FX5U (IQ-F) built in High Speed Counter Function.

If you are having troubles setting up high speed counters, you can follow this Mitsubishi guide

as the programming is somewhat different to an FX3 PLC.

PLCs of the FX range have historically allowed high speed signals (faster than the scan time)

to be connected to a group of the PLCs inputs. Whilst it is still possible to use equivalents of

the traditional high speed counter functions C235 to C255, LC35 to LC 55, similar functions

are available using the HIOEN function. The advantages of this instruction are that it uses a

parameterisation approach, uses Special Registers and Special Relays for its internal

resources, saving programming and reducing use of other resources.

This example shows the steps needed to enable a high speed counter function using CH1,

which is the hardware input X0.

CLICK HERE to download this technical tip.

If you are finding it difficult to locate Device Registers for IQ-F or IQ-R to make them retentive. Here is a quick technical tip on where to find them!

CLICK HERE for your technical tip

Setting up FX5U on GX Works 3 to Allow more than one GOT2000

If you are struggling to communicate to multiple devices via the Ethernet port of the FX5 please click the link below for your technical tip.

Connecting two GT2000s to FX5 via Ethernet.pdf

CDL offers a wide range of Mitsubishi Software Packages, but some may be confused when choosing the correct software for their application.

Mitsubishi’s iQ Works2 Software Suite takes the selection headache away.

This powerful engineering management software solution integrates programming, design and maintenance software applications for Mitsubishi Electric’s automation platform.

The result is one seamless engineering environment.

So what is included in iQ Works2?

MELSOFT Navigator – Project Management Tool.

The Navigator enables the design of the entire upper-level system and integrates the other MELSOFT programs into a single workspace. This graphic-based configuration tool provides a visual representation of the overall system.

GX Works2 – PLC programming software

Used to program the various Mitsubishi PLC’s including FX Series, L-Series and Q-Series.

GX Works3 – PLC programming software

The latest Mitsubishi PLC programming and maintenance software used to program the iQ-R and IQ-F Series PLC’s.

GX Developer – PLC programming, for legacy systems

The simplicity and intuitive interface of this well-known software results in a short learning curve to help you get your applications up and running quickly and efficiently.

GT Works3 – GOT1000/GOT2000 HMI programming

Graphical Operation Terminal (GOT) screen creation software. Create graphic screens in fewer steps.

MT Works – Motion programming software

Motion control design and maintenance software which includes intuitive graphic-based programming together with a digital oscilloscope simulator.

FR Configurator2 – Inverter programming software

Simplifies setup and maintenance of Mitsubishi AC inverters. Parameters can be easily adjusted, and written to multiple inverters when replacing. The inverter PLC function can also be programmed from a single setup screen.

RT Toolbox3 – Robot programming software

Robot setup software for programming, commissioning, evaluation and maintenance of robot applications. The integrated 3D simulator is a handy tool which can be used to improve preventative maintenance of a machine.

QnUDVCPU & LCPU Logging Configuration Tool – Data logging configuration software.

Store and view collected device data on an SD memory card in CSV format.

For additional information regarding which version of Windows Operating systems are supported by iQ Works2?  Please click here…

So, if you are in need of a complete software solution for a wide-range of Mitsubishi Factory Automation products, then look no further than iQ Works2.

For more information regarding iQ Works2 or any other Mitsubishi FA product, then please contact the CDL Sales Team or Technical Support on 0116 233 9555.

Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field of science that includes a combination of mechanical engineering, electronics and Control Systems and despite being around for more than 50 Years, today we are seeing a real time need to connect Industry. To ensure that we continue to move with current industry trends CDL has brought together a few of their strongest Manufacturers at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry where they were able to  showcase new products and integrated solutions that combined, strenghtens their systems with Industry 4.0 and The Internet of Things placing them firmly at the front of their mind.

The Mechatronics workshop was centered around the Mitsubishi Automation Platform, and supported by key manufacturers such as SMC, SICK and SMAC. Each manufacturer presented live presentations of their showcased lineup and performed in-house product demonstrations along with Q&A session at the end of each section.

Manufacturers Product line ups included:

Mitsubishi: IQF & IQR Simple Motion and Robot,A800 GOT Integration, Smart Condition.Monitoring & Guided Operator Solutions.

SMC: Electric Actuators & Grippers.

SMAC: Precision Electric Actuators and the famous SMAC actuator hand

SICK: Inspection/Vision cameras and Scanners.
In addition to the live presentations an open exhibition area was available, where attendees could discuss individual systems and products in greater depth with numerous application specialists.

Mitsubishi Factory Automation Product Manager Barry Weller talking through the many Features and Benefits of using the New IQF and IQR PLC Platforms

As an added benefit guests were also offered a guided tour of the MTC and given exclusive availability around
their spectacular premises to see up close the latest manufacturing technologies from some of the UK’s most innovative manufacturing businesses

CDL are planning to run more similar events throughout 2017 so keep checking our social media feeds, website and Blog for further details regarding future events.

The Mitsubishi iQ-F range continues to expand and they are now at a stage where they have a comprehensive range of hardware products for this PLC family.

There is now a complete range of DC-powered CPUs available from 32 to 80 I/O.

