In short
Deciding between Mitsubishi’s flagship FR-A800 and the compact, legacy FR-E700 variable frequency drives? This technical comparison analyzes their control architectures, overload ratings, and networking capabilities to help you select the ideal drive for your automation requirements.
Overview
In industrial automation, choosing the correct Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is a critical decision that directly impacts system efficiency, reliability, and cost. Within the Mitsubishi Electric FR series lineup, the FR-A800 and FR-E700 represent two distinct classes of drive technology designed for different functional tiers.
The FR-A800 Series is Mitsubishi’s flagship, high-performance inverter. It engineered for complex, high-torque, and heavy-duty applications. Incorporating advanced vector control algorithms, high processing speed, and extensive physical expandability, the FR-A800 acts as a central control hub for heavy industrial processes.
The FR-E700 Series is a highly successful, compact micro-drive series. It is designed for low-to-medium power applications where cabinet space is limited and cost optimization is a priority. Operating primarily on advanced magnetic flux vector control, it provides reliable performance for simpler, standalone utility applications. While the FR-E700 is currently transitioning through its mature support cycle due to the introduction of the newer FR-E800, thousands of units remain in active service across global processing lines, making it a critical asset for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) specialists.
Key Differences at a Glance
The primary engineering trade-offs between these two drives center on power capacity, dynamic torque response, closed-loop capabilities, and functional integration.
| Feature | Mitsubishi FR-A800 | Mitsubishi FR-E700 |
|---|---|---|
| Product Tier | Premium High-Performance | Compact / Micro Utility Drive |
| Control Performance | Full Vector, RSVC, PM Motor, V/F | Advanced Magnetic Flux Vector, V/F |
| Feedback Loop | Closed-loop (with target plug-in card) | Open-loop only |
| Overload Ratings | Quadruple rating (SLD, LD, ND, HD) | Dual rating (LD, ND) |
| Built-in Controller | Integrated 6K-step PLC (Mini-PLC) | Parameter-based logic only |
| Ethernet Connectivity | Standard (on -E models); Dual-port | Optional via plug-in communication cards |
| Functional Safety | Built-in SIL3 / PLe standard | Model-dependent (FR-E700-SC supports safe stop) |
Specifications Comparison
The table below outlines the precise technical specifications for both drives across their standard production configurations.
| Specification | Mitsubishi FR-A800 | Mitsubishi FR-E700 |
|---|---|---|
| HP / kW Range | 0.4 kW (0.5 HP) to 630 kW (1000 HP) | 0.1 kW (0.12 HP) to 15 kW (20 HP) |
| Supported Voltage Classes | 200V (Single/Three-Phase), 400V, 575V, 690V | 110V (Single-Phase), 200V (Single/Three-Phase), 400V (Three-Phase) |
| Control Modes | Closed-loop Vector, Real Sensorless Vector (RSVC), PM Motor, Advanced Magnetic Flux Vector, V/F Control | Advanced Magnetic Flux Vector Control, General-purpose Magnetic Flux Vector Control, V/F Control |
| Speed Control Range | 1:200 (RSVC), 1:1500 (Closed-Loop Vector) | 1:120 (Advanced Magnetic Flux Vector Control) |
| Standard Digital Inputs | 12 (Source/Sink Selectable) | 6 (Source/Sink Selectable) |
| Standard Analog Inputs | 3 (Voltage: 1, Current: 2) | 2 (Voltage: 1, Current: 1) |
| Standard Outputs | 2 Analog, 7 Open-Collector Outputs, 2 Relay | 1 Analog, 2 Open-Collector Outputs, 1 Relay |
| Built-in Communication | RS-485 (Modbus RTU), CC-Link IE Field Basic (Ethernet models support Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus/TCP) | RS-485 (Modbus RTU, Mitsubishi protocol) |
| Internal PLC | Yes (6k-step program execution) | No |
| Lifecycle Status | Active (Flagship Standard) | Mature / Phase-Out (Supported via transition inventory) |
Performance & Capabilities
Torque Generation and Control Algorithms
The performance delta between these two series is rooted in their processor-driven control mathematics.
The FR-A800 utilizes Real Sensorless Vector Control (RSVC). This algorithm uses high-speed current vector calculation and internal motor parameter estimation to achieve high dynamicity without requiring physical speed sensors. It can yield 200% starting torque at speeds as low as 0.3 Hz. When coupled with a vector feedback option card (such as the FR-A8AP) and an encoder-equipped motor, the FR-A800 provides full closed-loop vector control. This configuration delivers static speed control accuracies down to 0.01% and full-torque holding at zero speed (0 RPM), making it suitable for hoist, crane, and high-tension winding applications.
