Phoenix Contact’s Latest Lineup: Sparking Innovation and Zapping Downtime

The new products within Phoenix Contact’s portfolio stand out and have impressive functionalities. All four products are designed to enhance automation processes, making industrial operations more efficient and reliable. With various new advanced technologies to meet the demands of modern industrial applications, these products are worth exploring.

PT 2,5-4L Terminal Blocks

The newly introduced terminal blocks are designed to save space. Space saving throughout an electrical cabinet is crucial, as the more space needed directly increases the cabinet's cost. With their compact design and width of just 5.2 mm, these terminal blocks are ideal for use in confined spaces, maximizing wiring efficiency.

The space-saving PT 2,5-4L terminal blocks. Image used courtesy of Phoenix Contact

Phoenix Contact designed these terminal blocks with flexibility and convenience in mind. Typically, precision screwdrivers are required to connect wires to terminal blocks with a lifting mechanism or a traditional screw. However, tools are not needed with the PT 2,5-4L terminal blocks, as each terminal offers a tool-free direct connection. Users can also have confidence in the power ratings of the terminal blocks, as they have a nominal current of 24 amps at a nominal voltage of 800 volts. Phoenix Contact has also released other terminal blocks within this family to ensure every user has a compatible solution. The different terminal blocks within this product family include feed-through, disconnect, and knife-disconnect terminal blocks.

AXL E IOL DI16 M12 6M and AXL E IOL DI08/8 M12 6M I/O Boxes

These newly introduced I/O boxes are designed with rigidity in mind. The main advantage of these I/O blocks is their high protection level against external environmental factors. When installed in a machine, these I/O blocks are designed to withstand rigorous testing. The capability to directly mount these blocks in the machine could significantly reduce wiring costs and labor.

The AXL E IOL DI16 M12 6M IO-Link Device I/O Box. Image used courtesy of Phoenix Contact

One excellent feature of these products is the integration of IO-Link. IO-Link is a communication protocol used in automation applications to connect sensors and actuators to a control system. IO-Link allows access to a broader range of data than traditional I/O blocks. While all I/O blocks can process real-time data, IO-Link will also enable users to retrieve diagnostic data, device information, and parameters. This additional data can provide insight into the health and status of the devices, which can be very helpful during maintenance procedures and troubleshooting.

NearFi Coupler

The new NearFi Coupler within Phoenix Contacts' portfolio had some of the most notable upgrades throughout this product list. Using high-performance wireless boards, the new NearFi couplers can now transmit data wirelessly up to 100 mm, nearly double the previous range. They can also double the power transmission. When two NearFi coupler paths are connected in parallel, they can transmit up to 100 W of power or two separate 50-watt voltages.

The new NearFi Coupler in Phoenix Contact’s portfolio. Image used courtesy of Phoenix Contact

This new Nofi tech includes contactless real-time transmission technology that enables the transmission of both power and data across an air gap without physical contact. This is useful in environments where traditional connections might wear or fail or if an automated system is old. Wires wear out quickly, but wireless technology offers a potentially long-lasting solution. NearFi supports all Ethernet protocols up to 10 Mbps without latency, making it versatile for various applications. When a successful data exchange occurs, the NearFi also has a green indication light, making it easy to use.

Phoenix Contact's latest additions to its product portfolio, including the PT2,5-4L terminal blocks, the AXL E IOL DI16 M12 6M and AXL E IOL DI08/8 M12 6M IO-Link I/O boxes, and the new NearFi couplers, showcase the company's commitment to providing innovative solutions for industrial automation.