What Are Mitsubishi MELSEC Programmable Controllers?
MELSEC (Mitsubishi Electric System Controller) is the brand name for Mitsubishi Electric's family of programmable logic controllers. These PLCs are widely used in industrial automation and come in a variety of series tailored to different application scales and requirements.
Available Series and Their Applications
iQ-R - Modular PAC - High-speed, high-reliability large-scale processes. Offers features like redundant CPUs, embedded web servers, extensive memory, and IT gateway capability.
Q Series - Modular PLC - High-speed performance with multiple CPU architecture. Suited for complex systems requiring fast and accurate data processing.
L Series - Baseless (compact) PLC - Space-saving design with integrated I/O. Cost-effective and scalable for medium-sized control tasks.
iQ-F Series - Compact All-in-one PLC - Includes CPU, power supply, I/O in one unit. Supports high-speed counter, positioning, Ethernet, SD card. Great for small to mid-scale automation.
F Series- All-in-one PLC- Similar to iQ-F but more flexible I/O expansion. Well-suited for compact setups with a broad range of I/O, analog, and network modules.
QS/WS Series (Safety) - Safety Control PLC - Designed for safety-critical applications with SIL certification. Though currently out of production, these remain part of MELSEC’s heritage.
A Series - Legacy PLC- Proven and reliable, now largely phased out.
Summary
MELSEC PLCs cover a wide spectrum—from compact all-in-one models (iQ-F, F Series) to high-performance modular platforms (Q, iQ-R).
Networking flexibility allows integration with industrial Ethernet, CC-Link, Modbus, and legacy MELSECNET.
Engineering environments are mature and powerful, from GX Works2/3 to specialized tools like iQ Works and MX Sheet.
Trusted performance in industry, with strong hardware reputations and useful memory features (like backup batteries).