PLC extended with Ethernet Embedded CPU

Mitsubishi Electric has extended the capability of its MELSEC FX3G Compact PLC with the release of a new Ethernet embedded CPU – the FX3GE. This comes in addition to the standard USB and RS422 communication ports. Further, the new CPU also adds two analogue inputs (0-10V DC or 4-20mA) and an analogue output (0-10V DC or 4-20mA). These new analogue and network features, combined with the power and expandability of the unit mean the new Compact PLC can meet the needs of a wider range of applications.

The FX3GE is ideal for food and beverage applications, for example where flow control or level monitoring might be important or where control of pumps is required.

Further features of the new MELSEC FX3GE include the ability to set two user keywords for secure PLC access, built in high speed counters and interrupts for system feedback and control, built-in 2-axis positioning capability with dedicated inverter protocol, and a choice of models offering 24 or 40 I/O as standard, expandable to 256 I/O. The FX3GE offers all the power of the FX3G, including large program memory, ample space for data storage, logging or recipes, plus high speed execution to enhance system productivity. The FX3GE can also use all of the expansion modules and special adapters in the range.

With the embedded Ethernet capability, users can take advantage of remote monitoring, maintenance and data sharing with HMIs and higher level systems over high speed 10Base-T/100Base-T communications. This also adds the facility for web based data monitoring as standard, enabling users to read PLC information from any networked device using a standard web browser. The keyword protection prevents unauthorised PLC access. The inclusion of analogue I/O enables the FX3GE to meet user needs for voltage or current inputs without the need for expansion modules, so reducing overall system costs.

These new features extend the reach of the MELSEC FX3GE into new applications where previously users would have needed to add expansion modules or standardise on a higher base cost PLC. The FX3GE is ideal for food and beverage applications, for example where flow control or level monitoring might be important or where control of pumps is required. The FX3GE could also provide analogue data management for injection moulding machines, smooth production control for wood cutting machines, and meet the needs of label printing machines thanks to the embedded network functionality.