The Catan product portfolio combines the Niagara Framework® with state-of-the-art building control and at the same time enables the continued use of existing KNX infrastructures.
Catan can seamlessly convert KNX networks into IoT-capable building automation systems while continuing to use the existing KNX cabling efficiently – made possible by Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology and corresponding extension modules.
Building controllers
Rely on flexible building controllers. Our portfolio of controllers and I/O modules offers maximum adaptability for centralized and decentralized applications – from modernization to new construction. Compact, scalable, and easy to integrate.
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Comparison of our Niagra-based building controllers
Functions, performance, and areas of application at a glance
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| Catan C1 EN | ILC 2250 BI(-L) | ILC 2050 BI(-L) | |
| Compatible building management systems | |||
| Niagara Framework® N4 versions | |||
| Emalytics Add-ons for the Niagara Framework® | |||
| Optimal installation situation | |||
| Electrical distribution in accordance with DIN 43880 | |||
| Control cabinet | |||
| Protocols and interfaces | |||
| IoT and building protocols | BACnet, Modbus, MQTT, oBIX, OPC UA, SNMP, DALI, DMX, and SMI | BACnet, Modbus, MQTT, oBIX, OPC UA, SNMP, M-Bus, MP-Bus, DALI, DMX, SMI, and LON | BACnet, Modbus, MQTT, oBIX, OPC UA, SNMP, M-Bus, MP-Bus, DALI, SMI, and LON |
| Integrated KNX TP interface | |||
| SPE communication between the control units | |||
| Ethernet network | 3 LAN ports, configurable Ethernet switch, 2 network interface cards (NICs), 2 MAC addresses, RSTP | 4 LAN ports, configurable Ethernet switch, 2 network interface cards (NICs), 2 MAC addresses, RSTP | 4 LAN ports, configurable Ethernet switch, 2 network interface cards (NICs), 2 MAC addresses, RSTP |
| Further information | |||
| Plug-in display available for local override operation | |||
| CRA compliance | |||
| I/O modules | 8 UI, 4 DOI, 2 UOI onboard, and up to 16 extension modules | up to 63 Inline extension modules | up to 63 Inline extension modules |
| More about the Catan C1 EN | More about ILC 2250 BI(-L) | More about ILC 2050 BI(-L) |
Your advantages at a glance Maximum flexibility in building automation
- Scalability – very high level of efficiency and flexible expandability for centralized and decentralized applications
- High I/O density – for a space-saving and cost-saving solution
- Simple installation – easy to implement even in tight or complex installation environments
- Seamless integration – including in projects of other Niagara Framework® partners
- Future-proof planning – guaranteed product availability of the controller families until 2035
Future-proof with the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
Networked systems are central to state-of-the-art building automation – from heating and lighting through to access control. Digitalization brings many advantages, but also increases the risk of cyberattacks. The EU’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) places high security requirements on digital products. Our systems meet these requirements and provide maximum security and reliability. We develop in accordance with IEC 62443-4-1 and rely on internationally proven security standards. You can rely on our expertise. Increase your resilience against cyberattacks.
Catan product family
Catan C1 Open hardware platform with PLCnext Technology
Catan C1 is the new generation of building controller based on the open PLCnext Technology ecosystem. As a flexible and future-proof platform, it supports you in implementing efficient smart building solutions. Powerful hardware and versatile software work seamlessly together and make it easy to plan, install, and extend your projects. With configurable I/Os, numerous interfaces, and numerous extension modules, the controller can be adapted perfectly to suit different applications. Additional functions can be quickly integrated via an app from the PLCnext Store – even without programming knowledge.
Overview of the main features of Catan
The Catan product family bears the Cradle to Cradle Certified® label – a sign of our commitment to the environment, resource efficiency, and social responsibility. With our design, we are actively promoting the circular economy: reusable materials, no harmful substances. Catan also increases the value of your property and supports the DGNB, BNB, LEED, and BREEAM certifications.
Our Catan product family impresses with its uniform hardware design. The controller including the onboard I/Os and the extension module in the DIN-rail-mount housing have a width of six HP and their terminal points are arranged identically. This makes it very easy to extend existing systems, as it is simple to estimate the space required for the product family. The compact design of the Catan modules allows them to be used in electrical subdistribution systems and small distribution boards.
All devices in the Catan product family get a digital twin ex works, which serves as a central source of information throughout the entire product lifecycle. In addition to a digital nameplate, technical documentation and important service information is available online at all times.
The Catan C1 EN is also equipped with web-based management, which enables easy configuration directly via a standard web browser – without any additional software.
ILC product family
Overview of the main features of ILC
The ILC 2x50 BI(-L) controller is specifically designed for automation tasks in buildings, especially monitoring and control of building infrastructure, energy flow, and HVAC applications. Its industrial design guarantees a high level of reliability and makes it suitable for business-critical applications. With important approvals such as IEC 61000, UL 508, and BTL, the IoT controller is ideally equipped for use in various applications.
As the world’s only controller based on Niagara Framework® technology, the ILC 2x50 BI(-L) can extend up to 63 Inline modules for digital and analog I/O channels as well as for all bus systems widely used in building technology.
With a width of just 80 mm, the controller is particularly space-saving. Other IoT and building protocols can also be seamlessly integrated.
Our Inline system is designed for long-term functional safety and availability. We aim to keep our Inline core portfolio available until at least 2035. To this end, the corresponding items are regularly updated with necessary product maintenance steps in hardware and/or firmware.
The ILC 2x50 BI(-L) comes with web-based management, which supports device configuration without additional software via a standard web browser. All signals of the I/O channels are read and written independently of the application.
Independently of this, the integrated web server guarantees high-performance local visualizations using the Emalytics Add-on installations.
Building management system
Building management with Emalytics Holistic management and analysis – based on the Niagara Framework®
Find out how you can intelligently network your plants, systems and trades and evaluate them holistically with our Emalytics building management system based on the Niagara Framework®.
Building automation with Niagara Framework® Flexible, scalable, and compatible for your integration projects
Our control systems are based on the open Niagara Framework® and enable the easy integration of external software solutions. Benefit from a flexible, scalable system with standardized interfaces and full compatibility – ideal for complex integration projects and long-term extendibility.
Building automation with PLCnext Technology Open automation – with Catan C1 and the PLCnext partner, Symcon
Discover the open world of PLCnext Technology and take advantage of the automation options offered by our technology partners. The Symcon software and the Catan C1 controller form the perfect basis for various building automation projects. Benefit from maximum openness, simple integration of existing systems, and broad protocol support.
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References
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Phoenix Contact provides various controllers for different requirements: The Catan C1 EN is ideal for room automation in distribution boards (DIN rail-mount design). The ILC 2x50 BI(-L) controller is designed for complex building automation projects and supports extensive integration options. Both devices are optimized for control cabinet building and can be used flexibly in new and existing buildings.
The building control systems from Phoenix Contact have numerous integrated interfaces and support open protocols such as KNX, DALI, BACnet, Modbus, M-Bus, and MQTT. This enables the integration of lighting, air conditioning, safety, and energy systems across all trades – regardless of manufacturer and fit for the future.
The devices are designed for DIN rail mounting and have pluggable connection technology, which simplifies installation, especially for electrical installers. The DIN rail-mount design of the Catan product family enables space-saving integration into standard distribution cabinets.
Yes. The controllers can be adapted flexibly to different project sizes via extension modules and I/O components. With their open architecture and support for the latest communication protocols, they are ideally prepared for future requirements such as energy management, IoT connections, and cloud integration.