The FX2N-16MR-ES/UL is Mitsubishi Electric’s 16-point relay output base unit for the MELSEC FX2N compact PLC series — the second-generation FX compact PLC platform that established Mitsubishi’s compact PLC market position globally — providing 8 digital inputs and 8 relay contact outputs in a self-contained AC-powered controller with UL certification for North American installations. As a legacy product from the FX2N series that has been superseded by the FX3U and FX5U platforms but remains extensively installed in active manufacturing facilities worldwide, the FX2N-16MR-ES/UL is in high demand for maintenance replacement and spare parts applications where upgrading to a newer platform is impractical or economically unjustifiable for a single unit replacement. The FX2N-16MR-ES/UL is available through Atlantech Drives — quote within 24-48 hours, worldwide express shipping, 12-month warranty.
What Is the FX2N-16MR-ES/UL?
The FX2N-16MR-ES/UL is a MELSEC FX2N series compact PLC base unit providing 8 input points (X0–X7) and 8 relay contact output points (Y0–Y7), powered from 100–240 VAC mains with a built-in power supply. The «ES» designation indicates AC power supply input, «UL» indicates UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listing for North American installations, and «MR» indicates relay contact outputs. The FX2N CPU executes programs at 0.08 µs per basic instruction — faster than the FX3G’s 0.21 µs but slower than the FX3U’s 0.065 µs — with a 16,000-step program memory capacity (expandable to 16,000 steps with a memory cassette). The relay outputs are rated at 2 A per contact at 240 VAC, enabling direct control of AC contactors, solenoid valve relay coils, and indicator lamps. Built-in high-speed counter inputs (4 channels, up to 60 kHz for single-phase) and pulse output capability (Y0 at 20 kHz) are included for basic positioning applications. The FX2N base unit expands via FX2N extension I/O modules (up to 256 total I/O) and FX2N special function modules for analogue, positioning, and communication functions.
Key Technical Specifications
- Model: FX2N-16MR-ES/UL
- Total I/O Points: 16 (8 inputs + 8 outputs)
- Input Type: 24 VDC sink (X0–X7)
- Output Type: Relay contact (Y0–Y7), 2 A per point, 240 VAC / 30 VDC
- Power Supply: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
- Certification: UL listed (for North American installations)
- Program Memory: 8,000 steps (standard) / 16,000 steps (with memory cassette)
- Execution Speed: 0.08 µs per LD instruction
- Built-in High-Speed Counters: 4 inputs (up to 60 kHz single-phase)
- Built-in Pulse Output: Y0 up to 20 kHz
- Communication: RS-422 (built-in, via FX-422CAB cable)
- Battery Backup: Yes (FX2N-32BL or FX2N-1BL battery)
- Expansion: Up to 256 total I/O via FX2N extension modules
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 90 mm × 90 mm × 87 mm
- Weight: Approx. 0.65 kg
Compatibility & System Integration
The FX2N-16MR-ES/UL is compatible with the complete FX2N extension and special function module ecosystem — FX2N-8EX and FX2N-16EX input extension modules, FX2N-8EYR and FX2N-16EYR relay output extension modules, FX2N-8EYT transistor output extension modules, and the full FX2N special function module range including FX2N-4AD analogue input, FX2N-4DA analogue output, FX2N-4LC temperature control, FX2N-1PG positioning, and FX2N-16CCL CC-Link communication modules. The FX2N-16MR-ES/UL communicates with GX Works2 (Mitsubishi’s current engineering software) for programming and online monitoring, as well as the legacy GX Developer software still used in many maintenance environments. Connection to GOT HMI panels (GOT1000 and GOT2000 series) is supported via the built-in RS-422 port using FX-specific communication protocol. For SCADA integration, the FX2N-16MR-ES/UL supports Modbus RTU slave communication via an FX2N-485-BD RS-485 option board, enabling read access to FX2N device data from any Modbus master SCADA system. The FX2N-16MR-ES/UL is also compatible with Mitsubishi’s FX2N-32CCL CC-Link local station module for integration into existing CC-Link plant networks managed by MELSEC-Q or iQ-R systems — enabling the FX2N to continue participating in the factory CC-Link network while awaiting platform migration.
Replacement & Upgrade Notes
The FX2N-16MR-ES/UL has been superseded in Mitsubishi’s current product portfolio by the FX3U-16MR/ES-A (direct functional replacement with faster CPU, larger memory, and wider expansion capability) and the FX5U-32MR/ES (current-generation iQ-F platform with built-in Ethernet and CC-Link IE Field Network). For facilities managing a fleet of FX2N-based machines, the replacement decision depends on the scale of the replacement required: for single-unit maintenance replacement where the machine program and expansion hardware are established and the cost of platform migration (reprogram, re-wiring of extension connectors, special function module replacement) is not justified, the FX2N-16MR-ES/UL direct replacement is the pragmatic choice. For scheduled major machine upgrades or new machine builds, the FX3U-16MR/ES-A provides a straight-forward migration — FX2N programs transfer to FX3U with GX Works2 compatibility checking, most FX2N extension I/O modules reuse via FX3U-CNV-BD adapter, and FX2N special function modules must be replaced with FX3U-compatible equivalents as they are not compatible with FX3U’s left-side adapter interface. For customers unable to source new FX2N-16MR-ES/UL units from the distribution channel, Atlantech Drives specialises in sourcing legacy Mitsubishi FX2N inventory from verified sources with 12-month warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the FX2N-16MR-ES/UL still manufactured by Mitsubishi, or is it now only available as old stock?
A: The FX2N series has been discontinued by Mitsubishi Electric for new production — the FX2N-16MR-ES/UL is no longer manufactured but continues to be available through industrial electronics distributors and specialist suppliers including Atlantech Drives who hold verified stock. Mitsubishi officially recommends migrating to the FX3U or FX5U series for new installations. For maintenance replacement of existing FX2N installations, sourcing from reputable distributors with warranty coverage is the recommended approach to ensure authentic product quality.
Q: Can GX Works2 program the FX2N-16MR-ES/UL, or is GX Developer required?
A: GX Works2 fully supports FX2N programming — select the FX2N CPU type when creating a project in GX Works2 and connect via USB-to-RS-422 adapter or the built-in RS-422 port. GX Developer (the legacy software) also programs the FX2N but is not recommended for new programming work as it lacks GX Works2’s structured programming features and modern interface. Existing GX Developer projects can be imported into GX Works2 for editing and re-downloading to the FX2N-16MR-ES/UL.
Q: What battery does the FX2N-16MR-ES/UL use, and how often should it be replaced?
A: The FX2N-16MR-ES/UL uses the FX2N-1BL lithium battery (or FX2N-32BL as an alternative) for program memory and latch device data retention. The battery provides approximately 5 years of retention at 25°C ambient — Mitsubishi recommends replacement every 4–5 years before the low battery warning (M8006 special relay activates) to prevent program loss. In high-ambient-temperature environments (above 40°C), reduce the replacement interval proportionally. Always replace the battery within 20 seconds of removal while the FX2N is powered down, or keep the unit powered during battery replacement to prevent SRAM data loss.
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