The FX3G-14MT/ES-A is Mitsubishi Electric’s 14-point transistor source output base unit for the MELSEC FX3G compact PLC series, providing 8 digital inputs and 6 PNP open-collector transistor outputs in a self-contained AC-powered controller — the transistor source output complement to the FX3G-14MR/ES-A relay model, providing faster output switching, built-in 100 kHz pulse output on Y0 for direct stepper positioning, and unlimited electrical output cycle life for 24 VDC load applications in the FX3G’s most compact housing. As the transistor source output entry model in the FX3G range, the FX3G-14MT/ES-A is specified for small automation tasks requiring PNP-compatible field devices and fast output response where relay output limitations (switching frequency, contact life) are a concern. Atlantech Drives holds stock of the FX3G-14MT/ES-A. Contact us for fast worldwide delivery and competitive pricing.
What Is the FX3G-14MT/ES-A?
The FX3G-14MT/ES-A is a MELSEC FX3G series compact PLC base unit with transistor source (PNP) outputs, providing 8 input points (X0–X7) and 6 transistor output points (Y0–Y5). The «ES-A» suffix designates source (PNP) output with AC power supply — the output common terminal connects to 0 VDC (negative), and the PNP transistors source +24 VDC to the load terminal when activated, compatible with NPN-input European field devices. The designated high-speed output Y0 generates pulse output at up to 100 kHz for stepper motor or servo drive positioning via the FX3G’s PLSY, DRVI, and DRVA instructions — enabling single-axis positioning from the base unit without additional adapter modules. The FX3G CPU processes programs at 0.21 µs per basic instruction with a 32,000-step program memory, real-time clock, RS-422 communication port, and 2 built-in high-speed counter inputs at up to 10 kHz. The FX3G-14MT/ES-A’s 6 transistor source outputs are limited to 24 VDC loads — unlike the relay model, AC loads cannot be switched directly and require intermediate relay modules if AC load control is needed alongside transistor outputs.
Key Technical Specifications
- Model: FX3G-14MT/ES-A
- Total I/O Points: 14 (8 inputs + 6 outputs)
- Input Type: 24 VDC sink (X0–X7)
- Output Type: Transistor source/PNP (Y0–Y5), 0.5 A per point, 5–30 VDC
- Output Polarity: Source (PNP) — common terminal to 0 VDC
- High-Speed Pulse Output: Y0 up to 100 kHz
- Power Supply: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
- Program Memory: 32,000 steps
- Execution Speed: 0.21 µs per LD instruction
- Built-in High-Speed Counters: 2 inputs (10 kHz maximum)
- Communication: RS-422 (built-in)
- Real-Time Clock: Built-in
- Battery Backup: Yes
- Expansion: Up to 128 total I/O via FX3G extension modules
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 60 mm × 90 mm × 75 mm
- Weight: Approx. 0.38 kg
Typical Industrial Applications
The FX3G-14MT/ES-A is deployed in compact single-axis machine control applications where transistor output switching speed and built-in pulse output capability are required at the lowest possible system cost. In label dispensing machines for product identification, the FX3G-14MT/ES-A controls the label web drive stepper motor via Y0 pulse output, the label sensor input via the high-speed counter, and the label apply solenoid and status indicators via the remaining transistor outputs — a complete labelling machine controller in a single 60 mm wide PLC housing. Small conveyor systems for part transfer between manual workstations use the FX3G-14MT/ES-A for drive motor enable, part present sensor monitoring, operator call button logic, and status indicator control — 8 inputs and 6 outputs cover the complete I/O requirements of most two-station conveyor applications without extension modules. Vending machine controllers for industrial tool dispensing and PPE dispensing use the FX3G-14MT/ES-A for solenoid lock control, product dispensed sensor monitoring, and panel indicator management, with the RS-422 port providing connection to a barcode reader for employee identification verification. Valve manifold sequencing on small test rigs and fluid dispensing systems uses the FX3G-14MT/ES-A to control up to 6 solenoid valve 24 VDC actuators with input feedback from flow sensors and position switches — the transistor output’s fast switching response (under 1 ms) provides more precise valve timing than relay output models for fluid dispensing accuracy applications.
Installation Advice
The FX3G-14MT/ES-A’s compact 60 mm width makes it one of the narrowest PLCs in Mitsubishi’s product range — plan the DIN rail layout in the control panel carefully to ensure adequate clearance for the RS-422 programming cable connector and the wiring loom to the terminal block. The terminal block on the FX3G-14MT/ES-A uses smaller terminal screws than the FX3U series — use 0.3–0.5 mm² wire with appropriately sized ferrules for all connections; oversized wire with large ferrules can prevent terminal cover reinstatement or cause adjacent terminal shorts. For the Y0 high-speed pulse output used with a stepper driver, verify the stepper driver’s pulse input optocoupler specification — the FX3G-14MT/ES-A Y0 PNP output sources +24 VDC to the load; stepper drivers with 5 VDC-logic optocoupler pulse inputs require a 24V-to-5V level converter or a current-limiting resistor to prevent optocoupler over-current. Mitsubishi’s recommended pull-up current for the FX3G PNP output driving an optocoupler LED is 10 mA at the nominal voltage — calculate the series resistance as (Vsupply – Vf) / 10 mA where Vf is the optocoupler LED forward voltage (typically 1.2–2.0 V). For FX3G extension module connection, ensure the extension cable (FX-16E-500CAB-S or similar) is seated fully in both the FX3G-14MT/ES-A right-side connector and the extension module left-side connector before applying power — a partially inserted extension cable causes intermittent I/O errors that can be difficult to diagnose without physically inspecting the connector engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the FX3G-14MT/ES-A generate simultaneous pulse outputs on Y0 and Y1 for 2-axis positioning?
A: The FX3G-14MT/ES-A supports pulse output on Y0 at up to 100 kHz. Y1 also supports pulse output but at a lower maximum frequency — verify the FX3G hardware manual for the Y1 pulse output frequency limit for the specific FX3G-14MT/ES-A firmware version. For applications definitively requiring simultaneous 2-axis pulse output at 100 kHz, the FX3U-16MT/ESS or FX3U-32MT/ESS (which provide guaranteed 100 kHz on both Y0 and Y1) should be specified.
Q: Is the FX3G-14MT/ES-A compatible with FX3U extension I/O modules?
A: No. The FX3G uses FX3G-series extension modules that are physically and electrically compatible with the FX3G extension bus. FX3U extension modules use a different connector and are not compatible with the FX3G base unit. Verify that any extension modules specified are FX3G-compatible (model designation begins with FX3G- or FX2N- with FX3G compatibility noted in Mitsubishi’s hardware manual) before ordering.
Q: What communication protocols does the FX3G-14MT/ES-A support via the built-in RS-422 port?
A: The FX3G-14MT/ES-A’s built-in RS-422 port supports Mitsubishi’s proprietary communication protocol (for GX Works2 programming and GOT HMI connection), Modbus RTU master and slave communication, and inverter communication (for controlling Mitsubishi FR-series variable frequency drives via the FX3G’s dedicated inverter communication instructions). For RS-232C or additional RS-485 communication, an FX3G option board (FX3G-232-BD, FX3G-485-BD) installed on the base unit’s option board interface provides additional serial ports.
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