Mitsubishi PLC FX5U's Simple PLC Communication (Step By Step Guide)



In industrial automation, communication between PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) is essential for efficient system control and data exchange. Mitsubishi PLCs provide a straightforward method for connecting and sharing data across devices using a feature known as "Simple PLC Communication." In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of setting up and configuring Simple PLC Communication in Mitsubishi PLC using GX Works 3, focusing on easy-to-follow steps that will allow you to enable communication between PLCs quickly.


Step 1: Open GX Works 3 and Create a New Project

The first step is to open GX Works 3, Mitsubishi Electric's powerful programming and configuration software for their PLCs. Once the software is open, create a new project. You will be prompted to select the PLC type for your project, so make sure you choose the correct model based on your setup. After selecting the PLC type, click OK to proceed. This will set the groundwork for your project and ensure that the software is configured to work with the correct hardware.





Step 2: Navigate to Module Parameters and Ethernet Port Settings

After creating your project, the next step is to configure the communication settings for your system. In the GX Works 3 interface, navigate to the Module Parameters section. From there, find and select Ethernet Port Settings. This is where you configure the communication port of your Mitsubishi PLC, which will be responsible for handling data transfer between devices via Ethernet. The settings here will enable the PLC to communicate over a network using the Ethernet protocol.





Step 3: Select Simple PLC Communication under Application Settings

With the Ethernet settings configured, the next step is to activate the Simple PLC Communication feature. Under the Application Settings section, look for the option labeled Simple PLC Communication. This feature enables the PLC to easily communicate with other PLCs or devices over the network without the need for complex setup procedures. By selecting this option, you will simplify the communication setup, making it easier to exchange data between multiple Mitsubishi PLCs or between a PLC and a connected device.




Step 4: Enable Simple PLC Communication and Access Detailed Settings

Once you’ve selected the Simple PLC Communication option, a setting will appear asking whether to enable or disable this feature. Set the option to “Use” to activate the communication feature and allow data exchange between devices. To fine-tune the communication parameters, click the Detailed Setting button. This will open a new window with advanced options, allowing you to customize the communication settings further based on your needs.




Step 5: Configure Source and Destination Parameters

In the Detailed Settings window, you will be asked to configure the key parameters for your communication setup, including the source and destination of the data. Specifically, you will need to define the IP addresses of the PLCs or devices involved, the device type (whether it’s another PLC or another device), and the data sharing words (which represent the data that will be exchanged between devices). By specifying these parameters, you establish the communication channels and determine how data will be transmitted between the source and destination devices.




Step 6: Apply the Settings and Transfer the Program to the PLC

Once you have completed the configuration, apply the settings to the project. The changes will be saved, and you are now ready to transfer the PLC program to the actual PLC hardware. This process is essential for making the communication settings active and operational. After the program is transferred to the PLC, it will be able to communicate with other connected devices according to the settings you’ve specified.




Step 7: Verify Data Transfer Using Device Monitoring

To verify that the communication is functioning correctly, you can use the Device Monitoring feature in GX Works 3. This allows you to monitor the source and destination data being transferred between devices. By checking the shared device data, you can ensure that the communication setup is working as expected. This step is crucial for troubleshooting and confirming that the data exchange is occurring smoothly without any issues.

Setting up Simple PLC Communication with Mitsubishi PLCs using GX Works 3 is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your industrial automation systems. By following these easy steps, you can quickly establish communication between devices, allowing for efficient data exchange and system coordination. Whether you're working with multiple PLCs or integrating other devices into your control network, Mitsubishi’s Simple PLC Communication feature simplifies the setup and ensures reliable communication across your system.

By leveraging Mitsubishi PLC Simple PLC Communication, you can streamline your automation processes, reduce configuration complexity, and achieve more effective control and monitoring of your industrial systems.

Simple PLC Communication is a powerful feature offered by Mitsubishi's FX5U series programmable logic controllers (PLCs). This communication capability enables straightforward data exchange between multiple PLCs over an Ethernet network. It simplifies the process of sharing information and coordinating tasks among various devices in an industrial automation environment.

The FX5U series PLCs are renowned for their advanced control capabilities and user-friendly interfaces, and the Simple PLC Communication feature further enhances their versatility. With this feature, engineers and operators can seamlessly connect multiple FX5U PLCs, enabling efficient data sharing, synchronization, and coordination between machines and processes.

By utilizing Simple PLC Communication, users can easily set up communication parameters such as IP addresses, device types, and data sharing configurations. This allows for streamlined data exchange between different PLCs without requiring extensive programming expertise. The feature significantly reduces the complexity typically associated with PLC-to-PLC communication, making it an ideal choice for applications where efficient and straightforward data exchange is crucial.

Furthermore, the Simple PLC Communication feature supports both local and remote communication setups, enhancing the flexibility of industrial control systems. Engineers can efficiently configure these communication settings and monitor data traffic through user-friendly interfaces provided by Mitsubishi's programming software.

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