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For OEMs · Danfoss MCX and AlsmaRT
A Danfoss controller inside your product
MCX and AlsmaRT are Danfoss programmable controllers that mount on a DIN rail or a panel inside your equipment. This page helps you check whether one fits your machine, choose between the two families, and see every part a working system needs.
Trusted in HVAC equipment. Ready for yours.
Danfoss built both families for heating, cooling and refrigeration equipment, and both are open, programmable platforms. Danfoss says of AlsmaRT that you can configure the controller to manage virtually any application among many markets. The MCX catalogue describes connectivity with the standard protocols of the HVAC/R and industrial automation markets.
These controllers make products smart: they adapt to constantly changing inputs instead of cycling through the same code hour after hour.
Gross Automation co-develops applications with Danfoss for MCX and AlsmaRT controllers in OEM equipment beyond HVAC.
What we do for OEMs
- We write or adapt the MCX or AlsmaRT program for your machine.
- Controllers can come pre-loaded with your program.
- We can hold stock for repeat builds and ship on scheduled releases.
- We build the UL 508A control panel around the controller and drive.
First checks for your machine
If your product needs a compact controller with relay outputs, sensor inputs and a fieldbus, start with what Danfoss publishes for each family. Matching these numbers is a first screen, not proof of fit: send us your requirements and we will assess the application.
| Check | MCX | AlsmaRT |
|---|---|---|
| Inputs and outputs | MCX: 6 to 20 relay outputs and up to 16 analog inputs on one controller, plus CANbus expansion. | AlsmaRT: 6 relay outputs (5 relays and 1 solid-state output on the SSR versions), 10 universal inputs and 3 analog outputs on the controller, and up to 156 relay outputs with expansion modules. |
| Programming | MCX: Danfoss standard applications you set up, a programming language derived from C++, or the MCXDesign graphical tool. | AlsmaRT: Alsmart Design, an IEC 61131-3 environment with five standard languages, a simulator and debugger; Alsmart Service Tool to set up and monitor. |
| Communications | MCX: CANbus on every model and Modbus RS485 on most; Ethernet on one MCX061V version (080G0255) and on MCX152V, MCX15B2 and MCX20B2; BACnet and LonWorks through the ACCGTW gateway. | AlsmaRT: CAN FD, opto-isolated Modbus RS485 (1 port on Lite, 2 on the others), USB-C with web server; 2 Ethernet ports on Pro and Pro+. Danfoss lists BACnet MS/TP and BACnet/IP as in preparation. |
| Supply | MCX: 24 V AC or 20 to 60 V DC; some models 110/230 V AC. | AlsmaRT: 24 V AC or 20 to 60 V DC. |
| Operating temperature | MCX: −20 to 60 °C (CE), 0 to 55 °C (UL) on MCX06C, MCX08M2 and MCX152V; check the data sheet of the model you pick. | AlsmaRT controllers and expansion modules: −40 to 70 °C (Mid+ and Pro+ with expansion modules: −40 to 65 °C); UL: −40 to 65 °C; up to 60 °C with the AS-UI Snap-on display mounted on the controller. The AS-UI Snap-on display itself: −20 to 60 °C. |
| Protection | MCX: IP40 on the front cover. | AlsmaRT: IP20, and IP40 on the front with the cover plate or display fitted; mount inside an enclosure. |
| Approvals | MCX: UL file E31024, CE. | AlsmaRT: cURus, UL file E31024, CE. |
| Cyber security | — | AlsmaRT: IEC 62443-4-1 ML2, TÜV certified (Danfoss lists ML3 as a target and IEC 62443-4-2 SL-T2 as ongoing). |
| Safety functions | Danfoss lists the MCX software as class A and no safety rating. | Danfoss lists the AlsmaRT software as class A and no safety rating. Plan safety functions on their own safety devices. |
Sources: Danfoss MCX catalogue AF217686430296, MCX and AlsmaRT data sheets, AlsmaRT eBook AD502234863753. Your finished machine still needs its own testing and approvals.
MCX or AlsmaRT?
Choose MCX when
- you already run an MCX program or have MCX units in the field;
- you want a controller that mounts in a panel front rather than on a DIN rail: the 33 × 75 mm MCX06C;
- a Danfoss standard application, set up for your machine, is enough;
- you need up to 20 relays on one controller (MCX20B2).
Choose AlsmaRT when
- you are starting a new design: Danfoss calls AlsmaRT the latest generation of its programmable controller platforms;
- your team programs in IEC 61131-3 languages;
- you want a web-based service tool on the controller, over USB-C on every variant or Ethernet on Pro and Pro+;
- the machine grows in steps: one controller takes up to 20 modules, power modules included;
- your customers ask for IEC 62443 cyber security.
Where Danfoss uses them
Danfoss names these machines for MCX: chillers, rooftop units, air-handling units, close control, shelter units and heat pumps.
