Product Description:

B&R Automation's 3IF613 is a serial interface module that installs into the System 2005 Controllers series. It extends those CPUs with additional RS232 channels used for simple device links such as operator terminals, modems, barcode readers, or drives through standard asynchronous communication. By adding these ports, the module allows System 2005 controllers to exchange commands and status messages with peripheral equipment. This makes it suitable for straightforward point-to-point communication tasks in compact control systems.

The board exposes 3x RS232 ports implemented by a UART ST16C654 device. Each port terminates on a 9-pin DSUB plug, simplifying connection to standard serial cables and common service equipment. Transfer speed can be selected from 300 baud up to 115.2 kbaud, so both slow sensors and faster HMI panels can be attached without signal errors. To buffer bursts, the controller chip integrates a 64 bytes Tx/Rx FIFO for every channel, which allows long data blocks to be moved while the CPU services other tasks. Programmable framing supports five to eight data bits, optional parity of none, even, or odd, and either one or two stop bits, enabling direct compatibility with many legacy serial protocols.

Hardware flow control is available because the first interface exposes IF1 DTR/DSR/RTS/CTS while the second and third supply RTS and CTS only. The module draws 5 V 1.2 W from the controller backplane, remaining within the power budget of compact System 2005 installations. It fits into CP260, IF260, IF060 base units, which allows port count to be expanded without changing the CPU platform. A built-in protective circuit shields the transceivers from short circuits or line surges, minimizing downtime in electrically noisy environments. Because the card is not network-capable, it is reserved for point-to-point links where deterministic command exchange is sufficient for the automation process.