Information
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About this document
This document is a manual for replacing the FC4A/5A series MICROSmart Programmable
Controller with the FC6A Plus. Refer to this document together with the FC6A Series Catalog
(EP1575
) and Users’ Manual for FC6A Series (FC9Y-B1722).
For customers who mainly use the 10/16/24-I/O type of the FC4A/5A All-in-one CPU module
and do not need to expand the number of I/Os, it is recommended to replace it with the
FT1A series. For details, refer to the Replacement Manual B-1879.
Replacement with FC6A Plus
• Power supply and I/O terminal sizes or connector shapes are different between the FC4A/5A
series and the FC6A Plus. Thus, recommended wires and ferrules for wiring are partially
different depending on the series. Refer to [Wiring in page 21].
• The FC6A Plus can perform serial communication with a maximum of 33 serial ports (RS232C
or RS485) by using a communication cartridge (FC6A-PC1/PC3) and a communication
module (FC6A-SIF).
• The basic number of inputs/outputs built in the CPU Module is different between the FC4A/5A
series and the FC6A Plus. Inputs/outputs could not be expanded beyond the basic number of
I/Os in some types of the FC4A/5A series. However, I/Os can be expanded in all the CPU
Modules of the FC6A Plus. The Maximum I/Os depends on the combination of Expansion
Modules to be connected. Select the modules in consideration of this point. For the FT1A
series, I/Os cannot be expanded beyond the basic number of I/Os. Refer to [CPU Module
• Expansion Modules may have different detailed specifications even if they are recommended
models for replacement. Refer to [Expansion Module selection table in page 8].
• A replacement module for the FC4A series AS-Interface master module is not available.
• The program capacities are different between the FA4A/5A series and the FC6A Plus. Refer to
[CPU Module selection in page 4].
• A clock is built in the CPU Module for the FC6A Plus. An external clock cartridge is not
required.
• The FC6A Plus uses a primary battery as the backup battery. In the FC6A Plus, if the battery
has run down and it needs to be replaced, the “BAT” is indicated by LED when the power is
turned on again. (The standard replacement cycle is approximately four years regardless of
the backup time while the power is OFF.)
•
The FC6A Plus does not support modem communication, Modbus ASCII communication, and
Modbus TCP communication via a serial communication port.
