Mitsubishi 2D-TZ368 Parallel I/O Interface Card

The Mitsubishi 2D-TZ368 is a parallel digital input/output interface card designed as an option for certain MELSEC A series and Q series PLC base units. It provides a high-density, TTL-level interface for connecting external devices such as matrix keyboards, limit switch arrays, incremental encoders, and custom parallel data buses. This card is frequently used in automated test equipment and special purpose machinery requiring a large number of fast digital signals.

I/O Configuration

The 2D-TZ368 offers 24 digital input points and 16 digital output points. Inputs are TTL compatible: logic 0 = 0–0.8 VDC, logic 1 = 2.4–5.25 VDC. Input current: 0.4 mA typical at 5 V. Inputs have a selectable debounce filter (0 to 10 ms). Outputs are open-collector (NPN) 5 VDC, capable of sinking 25 mA per channel (maximum 400 mA per common). Outputs have overcurrent protection (foldback at 50 mA) and integral flyback diode for inductive loads.

Physical Interface

The card uses a 50-pin IDC connector (standard 0.05 inch pitch) for external wiring. A mating ribbon cable (2D-TZ368CBL, 1 meter) is available. The card occupies a single slot in the PLC rack and communicates with the CPU via an internal 8-bit parallel bus. Address mapping is assigned automatically in the PLC’s I/O table: inputs occupy X addresses (e.g., X100 to X123) and outputs Y addresses (e.g., Y200 to Y215).

Data Transfer Speed

Scan cycle update: The PLC updates the input image and output image once per scan. However, the 2D-TZ368 can be configured for “immediate refresh” using the FROM/TO instructions, achieving a data transfer rate of up to 50 kHz. This makes it suitable for high-speed handshake with external controllers or sensors.

Electrical Isolation

The card provides 2500 Vrms isolation between the I/O circuits and the PLC backplane. There is no isolation between individual channels within the same group; they share a common logic ground (GND) reference. For noisy environments, external optocouplers may be required.

Configuration and Settings

A set of 8 DIP switches on the card allows configuration of:

• I/O base address (4 possible ranges).

• Interrupt generation on specific input transitions (edge or level).

• Pull-up/pull-down resistors for inputs (default is pull-up to 5 V via 10 kΩ).

Environmental and Mechanical Data

Dimensions: 110 mm x 75 mm x 20 mm. Weight: 80 g. Operating temperature: 0 to 55°C. Storage: -20 to 70°C. Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing. Power consumption: 150 mA from +5 V (backplane) and no external supply required. The card is RoHS compliant.

Typical Applications

Common uses include connecting a custom operator pushbutton panel (matrix scanning), reading absolute encoder data (parallel gray code), driving a small dot matrix display, or interfacing with legacy equipment that uses a parallel data bus. The 2D-TZ368 is also used in IC test handlers for status bits.

Compatibility

Confirmed compatible with Mitsubishi CPU modules: A2NCPU, A3NCPU, A2UCPU, Q02H, and Q06H when mounted on base units A38B, A58B, or Q38B. The card is not compatible with MELSEC iQ-R series. Firmware: no update required. For software access, use the FROM/TO instruction in Mitsubishi GX Works2.

Ordering Information

Part number: 2D-TZ368. The card is supplied with a blanking label and four mounting screws. Ribbon cable is ordered separately (2D-TZ368-CBL). Reference manual: Mitsubishi type 2D-TZ368 User's Guide (part 13JZ21). No special tools are required for installation.