The FX2N-1PG-E is Mitsubishi Electric’s 1-axis pulse output positioning special function module for the MELSEC FX2N compact PLC series, providing a dedicated high-speed pulse output channel at up to 100 kHz for stepper motor or servo drive positioning — delivering significantly higher pulse output frequency than the FX2N base unit’s built-in Y0 pulse output (20 kHz maximum) and providing a dedicated autonomous positioning controller with 100 positioning patterns and home return functionality, for FX2N-based single-axis positioning applications requiring higher speed or more sophisticated positioning profiles than the base unit’s built-in pulse output can provide. As the primary single-axis positioning module for the FX2N platform, the FX2N-1PG-E extends the FX2N’s motion control capability to medium-speed servo and high-speed stepper applications previously requiring dedicated motion controllers. The FX2N-1PG-E is available through Atlantech Drives — quote within 24-48 hours, worldwide express shipping, 12-month warranty.
What Is the FX2N-1PG-E?
The FX2N-1PG-E is a MELSEC FX2N series special function module providing one channel of open-collector pulse output for positioning control at up to 100 kHz, with an onboard positioning controller that executes position profiles autonomously without loading the FX2N CPU scan cycle. The module installs in the FX2N extension bus and communicates with the FX2N CPU via FROM/TO buffer memory instructions — the FX2N program writes positioning commands (start, stop, position targets, speed) to the module’s command registers via TO instructions, and reads positioning status (current position, operation status, error codes) from the status registers via FROM instructions. The FX2N-1PG-E’s onboard positioning controller stores up to 100 positioning patterns (target position + positioning speed combinations) in its internal memory, enabling complex multi-step position sequences to be executed by a single positioning start command from the FX2N program without requiring the program to manage each step individually. The «-E» suffix indicates the European/international version of the module supporting operation with 100–240 VAC power supply base units and European electrical standards compliance, as distinct from the original FX2N-1PG which was designed primarily for the Japanese market.
Key Technical Specifications
- Model: FX2N-1PG-E
- Controlled Axes: 1
- Output Type: Open-collector transistor, step/direction or CW/CCW
- Maximum Output Pulse Frequency: 100 kHz
- Minimum Output Pulse Frequency: 10 Hz
- Positioning Patterns: 100 (stored in module memory)
- Position Data Range: -2,147,483,648 to +2,147,483,647 pulses
- Speed Range: 10 Hz to 100 kHz
- Acceleration/Deceleration: Trapezoidal (fixed ramp time, configurable)
- Manual Operation: JOG operation (forward and reverse)
- External Signals: Near-point DOG, upper/lower limit switches (dedicated input terminals)
- Extension Bus Occupation: 8 I/O points
- External Power Supply: 24 VDC ±10%, 200 mA (required)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
- Compatible FX2N base units: All FX2N models
- Weight: Approx. 0.18 kg
Typical Industrial Applications
The FX2N-1PG-E is deployed in FX2N-based single-axis positioning applications where the base unit’s 20 kHz built-in pulse output is insufficient for the required positioning speed or where the 100-pattern autonomous positioning profile storage provides programming simplicity advantages over the base unit’s DRVI/DRVA instruction approach. In rotary indexing table automation, the FX2N-1PG-E controls the table drive stepper motor through a complete production cycle — with 100 stored positioning patterns covering all index positions and dwell times, the FX2N program triggers each step with a single positioning start command and monitors the complete bit for sequencing to the next step, without managing pulse generation timing in the ladder program. Conveyor positioning systems for pallet transfer and product indexing use the FX2N-1PG-E for positioning axis control, where the stored pattern approach enables rapid product changeover by selecting different pattern sets for different pallet sizes or product spacing requirements — the operator changes the active pattern set number via the HMI, and the FX2N-1PG-E executes the new positioning profile without program modification. Label and print registration systems use the FX2N-1PG-E’s 100 kHz output for high-speed web transport axis control, where the stepper motor driver requires a 100 kHz pulse rate to achieve the required label transport speed at the configured microstepping resolution. In dispensing and dosing systems for food, pharmaceutical, and chemical manufacturing, the FX2N-1PG-E provides precise volume dispensing control via a peristaltic pump stepper motor drive — each stored pattern corresponds to a specific dispensed volume defined by the number of pulses, enabling rapid recipe selection for multi-product dispensing without recalculating pulse counts in the FX2N program.
