Product Overview
The Allen-Bradley 20-COMM-D is a DeviceNet communication adapter from Rockwell Automation, designed to connect PowerFlex family drives to a DeviceNet network through the drive’s DPI (Drive Peripheral Interface) port. As one of the most widely deployed communication accessories in the PowerFlex ecosystem, the 20-COMM-D allows AC and DC drives to participate as fully addressable nodes on a DeviceNet trunk, enabling programmable controllers, Human-Machine Interfaces, and supervisory software to issue start/stop commands, speed references, and fault resets directly over the network while simultaneously reading drive status, actual speed, and diagnostic data back to the controller in real time.
The adapter supports DeviceNet data rates of 125 kbps, 250 kbps, and 500 kbps, together with autobaud and program modes, and offers a node address range of 0–63 configured either through onboard DIP switches or through drive parameters. Multiple data exchange methods — Polled, Cyclic, and Change of State (COS) — let integrators match network traffic to application requirements, balancing scan time against bandwidth for large drive populations. The Allen-Bradley 20-COMM-D also supports explicit messaging for parameter access, master-slave and peer-to-peer messaging between devices, and Automatic Device Replacement (ADR), which allows a replaced adapter to receive its configuration automatically from the scanner without manual reprogramming.
Powered from the drive at 5 V DC (150 mA) or from the DeviceNet trunk at 24 V DC (60 mA), the 20-COMM-D mounts internally within compatible PowerFlex drives or externally through a DPI communications kit, giving integrators flexibility across cabinet layouts. Because DeviceNet remains one of the most prevalent fieldbus architectures in existing Rockwell Automation installations, the 20-COMM-D continues to be an essential spare for maintenance teams supporting PowerFlex-driven conveyors, pumps, fans, and material-handling systems, where a failed adapter translates directly into a drive that cannot be commanded from the control room.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | 20-COMM-D |
| Manufacturer | Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley |
| Product Type | DeviceNet Communication Adapter (DPI to DeviceNet) |
| Network Protocol | DeviceNet (ODVA) |
| Compatible Drives | PowerFlex 70, 700, 700H, 700S, 700L, 750 Series (with 20-750-20 carrier), PowerFlex DC; PowerFlex 4/40 family via 22-COMM variant |
| Node Address Range | 0–63 (DIP switches 1–6 or parameters) |
| Data Rates | 125 kbps, 250 kbps, 500 kbps, Autobaud, PGM |
| Bus Termination | J2 jumper selects 120 Ω termination |
| Data Exchange Methods | Polled, Cyclic, Change of State (COS), Explicit Messaging, Peer-to-Peer |
| Power Consumption | 150 mA @ 5 V DC (from drive DPI port) / 60 mA @ 24 V DC (from network) |
| Network Connector | 5-pin linear DeviceNet connector |
| Operating Temperature | −10 °C to 50 °C (14 °F to 122 °F) |
| Storage Temperature | −40 °C to 85 °C (−40 °F to 185 °F) |
| Relative Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 19 mm × 86 mm × 78.5 mm (0.75 × 3.39 × 3.09 in) |
| Weight | 86 g (3 oz) |
| Status Indication | Module (M) and Network (NET) status LEDs |
| Configuration Tools | RSNetWorx for DeviceNet, DriveExplorer / Connected Components Workbench |
