FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD

USER'S MANUAL
USB Driver Installation Edition
 Safety Precautions
(Read these precautions before using.)

BEFORE installation, operation, maintenance or inspection of this product, thoroughly read through and
understand this manual and the associated manuals. Also, take care to handle the module properly and
safely.
This manual classifies the safety precautions into two categories: and .

Indicates that incorrect handling may cause hazardous conditions, resulting in death or severe
injury.

Indicates that incorrect handling may cause hazardous conditions, resulting in medium or slight
personal injury or physical damage.

Depending on the circumstances, procedures indicated by may also cause severe injury. In
any case, it is important to follow all usage directions. Store this manual in a safe place so that it can be taken
out and read whenever necessary. Always forward it to the end user.

1. STARTUP AND MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS

Reference

• Before modifying or disrupting the program in operation or running the PLC, carefully read through this manual and
the associated manuals and ensure the safety of the operation. 38
An operation error may damage the machinery or cause accidents.

Reference

• Do not disassemble or modify the PLC.

Doing so may cause fire, equipment failures, or malfunctions.
* For repair, contact your local Mitsubishi Electric distributor. 38
• Since the FX-USB-AW and FX3U-USB-BD case is made of resin, do not drop it or exert strong impact to it.
Doing so may cause damage.

2. DISPOSAL PRECAUTIONS

Reference

• Please contact a certified electronic waste disposal company for the environmentally safe recycling and disposal of
38
your device.

3. TRANSPORT AND STORAGE PRECAUTIONS

Reference

• The product is a precision instrument. During transportation, avoid any impacts.

Failure to do so may cause failures in the product. 38
After transportation, verify the operations of the product.

(1)
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL
USB Driver Installation Edition

MEMO

(2)
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL
USB Driver Installation Edition

FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD
USER'S MANUAL

[USB Driver Installation Edition]

Manual number JY997D32601

Manual revision C
Date 4/2010

Foreword
This manual describes the installation procedure of the USB driver software for the FX-USB-AW and FX3U-
USB-BD. Before use, read this manual and the manuals of all relevant products fully to acquire proficiency in
handling and operating the product. Make sure to learn all the product information, safety information, and
precautions. Store this manual in a safe place so that you can take it out and read it whenever necessary.
Always forward it to the end user.

This manual confers no industrial property rights or any rights of any other kind, nor does it confer any patent licenses. Mitsubishi
Electric Corporation cannot be held responsible for any problems involving industrial property rights which may occur as a result of
using the contents noted in this manual.

© 2008 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION

1
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL
USB Driver Installation Edition

Outline Precautions
• This manual provides information for the use of the FX-USB-AW and FX3U-USB-BD.
The manual has been written to be used by trained and competent personnel. The definition of such a
person or persons is as follows;
1) Any engineer who is responsible for the planning, design and construction of automatic equipment using
the product associated with this manual should be of a competent nature, trained and qualified to the
local and national standards required to fulfill that role. These engineers should be fully aware of all
aspects of safety with aspects regarding to automated equipment.
2) Any commissioning or maintenance engineer must be of a competent nature, trained and qualified to the
local and national standards required to fulfill the job. These engineers should also be trained in the use
and maintenance of the completed product. This includes being familiar with all associated manuals and
documentation for the product. All maintenance should be carried out in accordance with established
safety practices.
3) All operators of the completed equipment should be trained to use that product in a safe and coordinated
manner in compliance with established safety practices. The operators should also be familiar with
documentation that is connected with the actual operation of the completed equipment.
Note: the term 'completed equipment' refers to a third party constructed device that contains or uses the
product associated with this manual.

• This product has been manufactured as a general-purpose part for general industries, and has not been
designed or manufactured to be incorporated in a device or system used in purposes related to human life.
• Before using the product for special purposes such as nuclear power, electric power, aerospace, medicine
or passenger movement vehicles, consult with Mitsubishi Electric.
• This product has been manufactured under strict quality control. However when installing the product
where major accidents or losses could occur if the product fails, install appropriate backup or failsafe
functions into the system.
• When combining this product with other products, please confirm the standards and codes of regulation to
which the user should follow. Moreover, please confirm the compatibility of this product with the system,
machines, and apparatuses to be used.
• If there is doubt at any stage during installation of the product, always consult a professional electrical
engineer who is qualified and trained in the local and national standards. If there is doubt about the
operation or use, please consult the nearest Mitsubishi Electric distributor.
• Since the examples within this manual, technical bulletin, catalog, etc. are used as reference; please use it
after confirming the function and safety of the equipment and system. Mitsubishi Electric will not accept
responsibility for actual use of the product based on these illustrative examples.
• The content, specification etc. of this manual may be changed for improvement without notice.
• The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate; however, if you
notice any doubtful point, error, etc., please contact the nearest Mitsubishi Electric distributor.

Registration
• Microsoft® and Windows® are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries.
• The company name and the product name to be described in this manual are the registered trademarks or
trademarks of each company.

