Micro PLC bridges the gap to process control
15 Jan 2000
Mitsubishi Electric's 'next generation' of micro PLCs, the FX2N, features powerful, dedicated arithmetic instructions for floating-point maths and self-tuning PID functions that are said to extend the use of a micro PLC to process control.
Bridging the gap between controllers and system level products, the FX2N is described as 'much more than a better machine control PLC'. With a much faster processor (execution times down to 80ns), bigger memory (8K of RAM expandable to 16K), and powerful communications and networking functions, it provides 'systems' capability not previously associated with compact PLCs.
The latest in the FX series (the biggest selling PLC in the world, says Mitsubishi), the FX2N is fully compatible with existing models in the range. Application software can be ported to the FX2N and will run without modification.
For existing Mitsubishi PLC users, the FX2N is supported by the MEDOC software package. Melsec MEDOC Plus (MM+) is Mitsubishi's IEC 1131-based development tool for users who need to support a range of different PLCs with a common design.
For entry-level users, however, there is FX-PCS-WIN. For just £50 this programming software package offers programming in ladder, instruction list or sequence function chart languages and support for all FX processors.
The FX2N's wide range of communications and networking capabilities is provided by optional function cards. These can provide: point-to-point operation; peer-to-peer; master/slave operation; Profibus applications; or connection to Mitsubishi's own Melsec Net/Mini network for operation as a remote intelligent I/O module.
The FX2N is available in a number of I/O configurations, up to 128 I/O points, expandable to 256 using either additional FX2N units or existing FXon expansion units.
