Cost pressure on mid-range projects
Hardware and engineering-software costs vary by exact SKU, configuration, region, and license scope. A candidate comparison is made at BOM level, with commercial terms confirmed at quotation.
Migration / Mitsubishi PLC + HMI + VFD
Mitsubishi PLC, HMI & VFD Alternative Kinco / Kemron Migration Guide
A practical, engineer-honest guide for evaluating Kinco AK840M / K615S PLC, GL2070HE / GL2100E HMI, and KC200 / Kemron KV4800 VFD as migration candidates for selected Mitsubishi FX5U, FX3U, GOT2000, FR-E700, and FR-A800 applications. Includes SKU cross-reference, spec comparison, migration checklist, and a candid list of what Kinco does not replace.
RFQ hardware terms confirmed
RFQ lead time at quote
5 protocols Modbus RTU/TCP, EtherCAT, CANopen, Ethernet/IP
Answer · 72 words
Kinco AK840M and KC200 can be evaluated as candidate replacements for selected Mitsubishi FX5U/FX3U and FR-E700 applications where the required I/O, control functions, and protocols align. Wiring, software, safety, certificates, inventory, pricing, and lead time require project-specific verification. Every candidate replacement is subject to engineering review.
01 / Why buyers migrate
Why buyers migrate from Mitsubishi to Kinco
Lead time unpredictability
Availability can vary by exact SKU, revision, quantity, and region. Current inventory and lead time for both incumbent and candidate parts are confirmed at RFQ rather than presented as static website claims.
License and software cost
GX Works3, CODESYS, and KincoBuilder differ in supported languages, device configuration, motion tooling, fieldbus setup, libraries, runtime, and licensing. The actual project and current software terms must be reviewed before selection.
Single-vendor dependency
Mitsubishi's proprietary CC-Link IE ecosystem creates deep lock-in. Projects that standardize on open protocols (EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, CANopen) gain multi-vendor flexibility for future expansions without re-engineering the fieldbus layer.
Documentation accessibility
Kinco provides English-language manuals, datasheets, and application notes without regional access restrictions. Mitsubishi's download portal requires region-specific accounts and occasionally restricts access to certain document versions.
02 / Spec comparison
PLC and VFD specifications side-by-side
Every value below is sourced from published datasheets. For detailed FX5U specifications, see the FX5U Hardware Manual.
PLC: Kinco AK840M-32DR vs Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES
| Feature | Kinco AK840M-32DR | Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES |
|---|---|---|
| Digital I/O I/O count only; wiring and behavior require review | 16 DI / 16 DO (relay) | 16 DI / 16 DO |
| Analog AK840M uses RP20 remote I/O | Expansion module required | 2 AI built-in |
| Scan time AK840M adequate for ≤64 I/O | 0.15 μs/instruction | 0.065 μs/instruction |
| Communication Protocol ecosystem differs | EtherCAT, Modbus RTU/TCP, CANopen | CC-Link IE, Ethernet, RS485 |
| Motion AK840M limited on motion | 2-axis 100 kHz pulse | 4-axis 200 kHz pulse |
| Programming Project and license review required | KincoBuilder / CoDeSys scope to verify | GX Works3 scope to verify |
| Operating temp Verify against exact SKU datasheets | −20°C to +60°C | −20°C to +60°C |
| Certifications Do not infer across variants | Confirmed for exact SKU at RFQ | Confirm current manufacturer documents |
| Price (approx.) Volume-dependent | Confirmed at quote | Baseline |
| Lead time Confirmed at RFQ | Confirmed at quote | Varies by brand |
Digital I/O
Kinco AK840M-32DR 16 DI / 16 DO (relay)
Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES 16 DI / 16 DO
I/O count only; wiring and behavior require review
Analog
Kinco AK840M-32DR Expansion module required
Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES 2 AI built-in
AK840M uses RP20 remote I/O
Scan time
Kinco AK840M-32DR 0.15 μs/instruction
Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES 0.065 μs/instruction
AK840M adequate for ≤64 I/O
Communication
Kinco AK840M-32DR EtherCAT, Modbus RTU/TCP, CANopen
Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES CC-Link IE, Ethernet, RS485
Protocol ecosystem differs
Motion
Kinco AK840M-32DR 2-axis 100 kHz pulse
Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES 4-axis 200 kHz pulse
AK840M limited on motion
Programming
Kinco AK840M-32DR KincoBuilder / CoDeSys scope to verify
Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES GX Works3 scope to verify
Project and license review required
Operating temp
Kinco AK840M-32DR −20°C to +60°C
Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES −20°C to +60°C
Verify against exact SKU datasheets
Certifications
Kinco AK840M-32DR Confirmed for exact SKU at RFQ
Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES Confirm current manufacturer documents
Do not infer across variants
Price (approx.)