Maintenance Tips
The FX2N-1PG-E’s positioning pattern data (target positions, speeds, acceleration times) is stored in the module’s internal RAM, which is battery-backed by a dedicated lithium battery within the module housing. This internal battery is separate from the FX2N base unit’s program memory battery and has an independent service life of approximately 5 years at 25°C. Monitor the module’s battery condition via the battery status bit in BFM#28 (battery voltage status register) — when this bit activates, the module battery requires replacement within the time frame specified in the FX2N-1PG-E hardware manual (typically 1–3 months before data loss). Maintain a GX Works2 backup of the FX2N-1PG-E positioning parameter data using the special function module parameter read function — this backup enables rapid repositioning data reload if the module battery fails before replacement or if the module is replaced due to hardware failure. For stepper motor systems where the FX2N-1PG-E controls a high-inertia load (large rotary table, heavy linear slide), verify the deceleration ramp time is configured conservatively enough to prevent step losses on deceleration — the FX2N-1PG-E’s fixed trapezoidal deceleration ramp must slow the stepper motor within the motor’s pull-out torque curve at all points during deceleration, and a deceleration time that is too short will cause the motor to lose synchronism and position on the deceleration ramp. If position errors develop consistently at the end of moves (not at the beginning), insufficient deceleration time is the most likely cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the FX2N-1PG-E and the FX2N base unit’s built-in Y0 pulse output for positioning?
A: The FX2N base unit’s built-in Y0 pulse output provides 20 kHz maximum frequency via the PLSY/DRVI/DRVA instructions — adequate for slow stepper applications but insufficient for high-speed positioning. The FX2N-1PG-E provides 100 kHz maximum frequency (5× the base unit’s limit), has an autonomous positioning controller that executes patterns without consuming CPU scan time, stores 100 pre-defined positioning patterns eliminating per-move program calculations, and provides dedicated external input terminals for DOG and limit switch signals that do not consume FX2N base unit X input addresses. The FX2N-1PG-E is the correct specification when Y0’s 20 kHz limit or programming simplicity requirements exceed the base unit’s built-in capability.
Q: Can the FX2N-1PG-E execute a multi-step positioning sequence (approach slow zone, decelerate, stop) automatically without CPU involvement in each step?
A: Yes. The FX2N-1PG-E’s positioning patterns can be configured as a continuous sequence — the module executes pattern 1, automatically transitions to pattern 2 on completion, then pattern 3, and so on, without requiring a new start command from the FX2N CPU between patterns. The FX2N program initiates the sequence with a single start command specifying the first pattern number and the sequence length, and the module executes all patterns in sequence autonomously. This sequential execution capability enables complex multi-stage moves (fast approach + slow final positioning + over-travel correction) to be defined as stored patterns and executed without real-time CPU scan timing involvement.
Q: Does the FX2N-1PG-E retain its current position value (absolute position) across power cycles?
A: Yes, provided the internal module battery is functional. The FX2N-1PG-E stores the current position counter value in battery-backed RAM, retaining the absolute position across power cycles without requiring a home return operation at power-up. If the battery has failed and position data has been lost, the current position register will contain an incorrect value at power-up — a home return operation must be performed to re-establish the absolute position reference before positioning operations can resume. Check the battery status bit (BFM#28) at each power-up in the FX2N initialisation program and inhibit positioning operations if the battery status indicates a potential position data loss condition.
Do you need more references from this brand? Explore our full catalog of Mitsubishi here: https://atlantechdrives.com/manufacturers/mitsubishi/