2
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL
USB Driver Installation Edition Table of Contents

Table of Contents
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................................................................................. (1)
Associated Manuals.................................................................................................................. 4
Generic Names and Abbreviations Used in the Manual ........................................................ 4

1. Outline and Specifications 5

1.1 Outline............................................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Specifications .................................................................................................................................. 5
1.2.1 Performance Specifications............................................................................................................. 5
1.2.2 USB Cable Specifications................................................................................................................ 5
1.2.3 System Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 6

2. System Configuration and Connecting Procedure 7

2.1 System Configuration...................................................................................................................... 7

2.1.1 FX-USB-AW .................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1.2 FX3U-USB-BD.................................................................................................................................. 7
2.2 Connecting Procedure .................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.1 Connecting Procedure of the FX-USB-AW...................................................................................... 8
2.2.2 Connecting Procedure of the FX3U-USB-BD................................................................................... 8

3. Driver Installation 9

3.1 Windows® 98/98SE/Millennium Edition/2000/XP ......................................................................... 10

3.2 Windows Vista® ............................................................................................................................ 13
3.3 Windows® 7 .................................................................................................................................. 17

4. Installation Confirmation of Driver 25

5. Uninstalling Driver 27

5.1 Windows® 98/98SE/Millennium Edition/2000/XP ......................................................................... 27

5.1.1 When the installation of the driver is performed normally.............................................................. 27
5.1.2 When the installation of the driver is not performed normally........................................................ 28
5.2 Windows Vista® ............................................................................................................................ 29
5.3 Windows® 7 .................................................................................................................................. 33

6. Caution on Use 38

7. Troubleshooting 40

7.1 FX-USB-AW .................................................................................................................................. 40

7.2 FX3U-USB-BD ............................................................................................................................... 41

Revised History ....................................................................................................................... 42

3
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL
USB Driver Installation Edition Associated Manuals

Associated Manuals
Refer to this manual for details of the installation procedure of the USB driver software for the FX-USB-AW
and FX3U-USB-BD.
For product manuals or documents, consult with the Mitsubishi Electric dealer from who you purchased your
product.
Essential manual
Manuals necessary for some purposes
Manual with additional manual for detailed explanation
Manual Model name
Manual name Contents
number code
Supplied Explains the mounting and specifications of the
FX-USB-AW User’s Manual JY997D13201 -
with product FX-USB-AW.
Supplied Explains the mounting and specifications of the
FX3U-USB-BD User’s Manual JY997D13501 -
with product FX3U-USB-BD.
FX Series User’s Manual - Details of simple link between PCs, parallel link,
Separate
Data Communication JY997D16901 computer link and no-protocol communication (RS 09R715
manual
Edition instructions, FX2N-232IF)

Generic Names and Abbreviations Used in the Manual

Abbreviation/
Name
generic name
Programming tool Generic name of programming software and handy programming panels
Programming software Generic name of programming software
GX Works2 Generic name of programming software packages SW DNC-GXW2-J and SW DNC-GXW2-E
GX Developer Generic name of programming software packages SW D5C-GPPW-J and SW D5C-GPPW-E
FX-PCS/WIN(-E) Generic name of programming software packages FX-PCS/WIN and FX-PCS/WIN-E

4
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 1 Outline and Specifications
USB Driver Installation Edition 1.1 Outline

Specifications
Outline and
1. Outline and Specifications
2
1.1 Outline

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
This manual explains the installation method of the USB driver software for FX-USB-AW and FX3U-USB-BD.
The FX-USB-AW and FX3U-USB-BD use the same USB driver software.
For the mounting, hardware specification and applicable standard of the FX-USB-AW or FX3U-USB-BD, refer
to the each product user's manual. 3

Installation
Driver
1.2 Specifications
For the hardware specifications of the FX-USB-AW or FX3U-USB-BD, refer to the each product user's manual.

1.2.1 Performance Specifications 4

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
1) FX-USB-AW
Item Specification
• 15mA / 5V DC (5V DC power is supplied from the internal power supply of PLC)
Current consumption

Level Conversion
• 30mA / 5V DC (5V DC power is supplied from the USB connector of personal computer)
Bidirectional between RS-422 and USB (Between signals are isolated by photocoupler.)
5

Driver
Uninstalling
Baud Rate 115200 bps, maximum (The baud rate is different in PLC.)
Transmission standard USB2.0 (For full speed)
Signal name To PLC RS-422 (MINI DIN 8Pin male)
(Port) To a cable USB (MINI B plug female)

2) FX3U-USB-BD 6

Caution on Use
Item Specification
• 15mA / 5V DC (5V DC power is supplied from the internal power supply of PLC)
Current consumption
• 30mA / 5V DC (5V DC power is supplied from the USB connector of personal computer)
Isolation Photocoupler isolation (Between communication line and CPU)
Baud Rate
Transmission standard
9600/19200/38400/57600/115200 bps
USB2.0 (For full speed)
7

Troubleshooting
Port USB (MINI B plug female)

1.2.2 USB Cable Specifications

Item Specification
Signal name To FX-USB-AW or FX3U-USB-BD USB (MINI B plug male)
(Port) To PC USB (A plug male)
Length of cable 5m (196.9") at most (Included cable is 3m(118.1").)

