Mitsubishi FX2N Series Modules – FX2N-48ER

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Mitsubishi Electric FX2N Series Technical Notes

The Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC FX2N series represents one of the most widely deployed compact PLC platforms in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical refineries, nuclear auxiliary systems, offshore platforms, steel rolling mills, and pharmaceutical batch processing lines, the FX2N platform established a benchmark for high-density I/O in a compact DIN-rail form factor. Its 24 VDC input architecture, high-speed pulse output capability (up to 100 kHz), and broad expansion module ecosystem made it the default selection for machine builders and system integrators throughout the 1990s and 2000s. The FX2N base units support up to 256 I/O points via expansion, with scan times as low as 0.08 µs per basic instruction — performance figures that remained competitive well into the mid-2010s. As of 2024, Mitsubishi Electric has officially declared the FX2N series end-of-life (EOL), with production discontinued. However, the installed base remains substantial, and demand for spare and replacement modules continues across MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) channels globally.

The Evolution of FX2N Architecture

The FX2N series succeeded the FX2 and FX0N platforms, introducing a 32-bit RISC-based CPU, expanded program memory (up to 16,000 steps with memory cassette), and a standardized expansion bus that unified digital I/O, analog, positioning, and communication modules under a single backplane protocol. Early FX2N base units (circa 1997–2002) used the FX-BUS expansion connector, which remains electrically compatible with all subsequent FX2N expansion blocks — a deliberate design decision that extended the platform's service life. The FX2N was later succeeded by the FX3U (2004) and FX5U (2015) series, both of which introduced USB programming ports, higher-speed processing, and Ethernet-native communication. However, FX3U and FX5U are not drop-in replacements for FX2N in all applications: differences in terminal block layout, power supply ratings, and ladder program instruction sets require engineering review before substitution. For sites where a like-for-like replacement is mandatory — particularly in validated pharmaceutical or nuclear auxiliary environments — sourcing original FX2N hardware remains the only compliant path.

FX2N Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Base Units (CPU + Integrated I/O)

• FX2N-16MR: 8 DC inputs / 8 relay outputs, 16-point base unit, 8K step memory
• FX2N-32MR: 16 DC inputs / 16 relay outputs, 32-point base unit, relay output type
• FX2N-48MR: 24 DC inputs / 24 relay outputs, 48-point base unit, standard relay output
• FX2N-64MR: 32 DC inputs / 32 relay outputs, 64-point base unit, relay output type
• FX2N-80MR: 40 DC inputs / 40 relay outputs, 80-point base unit, high-density relay
• FX2N-128MR: 64 DC inputs / 64 relay outputs, 128-point base unit, maximum I/O base
• FX2N-32MT: 16 DC inputs / 16 transistor outputs, 32-point base, high-speed pulse output
• FX2N-48MT: 24 DC inputs / 24 transistor outputs, 48-point base, 100 kHz pulse capable

Digital Expansion I/O Modules

• FX2N-8EX: 8-point DC input expansion block, 24 VDC sink/source
• FX2N-16EX: 16-point DC input expansion block, standard sink input
• FX2N-8EYR: 8-point relay output expansion block, 2A per point
• FX2N-16EYR: 16-point relay output expansion block, general-purpose switching
• FX2N-8EYT: 8-point transistor output expansion, 0.5A per point, high-speed capable
• FX2N-48ER: 24 DC inputs / 24 relay outputs, standalone expansion block, 48-point mixed I/O — the reference SKU for this listing; used as a high-density I/O expander where the base unit I/O count is insufficient
• FX2N-48ET: 24 DC inputs / 24 transistor outputs, 48-point expansion, pulse-capable output side

Analog Modules

• FX2N-4AD: 4-channel analog input, 12-bit resolution, ±10V / 4–20mA selectable
• FX2N-4DA: 4-channel analog output, 12-bit resolution, voltage and current output
• FX2N-2AD: 2-channel analog input, 12-bit, compact form factor for space-constrained panels
• FX2N-1DA-EXT: 1-channel analog output extension, used with FX2N-4AD for mixed configurations

Communication & Network Adapters

• FX2N-232-BD: RS-232C communication board, mounts directly to base unit, HMI/SCADA link
• FX2N-485-BD: RS-485 communication board, multi-drop network, Modbus RTU support
• FX2N-422-BD: RS-422 communication board, programming port expansion
• FX2N-CNV-BD: Conversion board for FX0N/FX2 special adapters, backward compatibility
• FX2N-32CCL: CC-Link remote I/O module, 32-point, connects FX2N to CC-Link network