Mitsubishi FX5U MELSEC iQ-F Compact PLC CPU Module

Overview

The Mitsubishi FX5U is the high-performance compact CPU module of the Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC iQ-F series, the successor to the long-running MELSEC-F (FX) family. Mitsubishi Electric designed the iQ-F series around outstanding performance, superior drive control and user-centric programming, and the FX5U puts the CPU, power supply, digital inputs and outputs, analog I/O and communication ports into one unit. It suits stand-alone machines as well as networked systems, and can be expanded with I/O, analog, temperature, positioning and network modules.

Seven Star LLC supplies the Mitsubishi FX5U CPU modules, expansion modules and accessories to panel builders, OEMs, system integrators and plant maintenance teams in Oman and the GCC. We help customers choose the right I/O count, power supply and output type, and provide model selection support from Muscat.

Operating Principle

Like any programmable logic controller, the Mitsubishi FX5U runs a stored program in a repetitive scan: it reads its inputs, executes the user logic and then updates its outputs, using a refresh system with direct access I/O available when an instruction needs the newest state. The CPU executes basic instructions such as LD and MOV in 34 ns (at the 64k step program capacity), supports a constant scan from 0.2 to 2000 ms and fixed-cycle interrupts from 1 to 60000 ms, and offers timers of 100 ms, 10 ms and 1 ms resolution.

Programs are written in GX Works3 using ladder diagram, structured text, function block diagram/ladder and sequential function chart, with function blocks, functions and label programming. Execution types include standby, initial, scan, fixed-cycle and event execution, and interrupts can come from the internal timer, inputs, high-speed comparison matches or intelligent modules. In general terms, this combination lets a compact PLC handle both slow sequence logic and fast, time-critical tasks such as counting and positioning in one controller.

Engineering Design of the Mitsubishi FX5U

The Mitsubishi FX5U is offered with 32, 64 or 80 I/O points, split equally between inputs and outputs, in AC-powered (100 to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) or DC-powered (24 V DC) versions, with relay or transistor outputs. For example, the FX5U-32MR/ES shown in the photo is an AC-powered unit with 16 DC inputs and 16 relay outputs. Relay outputs are rated 2 A per point, transistor outputs 0.5 A per point at 5 to 30 V DC, and AC models provide a 24 V DC service supply of 400 mA (32 points) or 600 mA (64 and 80 points) for field sensors.

Every CPU has a built-in Ethernet port that handles up to eight connections and supports CC-Link IE Field Network Basic and MODBUS/TCP, a built-in RS-485 port, an SD memory card slot for cards up to 16 GB, and built-in analog with two 0 to 10 V inputs and one 0 to 10 V output at 12-bit resolution. The system can grow to 256 or 384 local I/O points and 512 points including remote I/O, with up to six expansion adapters, one expansion board and up to sixteen extension modules. The 32-point unit measures 150 x 90 x 83 mm.

Key Features

Engineers choose the Mitsubishi FX5U for the following reasons.

• An all-in-one CPU module combines power supply, I/O, analog, Ethernet, RS-485 and SD card slot.
• LD and MOV instructions execute in 34 ns, giving fast scans for compact machines.
• Program capacity is 64k or 128k steps in flash memory, with 5 MB of data memory.
• Built-in positioning controls up to four axes at 200 kpps, with interpolation possible through extension modules.
• High-speed counter functions support up to eight channels.
• Two analog inputs and one analog output are built in, with accuracy within 0.5 percent of full scale at 25 degrees C.
• The built-in Ethernet port supports CC-Link IE Field Network Basic, MODBUS/TCP and up to eight connections.
• GX Works3 programming supports LD, ST, FBD/LD and SFC with label-based programming.

Industrial Applications

The Mitsubishi FX5U is widely used in packaging and filling machines, conveyors, pump and booster set controls, HVAC and chiller plant sequencing, water treatment skids, dosing systems, compressors and small process units. Its built-in Ethernet makes it easy to connect to HMIs such as the GOT2000, to SCADA over MODBUS/TCP, and to variable frequency drives. In Oman, typical installations include water and wastewater lift stations, desalination pre-treatment skids, district cooling auxiliaries and machinery in the Sohar and Salalah industrial areas.

Seven Star LLC supplies the Mitsubishi FX5U and its expansion modules to integrators and end users in Muscat and across the GCC, from our office in Muscat. Customers comparing compact controllers can also review the Siemens CPU 1214C, the Schneider Electric Modicon M221 and the larger Allen-Bradley CompactLogix 5380 controller.

Technical Specifications

The values below for the Mitsubishi FX5U are taken from the Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC iQ-F series catalog.

Selecting the Right Model

When specifying a Mitsubishi FX5U, start with the number of field signals plus a spare margin, then choose relay outputs for mixed AC and DC loads or transistor outputs for fast pulse trains and frequent switching. DC-powered versions suit panels fed from a 24 V DC battery-backed supply, which is common in remote telemetry and utility kiosks. Check the service supply budget when many sensors are powered from the PLC itself.

How to Order

To request the Mitsubishi FX5U, send Seven Star LLC the required I/O count, supply voltage, output type and any expansion or network modules. Our Muscat team will confirm the part numbers and prepare a formal quotation, and the Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC iQ-F catalog can be downloaded from this page. Seven Star LLC supplies the Mitsubishi FX5U from our office in Muscat for customers in Oman and the GCC.