Phoenix IB IL Series: Industrial Inline Communication & Function Modules - Comprehensive Application & Selection Guide

Product Positioning & Core Value

The Phoenix IB IL Series is a foundational part of the Inline industrial automation product family, specializing in distributed I/O expansion, serial communication conversion, and on-site signal processing. Designed to seamlessly integrate with PLC systems and distributed control networks, these modular components cover serial communication (RS 232/485/422), power distribution, pulse/incremental signal acquisition, PWM control, and intrinsically safe (Ex) signal handling. With 35mm DIN rail mounting, IP20 protection, and compatibility with global industrial standards (IEC 61131-2, ATEX/IECEx for Ex models), the series excels in manufacturing, process automation, hazardous areas, and industrial networking scenarios. It enables flexible system expansion, reliable data transmission, and safe signal processing—critical for building scalable, robust automation solutions.

Product Family Overview

The IB IL Series is categorized into five core functional groups to address diverse industrial needs:

1. Serial Communication Modules (RS Series)

• Function: Serial protocol conversion (RS 232/485/422) and bus extension for industrial devices (sensors, HMIs, controllers).
• Key Variants:
  • UNI: Universal serial interface for multi-protocol compatibility.
  • ECO: Cost-effective basic communication solutions.
  • PRO: Advanced industrial-grade communication with enhanced reliability.
  • 2MBD: High-speed (2Mbit/s) data transmission.
• Typical Models: IB IL RS 485/422-PRO-PAC, IB IL RS 232-ECO, IB IL RS UNI-PAC.

2. Power & Distribution Modules

• Function: Power supply, grounding, and potential distribution for Inline systems and field devices.
• Key Types:
  • Power Input: PWR IN/R-PLSET (power input with parameter setting).
  • Potential Distribution (PD): 24V DC power distribution, ground bonding (PD GND).
  • Power Monitoring (PM): 3-phase power monitoring with fault indication.
• Typical Models: IB IL PD 24V-PAC, IB IL PM 3P/N/EF-PAC, IB IL PD GND-PAC.

3. Special Function Modules

• Function: Specialized signal processing (pulse, incremental, PWM) and interface expansion.
• Key Capabilities:
  • PWM Control: PWM/2-PAC (2-channel PWM output).
  • Incremental Encoder Input: INC-IN-PAC (encoder signal acquisition).
  • Impulse Input: IMPULSE-IN-PAC (pulse signal processing).
  • Filtering: IFS-MA-PAC (signal filtering for noise reduction).
• Typical Models: IB IL PWM/2-PAC, IB IL INC-IN-2MBD-PAC, IB IL IMPULSE-IN-PAC.

4. Intrinsically Safe (Ex) Modules

• Function: Safe signal handling for hazardous areas (ATEX/IECEx Zone 2).
• Key Types:
  • Digital I/O: EX-IS DIO 4/NAM-PAC (4-channel intrinsically safe digital I/O).
  • Analog I/O: EX-IS AIO 4/EF-PAC (4-channel intrinsically safe analog I/O).
  • Isolated Power: EX PWR-ISO-PAC (isolated power supply for Ex systems).
• Typical Models: IB IL EX-IS DIO 4/NAM-PAC, IB IL EX PWR-ISO-PAC.

5. Field Interface Modules

• Function: Compact field device connection for small-scale I/O expansion.
• Key Variants: FIELD 2 (2-channel), FIELD 8 (8-channel) for direct field device integration.
• Typical Models: IB IL FIELD 8, IB IL FIELD 2.

Technical Specifications (Universal Parameters)

Detailed Function Module Introduction

1. Serial Communication Modules (RS Series)

2. Power & Distribution Modules

3. Special Function Modules

4. Intrinsically Safe (Ex) Modules

5. Field Interface Modules

Application Scenario Analysis

1. Distributed Automation Systems (Manufacturing)

Recommended Configuration:

• Communication: IB IL RS 485/422-PRO-PAC (2863627) + IB IL RS 232-ECO (2702795)
• Power Distribution: IB IL PD 24V-PAC (2862987) + IB IL PD GND-PAC (2862990)
• Signal Processing: IB IL INC-IN-2MBD-PAC (2819765) + IB IL PWM/2-PAC (2861632)

Implementation Advantages:

• RS 485/422 supports long-distance (up to 1200m) communication for distributed I/O.
• Modular power distribution ensures stable power for multi-module systems.
• High-speed encoder and PWM modules enable precise motion control.

