The Allen-Bradley 20-COMM-C, also cataloged as the 20-COMM-C Communication Adapter, operates as a dedicated hardware component for ControlNet network interfacing within PowerFlex architecture networks. The module establishes a direct data bridge between the host drive's Drive Peripheral Interface (DPI) and a deterministic ControlNet link, executing real-time transmission of scheduled I/O data and unscheduled configuration messaging. Operating at a fixed 5 Mbps data rate, this interface module inserts directly into the dedicated internal communication slot of the drive or external communication kit, drawing physical operational current over the internal backplane connection.
| Parameter | Specification |
| Model | 20-COMM-C |
| Brand | Allen-Bradley |
| Origin | United States |
| Weight | 0.20 kg (0.44 lbs) |
| Dimensions | Standard PowerFlex internal communication slot dimensions |
| Operating Temp | 10 to 50 deg C |
| Power Consumption | 350 mA at 5 VDC (supplied by host drive or DPI external kit) |
| Protocol | ControlNet / DPI |
| Network Interface | Two (2) BNC ports (Channel A and Channel B redundant) |
| Host Interface | One (1) DPI connector, One (1) RJ45 connector |
| Data Rate | 5 Mbps Full Duplex (fixed) |
| Connection Limits | 30 TCP connections maximum |
| RPI Rate | 5 ms minimum |
| LED Indicators | Four (4) LEDs for DPI, adapter, Net A, and Net B status |
| Enclosure Rating | IP20, NEMA/UL Type 1 (when installed) |
Within distributed ControlNet architectures, data transmission routines interact concurrently with peripheral Profinet / EtherNet/IP deterministic networks via plant-wide bridging modules. The 20-COMM-C manages drive parameter mapping to maintain consistent I/O density scaling during large-scale network expansions. By securing a fixed 5 ms Requested Packet Interval (RPI) minimum rate, the adapter offloads real-time motion and speed loop processing from the main trunk line, suppressing latency variances across high-density nodes and preventing physical drive dropouts during intensive asynchronous message cycles.
Q: Does the 20-COMM-C adapter support online hot-swap operations while the host drive is energized?
A: No. The adapter must never be inserted or removed while power is applied to the host drive or the external DPI communication kit. Disconnecting the module during operation will disrupt the DPI link, fault the drive, and risk corruption of the internal parameter registers.
Q: How is network-side electrical consumption managed across the dual BNC ControlNet channels?
A: The network electrical consumption of this module is zero. All internal optical isolation components and transceivers on the ControlNet side derive their operational power completely from the 5 VDC backplane current supplied by the host drive.
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