PHOENIX CONTACT MCR-C Modules - MCR-C-UI-UI-DCI

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

PHOENIX CONTACT MCR-C Series Technical Notes

The Evolution of MCR-C Architecture

The MCR-C lineage originates from PHOENIX CONTACT's late-1990s MACX Analog signal conditioner platform, which established the 6.2 mm pitch form factor that became an industry benchmark. The MCR-C designation was introduced to consolidate a fragmented product range into a unified, function-coded naming convention: MCR (Measurement, Control, Regulation) followed by a suffix string encoding input type, output type, and special function (e.g., DCI for DC isolation, PT for Pt100 input, TC for thermocouple).

Compatibility note: MCR-C modules use the same 35 mm DIN rail clip and 2.5 mm² screw terminal pitch as the predecessor MACX series, allowing physical substitution in existing marshalling racks. However, the MCR-C-SL sub-family introduced a snap-in bus connector system incompatible with earlier MACX power bus rails — a common source of integration errors during panel upgrades.

MCR-C Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Universal Analog Input / Output Converters

• MCR-C-UI-UI-DCI: Universal input (0–10 V / 0–20 mA / 4–20 mA) to universal output isolation amplifier with DC isolation; 3-way galvanic separation.
• MCR-C-UI-UI: Universal input to universal output signal conditioner; non-isolated variant for cost-sensitive applications.
• MCR-C-UI-2UI-DCI: Single universal input to dual universal output isolation amplifier; used for signal splitting to DCS and historian simultaneously.
• MCR-C-UI-UI-PT-DCI: Universal input to universal output with integrated Pt100 sensor supply; loop-powered transmitter interface.

Current Loop / 4–20 mA Modules

• MCR-C-I-I-DCI: 4–20 mA input to 4–20 mA output galvanic isolation amplifier; standard marshalling module for DCS analog input cards.
• MCR-C-I-I: 4–20 mA to 4–20 mA signal repeater without isolation; used for signal extension over long cable runs.
• MCR-C-I-2I-DCI: Single 4–20 mA input to dual 4–20 mA output splitter with isolation; common in redundant DCS architectures.
• MCR-C-NAMUR-DCI: NAMUR proximity switch input to relay/transistor output signal conditioner; IEC 60947-5-6 compliant.

Voltage Signal Modules

• MCR-C-U-I-DCI: Voltage input (0–10 V) to current output (4–20 mA) converter with galvanic isolation; used for PLC AO to field device interfacing.
• MCR-C-I-U-DCI: Current input (4–20 mA) to voltage output (0–10 V) converter with isolation; interfaces legacy voltage-input recorders.

Temperature Input Modules

• MCR-C-PT100-UI-DCI: Pt100/Pt1000 RTD input to universal analog output transmitter with 3-way isolation; supports 2-wire, 3-wire, and 4-wire RTD connections.
• MCR-C-TC-UI-DCI: Thermocouple input (types J, K, T, E, N, R, S, B) to 4–20 mA / 0–10 V output with cold junction compensation and galvanic isolation.
• MCR-C-RTD-UI-DCI: Multi-range RTD input (Pt100, Ni100, Ni120) to universal output; configurable via DIP switch without software tools.

Frequency / Pulse Modules

• MCR-C-F-UI-DCI: Frequency/pulse input (0.1 Hz–10 kHz) to analog output converter with isolation; used for turbine flow meter and tachometer signal conditioning.

Power Supply / Auxiliary Modules

• MCR-C-SL-1: Single-channel power supply module for MCR-C-SL snap-in bus system; 24 V DC input, provides loop power to adjacent signal conditioners.
• MCR-C-SL-2: Dual-channel power supply module for MCR-C-SL bus; supports up to 16 modules per bus segment.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete MCR-C Parts

Several MCR-C variants — particularly early-generation DCI modules with the legacy 5-pin terminal block layout — have reached end-of-life (EOL) status in PHOENIX CONTACT's standard catalog. Affected part numbers include early MCR-C-UI-UI-DCI revisions with hardware revision codes below Rev. 03, and all MCR-C-SL-1 units manufactured before 2015 (identifiable by the gray rather than light-gray housing color per RAL 7035).

For plants operating under IEC 61511 functional safety management, we provide traceability documentation including original manufacturer date codes, revision history, and test records — meeting the evidentiary requirements for safety lifecycle audits.

Quality Control for the MCR-C Range

MCR-C modules present specific test challenges due to their transformer-based isolation stages and precision analog signal paths. DriveKNMS applies the following test protocol to all MCR-C units prior to dispatch:

• Isolation resistance test: 500 V DC applied between input, output, and power supply terminals; minimum 100 MΩ required per IEC 61010-1.
• Dielectric withstand test: 1500 V AC for 1 minute across isolation barrier; no breakdown or excessive leakage current permitted.
• Signal accuracy verification: Input swept across full range (0–20 mA or 0–10 V); output measured at 5 calibration points; linearity error must be within ±0.1% of span.
• Temperature coefficient check: For TC and RTD input modules, cold junction compensation accuracy verified at 25°C ambient against NIST-traceable reference.
• Bus communication test (SL variants): Snap-in bus connector continuity and power distribution verified under rated load current.
• Burn-in: 24-hour powered soak at 40°C ambient prior to final calibration check.

All test data is logged per unit serial number and available to customers upon request.