2. Hazardous Area Monitoring (Petrochemical)

Recommended Configuration:

• Ex Signal Handling: IB IL EX-IS DIO 4/NAM-PAC (2869911) + IB IL EX-IS AIO 4/EF-PAC (2869912)
• Isolated Power: IB IL EX PWR-ISO-PAC (2869909)
• Communication: IB IL RS 485/422-PRO (2863707)

Implementation Advantages:

• ATEX/IECEx certification ensures safety in Zone 2 explosive environments.
• Isolated power and signal transmission prevent ignition risks.
• RS 485/422 communication enables remote monitoring of hazardous area devices.

3. Legacy System Integration (Factory Modernization)

Recommended Configuration:

• Serial Conversion: IB IL RS UNI-PAC (2700893) + IB IL RS 232-PAC (2861357)
• Signal Conditioning: IB IL IFS-MA-PAC (2692720)
• Power: IB IL PWR IN/R-PLSET (2860620)

Implementation Advantages:

• Universal RS interface bridges legacy RS 232 devices with modern RS 485 networks.
• Signal filtering reduces noise in aging factory environments.
• Configurable power input adapts to inconsistent legacy power supplies.

4. Process Control & Measurement (Food/Beverage)

Recommended Configuration:

• Pulse Acquisition: IB IL IMPULSE-IN-PAC (2861768)
• Field Connection: IB IL FIELD 8 (2727515)
• Power Monitoring: IB IL PM 3P/N/EF-PAC (2700965)

Implementation Advantages:

• High-resolution pulse modules accurately collect flow/level data.
• Compact field modules simplify wiring for local sensors.
• 3-phase power monitoring prevents production downtime from power faults.

Selection Guide

Step 1: Determine Core Functionality

Step 2: Verify Communication Requirements

• Long-Distance (＞15m): RS 485/422 models (e.g., IB IL RS 485/422-PRO-PAC).
• Short-Distance (≤15m): RS 232 models (e.g., IB IL RS 232-ECO).
• High-Speed (＞1 Mbps): 2MBD variants (e.g., IB IL RS 232-2MBD-PAC).
• Multi-Protocol: RS UNI-PAC (e.g., IB IL RS UNI-PAC).

Step 3: Consider Environmental & Safety Needs

• Hazardous Areas (Zone 2): All Ex series models (ATEX/IECEx certified).
• High-EMI Environments: Signal filtering modules (e.g., IB IL IFS-MA-PAC) + isolated power modules.
• Space Constraints: Compact ECO variants (e.g., IB IL RS 232-ECO) + FIELD modules.

Step 4: Match I/O & Capacity Requirements

• Digital I/O in Hazardous Areas: EX-IS DIO 4/NAM-PAC (4 channels).
• Analog I/O in Hazardous Areas: EX-IS AIO 4/EF-PAC (4 channels).
• Encoder/Position Signals: INC-IN-PAC (incremental) or IMPULSE-IN-PAC (pulse).
• PWM Control: PWM/2-PAC (2 channels).

Installation & Maintenance Guide

Installation Steps:

1. Mounting: Snap modules onto a 35mm DIN rail, ensuring ≥5mm spacing between modules for heat dissipation.
2. Wiring: Connect supply voltage, communication lines, and field signals per terminal markings (use 0.14~2.5mm² conductors).
3. Torque: Tighten terminal screws to 0.5~0.6Nm (prevents vibration-induced loosening).
4. Grounding: Ensure proper grounding of PD GND modules (≤4Ω ground resistance) to minimize EMI.
5. Configuration: For PRO/ECO variants, set communication parameters (baud rate, parity) via DIP switches or software.
6. Testing: Verify LED indicators (green = power-on, yellow = communication active) post-installation.

Maintenance Points:

• Status Monitoring: Regularly check LED indicators (red = fault, replace or troubleshoot immediately).
• Cable Inspection: Inspect communication and power cables for wear/corrosion (especially in harsh environments).
• Module Replacement: Use plug-in (PAC) design for tool-free module replacement without system shutdown.
• Environmental Control: Keep installation area dry (relative humidity 10~90%, non-condensing) and free of dust.
• Calibration: For power monitoring modules (PM 3P/N/EF-PAC), calibrate annually to ensure measurement accuracy.

IB IL Series vs. Traditional Industrial Modules

Summary & Next Steps

The Phoenix IB IL Series delivers flexible, reliable modular solutions for industrial communication, power distribution, and signal processing. With support for serial protocols, intrinsically safe operation, and specialized signal handling, these modules enable scalable, cost-effective automation systems—from small-scale control cabinets to large distributed networks. By selecting the appropriate module group based on communication needs, environmental conditions, and I/O requirements, you can optimize system performance, reduce downtime, and ensure compliance with global industrial standards.