Kinco AK840M-32DR Confirmed at quote
Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES Baseline
Volume-dependent
Lead time
Kinco AK840M-32DR Confirmed at quote
Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES Varies by brand
Confirmed at RFQ
VFD: Kinco KC200 / Kemron KV4800 vs Mitsubishi FR-E740
| Feature | Kinco KC200 / Kemron KV4800 | Mitsubishi FR-E740 |
|---|---|---|
| Power range Wider range available | KC200: 0.4–560 kW / KV4800: 0.75–500 kW | 0.1–15 kW |
| Control KV4800 adds FOC | V/F, Sensorless vector, FOC | V/F, Sensorless vector |
| Communication No option card needed | Modbus RTU standard, CANopen standard | Modbus RTU (option card) |
| Overload Comparable | 150% 60s, 180% 3s | 150% 60s |
Power range
Kinco KC200 / Kemron KV4800 KC200: 0.4–560 kW / KV4800: 0.75–500 kW
Mitsubishi FR-E740 0.1–15 kW
Wider range available
Control
Kinco KC200 / Kemron KV4800 V/F, Sensorless vector, FOC
Mitsubishi FR-E740 V/F, Sensorless vector
KV4800 adds FOC
Communication
Kinco KC200 / Kemron KV4800 Modbus RTU standard, CANopen standard
Mitsubishi FR-E740 Modbus RTU (option card)
No option card needed
Overload
Kinco KC200 / Kemron KV4800 150% 60s, 180% 3s
Mitsubishi FR-E740 150% 60s
Comparable
03 / Migration effort
Migration effort checklist
Seven work packages for a structured Mitsubishi-to-Kinco migration. Effort and delivery timing are scoped from the actual project files, cabinet drawings, and commissioning access.
- 1
Programming language mapping
Export Mitsubishi ladder logic from GX Works3. Recreate in KincoBuilder using CoDeSys Ladder or Structured Text. Standard ladder instructions map 1:1; Mitsubishi-specific instructions (PLSY, DSZR, ZRN) require equivalent CoDeSys motion function blocks.
- 2
I/O re-termination
The controller terminal layout differs from the Mitsubishi hardware. Every field wire, voltage, signal type, and terminal assignment must be reviewed; retermination scope and timing are confirmed from the cabinet drawings.
- 3
HMI screen re-creation
If replacing Mitsubishi GOT2000 HMI (GS2107/GT2510), HMI projects must be recreated in Kinco DTools. GT Designer3 project files cannot be imported. Modbus TCP address mapping must be reconfigured to match AK840M register layout.
- 4
Communication protocol swap
Replace CC-Link IE with EtherCAT or Modbus TCP. Existing third-party devices on CC-Link require protocol gateways or replacement with Modbus-compatible alternatives.
- 5
VFD parameter migration
Mitsubishi FR-E700 parameter numbers do not map to KC200/KV4800 parameters. Use the Kinco/Kemron parameter cross-reference guide (available from Automation Liberty engineering support) to translate frequency settings, acceleration ramps, and protection thresholds.
- 6
Functional testing
Bench-test each migrated cabinet with simulated I/O before field deployment. Validate scan cycle timing, analog accuracy, and communication response under load. Commissioning scope and timing are confirmed during engineering review.
- 7
Documentation update
Update electrical drawings, PLC address lists, and HMI tag databases to reflect new hardware. Archive original Mitsubishi project files for reference.
