In the world of industrial automation, precision, speed, and reliability are paramount. For engineers and system integrators working on complex machinery, choosing the right controller is a critical decision.

The Mitsubishi NJ501-1400 is a powerful CPU unit from the NJ series. It acts as the brain of your automation system, seamlessly integrating logic control and motion control into a single, unified platform. This integration is crucial for synchronized operations in advanced machinery. A standout feature of the NJ501-1400 is its robust motion control capability, supporting up to 32 control axes . This makes it an ideal solution for large-scale applications requiring coordinated movement across multiple servos, such as in packaging, printing, or assembly robots.
At the heart of the NJ501-1400 is impressive processing speed. It executes basic LD instructions in a blistering 1.1 nanoseconds . For more complex calculations involving double-precision real data, arithmetic instruction times can be as low as 24 nanoseconds . This high-speed processing ensures that even the most demanding user programs, including those for coordinate transformation and complex arithmetic, run efficiently.
The controller boasts a substantial 20 MB program capacity , providing ample space for large and sophisticated applications. For variable storage, it offers 4 MB for non-retentive variables and 2 MB for retentive variables , ensuring your data is handled effectively.
A key strength of the NJ501-1400 is its scalability. A single system can support a configuration of up to 40 units across the entire controller, with a maximum of 10 units in either the CPU base or any expansion base . This allows for a significant number of I/O points, with the system supporting a maximum of 2,560 I/O points from CJ-series units , ensuring you can connect all the necessary sensors and actuators for your machine.
Modern controllers need to communicate seamlessly, and the NJ501-1400 is well-equipped in this regard.
EtherCAT Integration: It features a built-in EtherCAT port that functions as a master, enabling high-speed, deterministic communication with drives, I/O terminals, and vision systems. The communication cycle can be set as low as 500 microseconds with a synchronization jitter of less than 1 microsecond . It can support up to 192 EtherCAT slaves , making it suitable for extensive network architectures.
EtherNet/IP Port: For enterprise-level connectivity, it includes a built-in EtherNet/IP port. This supports tag data links and explicit messaging, with up to 32 connections , allowing for easy data exchange with HMIs, SCADA systems, and other controllers.
USB Port: A peripheral USB port is provided for direct connection with programming software like Sysmac Studio .
Designed for the rigors of an industrial environment, the NJ501-1400 has a compact form factor, measuring 90mm x 90mm x 90mm . It is built to operate reliably in temperatures ranging from 0 to 55°C and can withstand vibrations and shocks as per IEC standards. Its internal clock maintains an accuracy of approximately -1.5 to +1.5 minutes per month at 25°C .
The Mitsubishi NJ501-1400 emerges as a compelling solution for demanding automation projects that require a high axis count and fast, precise control. Its powerful processing, extensive memory, and robust networking options via EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP make it a versatile and future-proof choice for system integrators. By consolidating logic and motion control, it simplifies system architecture and programming, ultimately helping to build faster, more precise, and more reliable machines.