「英中对照」菲尼克斯电气推出基于PLCnext的Catan C1楼宇自控开放控制平台

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Phoenix Contact presents the Catan C1 controller for cross-trade integration of automation systems and energy management within existing KNX infrastructures.

  www.phoenixcontact.com

Applying the principles from the New Product New document, Phoenix Contact has launched the Catan C1 building automation platform based on PLCnext Technology. The hardware and software solution is aimed at system integrators and planners to merge technical systems of various trades in new buildings as well as in the modernization of properties.

Challenges of networked building automation
Increasing energy efficiency requirements, progressive digitalization, and strict regulatory guidelines, such as Section 14a EnWG and Section 9 EEG in Germany, demand highly flexible automation solutions in the building sector. Operators face the engineering task of centrally controlling previously isolated technical systems for lighting, shading, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and intelligent load management, without having to completely replace the existing network architecture.

System architecture and PLCnext integration
To meet these spatial and technical requirements, the Catan C1 hardware is modular in design and constructed in a space-saving DIN rail-mounted format. This enables direct integration into standardized control cabinets. Expansion modules ensure needs-based physical scaling, ranging from simple single-room control to complex, cross-trade automation projects. At the SPS trade fair in Nuremberg, Phoenix Contact presented the integration of the PLCnext Engineer engineering environment for the Catan C1. As a result, the control platform interacts with the four core pillars of PLCnext Technology: Control, Engineer, Store, and Community. This allows users to implement automation applications using established industrial engineering tools in the building environment and to supplement the system landscape with software solutions from the PLCnext Store digital marketplace.

Network protocols and cybersecurity
A central technical feature of the controller is the hardware-integrated KNX IP router. In combination with the software solution from system partner Symcon, the system integrates existing KNX topologies as well as other industrial and building-specific communication protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, and MQTT on a common data layer. To secure the system environment against unauthorized network access, the platform utilizes current encryption standards. Integrated security features such as Secure Boot, signed software, and TPM-protected (Trusted Platform Module) device identities ensure the integrity of the entire automation solution. The product family was also developed according to circular economy principles, is Cradle to Cradle Certified, and is designed for longevity and material transparency.

Steffen Mehnert, Head of Industry Management and Automation at Phoenix Contact, explains the technical approach: 'With Catan C1, we are providing an open control platform that combines building automation with the advantages of the PLCnext Ecosystem. The support for PLCnext Engineer expands the platform with familiar engineering tools from industrial automation and facilitates the implementation of applications in the building environment. Through simple integration into KNX environments and high flexibility for expansion, we create a future-proof foundation for energy-efficient and sustainable buildings.'

Additional context
This section details the technical specifications and competitive benchmarking not included in the original product announcement

In the market for open building automation controllers, the Phoenix Contact Catan C1 is positioned against established platforms such as the WAGO PFC200 and the Beckhoff CX series embedded PCs. While traditional building controllers are often limited to proprietary runtime environments or pure IEC 61131-3 programming, the Catan C1 differentiates itself through the underlying PLCnext operating system. This architecture enables the deterministic, parallel execution of classic PLC code and high-level languages such as C++ or C#, which is a major advantage when implementing compute-intensive IoT interfaces and complex energy management algorithms. Furthermore, the native integration of the KNX IP router directly into the base module eliminates the need for external gateway hardware, which measurably reduces the wiring effort and the space required on the DIN rail compared to systems with modularly arranged bus couplers.

Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

www.phoenixcontact.com

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