5
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 1 Outline and Specifications
USB Driver Installation Edition 1.2 Specifications

1.2.3 System Requirements

Microsoft® Windows® 98*1, Windows® 98SE*1

Microsoft® Windows® Millennium Edition (Windows® Me)*1
Microsoft® Windows® 2000*1
OS
Microsoft® Windows® XP*2,*3
Microsoft® Windows Vista®*2,*3
Microsoft® Windows® 7*3,*4
GX Works2 (SW DNC-GXW2-J, SW DNC-GXW2-E)
GX Developer (SW D5C-GPPW-J, SW D5C-GPPW-E)
Software
FX-PCS/WIN*5, FX-PCS/WIN-E*6
FX-PCS-VPS/WIN, FX-PCS-VPS/WIN-E

*1. Use the USB driver for Windows® 98, Windows® 98SE, Windows® Millennium Edition and Windows®
2000 included in the USB driver software Ver.1.30. This USB driver is the same driver as the USB
driver for software previous to Ver.1.30.
*2. Use the USB driver for Windows® XP and Windows Vista® included in the USB driver software
Ver.1.30. This USB driver is the same driver as the USB driver for Windows Vista® for software
versions Ver.1.10. This USB driver is the same driver as the USB driver for Windows ® XP and
Windows Vista® for software versions Ver.1.20.
*3. Only the 32 bit version of this operating system is supported.
*4. Use the USB driver for Windows® 7 included in the USB driver software Ver.1.30.
*5. FX-PCS/WIN for versions earlier than 4.30, the communication port setting can be selected from
COM1-COM4.
For versions 4.30 or later, the communication port setting can be selected from COM1-COM9.
*6. FX-PCS/WIN-E for versions earlier than 3.30, the communication port setting can be selected from
COM1-COM4.
For versions 3.30 or later, the communication port setting can be selected from COM1-COM9.

6
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 2 System Configuration and Connecting Procedure
USB Driver Installation Edition 2.1 System Configuration

Specifications
Outline and
2. System Configuration and Connecting Procedure
2
2.1 System Configuration

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
For details of the programming communication, refer to the following manual.
→ Refer to the FX Series User's Manual - Data Communication Edition

2.1.1 FX-USB-AW 3

Installation
Driver
- PLC USB driver software Personal
- Positioning unit computer
- Programmable cam switch Install

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
USB
Connect to the port
USB cable for personal computer
programming port connection (included with the product)
FX-USB-AW
5

Driver
Uninstalling
+

Connected equipment Baud rate Cable for personal computer connection

FX0, FX0S, FX0N, FX1S 9.6 kbps
FX1N, FX1NC*1
FX2N (Earlier than Ver.3.00),
19.2 kbps or less
6
9.6 kbps

Caution on Use
Programmable controller FX2NC(Earlier than Ver.3.00)
USB cable of 5m (196.9") at most
FX2N (Ver.3.00 or later), (Included cable is 3m (118.1"))
19.2 kbps or less
FX2NC(Ver.3.00 or later)
FX3U, FX3UC 115.2 kbps or less
Positioning unit FX2N-10GM, FX2N-20GM 9.6 kbps
Programmable cam switch FX2N-1RM-E-SET 9.6 kbps 7

Troubleshooting
*1. FX1NC Series PLC specification details for I/O, wiring, installation, and maintenance can only be found
in the Japanese Manual.
• Please refer to individual PLC manuals for PLCs not mentioned above.

2.1.2 FX3U-USB-BD

- PLC USB driver software Personal

+ FX3U-USB-BD computer
Install

USB cable for personal computer

connection (included with the product)
USB
port

Connected equipment Baud rate Cable for personal computer connection

FX3U USB cable of 5m (196.9") at most
Programmable controller 115.2 kbps or less
FX3UC-32MT-LT(-2) (Included cable is 3m (118.1"))

7
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 2 System Configuration and Connecting Procedure
USB Driver Installation Edition 2.2 Connecting Procedure

2.2 Connecting Procedure

2.2.1 Connecting Procedure of the FX-USB-AW

1) Power off the PLC.

2) Connect the USB (MINI B plug male) connector of the USB cable to the FX-USB-AW.
3) Connect the RS-422 (MINI DIN 8Pin male) connector of the FX-USB-AW to the PLC.
4) Connect the USB (A plug male) connector of the USB cable to the personal computer.
5) Power ON the PLC.
6) Power ON the personal computer.
7) Make sure the POWER lamp of the FX-USB-AW is lit.
(The POWER lamp of FX-USB-AW lights up when power is supplied normally by the personal computer.)

2.2.2 Connecting Procedure of the FX3U-USB-BD

1) Power off the PLC.

2) Connect the USB (MINI B plug male) connector of the USB cable to the FX3U-USB-BD.
3) Connect the USB (A plug male) connector of the USB cable to the personal computer.
4) Turn ON the power supply of the PLC.
5) Turn ON the power supply of the personal computer.

8
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 3 Driver Installation
USB Driver Installation Edition
1

Specifications
Outline and
3. Driver Installation
Caution 2

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
• Please confirm whether the installation is performed normally after the installation of the driver. Regarding
confirmation, refer to Chapter 4.
• The driver is not installed properly when the process is canceled during installation. To complete
installation, uninstall the driver, and install again. For the uninstallation procedure of the driver, refer to
Chapter 5. 3
• This product requires USB Driver Installation for each USB port to be used. To use multiple USB ports,

Installation
Driver
connect this product to each port, and install the driver each time.
The driver is not installed properly if the driver of a different version has already been installed. To complete
installation, uninstall the driver, and install again.
(With Windows Vista® and Windows® 7, driver installation will occur automatically. In other OS, depending
on the PC environment, driver installation may occur automatically, or the location for the file may be 4
required to be specified.)

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
USB driver software folder structure
The folder structure is as follows according to the USB driver software version.

Ver. 1.30 or later

<CD-ROM Drive> 5

Driver
Uninstalling
<Win2000_ME_98>
The USB driver for Windows® 98, Windows® 98SE, Windows® Millennium Edition (Me)
and Windows® 2000 is stored.
<WinVista_XP>
The USB driver for Windows® XP and Windows Vista® is stored.
6

Caution on Use
<Win7>
The USB driver for Windows® 7 is stored.

