directly at the installation site.
The Ethernet interface supports direct connection and does not require any configuration of the PLC or
PC to operate.

Advanced programming software

GX Works2 represents the next generation in PLC maintenance and programming software and is
perfectly suitable for the L series
Features:

CPU
The L Series CPUs feature a variety of control functions and built in I/O included as standard. By adding
additional modules it can be customized to suit each individual application.

Branch/extension module
This module allows the system to be extended to match the size of your production facility.

Power supply
These modules supply electrical power for use by the CPU, input/output modules etc.

I/O module

These modules are for connecting input and output devices. Assorted I/O modules are available to suit
your system needs.

Analog I/O module

These modules use an analog method for data input/output. They achieve fine tuned control with high-
speed, high-accuracy and high-resolution.

Counter module
Easily and accurately count high-speed pulse with this module.

Simple motion module

A variety of control methods including positioning control, speed control, torque control, cam control
and synchronous control can be implemented easily.

Positioning module
These modules are for high-speed, high-accuracy positioning control.

Information module
These modules enable information exchange with the host control system, enhancing production
efficiency by collecting and controlling various production information.

Control network module

These interface modules provide connectivity to various networks that are found at each FA level of a
factory automation system.

(Reference: MELSEC-L Series https://eu3a.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en/products/cnt/plcl/items/

 MELSEC iQ-R

The iQ-R Series will be the newest programmable automation controller to join the iQ Platform.
The design of the iQ-R is focused on optimizing automation systems to produce innovative and high
value products. Regardless of industry or application, all automation plant floors face the basic
challenges of reducing life cycle costs and perfecting competitive advantages. As part of the iQ Platform,
the iQ-R will directly address these needs, from initial specification and design of the control system,
through programming and subsequent installation, all the way to ongoing operation, maintenance, and
upgrades.

(Reference: https://www.hteautomation.com/item/index/MitsubishiPLC)
MELSEC iQ-R Series: As the core for next-generation automation environment, Mitsubishi has realized
an automation controller with added value while reducing TCO.

The MELSEC iQ-R Series has been developed from the ground up to solve common problems in seven
key areas: productivity, engineering, maintenance, quality, connectivity, security and compatibility.

Taking a three-point approach to solving these problems: reducing TCO, increasing reliability and reuse
of existing assets.

The iQ-R series CPU offers dramatic improvements in performance, setting new benchmark standards
for processing speed. This not only enables users to realise enhanced system designs, but also provides
the basis for significant reduction in hardware costs. At the same time, the iQ-R series offers reductions
in development cost, maintenance cost and risk of system failure, while providing an innovative upgrade
path that will enable users to take advantage of ongoing developments through software upgrades
rather than hardware upgrades.

Benefits

With a scan time of 0.14 ms, the ability to process up to 419 instructions per millisecond, and a LD
instruction speed of 0.98 ns, the iQ-R series sets new benchmark performance standards, helping to
deliver increased productivity.

The iQ-R series offers a synchronised PLC and network scan to avoid data transfer delays and improve
manufacturing quality. In addition to that all output modules are synchronized for much more precise
control, removing the need for position detect sensors and reducing total system costs.

Important manufacturing information like recipes can be stored in the iQ-R built-in database preventing
the whole automation system to stop when for example the network fails and communication to a PC
database server stops. iQ-R can also backup/restore all parameters/data of the whole PLC system
including CC-Link IE Field network devices.

For example, users can define errors and events to be automatically stored to SD card through the in-
built SD card slot. In the case of an error or certain event the PLC can store all relevant process
information, the error & event log including operation history to an SD card. This data can then easily be
analyzed and help to reduce downtime and maintenance effort.

A feature of the iQ-R series is the ability to plug a hardware security key into the CPU, without which the
CPU module will not run. The data held in this key is encrypted, and cannot be copied by outsiders.
Further, authorised device IP addresses can be set up, and access denied to unauthorised devices,
reducing the risk of hacking or altering of the PLC program by unauthorised personnel. All this is on top
of a user authentication function.
More highlights

High performance CPU

Scalable platform
Synchronised control
Secure data storage
Reduced maintenance effort
Seamless connectivity via SLMP communication
Efficient engineering – GX Works3
System security
MELSEC System Q compatibility

Features:

CPU
Multi-CPU architecture, configured with ultra high-speed PLC CPU and CPUs such as the motion CPU and
the C controller, helps to reduce the production cycle time.

Base unit
For installing devices such as power supply and CPU module.

Power supply
This module is used for providing the electrical power for the CPU, input, output, and other modules on
the base unit.

I/O module
The digital I/O module intefaces bit signals to the control system.

Analog module
Analog modules include the analog I/O module that interfaces voltage and current signals to the control
system, the temperature input module that measures the temperature, and the temperature control
module that controls the temperature.

Motion/Positioning module
The motion module realizes high-speed and high-accuracy motion control with simple programming.
The positioning module performs positioning such as helical interpolation.
High-speed counter/Pulse I/O/Flexible high-speed I/O control module
The high-speed counter module is capable of handling high-speed pulse signals from an encoder.
The flexible high-speed I/O control module realizes stable I/O response due to high-speed hardware
processing without being restricted by the CPU scan time. In addition, user's logic can be set to FPGA
with the dedicated intuitive configuration tool.

Information/Network module
The information module enables information exchange with MES database and performs data logging.
The network module supports various network such as CC-Link IE and CC-Link.

Option
We also provide an extensive lineup of peripheral products such as connectors for input/output
modules and industrial hubs.

(Reference: https://eu3a.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en/products/cnt/plc/)

 MELSEC-Q Series

MELSEC-Q Series: its powerful performance takes the Q Series to levels rarely seen by other PLCs
before.
As the requirements of manufacturing evolve daily, the next generation MELSEC-Q Series, with its nano
speed processing, can dramatically improve system and machine performance.
Features:

CPU
A PLC CPU lineup that can fit any application.

Base unit
These modules are for mounting devices such as power supply modules, CPU modules and input/output
modules. A lineup of base units is available to suit your system needs.

Power supply
These modules supply electrical power for use by the CPU, input/output modules etc.

I/O module
These modules are for connecting input and output devices. Assorted I/O modules are available to suit
your system needs.

Analog I/O module

These modules use an analog method for data input/output. They support process control needs and
are perfect for high-speed, high-accuracy control.

Pulse I/O module, counter module

This pulse input, high-speed counter unit supports high-resolution devices and can offer high-accuracy
control.

Positioning module
Modules for high-speed, high-accuracy positioning control.
A variety of positioning modules are available to cater to different customer needs.

Information module
These modules enable information exchange with the host control system, enhancing production
efficiency by collecting and controlling various production information.

Control network module

These interface modules provide connectivity to various networks that are found at each FA level of a
factory automation system.

Energy measurement module

These energy measurement modules support measuring and monitoring of diverse energy information.