Phoenix Contact separates fixed field wiring from replaceable signal functions

Phoenix Contact’s VIP I/O-Marshalling system combines signal conditioning and marshalling on termination boards fitted with replaceable function modules. The field wiring can stay in place while a channel’s electrical function is changed by exchanging its module.

Universal I/O controllers already allow channel configuration in software, but the electrical interface to the field device still has to perform the appropriate job. VIP I/O-Marshalling moves that choice into a modular layer between the fixed connections and the controller. Phoenix Contact says signal paths can therefore be planned, installed and tested before the final signal types are settled.

The boards accept modules for functions including signal conditioning, temperature conversion, relaying and protection. Push-in terminals connect field wiring and power, with D-SUB system cables carrying signals to the controller. Intrinsically safe and SIL variants are available within the range.

The IOA MCR-T-I temperature module shows how much of the channel is defined in that removable hardware. It accepts resistance thermometers, thermocouples or millivolt signals and converts the measurement to a 0/4–20 mA output. The output can operate actively or passively, selected using switches, while a USB connection under the cover provides access to software parameterisation.

For that module, Phoenix Contact specifies three-way isolation and a step response of no more than 400 ms to reach 99%, with the filter factor set to one. It lists a typical transmission error of 0.1% for a Pt100 measurement spanning 800 K with an active 4–20 mA output and modules mounted side by side. The stated conditions matter when comparing the module with a dedicated temperature interface.

Phoenix Contact lists tested combinations with Schneider Electric Foxboro and Tricon CX equipment, Honeywell universal I/O systems and Siemens controllers. The selected termination board, cable and function module determine the particular combination.

The company claims reductions in project lead times of up to 30% through parallel working. Its October announcement positions the system around that installation sequence, while the published module data provides the electrical detail needed to assess individual channels.

Sources

• Phoenix Contact announcement, 21 October 2026
• VIP I/O-Marshalling technical range
• IOA MCR-T-I module specifications

Image: Phoenix Contact VIP I/O-Marshalling termination board and function modules. Phoenix Contact. Image source. Media Use.