The Q66DA-G is Mitsubishi Electric’s 6-channel high-resolution digital-to-analogue output module for the MELSEC-Q programmable controller series, providing six independent channels of 16-bit DAC conversion in a single base unit slot — combining the high-precision output resolution of the Q62DAN with a three-fold increase in channel count for multi-axis drive control, multi-zone process setpoint generation, and complex analogue output applications where six independent high-accuracy signals must be generated simultaneously from a single module. In stock at Atlantech Drives. Request your quote within 24-48 hours with worldwide shipping and 12-month warranty.
What Is the Q66DA-G?
The Q66DA-G is a MELSEC-Q series intelligent function module providing six channels of 16-bit digital-to-analogue conversion. Each channel independently generates a user-configurable analogue output in voltage or current mode, with the output range selected independently per channel via GX Works2 parameter settings. The 16-bit resolution provides 16,000 usable output divisions per channel — identical to the Q62DAN — enabling setpoint precision as fine as 0.625 mV on a 0–10 VDC range or 1.0 µA on a 4–20 mA range. The Q66DA-G communicates with the MELSEC-Q CPU via the high-speed internal bus using the FROM/TO instruction pair or GX Works2’s auto-refresh function, with all six channel outputs updated within a single scan cycle. Each channel is independently optically isolated from the internal bus and from adjacent channels, preventing cross-channel interference in installations where different output channels drive loads at different voltage levels or reference different field earth potentials.
Key Technical Specifications
- Model: Q66DA-G
- Output Channels: 6
- Resolution: 16-bit (16,000 usable divisions per channel)
- Output Range (Voltage): 0–5 VDC, 1–5 VDC, 0–10 VDC, -10 to +10 VDC
- Output Range (Current): 0–20 mA, 4–20 mA
- Maximum Output Current (Voltage Mode): 10 mA per channel
- Load Resistance (Current Mode): 600 Ω maximum
- Accuracy: ±0.1% of full scale at 25°C (±0.3% over full temperature range)
- Output Response Time: 1 ms (all 6 channels updated simultaneously)
- Channel Isolation: Optical isolation per channel, inter-channel isolation included
- Current Consumption (5 VDC internal bus): 0.50 A
- External Power Supply: 24 VDC ±10%, 0.40 A (required)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
- Weight: Approx. 0.25 kg
Typical Industrial Applications
The Q66DA-G is the preferred analogue output module for applications requiring simultaneous control of multiple independent analogue-commanded systems from a single MELSEC-Q slot. In multi-axis hydraulic press control systems, the Q66DA-G generates independent proportional valve position setpoints for up to six hydraulic axes simultaneously — each channel drives one servo valve with 16-bit position resolution, enabling sub-0.1% stroke positioning across all axes within a single scan cycle. In multi-zone temperature control systems for industrial ovens, extruders, and injection moulding machines, the Q66DA-G provides six independent 4–20 mA setpoint signals to six separate temperature controller inputs, each governing a different zone’s heating element or cooling valve. Continuous tension winding systems for film, foil, and fibre production use the Q66DA-G to provide torque reference signals to multiple AC servo drives simultaneously — the simultaneous update of all six channels ensures that draw ratio relationships between winding stations are maintained without the inter-channel timing skew that would result from sequential channel updates using multiple 2-channel modules. Paint dispensing and colour-mixing systems in automotive and industrial coating lines specify the Q66DA-G for simultaneous flow rate setpoint generation to six independent colour pump servo controllers.
Installation Advice
The Q66DA-G requires an external 24 VDC supply at 0.40 A — higher than the 0.25 A required by the 2-channel Q62DA and Q62DAN — reflecting the additional analogue output circuitry for the extra four channels. Ensure the external 24 VDC supply is rated for at least 0.50 A to allow adequate margin above the 0.40 A module requirement, particularly in panels where multiple analogue modules share a common 24 VDC supply rail. Route the external 24 VDC supply wiring separately from the analogue output signal cables, with a minimum physical separation of 100 mm where parallel runs cannot be avoided — the 24 VDC supply switching ripple can induce noise on adjacent analogue signal cables, degrading output accuracy below the module’s rated ±0.1% specification. For current output applications (4–20 mA) where load resistance is close to the 600 Ω maximum, verify the total loop resistance including cable resistance — at 600 Ω total and 20 mA full-scale output, the required compliance voltage approaches the Q66DA-G’s internal output stage limit, and loop resistance above 600 Ω will cause the current output to saturate below 20 mA. Use the voltage output mode for long cable runs to remote field devices and install a voltage-to-current converter (I/V converter) at the field device end if 4–20 mA input is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can individual channels of the Q66DA-G be configured for different output ranges simultaneously?
A: Yes. Each of the Q66DA-G’s six output channels has independent range configuration registers in the module’s buffer memory. In GX Works2’s intelligent function module parameter editor, each channel can be individually set to any supported voltage or current range (0–5 VDC, 1–5 VDC, 0–10 VDC, -10 to +10 VDC, 0–20 mA, 4–20 mA) without affecting other channels. This enables a single Q66DA-G to simultaneously provide, for example, three 4–20 mA process setpoints and three 0–10 VDC speed references in the same installation.
Q: What is the channel count advantage of the Q66DA-G over using three Q62DAN modules?
A: Both approaches provide six 16-bit analogue output channels, but the Q66DA-G uses one base unit slot versus three slots for three Q62DAN modules — saving two slots in the base unit. For systems with tight slot budgets (particularly those using a Q52B or Q55B 5-slot base), replacing three Q62DAN modules with one Q66DA-G can free up two slots for additional communication or I/O modules without expanding to a larger base unit or adding an extension base.
Q: Does the Q66DA-G support the wave output function for generating periodic analogue waveforms?
A: Yes. The Q66DA-G supports a wave output function that generates user-defined periodic analogue waveforms (such as sine waves, triangular waves, or arbitrary waveforms defined by a table of setpoint values) on any channel independently of the CPU scan cycle. The wave output data table is loaded into the module’s buffer memory from GX Works2, and the module generates the waveform autonomously at a user-defined cycle time — useful for testing analogue-commanded servo systems and for process applications requiring cyclic setpoint profiles.
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