No longer restricted to standalone applications, the new FX1N and FX2N micro PLCs from Mitsubishi Electric can now control as Masters AS-i and I/O link networks.
The age of the powerful micro PLC has arrived.
No longer restricted to standalone applications, the new FX1N and FX2N micro PLCs from Mitsubishi Electric can now control as Masters AS-i and I/O link networks.
These enhanced communications abilities now make the FX micro range of PLCs particularly suited to distributed machine control applications, where the requirement is for simple installation, reduced cabling cost, yet still retaining high speed digital signal processing.
The new I/O Link module, allows the FX1N and FX2N PLCs to master the I/O link network.
I/O Link is a simple Mitsubishi proprietary bit bus network designed to make installation of digital networks simple and cost effective.
As I/O Link is designed to specifically to work with Mitsubishi PLCs, it means that there is no configuration required, and no special programming.
All the user has to do is to address the remote I/O as they would normally program direct PLC I/O.
This simple to install yet powerful network from Mitsubishi allows for 64 inputs and 64 outputs to be distributed over distances up to 200 metres.
I/O link has a total network refresh time for all 128 I/O of only 5.4 milli seconds. The Actuator Sensor Interface (AS-i) compatible FX2N-32ASI-M master module plugs directly into the FX1N or FX2N PLC as an expansion module.
Each master can control up to 31 remote I/O blocks, with each I/O block capable of connecting 4 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs, giving a grand total of up 248 remotely located digital devices, such as sensors and actuators controlled by one Master.
This control capability when added to AS-iïs technology of being able to transmit communication and power over its distinctive yellow profiled cables, ensures that: installation is made as simple as possible, commissioning time of field devices is greatly reduced, and there is no compromise on performance.
These enhanced facilities add to the already impressive communication options of the FX1N and FX2N, such as the ability to be a slave on Profibus DP and DeviceNet networks. It is also possible to use a separate Profibus DP bridge (in place of a PLC) to be used with the standard FX0N/FX2N I/O and analogue expansion modules., In addition to this breadth of connectivity the FX1N and FX2N are already able to connect as a slave station to the latest technology in open fieldbusses like "CC-Link" and will soon be able to master this network as well.
In conclusion it would be fair to say Mitsubishi's Micro PLCs have really come of age.
