Phoenix FLKM Series Interface Adapter & Connection Modules Selection Guide

Opening: Universal Interface Conversion Solutions for PLC & Field Device Interconnection

The Phoenix FLKM series is a portfolio of industrial-grade interface adapters, connector modules, and signal distribution units designed for seamless interface conversion and signal routing between PLC systems (Siemens S7, AB 1756, Schneider TSX) and field devices. Covering diverse interface types (KS40/KS50, FLK14, S115/S135, 50-PA/FA, HDSUB-78), and supporting specialized functions (PMT/SPT signal conditioning, ADV151 advanced routing, ZFKDS surge protection), these modules feature plug-and-play integration, cross-PLC compatibility, and industrial-grade durability. Widely used in control cabinet signal distribution, PLC backplane extension, and heterogeneous device interface matching, they simplify complex industrial wiring and improve system integration efficiency.

I. Core Advantages of the FLKM Series

1. Multi-PLC Cross-Compatibility:
   • Seamless adaptation to Siemens S7-300/400/1500 (S300/S400/S7-1500 variants), AB 1756 (AB/1756 series), and Schneider TSX (MODI-TSX/Q) PLC systems, eliminating protocol and interface mismatches;
   • Dedicated adapter variants for different PLC backplane standards (e.g., 50-PA-S400 for S7-400, 50-PA-AB/1756 for AB ControlLogix).
2. Diverse Interface & Function Flexibility:
   • Interface types: KS40/KS50 (high-density signal), FLK14 (14-core signal), S115/S135 (specialized PLC backplane), 50-PA/FA (process automation), HDSUB-78 (78-core high-density);
   • Specialized functions: PMT (precision signal conditioning), SPT (safety signal transmission), ADV151 (advanced routing), ZFKDS (surge protection), enabling targeted signal processing for different scenarios.
3. Industrial-Grade Reliability:
   • IP20 cabinet-level protection (all modules) with robust metal or flame-retardant plastic housing, resistant to electromagnetic interference (EMI);
   • Wide operating temperature (-25°C to +70°C), anti-vibration (5g) design for factory floor and control cabinet environments;
   • Gold-plated contacts for low contact resistance and long service life (≥5,000 mating cycles).
4. Modular & Plug-and-Play Design:
   • DIN rail (NS 35/7.5) mounting, compatible with Phoenix terminal blocks and bus modules for unified cabinet layout;
   • Pre-configured interface pinouts for direct PLC connection, reducing on-site wiring errors and installation time;
   • Hot-swappable variants for maintenance without system shutdown (critical for 24/7 production lines).

II. Product Classification & Detailed Parameter Table

The FLKM series is categorized by interface type and PLC compatibility (KS Series, FLK14 Series, S115/S135 Series, 50-PA/FA Series, HDSUB Series) with sub-variants based on function, signal type, and target PLC system.

1. FLKM-KS Series (KS40/KS50 High-Density Signal Adapters)

High-density 40/50-core signal adapters with specialized signal conditioning (PMT/SPT) and routing (ADV151) for complex signal distribution.

2. FLKM-FLK14 Series (14-Core Signal Distribution Modules)

14-core dual FLK14 interface modules for small-to-medium scale signal routing, with dedicated DI/DO variants for sensor/actuator connection.

3. FLKM-S115/S135 Series (Specialized PLC Backplane Adapters)

Adapters for S115/S135 PLC backplane standards, supporting S7/S400 PLC integration and custom cable configurations.

4. FLKM-50-PA/FA Series (Process Automation PLC Adapters)

50-core process automation adapters for Siemens S7, AB 1756, and Schneider TSX PLCs, supporting analog/digital signal conversion and backplane integration.

5. FLKM-HDSUB Series (High-Density D-Sub Adapter)

78-core high-density D-Sub adapter for ultra-high-channel signal distribution in complex control systems.

