Key Points for Selection and Deployment of MITSUBISHI FX3GE PLC

Load capacity: Maximum 2A per point (resistive load), with a total of no more than 8A for each group of common terminals (COM).

Switching frequency: The mechanical life of the relay is about 20 million times, but the electrical life decreases sharply with the increase of load current. For high-frequency pulse output scenarios such as PWM speed regulation and stepper motor pulses, an external transistor amplifier board must be used or FX3GE transistor output models must be used instead (if available). If high-frequency output is essential during actual selection, FX3G or FX3U transistor output substrates should be considered.

4.2 High speed counter

FX3GE integrates 21 high-speed counters internally, including:

1-phase 1-count input: C235-C250 (6 points), with a maximum frequency of 60kHz (depending on the input filtering setting).

2-phase 2-count input (AB phase): C251 to C255 (5 points), with a maximum frequency of 30kHz (120kHz after 4 harmonics).

These high-speed counters can be used to connect encoders, flow meter pulses, rotary encoder switches, etc. Attention should be paid when using:

The input point of the high-speed counter is multiplexed with the input point of the ordinary terminal (X0-X7). Once the corresponding high-speed counter function is used in the program, the normal input function of these terminals is overridden.

The counting range is -2147483648 to+2147483647, meeting the vast majority of positioning or length measurement needs.

Engineering case: Using C251 to read AB phase encoder, combined with built-in analog output to control the speed of the frequency converter, can achieve simple closed-loop tension control without the need for additional motion control modules.

Expansion and Communication Adapter

Although FX3GE has integrated commonly used functions, Mitsubishi still offers a wide range of expansion options to adapt to more complex applications.

5.1 Left side adapter (communication&analog)

On the left side of the CPU module, FX3U-xxx-ADP series adapters can be installed, including:

RS485 Communication Adapter (FX3U-485ADP-MB): Supports Modbus RTU master/slave stations, connects to frequency converters and instruments.

Analog input/output adapter (FX3U-4AD-ADP/4DA-ADP): adds 4 analog input or output channels, with higher resolution (16 bits).

Temperature sensor adapter (FX3U-4AD-PT-ADP/4AD-TC-ADP): directly connected to PT100 or thermocouple, without the need for an external transmitter.

5.2 Right side expansion module

Standard digital I/O expansion units (such as FX2N-16EX, FX2N-16EYR) can be connected on the right side. Due to the fact that the FX3GE substrate itself already provides a large number of I/O points (up to 40 points), there is generally no need for expansion in general applications; But when more than 128 local I/O points or special modules (such as positioning and CC Link modules) are required, they can be connected through the right-hand bus.

5.3 Network and Open Bus

CC Link: By using the FX2N-32CCL module, FX3GE becomes a CC Link remote device station and exchanges data with the main station PLC.

Profibus DP: Connect to Siemens or other main station systems through the FX3U-64DP-M module.

CANopen: Implemented through the FX3U-CAN module.

These options enable the FX3GE to be integrated into large-scale hybrid control systems rather than isolated small controllers.

Programming and Online Debugging Environment

6.1 Programming Interface

FX3GE provides three programming and monitoring interfaces:

USB port (Mini-B): connects to a PC, with high transfer speed, suitable for program download and online monitoring, without the need for additional power supply.

RS422 round mouth: compatible with traditional FX series programming cables (SC-09), can be connected to GOT touch screens or old programmers.

Ethernet port: Remote programming through MC protocol or Socket (using GX Works2 or GX Developer's Ethernet settings).

Recommendation: New project development should prioritize using USB or Ethernet, which are the fastest and do not require converters.

6.2 Software Support

FX3GE is fully compatible with GX Works2 (latest version) and GX Developer. When creating a new project in GX Works2, select the PLC series "FXCPU" and model "FX3GE". Supports multiple programming languages such as ladder diagrams, ST, SFC, etc.

6.3 Data Monitoring and Web Function Configuration

To enable the web server, you need to set the IP address and subnet mask of the "Embedded Ethernet Port" in the PLC parameters, and check the "web server" option. The default webpage can display the current values of software components such as D, M, X, Y, etc. Users can also use the "User HTML" function to upload custom pages (by writing the webpage file into the PLC memory). For device manufacturers, this can quickly provide remote diagnostic interfaces without the need to develop dedicated apps.

Typical application scenarios and selection suggestions

7.1 Food Packaging Production Line

Requirement: Detect membrane tension (0-10V analog sensor), control traction motor speed (0-10V frequency converter), and exchange formula data with the upper computer via Ethernet.