Omron NX1 PLC — Machine Automation with EtherCAT

Key Features and Performance

Omron NX1 controllers execute PLC logic and motion control within a single CPU using Sysmac Studio’s integrated development environment. This convergence eliminates the traditional separation between PLC and motion controller, reducing hardware count, simplifying programming, and shortening commissioning time for multi-axis machines.

The NX1 supports 12 motion axes: 8 synchronised axes for electronic gearing, camming, and interpolated motion, plus 4 additional axes for point-to-point positioning. Servo drives connect through the built-in EtherCAT master port with microsecond-level deterministic communication, ensuring precise multi-axis coordination at cycle times down to 1 millisecond.

Dual Ethernet ports on the Omron NX1 provide separate paths for EtherCAT fieldbus and Ethernet/IP factory network communication. The EtherCAT port manages servo drives and distributed I/O, while the Ethernet/IP port connects to HMIs, SCADA systems, MES platforms, and other controllers. This dual-network architecture isolates time-critical machine control from facility network traffic.

Omron NX1 controllers support IEC 61131-3 programming languages including ladder diagram, structured text, function block, and sequential function chart through Sysmac Studio. Motion programming uses PLCopen function blocks, providing a standardised approach to cam profiles, electronic gearing, and coordinated multi-axis trajectories.

Built-in SD card slot on the NX1 enables program backup, data logging, and recipe storage. OPC UA server functionality supports Industry 4.0 data access from MES and cloud platforms without additional gateway hardware.

Technical Specifications

Applications in Malaysian Industry

Omron NX1 controllers drive high-performance machines across Malaysia’s advanced manufacturing sectors. Semiconductor packaging equipment in Penang uses the NX1 for multi-axis pick-and-place systems where sub-millisecond axis synchronisation determines throughput and placement accuracy.

Packaging machinery manufacturers in Malaysia adopt the NX1 for horizontal flow wrappers and vertical form-fill-seal machines requiring synchronised film feed, cross-seal, and product infeed axes. Automotive component lines in Selangor deploy NX1 controllers for CNC-grade multi-axis machining cells with electronic gearing. Under NIMP 2030, Malaysian manufacturers moving toward smart factory architectures select the NX1 for its built-in OPC UA and Ethernet/IP connectivity, bridging machine-level control to factory MES and cloud analytics platforms.

Omron NX1 vs Alternatives

Omron NX1 controllers compete with Mitsubishi iQ-R + motion module, Siemens S7-1500T, and Beckhoff CX series in the Malaysian integrated motion control market. The NX1 consolidates PLC and motion in one CPU where Mitsubishi iQ-R requires separate CPU and motion modules. Against Siemens S7-1500T, the NX1 uses EtherCAT for servo communication, which provides broader multi-vendor servo drive compatibility. Compared to Beckhoff CX, the NX1 offers a dedicated real-time OS rather than Windows-based TwinCAT, providing deterministic operation without PC maintenance overhead.

Why Source from Flextech Industrial

Flextech Industrial provides complete Omron NX1 machine automation solutions in Malaysia, from controller and servo drive specification through to EtherCAT network design and Sysmac Studio programming support. Our motion control engineers assist with axis sizing, cam profile development, and EtherCAT I/O configuration. We supply NX1 systems with matched Omron 1S-series servo drives for guaranteed compatibility.

[Get a Quote](/contact/) for Omron NX1 machine automation controllers — our team designs complete motion solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What servo drives work with the Omron NX1?

Omron NX1 controllers connect to Omron 1S-series and G5-series servo drives through EtherCAT. Third-party EtherCAT servo drives with CoE (CAN over EtherCAT) support are also compatible. Omron 1S-series drives provide the tightest integration through Sysmac Studio’s unified configuration environment.

Can the NX1 replace a separate PLC and motion controller?

Omron NX1 eliminates the need for separate PLC and motion controller hardware by integrating both functions in a single CPU. Logic and motion program in the same Sysmac Studio project, share variables directly, and execute synchronously within the same scan cycle.

How many I/O points does the NX1 support?

Omron NX1 controllers manage I/O through NX-series EtherCAT coupled I/O modules, supporting thousands of I/O points distributed across the EtherCAT network. Local NX-series I/O mounts directly adjacent to the controller, while remote EtherCAT I/O stations deploy at machine sub-assemblies.

Is Sysmac Studio required for programming the NX1 in Malaysia?

Omron NX1 controllers are exclusively programmed through Sysmac Studio, Omron’s integrated development environment for machine automation. Sysmac Studio provides PLC programming, motion configuration, HMI design (for NB/NA panels), and network setup in a single software package. CX-Programmer is not compatible with the NX1.

What is the upgrade path from CJ2M to NX1?

Migrating from Omron CJ2M to NX1 requires program conversion from CX-Programmer to Sysmac Studio. Ladder logic translates with structural adjustments, while I/O modules change from CJ-series backplane modules to NX-series EtherCAT I/O. Flextech Industrial provides migration assessment and programming conversion services for Malaysian customers.