Mitsubishi Electric launched its 'mother of all PLCs', the original PM series, in 1977. It was the first 'all-in-one' PLC and was originally used only in Mitsubishi's own automobile works. In 1981 the company launched the Melsec F series, the first compact controller in Europe. This system revolutionised the controller market and was the foundation of Mitsubishi Electric's worldwide success. Today the company markets a comprehensive range of compact controllers with models catering to the needs of every imaginable application.
Applying the principle of 'ever more performance into smaller and smaller units', Japanese engineers have systematically refined and improved Mitsubishi's FX controller technology, culminating in 1994 with the launch of the first powerful commercial PLC in credit card format. Japanese engineers had succeeded in reducing the dimensions of FX units by half in comparison to the compact PLCs of the FX series originally launched in 1990.
In 1999, Mitsubishi Electric presented the FX2N, a compact PLC solution with a program cycle period of just 0,08 µs, an achievement that remains unchallenged in this market segment.
Performance is not the only important criterion and Mitsubishi Electric has developed expansion modules for features like analog I/Os, high-speed counters and efficient positioning functions for easy control of stepping and servomotors. These modules make it simple to configure customised solutions for individual requirements.
The shift from standalone solutions to modular systems is making network technology increasingly important, and this also applies to compact PLC systems. A wide variety of communications ports and interfaces now come as standard.
The latest member of the compact PLC family is the FX2NC, said to be setting new standards in miniaturisation and performance. Despite its ultra-compact, modular design, the smallest base unit, measuring 35 x 90 x 89 mm (width x height x depth), is also claimed to deliver the most powerful processor performance. With a cycle period of 0,08 µs, just like the FX2N, the FX2NC is one of the fastest in its class, while occupying a quarter of the cabinet space required by its 'big sister'. This means that since 1981 Mitsubishi has reduced the sizes of its controller units by 80%. In addition the series has outstanding networking capabilities and expansion options, giving it plenty of reserves for additional performance when needed.
These enhanced performance and expansion options have made compact controllers powerful and flexible, so that they can be used to configure solutions for everything from standard, low-end tasks to demanding and complex applications.
Over five million Mitsubishi compact controller systems have been sold worldwide. In the micro range up to 32 I/Os, the company is the world market leader and it is also the second-largest vendor worldwide in the entire sector up to 128 I/Os.
Circuit Breaker Industries, a company wholly owned by Reunert, is an authorised distributor of the Mitsubishi Electric range of automation products. This range includes PLCs, human machine interfaces (HMIs), variable speed drives (VSDs), servo drives and Mitsubishi motor control equipment (ie, magnetic contactors, medium and high voltage vacuum contactors, thermal overload relays and electronic motor protection relays). A qualified team of sales engineers is able to advise customers and supply back-up support and service. All products carry a 12 month warranty.
For further information contact Karen Heitmuller, marketing manager, Circuit Breaker Industries, 011 928 2069, [email protected], www.cbi.co.za
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