Mitsubishi Electric Simplifies Machine Control With MELSEC MX Controllers

Mitsubishi Electric’s new MELSEC MX Controller promises high-speed machine control for smart manufacturing. The MELSEC MX Controller’s multi-core design delivers the necessary computing power for real-time control of up to 256 axes, depending on the specific model and application.

Additionally, the controller provides the logic, communication, motion control, and data handling in a single integrated device. The MX-R and MX-F models are the newest in the MELSEC line of controllers, making them simple to integrate with existing Mitsubishi Electric products.

The MELSEC MX Controller bridges the gap between IT systems and the actual production line, server, and client. Image courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric

Introducing the MELSEC MX Controller

The MELSEC MX Controller features multi-core processing and real-time communication capabilities. This is the key driver for high-speed motion control: quick signal processing and decision-making built into one package.

Mitsubishi Electric’s GX Works3 software package provides the interface for programming the MELSEC MX Controller. GX Works3 can use any of the IEC 61131-3 languages, including Ladder Logic (LD), Structured Text (ST), or Function Block Diagram (FBD). It also integrates easily with other components in the Mitsubishi ecosystem, such as the MELSEC iQ-R and iQ-F series products.

The MELSEC MX-R controller supports up to 256 axes. Image courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric

Choosing Between the MELSEC MX-R and MX-F Controller

Two separate MX product lines fill two different business needs. For the most demanding applications, the MX-R model offers the most capability, while the MX-F model balances control functionality with cost. Both product lines require a power supply (not included).

The MELSEC MX-R series can be ordered with control for up to 16, 32, 64, 128, or 256 axes, depending on the model. All control is performed using CC-Link IE TSN protocol.

The MELSEC MX-F controller offers a cost-effective solution for applications that do not require high axis counts. For example, plenty of machines only need control of up to 8 to 16 axes, and the MX-F is a good fit for those applications.

Specific MX-F models allow for two different communication protocols: CC-Link IE TSN and EtherCAT. Either mode will support up to 8 or 16 axes. Currently, the CC-Link IE TSN can be specified with both sourcing and sinking outputs, and the EtherCAT models can support sinking outputs. EtherCAT modules with sourcing outputs will be available soon.

The MELSEC MX-F controller supports up to 16 axes. Image courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric

Modern Machine Control

While virtually any manufacturing facility can benefit from the MELSEC MX Controller, determining the actual business need is a little more complicated. To aid automation engineers, Mitsubishi has developed a product selection guide to assist in matching the exact MX controller with the needs of the facility. It is a way to balance cost and actual business needs.

The ability to control up to 256 axes, the multi-core support, and ease of integration with existing Mitsubishi hardware make the controllers a good fit for ever-expanding facilities. Instead of cobbling together automation systems by adding new controller after new controller, the MELSEC MX can simplify system design and enhance performance.

Mitsubishi expects packaging, material handling, and electronics manufacturing to be the first and largest industries to enhance their production lines with this controller.

Featured image courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric