Phoenix ILC Series: Industrial Logic Controllers - Comprehensive Application & Selection Guide

Product Positioning & Core Value

The Phoenix ILC Series represents a portfolio of modular, compact industrial logic controllers designed for distributed automation, remote monitoring, and small-to-medium-scale control tasks. As part of Phoenix’s Inline product ecosystem, these controllers integrate seamlessly with Inline I/O modules, support multiple industrial communication protocols (Profinet, Ethernet, GSM/GPRS), and deliver industrial-grade reliability in a space-saving form factor.

Core value propositions include:

• Modular Flexibility: Compatible with Phoenix Inline I/O modules (digital/analog/Ex/I/O-Link) for scalable control solutions.
• Multi-Protocol Support: Profinet (PN), Ethernet (ETH), and GSM/GPRS connectivity for seamless integration into global automation networks.
• Compact Design: DIN rail-mounted, narrow width (12.5mm~45mm) for space-constrained control cabinets and distributed installations.
• Industrial Durability: -25°C~+60°C operating temperature, IP20 protection, and compliance with IEC 61131-3 (PLCopen) standards, ideal for harsh manufacturing, process control, and logistics environments.
• Remote Capabilities: Built-in Ethernet or GSM/GPRS (for compact models) enables remote monitoring, programming, and maintenance.

Ideal for distributed control systems (DCS), remote equipment monitoring, small automation cells, and IoT-enabled applications, the ILC Series bridges the gap between traditional PLCs and compact controllers, offering a balance of performance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Product Family Overview

The ILC Series is categorized by performance class, communication capabilities, and form factor to meet diverse control requirements:

1. High-Performance Controllers (ILC 390/370/350/330)

• Function: Mid-to-high-end logic control, complex I/O expansion, and real-time communication for demanding automation tasks.
• Key Features:
  • Support for Profinet (PN) or Ethernet (ETH) with dual Ethernet ports (2TX) for network redundancy.
  • Compatibility with up to 256 Inline I/O modules (digital/analog/Ex/I/O-Link).
  • Advanced logic processing (IEC 61131-3 programming: Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text).
• Typical Models: ILC 390 PN 2TX-IB, ILC 370 PN 2TX-IB/M, ILC 350 ETH, ILC 330 PN.

2. Mid-Range Controllers (ILC 2050/200)

• Function: Medium-scale control tasks, standalone or distributed I/O integration, and basic automation logic.
• Key Features:
  • ILC 2050: Advanced functionality with integrated I/O and bus master capabilities.
  • ILC 200: Entry-level mid-range controller with Inline I/O expansion (up to 64 modules).
  • Support for Ethernet/Profinet communication.
• Typical Models: ILC 2050 BI-L, ILC 200 UNI-PAC, ILC 200 IB-PAC.

3. Compact Controllers (ILC 191/190/171/170)

• Function: Small-scale control, sensor/actuator direct control, and space-constrained applications.
• Key Features:
  • Built-in dual Ethernet ports (2TX) for communication redundancy.
  • Compact design (12.5mm~17.5mm width) with limited local I/O, expandable via Inline modules (up to 32 modules).
  • IEC 61131-3 programming support for simple logic tasks.
• Typical Models: ILC 191 ETH 2TX, ILC 170 ETH 2TX, ILC 190 ETH 2TX.

4. Miniature Controllers (ILC 155/151/150/131/130)

• Function: Ultra-compact control, remote monitoring, and IoT edge computing for small devices.
• Key Features:
  • Communication Options: Ethernet (ETH) or GSM/GPRS (wireless remote access).
  • Minimal footprint (12.5mm width) with no local I/O (expansion via Inline modules, up to 16 modules).
  • Low power consumption, ideal for battery-powered or remote applications.
• Typical Models: ILC 151 GSM/GPRS, ILC 150 ETH, ILC 131 ETH/XC, ILC 130 ETH.

5. Accessories

• ILC IB-PLSET (2729622): Parameter setting tool for Inline bus couplers, enabling quick configuration of ILC controllers and I/O modules.

Technical Specifications (Universal Parameters)

Detailed Function Module Introduction

1. High-Performance Controllers (ILC 390/370/350/330)

2. Mid-Range Controllers (ILC 2050/200)

3. Compact Controllers (ILC 191/190/171/170)

4. Miniature Controllers (ILC 155/151/150/131/130)

5. Accessory

Application Scenario Analysis

1. Distributed Manufacturing Automation (Automotive/Electronics)

Recommended Configuration:

• High-Performance Control: ILC 390 PN 2TX-IB (2985314) + ILC 370 PN 2TX-IB/M (2985576)
• I/O Expansion: Phoenix Inline digital/analog/I/O-Link modules
• Communication: Profinet IRT for real-time robot-conveyor synchronization

Implementation Advantages:

• Dual Ethernet ports enable network redundancy, minimizing downtime.
• Support for 256 I/O modules covers large-scale production lines.
• Profinet IRT ensures sub-millisecond synchronization for robotic assembly.

