The FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL is Mitsubishi Electric’s 64-point transistor sink output base unit for the MELSEC FX2N compact PLC series, providing 32 digital inputs and 32 NPN open-collector transistor outputs in a self-contained AC-powered controller with UL listing — the largest transistor output base unit in the FX2N range, specified for high-cycle compact machine control applications requiring 32 simultaneous transistor-switched 24 VDC outputs with the speed, durability, and UL certification demanded by North American industrial automation. Available now at Atlantech Drives with worldwide express delivery and 12-month warranty — complete our quote form for pricing and availability.
What Is the FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL?
The FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL is a MELSEC FX2N series compact PLC base unit with transistor sink (NPN open-collector) outputs, providing 32 input points (X0–X37, octal numbering) and 32 transistor output points (Y0–Y37, octal). As the maximum transistor output base unit in the FX2N range, the FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL delivers the highest 24 VDC output density available in the FX2N single-unit architecture, enabling 32 independent NPN-output-compatible field devices to be controlled from a single controller without extension modules — particularly valuable in compact machine designs where panel size constraints or simplified wiring requirements favour a single large base unit over a base-plus-extension architecture. The FX2N CPU architecture is consistent with all FX2N base units: 0.08 µs per basic instruction, 8,000-step program memory expandable to 16,000 steps with the FX2N-ROM-E1 cassette, 4 high-speed counter inputs at up to 60 kHz, and pulse output on Y0 at 20 kHz. The 32 transistor outputs share a single common terminal (connected to external +24 VDC supply positive), providing uniform NPN sink output behaviour across all 32 points without the common group division of the relay output models — simplifying external wiring for installations where all 32 outputs switch loads on the same 24 VDC supply.
Key Technical Specifications
- Model: FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL
- Total I/O Points: 64 (32 inputs + 32 outputs)
- Input Type: 24 VDC sink (X0–X37)
- Output Type: Transistor sink/NPN open-collector (Y0–Y37), 0.5 A per point, 5–30 VDC
- Output Polarity: Sink (NPN) — single 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)
- 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): 220 mm × 90 mm × 87 mm
- Weight: Approx. 1.20 kg
Compatibility & System Integration
The FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL integrates with the complete FX2N extension and special function module ecosystem — FX2N extension I/O units expand total I/O to the 256-point platform maximum, FX2N special function modules (FX2N-4AD, FX2N-4DA, FX2N-4LC, FX2N-1PG, FX2N-2PG, FX2N-16CCL) provide analogue, temperature, positioning, and network functionality. The built-in RS-422 port connects to GX Works2 for programming and to GOT HMI panels (GOT1000, GOT2000) for operator interface. The FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL is compatible with the FX2N-16CCL CC-Link local station module, enabling the base unit to participate in CC-Link Ver.1 networks managed by MELSEC-Q or iQ-R controllers. For Modbus RTU SCADA integration, the FX2N-485-BD RS-485 option board installed on the base unit’s option board connector provides RS-485 slave communication to any Modbus master SCADA system. The single output common terminal of the FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL — connecting all 32 transistor outputs to a single +24 VDC supply positive — simplifies field wiring compared to relay output models with multiple independent common groups, but means all 32 transistor output loads must operate from the same 24 VDC supply. If different output groups must switch loads from isolated supply rails, output isolation relays must be used between the FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL outputs and the isolated load circuits. The FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL is also compatible with the FX2N-232IF RS-232C intelligent communication module for point-to-point serial communication with barcode readers, weighing systems, and other RS-232C field devices requiring full-duplex serial data exchange with the PLC beyond the capability of the standard RS-422 port.
Maintenance Tips
The FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL transistor outputs have no mechanical wear components, but the NPN output transistors can be permanently damaged by inductive load switching without flyback protection. Inspect all 32 output circuits annually for correct flyback diode installation on inductive loads — relay coils, solenoid valves, and motor brakes connected to the FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL transistor outputs must have a flyback diode (1N4007 or equivalent) installed across the load with cathode to +24 V and anode to the output terminal. A missing diode causes voltage spikes up to 10× the supply voltage at the output terminal when the load is deactivated, degrading the output transistor over multiple spike events before eventual failure. Monitor the FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL battery condition via special relay M8006 (low battery warning) every 6 months — for a 64-point transistor output machine with a complex 8,000-step program, unexpected battery failure causing program loss would require significant recovery time to reprogram the replacement unit from backup. Maintain GX Works2 and GX Developer program backup files on a dedicated maintenance laptop or network share, updated after every program modification. For the FX2N-ROM-E1 memory cassette installed in the FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL (recommended for all 64-point transistor output installations), verify annually that the program in the cassette matches the currently running program in the base unit’s SRAM — discrepancies indicate that program modifications have been made since the last cassette update. Update the cassette backup using GX Works2’s PLC memory write function after every program change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL be replaced with an FX3U-64MR/ES-A relay output model if transistor outputs are not strictly required?
A: Note that FX3U-64MR/ES-A is not a standard catalogue model — Mitsubishi’s FX3U relay output range uses 16, 32, 48, and 80-point base units. The closest standard FX3U relay output equivalent to the FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL’s 32-output capacity is the FX3U-80MR/ES-A (40 relay outputs), which actually provides more outputs than the FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL. However, specifying relay outputs as a direct replacement for transistor outputs requires verifying that the application’s output switching frequency is within relay contact life limits — if outputs were originally specified as transistor for cycle life reasons, substituting relay output would reintroduce the contact wear constraint.
Q: What is the maximum sustained 24 VDC load current the FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL can supply across all 32 transistor outputs simultaneously?
A: Each output point is rated at 0.5 A maximum, giving a theoretical simultaneous maximum of 32 × 0.5 A = 16 A. However, the FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL’s output common terminal and internal bus wiring impose a practical simultaneous ON limit — Mitsubishi’s hardware manual specifies a maximum simultaneous output current derating based on ambient temperature. At 55°C ambient with all 32 outputs ON simultaneously at 0.5 A each, thermal limits reduce the practical maximum below the 16 A theoretical figure. Consult the FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL hardware manual’s simultaneous output derating table before designing a system with 32 simultaneous maximum-current outputs.
Q: Is the FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL program compatible with the FX3U-64CCL CC-Link intelligent device station for integration into a MELSEC-Q supervised CC-Link network?
A: The FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL does not use the FX3U-64CCL — that is an FX3U-series module. For CC-Link integration, the FX2N-64MT-ESS/UL uses the FX2N-16CCL (CC-Link local station module for FX2N), which installs in the FX2N extension bus. The FX2N-16CCL enables the FX2N to participate as a CC-Link Ver.1 local station on networks managed by MELSEC-Q (QJ61BT11N) or iQ-R (RJ61BT11) masters, sharing link relay and register data with the master and other local stations via the CC-Link cyclic data exchange.
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