Allen-Bradley 20-COMM-C Communication Adapter
The Allen-Bradley 20-COMM-C, also cataloged as the 20-COMM-C ControlNet Communication Adapter, operates as a dedicated hardware component for ControlNet network connectivity and CIP message routing within PowerFlex drives and SMC motor controller platforms.
Hardware Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | 20-COMM-C |
| Brand | Allen-Bradley |
| Origin | USA |
| Weight | 0.56 lbs (0.26 kg) |
| Dimensions | 16 x 103 x 80 mm (0.62 x 4.00 x 3.12 in) |
| Operating Temp | 10 to 50 deg C (14 to 122 deg F) |
| Power Consumption | 350 mA at 5 VDC (supplied by host drive/kit) |
| Network Data Rate | 5 Mbps Full Duplex (fixed) |
| Internal DPI Speed | 125 kbps or 500 kbps |
| Network Connectors | Two (2) Coaxial BNC Ports (Channel A / B redundant) |
| Drive Interface | One (20-pin) DPI Connector / RJ45 interface |
| Status Display | Four (4) Status LEDs (DPI, Adapter, Network) |
Backplane Bus & Network Determinism
The 20-COMM-C adapter integrates high-speed Drive Peripheral Interface (DPI) protocol conversion latencies with deterministic ControlNet network performance across Allen-Bradley drives. Featuring hardware-based CIP routing, the unit processes up to 400 total I/O packets per second with a minimum Requested Packet Interval (RPI) rate of 5 ms. Internal physical layer transceivers support dual BNC coaxial connectors to execute full redundant medium switching without signal loss. Firmware flash compatibility across the adapter platform maintains deterministic parameter access, scheduled I/O connections, and automatic cross-talk suppression during high-density backplane bus data exchanges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the 20-COMM-C communication adapter draw power directly from the ControlNet trunk line?
A: No. Network electrical consumption is zero. The adapter draws its required 350 mA operating current at 5 VDC directly from the host PowerFlex drive internal power supply or through the DPI external communication kit interface.
Q: How is the ControlNet node address configured on the 20-COMM-C module?
A: Node addressing is set physically using the onboard rotary switch assembly on the adapter card before installation, or through host drive software parameters when the switch is set to software mode.
Q: Can the 20-COMM-C be installed directly into a PowerFlex 750-Series drive option slot?
A: The 20-COMM-C requires an optional DPI communication carrier card (catalog number 20-750-20COMM or 20-750-20COMM-F1) to adapt the internal DPI interface to the PowerFlex 750-Series backplane architecture.
Field Installation Guidelines
- Remove all main line AC power and control voltage sources from the host drive and wait for internal bus capacitors to fully discharge before installing the adapter card.
- Set the designated ControlNet network node address using the hardware rotary switches prior to snapping the card into the drive internal option slot.
- Ensure the 20-pin DPI ribbon cable header is fully seated and locked onto the drive control board connector to preserve internal communications ground integrity.
- Connect coaxial trunk lines to Channel A and Channel B BNC jacks, maintaining proper 75-ohm cable termination practices at both ends of the ControlNet network segment.
- Secure the drive cover to ensure the IP20 / NEMA 1 rating is maintained and ground grounding tags to the chassis ground point.
Allen-Bradley 20-COMM-C Communication Adapter
Allen-Bradley 20-COMM-C Communication Adapter
The Allen-Bradley 20-COMM-C, also cataloged as the 20-COMM-C ControlNet Communication Adapter, operates as a dedicated hardware component for ControlNet network connectivity and CIP message routing within PowerFlex drives and SMC motor controller platforms.
Hardware Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | 20-COMM-C |
| Brand | Allen-Bradley |
| Origin | USA |
| Weight | 0.56 lbs (0.26 kg) |
| Dimensions | 16 x 103 x 80 mm (0.62 x 4.00 x 3.12 in) |
| Operating Temp | 10 to 50 deg C (14 to 122 deg F) |
| Power Consumption | 350 mA at 5 VDC (supplied by host drive/kit) |
| Network Data Rate | 5 Mbps Full Duplex (fixed) |
| Internal DPI Speed | 125 kbps or 500 kbps |
| Network Connectors | Two (2) Coaxial BNC Ports (Channel A / B redundant) |
| Drive Interface | One (20-pin) DPI Connector / RJ45 interface |
| Status Display | Four (4) Status LEDs (DPI, Adapter, Network) |
Backplane Bus & Network Determinism
The 20-COMM-C adapter integrates high-speed Drive Peripheral Interface (DPI) protocol conversion latencies with deterministic ControlNet network performance across Allen-Bradley drives. Featuring hardware-based CIP routing, the unit processes up to 400 total I/O packets per second with a minimum Requested Packet Interval (RPI) rate of 5 ms. Internal physical layer transceivers support dual BNC coaxial connectors to execute full redundant medium switching without signal loss. Firmware flash compatibility across the adapter platform maintains deterministic parameter access, scheduled I/O connections, and automatic cross-talk suppression during high-density backplane bus data exchanges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the 20-COMM-C communication adapter draw power directly from the ControlNet trunk line?
A: No. Network electrical consumption is zero. The adapter draws its required 350 mA operating current at 5 VDC directly from the host PowerFlex drive internal power supply or through the DPI external communication kit interface.
Q: How is the ControlNet node address configured on the 20-COMM-C module?
A: Node addressing is set physically using the onboard rotary switch assembly on the adapter card before installation, or through host drive software parameters when the switch is set to software mode.
Q: Can the 20-COMM-C be installed directly into a PowerFlex 750-Series drive option slot?
A: The 20-COMM-C requires an optional DPI communication carrier card (catalog number 20-750-20COMM or 20-750-20COMM-F1) to adapt the internal DPI interface to the PowerFlex 750-Series backplane architecture.
Field Installation Guidelines
- Remove all main line AC power and control voltage sources from the host drive and wait for internal bus capacitors to fully discharge before installing the adapter card.
- Set the designated ControlNet network node address using the hardware rotary switches prior to snapping the card into the drive internal option slot.
- Ensure the 20-pin DPI ribbon cable header is fully seated and locked onto the drive control board connector to preserve internal communications ground integrity.
- Connect coaxial trunk lines to Channel A and Channel B BNC jacks, maintaining proper 75-ohm cable termination practices at both ends of the ControlNet network segment.
- Secure the drive cover to ensure the IP20 / NEMA 1 rating is maintained and ground grounding tags to the chassis ground point.
