Product Description:

The 3IF672.9 communication module is produced by B&R Automation within the System 2005 Controllers series. Designed as an expansion card for system CPUs, it provides dual-channel CAN and single-channel RS232 links so field devices, sensors, and higher-level controllers can exchange data with the main automation bus. By integrating these serial interfaces into the controller rack, the module reduces wiring effort and allows distributed I/O, HMI panels, or drive inverters to be addressed through standard protocols. This layout lets one rack communicate with both multi-drop field networks and point-to-point serial equipment from a single slot.

The CAN section is managed by the Intel 82527 controller, giving deterministic arbitration for real-time traffic. Two galvanically isolated ports are presented on 2 x 4-pin connectors, and the isolation helps prevent ground loops between network segments. Each channel supports transfer rates up to 500 kBit/s, and reliable signaling is maintained over cable runs as long as 1000 m when the baud rate is lowered in line with ISO 11898 rules. An external jumper provides optional bus termination so the node can occupy either an end or mid-span position. Maximum power draw remains at 1.8 W, so the module places only a light load on the 5 V backplane supply.

The RS232 interface uses a 9-pin D-type male connector driven by a UART ST16C650 controller. One asynchronous port handles baud selections from 300 baud to 115.2 kBaud, and a point-to-point reach of 15 m is available when the line operates at 19.2 kBaud. Configurable framing supports 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-bit words, selectable parity, and one or two stop bits, while hardware flow control is provided through DTR, DSR, RTS, and CTS lines. That arrangement supports connection to terminals, modems, or other legacy serial devices that still rely on handshaking signals. The channel is not isolated, so proper shielding is advisable in noisy panels.