Archive for the ‘Programmable Logic Controllers’ Category

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. is very proud to announce that global sales of our popular MELSEC-F Series micro PLCs have eclipsed 10 Million in CPU sales.

Mitsubishi Electric launched the MELSEC-F Series PLC in 1981 and from its inception quickly became one of the leading pioneers of the microcontroller genre. Controllers from this new segment were defined by having a built-in power supply, fixed inputs and outputs (I/O), and maintenance free memory (EEPROM) in an ultra compact package.

The MELSEC-F Series PLC was one of the smallest and most flexible hardware architectures on the market during its introduction and still today is the benchmark for compact CPU designs. MELSEC-F has a long tradition of offering the most powerful feature set in any micro controller and combined class leading programming environment that enables many machine builders to gain a competitive edge. We would like to thank our customers from around the world for choosing MELSEC-F and Mitsubishi Electric for their automation needs.

In conjunction with this historic event, we plan to launch a series of special promotions to commemorate this achievement. Be on the lookout for more news and continue to promote the industry’s most popular micro-controller.

For more information, here is the FX3 Series CPU Catalog, and the complete FX3 Series Catalog (17Mb)

Mitsubishi is proud to release the FX3U-2HC and FX3U-4LC Interfaces.

The FX3U-2HC is a new special function high speed counter module (SFM) that connects to the right-hand bus interface of the FX3U and FX3UC Series controllers. This interface is designed to read single and dual phase high speed differential-line-driver and open collector encoders up to 200KHz.

This interface also provides onboard high speed outputs that can be configured to operate independently of the scan of the CPU and can thus be easily integrated into high speed applications. This interface is ideal for the machine builder looking to interface additional high speed signals that cannot be easily satisfied from the main base unit.

The FX3U-4LC is an all new 4 channel temperature control special function module (SFM) that connects to the right-hand bus interface of the FX3G, FX3U and FX3UC Series controller. This interface is designed specifically to handle temperature control loops using an onboard processor executing PID (Proportional/Integral/Derivative) algorithms that are independent of the FXCPU. This interface connects to a wide range of temperature input signals including thermocouples and resistance thermometers. This interface is ideal for the machine builder looking for a simple and easy temperature control solution.

The L Series debuts at the beginning of June 2010, and bridges the portfolio gap between the FX3 Series and iQ Platform with a high performance, modular, rack-free control architecture.

L Series configurations contain a single CPU packed with built-in features like Ethernet, standard SD/SDHC card memory, 24 connector-type I/O (16:8 Input/Output), Pulse Catch and Interrupt, High-Speed Counting up to 200Kpps, 2-axis Pulse-Positioning up to 200KHz, CC-Link (high-end CPU model only), and Data Logging.

This powerful unit can then be easily expanded using snap-on modules for additional digital I/O, analog I/O, Motion, Positioning, Serial Communication, and additional CC-Link Master/Slave interfaces. The L Series will also help usher in the all new CC-Link IE Field network, providing 1Gb data transmission over standard CAT5e cable with RJ45 connectors for controller-to-controller and remote I/O communication. L Series modules will be able to connect to a dedicated L Series CC-Link IE Field Slave Head Station, allowing a QnU CPU with CC-Link IE Field Master to control up to 254 stations in line, star, ring, or mixed topology.

For more information, here is the L Series Introduction Presentation & L Series Brochure

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. is proud to announce the release of several new 24VDC powered CPUs for the FX3G Series.

These 24VDC models are available in 14, 24, 40 and 60 I/O base size and include popular outputs like relay, sink and source transistor types. This release marks the final CPU milestone for the FX3G Series and fully completes our midrange CPU offering.

Our new midrange micro CPU lineup includes:

• AC powered, DC Input, Relay Output
• AC powered, DC Input, Sink Transistor Output
• AC powered, DC Input, Source Transistor Output
• New DC powered, DC Input, Relay Output
• New DC powered, DC Input, Sink Transistor Output
• New DC powered, DC Input, Source Transistor Output

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. has also updated our popular starter kit promotion to include these new 24VDC powered FX3G CPUs. For those new to our starter kit promotions, this is limited time program that combines the CPU, programming cable and software in a single package at a very attractive price.

For more information, here is the FX3 Series CPU Catalog

Mitsubishi Electric Automation is proud to introduce an all new multi-drop solution for GOT1000 HMI’s.

At the heart of this new solution is an all new multi-drop master station interface, the GT01-RS4-M. The GT01-RS4-M is the head or master station of the RS485 HMI network used to connect terminals together. Users will connect the master station directly to the communication port of an FXCPU or QCPU using a simple communication cable.

Once connected, users will use simple 2 or 4 wire shielded twisted cable to make the interconnections between the master station and other HMI terminals on the RS485 network. When the network is complete, all the terminals on the network will be able to easily access the connected CPU from up 500m away.

The other major component used in this solution is the conversion adapter, the GT10-9PT5S. This adapter connects to the RS422/485 port of GT1040 and GT1050 displays and converts the existing 9pin DSUB port to RS485-friendly terminal style interface. This simple network can host up to 16 similar and dissimilar terminals and is ideal for configurations that require 3 or more displays.

