Description
The Allen‑Bradley 20-COMM-D is a DeviceNet communication adapter manufactured by Rockwell Automation, designed to provide seamless network connectivity for PowerFlex 7‑Class AC drives . This module serves as a bridge between the drive’s internal DPI (Drive Peripheral Interface) and a DeviceNet network, enabling real‑time control, parameter configuration, and data collection from a central PLC or DCS .
Engineered for internal mounting within the drive’s communication slot, the 20-COMM-D supports critical industrial messaging types, including Polled I/O for high‑speed control and Explicit Messaging for non‑time‑critical parameter adjustments. Its rugged design, auto‑baud detection, and front‑panel LED diagnostics make it an essential component for distributed control systems where multiple drives must be synchronized over a CAN‑based DeviceNet trunk .
Application Scenarios
In a large automotive assembly plant, controls engineers needed to integrate dozens of PowerFlex drives into a DeviceNet network for synchronised conveyor and robotic welding operations. The existing point‑to‑point wiring was costly and hindered rapid reconfiguration for new vehicle models. By deploying the Allen‑Bradley 20-COMM-D on each drive, the plant established a single DeviceNet trunk that connected all drives to a central Logix controller. The 20-COMM-D supported polled I/O for speed and torque commands, while cyclic messaging provided continuous feedback on motor current and temperature. Commissioning time dropped by 60%, and the plant gained the flexibility to add or remove drives without rewiring.
In a water treatment facility, the engineering team required remote monitoring and diagnostics for variable‑speed pumps spread across multiple buildings. The 20-COMM-D enabled each PowerFlex drive to report fault codes, runtime hours, and energy consumption back to the SCADA system over DeviceNet. The module’s user‑defined fault actions allowed the drives to automatically ramp down to safe speeds if network communication was lost, preventing pipe surges and protecting pumps. Maintenance staff now receive email alerts via the network, reducing unplanned downtime by 45% .
Parameters
| Main Parameters | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Product Model | Allen‑Bradley 20-COMM-D |
| Manufacturer | Rockwell Automation / Allen‑Bradley |
| Product Category | DeviceNet Communication Adapter |
| Communication Protocol | DeviceNet (CAN‑based), DPI |
| Data Rates | 125 kbps, 250 kbps, 500 kbps (Auto‑Baud & PGM selectable) |
| Node Address Range | 0 – 63 (set via DIP switches or software) |
| Drive Interface | DPI (Drive Peripheral Interface) at 125 kbps or 500 kbps |
| Host Power Consumption | 150 mA at 5V DC (supplied by the host drive) |
| Network Power Consumption | 60 mA at 24V DC (supplied by DeviceNet) |
| Connection Limits | 30 TCP connections; 16 simultaneous CIP messaging incl. 1 exclusive‑owner I/O |
| Minimum RPI | 5 ms |
| Packet Rate | Up to 400 total I/O packets per second (200 in / 200 out) |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to +50°C (14°F to 122°F) |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to 185°F) |
| Dimensions (H x L x W) | 19 mm × 86 mm × 78.5 mm (0.75 × 3.39 × 3.09 in) |
| Weight | 85 g (3 oz.) |
| Certifications | UL, cUL, CE (EN61800‑3, EN50178), CTick |