On 26th April 2024, product discontinuation, otherwise known as End of Life (EOL), became effective for the FX3GE models in the Mitsubishi Electric FX3 PLC range, shifting focus towards their direct replacements – the highly-regarded FX5UJ models in the MELSEC iQ-F Series of Mitsubishi Electric PLCs.
Mitsubishi Electric FX3GE End of Life announcement EOL-PLC-240426-1971
The reason for production discontinuation of the FX3GE models, as stated in Mitsubishi Electric’s End of Life announcement EOL-PLC-240426-1971, is due to difficulties maintaining the production of components.
The Last Time to Buy – the date on which the last customer purchase orders will be accepted by Mitsubishi Electric – has been set for 30th May 2025, with the End of Service set for 30th September 2032.
With regard to transitioning to Mitsubishi Electric’s MELSEC iQ-F series, FX5UJ PLCs have multiple benefits and technology built in, compared to the FX3 series, making it ready to compete with industry leading controllers.
What are the stand out features of FX3GE and FX5UJ PLCs?
The FX3GE models are programmable logic controllers that have been used in automation systems across various industries. These products offer essential features, including 2 potentiometers, 2 analogue inputs, 1 voltage-only analogue output, as well as Ethernet RJ45, Mini Din serial, and USB ports for programming and device connectivity. Despite its discontinuation, the FX3GE series has been known for its reliability in handling a wide range of control tasks in industrial automation settings.
What you need to be aware of is that the MELSEC FX5UJ series is an advanced extension of the FX3GE family, offering enhanced capabilities for more complex automation needs, that will future-proof your system. It is designed to provide higher processing power, greater memory capacity, and improved communication options. The FX5UJ models maintain compatibility with the FX3GE series but introduces additional features such as increased I/O capacity, more robust network communication support, and improved diagnostic tools for easier system maintenance.
These controllers are equipped with features like multiple Ethernet ports for seamless integration into larger networks, and they support advanced protocols like Modbus TCP, CC-Link, and other open communication standards.
What does this mean for FX3GE users? Should you still buy these products?
Despite the continuation of the FX3GE models, the series is still a fully functional range suited for automation applications. With the direct replacement of the FX5UJ you don’t get analogues built in, or the pots, but what you can do is replace the Mini Din port for a full duplex RJ45 Ethernet connection, capable of TCP/IP, and CC Link IE Field Basic, running in parallel under the same port.
| FX3GE Models to be Discontinued | Replacement FX5UJ Models (not necessarily 100% compatible) |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Model Description | Model | Model Description | Model |
| FX3GE-24MR/ES | 264869 | FX5UJ-24MR/ES | 492972 |
| FX3GE-40MR/ES | 264870 | FX5UJ-40MR/ES | 492975 |
| FX3GE-24MT/ES | 269883 | FX5UJ-24MT/ES | 492973 |
| FX3GE-24MT/ESS | 269884 | FX5UJ-24MT/ESS | 492974 |
| FX3GE-40MT/ES | 269915 | FX5UJ-40MT/ES | 492976 |
| FX3GE-40MT/ESS | 269916 | FX5UJ-40MT/ESS | 492977 |
| FX3GE-24MR/DS | 269917 | FX5UJ-24MR/DS | 696207 |
| FX3GE-24MT/DS | 269918 | FX5UJ-24MT/DS | 696208 |
| FX3GE-24MT/DSS | 269919 | FX5UJ-24MT/DSS | 696209 |
| FX3GE-40MR/DS | 269920 | FX5UJ-40MR/DS | 696210 |
| FX3GE-40MT/DS | 269921 | FX5UJ-40MT/DS | 696211 |
| FX3GE-40MT/DSS | 269922 | FX5UJ-40MT/DSS | 696472 |
Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC iQ-F Series PLC brochure image – Click to download brochure
Mitsubishi Electric’s decision to discontinue the FX3GE models is driven by the need to keep up with fast paced market demands on technology offering in industry. They recommend the FX5UJ or FX5S module as replacements. Users can add the FX5-4A-ADP analogue expansion adapter, which provides 2 analogue inputs and 2 outputs, with selectable voltage or current selectable.
What are the advantages of FX5UJ PLCs?
Upgrading to the FX5UJ brings several significant advantages. It offers:
- Improved CPU performance
- Faster processing power for more complex automation tasks
- Built-in Ethernet port
- Enhanced I/O expansion
- Better energy management optimisation
- Reduced power consumption without compromising performance
- Advanced motion control capabilities
- Enhanced automation precision and system integration
- More data storage and faster data processing
- Increased security protocols
- Space saving being more compact than its predecessor
Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC iQ-F FX3 PLC to FX5 transition handbook image – Click to download
As always, Mitsubishi Electric ensures backwards compatibility, making it easy to migrate from the old GX Works 2 software (used with the FX3GE) to your FX5 PLC line up.
For a comparison and transition from the discontinued Mitsubishi Electric FX3GE models and alternative models, please click on the graphic opposite.
Whilst some of this activity has already commenced, we will of course try and assist you as best we can with any planned migration from FX3GE. Please feel free to get in touch with our Application Support Team using the contact form below. They will be happy to discuss your options and assist with any planned transition/migration.