Ver. 1.20
<CD-ROM Drive> 7

Troubleshooting
<Win2000_ME_98>
The USB driver for Windows® 98, Windows® 98SE, Windows® Millennium Edition (Me)
and Windows® 2000 is stored.
<WinVista_XP>
The USB driver for Windows® XP and Windows Vista® is stored.

Ver. 1.10
<CD-ROM Drive>

<WinXP_2000_ME_98>
The USB driver for Windows® 98, Windows® 98SE, Windows® Millennium Edition (Me),
Windows® 2000 and Windows® XP is stored.
<WinVista>
The USB driver for Windows Vista® is stored.

Versions previous to Ver. 1.10

The USB driver for software previous to Ver. 1.10 does not have a folder structure.
The USB driver is stored in the main directory of the CD-ROM drive.

9
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 3 Driver Installation
USB Driver Installation Edition 3.1 Windows® 98/98SE/Millennium Edition/2000/XP

3.1 Windows® 98/98SE/Millennium Edition/2000/XP

Please install the driver with the following procedure.
The installation procedure is explained when connecting a personal computer with Windows® XP to the FX-
USB-AW.
• Installation methods for Windows® 98, Windows® 98SE, Windows® Millennium Edition, and Windows®
2000 will vary.
1) When the USB cable is connected to the personal computer, the following screen is displayed.

Insert the included CD-ROM into the personal computer's CD-ROM drive. Click [ Next > ].
The installation of the USB driver software will begin.
- If using Windows® 98 or Windows® 98SE
A window to select the location of the installation files will appear.
Specify the USB driver software version as follows:
Ver. 1.20 or later
Please select "Include this location in the search", and install by specifying the "\Win2000_ME_98"
directory in the CD-ROM drive.
Ver. 1.10
Please select "Include this location in the search", and install by specifying the "\WinXP_2000_ME_98"
directory in the CD-ROM drive.
Versions previous to Ver. 1.10
Please select the CD-ROM drive.
- If using Windows® Millennium Edition or Windows® 2000
A window to select the location of the installation files will appear.
Please select the CD-ROM drive.

10
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 3 Driver Installation
USB Driver Installation Edition 3.1 Windows® 98/98SE/Millennium Edition/2000/XP

1
2) When the USB cable is connected to the personal computer, the following screen is displayed.

Specifications
Outline and
2

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
3

Installation
Driver
4
Click [ Continue Anyway ].

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
3) The following screen is displayed.

Driver
Uninstalling
6

Caution on Use
7

Troubleshooting

Click [ Finish ].
If using Windows® 2000 or Windows® XP, proceed to step 4).
- If Windows® 98, Windows® 98SE or Windows® Millennium Edition is used, installation of the USB Serial
Port software begins, and ends automatically.
The CD-ROM can be removed from the personal computer at this time.
The installation of the USB driver software is completed.

11
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 3 Driver Installation
USB Driver Installation Edition 3.1 Windows® 98/98SE/Millennium Edition/2000/XP

4) The following screen is displayed.

Click [ Next > ].

The installation of the USB Serial Port software will begin.
- If using Windows® 2000, a screen to select the location of the installation files is displayed.
Please select the CD-ROM drive.
5) The screen of 2) is displayed. (Only in Windows® XP)
Click [ Continue Anyway ].
6) The following screen is displayed.

Click [ Finish ].
The installation of the USB Serial Port software will finish.
The CD-ROM (USB driver software) can be removed from the personal computer at this time.
Next, please confirm whether the installation is performed normally. Regarding confirmation, refer to
Chapter 4.

12
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 3 Driver Installation
USB Driver Installation Edition 3.2 Windows Vista®

1
®
3.2 Windows Vista

Specifications
Outline and
Please install the driver with the following procedure.
The installation procedure is explained when connecting a personal computer with Windows Vista® to the FX-
USB-AW.
2
1) When the USB cable is connected to the personal computer, the following screen is displayed.

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
3

Installation
Driver
4

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
5
Click [ Located and install driver software (recommended) ].

Driver
Uninstalling
2) Only when user account control is enabled, the "user account control" screen is displayed.
Click [ Continue ], when displayed.
3) The following screen is displayed.
(The following screen may be displayed when connected to a Network.)
6

Caution on Use
7

Troubleshooting

Click [ Don't search online ].

13
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 3 Driver Installation
USB Driver Installation Edition 3.2 Windows Vista®

4) The following screen is displayed.

Insert the included CD-ROM into the personal computer's CD-ROM drive. The driver in CD-ROM is
searched for automatically and installation of the USB driver software will begin.
If the included CD-ROM was already inserted into the personal computer's CD-ROM drive before
displaying the above screen, click [ Next ].
5) The following screen is displayed.

Click [ Install this driver software anyway ].

14
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 3 Driver Installation
USB Driver Installation Edition 3.2 Windows Vista®

1
6) The following screen is displayed.

Specifications
Outline and
2

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
3

Installation
Driver
4

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
Click [ Close ]. 5
7) The following screen is displayed.

Driver
Uninstalling
(The following screen may be displayed when connected to a Network.)

Caution on Use
7

Troubleshooting

Click [ Don't search online ].

15
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 3 Driver Installation
USB Driver Installation Edition 3.2 Windows Vista®

8) The following screen is displayed.