Mitsubishi is pleased to be able to offer those machine builders who require a combination of displays for their machines (maybe a larger display for a portion of their machine with smaller terminals used as status indicators) a new cost effective solution for our HMI products.

For more information, here is the GT01-RS4-M Data Sheet and GT10-9pt5s Data Sheet

The Q12DCCPU MES Interface IT module solves the difficult challenge of linking manufacturing and IT systems together to enable comprehensive data sharing.

Our customers are looking for a solution that follows industry standards, provides the highest level of security and reliability. The Q12DCCPU MES Interface IT module is a great solution whether it is a single machine implementation or a large scale multi facility projects. Significant expense has been spent creating customer application interfaces such as VB and OPC to create the needed linkage. As changes are required, these applications need to constantly be updated. With the MES Interface IT module, distributing information to and from legacy automation assets is as simple as newer systems.

Ease Connection to Various IT systems:

Connectivity – Bi-directional information distribution occurs by mapping data using the MX MES Interface IT Workbench software. Customer coding and integration efforts are drastically minimized.

IT Environments – Databases and messaging transports like WebSphere Message Queue (WMQ), HTTP and TCP/IP are supported

Security – Enterprise quality role based security infrastructure for protection of both IT and production systems

Highly reliable Two-Tier architecture reduces cost while increasing reliability:

The system configuration is improved by replacing problem prone gateway PCs with an information appliance

Data flow is trigger based – events of machine failure, operator action, end of cycle and others…

The exception based operation reduces network loading and eliminate associated issues with polling technologies.

Ideal relationship between Control and IT Systems: A key issue with existing solutions is either too tight or too lose coupling between the production and IT systems which creates problems.

The MES Interface IT module is closely coupled for optimum data collection, but has no influence on machine control.

Production and IT people can work autonomously and the changing IT environment does not impact machine production machinery validation.

For further details please check out the MES Product Brochure

The FX3 Series compact controller lineup has a new addition, the FX3G PLC!  With control of up to 128 directly connected I/O and up to 256 I/O with CC-Link remote I/Os and a powerful CPU, the FX3G is an ideal fit for cost sensitive applications. Building upon the FX Family’s renowned reputation for excellent configuration flexibility, the FX3G has a range of options for analog, high-speed, inverter, communications and positioning control. Furthermore with two communication ports, RS-422 and USB, a 32K step memory and a high speed processor, the FX3G introduces new possibilities to customer’s applications.

Specifications:

In the long term the FX3G can be seen as the successor to the FX1N, continuing the concept of combining performance with affordability. The design also considers the effect of backwards compatibly allowing the FX3G to slip into existing FX1N applications with minimal redesign work. Furthermore to mark this occasion we have reduced the pricing of our Ethernet unit by 45%! The new list price of the FX3U-ENET will now be $500, creating a high functionality Ethernet solution at a very competitive price.

For a quick comparision and selection guide on FX3 Compact PLC’s please check out the FX3 Series Reference Sheet The complete FX3 Series Catalog (17Mb)

The QD81DL96 is the newest addition to Mitsubishi’s e-F@ctory concept. Paired with a QnU “Universal” iQ Platform Sequence CPU, the High-Speed Data Logger module automatically synchronizes itself with the host CPU scan cycle to allow data sampling rates as low as 1ms. The module can monitor up to 64 individual CPUs time-synchronized (SNTP) across multiple networks, storing its logged data in a special high-speed 8GB Compact Flash card. The logged data can then be remotely accessible using an FTP client/server or the module’s built-in e-mail functionality. For even further convenience, easy and intuitive configuration and data-viewing software will be made available for free download. This module delivers highly reliable data logging capabilities at fraction of the cost for a PC-based data acquisition system. The Data Logger Module is a one-time buy with no additional cost for software.

Lean proprietary firmware keeps data logging fast and secure. Using the Viewer Utility to monitor current data, ongoing events, logged events, and download logged files allows users to optimize their applications and increase production efficiency. This module is currently stocked and available for order. More information can be found at our website in the e-F@ctory group of our Brochure Downloads section, or the Special Function Module (PLC-Q) category of the Manual Downloads section. by Mike Chen

For more information please see the QD81DL96 Product Brochure.

Amidst the flurry of major project launches, many smaller specialty parts have recently been added to the already vast lineup of Q Series I/O, Analog, special function, and power supply modules. For connection to low-current devices like proximity sensors, there are now the 6mA DC input modules, QX41-S2 and QX81-S2. Using these modules, external resistance will no longer need to be added to the application.

When both analog inputs and outputs are required, there is now the combination 4-In/2-Out analog module, Q64AD2DA. This module has an input/output range of -10 to +10VDC or 0 to 20mA with signed 16-bit resolution at 500us/channel input conversion speed. The Q61LD allows direct connection of Load Cells to the Q Series without external signal converters. High accuracy measurements (±0.01%/FS) are taken with added zero offset, two-point calibration, and input signal error detection functions. The QD62-H01 and QD62-H02 signed 32-bit high speed counter modules can finally succeed their AD61 and AD61-S1 predecessors. Lastly, for customers concerned with checking the status of their Q Series power supply unit, the Q61P-D has a built-in “Life” LED to clearly show how far along the 100,000 electrical lifespan it is.

For further details please check out the iQ Product Brochure