The MR-J4-500A is Mitsubishi Electric’s 5 kW MELSERVO-J4 series servo amplifier for 200 V single-phase or three-phase AC power supply, providing closed-loop servo control for Mitsubishi HG-SR, HG-RR, and HG-JR series servo motors at continuous rated output current of 23 A — the mid-range capacity amplifier in the MR-J4-A pulse train input sub-series, designed for multi-axis machine tool spindle positioning, large-format cutting and processing machine axes, and high-load material handling automation where 5 kW of continuous servo power is required with pulse train position command capability. In stock at Atlantech Drives. Request your quote within 24-48 hours with worldwide shipping and 12-month warranty.
What Is the MR-J4-500A?
The MR-J4-500A is a MELSERVO-J4 series servo amplifier providing 5 kW (5,000 W) continuous output power for Mitsubishi servo motors in the HG-SR502, HG-SR5024, and equivalent 5 kW frame servo motor models. The «A» suffix designates the pulse train input variant — the MR-J4-500A accepts position command pulses from a host controller (PLC pulse output module, motion controller, or CNC controller) via open-collector or differential line driver pulse input, interpreting the pulse count as a position command and the pulse frequency as a speed command. The amplifier implements a full three-loop servo control architecture: the position loop compares the commanded pulse count to the motor encoder feedback, the speed loop regulates the motor speed to eliminate position error, and the current loop regulates the motor winding current to deliver the commanded torque. The MR-J4-500A supports Mitsubishi’s Advanced Vibration Suppression Control II (AVSC II) function, which actively estimates and cancels load-side resonance vibrations — providing smooth, settled positioning on mechanical systems with compliance between the motor and the load (ball screw, belt drive, gear train). The amplifier integrates with MR Configurator2 software for parameter setting, gain tuning (including one-touch auto-tuning), and drive waveform monitoring via USB connection.
Key Technical Specifications
- Model: MR-J4-500A
- Rated Output Power: 5 kW (5,000 W)
- Power Supply: 200–240 VAC single-phase or three-phase, 50/60 Hz
- Continuous Output Current: 23.0 A
- Maximum Output Current: 69.0 A (3× continuous, short-term peak)
- Compatible Servo Motors: HG-SR502, HG-SR5024, HG-RR503, HG-JR503 and equivalent
- Command Interface: Pulse train input (open-collector or differential RS-422A)
- Maximum Input Pulse Frequency: 4 Mpps (differential), 200 kpps (open-collector)
- Encoder Interface: Serial encoder (22-bit absolute, 262,144 pulses/rev)
- Safety Function: STO (Safe Torque Off), IEC 61800-5-2 compliant
- Regenerative Brake: Built-in, external resistor connectable (MR-RB series)
- Communication: USB (MR Configurator2), RS-422 (multi-axis cascade)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C (40°C without derating above 55°C)
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 130 mm × 250 mm × 182 mm
- Weight: Approx. 3.5 kg
Typical Industrial Applications
The MR-J4-500A is specified for machine axes requiring 5 kW of continuous servo power with pulse train command interface from an existing motion controller or high-end PLC positioning module. In heavy-duty router and engraving machines for signage, aerospace composite cutting, and automotive tooling production, the MR-J4-500A drives the X and Y gantry axes against the high cutting forces generated in thick aluminium and carbon fibre machining — the amplifier’s 3× peak torque capability (up to 69 A instantaneous) enables rapid acceleration from rest to cutting speed despite the substantial mechanical inertia of the gantry structure. In automated press brake and hydraulic bending machine backstop positioning, the MR-J4-500A controls the backstop axis servo motor for precise sheet metal part positioning at 5 kW continuous to overcome the backstop friction and support the workpiece weight. Large-format laser cutting machine Y-axis drives commonly specify the MR-J4-500A for the beam gantry axis where high continuous power is needed to maintain programmed feed rates at maximum cutting speeds without thermal derating. In warehouse automation, the MR-J4-500A drives the horizontal traverse axis of heavy-load ASRS stacker cranes carrying 1,000–2,000 kg pallets, where 5 kW of continuous servo power provides the tractive effort required for high-speed traversal within the rated acceleration and deceleration time.
Expert Tips
When commissioning the MR-J4-500A in a new machine axis application, always perform the auto-tuning function (one-touch tuning in MR Configurator2) with the actual load connected — factory default gains are conservative and will produce sluggish position settling on most real mechanical systems. During one-touch tuning, the MR-J4-500A performs a series of controlled acceleration-deceleration cycles and identifies the load inertia ratio, automatically setting proportional, integral, and derivative gains appropriate for the identified system. After auto-tuning, verify the settling behaviour on the actual motion profile using MR Configurator2’s waveform monitoring — check that the position error waveform after a move command decays smoothly to zero within the acceptable settling time without oscillation. If oscillation is observed after auto-tuning, reduce the auto-tuning response level by one or two steps in the MR-J4-500A parameter settings before attempting higher response tuning manually. For 5 kW amplifiers driving high-inertia loads (gantry structures, heavy tool turrets), verify the load inertia ratio reported by MR Configurator2 is within the amplifier’s rated range — the MR-J4-500A supports load inertia ratios up to approximately 100:1 for most motion profiles, but excessively high inertia ratios (above 30:1 for high-dynamic applications) increase the risk of mechanical resonance excitation and may require the AVSC II vibration suppression function to be enabled and tuned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the MR-J4-500A operate from single-phase 200 VAC power supply as well as three-phase?
A: Yes. The MR-J4-500A accepts both single-phase 200–240 VAC and three-phase 200–240 VAC input. However, when operating from single-phase supply at full 5 kW load, the input current draw on the single-phase supply is approximately 1.73× higher than the equivalent three-phase input current — the single-phase input current at 5 kW output can reach 40–45 A, requiring appropriately rated single-phase circuit protection and wiring. For continuous full-load operation at 5 kW, three-phase supply is strongly recommended to minimise input current imbalance and power supply sizing.
Q: What regenerative braking resistor is recommended for the MR-J4-500A in a high-deceleration vertical axis application?
A: For vertical axis applications where the load weight generates regenerative energy during descent (gravity-assisted deceleration), the MR-J4-500A’s built-in regenerative resistor capacity (approximately 55 W continuous) may be insufficient for continuous high-frequency vertical axis cycling. Mitsubishi’s MR-RB50 (500 W) or MR-RB14 (100 W) external regenerative resistors connect to the MR-J4-500A’s P and C regenerative resistor terminals. Calculate the average regenerative power for the application using the MR-J4-500A’s waveform monitoring in MR Configurator2 during a representative duty cycle — if the average regenerative power exceeds 55 W, an external regenerative resistor is required. Select the MR-RB resistor with a continuous rated power at least 1.5× the calculated average regenerative power.
Q: Does the MR-J4-500A support absolute position detection without a battery if the servo motor’s absolute encoder is connected?
A: Yes, with conditions. The MR-J4-500A supports absolute position detection using the servo motor’s built-in 22-bit multi-turn absolute encoder. In standard operation, the absolute multi-turn position is maintained by the MR-J4-500A’s battery (MR-BAT6V1SET) which retains the encoder’s turn counter during power-off. The batteryless absolute position option is available via the linear encoder connection (for linear servo motors) or by configuring the amplifier for single-turn absolute detection only — verifying position within a single motor revolution at power-up without battery. For full multi-turn absolute position retention across power cycles in rotary motor applications, the MR-BAT6V1SET battery is required.
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