Entry-level micro PLCs join controller platform

Product Exclusive: Mitsubishi Electric adds entry-level Micro PLC to the FX3 Series; FX3S Micro programmable logic controller provides lowest cost entry into the FX3 PLC platform.

August 12, 2013

Addressing the demand for high-performance programmable logic control in the price-sensitive factory automation market, Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. introduces the FX3S programmable logic controller. The newest PLC in the FX3 Series of PLCs, the compact FX3S maintains a high level of functionality while offering entry-level accessibility, Mitsubishi said.

Notable attributes of the FX3S PLC are its flexibility and expandability. It allows users to choose only the functionality necessary to perform a specific application, saving on hardware costs.

“The expansion options really set this super flexible PLC apart from other entry-level PLCs,” said Ben Omura, product marketing engineer at Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. “The FX3S definitely fills a need in the market for a powerful core PLC with the flexibility to add functionality for a specific application, while also meeting budget requirements.”

The FX3S micro PLC provides full function PLC control. It retains core FX3 Series performance and flexibility traits, with built-in high-speed inputs and outputs, available relay outputs, and multiple, built-in communication ports. It also includes expansion options for communications, analog, and temperature control. As part of the FX3 Series, the FX3S can use many of the existing programming resources that are available for other FX3 Series PLCs, greatly reducing time for system setup.

The FX3S PLC is designed to handle basic control tasks, such as simple positioning, analog, and temperature control operations. It excels in small, stand-alone applications that don’t require complex control tasks. The compact PLC is especially well suited for food and beverage applications, as well as material handling, and fan and pump applications for irrigation and building automation.

Communication options are available for RS232, RS485, Modbus (Modbus Organization Inc.), and Ethernet. The FX3S micro programmable logic controller has a 3-year warranty and is available now.

Additional information about the FX3S micro PLC is available at the Mitsubishi Electric Automation website. Information on the full line of factory automation products and solutions from Mitsubishi Electric Automation also is available.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc.

Headquartered in Vernon Hills, Ill., Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc., offers factory automation products, solutions, training, and support services for the industrial and commercial sectors. A U.S. affiliate company of Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Mitsubishi Electric Automation has more than 75 years’ experience in the automation industry. A broad product portfolio includes programmable automation controllers (PAC), programmable logic controllers (PLC), human machine interfaces (HMI), variable frequency drives (VFD), servo amplifiers and motors, control software, computerized numerical control (CNC), circuit breakers, robots, and motion controllers. The company takes its motion control solutions on the road with the 53-ft-long Solutions in Motion mobile showroom that appears at tradeshows, training seminars, and other events across North America.

In addition to factory automation, Mitsubishi Electric U.S. group companies’ principal businesses include projectors, semiconductor devices, automotive electrical components, elevators and escalators, heating and cooling products, solar modules, electric utility products, and large-scale video displays for stadiums and arenas. There are 50 locations throughout North America with approximately 3,600 employees.

– Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering, mhoske@cfemedia.com.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc.

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