CHARX control modular – AC charging controllers for charging stations and home charging stations

AC charging controllers for charging stations and home charging stations

The scalable CHARX control modular mode 3 charging controllers are the centerpiece of a smart charging infrastructure. The open Linux platform enables sector coupling, customer-specific IoT applications, and smart services. Regular, free updates ensure cybersecurity and deliver new functions such as bidirectional charging and plug-and-charge. Simple implementation of calibration law and professional support services complete the offer.

Your advantages

  • Legal certainty and maximum protection against cyber risks
  • Future-proof connectivity for billing, load management, and the smart grid
  • Cost-efficient scalability without complex conversions
  • Long-term compatibility and investment protection with update capability
  • Maximum flexibility for brand presence and customer experience

Interfaces, features, and scalability

CHARX control modular is ready for plug-and-charge and calibration-compliant billing

Plug-and-charge and the calibration law Latest features with regular, free software updates

Plug-and-charge

  • Automatic authentication and payment of the charging process
  • Time saving and convenient, as neither apps nor charging cards are required
  • Protection against tampering and misuse through encryption in accordance with ISO 15118-2
  • Included in software release 1.9

Simplified calibration law concept

  • Significantly shortened certification process for your charging solution
  • Several energy meters to choose from for the flexible design of your calibration law solution
  • No loss of certificate in the event of future updates – no need for costly recertification
  • Included in software release 1.8
The CHARX control modular charging controller enables sector coupling

The charging controller for smart and sustainable charging infrastructure Ready for IoT applications, smart services, and sector coupling

Coupling various sectors and stakeholders such as power grids, buildings, local generators, charging stations, and electric vehicles together is becoming ever more important for the future of e-mobility.

Communication is therefore the key factor for a sustainable and integrated e-mobility infrastructure that is based on renewable energies. This includes, for example, the integration of electric vehicles into the smart grid or smart home, efficient and user-friendly business processes, and device and patch management for charging park operators.

All these services require secure communication based on various protocols. With the new generation of controllers CHARX control modular, its open Linux platform, and Phoenix Contact’s application expertise, you are ideally prepared for this challenge.

Consultation on e-mobility products

First-class support at fair prices Professional advice and engineering support

From first- to third-level support, you as the customer receive personal and rapid support from our trained experts:

  • Provision of ready-to-use blueprints of typical charging stations
  • Bill of material (BOM), wiring diagram, and documentation advice
  • Support with the configuration and programming of the charging controller
  • Support with the calibration law certification of your charging solution
  • Support for connection to backend and energy management systems
  • Development of customer-specific applications

Comparison of the controller classes All features and functions at a glance

The compact 1000 class
The smart 3000 class
The compact 1000 class

The smart 3000 class

Width 18.8 mm 37.6 mm
Possible operating modes Stand-alone, client Stand-alone, client, server (for managing up to 48 charging points)
Interfaces for charging socket/charging cable, contactor, RFID reader, energy meter, residual current monitoring, release in the event of mains failure, configurable I/Os
Charging compliant with calibration laws with OCMF support ¹⁾
Linux platform, web-based management, dynamic load management, Ethernet, USB-C, OCPP 1.6J, Modbus/TCP, MQTT, REST, OpenVPN
ISO 15118 for plug-and-charge and, in future, vehicle-to-grid (optional as item versions)
4G/2G cellular communication (optional as item versions)
WLAN (can optionally be retrofitted via USB adapter)
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¹⁾ Only supported for class 1000 in combination with class 3000.

3D view

Experience now in 3D

Take a look at the CHARX control modular 3150 AC charging controller in precise detail. The product can be viewed from any angle using free zoom and rotate functions.

Corresponding accessories Add additional functions, depending on your requirements

Energy meters
RFID readers
Residual current monitoring
Power supply
Energy meters

RFID readers

Residual current monitoring

Power supply

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Scalable for every application From a single home charger to a parking garage with 48 charging points

Example integration of a CHARX control modular class 1000 charging controller in a single home charger without communication connection
Example 1: Carport with a single home charger without communication connection. The class 1000 controller already has all the necessary functions for single charging points, such as residual current detection or charging connector release in the event of a power failure. Access rights can be granted by adding users to an RFID whitelist.
Example integration of the CHARX control modular class 3150 charging controller in a single charging point with wireless backend connection in a smart city
Example 2: Single charging point with wireless backend connection in a smart city. The class 3150 controller enables the wireless connection of charging points to billing systems via the integrated 4G modem and the OCPP protocol. Due to the compact design, charging stations can be integrated into streetlamps, for example.
Example integration of the CHARX control modular class 3100 and class 1000 charging controllers into three double charging points with backend connection and terminal on a company parking lot
Example 3: Company parking lot with three double charging points and terminal with backend connection. A double charging station consisting of a class 3100 controller and a class 1000 controller manages two lower-level double charging points, each comprising a class 3000 controller and a class 1000 controller. The touch terminal and backend system are connected via the class 3100 controller.
Example integration of the CHARX control modular class 3000 and class 1000 charging controllers in a parking garage with 48 charging points and a central control cabinet with backend connection
Example 4: Parking garage with 48 charging points and a central control cabinet with backend connection. One class 3000 controller and 11 class 1000 controllers are connected via DIN rail bus connector to form a cluster of 12 charging points. The class 3000 controller is used to manage three additional clusters of the same structure, meaning a total of 48 charging points.

