IDEC MicroSmart FC6A Replacement Guide

IDEC MicroSmart FC6A Replacement Guide

Introduction: When old PLCs are discontinued - the upgrade value of MicroSmart FC6A

In the fields of small and medium-sized automation equipment, water treatment systems, packaging machinery, and mobile vehicle control (such as engineering machinery and agricultural equipment), once the PLC controller is shut down (EOL), equipment maintenance personnel often find themselves in a dilemma: either look for expensive and non warranty second-hand dismantling parts, or bear the high cost of retrofitting. IDEC's MicroSmart FC6A series, as a powerful integrated CPU module, is an ideal choice to replace outdated MicroSmart series (such as FC5A, FC4A) and other brands' discontinued PLCs with advanced features such as built-in Ethernet, SD card storage, dual serial ports (RS232/RS485 optional), Modbus TCP/RTU, and SAE J1939 (CAN bus).

This article is based on the technical specifications of FC6A series CPU modules, and provides a detailed analysis of the selection comparison, I/O specifications, communication capabilities, and complete process of replacing old PLCs for each model from an engineering perspective. It also provides common troubleshooting methods. Whether you are planning to upgrade equipment or looking for alternative solutions for discontinued spare parts, this article can provide directly usable references.

FC6A Series Overview: Integrated High Performance PLC

The FC6A (MicroSmart 6th generation) CPU module adopts an integrated design, integrating the power supply, CPU, I/O points, and communication interfaces into the same unit. Its core features include:

Built in Ethernet ports: 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX, supporting Modbus TCP (server/client), user communication, SNTP, PING, etc.

Built in SD memory card slot: used for program backup, data logging, recipe management, etc.

Dual serial ports (RS232 C/RS485 optional for users): Supports Modbus RTU master/slave.

USB port (Mini-B, USB 2.0 full speed): used for programming and maintenance communication, not isolated.

Maximum I/O expansion capability: 520 digital I/O and 126 analog I/O can be achieved through local expansion modules.

Built in high-speed input: Some input ports support a response time of 5 µ s, suitable for high-speed counting and pulse capture.

Built in PWM/pulse output: The transistor output type supports pulse output up to 65 kHz.

SAE J1939 model: designed specifically for vehicle and engine control applications, integrated with CAN bus (250 kbits/s), supporting J1939-11/15/21/71/73/75/81 protocol.

FC6A offers three body specifications of 16, 24, and 40 points, each with relay output, transistor source type, and transistor drain type versions. The power supply voltage can be selected from 100-240V AC, 24V DC, or 12V DC, and some models also offer SAE J1939 version.

Comparison Table for Selection of Standard CPU Modules

3.1 16 o'clock CPU module (8-in/7-out)

Model Power Supply Voltage Input Voltage Output Type Maximum Digital I/O Maximum Analog I/O

FC6A-C16R1AE 100-240V AC - Relay 400 100

FC6A-C16R1CE 24V DC 24V DC Relay 400 100

FC6A-C16P1CE 24V DC 24V DC transistor source type 400 100

FC6A-C16K1CE 24V DC 24V DC transistor leakage type 400 100

Input point: 9 o'clock (including high-speed input, compatible with 24V DC sink source)

Output point: 7 points (relay or transistor)

3.2 24 o'clock CPU module (14 inputs/10 outputs)

Model Power Supply Voltage Input Voltage Output Type Maximum Digital I/O Maximum Analog I/O

FC6A-C24R1AE 100-240V AC - Relay 504 124

FC6A-C24R1CE 24V DC 24V DC Relay 504 124

FC6A-C24P1CE 24V DC 24V DC transistor source type 504 124

FC6A-C24K1CE 24V DC 24V DC transistor leakage type 504 124

Input point: 14 points (compatible with 24V DC sink source)

Output point: 10 o'clock

3.3 40 point CPU module (24 in/16 out)

Model Power Supply Voltage Input Voltage Output Type Maximum Digital I/O Maximum Analog I/O

FC6A-C40R1AE 100-240V AC - Relay 520 126

FC6A-C40R1CE 24V DC 24V DC Relay 520 126

FC6A-C40P1CE 24V DC 24V DC transistor source type 520 126

FC6A-C40K1CE 24V DC 24V DC transistor leakage type 520 126

FC6A-C40R1DE -12V DC Relay -

FC6A-C40P1DE 12V DC 12V DC transistor source type 40 6

FC6A-C40K1DE 12V DC 12V DC transistor drain type 40 6

Input point: 24 points (compatible with 24V DC or 12V DC sink source)

Output point: 16:00

The 12V version has a lower maximum I/O expansion capability (digital 40/analog 6) and is suitable for in car or other low-voltage applications.

SAE J1939 CPU module (CAN bus)

Suitable for applications such as construction vehicles, agricultural machinery, and generator sets that require communication with the engine ECU. All J1939 models are 40 point body (24 in/16 out), supporting J1939-11 (shielded twisted pair) and J1939-15 (unshielded twisted pair) physical layers, with a speed of 250 kbits/s. Up to 100 messages can be sent and 200 can be received, supporting address declaration, network management, and more.

Model Power Supply Voltage Input Voltage Output Type Maximum Digital I/O Maximum Analog I/O

FC6A-C40R1AEJ 100-240V AC - Relay 250 126

FC6A-C40R1CEJ 24V DC 24V DC Relay 250 126

FC6A-C40P1CEJ 24V DC 24V DC transistor source type 250 126