For AlsmaRT, Danfoss names chillers, heat pumps, rooftops, DOAS, CDU, CRAC and AHU units, heating circuits, domestic hot water, thermal management and energy flow regulation.
And these markets: residential buildings, supermarkets, data centers, commercial buildings, district heating and battery energy storage (BESS).
Beyond those lists
Any product that reads sensors and adjusts as conditions change is a candidate. Machines we see it fitting:
- Pump skids and booster sets: pressure and flow in, pump staging and speed out.
- Process chillers and temperature control units: supply and return temperatures in, compressor, fan and valve control out.
- Industrial ovens, dryers and curing systems: zone temperatures and timers in, heaters, burners and fans out.
- Water treatment and dosing skids: level, flow, pH and conductivity in, pumps and valves out.
- Wash and cleaning systems: temperature, level and cycle steps in, heaters, pumps and chemical dosing out.
- Greenhouse and agricultural climate systems: temperature, humidity and CO2 in, vents, fans and heaters out.
- Air compressors and vacuum systems: pressure and temperature in, load, unload and staging out.
- Battery and electronics cooling: cell or cabinet temperatures in, pumps, fans and valves out.
Check yours against the table above, then send us the requirements. We will assess the application and say plainly if it does not fit.
What goes together
Everything one working controller needs, from Danfoss's ordering tables.
AlsmaRT system
| Part | What | Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controller | AS-CX06 Lite, Mid, Mid+, Pro or Pro+ (SSR versions of Mid and Mid+ too) | Required | Single packs include the connector kit; industrial packs of 27 do not (kits 080G6030, 080G6031, 080G6032). |
| I/O expansion | AS-XP05 (080G6014), AS-XP05+ with a valve driver (080G6012), AS-XP10 | When you need more I/O | Each pack includes its side connector. The controller powers the first module. |
| Power module | AS-PS20 (080G6019) | One for every 4 more AS-XP05 or 3 more AS-XP10 | Counts toward the module limit. |
| Second DIN row | AS-DIN Side connector kit, 2 pieces (080G6029) | Only when the chain splits | 2 m of cable at most; Danfoss recommends splitting before an AS-PS20. |
| Display | AS-UI Snap-on, 128 × 64 mono (080G6016), or AS-UI04 remote 4.3 in colour, panel (080G6042) or wall (080G6044) | Optional | The Snap-on copies parameters between units. |
| Valve supply | 24 V AC/DC supply input for electronic stepper valves, 12 W | With valve drivers | Its own input; it can share the controller's power supply if that supply covers both ratings. |
| Software | Alsmart Design and Alsmart Service Tool | Required to program | Danfoss tools; we program for you if you prefer. |
MCX system
| Part | What | Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controller | MCX06C (panel), MCX06D, MCX061V, MCX08M2, MCX152V, MCX15B2 or MCX20B2 (DIN rail) | Required | Connector kits by model, e.g. 080G0175 (MCX06C), 080G0179 (MCX06D), 080G0180 (MCX08M2); single packs of several models include them. |
| Remote display | MMIGRS2, panel (080G0294) or wall (080G0295) | Optional | Connects over CANbus and takes its screens from the MCX, so it needs no programming. |
| Programming key | MMIMYK (080G0073) | Optional tool | Programs the MCX, logs data and acts as a gateway. |
| BACnet or LonWorks | ACCGTW gateway: BACnet 080G0269, LonWorks FTT-10 080G0270 | Only for BACnet or LonWorks | Converts the MCX's Modbus. |
| Transformer | 230/24 V AC transformer, 12, 22 or 35 VA (080G0223, 080G0225, 080G0226) | When there is no 24 V supply | Size it from the controller and display consumption in their data sheets. |
| Software | MCXDesign or the MCX development tools | Required to program | Danfoss tools; we program for you if you prefer. |
Worked example: AlsmaRT
A machine needs 20 relay outputs, 12 sensor inputs, 4 analog outputs, one electronic valve and Modbus.
| Part | Code | Qty | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS-CX06 Mid, single pack | 080G6006 | 1 | 6 relays, 10 universal inputs, 3 analog outputs, connectors included |
| AS-XP05, single pack | 080G6014 | 2 | 5 relays and 10 universal inputs each |
| AS-XP05+, single pack | 080G6012 | 1 | 5 relays, 10 universal inputs and the valve driver |
| AS-PS20, single pack | 080G6019 | 1 | The controller powers the first module; this powers the other two |
| AS-UI Snap-on display | 080G6016 | Optional | On-board screen and parameter copy |
Result: 21 relay outputs, 40 universal inputs, 9 analog outputs and 1 valve driver, using 4 of the Mid's 7 module places. The valve also needs its 24 V supply. Side connectors come in each pack.
