OSSD + EDM: DQC × Mitsubishi FX5U Wiring (with I/O Map, Reset & Commissioning)

A hands-on document for electrical engineers: connect the dual-channel OSSD and EDM (External Device Monitoring) of a DQC safety light curtain to a Mitsubishi FX5U correctly. Includes I/O mapping, reset strategies, oscilloscope/multimeter check points, alignment & interference troubleshooting, and a commissioning checklist & templates.

Last updated: · Use cases: presses / press brakes / robot cells / conveyors · Related standards: IEC 61496 Type 4, ISO 13855

Safety notice: FX5U is not a safety PLC. The safety stop must be performed by a safety relay/controller plus contactors K1/K2; the PLC is only for status acquisition and interlocks.

1) OSSD / EDM principles & selection (PNP/NPN)

OSSD is a diagnostic safety output—typically two independent channels (OSSD1/OSSD2). Any channel fault, desynchronization, or beam interruption triggers a safe stop.

EDM (External Device Monitoring) supervises the external contactors/relays (K1/K2) to prevent reset if their contacts are welded or failed.

ItemRequirement / RecommendationNotes
TypeIEC 61496 Type 4 (PL e / SIL 3)Commonly required for high-risk applications such as presses/press brakes
OSSDTwo independent channelsDetects short/open, channel mismatch, etc.
EDMStrongly recommendedMonitors K1/K2 contact status to block unsafe reset
PolarityPrefer PNP (sourcing)COM=0V → PNP; COM=24V → NPN, match the FX5U input module
Safety distanceISO 13855 calculatorS = K×T + C. Record in your as-built file

2) Wiring Option A: PNP (sourcing, recommended)

Use when FX5U inputs are sourcing or configured with COM tied to 0V. Wire the DQC Tx/Rx as per the factory terminal map. Route OSSD1/2 to FX5U inputs; the EDM loop returns the series NC contacts of K1/K2.

PNP wiring example with safety relay: DQC OSSD/EDM to Mitsubishi FX5U
Fig. 1 — PNP wiring. OSSD1 → X0, OSSD2 → X1, EDM → X2, Reset → X3. K1/K2 NC contacts are wired in series to the EDM feedback.

Key points

  • Route OSSD1 and OSSD2 as separate harnesses. Do not share a single protection fuse.
  • EDM is the series NC feedback of K1/K2.
  • Use rising edge or two-stage reset to avoid unintended reset.
  • Separate the 24 V sensor supply from power drives; use a dedicated breaker.

Typical I/O (PNP)

SignalFX5U terminalDescription
OSSD1X0 (sourcing input)Safety output channel A
OSSD2X1Safety output channel B
EDMX2External Device Monitoring feedback
ResetX3Manual reset pushbutton (rising edge)
+24V / 0VDedicated PSUShield drain grounded at one point

3) Wiring Option B: NPN (sinking)

Use when FX5U input common COM is tied to +24 V. Logic is the same as PNP but polarity is inverted. Mixing input types will cause constant ON or false alarms.

NPN wiring example: DQC OSSD/EDM to Mitsubishi FX5U
Fig. 2 — NPN wiring. Pay attention to COM polarity and input type on the FX5U module.

4) I/O map & naming convention

Use a consistent naming scheme so technicians can audit quickly and reuse across projects. The table below can be copied as an I/O list (export to CSV if needed).

VariableSymbol/AddressSourcePurposeRemarks
LC_OSSD_CH_AX0DQC OSSD1Safety output channel APNP recommended
LC_OSSD_CH_BX1DQC OSSD2Safety output channel BAlarm on desync with CH_A
LC_EDM_FBX2K1/K2 NCEDM feedbackBlocks reset on welded contacts
LC_RST_BTNX3PushbuttonManual resetRising edge trigger
LC_STATUS_OKM100LogicLight curtain OKInternal bit
LC_INTERLOCKM101LogicEnable-to-start interlockUsed with machine start

Ladder/ST snippet (illustrative)

// Example only. Replace with your project library for FX5U.
// Condition: both channels valid + EDM OK
IF X0 = TRUE AND X1 = TRUE AND X2 = TRUE THEN
  M100 := TRUE;   // LC_STATUS_OK
ELSE
  M100 := FALSE;
END_IF;

// Manual reset (rising edge) and status OK
IF RisingEdge(X3) AND M100 THEN
  M101 := TRUE;   // LC_INTERLOCK
END_IF;

// Auto-cancel interlock when status error occurs
IF NOT M100 THEN
  M101 := FALSE;
END_IF;

Tip: RisingEdge() can be implemented with a one-shot bit. For two-stage reset (double-action), add a time window and debouncing.

5) Reset strategies (manual / two-stage / rising edge)

6) Commissioning & self-test (scope/meter checkpoints)

  1. Polarity & insulation: verify 24 V/0 V and protective earth; ensure PNP/NPN matches FX5U input polarity.
  2. Channel coherence: block/release beams and confirm OSSD1/OSSD2 change simultaneously; desync should alarm.
  3. EDM logic: mechanically hold a contactor—EDM must prevent reset.
  4. Reset validation: long-press ineffective; only rising edge or two-stage is accepted.
  5. Safety distance: calculate with ISO 13855 and file it.
  6. Capture points: record waveforms/levels at OSSD1, OSSD2, EDM, Reset.
Commissioning checkpoints for OSSD1/OSSD2/EDM/Reset
Fig. 3 — Recommended measurement points for commissioning and future audits.

Self-test record template (copy to CSV)

Item,Test,Expected,Actual,Result,Notes
1,OSSD1/OSSD2 beam block response,Both channels drop/alarm simultaneously,,,,
2,Desync alarm,Any channel delay → alarm,,,,
3,EDM welded-contact blocking,Hold K1/K2 → reset disabled,,,,
4,Reset logic,Only rising edge/two-stage valid,,,,
5,Safety distance,Calculated & recorded by ISO 13855,,,,
6,Waveform/level captures,Saved to as-built file,,,,

7) Cabling & EMC (shielding/grounding/separation)

8) Alignment tips & interference troubleshooting

  1. Three-step alignment: maximize horizontally → maximize vertically → fine-tune and lock while watching input stability.
  2. Strong light/welding arc: add shrouds or filters; change incident angle; shorten range if necessary.
  3. Reflective parts: keep ≥ 300 mm away from mirror-like surfaces; consider muting/blanking bars.
  4. Mist/dust: choose IP65/67/69K models and set a cleaning schedule.

9) Downloads & tools

FAQ

Why prefer PNP? Can I use NPN?

It depends on the FX5U input common. COM at 0 V → PNP; COM at +24 V → NPN. Either works if matched correctly, but PNP is more common and interoperable in industry.

Can I skip EDM?

Not recommended. EDM detects dangerous failures such as welded contactors and blocks reset, which is typical for Type 4 / PL e implementations.

Can the PLC cut the safety circuit directly?

No. FX5U is not a safety PLC. Safety stop must be executed by a safety relay/controller with contactors; the PLC only monitors and interlocks.

Illustrations used on this page

  1. Fig. 1: Safety relay module context — replaces the generic PNP diagram for visual context.
  2. Fig. 2: Safety light curtain device shot — used to indicate the NPN variant section.
  3. Fig. 3: Photoelectric sensor close-up — used to visualize commissioning checkpoints.
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