Product Overview

The Allen-Bradley 20BC170A0AYNANC0 PowerFlex 700 AC Drive is a high-power industrial variable frequency drive designed to control the speed, torque, and operation of compatible three-phase AC motors. Manufactured by Rockwell Automation under the Allen-Bradley brand, this drive is designed for industrial applications that require reliable motor control, adjustable operating speeds, and integration with automated production systems.

The PowerFlex 700 series supports variable-speed motor operation by regulating the electrical power delivered to the motor. Instead of running equipment continuously at a fixed speed, operators can adjust motor operation to suit production requirements. This can improve process coordination, reduce unnecessary mechanical stress, and support energy-efficient operation in applications with changing load demands.

The 20BC170A0AYNANC0 is rated for a nominal 400 V AC three-phase supply and provides a continuous output current of 170 A. Its rated power is 90 kW for normal-duty operation and 75 kW for heavy-duty operation. These ratings make it suitable for appropriately selected large industrial motors used in manufacturing equipment, material handling, pumping systems, fans, and other demanding motor-control applications.

This configuration features vector control with 24 V DC I/O, conformal coating, an installed braking IGBT, and an EMC filter with a common-mode choke. It does not include an installed human interface module (HIM), an internal braking resistor, an internal communication module, or a feedback option.

The full catalog number is important when selecting this drive because PowerFlex 700 products are available in multiple voltage classes, current ratings, control configurations, and communication options. A drive with a similar power rating may not offer the same braking, control, or connectivity features.

The PowerFlex 700 20B series has been discontinued. The 20BC170A0AYNANC0 may therefore be relevant to industrial maintenance, spare-parts procurement, and the replacement of existing drive installations. Buyers should confirm the exact model, condition, and technical compatibility before purchasing.

Technical Specifications

Note: Dimensions and weight are the supplied listing values. Confirm the exact hardware configuration and manufacturer’s dimensional drawings before panel design, lifting, or shipping.

Function and Working Principle

The PowerFlex 700 drive regulates the electrical power supplied to an AC motor. Its power-conversion circuitry and control functions adjust output frequency and voltage according to the selected operating mode and programmed motor parameters.

1. Variable-Frequency Motor Speed Control

The rotational speed of an AC motor is related to the frequency of its electrical supply and the motor’s design. By changing the output frequency, the drive allows the motor to operate at different speeds according to process requirements.

For example, a large conveyor may require a lower speed during material positioning and a higher speed during normal transportation. A variable frequency drive enables these changes without requiring a mechanical speed adjustment for every operating condition.

The actual operating range depends on the motor, load, drive configuration, cooling requirements, and application design.

2. Vector Control

The 20BC170A0AYNANC0 is configured for vector control. This approach provides more advanced control of motor operation than basic frequency-only control.

When correctly configured for the connected motor, vector control can support improved torque response and speed regulation. These capabilities are valuable when industrial equipment experiences changing loads or requires controlled acceleration and deceleration.

Performance depends on correct motor nameplate data, appropriate tuning, the operating mode, and the characteristics of the mechanical system.

3. Acceleration and Deceleration Control

Industrial motors often drive high-inertia equipment, including conveyors, pumps, fans, and process machinery. Sudden changes in speed can create mechanical stress and disrupt production.

The PowerFlex 700 provides programmable acceleration and deceleration times. Engineers can configure these settings to suit the load and production cycle.

Appropriate ramp settings may help reduce sudden movement, limit stress on couplings and gearboxes, and improve process stability. However, rapid deceleration can return energy to the drive’s DC bus. Since this model does not include an internal braking resistor, the braking requirements must be assessed carefully for high-inertia or frequent-stop applications.

4. Motor Protection and Fault Monitoring

Drive protection and diagnostic functions help identify abnormal operating conditions. Depending on the application and parameter configuration, monitored conditions can include overcurrent, bus voltage abnormalities, motor overload, and drive temperature.