Conversely, the FR-E700 relies on Advanced Magnetic Flux Vector Control. While highly capable compared to basic V/F drives, this is an open-loop vector method. It dynamically monitors motor current to estimate rotor slip and adjust voltage output accordingly, generating a respectable 150% torque at 1 Hz. While this is sufficient for overcoming high breakaway friction in general industrial equipment, it lacks the high-frequency speed response and zero-speed torque capabilities of the FR-A800.
PM Motor Driving Compatibilty
Energy efficiency standards often mandate the use of Permanent Magnet (PM) or Synchronous Reluctance motors. The FR-A800 natively supports both Induction Motors (IM) and Permanent Magnet Motors (IPM/SPM) out of the box, auto-tuning the stator winding parameters to optimize energy conservation. The FR-E700 does not natively support PM motor control algorithms; it is strictly designed for traditional standard three-phase AC induction motors.
Overload Capacity and Duty Ratings
The FR-A800 uses a quadruple-rating system:
- Super Light Duty (SLD): 110% overload for 60 seconds (optimized for centrifugal fans and pumps).
- Light Duty (LD): 120% overload for 60 seconds.
- Normal Duty (ND): 150% overload for 60 seconds.
- Heavy Duty (HD): 200% overload for 60 seconds (for high-inertia, demanding machinery).
This allows system designers to size a single drive frame size to match different load duty profiles. The FR-E700 typically operates on a standardized dual-rating, designed mainly to withstand 150% overload for 60 seconds and 200% for 3 seconds under heavy current spikes.
Programming & Software
Connecting, configuring, and commissioning these drives relies on Mitsubishi’s unified software suite, yet the physical interface and internal controller parameters differ significantly.
Software Environment
Both the FR-A800 and FR-E700 are compatible with FR Configurator2 (FR-SW3-SETUP-W). This utility allows parameter upload/download, diagnostic monitoring, and real-time oscillograph tracing. Connecting a PC to the FR-E700 is achieved using a direct USB Mini-B connection located behind the front cover. The FR-A800 supports standard USB connections as well as direct configuration over Ethernet (on -E models), permitting configuration across a plant network.
Built-in PLC Capabilities
One of the most powerful differentiators of the FR-A800 is its built-in PLC program execution space. Featuring a 6,000-step program memory, users can write ladder diagram programs via GX Works2 or GX Works3. This enables the drive to process local sensor I/O, execute proportional-integral-derivative (PID) loop calculations, and execute complex sequenced movements independently of the main supervisory PLC.
The FR-E700 has no internal PLC program capacity. Any automated sequencing must be controlled through hardwired inputs, external controllers, or basic internal parameter setups (such as multi-speed settings and basic stall prevention parameters).
Physical Control Terminals and Keypads
The FR-A800 comes standard with the FR-DU08, a multi-line, multi-lingual LCD parameter unit with a digital dial capable of showing descriptive text and real-time diagnostic parameters. The FR-E700 is equipped with a integrated 12-segment, 4-digit LED display. To change parameters on the FR-E700, operators use the integrated "M-Dial" (rotary setting dial), which is fast for simple step-changes but complex when indexing through hundreds of individual parameters.
Communication & Networking
Modern automation models depend on rapid communication loops between HMIs, PLCs, and VFD nodes.
Standard and Optional Protocol Interfaces
The base Mitsubishi FR-A800 and FR-E700 drives both standardly include RS-485 serial communication terminals supporting Modbus RTU and standard Mitsubishi inverter protocols.
However, the FR-A800 lineup includes specific Ethernet variants (e.g., FR-A800-E models) that feature standard dual RJ45 Ethernet ports. Out-of-the-box, these drives support CC-Link IE Field Network Basic, Modbus/TCP, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, BACnet/IP, and EtherCAT. By eliminating secondary communication expansion cards, the FR-A800 integrates with high-speed industrial networks. If other physical layer networking is required, the FR-A800 includes three internal expansion slots for optional plug-in cards (such as FR-A8NC for CC-Link or FR-A8ND for DeviceNet).
