Building controllers

Rely on building controllers with the Niagara Framework®: Our portfolio of controllers and I/O modules offers you maximum flexibility. Ideal for central and decentralized applications – from refurbishment to new builds. Compact, scalable, and easy to integrate.

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Catan product family

ILC product family

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

Comparison of our building controllers

Identify the appropriate building controller for your needs in just a few steps.


	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 subdistribution
Control cabinet
Protocols and interfaces
IoT and building protocols	BACnet, Modbus, MQTT, oBIX, OPC UA, SNMP, DALI, and SMI	BACnet, Modbus, MQTT, oBIX, OPC UA, SNMP, M-Bus, MP-Bus, DALI, 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
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)

Catan product family

Overview of the main features of Catan

Interactive image map: Portfolio for building controllers

Pioneering work in KNX automation

As the world’s first controller based on Niagara Framework® technology, the Catan C1 EN has a KNX TP interface. This enables direct access to KNX automation without additional gateways.

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.

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.

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 coupled to the controller over several hundred meters via simple telecommunication lines.

Compact I/O extension

The relay module, which is just six HP wide, combines six powerful digital outputs with eight universal inputs in one compact housing. The flexible input channels enable the direct connection of various sensors and devices – such as temperature sensors, electricity meters, or contact signals. The six integrated changeover relays are designed for a continuous load of 16 A at 230 V AC and thus provide reliable switching capacity even for demanding applications.

More about the extension module

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. For powerful applications, even 2.5 mm² connections are available for the 16 A relays.

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 and BACnet MS/TP protocols.

Subdistribution of an electrical installation

Catan modules in electrical subdistribution

Standardized hardware design and wide range of possible applications

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 subdistributions, small distribution boards, and even in the very small installation areas of building technology systems.

Connection of Niagara Framework® and the KNX world

The Catan product portfolio combines the two leading technology platforms, Niagara Framework® and KNX, in one system for the first time – a unique innovation in the building sector.
With Catan, existing KNX infrastructures can be seamlessly integrated into the building IoT world. The solution makes efficient use of the existing KNX cabling – thanks to modern Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology.

Easy device configuration

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

More about ILC 2x50 BI-L

Scalable 24 V power supply for modular system architectures

The ILC 2x50 BI(-L) is supplied via a central 24 V DC power source and efficiently provides this potential for all connected Inline terminals. Additional modules for potential infeed and electrical isolation are available for flexible segmentation – ideal for structured power distribution, targeted protection, and the construction of complex automation solutions.

Digital inputs and outputs

The digital inputs and outputs of the ILC 2x50 BI series impress with their fine granularity, enabling precise signal processing at channel level. With N conductor connection technology throughout, you benefit from flexible wiring options that suit every installation situation in the control cabinet.

Analog inputs and outputs

The ILC 2x50 BI series offers high-performance analog inputs and outputs that support a wide range of signal types – including current, voltage, and temperature signals. Each channel is individually configurable and can be flexibly adapted to the respective application. Eco models, which are reduced to the essentials without compromising on quality and reliability, are available for particularly economical projects.

Communication modules for comprehensive building automation

The ILC 2x50 BI series can be specifically extended with high-performance communication modules – for easy integration into modern building automation systems. The modules support M-Bus and MP-Bus, enabling direct connection to established fieldbus standards. This allows energy, air conditioning, and ventilation systems to be efficiently networked, monitored, and controlled.

Electrical installation in a building control cabinet

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

Building automation in the control cabinet and Emalytics

Automation of primary and secondary systems

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.

Unique integration into the Niagara Framework®

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.

Long-term functional safety and availability

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.

Web-based management for easy configuration

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.

Contact

Bernhard Tillmanns

Director Global Industry Management Building Technologies

smartbuilding@phoenixcontact.com

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.

Future-proof with the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)

Networked systems play a central role in building automation. From heating control and lighting to access control – the integration of digital technologies offers numerous advantages, but also harbors risks. The European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) ensures that products with digital elements that are used in building automation satisfy very high security requirements.
Our products and systems for building automation meet the stringent requirements of the CRA and thus provide you with the highest level of security and reliability. You can rely on our expertise. Increase your resilience against cyberattacks.

More about the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)