Mitsubishi Electric is now adding safety options to its iQ-F Series compact PLCs. These open up new application opportunities and enables users to harmonise their control platform, eliminating the need to deploy external safety relay modules. The iQ-F safety modules can be connected to the right-side bus system of FX5U and FX5UC PLCs. No extra wiring is required for safety signals – the status information is directly available in the PLC. This flexible system offers up to 10 (redundant) safety inputs, two (redundant) safety outputs and conforms to international safety standards (SIL3, Cat.4, PL e).
In order to reduce total cost of ownership the safety modules do not need programming. Instead a rotary switch is used to select from nine fixed programs and connect safety equipment such as light curtains, E-stops and safety switches. Furthermore, wiring of the modules is done with push-in terminals to reduce installation time.
Additionally, comprehensive configuration software allows users to visualise safety configuration details like the wiring diagram, the connection of I/O devices and the status of the rotary switch. Moreover, the GX Works3 programming environment for Mitsubishi Electric PLCs, supports troubleshooting and maintenance work by showing status information and error details from the iQ-F safety modules in the diagnostics area.