PHOENIX DIGITAL OCX-CTN Modules: OCX-CTN-13-R-D-ST-ACV

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

PHOENIX DIGITAL OCX-CTN Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The PHOENIX DIGITAL OCX-CTN series represents a purpose-engineered family of optical communication modules deployed across high-criticality industrial environments including petrochemical refineries, nuclear power generation facilities, offshore platforms, and large-scale chemical processing plants. These modules serve as the fiber-optic signal conversion and transmission backbone within distributed control systems (DCS) and safety instrumented systems (SIS), where copper-based communication is unsuitable due to electromagnetic interference, ground loop isolation requirements, or long-distance signal integrity constraints.

The OCX-CTN series is designed for integration into PHOENIX DIGITAL's broader QUADLOG and 6000-series DCS architectures, providing deterministic, high-availability optical data links between controller nodes, I/O marshalling cabinets, and remote terminal units. Their deployment in brownfield and greenfield installations across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific has established the OCX-CTN line as a reference-grade component in long-lifecycle industrial automation infrastructure.

The Evolution of OCX-CTN Architecture

The OCX-CTN series emerged from PHOENIX DIGITAL's early fiber-optic communication work in the 1980s and 1990s, when the company established its position as a specialist in optical isolation and signal conversion for process control. Early OCX modules used multimode fiber with ST-type connectors and operated at 820 nm wavelength, targeting short-to-medium distance runs within a single plant unit.

As DCS architectures evolved toward larger, geographically distributed topologies, the OCX-CTN series was extended to support single-mode fiber variants (designated by the ST suffix in the model number), longer transmission distances, and dual-redundant optical paths (indicated by the D suffix). The ACV suffix denotes AC voltage input compatibility, distinguishing these units from DC-powered variants used in battery-backed or UPS-fed panel environments.

The 13 in the model designation OCX-CTN-13-R-D-ST-ACV refers to the channel or slot configuration within the OCX-CTN chassis, indicating the module's positional or functional assignment within a multi-slot optical communication node. The R designator identifies the module as a receiver unit, as opposed to transmitter (T) or transceiver configurations found elsewhere in the series.

Compatibility considerations are critical for OCX-CTN integration: modules must be matched to the correct chassis backplane revision, fiber type (multimode 62.5/125 µm vs. single-mode 9/125 µm), and connector standard (ST vs. SC). Mixing incompatible variants results in link failure and is a common source of field errors during maintenance replacements.

OCX-CTN Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified models within the PHOENIX DIGITAL OCX-CTN optical communication module series, organized by functional category:

Receiver Modules (Single-Mode, Dual-Redundant)

OCX-CTN-13-R-D-ST-ACV: Single-mode ST receiver, dual-redundant, AC voltage input, slot 13.
OCX-CTN-13-R-D-ST-DCV: Single-mode ST receiver, dual-redundant, DC voltage input, slot 13.
OCX-CTN-11-R-D-ST-ACV: Single-mode ST receiver, dual-redundant, AC voltage input, slot 11.
OCX-CTN-12-R-D-ST-ACV: Single-mode ST receiver, dual-redundant, AC voltage input, slot 12.

Transmitter Modules (Single-Mode, Dual-Redundant)

OCX-CTN-13-T-D-ST-ACV: Single-mode ST transmitter, dual-redundant, AC voltage input, slot 13.
OCX-CTN-13-T-D-ST-DCV: Single-mode ST transmitter, dual-redundant, DC voltage input, slot 13.
OCX-CTN-11-T-D-ST-ACV: Single-mode ST transmitter, dual-redundant, AC voltage input, slot 11.
OCX-CTN-12-T-D-ST-ACV: Single-mode ST transmitter, dual-redundant, AC voltage input, slot 12.

Multimode Receiver Modules

OCX-CTN-13-R-D-MM-ACV: Multimode receiver, dual-redundant, AC voltage input, slot 13.
OCX-CTN-11-R-D-MM-ACV: Multimode receiver, dual-redundant, AC voltage input, slot 11.
OCX-CTN-12-R-D-MM-DCV: Multimode receiver, dual-redundant, DC voltage input, slot 12.

Multimode Transmitter Modules

OCX-CTN-13-T-D-MM-ACV: Multimode transmitter, dual-redundant, AC voltage input, slot 13.
OCX-CTN-11-T-D-MM-ACV: Multimode transmitter, dual-redundant, AC voltage input, slot 11.

Chassis & Infrastructure Components

OCX-CTN-CHASSIS-8: 8-slot OCX-CTN optical communication node chassis.
OCX-CTN-CHASSIS-16: 16-slot OCX-CTN optical communication node chassis.
OCX-CTN-PSU-ACV: AC power supply unit for OCX-CTN chassis.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete OCX-CTN Parts

The PHOENIX DIGITAL OCX-CTN series has entered the mature-to-end-of-life phase of its product lifecycle. PHOENIX DIGITAL has progressively reduced active manufacturing support for legacy OCX-CTN variants, with several slot-specific and multimode configurations now classified as discontinued or available only through authorized aftermarket channels.

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of OCX-CTN modules sourced through certified industrial surplus channels, decommissioned plant buybacks, and long-term storage partnerships. Our procurement team actively tracks global availability of hard-to-find OCX-CTN variants including dual-redundant single-mode receiver and transmitter pairs, chassis components, and AC/DC power supply modules.

For end-users operating PHOENIX DIGITAL DCS installations with 10+ year maintenance horizons, DriveKNMS offers lifecycle extension support including cross-reference verification, compatibility confirmation against chassis backplane revision, and multi-unit buffer stock procurement. Inquiries for bill-of-materials (BOM) matching and long-term supply agreements are handled directly by our technical sales team.

Quality Control for the OCX-CTN Range

OCX-CTN modules present specific quality verification challenges due to their optical signal path architecture and backplane communication interface. DriveKNMS applies a structured test protocol to all OCX-CTN units prior to shipment:

Optical Power Output Verification: Each transmitter module is tested for optical output power within the manufacturer's specified range using a calibrated optical power meter. Receiver modules are tested for sensitivity threshold and signal detection at minimum specified input power levels.

Backplane Interface Continuity: All edge connector pins are inspected for oxidation, mechanical deformation, and contact resistance. Modules are seated in a test chassis to verify backplane communication handshake and slot recognition.

Fiber Connector Inspection: ST connector ferrules are inspected under 200x magnification for end-face contamination, scratches, and chipping. Connectors are cleaned per IEC 61300-3-35 standards before optical testing.

Functional Loop Test: Where test infrastructure permits, transmitter and receiver pairs are tested in a closed optical loop to verify end-to-end signal integrity, bit error rate, and redundancy switchover behavior.

Visual and Mechanical Inspection: PCB surfaces are inspected for corrosion, component damage, and solder joint integrity. Chassis mounting hardware and ejector mechanisms are verified for correct operation.

All test results are documented and available upon request with each shipment.