Open building control for smart building automation

Increasing demands on energy efficiency, digitalisation, and regulatory requirements call for flexible automation solutions. Within this context, the control platform supports operators, integrators, and planners in consolidating technical systems from various trades onto a common platform. With its open architecture, the controller can be integrated into various system environments and supplemented with software solutions from the PLCnext Store digital marketplace.

Phoenix Contact will also be showcasing the integration of the PLCnext Engineer engineering environment for Catan C1 at the SPS trade fair in Nuremberg, Germany. This integration brings the control platform fully into the PLCnext Technology ecosystem, enabling it to interact with all four pillars of PLCnext Technology – Control, Engineer, Store, and Community – in the future. Users can develop automation applications using the familiar PLCnext Technology engineering tools and efficiently implement projects at the interface between industrial and building automation.

The hardware is modular in design and supports applications ranging from single-room controllers through to complex, cross-system automation projects. Extension modules enable scaling based on specific needs, while the space-saving DIN rail-mount format enables easy integration into the control cabinet.

A key feature of the control platform is its built-in KNX IP router. When combined with the software solution from our system partner Symcon, existing KNX systems as well as other bus systems and protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, and MQTT can be easily integrated. This enables the creation of a comprehensive building automation solution for applications such as lighting, shading, HVAC, energy management, and load control.

In addition, the control platform supports the latest requirements on smart energy management. Solutions that comply with Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) and Section 9 of the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) can be integrated, as can applications for load management and the transparent tracking of energy consumption. At the same time, security functions such as secure boot, signed software, and TPM-protected device identities help ensure a high level of protection for the system environment. The platform is also designed to meet the latest cybersecurity requirements and works with state-of-the-art encryption standards.

The entire Catan product family has been developed in accordance with the principles of the circular economy and is Cradle to Cradle Certified. Durability, material transparency, maintainability, and reusability all contribute to sustainable building projects and long-term investment decisions.

“With Catan C1, we are providing an open control platform that combines building automation with the advantages of the PLCnext Technology ecosystem. Support for PLCnext Engineer extends the platform to include familiar engineering tools from the field of industrial automation and simplifies the implementation of applications in the building environment. With the easy integration into KNX environments and a high degree of flexibility when it comes to extensions, we are creating a future-proof foundation for energy-efficient and sustainable buildings”, says Steffen Mehnert, director industry management and automation at Phoenix Contact.

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