Purchase now the 20-COMM-P, a robust PROFIBUS DP communication interface designed for integrating Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drives into European standard fieldbus systems.
What Is the 20-COMM-P?
The 20-COMM-P is a specialized communication adapter that allows Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 7-Class and 70-Series drives to operate as slaves on a PROFIBUS DP network. This module is essential for facilities that utilize Siemens or other European-standard controllers but rely on the performance and reliability of Rockwell Automation drives. By bridging the DPI (Drive Peripheral Interface) of the PowerFlex drive with the PROFIBUS DP protocol, the 20-COMM-P enables high-speed cyclical data exchange for control and status, as well as acyclical messaging for parameter configuration. Its rugged design ensures stable communication even in environments with significant electrical noise, common in large-scale manufacturing and processing plants.
Key Technical Specifications
- Network Protocol: PROFIBUS DP (DP-V0 and DP-V1)
- Data Rates: Supports 9.6 Kbps to 12 Mbps (Auto-sensing)
- Node Address: Configurable via rotary switches (0-125)
- Interface: Internal DPI (Drive Peripheral Interface)
- Connection: Standard 9-pin D-sub female connector
- Status LEDs: Dedicated indicators for Network and Module health
Fieldbus Architecture and GSD Configuration
The 20-COMM-P architecture is optimized for seamless data mapping within a PROFIBUS master’s I/O table. To integrate the drive, users utilize a GSD (General Station Description) file provided by Rockwell Automation, which defines the drive’s capabilities and data structure for the PROFIBUS master. This adapter supports both «Standard» and «User-Defined» telegrams, providing flexibility in how much data is exchanged per cycle. Its internal isolation from the drive’s power circuitry prevents ground loops, ensuring that the PROFIBUS network remains stable across long cable runs between multiple drive nodes.
Maintenance Tips
When maintaining a network using the 20-COMM-P, always check the termination resistors at both physical ends of the PROFIBUS segment. A common cause of intermittent communication errors is a loose 9-pin D-sub connector or a lack of proper shielding on the purple PROFIBUS cable. Use a PROFIBUS tester periodically to check for signal quality and reflections. If the 20-COMM-P shows a «Network Fault,» verify that the node address set on the rotary switches matches the address configured in the master controller’s hardware configuration to avoid conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the 20-COMM-P support DP-V1 acyclic messaging?
A: Yes, it supports DP-V1, allowing for advanced parameter read/write operations from a PLC without interrupting the high-speed cyclic control data.
Q: Can I set the node address via software?
A: Yes, if the rotary switches are set to 999, the address can be configured via a drive parameter using a HIM or software tool.
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