Panasonic MK300 Inverter — Product Overview

The Panasonic MK300 (marketed as the M-type variable speed drive in some regional catalogs) delivers the key features required for industrial motor control in Malaysian manufacturing:

Sensorless Vector Control: The MK300 uses auto-tuning to measure motor characteristics at startup and applies vector control without shaft encoder feedback. This delivers higher starting torque (up to 150–200% at low speed) compared to basic V/f drives — important for conveyor and machine tool applications where load torque is highest at startup.

RS-485 Modbus RTU: All MK300 models include RS-485 communication as standard. The Modbus RTU register map allows a PLC (Panasonic FP7, FP-X, or any Modbus master) to read drive status (output frequency, motor current, fault code) and write control commands (run/stop, frequency setpoint). Up to 32 MK300 drives can share one RS-485 bus.

Built-in Braking Transistor: Models up to 22 kW include an internal braking transistor — allowing connection of an external braking resistor for rapid deceleration in conveyor e-stop applications and hoist drives. This eliminates the cost and panel space of an external braking chopper.

DIN-Rail Mounting: All MK300 models mount on standard 35 mm DIN rail — consistent with the compact panel philosophy of the Panasonic FP series PLC ecosystem.

MK300 Model Range and Specifications

Model	Power	Input	Control Mode	Price (MYR)
MK300-0.4K-1	0.4 kW	1-ph 200–240 V	V/f + Sensorless	RM 350 – RM 600
MK300-1.5K-1	1.5 kW	1-ph 200–240 V	V/f + Sensorless	RM 550 – RM 900
MK300-2.2K-3	2.2 kW	3-ph 380–480 V	Sensorless vector	RM 900 – RM 1,500
MK300-7.5K-3	7.5 kW	3-ph 380–480 V	Sensorless vector	RM 2,500 – RM 4,000
MK300-15K-3	15 kW	3-ph 380–480 V	Sensorless vector	RM 5,000 – RM 8,000
MK300-22K-3	22 kW	3-ph 380–480 V	Sensorless vector	RM 7,000 – RM 10,000

 

*Contact Flextech Industrial for current MYR pricing. Prices vary by output type and communication configuration.*

Panasonic MK300 vs. Competing Inverters in Malaysia

The MK300 occupies the value-tier segment in Malaysia — below Mitsubishi FR-E800 and Siemens G120 in brand premium, but above grey-market Chinese drives in authenticity and after-sales support. Its differentiated position against other value-tier drives:

Criteria	Panasonic MK300	Delta MS300	Xinje VH6
OEM authenticity	✓ Japanese brand	✓ Taiwan brand	✓ Chinese brand (verifiable)
Sensorless vector	✓	✓	✓
RS-485 Modbus RTU	✓ Built-in	✓ Built-in	✓ Built-in
Braking transistor built-in	✓ ≤22 kW	Model dependent	✓
Panasonic FP PLC native	✓ MEWTOCOL protocol	RS-485 only	RS-485 only
Price (7.5 kW)	RM 2,500 – RM 4,000	RM 2,000 – RM 3,500	RM 1,500 – RM 2,800
Local support in Malaysia	Flextech Industrial	Flextech Industrial	Flextech Industrial

 

The MK300 is the natural first choice in Panasonic-dominant automation systems — where FP-X or FP7 PLCs are already specified and MEWTOCOL-COM protocol simplifies the PLC-to-drive communication configuration.

Panasonic MK300 and FP Series PLC Integration

The Panasonic MK300 and FP series PLCs share the Panasonic industrial automation ecosystem — both supporting MEWTOCOL-COM protocol over RS-485, which provides a dedicated register structure for Panasonic drive parameter access beyond the standard Modbus RTU register set.

Standard Modbus RTU integration (any PLC brand):

• PLC RS-485 port → MK300 RS-485 terminals
• Modbus function codes 03h (read registers) and 06h/10h (write registers)
• Write to speed register to set output frequency
• Read status word for run state, fault code, output current

MEWTOCOL-COM integration (Panasonic FP7, FP-XH):

• Direct address-based communication using MEWTOCOL frame structure
• PLC parameter access to MK300 internal parameters beyond Modbus register map
• Simplifies drive diagnostics and parameter change via PLC ladder program

In Malaysian machine builder environments, the combination of Panasonic FP-X PLC + Panasonic MK300 inverter + Panasonic MINAS servo drive creates a fully Panasonic-native axis control system — one brand, one software environment (FPWIN GR7), one support channel (Flextech Industrial).

