Mitsubishi PLC Programmable Logic Controller FX2N-48MR-001 FX2N48MR001 FX2N-48MR-OO1

Mitsubishi FX2N-48MR-001 | MELSEC FX2N 48-Point Compact PLC — 24 DI / 24 Relay Outputs / 100–240VAC / 50VA / 8K Steps / RS-422 

48 Points, Relay Outputs, AC Supply — The FX2N-48MR's Practical Profile

The FX2N-48MR-001 is the 48-point member of the MELSEC FX2N family — one step down in I/O count from the 64-point FX2N-64MR, and one step up from the 32-point FX2N-32MR. Twenty-four digital inputs and 24 relay outputs in one AC-powered housing, no expansion module required for applications that fit within this count.

The "MR" designation is the output type indicator: M = main unit, R = relay outputs. Relay contacts switch both AC and DC loads — the 24 outputs can control 24VDC solenoid valve coils, 230VAC motor contactor coils, and indicator lamps at mixed voltages from the same controller, with each relay contact electrically isolated from the PLC's internal logic. This voltage flexibility is why relay output variants remain relevant in machine panels where the field wiring serves loads at different voltages from different power supplies.

The AC power supply accepts 100–240VAC — the same controller powers a North American 120VAC panel or a European 230VAC panel without hardware changes.

Key Specifications

FX2N-48MR-001 in the FX2N Range — Where It Sits

The FX2N main unit family spans five sizes: 32MR, 48MR, 64MR, 80MR, and 128MR — all relay output, all AC powered, all with the same RS-422 programming port and 8,000-step programme memory. The 48MR sits at the second-smallest size. For a machine that needs 20 sensor inputs, 15 actuator outputs, and a handful of spare points for future wiring, the 48MR provides adequate I/O without the larger footprint and cost of the 64MR.

The -001 suffix identifies the international version of the FX2N-48MR — standard international mains input range (100–240VAC) as opposed to Japan-domestic voltage specifications. It is the appropriate variant for non-Japanese market installations.

Application Scenarios

Conveyor and sorting systems: 24 proximity sensors, photoelectric cells, and pushbuttons on inputs; motor contactors, diverter solenoids, and indicators on relay outputs. The AC supply connects directly to the panel mains circuit.

Packaging and filling machines: Pneumatic valve pilots (24VDC), motor starter coils (230VAC), and signal lamps — all from the same relay contacts. No intermediate relay conversion required for mixed-voltage field loads.

Machine maintenance spare: Many FX2N-48MR-equipped machines remain in production globally. A replacement with the same model number preserves the original I/O address map and output wiring without requiring programme modifications or output stage hardware changes.

FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between FX2N-48MR-001 and FX2N-48MR-ES/UL?

The -001 suffix identifies the international variant without UL/cUL certification. The -ES/UL suffix identifies the same international specification plus UL and cUL listings for North American markets with strict UL certification requirements. Both are electrically identical. Specify -ES/UL for North American installations where UL-listed control components are required; -001 is appropriate for markets where CE certification meets the regulatory requirement.

Q2: Can expansion modules be added to the FX2N-48MR-001?

Yes. The FX2N supports up to 8 expansion modules on its right-side expansion bus (for the 48MR, combined with the CPU board's I/O). Expansion modules add digital and analogue I/O, with the total system maximum at 256 I/O points. For communication, the FX2N-232-BD (RS-232), FX2N-485-BD (RS-485/Modbus), or FX2N-CNV-BD with subsequent communication modules add serial interface capability.

Q3: What programming software is required?

GX Developer or GX Works2 — Mitsubishi's programming environments for the FX2N family. Neither GX Works3 (for iQ-R series) nor standard IEC 61131-3 editors typically connect directly to the FX2N without compatibility configuration. GX Works2 supports the FX2N's ladder logic, FBD, and the FX-series instruction set, including PID, Modbus, HSC, and PTO/PWM.

Q4: What is the relay contact electrical life on the FX2N-48MR?

Mitsubishi specifies the relay contacts at 100,000 operations at rated resistive load (2A / 250VAC). Inductive DC loads (solenoid coils) reduce contact life through voltage spike arcing at switch-off — freewheeling diodes across DC inductive loads suppress this and extend contact life significantly. For outputs cycling at high frequency, the transistor output variants (FX2N-48MT) are more appropriate.

Q5: What is the migration path from the discontinued FX2N-48MR?

Mitsubishi's FX5U-48MR/ES is the direct functional equivalent in the current FX5 series — 24DI, 24 relay outputs, 100–240VAC supply — with significantly improved processing, built-in Ethernet, and RS-485. Migration requires programme re-verification in GX Works3 (GX Works2 exports assist the process); the instruction set is largely compatible but some differences require attention. For installations where the FX2N programme must remain unchanged, the FX3U-48MR/ES is the closer migration target with the same GX Works2 environment.