Comprehensive Analysis of Relative and Absolute Positioning in Mitsubishi PLCs: A Practical Guide to Stepper/Servo Motor Control

1. Core Concepts of Positioning Control

1. Relative Positioning (Incremental Positioning)

Definition: Move a specified number of steps based on the current position

Instruction: PLSY (Pulse Frequency Output)

– Requires manual origin point recording

– Suitable for repeated relative movements

– Weaker anti-interference capability

2. Absolute Positioning (Absolute Positioning)

Definition: Directly move to a preset absolute coordinate position

Instruction: DZRN (Return to Origin with DOG Search)

– Relies on origin point sensor (DOG signal)

– High positional accuracy

– Supports power-off memory

2. Comparison of Core Instructions

Comparison Item

Relative Positioning

Absolute Positioning

Instruction

PLSY K Frequency Y0

DZRN K Target Position Y0 Y1

Reference Point

Current Position

Origin Point Sensor (X1)

Control Method

Pulse Count

Target Coordinate

Typical Application

Material Handling on Production Lines

Tool Positioning on Machine Tools

Accuracy

Depends on Encoder Resolution

1 Pulse

3. Practical Case of Relative Positioning

Case 1: Material Handling on Production Line

Control Requirements:

– Move 5000 pulses for each material handling

– Speed 1000Hz

// Initialization

MOV K0 D8140 // Clear pulse count

// Relative Positioning

PLSY K1000 Y0 // Output 1000Hz pulses

MOV K5000 D8142 // Set pulse count

Parameter Explanation:

– D8140: Current value of pulse output (low byte)

– D8142: Current value of pulse output (high byte)

4. Practical Case of Absolute Positioning

Case 2: Robot Arm Return to Origin

Control Requirements:

– Automatically find the origin after startup (X1 sensor)

– Position to absolute location of 100000 pulses

// Return to Origin

DZRN K100000 Y0 Y1 // Target position, pulse output Y0, direction Y1

LD X1 // Origin sensor signal

OUT Y2 // Positioning complete signal

Parameter Explanation:

– K100000: Absolute target position

– Y1: Direction control (0=forward, 1=reverse)

5. Advanced Application Techniques

1. Dynamic Speed Adjustment

// Change speed in real-time based on the value of D100

MOV D100 D8140 // Modify pulse frequency register

2. Multi-Axis Synchronous Positioning

// Move two axes to target position simultaneously

DZRN K200000 Y0 Y1 // First axis

DZRN K300000 Y2 Y3 // Second axis

3. Acceleration and Deceleration Control

// Smooth start and stop (acceleration/deceleration time 500ms)

PLSR K2000 K500 D10 Y0 // Maximum frequency 2000Hz, acceleration/deceleration time 500ms

6. Common Problems and Solutions

Problem 1: Positioning Overrun

Cause: Target position exceeds mechanical travel

Solution:1. Check limit switches (X2/X3).2. Adjust D8142 pulse count

Problem 2: Return to Origin Failure

Cause: Abnormal origin sensor signal

Solution:1. Confirm correct wiring of X1.2. Adjust DOG signal trigger position

Problem 3: Pulse Loss

Cause: Excessive load or high speed

Solution:1. Reduce operating speed (K value).2. Increase mechanical rigidity

7. Selection and Configuration Recommendations

1. Hardware Selection

Requirement

Recommended Model

Description

High-Speed Positioning

FX3U-32MT/ES-A

Transistor output, 100kHz

High Precision Control

QD75P4

Dedicated positioning module

Multi-Axis Control

L Series/L02CPU

Supports up to 16 axes

2. Parameter Settings

Parameter Number

Function

Recommended Value

D8140

Pulse Frequency (Hz)

1000-10000

D8141

Pulse Frequency (Hz)

High byte 0

D8142

Pulse Count (low byte)

Target Position

D8143

Pulse Count (high byte)

0

8. Summary and Expansion

✅ Relative Positioning: Suitable for simple repetitive movements, flexible programming

✅ Absolute Positioning: Suitable for high-precision fixed position control, requires origin calibration

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