Click [ Next ].
The installation of the USB Serial Port software will begin.
9) The screen of 5) is displayed.
Click [ Install this driver software anyway ].
10) The following screen is displayed.

Click [ Close ].
The installation of the USB Serial Port software will finish.
The CD-ROM (USB driver software) can be removed from the personal computer at this time.
Next, please confirm whether the installation is performed normally. Regarding confirmation, refer to
Chapter 4.

16
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 3 Driver Installation
USB Driver Installation Edition 3.3 Windows® 7

1
®
3.3 Windows 7

Specifications
Outline and
Please install the driver with the following procedure.
The installation procedure is explained when connecting a personal computer with Windows® 7 to the FX-
USB-AW.
2
Caution

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
• Two driver installations are necessary, "USB driver software" and "USB Serial Port", are both required.
Communication is not possible with only one of the two. Please perform both installations with reference to
the following procedures.
1) When the USB cable is connected to the personal computer, the message "Installing device driver
software" appears, and then the message "Device driver software was not successfully installed"
3

Installation
Driver
appears.
Clicking [ Click here for details. ] does not enable installation.
Click [ X ] at the upper right corner to close this message.
2) Click [ Start ] → [ Control Panel ] → [ System and Security ] → [ Device Manager ] to start up Device
Manager and display the following screen.
4

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
5

Driver
Uninstalling
6

Caution on Use
7

Troubleshooting

Put the cursor on [ FX-USB-AW ] in [ Other devices ], double-click or right-click it, and select
[ Properties ].
Or put the cursor on [ FX-USB-AW ], right-click it, and select [ Update Driver Software... ] to omit steps
3) and 4) and jump to step 5).
(For the FX3U-USB-BD, that model name is displayed.)

17
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 3 Driver Installation
USB Driver Installation Edition 3.3 Windows® 7

3) The following screen is displayed.

Select [ Driver ] tab.

4) The following screen is displayed.

Click [ Update Driver... ].

18
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 3 Driver Installation
USB Driver Installation Edition 3.3 Windows® 7

1
5) The following screen is displayed.

Specifications
Outline and
2

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
3

Installation
Driver
4

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
5

Driver
Uninstalling
Click [ Browse my computer for driver software ].
6) Since the following screen is displayed, the location of the driver is specified.

Caution on Use
7

Troubleshooting

Add check
mark

Add a check mark to [ Include subfolders ].

Insert the CD-ROM that has the driver software into the personal computer. Select the CD-ROM drive,
and click [ Next ].

19
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 3 Driver Installation
USB Driver Installation Edition 3.3 Windows® 7

7) The following screen is displayed.

Click [ Install this driver software anyway ].

8) The installation of the USB driver software is completed, and the following screen is displayed.

Click [ Close ].
9) The message "Device driver software was not successfully installed" appears again.
Clicking [ Click here for details. ] does not enable installation.
Click [ X ] at the upper right corner to close this message.
In order to close the screen of 4) and to install "USB Serial Port", please continue on to the following
procedure.

20
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 3 Driver Installation
USB Driver Installation Edition 3.3 Windows® 7

1
10) Install the USB serial port from Device Manager.

Specifications
Outline and
2

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
3

Installation
Driver
4
*1

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
Put the cursor on [ USB Serial Port ] in [ Other devices ], double-click or right-click it, and select
5

Driver
Uninstalling
[ Properties ].
Or put the cursor on [ USB Serial Port ], right-click it, and select [ Update Driver Software... ] to omit
steps 11) and 12) and jump to step 13).
*1. When the driver software is installed successfully by the procedure up to step 9), [ FX-USB-AW/
FX3U-USB-BD ] is displayed. 6
11) The following screen is displayed.

Caution on Use
7

Troubleshooting

Select [ Driver ] tab.

21
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 3 Driver Installation
USB Driver Installation Edition 3.3 Windows® 7

12) The following screen is displayed.

Click [ Update Driver... ].

13) The following screen is displayed.

Click [ Browse my computer for driver software ].

22
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 3 Driver Installation
USB Driver Installation Edition 3.3 Windows® 7

1
14) The following screen is displayed, specify the location of the driver.

Specifications
Outline and
2

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
3

Installation
Driver
Add check
mark
4

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
5

Driver
Uninstalling
Add a check mark to [ Include subfolders ].
Insert the CD-ROM that has the driver software into the personal computer. Select the CD-ROM drive,
and click [ Next ].
15) The following screen is displayed. 6

Caution on Use
7

Troubleshooting

Click [ Install this driver software anyway ].

23
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 3 Driver Installation
USB Driver Installation Edition 3.3 Windows® 7

16) The following screen is displayed.

Click [ Close ].
The installation of the USB Serial Port software will finish.
The CD-ROM (USB driver software) can be removed from the personal computer at this time.
Next, please confirm whether the installation is performed normally. Regarding confirmation, refer to
Chapter 4.

24
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 4 Installation Confirmation of Driver
USB Driver Installation Edition
1

Specifications
Outline and
4. Installation Confirmation of Driver
Procedure for confirming the installation of the driver is described below. 2
Please perform the following procedure, where the FX-USB-AW or FX 3U -USB-BD is connected to the

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
personal computer.
Windows® XP example follows.
• In Windows® XP, click [ Start ] → [ Control Panel ] → [ Performance and Maintenance ] → [ System ] →
[ Hardware ] → [ Device Manager ] and the window below will be displayed.
Please confirm the COM number to which the driver is allocated (COM and LPT). 3

Installation
Driver
• If using Windows® 98, Windows® 98SE, Windows® Millennium Edition or Windows® 2000
A screen that is equivalent to the one below is displayed by clicking [ My Computer ] → [ Control Panel ] →
[ System ] → [ Device Manager ] in the menu of the personal computer.
• If using Windows Vista®
A screen that is equivalent to the one below is displayed by clicking [ Start ] → [ Control Panel ] → 4
[ Hardware and Sound ] → [ Device Manager ] in the menu of the personal computer.