These functions help maintenance personnel investigate faults and reduce unnecessary downtime. They do not replace correctly rated upstream protective devices, proper grounding, or the machine’s required safety systems.

5. Electromagnetic Compatibility

The specified configuration includes an EMC filter with a common-mode choke. This helps manage electromagnetic interference when the drive is installed and wired in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

For a high-power drive, correct cable routing, grounding, shielding, and cabinet design are particularly important. The presence of an EMC filter does not guarantee compliance under every installation condition.

Role in Industrial Control Systems

The 20BC170A0AYNANC0 can serve as a motor-control component in a larger automation architecture. It is installed between the incoming electrical supply and the motor, while receiving operating commands from the control system.

PLC Integration

A programmable logic controller can coordinate drive operation with sensors, actuators, safety interlocks, and other production equipment. Depending on the control architecture, the PLC may command the drive to start, stop, accelerate, decelerate, or follow a selected speed reference.

This model uses 24 V DC I/O and does not include an internal communication module in the specified configuration. Engineers should verify the available terminals and intended command method rather than assume that a particular industrial network is available.

HMI and Operator Control

A human-machine interface provides operators with access to process information, operating commands, and alarm displays. In many installations, the HMI communicates with the PLC, which coordinates the drive and other machine components.

The 20BC170A0AYNANC0 is specified without an installed HIM. If direct local operation or programming is required, the appropriate interface and commissioning method must be confirmed for the actual drive configuration.

Motor and Process Coordination

The drive can support coordinated motor operation in a production line. For example, a PLC may adjust the speed of a conveyor according to material flow or regulate a pump based on process demand.

Successful integration requires suitable motor sizing, control logic, parameter configuration, and feedback from the process where necessary.

Industrial Applications

The PowerFlex 700 series is designed for industrial motor-control applications. With a 170 A continuous output rating and a 90 kW normal-duty rating, the 20BC170A0AYNANC0 is intended for larger motor applications than compact drives.

1. Heavy-Duty Conveyor Systems

Large conveyors are used in manufacturing, material handling, and industrial processing. A variable frequency drive can provide controlled acceleration, adjustable transport speed, and coordinated operation with other machinery.

When selecting this drive for a conveyor, engineers should evaluate motor current, starting torque, conveyor inertia, required stopping time, and the expected operating cycle.

2. Industrial Pumping Systems

Large pumps are used in water treatment, industrial fluid handling, manufacturing, and process plants. A suitable variable frequency drive can adjust pump speed according to required flow or pressure.

In appropriate systems, speed control can reduce unnecessary throttling and improve process flexibility. Pump characteristics, minimum operating speed, fluid conditions, and motor cooling requirements must be considered.

3. Industrial Fans and Blowers

Large fans and blowers may need to operate at different speeds according to ventilation or process requirements. A drive allows the motor speed to be adjusted instead of relying solely on fixed-speed operation.

Energy savings depend on the fan system, operating profile, and actual load. Engineers should also verify motor ratings and ensure that the drive cabinet has adequate cooling.

4. Manufacturing and Process Machinery

Industrial production lines often use high-power motors to operate material-handling equipment, processing machines, and auxiliary systems. Adjustable-speed control can help synchronize equipment operation and respond to changing production demands.

The drive must be matched to the motor’s rated current, load characteristics, required overload capability, and environmental conditions.

5. Industrial Equipment Modernization

The PowerFlex 700 family remains relevant to the maintenance of existing industrial installations. A drive such as the 20BC170A0AYNANC0 may be required when replacing a failed unit or maintaining an established control system.

Because the series is discontinued, replacement projects should include a review of the original control architecture, communication requirements, braking arrangement, and motor specifications.

Installation and System Integration

Correct installation is essential for electrical safety, reliable motor operation, and long-term drive performance.

1. Verify the Electrical Supply

Confirm that the incoming supply matches the drive’s nominal 400 V AC three-phase rating. Verify the supply frequency, available fault current, upstream protective devices, and grounding arrangement.