Panasonic Inverter Applications in Malaysia

Packaging Machinery (Selangor, Shah Alam): Malaysian packaging machine builders who specify Panasonic FP-X PLCs for label application, form-fill-seal, and wrapping machines commonly pair MK300 drives for conveyor belt and infeed chain speed control — maintaining brand consistency and simplifying warranty support.

Electronics Testing Equipment (Penang, Selangor): Panasonic MK300 drives in board handling and conveyor sub-systems at electronics assembly plants in Penang benefit from the compact DIN-rail footprint and the FP0H + MK300 distributed panel architecture.

General Machine Drives: Any machine application requiring 0.4–22 kW AC motor speed control with Modbus RTU PLC integration — water circulation pumps, cooling fans, conveyor drives, agitator motors — can deploy the MK300 as a genuine, warranty-backed, value-positioned drive.

Malaysia's Smart Automation Grant (SAG) supports inverter integration projects that include remote monitoring connectivity. Panasonic MK300 with Modbus TCP optional connectivity satisfies SAG's digital connectivity requirement for pump and fan drive upgrades.

Top Panasonic Inverter Models at Flextech Industrial

• Panasonic MK300-1.5K-1— 1.5 kW, single-phase 240 V, sensorless vector, RS-485 Modbus.
• Panasonic MK300-2.2K-3— 2.2 kW, three-phase 380 V, sensorless vector.
• Panasonic MK300-7.5K-3— 7.5 kW, three-phase 380 V, built-in braking transistor.
• Panasonic MK300-15K-3— 15 kW, three-phase 380 V, for fan and pump applications.
• Panasonic MK300-22K-3— 22 kW, three-phase 380 V, highest MK300 model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Panasonic MK300 inverter used for?

The Panasonic MK300 is a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) that controls the speed of standard three-phase (and single-phase for small models) AC induction motors. It is used for conveyor belt speed control, pump and fan speed adjustment, machine tool spindle drives, and any application requiring variable motor speed with RS-485 Modbus PLC integration.

What is the power range of Panasonic MK300 inverters?

The Panasonic MK300 range covers 0.4 kW to 22 kW — available in single-phase 200–240 V input (up to 1.5 kW or 2.2 kW depending on model) and three-phase 380–480 V input for the full range. For motor applications above 22 kW in Malaysia, Flextech Industrial recommends Mitsubishi FR-A800 or Delta C2000.

How do I connect Panasonic MK300 to a Mitsubishi FX5U PLC via Modbus?

Wire the MK300 RS-485 terminals (+ and -) to the FX5U built-in RS-485 port (SDA+/SDB- terminals). On the MK300, set communication address (Pr.117), baud rate (Pr.118), and communication mode (Pr.119). On the FX5U, use the Modbus Simple Communication instruction (ADPRW) to read/write MK300 Modbus registers. Standard Panasonic MK300 Modbus register map is available in the MK300 instruction manual.

Is Panasonic MK300 a genuine Japanese brand inverter?

Yes — the Panasonic MK300 is manufactured by Panasonic Industry (formerly Panasonic Electric Works) and is a genuine OEM product. It should not be confused with counterfeit or grey-market drives sold online under similar names. Flextech Industrial sources Panasonic MK300 through verified supply channels to ensure product authenticity and warranty validity in Malaysia.

What is the price of Panasonic MK300 in Malaysia?

Panasonic MK300 inverters in Malaysia are priced from approximately RM 350 (0.4 kW) to RM 10,000 (22 kW). The most commonly ordered size — 2.2 kW three-phase — is approximately RM 900 – RM 1,500. Contact Flextech Industrial for current MYR pricing on specific kW and voltage configurations.

*Flextech Industrial Supplies — Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia. Genuine Panasonic MK300 inverter stock. Fast quotation for all power ratings from 0.4 kW to 22 kW.*