Mitsubishi is launching the FX5U compact PLC, describing it as the next generation of the world's best-selling compact PLC, and the first in the new Melsec iQ-F family of PLCs. Key features of the new FX5U PLC are:

• Greater processing power
• Improved connectivity
• New built-in functionality such as positioning and motion control
• Improved debugging and troubleshooting
• Lower total cost of ownership (TCO)
• Ready for Industry 4.0 and connection to the Internet of Things (IoT)

With the new FX5U compact PLC, users can develop automation control systems that are more sophisticated and complex, without having to resort to larger, costly PLC hardware. Nevertheless, because the FX5U is programmed with the same GX Works software as used for Mitsubishi's larger PLCs, machine builders and system integrators benefit from relatively easy scalability should the application require it.

Mitsubishi says that its new FX5U continues the FX tradition of total flexibility by offering a huge range of new and existing add-on options that further enhance these functions that are built-in as standard:

• Ethernet
• Analogue I/O
• Data logging
• Position control
• Security
• Communications and networking

With these functions provided already, and the add-ons offered, the FX5U enables users to specify more powerful systems but with fewer overall components, therefore saving time and cost.

According to the company, the Mitsubishi FX5U offers functions that to date have only been available on larger PLCs, such as motion control, data logging and sophisticated security features. For example, the four-axis simple motion module brings sophisticated motion control in an easy-to-use format for applications such as food and beverage packaging, with features such as torque control and circular interpolation.