Check the motor nameplate for voltage, current, power, speed, and service requirements. A motor’s kilowatt rating alone is not sufficient to establish compatibility with the drive.

2. Confirm Mounting Dimensions and Cabinet Space

The supplied dimensions are 850.0 × 403.9 × 275.5 mm. These should be checked against the exact drive’s mechanical drawings before cabinet fabrication or replacement planning.

Allow adequate space for wiring access, maintenance, ventilation, and heat dissipation. The drive’s actual frame configuration and installation arrangement must be confirmed before deciding on mounting orientation or clearances.

The IP20 / NEMA Type 1 configuration is not a sealed, water-resistant enclosure. If the installation environment contains moisture, conductive dust, or corrosive contaminants, a suitable protective enclosure may be required.

3. Power Wiring and Grounding

Power conductors, motor cables, control wiring, and grounding must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable electrical codes.

For high-power equipment, conductor sizing, terminal torque, upstream protection, and grounding are particularly important. Sensitive control wiring should be routed separately from power conductors where required to reduce electrical interference.

Before installing or servicing the drive, isolate the supply and follow appropriate lockout procedures. Verify the absence of hazardous voltage before touching electrical components.

4. Configure Motor Parameters

Enter the correct motor nameplate data and configure the control mode, speed references, command sources, acceleration and deceleration times, and protection settings.

For vector-control applications, follow the manufacturer’s motor setup and tuning procedures. Incorrect parameters may cause poor torque response, unstable speed regulation, or unnecessary trips.

5. Evaluate Braking Requirements

The drive includes a braking IGBT but does not include an internal braking resistor. These are separate functions: the IGBT is a switching component used in the braking circuit, while a resistor dissipates regenerated energy when required.

Applications involving frequent stopping, high inertia, or rapid deceleration may require an approved external braking resistor or another engineered braking solution. Verify resistor sizing, duty cycle, wiring, and protection requirements before commissioning.

6. Commissioning and Functional Testing

After installation, inspect the wiring and grounding, verify motor connections, and confirm that the equipment can operate safely.

Test the start and stop commands, rotation direction, speed references, acceleration and deceleration, interlocks, and fault responses. Record the final parameters and retain a configuration backup for future maintenance.

Compatible System Components

The 20BC170A0AYNANC0 normally operates as part of an engineered motor-control installation. Compatibility depends on electrical ratings, control architecture, and the requirements of the application.

These are examples of components that may be used in a complete installation. They are not necessarily included with the drive.

Alternative Models and Replacement Considerations

The PowerFlex 700 20B series was discontinued on November 30, 2023. For existing installations, replacement selection should account for both electrical performance and the original configuration.

Before selecting a replacement, compare:

• Input voltage and phase configuration.
• Continuous output current and overload capability.
• Normal-duty and heavy-duty power ratings.
• Control method and motor-performance requirements.
• Control I/O voltage and terminal assignments.
• Communication and feedback requirements.
• Braking IGBT and resistor arrangements.
• EMC filtering and enclosure protection.
• Mounting dimensions, cooling, and cable access.
• PLC logic, parameter settings, and commissioning procedures.

A replacement drive with a similar power rating may require changes to wiring, control programs, protection settings, or braking hardware. Compatibility should be confirmed before installation.

Key Advantages

High-Power Motor Control

The 170 A continuous output rating and 90 kW normal-duty rating support appropriately selected large industrial motor applications.

Vector-Control Capability

The specified vector-control configuration supports advanced motor-control strategies when correctly configured for the motor and load.

Adjustable Speed and Ramping

Variable-speed operation and programmable acceleration and deceleration allow engineers to adapt motor response to process requirements.

Integrated Braking IGBT

The installed braking IGBT provides a braking-circuit capability. Additional braking hardware may be necessary depending on the application.