04 / Limitations
What this does NOT replace
05 / Case study
Migration case study
No customer deployment is published on this draft page. Case evidence will be added only after the source record, image rights, and customer publication permission are verified.
06 / FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kinco AK840M pin-compatible with the Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES?
No. The terminal layout differs, so this is a candidate replacement — subject to engineering review of every I/O function, voltage, terminal, and field wire. Retermination scope and timing are confirmed after the cabinet drawings and exact SKUs are reviewed. See the FX5U Hardware Manual for the original pinout.
Does the AK840M support Modbus RTU and EtherCAT simultaneously?
Yes. The AK840M-32DR provides dual Ethernet ports (EtherCAT master + Modbus TCP) plus one RS485 port (Modbus RTU) active simultaneously. This enables EtherCAT servo control while communicating with legacy Modbus RTU devices (VFDs, sensors, meters) on the same program scan. CANopen is also available on the CAN port.
What is the price difference between the AK840M and the FX5U?
Hardware, software, and license pricing varies by exact SKU, configuration, region, and order terms. Current commercial terms are confirmed at quotation after the BOM and required engineering software are reviewed.
What is the lead time for Kinco AK840M and KC200?
Inventory status and lead time are confirmed per exact SKU and quantity at RFQ. No static stock or delivery estimate on this guide should be used for procurement planning.
Can I reuse my existing Mitsubishi GS2107 or GT2510 HMI screens?
Mitsubishi GOT2000 HMI screens use a proprietary communication protocol (MC Protocol) that is not directly supported by Kinco PLC. However, if you configure the GS2107/GT2510 to communicate via Modbus TCP (supported by most GOT2000 models), it can talk to the AK840M. Screen projects (created in GT Designer3) cannot be imported into Kinco DTools — a new HMI project is required.
What certifications does the AK840M carry?
Certificate status must be checked against the exact SKU, hardware revision, destination market, and current manufacturer documents. Certification and functional-safety suitability are confirmed during engineering review; no certificate should be inferred from a related model or product family.
What scenarios should I NOT use the AK840M for?
Retain the incumbent architecture when the application depends on motion functions outside the reviewed controller capability, an existing CC-Link IE topology, or a Q-series multi-CPU rack architecture without an approved redesign path. These cases require system-level engineering review, not a catalog substitution.
Does Kinco have a Q-series (Q06UDH, Q26UDH) replacement?
No. Kinco does not manufacture rack-mounted multi-CPU PLCs equivalent to the Mitsubishi Q series. The Q-series fiber-optic backplane, multi-CPU synchronization, and iQ-R inter-module communication have no Kinco equivalent. For Q-series applications, consider retaining the existing hardware, sourcing Mitsubishi refurbished units, or evaluating CoDeSys-based rack PLC platforms from other vendors.
How does KincoBuilder compare to GX Works3?
The environments are not project-compatible. Compare supported languages, device configuration, motion tooling, fieldbus setup, libraries, runtime, and debugging against the actual project. Current license and software terms are confirmed at quotation.
Where is Kinco engineering support based?
Kinco is headquartered in Shenzhen, China (SSE: 688160). Automation Liberty provides English-language engineering support for migration projects, including BOM review, program translation, and commissioning guidance. Service scope, timing, and availability are confirmed during engineering review.
07 / Cross-reference
Mitsubishi to Kinco/Kemron cross-reference
All cross-references below are candidate replacements — subject to engineering review. Pin compatibility, program migration, and application suitability must be validated per deployment.
