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- Allen Bradley
- 20-COMM-E
- PowerFlex EtherNet/IP Communication Adapter
- USA
- 86 x 19 x 78.5 mm
- 0.085 kg
- Xiamen, China
- New & In Stock
- T/T, PayPal, Western Union
- 1 Year
- 1-3 Working Days
- DHL, UPS, TNT, FedEx and EMS.
- 24-Hour Service
- COO
- 10
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Global Logistics
We have a 10-year logistics and express cooperation agreement, so our products can be shipped to any place in the world.
Brand new and original
Our products are imported in bulk from the place of origin. Because of the cooperative relationship, our products are all original and 100% new.
24-hour service
We provide 7*24 hours service to our customers. We will be there whenever you need us.
Price advantage
All our products are priced very favorably because we have our own warehouse and supply.
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Product Overview
The Allen-Bradley 20-COMM-E is an EtherNet/IP communication adapter used with PowerFlex AC drives. It enables direct integration between the drive and an industrial Ethernet network, allowing real-time communication with PLC systems such as ControlLogix and CompactLogix.
It is part of Rockwell Automation’s DPI communication module family and is widely used in modern industrial automation systems for high-speed, deterministic drive control over Ethernet.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) |
| Model | 20-COMM-E |
| Product Type | EtherNet/IP Communication Adapter |
| Function | Drive communication interface |
| Protocol | EtherNet/IP (CIP-based industrial Ethernet) |
| Port | 1 × RJ45 Ethernet |
| Data Rate | 10/100 Mbps |
| Installation | Internal drive-mounted module |
| Power Supply | Supplied by host drive (5 V DC internal) |
| Compatibility | PowerFlex 70 / 700 / 700H / 700S / 750 series |
| Weight | ~0.085 kg |
| Dimensions | 86 × 19 × 78.5 mm |
| Network Features | Real-time I/O, explicit messaging, parameter access |
Function and Working Principle
The 20-COMM-E acts as a communication bridge between the PowerFlex drive and EtherNet/IP network. It works by:
- Translating internal drive protocol (DPI) into EtherNet/IP (CIP)
- Allowing PLCs to control motor speed, start/stop, and torque
- Enabling real-time data exchange (I/O messaging)
- Supporting diagnostics and parameter configuration over Ethernet
Role in Industrial Systems
This module is used in modern automation systems to provide:
- High-speed real-time drive control over Ethernet
- Seamless PLC integration (especially Allen-Bradley PLCs)
- Centralized monitoring of multiple drives
- Reduced wiring compared to legacy fieldbus systems
Industrial Applications
- Conveyor systems
- Packaging machines
- Pumps and HVAC systems
- Material handling systems
- Manufacturing automation lines
- Multi-drive coordinated systems
Installation Notes
- Installed directly into the PowerFlex drive communication slot
- Requires Ethernet/IP network configuration (IP address, subnet, etc.)
- Must ensure proper shielding and grounding of Ethernet cables
- Compatible switch infrastructure recommended for industrial environments
Compatible Equipment
- PowerFlex 70 / 700 / 700H / 700S / 750 drives
- ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLC systems
- Industrial Ethernet switches (Stratix series, etc.)
- Rockwell Automation Studio/CCW configuration tools
Recommended Alternative Models
| Model | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 20-COMM-D | DeviceNet adapter | Legacy fieldbus systems |
| 20-COMM-C | ControlNet adapter | Deterministic legacy networks |
| Built-in Ethernet (PowerFlex 525/755) | Integrated comms | Modern drive systems |
| PowerFlex 750 embedded EtherNet/IP | Native Ethernet | New-generation replacement |
Key Advantages
- Fast and reliable industrial Ethernet communication
- Strong integration with Rockwell PLC ecosystems
- Reduced wiring complexity compared to fieldbus systems
- Real-time control with low latency
- Widely adopted in modern automation systems
Limitations
- Requires correct network configuration (IP, RPI, etc.)
- Sensitive to cabling and EMI if installed improperly
- Legacy DPI architecture underneath (not fully native Ethernet drive control)
Conclusion
The Allen-Bradley 20-COMM-E EtherNet/IP Adapter is a widely used industrial communication module that enables PowerFlex drives to operate in modern Ethernet-based automation systems.
It provides fast, deterministic, and scalable connectivity, making it a standard choice for industrial motor control in contemporary automation environments.