Get now the 20COMM, a versatile communication adapter designed for the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 7-class variable frequency drives (VFDs). This module allows for seamless integration of your motor control hardware into various industrial networks, enabling advanced control and diagnostic capabilities.
What Is the 20COMM?
The 20COMM is a communication interface module that connects Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 70, 700, 700H, 700S, and 750-series drives to external networks. Depending on the specific sub-model (e.g., 20-COMM-E for Ethernet or 20-COMM-D for DeviceNet), it facilitates real-time data exchange between the drive and a programmable logic controller (PLC). The 20COMM architecture is designed to plug directly into the drive’s internal DPI (Drive Peripheral Interface) port. This allows the user to perform remote start/stop commands, speed reference adjustments, and fault resets while also retrieving critical diagnostic data like motor torque, bus voltage, and thermal state. It is an essential component for distributed control systems where drives are located far from the main control cabinet.
Key Technical Specifications
- Device Support: PowerFlex 70, 700, 700H, 700S, 700L, 753, 755
- Interface Protocol: DPI (Drive Peripheral Interface)
- Communication Speed: Up to 125/250/500 Kbps (DeviceNet) or 10/100 Mbps (Ethernet)
- Configuration: Via Connected Components Workbench or HIM (Human Interface Module)
- Power Consumption: Derived from the host drive
- Operating Temperature: -10 to 50 Celsius
- Status Indicators: Integrated LEDs for Network and Module status
Advanced Control and Diagnostics
Utilizing the 20COMM adapter significantly enhances the capabilities of a PowerFlex drive. It supports «Explicit Messaging» for non-critical data transfer and «I/O Messaging» for time-critical control. This dual-path architecture ensures that the speed reference is updated instantly while background diagnostic information is retrieved without taxing the network bandwidth. Furthermore, the 20COMM supports «Automatic Device Configuration» (ADC) in some Logix environments, which automatically downloads drive parameters to a replaced drive, drastically reducing downtime during maintenance events.
Maintenance Tips
When performing maintenance on a drive equipped with a 20COMM, always check the firmware version of both the drive and the adapter. Incompatibility between firmware revisions is a common cause of communication timeouts. Ensure the DPI cable is securely seated and not routed near high-voltage motor cables to prevent EMI from causing intermittent network drops. If the «PORT» LED is flashing red, it usually indicates a conflict in the node address or a duplicate IP on the network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the 20COMM require an external power supply?
A: No, the 20COMM draws its operating power directly from the PowerFlex drive through the DPI connection port.
Q: Can I use a 20COMM module with a PowerFlex 4 or 5-series drive?
A: No, the 20COMM is specifically for 7-class drives (DPI). For PowerFlex 4 or 5-series, you would typically use the 22-COMM series of adapters (DSI).
Do you need more references from this brand? Explore our full catalog of Allen-Bradley here: https://atlantechdrives.com/manufacturers/allen-bradley/