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
When user account control is enabled
Only when user account control is enabled will the "user account control" screen be displayed.
Click [ Continue ], when displayed.
• If using Windows® 7
A screen that is equivalent to the one below is displayed by clicking [ Start ] → [ Control Panel ] →
5

Driver
Uninstalling
[ System and Security ] → [ Device Manager ] in the menu of the personal computer.

Caution on Use
B)

Troubleshooting
A)

25
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 4 Installation Confirmation of Driver
USB Driver Installation Edition

Check following:
1) "FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD" is displayed at A), as part of the list of the "Universal Serial Bus
controllers".
2) "FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD (COM*)" is displayed at B), as part of the serial port list.
* indicates the COM number used in the FX-USB-AW or FX3U-USB-BD.
3) is not displayed.

Identification result:
• If 1) through 3) are all confirmed, installation is normal.
Select the programming software COM number as the COM number currently assigned on the screen
above.
• If any one of 1) through 3) is not satisfied, installation is not normal. (If the USB serial port software is not
installed or the installation procedure is canceled in process are possible causes)
In this case, please start the installation procedure again from the beginning, after uninstalling the driver.
For the installation procedure of the driver, refer to Chapter 3. For the uninstallation procedure of the driver,
refer to Chapter 5.

Setting GX Developer:
Double-click [ Online ] → [ Transfer setup ] → [ Serial USB ] of the PC side I/F.
Select the same COM number as the COM number of the personal computer when the PC side I/F serial
setting Dialog Box appears.
Click [ OK ] of [ Connection Setup ] screen to end.

26
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 5 Uninstalling Driver
USB Driver Installation Edition 5.1 Windows® 98/98SE/Millennium Edition/2000/XP

Specifications
Outline and
5. Uninstalling Driver
2
®
5.1 Windows 98/98SE/Millennium Edition/2000/XP

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
5.1.1 When the installation of the driver is performed normally
Please uninstall the driver with the following procedure. 3
A Windows® XP example follows.

Installation
Driver
1) Detach the USB cable from the personal computer.
Click [ Start ] → [ Control Panel ] → [ Add or Remove Programs ] in the menu of the personal computer,
the window below will be displayed.
- If using Windows® 98, Windows® 98SE, Windows® Millennium Edition or Windows® 2000
A screen that is equivalent to the one below is displayed by clicking [ My Computer ] → [ Control Panel ]
4

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
→ [ Add/Remove Programs ] in the menu of the personal computer.

Driver
Uninstalling
6

Caution on Use
7

Troubleshooting
Select [ FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD Drivers(V*.**) ], and click [ Change/Remove ].
If a driver previous to Ver.1.20 was installed, "FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD Drivers(V*.**)" and "FX-USB-
AW/FX3U-USB-BD Drivers" may be displayed. In this case, both drivers should be uninstalled by clicking
[ Change/Remove ].
When "FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD Drivers (V*.**)" is not displayed as shown on the screen above,
please uninstall with the procedure of Subsection 5.1.2.

27
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 5 Uninstalling Driver
USB Driver Installation Edition 5.1 Windows® 98/98SE/Millennium Edition/2000/XP

2) The following screen is displayed.

Click [ Continue ].
3) The following screen is displayed.

Click [ Finish ].

5.1.2 When the installation of the driver is not performed normally

Confirm whether "FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD Drivers (V*.**)" is displayed in the Add/Remove Programs
screen as shown in Subsection 5.1.1.
If "FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD Drivers (V*.**)" is displayed, uninstall it with the procedure described in
Subsection 5.1.1.
If FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD Drivers (V*.**)" is not displayed, please open "Device Manager" and
choose the model name of FX-USB-AW or FX3U -USB-BD. Then right-click on the name and select
"Delete".
Please refer to Chapter 4 regarding the location of the drivers in "Device Manager".

28
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 5 Uninstalling Driver
USB Driver Installation Edition 5.2 Windows Vista®

1
®
5.2 Windows Vista

Specifications
Outline and
Please uninstall the driver with the following procedure.
Caution
Driver software must be uninstalled starting with "Ports (COM & LPT)" after which the "Universal Serial Bus 2
Controllers" should be uninstalled.

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
If uninstalling directly from the "Universal Serial Bus Controllers", the driver software for the FX-USB-AW and
FX3U-USB-BD will not uninstall correctly.
When uninstalling from "Universal Serial Bus Controllers", uninstall USB driver software after re-installation
starting with "Ports (COM & LPT)" after which the "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" should be uninstalled.
may be displayed when the installation of the driver is not performed normally. In that case, select the item 3
that has displayed next to it and uninstall with the following procedure.

Installation
Driver
1) Connect the FX-USB-AW or FX3U-USB-BD to the personal computer via a USB cable.
Click [ Start ] → [ Control Panel ] → [ Hardware and Sound ] → [ Device Manager ] and the window below
will be displayed.

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
5

Driver
Uninstalling
6

Caution on Use
7

Troubleshooting

Double-click [ FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD (COM*) ] in the [ Ports (COM & LPT) ].

