Description
🔹 Product Overview
The Phoenix Contact ILC 171 ETH 2TX, item number 2700975, is a compact Inline controller designed for distributed industrial automation applications. It combines IEC 61131-3 control functionality with an integrated INTERBUS master and Ethernet communication interfaces.
The controller supports Ethernet-based protocols including PROFINET Device and Modbus/TCP Client, making it suitable for connecting Inline I/O stations and higher-level industrial networks. Its modular design allows additional Inline I/O terminals to be connected directly to the controller.
The ILC 171 ETH 2TX is also equipped with an integrated web server and supports multiple industrial communication and application protocols.
⚙️ Key Features
- Phoenix Contact Inline-Controller architecture
- IEC 61131-3 runtime environment
- 64 MHz processor
- 512 kB program memory
- 512 kB data memory
- 48 kB retentive NVRAM
- Integrated INTERBUS master
- Up to 4,096 bits of INTERBUS process data
- Up to 63 local Inline bus devices
- 2 × RJ45 Ethernet interfaces
- 10/100 Mbps Ethernet communication
- PROFINET Device functionality
- Modbus/TCP Client functionality
- Integrated FTP and HTML web server
- RS-232 service/diagnostic interface
- DIN-rail mounting
- 24 VDC supply
- Compact 80 mm wide housing
📊 Technical Datasheet
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Phoenix Contact |
| Model | ILC 171 ETH 2TX |
| Item Number | 2700975 |
| Product Series | Inline-Controller |
| Product Name | Compact Ethernet Controller |
| Processor Frequency | 64 MHz |
| Program / Data Memory | 512 kB / 512 kB |
| Communication Interfaces | 2 × Ethernet RJ45, 10/100 Mbps |
| Supply Voltage | 24 VDC, 19.2–30 VDC |
| Dimensions / Weight | 80 × 119.8 × 71.5 mm; approx. 350 g |
🔌 Inline I/O Control
The ILC 171 ETH 2TX is designed as a controller for the Phoenix Contact Inline I/O system. Up to 63 local bus devices can be connected, subject to the system’s current and configuration limitations.
The integrated INTERBUS master supports up to 4,096 bits of process data, allowing the controller to coordinate distributed digital and analog Inline I/O modules.
The controller itself also provides 8 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs. The digital inputs support EN 61131-2 Type 1 NPN/PNP signals, while the outputs can provide up to 500 mA per channel.
🌐 Ethernet and PROFINET Communication
Two RJ45 Ethernet ports provide 10/100 Mbps communication.
The controller supports PROFINET Device functionality and can therefore be integrated into a higher-level PROFINET control architecture where the ILC 171 operates as a field-level controller/device.
It also provides an integrated Modbus/TCP Client, allowing communication with compatible Ethernet-based devices and systems.
For engineering and diagnostics, the controller provides an RS-232 interface with a maximum transmission rate of 115.2 kbps.
🧠 Programming and Memory
The ILC 171 ETH 2TX uses an IEC 61131 runtime environment and supports common PLC programming methods including:
- Instruction List (IL)
- Sequential Function Chart (SFC)
- Ladder Diagram (LD)
- Function Block Diagram (FBD)
- Structured Text (ST)
The controller provides 512 kB program memory, 512 kB data memory, and 48 kB retentive NVRAM for retained application data.
An optional SD-card-based memory expansion can also be used for applications requiring additional storage.
🖥️ Web and Application Functions
An integrated web server provides browser-based access to controller information and web-based application functions.
Depending on the application and firmware configuration, the controller can support protocols and services such as:
- HTTP
- FTP
- SNTP
- SNMP
- SMTP
- SQL
- MySQL
These capabilities allow the ILC 171 ETH 2TX to participate in broader industrial information and Ethernet architectures beyond basic PLC control.
🏭 Typical Applications
The controller is suitable for:
- Machine automation
- Packaging equipment
- Material handling
- Conveyor systems
- Production-line control
- Distributed I/O systems
- Industrial Ethernet applications
- Process equipment
- Building and infrastructure automation
- Legacy INTERBUS installations
Its compact housing is useful where PLC control and local I/O functionality need to be installed within a limited control-cabinet space.