Worked example: MCX
A machine needs 8 relay outputs, 8 sensor inputs, 4 analog outputs, Modbus and a remote display on the door.
| Part | Code | Qty | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCX08M2, single pack | 080G0293 | 1 | 8 relays, 8 analog inputs, 4 analog outputs, Modbus RS485, connectors included |
| MMIGRS2 remote display, panel | 080G0294 | 1 | Takes its screens from the MCX over CANbus |
| ACCCBI cable, 1.5 m | 080G0075 | 1 per machine | Connects the MCX to the display; Danfoss sells it in multipacks |
Power: the MCX08M2 draws up to 17 VA (its data sheet), before the display. Size the 24 V supply for both.
Adding a drive
Danfoss shows AlsmaRT connecting to a VLT® drive on its connectivity diagram. We pair the controller with a Danfoss drive and build both into one panel when you want it supplied that way. Danfoss drives
Find an AlsmaRT configuration
Enter what your machine needs. The finder picks the smallest controller that covers it, then the fewest modules, using only the two tables below. It works with one module family at a time: AS-XP05 and AS-XP05+ together, or AS-XP10 alone. Voltage-free contacts beyond the controller's two dedicated inputs each use one universal input. The SSR versions of Mid and Mid+ (five relays and one solid-state output) are not included.
A starting point
| Part | Result |
|---|---|
| Controller | AS-CX06 , code (single pack) |
| Expansion modules | × AS-XP05, × AS-XP05+, × AS-XP10 |
| AS-PS20 power modules | |
| Modules used | of |
| Spare capacity | relay outputs, universal inputs, analog outputs, AC inputs |
| DIN rail width | DIN modules (one DIN module is 17.5 mm) |
This is a count of channels, not a design. It does not check signal types beyond the columns above, relay ratings or the valve model. Each expansion pack ships with its side connector; a second DIN row needs AS-DIN Side connectors (080G6029), with 2 m of cable at most. Send us the I/O list and we will check it.
No single-family configuration fits
Those counts need more than one AlsmaRT controller, or a chain that mixes AS-XP05 and AS-XP10 modules, which this page does not work out. Send us the I/O list and we will lay it out.
Enter whole numbers of 0 or more.
The numbers it uses
From the AlsmaRT eBook and the expansion data sheet: the controller powers one expansion module, and each AS-PS20 powers four more AS-XP05 or three more AS-XP10.
What each AlsmaRT part adds
| Part | Relay outputs | Voltage-free inputs | 24/230 V AC inputs | Universal inputs | Analog outputs (0–10 V or PWM) | Valve drivers | Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS-CX06 controller (Lite, Mid, Mid+, Pro, Pro+) | 6 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 3 | 1 on Mid+ and Pro+ | 6 DIN |
| AS-XP05 expansion | 5 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 4 DIN |
| AS-XP05+ expansion | 5 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 4 DIN |
| AS-XP10 expansion | 10 | 0 | 4 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 6 DIN |
| AS-PS20 power module | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 DIN |
AS-CX06 controller variants
| Variant | Single pack | Industrial pack (27) | Expansion modules, AS-PS20 included | Valve drivers on the controller | RS485 ports | Ethernet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lite | 080G6008 | 080G6009 | 1 | 0 | 1 | No |
| Mid | 080G6006 | 080G6007 | 7 | 0 | 2 | No |
| Mid+ | 080G6004 | 080G6005 | 7 | 1 | 2 | No |
| Pro | 080G6002 | 080G6003 | 20 | 0 | 2 | Yes |
| Pro+ | 080G6000 | 080G6001 | 20 | 1 | 2 | Yes |
Danfoss documents
Danfoss's own brochures, catalogue and data sheets for both families. We keep copies, so the links do not move.
- Alsmart® eBook: Master your HVAC symphony (PDF) AD502234863753en-000404
- Find your Alsmart® bundle (PDF) AD573051188337en-000101
- Data sheet: Alsmart® AS-CX06 controller and AS-UI Snap-on (PDF) AI486325419106en-000501
- Data sheet: Alsmart® AS-XP05, AS-XP10 and AS-PS20 (PDF) AI488320847739en-000601
- MCX programmable unit controller (brochure) (PDF) AD137686430188en-000301
- MCX General Catalogue (PDF) AF217686430296en-000701
- Data sheet: MCX06C (PDF) AI183786420797en-000701
- Data sheet: MCX06D (PDF) AI183786420819en-000701
- Data sheet: MCX061V (PDF) AI166386420921en-001001
- Data sheet: MCX08M2 (PDF) AI217686427688en-001001
- Data sheet: MCX152V (PDF) AI193486420691en-001101
- Data sheet: MCX15B2 and MCX20B2 (PDF) AI320818679084en-000501
- User guide: MCX15B2 and MCX20B2 (PDF) BC337329499681en-000201
What to send us
- Your I/O list, with the signal type of each input and output
- Electronic valves: how many, and which model
- Communications: Modbus, BACnet, CAN, Ethernet
- Whether you have an MCX program today
- How many machines you build a year
- Loose controllers, or a built panel
Ready to talk?
Our engineers program Danfoss controllers and our panel shop builds them in. Start with the list on the left.