Application Scenarios
Imagine a high-speed packaging line where 12 servo axes for film feeding, sealing, and cutting must execute precise electronic camming with cycle times under 2 milliseconds—any communication delay results in wasted material and scrapped product. The B&R 3IF672.9 eliminates this risk. By functioning as a CANopen master, this module coordinates up to 63 slave devices—servo drives, valve islands, and vision sensors—with bus cycle times as low as 1 ms, ensuring every axis moves in perfect synchronization . For a beverage bottling plant, the 3IF672.9 serves as the bridge between the PLC and a distributed network of filling valves, capping torque monitors, and label inspection cameras, replacing complex point-to-point wiring with a single, robust CAN bus . In a retrofit scenario, a customer reported that replacing legacy serial connections with a 3IF672.9-managed CANopen network reduced cabling by 70% and eliminated intermittent communication errors that had plagued production for years . This module directly addresses the industry’s persistent pain points: the need for deterministic real-time communication, simplified machine wiring, and reliable operation in electrically noisy industrial environments.
Parameters
| Main Parameters | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Product Model | 3IF672.9 |
| Manufacturer | B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group) |
| Product Category | Interface Module / Communication Module |
| Interfaces | 1x RS232 + 2x CAN |
| Platform Compatibility | B&R System 2005 (CP260, IF260, IF060) |
| RS232 Max. Baud Rate | 115.2 kbaud |
| RS232 Max. Distance | 15 m @ 19,200 baud |
| CAN Max. Baud Rate | 500 kbit/s (bus length ≤ 60 m) |
| CAN Max. Distance | 1000 m @ 50 kbit/s |
| CAN Isolation | Electrical isolation between CAN interfaces and to PLC |
| Power Consumption (5V) | Max. 1.8 W |
| Node Addressing | Two hex switches for CAN node ID (IF2, IF3 = IF2 + 1) |
| Termination | Includes 2x 120 Ω bus termination resistors |
| Certifications | C-UL-US Listed |
| Dimensions | Approx. 60 × 20 × 130 mm |
Technical Principles and Innovative Values
- Innovation Point 1: Dual-CAN Architecture with Electrical Isolation
The B&R 3IF672.9 features two fully independent CAN interfaces, both electrically isolated from the PLC and from each other . This galvanic isolation protects the controller from ground loops and voltage transients on the fieldbus, a common source of failures in plants with long cable runs or heavy variable-frequency drives. The ability to support two separate CAN networks—one for motion control and one for I/O, for example—from a single module adds significant flexibility and reduces component count. - Innovation Point 2: Deterministic CANopen Master Capability
At the heart of the 3IF672.9 lies an 82527 CAN controller, enabling operation as a CANopen master that manages up to 63 slave devices with deterministic cycle times as low as 1 ms . This level of performance allows the 3IF672.9 to handle high-speed multi-axis motion coordination, electronic camming, and real-time I/O sampling without sacrificing system determinism—a critical requirement for packaging, printing, and assembly applications . - Innovation Point 3: Versatile Engineering Integration
The 3IF672.9 is fully integrated into B&R’s Automation Studio development environment, supporting EDS file import for automatic parameter mapping and real-time bus diagnostics . This unified toolchain eliminates the integration headaches of third-party gateways and simplifies system commissioning, with status LEDs per interface providing instant visual feedback for maintenance and troubleshooting . The module’s CAN node address can be set either by hardware hex switches or via software, offering flexible configuration options for both field and remote deployments . - Innovation Point 4: Robust Industrial Construction
Engineered for industrial environments, the 3IF672.9 features a rugged metal housing and protected connector interface, with an operating temperature range spanning 0°C to +55°C . The module includes input filters and protection circuitry on the RS232 port to guard against electrical damage, and its status LEDs provide immediate feedback for commissioning and troubleshooting .