| Mitsubishi SKU | Kinco / Kemron SKU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FX5U-32MT/ES | AK840M-32DR | Candidate replacement | Similar I/O class; wiring, software, and functional behavior require review Subject to engineering review |
| FX5U-32MR/ES | K615S-16DT | Candidate replacement | Economy alternative, 16 I/O. Suitable for sub-32-point applications only Subject to engineering review |
| FX3U-32MR/ES | AK840M-32DR | Candidate replacement | Logic must be re-implemented; special instructions require engineering review Subject to engineering review |
| GS2107-WTBD | GL2070HE | Candidate replacement | 7" TFT 800×480, Modbus RTU/TCP. GOT screen requires re-creation in DTools Subject to engineering review |
| GT2510-VTBA | GL2100E | Candidate replacement | 10.1" TFT 1024×600, Ethernet. Mitsubishi proprietary protocol to Modbus TCP Subject to engineering review |
| GT2512-STBA | F2121HE2 | Candidate replacement | 12.1" TFT. DTools project editor required Subject to engineering review |
| GT2515-WTBD | F2156E2 | Candidate replacement | 15" TFT. VNC remote access available Subject to engineering review |
| FR-D740-0.4K | KC100-0R4G-T4 | Candidate replacement | 0.4kW economy VFD. Modbus RTU RS485 standard Subject to engineering review |
| FR-E740-7.5K | KC200-7R5G-T4 | Candidate replacement | 7.5kW general purpose. CANopen + Modbus standard Subject to engineering review |
| FR-A840-00250 | KV4800-7R5G-T4 | Candidate replacement | Kemron vector control VFD. RS485 Modbus. Thermal review at >30kW Subject to engineering review |
| Q06UDEHCPU | — | Not available | Q series multi-CPU / fiber backplane has no Kinco equivalent. Retain or evaluate CoDeSys-based rack PLC Subject to engineering review |
| FR-A800 ≥75kW | KV4800 series | Requires validation | High-power sizing requires thermal derating review + cabinet airflow analysis Subject to engineering review |
| Submit BOM for engineering review | |||
Candidate replacement
Mitsubishi FX5U-32MT/ES
Kinco / Kemron AK840M-32DR
Similar I/O class; wiring, software, and functional behavior require review
Subject to engineering review
Candidate replacement
Mitsubishi FX5U-32MR/ES
Kinco / Kemron K615S-16DT
Economy alternative, 16 I/O. Suitable for sub-32-point applications only
Subject to engineering review
Candidate replacement
Mitsubishi FX3U-32MR/ES
Kinco / Kemron AK840M-32DR
Logic must be re-implemented; special instructions require engineering review
Subject to engineering review
Candidate replacement
Mitsubishi GS2107-WTBD
Kinco / Kemron GL2070HE
7" TFT 800×480, Modbus RTU/TCP. GOT screen requires re-creation in DTools
Subject to engineering review
Candidate replacement
Mitsubishi GT2510-VTBA
Kinco / Kemron GL2100E
10.1" TFT 1024×600, Ethernet. Mitsubishi proprietary protocol to Modbus TCP
Subject to engineering review
Candidate replacement
Mitsubishi GT2512-STBA
Kinco / Kemron F2121HE2
12.1" TFT. DTools project editor required
Subject to engineering review
Candidate replacement
Mitsubishi GT2515-WTBD
Kinco / Kemron F2156E2
15" TFT. VNC remote access available
Subject to engineering review
Candidate replacement
Mitsubishi FR-D740-0.4K
Kinco / Kemron KC100-0R4G-T4
0.4kW economy VFD. Modbus RTU RS485 standard
Subject to engineering review
Candidate replacement
Mitsubishi FR-E740-7.5K
Kinco / Kemron KC200-7R5G-T4
7.5kW general purpose. CANopen + Modbus standard
Subject to engineering review
Candidate replacement
Mitsubishi FR-A840-00250
Kinco / Kemron KV4800-7R5G-T4
Kemron vector control VFD. RS485 Modbus. Thermal review at >30kW
Subject to engineering review
Not available
Mitsubishi Q06UDEHCPU
Kinco / Kemron —
Q series multi-CPU / fiber backplane has no Kinco equivalent. Retain or evaluate CoDeSys-based rack PLC
Subject to engineering review
Requires validation
Mitsubishi FR-A800 ≥75kW
Kinco / Kemron KV4800 series
High-power sizing requires thermal derating review + cabinet airflow analysis
Subject to engineering review
Ready to evaluate?
Send your Mitsubishi BOM (part numbers, quantities, and application description) for a reviewed migration cross-reference with availability, pricing, and any non-equivalent items flagged honestly.