Mitsubishi Electric Automation proudly introduces their new Micro Programmable Logic Controllers

Built on the foundation of the popular FX1N and FX2N series of PLCs, the new FX3U adds functionality and speed while remaining fully backwards-compatible and price-competitive with the older style.

Here are some of the improvements and new features available:

Increased Speed:

Speed: Basic instruction speed is 0.065 micro-seconds/ logical instruction. Applied instruction (MOV) speed is 0.642 micro-seconds. Compare to the FX2N (0.08/1.52 micro-sec) and the FX1N (0.55 micro-sec).
Expansion Module Bus speed: The speed of the expansion bus (modules to right of main unit) has been increased for faster processing when using the new FX3U expansion modules. The FX3U is still fully compatibility with the FX0N and FX2N expansion modules, and will automatically reduce bus speed for the older modules.
Adapter Module Bus speed: The adapter module system (modules to left of main unit) has been revamped to greatly increase speed and functionality. While not compatible with the older adapter modules, the new bus allows for high-speed analog processing, position control, and communications options not available in the FX1N or FX2N. Additionally, the new modules directly control bits and registers on the main PLC unit, eliminating the TO/FROM instructions, and boosting speed.

Increased Capacity:

Internal Memory: The FX3U can store up to 64k programming steps internally or externally on flash memory cassettes. This is four times the memory capacity of the FX2N, allowing for larger programs, more data storage, or greater use of IEC 61131-3 style programming tools.
Data Storage: The FX3U, as compared to the FX2N, doubles the number of internal relays (7680) and timers (512), quadruples the number of state relays (4096), and increases the number of data registers by a factor of five (40768).
Digital I/O: The FX3U can handle up to 256 directly addressed I/O points or up to 256 remote I/O points. Using both local and remote I/O, the FX3U can handle up to 384 total I/O points.
Analog I/O: The ADP interface provides up to 80 analog inputs and 48 analog outputs at 8, 12, or 16 bit resolution, and there are 14 different analog I/O and temperature blocks available.

Increased Functionality:

New Instructions: The FX3U has 75 new instructions, in comparison with FX2N, for a total of 209 instructions for program creation. New instructions include greater control over data processing with a range of new comparison and string manipulation commands. A few examples of the new commands are:

• LOGE (FN 125): Calculates the natural logarithm in floating point
• SORT2 (FN 149): Sort tabulated data
• TBL (FN 152): Batch data positioning mode
• RND (FN 184): Random number generator
• BAND (FN 257): Defines a band or range of valid numbers
• IVWR (FN 273): Write parameter to inverter

Positioning Control: The FX3U has been designed with six simultaneous 100kHz counters and three 100kHz pulse train outputs, meaning users can directly configure simple 3-axis positioning systems without the use of additional modules. Using the new adapter modules the FX3U can provide four axes of up to 200kHz. By additionally adding expansion modules, the FX3U can handle up to 8 axes of simple position control.

Communications: In addition to the RS422 communications port familiar to the FX series, the FX3U has a built-in communications slot that will accommodate optional communication boards in USB, RS232C, RS422 or RS485 formats. Using a combination of this slot and available RS protocol adapter modules, the FX3U can operate up to three RS communication channels simultaneously for multiple HMIs or combinations of HMIs, third party devices and programming tools. The FX3U also supports a wide range of network options including 10/100Mbit Ethernet, USB, AS-interface, Profibus/DP, CC-Link, DeviceNet, and CANopen.

Display: The FX3U has an add-on display that can be installed directly on the main PLC unit, or mounted on the front of a cabinet using an available extension cable.

Other Features:

Backwards Compatibility: The FX3U uses the same programming software and instruction set as the FX1N and FX2N and the same flash memory cassettes as the FX2N. Additionally, all FX0N and FX2N expansion modules can be used with the FX3U. Because of this, many existing FX PLC programs are transferable, and often only the main PLC unit will need to be replaced in current installations.
Global Standards Met: In addition to CE, UL, and the other global standards met by the FX1N and FX2N, the FX3U will also meet the RoHs and WEEE standards.