Description
Technical Specifications
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | 3IF681.96 (IF681) |
| Manufacturer | B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group) |
| Product Type | Interface Communication Module |
| Series / Platform | B&R System 2005 PLC/PCC |
| Interface IF1 – Serial | 1 × RS232, 9-pin DSUB male connector |
| RS232 Controller | ST16C650 UART with 32-byte TX/RX FIFO |
| RS232 Max Baud Rate / Distance | 115.2 kbaud (max 15 m at 19,200 baud) |
| RS232 Handshake Lines | DTR, DSR, RTS, CTS (no electrical isolation) |
| Interface IF2 – Ethernet | 10BASE-T twisted pair, female RJ45 connector |
| Ethernet Controller | AM79C960 with 128 KB send/receive buffer |
| Ethernet Speed / Isolation | 10 Mbit/s, electrically isolated, bus-capable |
| Power Consumption | 1.65 W maximum (5 V DC) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +60 °C (within control cabinet) |
| Certifications | CE, cULus E115267 (Industrial Control Equipment) |
| Dimensions (W × L × H) | Approx. 60 × 90 × 15 mm (module insert) |
| Weight | Approx. 0.1 kg |
| Compatible Slots | CP260 interface slot / IF260 expansion / EX101 Power Panel insert |
| Country of Origin | Austria |
Main Features and Advantages
Dual-interface integration: The most distinctive advantage of the B&R 3IF681.96 is its combination of serial and Ethernet connectivity on a single plug-in insert, eliminating the need for two separate modules and freeing valuable interface slots for other expansion functions. The RS232 channel, powered by the ST16C650 UART with a 32-byte transmit/receive FIFO, supports asynchronous communication up to 115.2 kbaud and provides full hardware handshake lines (DTR, DSR, RTS, CTS) to prevent data loss during demanding transfer sessions. The Ethernet channel, built around the AM79C960 controller with a 128 KB send/receive buffer, delivers 10 Mbit/s throughput over standard 10BASE-T twisted-pair cabling terminated on a widely supported RJ45 female connector, simplifying network cabling and spare-parts logistics.
Electrical isolation where it matters: The Ethernet port of the B&R 3IF681.96 provides complete galvanic isolation, shielding the control system from ground loops, common-mode transients, and potential differences between networked cabinets—an essential safeguard in larger machine layouts and multi-panel installations. Although the RS232 interface is not isolated, it incorporates input filtering and protective circuitry that maintain signal integrity in typical industrial environments, provided standard grounding practices are observed.
Fast, tool-free station configuration: Dual BCD rotary switches on the module face allow INA2000 station numbers to be assigned directly on the hardware, enabling networked System 2005 architectures to be expanded or re-addressed without additional programming tools. Clear status LEDs for transmit/receive and Ethernet link activity give maintenance staff immediate visual feedback on operational health, dramatically reducing commissioning and troubleshooting time.
Compact, efficient, and retrofit-friendly: Drawing a maximum of only 1.65 W from the 5 V supply, the B&R 3IF681.96 minimizes thermal load inside the control cabinet and places no measurable burden on the host power budget. Its single-width insert format plugs directly into the interface slot of the 3CP260 CPU or the 3IF260 interface processor, and is equally accepted by the EX101 Power Panel expansion module—allowing existing PP41 Power Panel installations to gain Ethernet networking without replacing the host device. For plants extending the life of System 2005 controllers, the B&R 3IF681.96 offers an authoritative, manufacturer-supported path to modern networking with full documentation and Automation Studio hardware upgrade availability.