* indicates the COM number used in the FX-USB-AW or FX3U-USB-BD.
When user account control is enabled
Only when user account control is enabled will the "user account control" screen be displayed.
Click [ Continue ], when displayed.

29
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 5 Uninstalling Driver
USB Driver Installation Edition 5.2 Windows Vista®

2) The following screen is displayed.

Select [ Driver ] tab.

3) The following screen is displayed.

Click [ Uninstall ].

30
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 5 Uninstalling Driver
USB Driver Installation Edition 5.2 Windows Vista®

1
4) The following screen is displayed.

Specifications
Outline and
2

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
Add check mark

Installation
Driver
Add a check mark to [ Delete the driver software for this device ], and click [ OK ].
The USB Serial Port software is uninstalled.
Aftrerwards, uninstall the USB driver following steps 5) to 8).
5) Double-click [ FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD ] in the [ Universal Serial Bus controllers ] from device
manager. 4

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
5

Driver
Uninstalling
6

Caution on Use
6) The following screen is displayed.
7

Troubleshooting

Select [ Driver ] tab.

31
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 5 Uninstalling Driver
USB Driver Installation Edition 5.2 Windows Vista®

7) The following screen is displayed.

Click [ Uninstall ].
8) The following screen is displayed.

Add check mark

Add a check mark to [ Delete the driver software for this device. ], and click [ OK ].
The USB driver is uninstalled.

32
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 5 Uninstalling Driver
USB Driver Installation Edition 5.3 Windows® 7

1
®
5.3 Windows 7

Specifications
Outline and
Please uninstall the driver with the following procedure.
Caution
Driver software must be uninstalled starting with "Ports (COM & LPT)" after which the "Universal Serial Bus 2
Controllers" should be uninstalled.

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
If uninstalling directly from the "Universal Serial Bus Controllers", the driver software for the FX-USB-AW
and FX3U-USB-BD will not uninstall correctly.
When uninstalling from "Universal Serial Bus Controllers", uninstall USB driver software after re-installation
starting with "Ports (COM & LPT)" after which the "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" should be uninstalled.
may be displayed when the installation of the driver is not performed normally. In that case, select the 3
item that has displayed next to it and uninstall with the following procedure.

Installation
Driver
1) Connect the FX-USB-AW or FX3U-USB-BD to the personal computer via a USB cable.
Click [ Start ] → [ Control Panel ] → [ System and Security ] → [ Device Manager ] and the window below
will be displayed.

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
5

Driver
Uninstalling
6

Caution on Use
7

Troubleshooting

Double-click or right-click [ FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD (COM*) ] in [ Ports (COM & LPT) ], and select
[ Properties ].
* indicates the COM number used in the FX-USB-AW or FX3U-USB-BD.

33
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 5 Uninstalling Driver
USB Driver Installation Edition 5.3 Windows® 7

2) The following screen is displayed.

Select [ Driver ] tab.

3) The following screen is displayed.

Click [ Uninstall ].

34
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 5 Uninstalling Driver
USB Driver Installation Edition 5.3 Windows® 7

1
4) The following screen is displayed.

Specifications
Outline and
2

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
Add check mark

Installation
Driver
Add a check mark to [ Delete the driver software for this device. ], and click [ OK ].
The USB Serial Port software is uninstalled.
Afterward, uninstall the USB driver following steps of 5) to 8).
5) Double-click or right-click [ FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD ] in [ Universal Serial Bus controllers ] on the 4
displayed Device Manager screen, and select [ Properties ].

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
5

Driver
Uninstalling
6

Caution on Use
7

Troubleshooting

35
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 5 Uninstalling Driver
USB Driver Installation Edition 5.3 Windows® 7

6) The following screen is displayed.

Select [ Driver ] tab.

7) The following screen is displayed.

Click [ Uninstall ].

36
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 5 Uninstalling Driver
USB Driver Installation Edition 5.3 Windows® 7

1
8) The following screen is displayed.

Specifications
Outline and
2

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
Add check mark

Installation
Driver
Add a check mark to [ Delete the driver software for this device. ], and click [ OK ].
The USB driver is uninstalled.

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
5

Driver
Uninstalling
6

Caution on Use
7

Troubleshooting

37
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 6 Caution on Use
USB Driver Installation Edition

6. Caution on Use

STARTUP AND MAINTENANCE

PRECAUTIONS
• Before modifying or disrupting the program in operation or running the PLC, carefully read through this manual and the associated
manuals and ensure the safety of the operation.
An operation error may damage the machinery or cause accidents.

STARTUP AND MAINTENANCE

PRECAUTIONS
• Do not disassemble or modify the PLC.
Doing so may cause fire, equipment failures, or malfunctions.
* For repair, contact your local Mitsubishi Electric distributor.
• Since the FX-USB-AW and FX3U-USB-BD case is made of resin, do not drop it or exert strong impact to it.
Doing so may cause damage.

DISPOSAL PRECAUTIONS

• Please contact a certified electronic waste disposal company for the environmentally safe recycling and disposal of your device.

TRANSPORT AND STORAGE

PRECAUTIONS
• The product is a precision instrument. During transportation, avoid any impacts.
Failure to do so may cause failures in the product.
After transportation, verify the operations of the product.

