The FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL is Mitsubishi Electric’s 32-point transistor sink output base unit for the MELSEC FX2N compact PLC series, providing 16 digital inputs and 16 NPN open-collector transistor outputs in a self-contained AC-powered controller with UL listing for North American installations — the transistor output counterpart to the FX2N-32MR-ES/UL relay model, delivering faster output switching, 20 kHz pulse output on Y0 for stepper positioning, and unlimited electrical output cycle life for high-frequency 24 VDC load applications in the most widely available FX2N transistor output configuration. Atlantech Drives holds stock of the FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL. Contact us for fast worldwide delivery and competitive pricing.
What Is the FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL?
The FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL is a MELSEC FX2N series compact PLC base unit with transistor sink (NPN open-collector) outputs, providing 16 input points (X0–X17, octal numbering) and 16 transistor output points (Y0–Y17, octal). The «ESS» suffix designates sink (NPN) transistor outputs with AC power supply, and «UL» indicates UL 508 listing for North American installations. The output common terminal connects to the external +24 VDC positive, and the NPN transistors pull output terminals to 0 VDC when activated — compatible with PNP-input field devices standard in North American automation practice. The FX2N CPU executes programs at 0.08 µs per basic instruction with 8,000-step program memory (expandable to 16,000 with FX2N-ROM-E1), 4 built-in high-speed counter inputs at up to 60 kHz, and pulse output on Y0 at 20 kHz for basic stepper motor positioning. The transistor outputs’ 0.2 ms maximum response time (versus 10 ms for relay outputs) enables the FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL to handle applications where precise output timing is required — solenoid valve sequencing, label applicator triggers, and vision system reject actuators operating at high conveyor speeds.
Key Technical Specifications
- Model: FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL
- Total I/O Points: 32 (16 inputs + 16 outputs)
- Input Type: 24 VDC sink (X0–X17)
- Output Type: Transistor sink/NPN open-collector (Y0–Y17), 0.5 A per point, 5–30 VDC
- Output Polarity: Sink (NPN) — common terminal to +24 VDC
- High-Speed Pulse Output: Y0 up to 20 kHz
- Power Supply: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
- Certification: UL listed
- Program Memory: 8,000 steps (16,000 with FX2N-ROM-E1)
- Execution Speed: 0.08 µs per LD instruction
- Built-in High-Speed Counters: 4 inputs (60 kHz single-phase, 30 kHz AB quadrature)
- Communication: RS-422 (built-in)
- Battery: FX2N-1BL or FX2N-32BL lithium battery
- Expansion: Up to 256 total I/O via FX2N extension modules
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 150 mm × 90 mm × 87 mm
- Weight: Approx. 0.82 kg
Typical Industrial Applications
The FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL is found extensively in North American packaging, assembly, and material handling machinery from the late 1990s and 2000s where the UL listing was a panel builder requirement and transistor output speed was necessary for the application. High-speed bottle filling and capping lines use the FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL to control pump motor drive enables, fill valve solenoids, conveyor indexing drives, and reject actuators — the transistor outputs’ sub-millisecond switching provides the timing precision needed for accurate fill volumes at production rates of 200+ bottles per minute. Automated assembly systems for electronics and small components use the FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL to coordinate pneumatic pick-and-place axes, vacuum generator valves, part present sensors, and conveyor drive enables within a compact controller that fits in small machine-mounted enclosures. Label printing and apply systems in distribution centres use the FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL for print head trigger control, label gap sensor monitoring, applicator arm position sensing, and conveyor encoder high-speed counting — applications requiring both fast transistor output response and the 60 kHz high-speed counter input capability of the FX2N platform. In North American automotive parts manufacturing, the FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL controls spot weld gun servo valve sequencing, part clamp solenoids, and transfer mechanism actuators in transfer line cells where the UL listing was mandatory for OEM equipment approval and the transistor output’s cycle life was essential for the 24/7 production environment.
Replacement & Upgrade Notes
The FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL has been superseded in Mitsubishi’s current catalogue by the FX3U-32MT/ESS (current FX3U generation, identical I/O count and output type, no UL suffix required as FX3U carries UL listing as standard). The FX3U-32MT/ESS provides substantially improved performance: 0.065 µs versus 0.08 µs instruction execution, 64,000 steps versus 8,000 steps program memory, 6 high-speed counter inputs versus 4, and 100 kHz pulse output versus 20 kHz — while maintaining backward compatibility with FX2N extension I/O modules via the FX3U-CNV-BD adapter. For direct maintenance replacement preserving the existing machine program and hardware without modification, the FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL is the preferred option — Atlantech Drives maintains stock of verified FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL units for exactly this use case. For planned platform migrations where the improved FX3U capabilities justify the program adaptation and FX2N special function module replacement costs, the FX3U-32MT/ESS is the recommended upgrade path. When migrating from FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL to FX3U-32MT/ESS, note that FX2N transistor output extension modules (FX2N-8EYT, FX2N-16EYT) are compatible with the FX3U via the FX3U-CNV-BD adapter, while FX2N special function modules (FX2N-4AD, FX2N-1PG, etc.) require replacement with FX3U-compatible equivalents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL generate pulse output for a stepper motor controller with 5 VDC optocoupler input?
A: The FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL’s Y0 NPN open-collector output sources current from the +24 VDC common terminal through the load to the output transistor. For a stepper driver requiring 5 VDC pulse input via optocoupler, a series resistor of (24 V – 1.2 V) ÷ 10 mA = 2.28 kΩ is required between the FX2N common terminal (+24 V) and the stepper driver’s pulse input, to limit the optocoupler LED current to approximately 10 mA — within the FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL’s 0.5 A output rating. The NPN output transistor then pulls the other end of the optocoupler LED to 0 V when activated, generating the pulse signal.
Q: What is the difference between the FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL and the FX2N-32MT-ES/UL?
A: The FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL uses sink (NPN, common positive) transistor outputs, while the FX2N-32MT-ES/UL uses source (PNP, common negative) transistor outputs. The ESS model is compatible with PNP-input field devices (NPN output sources current to NPN sensor inputs); the ES model is compatible with NPN-input field devices (PNP output sources voltage to NPN input). Select based on the output polarity of the sensors and field devices connected to the PLC outputs — verify the input polarity of all connected devices before ordering the replacement model to avoid wiring incompatibility.
Q: Can the FX2N-32MT-ESS/UL’s high-speed counter inputs (X0–X3) be used simultaneously with standard input functions on X0–X3?
A: No. When a high-speed counter is configured on X0, X1, X2, or X3, the corresponding input terminal operates in high-speed counter mode and the X device cannot simultaneously be used as a standard ladder contact for other purposes. If X0 is assigned to C235 (high-speed counter), reading X0 in the ladder program reads the last sampled input state from the previous scan cycle, not the real-time input state — and counting events at high frequency may not be reflected accurately in the standard X device. Use the high-speed counter’s current value (C235) and comparison instructions for position-based ladder logic rather than the X0 contact bit.
Do you need more references from this brand? Explore our full catalog of Mitsubishi here: https://atlantechdrives.com/manufacturers/mitsubishi/