Mitsubishi now also have PT100 and Thermocouple ADP modules (attach to left hand side of CPU).

As well as new digital I/O modules there will also be an FX5-80SSC-S (an 8 axis version of the existing popular 4 axis FX5-40SSC-S).

All the new line up is in stock except for the FX5-80SSC-S which will be available from February. 

Click here for more info

Mitsubishi MELSEC-F Series has now been reborn as the MELSEC iQ-F Series, offering enhanced high speed bus, expanded built-in functions, advanced SSCNETIII/H support and improved engineering environment. Program and parameters are set with the GXWorks3 engineering software.

From stand-alone use to networked system applications, MELSEC iQ-F brings your business to the next level of industry

In the Mitsubishi MELSEC iQ-F Series, the FX5U model provides a cost effective solution that boasts ease of use, functionality and high performance in a small panel footprint.  The FX5U and FX5UC controllers enable faster decision making with access to real time data and improved accuracy and throughput, ideal for small to medium machines.  They are key also to a more profitable manufacturing environment.

KEY BENEFITS

• To reduce costs, motion control capability in a compact control platform
• Enhance security options
• With Ethernet, Modbus and serial communications options, gives open connectivity and flexible networking
• Faster machine speeds and increased productivity
• To standardize a variety of applications, flexible architecture and expansion options

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE & DRIVE CONTROL

• Embedded Ethernet port
• Built in SD card slot
• Large memory capacity
• Embedded analog
• Inverter Control
• Positioning
• Simple motion module

Mitsubishi MELSEC iQ-F Series can easily be configured using GX Works3.  Programming languages are supported and can even be used in the same project at the same time allowing the user to program in the most efficient manner for their application.  Using the Simple Motion module, GX Works3 eliminates the need for additional software.

Click here for a brochure or get in contact for a quotation or further details.

With the launch of the FX5U Compact PLC, as a part of the IQ-F Series, Mitsubishi has made this best selling PLC even better.

Mitsubishi launched the original FX over 30 years ago and being the first compact PLC to be seen in the European market., the FX transformed automation by bringing PLC control and functionality into smaller, lower cost applications that would previously have had to rely solely on discrete relay based logic.

Each generation of the Mitsubishi FX has set new standards and now with the introduction of the FX5U, Mitsubishi has given these compact controllers a huge performance boost by focusing on processing power, expansion, built in functionality and positioning and motion functions.

The Mitsubishi FX5U gives the FX a performance boost and adds new features that set benchmark standards for compact PLCs.  Users are able to develop more complex and sophisticated automation systems, as well as higher performance applications without having to go for larger, more costly PLC families.  Programming through the same GX Works software used for other controllers in the Mitsubishi Electric range supports scalability.

Mitsubishi FX3U offers many features and benefits:-

HIGH SPEED INPUT & OUTPUTS – Users can achieve high speed, precise positioning at low cost with embedded multi-speed, interrupt positioning and simultaneous start.
ANALOGUE & PID – With 2 analogue inputs & 1 analogue output as standard, also with improved PID performance, users have a low cost means of implementing sophisticated functions at low cost and without the need for additional hardware.
IMPROVED CONNECTIVITY – The FX5U offers simple connection options to a wide range of Mitsubishi Servos, Inverters Cognex Vision Systems, Networks & Energy Meters, thus having reduced wiring effort and no additional programming.
BUILT IN ETHERNET – Having Ethernet communications as standard, users can easily set up communications with other Ethernet enabled systems and perform remote data monitoring over the internet.  They can also use the SNTP function (time synchronisation from a time server via a network).
POSITIONING CONTROL – Mitsubishi Electric’s simple motion unit as an intelligent function module is included with the FX5U.  This provides the ability to perform sophisticated motion control for up to 4 axes.  Functions include linear interpolation, circular interpolation, positioning control, synchronised control. encoder following and electric cam.
ADVANCED SYNCHRONOUS CONTROL – Software based synchronous control can be used as an alternative to mechanical control, such as gear, transmission, shaft and cam.  Also cam control is easier with cam auto-generation.  Synchronous control can be simply operated for each axis (stop/start), allowing synchronous and positional control axes within the same program.
CAM AUTO-GENERATION – Simply by registering the sheet length, synchronisation width, rotary cutter axis dimensions etc, cam data for a rotary cutter can be generated automatically.  All servo axes can be synchronised via SSCNETIII/H by plug & play.
MARK DETECTION – The actual position of the servo motor can be obtained based on the registration mark printed on the high speed moving film.  Compensation of the cutter axis position, based on the registration marks, keeps the constant cutting position.
SIMPLE TROUBLESHOOTING – The FX5U offers a range of trouble shooting functions to speed system set up, increase system availability and reduce maintenance requirements.  Included is comprehensive debugging functions along with diagnostics function.  Simple maintenance is facilitated through improved diagnostics including error history, hardware monitor, SD card for logging & tracing functions, automatic systems recognition and several program debugging functions.
SECURITY FUNCTIONS – FX5U comes with several security functions like privilege based program on SD card with copy protection password.
BACKWARD COMPATIBILITY – Reuse existing FX3 expansion modules with the FX5U via a bus conversion module and easily port existing FX3 programs to FX5U.