• The FX-USB-AW or FX3U-USB-BD is connected to a personal computer, and the PLC is turned on, and
then operations such as write, read, and monitor are tried for the first time using a programming tool, a
communication error message may be displayed.
In such a case, clear the message and try the operations again.
• The expansion board cannot be connected to any FX3UC Series PLC other than FX3UC-32MT-LT(-2).
• Only one expansion board can be used per main unit.
Additional expansion boards such as the FX3U-232-BD, FX3U-422-BD or FX3U-485-BD cannot be installed/
used together with the FX3U-USB-BD.
• If a communication error message appears while operating the programming tool (when executing 'Write to
PLC', 'Read from PLC', or 'Monitor'), disconnect the USB cable once (from either the PC or the FX-USB-
AW/FX3U-USB-BD) and connect it again. Then clear the error message and choose Write, Read, or
Monitor again.
• The programming tool may not be operated properly due to a contact failure at connectors or wire breakage.
Make sure to save the program before transferring or changing it.

38
 Outline and System Config Driver Installation Uninstalling Caution on Use Troubleshooting
1

Specifications and Connecting Installation Confirmation of Driver

Procedure Driver
6 Caution on Use

39
MEMO
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL
USB Driver Installation Edition
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 7 Troubleshooting
USB Driver Installation Edition 7.1 FX-USB-AW

7. Troubleshooting

7.1 FX-USB-AW
• If communication cannot be established between the PLC (as well as a positioning unit or a programmable
cam switch) and a PC using the FX-USB-AW, confirm the following status by checking the POWER LED,
SD LED, and RD LED in the FX-USB-AW.
State of the POWER
Contents
LED
The 5V DC power supply from the personal computer is normally supplied. In case of no communication,
POWER LED is lit
check the status of SD LED and RD LED.
The 5V DC power supply from the personal computer is not supplied. Check the items below.
POWER LED is not lit • Confirm that the specified cable is used to connect the FX-USB-AW and the personal computer.
• Confirm whether the power supply is supplied to personal computer.

The status of the SD

Contents
LED and RD LED
Blinking Communicating correctly
• Confirm that the power is supplied to the personal computer.
SD • Confirm the personal computer and the PLC are connected properly with the specified cable.
OFF • Confirm that the communication settings, such as the COM number, and connected PLC are correctly set
in the software. Refer to the software manual.
• Please check whether the driver can be installed normally. Regarding confirmation, refer to Chapter 4.
Blinking Data receiving
• Confirm that the power is supplied to PLC.
• The PLC will not operate when a configuration that exceeds the 5V DC or 24V DC capacity is used. It will
RD also be impossible to communicate normally.
OFF • Confirm that the specified cable is used to connect the personal computer and PLC.
• Confirm that the communication settings, such as the COM number, and connected PLC are correctly set
in the software. Refer to the software manual.
• Please check whether the driver can be installed normally. Regarding confirmation, refer to Chapter 4.

• When driver installation is required after already establishing USB communication.

→ This product requires USB Driver Installation for each USB port to be connected. Connect the product
to a driver-installed USB port, or install the driver for the current port.
The driver is not installed properly if the driver of a different version has already been installed. To
complete installation, uninstall the driver, and install again.

40
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL 7 Troubleshooting
USB Driver Installation Edition 7.2 FX3U-USB-BD

1
7.2 FX3U-USB-BD

Specifications
Outline and
• If communication cannot be established between the PLC and a personal computer using the FX3U-USB-
BD, confirm the following status by checking the SD LED and RD LED in the FX3U-USB-BD.
The status of the SD
LED and RD LED
Contents 2

Procedure
and Connecting
System Config
Blinking Communicating correctly
• Confirm that the power is supplied to the personal computer.
SD • Confirm the personal computer and the PLC are connected properly with the specified cable.
OFF • Confirm that the communication settings, such as the COM number, and connected PLC are correctly set
in the software. Refer to the software manual.

Blinking
• Please check whether the driver can be installed normally. Regarding confirmation, refer to Chapter 4.
Data receiving
3

Installation
Driver
• Confirm that the power is supplied to PLC.
• The PLC will not operate when a configuration that exceeds the 5V DC or 24V DC capacity is used. It will
RD also be impossible to communicate normally.
OFF • Confirm that the specified cable is used to connect the personal computer and PLC.
• Confirm that the communication settings , such as the COM number, and connected PLC are correctly set

4
in the software. Refer to the software manual.
• Please check whether the driver can be installed normally. Regarding confirmation, refer to Chapter 4.

Driver
Confirmation of
Installation
• When driver installation is required after already establishing USB communication.
→ This product requires USB Driver Installation for each USB port to be connected. Connect the product
to a driver-installed USB port, or install the driver for the current port.
The driver is not installed properly if the driver of a different version has already been installed. To
complete installation, uninstall the driver, and install again.
5

Driver
Uninstalling
6

Caution on Use
7

Troubleshooting

41
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD USER'S MANUAL
USB Driver Installation Edition Revised History

Revised History
Date Revision Description
4/2010 C • Paper size change (A3 both sides → B5 booklet)
• Front cover, back cover, inside cover and revised history was added.
• USB driver Ver.1.30 (Windows® 7) was added.

42
FX-USB-AW/FX3U-USB-BD

USER'S MANUAL
USB Driver Installation Edition

HEAD OFFICE: TOKYO BUILDING, 2-7-3 MARUNOUCHI, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-8310, JAPAN
HIMEJI WORKS: 840, CHIYODA CHO, HIMEJI, JAPAN

JY997D32601C Effective Apr. 2010

(MEE) Specifications are subject to change without notice.