The FR-E700 is more limited. To establish any connection beyond serial RS-485, a dedicated option slot underneath the front cover must be utilized. Available communication cards include CC-Link (FR-A7NC), Profibus-DP (FR-A7NP), or DeviceNet (FR-A7ND). The FR-E700 has only a single physical option slot, meaning that installing a communication card permanently prevents the addition of physical I/O expansion modules.
Pricing & Lifecycle
The total cost of ownership (TCO) for these series varies based on long-term hardware preservation and capital expenditure constraints.
- Capital Expenditure (CapEx): The FR-E700 prioritizes low cost-per-node, making it an attractive choice for OEM machine builders producing standardized machines in high volume. The FR-A800 demands a higher capital investment, reflecting its heavy-gauge internal components, regenerative cooling fan design, built-in PLC, and safety-rated architecture.
- Lifecycle Phase: The FR-A800 is currently in its active, standard production phase and receives regular firmware and feature updates. The FR-E700, originally released in 2007, is a mature product. While it remains highly active in existing control cabinets and is fully supported with replacement components by distributors like Palm Parts Solution, system designers planning new facilities should expect to migrate toward the newer FR-E800 or scale up to the FR-A800.
When to Choose Each
Select the Mitsubishi FR-A800 for:
- Dynamic Heavy Machinery: Applications requiring high starting torque (e.g., overhead cranes, heavy extruders, crushing mills).
- Synchronized Multi-Drive Configurations: Slitter-rewinders, multi-stage conveyor lines, and master-slave hoist lines that require encoder-based closed-loop synchronization.
- Decentralized Automated Sites: Hard-to-reach pump stations or standalone machinery where utilizing the built-in 6k-step PLC can save the cost of a standalone control panel.
- Direct Ethernet Bus Architectures: Production sites configured around PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, or CC-Link IE Field networks.
Select the Mitsubishi FR-E700 for:
- Compact Mechanical Footprints: Small automation cabinets or decentralized equipment enclosures where cabinet depth is minimized.
- Simple Variable Load Equipment: Standard fans, positive-displacement pumps, agitators, and basic transport conveyors.
- Legacy Maintenance Configurations: Drop-in, parameter-matched replacements in operating machines that utilize existing serial networks and control wiring.
- Cost-Constrained Projects: Applications where high premium performance vectors are unnecessary, and basic open-loop V/F or flux vector execution is sufficient.
Migration & Upgrade Path
For facilities currently operating legacy FR-E700 drives that require replacement, planning an upgrade path is critical.
If upgrading from the FR-E700 to the FR-A800, note the mechanical and mathematical variations:
- Dimensional Layouts: The FR-A800 has a physically larger housing than the FR-E700 at equivalent power outputs. System designers must verify cabinet space, layout planning, and heat dissipation specs.
- Terminal Configuration: Terminal blocks on the FR-A800 are screw clamps with larger contact surfaces. Terminal assignments are similar, but physical re-wiring is required.
- Parameter Porting: While both drives run via FR Configurator2, parameters from an FR-E700 cannot be uploaded directly to an FR-A800 without conversion. The software's built-in "Parameter Converter" utility must be used to map legacy FR-E700 hexadecimal parameters to the FR-A800 runtime environment.
For applications requiring the same physical footprint as the FR-E700, look to the FR-E800 Series. The FR-E800 acts as the direct upgrade replacement for his predecessor, offering identical frame mounting spaces but incorporating newer elements like standard dual Ethernet ports, PM motor control, and enhanced functional safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can the FR-E700 drive high-efficiency Permanent Magnet (PM) motors?
No, the FR-E700 series does not possess the feedback estimation mathematics or current-vector processing needed to control SPM or IPM synchronous motors. To run PM motors, you must upgrade to the FR-A800 series or the modern FR-E800.
Q2: How can I connect closed-loop encoder feedback to an FR-E700 VFD?
The FR-E700 is built as an open-loop micro-drive and does not support plug-in feedback speed cards (encoders). If your application requires active encoder speed feedback to manage position or high precision velocity, the FR-A800 is the required option, paired with the FR-A8AP plugin card.
Q3: What safety certifications do the FR-A800 and FR-E700 standard lines support?
The FR-A800 comes standard with an integrated safety terminal circuit meeting SIL3 and PLd/PLe criteria (EN ISO 13849-1 / IEC 62061), enabling system designs with fewer external safety contactors. The standard base FR-E700 does not include standard functional safety unless specifying the specific "FR-E700-SC" safety models.