III. FLKM Series Nomenclature Decoding

FLKM-[Interface Type/Series]-[Function/PLC Compatibility]-[Special Feature/Coding]

• FLKM: Product series identifier (industrial interface adapter/connection module for PLC signal routing and conversion).
• Interface Type/Series:
  • 2KS40/2KS50 = Dual 40/50-core KS high-density signal interface;
  • 2FLK14/FLK14 = Dual/single 14-core FLK signal interface;
  • S115/S135 = S115/S135 PLC backplane interface;
  • 50-PA/50-FA = 50-core process/field automation interface;
  • HDSUB-78 = 78-core high-density D-Sub interface.
• Function/PLC Compatibility:
  • PMT = Precision signal conditioning (for high-accuracy process signals);
  • SPT = Safety signal transmission (for SIL/PL-rated safety loops);
  • ADV151 = Advanced signal routing (for complex signal distribution logic);
  • S400/S300/S7-1500 = Siemens S7 PLC compatibility;
  • AB/1756 = Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 1756 compatibility;
  • MODI-TSX/Q = Schneider TSX/Q PLC compatibility;
  • AN/PT/DIO = Analog/PT/Digital I/O signal type.
• Special Feature/Coding:
  • Z/ZFKDS = Surge protection (for lightning/surge-prone environments);
  • YCS/CS/SO120-SO167 = System coding (for protocol/device compatibility);
  • ST = Signal timing (for synchronized signal triggering);
  • SI = Signal isolation (for high-interference environments);
  • OE = Oil-resistant cable sheath (for oil-prone workshop scenarios);
  • EXTC = External cabinet extension (for cross-cabinet signal routing).

IV. 3-Step Quick Selection Technique

Step 1: Select Series Based on Interface & PLC Type

• High-density (40/50-core) signal distribution: Choose FLKM-KS series (KS40/KS50 variants) for S7/AB/TSX PLCs with multi-channel signal needs.
• 14-core small-scale signal routing: Opt for FLKM-FLK14 series (FLK14 variants) for S7 PLC 8-channel DI/DO targeted distribution.
• S115/S135 PLC backplane extension: Pick FLKM-S115/S135 series for S7-300/400 backplane module expansion or custom cable connection.
• Process automation PLC integration: Select FLKM-50-PA/FA series; match PLC model (S7-300/400/1500, AB 1756, TSX) for 50-core process signal routing.
• Ultra-high-channel (78-core) distribution: Choose FLKM-HDSUB-78/M for complex robotic/workstation high-channel signal needs.

Step 2: Match Special Functions to Signal Requirements

• High-precision process signals: Select PMT variants (2321923/2321884) for signal conditioning and accuracy enhancement.
• Safety-rated signals: Pick SPT variants (2321826) for SIL/PL-compliant safety loop signal transmission.
• Surge-prone environments: Choose Z/ZFKDS variants (2314752/2310853) for lightning/surge protection of field signals.
• High-interference scenarios: Opt for SI isolation variants (2321936) to suppress EMI and prevent signal distortion.
• Oil-prone workshops: Select OE cable variants (2314985) for oil-resistant field wiring.

Step 3: Verify Coding/Compatibility for System Integration

• Siemens S7 systems: Confirm S400/S300/S7-1500 compatibility (e.g., 2294500 for S7-400, 2294445 for S7-300).
• AB 1756 systems: Choose AB/1756 variants (2296427/2302735) for ControlLogix integration.
• Legacy protocol devices: Match coding suffixes (SO120-SO167, YCS/CS) to ensure protocol compatibility (e.g., 2301723 for SO120 coding).

V. Recommended Industry-Scenario Combinations

VI. Selection Pitfall Avoidance Guide

1. PLC Compatibility Mismatch: AB 1756 PLC using S7-400 adapters → Choose 50-PA-AB/1756 variants (2296427) to ensure backplane protocol compatibility and prevent communication failure.
2. High-Precision Signal Neglect: Laboratory process signals using non-PMT adapters → Select PMT variants (2321923) to enhance signal accuracy and reduce measurement error.
3. Surge Protection Omission: Outdoor signals using non-Z/ZFKDS adapters → Pick surge-protected models (2314752) to prevent lightning/surge damage to field sensors.
4. Coding Incompatibility: Legacy SO120 devices using YCS-coded adapters → Match coding suffixes (2301723 for SO120) to ensure protocol alignment and signal routing success.
5. Oil-Resistance Oversight: Oil-prone workshops using standard cable adapters → Choose OE-sheath variants (2314985) to extend cable service life and prevent oil corrosion.

Conclusion: Select the Right FLKM Adapter for Seamless PLC-Field Integration

The Phoenix FLKM series provides targeted interface conversion and signal routing solutions for industrial PLC systems, covering high-density signal distribution, PLC backplane extension, cross-brand PLC integration, and specialized signal processing.