Mitsubishi MS-40M-E Touch Panel HMI

MITSUBISHI MS Series Touch Panel HMI MS-40M-E

The Mitsubishi MS-40M-E is an ultra-compact 3.3-inch monochrome STN operator interface terminal engineered for space-constrained industrial and marine automation control panels. Operating on an isolated 24 V DC power architecture, this operator panel features a high-contrast 240 × 240 pixel display with 16 grayscale levels, offering crisp visual feedback for process variables, alarms, and setpoints.

Engineered to standard 96 × 96 mm (1/4 DIN) cutout dimensions, the MS-40M-E integrates a universal 9-pin serial interface configurable for RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 communications. It provides direct multi-drop connectivity to PLC networks, drive systems, and engine room monitoring skids without requiring external interface converters.

Key Features

1. Compact 1/4 DIN Form Factor: Standard 96 × 96 mm housing with an 89.3 × 89.3 mm panel cutout allows direct retrofitting into legacy analog gauge panels and compact console consoles.
2. Integrated Multi-Protocol Serial Interface: Multi-mode COM1 port on a DB9 female connector supports software-selectable RS-232, RS-422, and 2-wire/4-wire RS-485 Modbus RTU communication protocols.
3. Non-Volatile Solid-State Storage: Built-in 4 MB flash ROM dedicated to runtime applications, screen libraries, and alarm logs, eliminating battery-dependent memory loss during vessel cold shutdowns.
4. Industrial-Grade Enclosure Sealing: IP65/NEMA 4 front-panel ingress rating withstands marine salt-spray atmosphere, dust accumulation, oil mist, and washdown cycles.

Equipment Compatibility & Network Topologies

• Mitsubishi Electric PLCs: MELSEC FX Series (FX1S, FX1N, FX2N, FX3U, FX3G via programming port or serial communication modules FX2N-232BD/485BD), A-Series, Q-Series (Q02U, Q03UDE via QJ71C24N serial interface).
• Nexgenie & XMP PLCs: Nexgenie 1000, 2000, 2000 Plus, and 5000 Series (using cables STCAB103101A, STCAB10310A, STCAB10310C, STCAB20310B).
• Industrial Controllers & Inverters: Mitsubishi FR-A800 / FR-D700 VFDs, Omron CJ/CP series, Delta DVP series, Modbus RTU Slave/Master micro-controllers, and standard RTU transducers.

Applications

• Marine Machinery Monitoring: Main propulsion auxiliary displays, fuel oil purifier/separator local panels, oily water separator (OWS) controllers, and ballast tank valve positioning monitors.
• Auxiliary Power Generation: Generator set local parameter indicators (frequency, active power, winding temperatures, oil pressure shutdowns).
• Industrial Thermal Systems: Marine boiler control interfaces, economizer soot blower controllers, and HVAC chiller units.
• OEM Discrete Machinery: Hydraulic power pack interfaces, packaging units, dosing stations, and compact test benches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Mitsubishi MS-40M-E communicate directly with a Mitsubishi FX3U PLC?

Yes. The MS-40M-E connects to the programming port of an FX3U PLC using an RS-422/RS-232 converter cable or directly through an FX3U-232-BD / FX3U-485-BD communication expansion board mapped via SOFT Touch software.

What programming software is used to design screens for the MS-40M-E?

The panel is configured using Mitsubishi’s dedicated “SOFT Touch” or “MS-Designer” PC-based development software suite.

Does the MS-40M-E retain alarm history and setpoint values during a power failure?

Yes. Screen layouts, parameters, and application firmware are stored in non-volatile 4 MB Flash ROM. Dynamic parameters and real-time clock timestamps are preserved via an internal rechargeable lithium backup battery.