Ratingen, Germany, 14^th May 2020

Mitsubishi Electric has enhanced the capability of its MELSEC iQ-F series PLCs with two new modules forming the basis of a compact, integrated safety system. The modules simply connect to an FX5U or FX5UC PLC CPU and reduce wiring requirements. Machine builders and systems integrators can easily and quickly implement a safety control system as no programming is necessary.

A key focus in the development of the new modules was to provide simplicity of set-up for the safety application. A rotary switch on the front of the module enables the user to select from nine types of built-in programs, eliminating the need to load or develop the required sequence programs for safety control. This significantly reduces set-up time compared with a conventional architecture. The principle of simplicity also extends to visualization. The PLC’s built-in web server make it easy to monitor the status of both the standard control and safety control system.

As well as simplifying the set-up of the safety application, the new modules also reduce the man-hours required during the engineering phase of a project. The FS5-SF-MU4T5 safety module and FX5-SF-8D14 safety input expansion module connect directly to the PLC. This eliminates the additional wiring that would be required for a traditional safety controller or when constructing a system with safety relays. Connection of the safety I/O has been simplified through the use of spring clamp terminals on the new modules.

The new modules enable safety to be integrated directly within the compact PLC – no additional communication options are required. They enable an FX5 PLC to be used to perform both general-purpose and safety control. A single main safety module can be connected to an FX5 CPU to provide 4 safety inputs and 4 safety outputs. An additional two safety input expansion modules can be connected to provide up to 20 safety inputs and 4 safety outputs.

The addition of the new safety modules to an FX5 PLC enables users to build a compact safety system that is certified to Category 4, PLe and SIL3 international safety standards.

Two new safety modules for Mitsubishi Electric’s compact PLCs form the basis of an integrated safety system.
[Source: Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.]

About Mitsubishi Electric

With nearly 100 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, mobility and building technology, as well as heating, cooling and air-conditioning technology.

Embracing the spirit of its corporate statement, Changes for the Better, and its environmental statement, Eco Changes, Mitsubishi Electric endeavours to be a global, leading green company, enriching society with technology.

With around 145,800 employees the company recorded consolidated group sales of 40.7 billion US Dollar* in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019.

Our sales offices, research & development centres and manufacturing plants are located in over 30 countries.

Factory Automation EMEA

Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V., Factory Automation EMEA has its European headquarters in Ratingen near Dusseldorf, Germany. It is a part of Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. that has been represented in Germany since 1978, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Japan.

The role of Factory Automation EMEA is to manage sales, service and support across its network of local branches and distributors throughout the EMEA region.

1. *At an exchange rate of 111 yen to the US dollar, the rate given by the Tokyo Foreign Exchange
   Market on March 31, 2019

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