The FX2N-32ER is Mitsubishi Electric’s 32-point combined input and relay output extension module for the MELSEC FX2N compact PLC series, providing 16 additional digital inputs and 16 relay contact outputs in a single extension module — the most efficient I/O expansion unit for FX2N systems requiring simultaneous input and output expansion in equal proportions, eliminating the need for separate input and output extension modules when both are required. Atlantech Drives holds stock of the FX2N-32ER. Contact us for fast worldwide delivery and competitive pricing.
What Is the FX2N-32ER?
The FX2N-32ER is a MELSEC FX2N series combined extension I/O unit providing 16 digital input points and 16 relay contact output points in a single module that connects to the FX2N base unit’s right-side extension bus. The 16 relay contact outputs are rated at 2 A per contact at 240 VAC or 30 VDC, enabling direct control of contactor coils, solenoid relay coils, indicator lamps, and small motor contactors from the extension module without external interface hardware. The 16 input points use 24 VDC sink circuits compatible with NPN-output proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, and digital signal sources. The FX2N-32ER’s combined 32-point architecture is distinct from the FX2N-16EX (input only) and FX2N-16EYR (relay output only) single-type extension modules — the FX2N-32ER provides the economic and space-saving benefit of covering both input and output expansion in a module of comparable physical size to the single-type 16-point extension units. The relay outputs’ independent common terminal enables the 16 relay outputs to switch loads at different voltages from the base unit’s relay output group — particularly useful when the base unit’s relay outputs are already used for one voltage level and the FX2N-32ER extension is needed for loads at a different voltage.
Key Technical Specifications
- Model: FX2N-32ER
- Extension Type: Combined input and relay output
- Input Points: 16 (24 VDC sink)
- Output Points: 16 (relay contact, 2 A per point, 240 VAC / 30 VDC)
- Output Common Groups: 1 group of 16 points (single common terminal)
- Input Response Time: 10 ms standard
- Output Response Time: 10 ms (relay mechanical operation)
- Isolation: Optical (input side), mechanical relay (output side)
- Extension Bus Connection: Right-side FX2N extension bus (cable connection)
- Power Supply: From FX2N base unit internal bus (no external supply)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 90 mm × 90 mm × 87 mm
- Weight: Approx. 0.45 kg
Series Comparison & Selection Guide
The FX2N extension module range addresses different I/O expansion requirements with dedicated and combined modules. For pure input expansion, the FX2N-8EX (8 inputs) and FX2N-16EX (16 inputs) provide input-only extension. For pure output expansion, the FX2N-8EYR and FX2N-16EYR provide relay output extension, while the FX2N-8EYT and FX2N-16EYT provide transistor output extension. The FX2N-32ER combines 16 inputs and 16 relay outputs in a single module, providing the most space-efficient and cost-effective option when both input and relay output expansion are required in equal proportions. If a specific application requires 24 additional inputs and only 8 additional relay outputs, a combination of one FX2N-16EX (16 inputs) and one FX2N-8EX (8 inputs) and one FX2N-8EYR (8 relay outputs) may provide better fit — but for the common case of equal input and output expansion requirements, the FX2N-32ER in a single module is simpler and more economical. The transistor output equivalent of the FX2N-32ER is the FX2N-32ET (16 inputs + 16 transistor outputs), appropriate when high-cycle switching speed or unlimited electrical output life is required instead of relay contact output. When comparing the FX2N-32ER to expanding the FX2N base unit itself: a FX2N-32MR base unit already provides 16 inputs and 16 relay outputs — adding one FX2N-32ER to a FX2N-32MR system effectively doubles the I/O to 32 inputs and 32 relay outputs at lower cost than upgrading to a FX2N-64MR base unit.
Expert Tips
The FX2N-32ER’s 16 relay outputs share a single common terminal — unlike the FX2N base unit’s relay models which divide outputs into independent common groups. This single common terminal means all 16 relay outputs on the FX2N-32ER must control loads connected to the same voltage and polarity. If an application requires relay outputs at two different voltage levels (for example, 24 VDC solenoid valves on some outputs and 230 VAC motor contactors on others), a separate external relay with independent common wiring must be used for the outputs at the second voltage level, or separate output extension modules (such as one FX2N-8EYR for 24 VDC loads and another FX2N-8EYR for 230 VAC loads, each with its own isolated common terminal) must be specified. Always check the total relay output simultaneous ON current against the FX2N-32ER’s internal wiring capacity — with 16 relay contacts each rated at 2 A, the simultaneous maximum is 32 A total through the common terminal wiring. Verify the common terminal wiring and the extension cable current capacity against the actual simultaneous output loading before deploying the FX2N-32ER in high-current applications. For high-cycle relay applications where outputs switch hundreds of times per shift, monitor the FX2N-32ER relay contacts for pitting and wear during preventive maintenance inspections — the 16 relay contacts in the FX2N-32ER have the same 200,000-operation rated life as FX2N base unit relay outputs, and high-cycle outputs will reach end of life before low-cycle outputs on the same module. When one relay contact fails in the FX2N-32ER, the entire module must be replaced — plan for module-level spare parts rather than contact-level repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the input addresses and output addresses of the FX2N-32ER automatically assigned by their position in the extension chain?
A: Yes. The FX2N-32ER’s 16 input addresses and 16 output addresses are assigned automatically by the FX2N system based on the module’s physical position in the extension chain, with addresses continuing sequentially from the last address used by the preceding module. No manual address configuration in GX Works2 is required — the addresses are determined at power-up by scanning the extension chain and are verified in GX Works2’s PLC system information during online connection.
Q: Can the FX2N-32ER’s relay output contacts be used to switch 110 VAC loads if the common terminal is connected to 110 VAC?
A: Yes. The FX2N-32ER relay contacts are rated for up to 240 VAC at 2 A resistive load — 110 VAC loads are within the contact voltage rating. Connect the 110 VAC supply to the FX2N-32ER’s output common terminal and wire the 110 VAC loads between the individual output terminals and the 110 VAC return (neutral). Ensure all wiring to the FX2N-32ER is rated for the voltage level used — the extension cable and internal bus operate at 5 VDC logic levels, but the output terminal wiring must be appropriately rated for the external load voltage.
Q: Is the FX2N-32ER compatible with FX3U base units via the FX3U-CNV-BD adapter?
A: Yes. The FX2N-32ER is compatible with FX3U base units when connected via the FX3U-CNV-BD extension bus conversion adapter, enabling FX2N-32ER extension modules to be reused when upgrading an FX2N base unit to FX3U. The FX3U recognises the FX2N-32ER as a combined input/relay output extension unit and assigns addresses sequentially as normal. However, FX2N special function modules (not extension I/O modules) are not compatible with FX3U via the CNV-BD adapter — only FX2N extension I/O units like the FX2N-32ER benefit from this compatibility.
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