2. Remote Equipment Monitoring (Oil & Gas/Water Treatment)

Recommended Configuration:

• Wireless Control: ILC 151 GSM/GPRS (2700977) + ILC 150 ETH (2985330)
• I/O Expansion: Inline Ex I/O modules (for hazardous areas)
• Communication: GSM/GPRS for remote data transmission, Ethernet for local control

Implementation Advantages:

• GSM/GPRS enables remote monitoring of off-grid equipment (no Ethernet infrastructure).
• Extended temperature range (-25°C~+60°C) adapts to outdoor/harsh environments.
• Compatibility with Ex I/O modules ensures safety in hazardous areas.

3. Small Automation Cells (Food & Beverage/Pharmaceuticals)

Recommended Configuration:

• Mid-Range Control: ILC 2050 BI-L (2404671) + ILC 200 UNI-PAC (2862291)
• I/O Expansion: Inline analog modules (for temperature/pressure sensing)
• Communication: Ethernet Modbus TCP for HMI integration

Implementation Advantages:

• Integrated I/O reduces wiring complexity in compact production cells.
• IEC 61131-3 programming supports recipe-based control (batch processing).
• Industrial-grade reliability ensures compliance with food safety standards.

4. IoT Edge Computing (Smart Factories/Logistics)

Recommended Configuration:

• Miniature Control: ILC 131 ETH/XC (2701034) + ILC 155 ETH (2988188)
• I/O Expansion: Inline digital modules (for sensor data collection)
• Communication: Ethernet TCP/IP for cloud connectivity (MQTT protocol support)

Implementation Advantages:

• Ultra-compact design fits in IoT gateways and edge devices.
• Low power consumption supports battery-powered sensor networks.
• Modbus TCP/MQTT enables seamless integration with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS).

Selection Guide

Step 1: Determine Control Scale & I/O Requirements

Step 2: Select Communication Protocol

Step 3: Consider Special Requirements

• Harsh Environments: Choose extended temperature models (ILC 151 ETH/XC, ILC 131 ETH/XC) with -40°C~+70°C operating range.
• Redundancy: Dual Ethernet ports (2TX) for network redundancy (ILC 390/370/191/190/171/170).
• Hazardous Areas: Pair with Phoenix Inline Ex I/O modules (all ILC series support Ex integration).
• IoT Connectivity: Miniature ETH models (ILC 131 ETH/XC, ILC 155 ETH) for MQTT/cloud integration.

Step 4: Verify Expansion & Programming Needs

• I/O Expansion: Ensure controller supports required number of Inline modules (check technical specifications).
• Programming Complexity: All models support IEC 61131-3; use PC Worx software for programming.
• Third-Party Compatibility: Profinet/Ethernet models support standard industrial protocols for cross-vendor integration.

Installation & Maintenance Guide

Installation Steps:

1. Mounting: Snap the controller onto a 35mm DIN rail, ensuring ≥5mm spacing for heat dissipation.
2. Wiring: Connect power supply (24V DC), communication cables (Ethernet/GSM antenna), and Inline I/O modules via the Inline Bus connector.
3. Torque: Tighten terminal screws to 0.5~0.8Nm (prevents vibration-induced loosening).
4. Configuration: Use Phoenix PC Worx software to program logic (IEC 61131-3) and configure communication parameters (IP address, protocol settings).
5. Testing: Verify LED indicators (green = power-on, yellow = communication active) and test I/O functionality with field devices.

Maintenance Points:

• Status Monitoring: Regularly check LEDs (red = fault) – troubleshoot communication, power, or I/O issues.
• Firmware Updates: Periodically update controller firmware via PC Worx for enhanced functionality and security.
• Remote Maintenance: Use Ethernet/GSM/GPRS for remote programming and fault diagnosis (reduces on-site visits).
• Environmental Control: Keep installation area dry (relative humidity 10~90%, non-condensing) and free of dust.
• Inspection: Conduct semi-annual checks for loose connections, damaged housing, and cable wear.

ILC Series vs. Traditional PLCs & Compact Controllers

Summary & Next Steps

The Phoenix ILC Series delivers flexible, reliable industrial control solutions for distributed automation, remote monitoring, and IoT edge applications. With modular I/O expansion, multi-protocol communication, and compact design, these controllers adapt to diverse industrial needs – from large-scale manufacturing to small remote devices. By selecting the appropriate performance class, communication protocol, and expansion options, you can optimize control system performance, reduce wiring complexity, and enable remote maintenance.