🔧 Installation and Commissioning
Install the controller on the appropriate DIN rail and connect the 24 VDC supply according to the control-panel wiring design.
Before startup:
- Verify the 24 VDC supply voltage.
- Check the Inline I/O module arrangement.
- Confirm local bus connections.
- Connect the Ethernet cables.
- Verify the PROFINET or Modbus/TCP configuration.
- Load the correct PLC application.
- Check the controller runtime status.
- Verify all connected I/O points.
- Test Ethernet communication.
- Perform a complete machine sequence test.
The controller has an IP20 enclosure and should therefore be installed inside a suitable electrical cabinet or protected enclosure.
🔍 Troubleshooting Guide
Controller does not power up:
Check the 24 VDC supply, terminal connections, polarity, and cabinet power distribution.
Inline I/O is not detected:
Inspect the local bus connection and module arrangement. Check the total number of connected terminals and their power requirements.
PROFINET communication fails:
Verify Ethernet cabling, network configuration, device name, controller configuration, and PROFINET project parameters.
Modbus/TCP communication fails:
Check the IP configuration, client settings, target-device address, port configuration, and register mapping.
PLC program does not execute correctly:
Check the loaded application, firmware/runtime compatibility, task configuration, retained data, and I/O mapping.
Ethernet connection is unstable:
Inspect the RJ45 connectors, cable quality, network equipment, and possible grounding or electromagnetic interference issues.
🛠️ Maintenance Recommendations
For long-term operation, maintain a backup of the complete controller application and communication configuration.
Recommended maintenance records include:
- PLC application program
- Firmware/runtime version
- I/O configuration
- PROFINET parameters
- Modbus/TCP settings
- IP addressing
- Network topology
- Inline I/O module list
- Machine commissioning parameters
Keep the controller and spare units in a clean, dry environment. During replacement work, use appropriate ESD precautions when handling the electronic module.
♻️ Replacement Considerations
When replacing an existing ILC 171 ETH 2TX 2700975, verify more than the controller name.
Important compatibility checks include:
- Exact item number
- Firmware/runtime version
- PLC application
- Inline I/O configuration
- INTERBUS configuration
- PROFINET device configuration
- Modbus/TCP parameters
- IP addressing
- Retentive data requirements
- Connected expansion modules
A replacement controller should be tested with the actual machine configuration before being returned to continuous production.
❓ FAQ
What is the Phoenix Contact ILC 171 ETH 2TX?
It is a compact Inline PLC/controller designed for distributed automation and Ethernet-based industrial communication.
What is the Phoenix Contact item number?
The item number is 2700975.
Does the controller support PROFINET?
Yes. It supports PROFINET Device functionality.
Does it support Modbus/TCP?
Yes. The controller provides Modbus/TCP Client functionality.
How many Ethernet ports does it have?
It has two RJ45 Ethernet interfaces supporting 10/100 Mbps communication.
How many Inline devices can be connected?
Up to 63 local bus devices can be connected, subject to power and system configuration limitations.
What is the supply voltage?
The controller operates from 24 VDC, with a specified range of 19.2–30 VDC.
Does it have built-in digital I/O?
Yes. The controller provides 8 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs.
Can it be DIN-rail mounted?
Yes. The ILC 171 ETH 2TX is designed for DIN-rail installation.
Is it suitable as a replacement for an existing ILC 171 ETH 2TX?
Yes, provided the firmware, application program, Inline I/O configuration, network parameters, and communication configuration are verified before commissioning.
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- Phoenix Contact RFC 460R PN 3TX
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📦 Product Summary
The Phoenix Contact ILC 171 ETH 2TX 2700975 is a compact industrial controller combining IEC 61131-3 PLC functionality, INTERBUS master capability, PROFINET Device communication, Modbus/TCP Client functionality, Ethernet connectivity, and direct Inline I/O expansion.
Its compact DIN-rail design makes it well suited for distributed machine-control and legacy automation systems where reliable Inline I/O integration and Ethernet communication are required.
