B&R 3IF681.95 Communication Module Product Description
June 01, 2026

B&R 3IF681.95 Communication Module Product Description

The B&R 3IF681.95 is a dedicated communication interface module designed for the B&R 2005 series automation control systems. It serves as an extended communication expansion unit for programmable logic controllers and related control hosts, aiming to expand the data exchange capacity of the automation system. This module integrates two different types of communication interfaces, supporting both serial communication and coaxial Ethernet communication. It is applicable to industrial scenarios that require stable interconnection between controllers, field instruments and upper monitoring systems. Adopting a compact card-type plug-in structure, it can be quickly installed and replaced on the standard expansion slots of B&R controllers and racks, enabling seamless integration with the original automation architecture and ensuring good compatibility and scalability of the system.

Description

B&R 3IF681.95 Communication Module Product Description

Product Overview

The B&R 3IF681.95 is a dedicated communication interface module designed for the B&R 2005 series automation control systems. It serves as an extended communication expansion unit for programmable logic controllers and related control hosts, aiming to expand the data exchange capacity of the automation system. This module integrates two different types of communication interfaces, supporting both serial communication and coaxial Ethernet communication. It is applicable to industrial scenarios that require stable interconnection between controllers, field instruments and upper monitoring systems. Adopting a compact card-type plug-in structure, it can be quickly installed and replaced on the standard expansion slots of B&R controllers and racks, enabling seamless integration with the original automation architecture and ensuring good compatibility and scalability of the system.

Basic Information

This product is developed and manufactured by B&R Automation, with the model number 3IF681.95 and belonging to the IF681 interface module series. It is a standard matching component for the B&R 2005 series control system and can be installed on supporting expansion racks and controller expansion slots. The module has an overall weight of approximately 0.11kg and a compact industrial-grade size, which saves the installation space inside the control cabinet. Its protection grade reaches IP20, suitable for indoor installation in industrial control cabinets, and can effectively resist conventional dust and slight physical impact. The product complies with European industrial electrical standards and has obtained CE certification, meeting the application requirements of most industrial environments worldwide. It should be noted that the 3IF681.95 has been officially discontinued by the manufacturer, and the products available on the market are mainly brand-new stock units and certified refurbished products.

Interface Configuration and Communication Functions

The 3IF681.95 is equipped with two independent communication interfaces to meet diverse industrial data transmission needs, and the two interfaces operate independently without mutual interference. The first interface is a standard RS232 serial port, which supports mainstream serial communication protocols. It can be connected to serial terminals, debugging tools, serial printers and third-party serial field devices to realize point-to-point data transmission, program downloading and debugging, and on-site parameter configuration. The RS232 interface supports multiple adjustable baud rates, which can be matched according to the communication parameters of the connected serial devices to ensure stable and accurate data interaction.
The second interface is a 10Base2 Ethernet interface, fitted with a female BNC coaxial connector, which adopts coaxial cable for network communication and features strong anti-interference capability. This Ethernet interface supports a transmission rate of 10 Mbps and is applicable to traditional coaxial Ethernet network environments. Users can complete network parameter configuration such as IP address through the supporting B&R automation software, so as to realize data communication between the controller and upper computer monitoring systems, Ethernet-based field devices and other network nodes. It supports cyclic data communication and event-triggered communication modes, which can flexibly adapt to different industrial communication requirements. Different from the RJ45 interface of the 3IF681.86 module, the BNC coaxial interface of this model is more suitable for long-distance transmission and complex electromagnetic interference environments in industrial sites.

Core Performance and Environmental Adaptability

In terms of power supply, the 3IF681.95 takes power from the backplane bus of the matched B&R controller or expansion rack, without the need for an additional external power supply. This design simplifies on-site wiring, reduces the failure points of the circuit, and improves the overall stability of the system. The module adopts industrial-grade electronic components and optimized circuit design, with excellent electromagnetic compatibility. It can resist electromagnetic interference generated by surrounding motors, frequency converters and other industrial equipment, ensuring continuous and reliable data communication in harsh industrial electromagnetic environments.
In terms of operating environment, the module has a wide working temperature range and can operate stably in conventional industrial workshops and control rooms. It can adapt to most normal temperature industrial scenarios and maintain stable performance under long-term continuous operation. The module supports hot swapping when the system is in a non-operating state, which facilitates on-site maintenance, replacement and upgrade work. Maintenance personnel can complete module replacement without rearranging the overall system wiring, effectively shortening equipment downtime.

Installation and System Compatibility

The 3IF681.95 is a card-type plug-in module, specially developed for the expansion slots of B&R 2005 series controllers and supporting expansion racks. The installation procedure is simple and convenient. Users only need to align the module with the designated expansion slot of the controller or rack, insert it in place and lock the buckle to complete physical installation and fixation. All interface parameter setting, protocol selection, communication debugging and program configuration can be realized through the supporting B&R programming and configuration software, with a friendly operation process.
In terms of compatibility, this module is highly matched with mainstream PLC models and expansion units of the B&R 2005 series. It can work with supporting backplane and rack products to build a complete control and communication system. It is widely used in multiple industrial fields including automated production lines, packaging machinery, textile equipment, industrial robots and general manufacturing equipment. It is mainly used to construct communication links between the control core and peripheral devices, and complete data interaction and instruction transmission in the automation system.

Product Status and Usage Notes

The B&R 3IF681.95 has been discontinued by the original manufacturer, so the official standard factory warranty no longer applies to the circulating products. The supplies in the market are mainly brand-new unused stocks and professionally tested refurbished modules. Regular suppliers will provide a certain period of after-sales warranty service to guarantee the use performance of the products. Before selection and installation, users are advised to carefully confirm the model matching between the module and the existing B&R controllers, racks and related accessories. During the commissioning process, users must follow the official operation guidelines to complete driver loading, network and serial parameter configuration and communication testing. In daily use, avoid working in environments exceeding the specified temperature range and severe vibration environments, so as to extend the service life of the module and ensure long-term stable communication.


Get a Quote