ILC and Catan building controllers

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.

Visit the most important areas with just one click:

Comparison of our Niagra-based building controllers

Functions, performance, and areas of application at a glance

Catan C1 EN
ILC 2250 BI(-L)
ILC 2050 BI(-L)
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
Still haven’t found a suitable building controller?
Find the ideal building controller for your project

Let’s find out together what your building needs.

Arrange a consultation now
Man next to a subdistribution station
Cybersecurity in the control cabinet

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 building controller

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

Interactive image map: Portfolio for building controllers
KNX programming and KNX control
The Catan C1 EN controller, based on Niagara Framework® technology, has a KNX TP interface. This enables direct access to your KNX system, without additional gateways. This makes integration into KNX automation particularly efficient and flexible.
View product details
KNX programming and KNX control
Intuitive operation with 2.4" touch display
The Catan Control Panel can be optionally plugged in during operation for each module in the product range. This detachable display not only serves as a local override operating level, but also enables particularly straightforward servicing thanks to intuitive menu navigation and module-specific applications.
More about the display
Intuitive operation with 2.4" touch display
Networked at all levels
The Catan C1 EN provides comprehensive connectivity with three LAN ports, two USB ports, and integrated RS-485 interfaces. The built-in three-port Ethernet switch enables flexible LAN and WAN port management and supports RSTP for reliable loop protection. Communication via two network cards makes the controller ideal for segmented networks, redundant connections, and sophisticated automation architectures.
View product details
Networked at all levels
Acoustic servicing aid
In room automation, speakers are installed in the ceiling or raised floor. When servicing is required, searching for the devices using plans can be time-consuming. To simplify this process, speakers are integrated into the controller and the extension modules. The acoustic signals make it much easier to find the devices.
View product details
Acoustic servicing aid
Future-proof networking with Single Pair Ethernet
The Catan product range relies on Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) as the basis for end-to-end communication for the entire automation network. All modules are connected via SPE – in an efficient, space-saving way and with a long range. Up to 16 extension modules can be connected to the controller via simple telecommunication lines. The modules can be installed at a distance of up to 350 m.
More about Single Pair Ethernet
Future-proof networking with Single Pair Ethernet
Multifunctional I/O channels
All modules in the Catan product family have highly flexible I/O channels that can be configured for up to six different applications per channel – from digital and analog signals through to specialized functions. Connection is implemented conveniently via 1.5 mm² Push-in terminal blocks and almost any signal format can be processed directly.
View product details
Multifunctional I/O channels
RS-485 interfaces
The two RS-485 interfaces onboard can be conveniently terminated via web-based management and configured for BIAS – without any additional tools. To facilitate simple integration into existing building and automation systems, both interfaces support the common Modbus/RTU, DMX, and BACnet MS/TP protocols.
View product details
RS-485 interfaces
Efficient DALI controller for large projects
The DALI extension module supplements the Catan product family with a powerful lighting control system for four independent DALI lines. It supports the DALI-2 standard including multi-master function for integrating DALI sensors. It has an integrated bus power supply. The DiiA certification guarantees compatibility with all certified DALI products.
Discover the DALI extension
Efficient DALI controller for large projects
Catan modules in electrical subdistribution
Environment icon
Subdistribution of an electrical installation
Person at a PC with Catan module
Catan modules in electrical subdistribution

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.

View Catan C1 EN product details
Environment icon

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.

Subdistribution of an electrical installation

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.

Person at a PC with Catan module

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

Interactive image map: Controller for the automation of buildings
Integration into the Ethernet network
Both generations of the ILC 2x50 BI product family have four LAN ports and two USB and RS-485 interfaces respectively. The integrated four-port Ethernet switch enables flexible LAN and WAN port management, RSTP for loop protection, and communication via two network cards.
View product details
Integration into the Ethernet network
Intelligent light control with DALI-2
The ILC 2x50 BI series supports the DALI-2 standard for modern, standard-compliant lighting control in buildings. With the integrated DALI master, multi-master functionality, and a built-in DALI power supply unit, the system offers a complete solution for controlling and monitoring luminaires, sensors, and control elements – without any additional gateways.
View DALI master
Intelligent light control with DALI-2
RS-485 interfaces
The two serial RS-485 interfaces onboard provide maximum flexibility for industrial communication. Both ports can be conveniently terminated via DIP switches and configured for BIAS. The interfaces support common protocols such as Modbus/RTU and BACnet MS/TP – ideal for seamless integration into existing automation and building management systems. Other serial interfaces are available as an option.
View product details
RS-485 interfaces
LON-ready for retrofit
The ILC 2x50 BI product family is still available in both generations as a LON version – with integrated LON TP/FT-10 interface for direct connection to existing LonWorks® building networks. This means that older building automation systems can also be seamlessly modernized – ideal for energy-efficient retrofitting and future-proof smart building solutions.
Discover the LON version product details
LON-ready for retrofit
Extensive I/O expansion
The ILC 2x50 BI series features a versatile I/O portfolio with digital and analog inputs and outputs for precise signal processing and flexible applications. With its fine channel granularity, end-to-end N-conductor connection technology and support for current, voltage, and temperature signals, any installation can be implemented efficiently. Extension modules with M-Bus and MP-Bus enable easy integration into state-of-the-art building automation systems. Eco models are also available for cost-optimized projects.
View product list
Extensive I/O expansion
Electrical installation in a building control cabinet
ILC 2x50 BI(-L) with Niagara Framework® technology
Building control
Building automation in the control cabinet and Emalytics
Electrical installation in a building control cabinet

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.

Controller - ILC 2250 BI
ILC 2x50 BI(-L) with Niagara Framework® technology

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.

Building control

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.

Building automation in the control cabinet and Emalytics

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


Emalytics 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®.

Niagara Framework® logo

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.

Catan C1 und PLCnext Technology

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.

Contact


Bernhard Tillmanns, Director Global Industry Management Building Technologies
Bernhard Tillmanns
Director Global Industry Management Building Technologies
I will be happy to consult with you on your modernization or new construction projects. Benefit from our long-standing experience and extensive range of services.

References


Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The Catan C1 EN und ILC 2250 BI building controllers
Engineer programming
Cabling of the Catan C1 EN in subdistribution
Control cabinet with ILC 2250 BI building controller
The Catan C1 EN und ILC 2250 BI building controllers

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.

Engineer programming

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.

Cabling of the Catan C1 EN in subdistribution

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.

Control cabinet with ILC 2250 BI building controller

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.