Panasonic FP2 Modules | FP2-BP07 Backplane

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Panasonic FP2 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The Panasonic FP2 is a mid-to-high range modular programmable logic controller platform developed by Panasonic Electric Works (formerly Matsushita Electric Works). It occupies a significant installed base across global heavy industry sectors including petrochemical plants, oil refineries, nuclear facility auxiliary systems, steel mills, and large-scale water treatment infrastructure. The FP2 platform is characterized by its high-density I/O architecture, multi-CPU capability, and robust backplane bus design, making it a preferred choice for process control applications requiring deterministic scan times and long-term operational stability. Its modular construction allows system integrators to configure control cabinets ranging from compact 8-slot arrangements to expanded multi-rack systems exceeding 256 I/O points per CPU unit. The FP2 series has been deployed in Asia-Pacific, European, and Middle Eastern industrial facilities since the mid-1990s and remains in active service across thousands of installations globally.

The Evolution of FP2 Architecture

The FP2 platform was introduced in the early 1990s as a successor to the FP3 and FP5 series, consolidating Panasonic's industrial PLC lineup into a unified modular architecture. The original FP2 CPU units operated on a proprietary backplane bus with fixed slot assignments and supported MEWTOCOL-COM serial communication as the primary programming and HMI interface protocol. Early backplane units such as the FP2-BP07 (7-slot) and FP2-BP14 (14-slot) defined the physical rack geometry that remained consistent throughout the platform's lifecycle, ensuring backward compatibility across CPU generations.

In subsequent revisions, Panasonic introduced enhanced CPU modules with expanded program memory (up to 60K steps), built-in Ethernet ports, and support for PROFIBUS-DP and CC-Link fieldbus protocols. The FP2SH sub-series emerged as a high-speed variant with faster scan times and extended instruction sets, while maintaining physical and electrical compatibility with standard FP2 backplanes and I/O modules. This cross-generational compatibility is a critical factor for maintenance engineers managing aging installations, as FP2SH CPUs can be substituted into existing FP2 racks without rewiring.

As of 2026, the FP2 series is classified as a mature/end-of-life platform by Panasonic. New production of select modules has been discontinued, and the platform has been superseded by the FP0R, FP-XH, and FPΣ series for new installations. However, the scale of the global installed base means that demand for FP2 spare parts, particularly backplanes, I/O modules, and CPU units, remains substantial. Long-term maintenance support, including refurbished and tested surplus stock, is the primary procurement channel for facilities committed to operating existing FP2 systems through their planned decommission cycles.

FP2 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Backplanes & Rack Infrastructure

• FP2-BP07: 7-slot backplane unit for FP2 modular rack assembly
• FP2-BP14: 14-slot expanded backplane for high-density I/O configurations
• FP2-BP03: 3-slot compact backplane for space-constrained panel installations

CPU Modules

• FP2-C1: Standard CPU, 32K-step program memory, RS232C port
• FP2-C2: Enhanced CPU, 60K-step memory, dual serial ports, high-speed counter
• FP2-C3: Multi-CPU master unit supporting up to 4 CPU modules per rack
• FP2SH-C1: High-speed CPU variant, 0.08μs basic instruction, 60K steps
• FP2SH-C2: High-speed CPU with built-in Ethernet (100BASE-TX), MEWTOCOL-DAT

Digital Input (DI) Modules

• FP2-X16: 16-point DC input module, 24VDC, sink/source compatible
• FP2-X32: 32-point DC input module, high-density, 24VDC
• FP2-XY32D: 32-point mixed I/O, 16DI/16DO, DC transistor output

Digital Output (DO) Modules

• FP2-Y16R: 16-point relay output module, 2A per point, 250VAC/30VDC
• FP2-Y16T: 16-point transistor output, NPN open-collector, 0.5A per point
• FP2-Y32T: 32-point transistor output, high-density, 0.1A per point

Analog I/O (AI/AO) Modules

• FP2-AD4: 4-channel analog input, 12-bit resolution, 0–10V / 4–20mA selectable
• FP2-DA4: 4-channel analog output, 12-bit, voltage and current output modes
• FP2-AD8: 8-channel analog input module, 12-bit, multi-range

Communication & Network Modules

• FP2-ET1: Ethernet communication module, 10BASE-T, MEWTOCOL-COM/DAT
• FP2-PB1: PROFIBUS-DP slave module, up to 244 bytes I/O data exchange
• FP2-CCL: CC-Link remote device station module, Ver.1.10 compliant

Power Supply Modules

• FP2-PSA2: AC power supply unit, 100–240VAC input, 5VDC/3A output for rack
• FP2-PSD2: DC power supply unit, 24VDC input, for DC-powered panel installations

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete FP2 Parts

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of Panasonic FP2 series components, with particular focus on modules that have been discontinued from Panasonic's active production catalog. The FP2-BP07 backplane, along with other rack infrastructure components, represents a critical single-point-of-failure item in operational FP2 systems. Backplane failure or physical damage typically requires a complete rack replacement, making verified spare stock essential for facilities without extended service contracts.

DriveKNMS sources FP2 inventory through decommissioned plant equipment, authorized distributor surplus, and controlled refurbishment programs. Each unit undergoes functional verification before dispatch. For end-of-life modules where new stock is unavailable, DriveKNMS provides refurbished units with documented test records, enabling procurement teams to satisfy internal quality requirements without compromising system uptime. Customers operating FP2 systems in regulated industries (nuclear auxiliary, pharmaceutical, water treatment) can request full traceability documentation upon inquiry.

Quality Control for the FP2 Range

FP2 backplane units such as the FP2-BP07 are tested using a dedicated rack test fixture that validates backplane bus continuity across all slot connectors, power rail integrity (5VDC, 24VDC), and slot-to-slot signal isolation. CPU modules are verified for program memory read/write cycles, communication port functionality (RS232C, Ethernet where applicable), and scan time performance under simulated load conditions. Analog I/O modules are calibrated against traceable reference standards to confirm channel accuracy within published specifications. All modules are inspected for capacitor condition, connector pin integrity, and conformal coating status prior to dispatch. Units failing any test parameter are quarantined and not offered for sale.