Mitsubishi’s iQ Automation Platform is the enabling hardware for our e-F@ctory concept. This is an automation strategy developed from our own global manufacturing expertise. The iQ’s key benefits are:

• Minimized TCO (total cost of ownership)
• Seamless integration
• Maximized productivity
• Transparent communications

How the iQ Automation can benefit your operations
iQ is the world's first automation platform combining all key automation types on one controller. Avoid wasting valuable engineering resources trying to make different vendors’ systems work together. With iQ, Mitsubishi takes care of system integration. iQ offers an extensive array of controller types that seamlessly operate together on the same backplane. Now your engineering staff concentrate on the demands of the application itself right from the beginning.

Reduce costs
Throughout the automation lifecycle, iQ reduces your costs. First, project lead time is reduced due to the high level of integration and the iQ Works suite of engineering tools. iQ Works allows a system to be developed and commissioned faster thanks to powerful simulation tools and reduced programming. iQ Works supports all key iQ control types, whether it's PLC, motion, or even HMI screen design.

Do more, faster
iQ’s CPUs lead the industry in performance. Combined with an advanced backplane architecture to optimize system communications, these provide faster ROI due to reduced cycle times and increased productivity. iQ's PLC CPUs execute programs in microseconds while handling thousands of I/O. Advanced motion capabilities control dozens of axes simultaneously via the noise immune 50Mbit/s SSCNET/III network. In food and beverage applications, this eliminates mechanically based packaging systems. Machine design is simplified; lead times are shorter and job changes faster. Industries requiring automated assembly benefit from the iQ's integration of a fully featured robotic controller. Combining process and discrete control on the same system also allows the iQ to handle a range of hybrid applications. Even complex systems such as transfer lines, requiring machining, motion and sequence control, can easily be handled in a single controller.

Free flow of information
iQ is compatible with a wide variety of networks for engineering complete plant systems. This includes the open CC-Link architecture, allowing a seamless flow of information throughout all levels of a plant, to enterprise IT systems and beyond. iQ also takes full advantage of CC-Link IE, the world's first gigabit Ethernet open automation network. No longer does your network limit the productivity of your enterprise as information becomes freely available to those who need it.

There’s an iQ for you
A final key point is the iQ’s scalability. While capable of automating whole lines, it is equally at home running single machines. Configure the platform as a PLC or motion controller alone when high performance on small scale systems is critical. Whatever your needs, there is an iQ solution that meets them precisely.

• Intuitive user interface
• Fast project development
• Reliability
• Data exchange, compatibility
• Economic programming
• Reduced learning curve
• Transparency of variables
• Cost reduction

• Simple installation and fast data exchange
• Selection of a variety of communi- cations media
• Uncompromising implementation of the CIM philosophy
• Support for open systems such as MAP, Profibus and AS Interface in addition to Mitsubishi networks
• Centralised programming and process data logging via ETHERNET TCP/IP and MELSECNET
• Redundant transmission media (MELSECNET, MELSECNET/H)
• Realisation of decentralized structures
• Decentralized solutions for the control and I/O level (CC-Link, DeviceNet, PROFIBUS/DP and AS-Interface)
• Sensor/actor connections by AS-Interface
• Manufacturer independent (PROFIBUS FMS/DP, AS Interface, CC-Link)
• Programming and setting with MELSOFT

Overview of some of the networks Mitsubishi provides: Ethernet, CC-Link, Profibus, DeviceNet, AS-Interface, MELSECNET/H, CANopen, SSCNET

What can you expect from the ALPHA series?
The integrated products of the ALPHA family replace many of the discrete components used in conventional systems, opening up a whole new range of possibilities for economical solutions.

• Greenhouses and agricultural machinery
• Pump controllers
• Handling systems
• Door, gate and window blind controllers
• Special-purpose vehicles
• Heating, air-conditioning and ventilation
• Lighting systems
• Alarm and security systems
• Outdoor applications

The modular concept
Building on its predecessor, the AnSH, SystemQ is a control concept that allows users to mix and select the best combination of CPUs, communication devices, specialist control modules and discreet I/O on a back-plane. This allows users to configure systems into what they need, when they need it, where they need it.

Multiple capabilities
Basic and advanced PLC CPUs, specialist motion and process controllers and even PCs can be combined into a single SystemQ solution with up to four different CPUs. This gives users a choice of control philosophies, programming concepts and programming languages – all from a single platform.

An automation platform for the future
Flexibility and scalability are key design features that enable System Q to truly be a single Automation Platform.

What can you expect from Mitsubishi Modular PLCs?

• Global use
• Totally scalable
• Multi CPU
• Multi network connectivity
• Flexibility
• Dual redundancy

A platform to build on
The strength of System Q’s automation platform really comes into its own in traditional specialist industries. The unique flexibility of proven off-the-shelf control components such as I/O and communication devices, teamed with dedicated special devices like process CPUs, assures high functionality, ease of use and targeted control – all within budget.

Two worlds meet
Our dedicated System Q process CPUs build on the already high functionality of Mitsubishi’s advanced PLC CPUs. This powerful combination of sequential control overlaid with dedicated process instructions gives users a hybrid control solution with the best of both worlds. This is complemented in turn by a range of dedicated channel-isolated and high resolution analogue modules. Here, too, a combination of specialist and standard modules provides the basis for practical and flexible solutions.

High reliability systems
The System Q automation platform can also be applied to other areas requiring high reliability, e.g. standby network masters, redundant fieldbus (CC-Link) and redundant power supplies for remote I/O stations.

Processes and quality standards are becoming increasingly complex and demanding, requiring industrial automation systems capable of providing much more detailed information on the control processes for plant and machinery.

Mitsubishi Electric provides a broad spectrum of operating and visualisation systems, ranging from simple text-based HMI panels to full-featured industrial PCs. The series include text-based HMI panels, graphical HMI panels, HMI panels with function keys, HMI panels with touch screens and industrial PCs in a variety of different versions.

Mitsubishi Electric offers a variety of Servo and Motion system products providing solutions for applications as simple as a single axis point-to-point system through to fully synchonised 96 axis systems. With both standard pulse type output modules and SSCNET bus modules specific application needs are easy to meet.
The MR-J3 Series of Servo motors and amplifiers takes Mitsubishi Motion Control to new levels of precision with a wide range of motors (all fitted with a standard 262,144 absolute encoder) and wide amplifier range (up to 110kW).
All Mitsubishi Servo and Motion system hardware is complimented by a range of software packages allowing easy programming and set-up of the units.