Your personal contact person

For all queries regarding our products and solutions

Customer service
Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
+49 5235-300
I will be happy to advise you on your charging infrastructure project.

New products

Software update for CHARX control modular AC charging controllers
Software update for CHARX control modular AC charging controllers

AC charging controllers now with plug-and-charge

Update makes charging even easier

The AC charging controllers in the CHARX control modular family are the centerpiece of an intelligent charging infrastructure. With software release 1.9, CHARX SEC-3050 and SEC-3150 now support plug-and-charge (PnC) for automatic authentication and payment of the charging process.

Main features

  • Software version: 1.9
  • OCPP version: 1.6 J
  • ISO 15118-2 support in accordance with AFIR
  • Various security patches
  • Download of update file via the item page

Your Advantages

  • Time-saving and more convenient by automatically starting the charging process – without apps and charge cards
  • Increased security through encryption in accordance with ISO 15118-2 provides protection against tampering and misuse
  • Improved cybersecurity minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to your charging stations

AC charging controllers simplify calibration law

Update shortens calibration law certification

The AC charging controllers in the CHARX control modular family are the centerpiece of an intelligent charging infrastructure. With software release 1.8, the calibration law concept has been fundamentally revised, which significantly shortens the certification process for your charging solution.

Main features

  • Software version: 1.8
  • Supported OCMF-compatible MID energy meters: Iskra WM3M4C, Bauer BSM-WS36A, EMH iML e-moc, others on request
  • No loss of calibration law certification with future updates
  • Various security patches
  • Download of update file via the item page

Your Advantages

  • Several energy meters to choose from, so your calibration law solution can be designed flexibly
  • No expensive recertification, as the calibration law certificate remains valid for future software updates
  • Improved cybersecurity minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to your charging stations

Technical FAQs Frequently asked technical questions and answers about CHARX control modular

Which interfaces and protocols are supported?
CHARX control modular offers a variety of interfaces such as Ethernet, WLAN (via USB adapter), Modbus/TCP, OCPP 1.6J, MQTT, and REST-API. This allows the controller to be flexibly integrated into a wide range of backend systems, energy management systems, and IoT systems.

How easy is installation and commissioning?
With plug-and-play modules, Push-in connection technology, and web-based configuration, installation is particularly quick and easy. The WLAN function also enables wireless commissioning and maintenance – without the need for complex cabling.

How is compatibility with peripheral devices ensured?
The control unit supports numerous energy meters (MID, compliant with calibration laws) and other peripheral devices, such as RFID/NFC modules and DC residual current monitoring. The modular system architecture enables different components to be easily integrated and replaced.

What scaling options are there?
CHARX control modular can be used to intelligently control and manage up to 48 charging points. The system architecture is designed such that it can be extended flexibly – from a single EV charger right up to a large charging park.

How will international standards be complied with (also in the future)?
The controller complies with current standards such as IEC 61851, ISO 15118, and the Radio Equipment Directive (RED). It is also prepared for the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). Regular, signed software updates ensure that new regulatory and technical requirements are implemented promptly.

Are there functions for smart services and IoT applications?
Yes, the open Linux platform enables the development and integration of customer-specific IoT applications, smart services, and sector coupling. This means that the charging infrastructure can be future-proofed and extended individually.

How is security guaranteed during updates and in operation?
Updates are secured by RSA-PSS signatures and SHA-512 Hash. The controller has role-based access control, a mandatory password change on first login and protection mechanisms against brute force attacks.

How does charging point management work?
A web-based management dashboard enables convenient configuration, monitoring, and maintenance of all charging points – locally or remotely. Status displays and error diagnostics are available at all times.

How is interoperability ensured?
By supporting open standards and protocols (OCPP, Modbus, MQTT, REST), the controller is compatible with a large number of (manufacturer-independent) backend systems, energy meters, and peripheral devices.

What special features does CHARX control modular offer?
Compared to other solutions, the combination of an open Linux platform, modular hardware, comprehensive protocol support, regular security updates, and simple scalability stands out and makes CHARX control modular a particularly flexible and future-proof solution for all AC charging applications.

How do I securely integrate charging points into IT and energy management systems?
Our AC charging controller supports numerous interfaces and protocols such as OCPP, MQTT, Modbus/TCP, and REST. This enables seamless integration into backend systems, smart home systems, and building management systems - including secure communication and optional VPN connection.

How is the charging infrastructure protected against cyber attacks?
The control system is developed in accordance with the secure-by-design principle: only necessary interfaces are active by default, passwords must be selected securely and all connections can be encrypted (e.g., via TLS or VPN). Security updates and logging of security-relevant events are a matter of course.

Can I safely monitor and maintain charging points remotely?
Yes; the integrated, encrypted OpenVPN solution ensures that protected remote access is possible. This is only activated when required (on demand) and protects your charging infrastructure from unauthorized access. This allows you to remotely carry out maintenance, diagnostics, and updates securely and efficiently.

How does load management work and how flexible is it?
The system distributes the available connected load intelligently and in phase to up to 48 charging points. It recognizes new vehicles, takes into account dynamic loads (e.g. PV systems and other loads) and automatically shifts unused capacities. This means that every charging process is optimally controlled and the grid connection point is reliably protected.

How do charging points stay technically and regulatory up-to-date?
Regular software updates ensure that new functions, safety standards, and legal requirements (such as ISO 15118, AFIR, calibration law) are implemented promptly – without losing certification.

What customization options are there?
The controller features flexible function blocks (e.g., event actions), which allow the operating logic and design to be customized.