EMC Filtering

The included EMC filter and common-mode choke support electromagnetic compatibility when installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Conformal Coating

The specified configuration includes conformal coating, which provides additional protection for electronic assemblies under appropriate environmental conditions. It does not make the drive suitable for unrestricted exposure to moisture or corrosive substances.

Established Industrial Installation Base

The PowerFlex 700 family is used in legacy automation systems. Accurate catalog-number identification is important when sourcing spare parts or maintaining existing equipment.

Technical FAQs

1. What is the Allen-Bradley 20BC170A0AYNANC0?

It is a PowerFlex 700 AC drive designed for variable-speed control of compatible three-phase AC motors. Its published configuration is rated at 400 V AC and 170 A continuous output.

2. What is the rated motor power?

The normal-duty rating is 90 kW, while the heavy-duty rating is 75 kW. The appropriate rating depends on the load and required overload performance.

3. What input voltage does this model use?

The nominal input rating is 400 V AC, three-phase, at 50 Hz. Confirm the actual nameplate and installation documentation before connecting power.

4. Does the drive include a braking resistor?

No. It has a braking IGBT installed but does not include an internal braking resistor. External braking hardware may be needed for high-inertia or rapid-deceleration applications.

5. Does it include an internal communication module?

No internal communication module is included in the specified configuration. Confirm the required PLC interface and any additional hardware before designing the control system.

6. Can it be integrated with a PLC?

Yes. It can be integrated into an appropriate PLC-based control system using the available 24 V DC I/O and a suitable control arrangement. The exact wiring and control method depend on the installation.

7. Is the PowerFlex 700 20B series still in production?

No. Rockwell Automation discontinued the series on November 30, 2023. Availability of individual units depends on remaining stock and the industrial spare-parts market.

8. Can another PowerFlex drive replace this model directly?

Not necessarily. Replacement drives may differ in electrical ratings, control interfaces, communication options, braking hardware, and mounting requirements. Compare the complete catalog numbers and technical documentation before substitution.

9. What should buyers inspect when purchasing a used unit?

Verify the full catalog number, nameplate, visible condition, terminal condition, cooling components, and available functional-test records. Confirm whether accessories are included and establish the supplier’s warranty and return terms.

10. Why should the listed dimensions and weight be verified?

Large drives may have different mechanical dimensions and weights depending on frame, enclosure, installation arrangement, and packaging. Confirm the exact unit and manufacturer’s dimensional drawings before using the values for cabinet design, lifting, or transport.

Procurement and Maintenance Recommendations

Because the PowerFlex 700 20B series is discontinued, procurement should begin with the complete catalog number rather than the product-family name alone.

When sourcing the 20BC170A0AYNANC0, verify the 400 V AC input rating, 170 A continuous output current, 90 kW normal-duty rating, 75 kW heavy-duty rating, 24 V I/O vector-control configuration, conformal coating, EMC filter, and braking arrangement.

For used or surplus equipment, request clear nameplate photographs and information about the unit’s condition, test status, and storage history. Confirm whether the drive is supplied with accessories and distinguish the actual unit weight from the packaged shipping weight.

During maintenance, keep the drive and surrounding cabinet clean, maintain the required airflow, and inspect cooling components, wiring, terminals, and grounding according to the applicable maintenance schedule. Back up drive parameters and document any changes made during commissioning or troubleshooting.

For replacement projects, assess whether the existing motor, PLC logic, control wiring, braking arrangement, and cabinet can be retained. A newer drive may require engineering modifications, parameter conversion, software changes, or recommissioning before it can safely return to service.

Conclusion

The Allen-Bradley 20BC170A0AYNANC0 PowerFlex 700 AC Drive is a high-power industrial variable frequency drive rated for 400 V AC three-phase input and 170 A continuous output. Its published ratings are 90 kW for normal-duty operation and 75 kW for heavy-duty operation.

The specified configuration includes vector control with 24 V DC I/O, conformal coating, an EMC filter, and a braking IGBT, while excluding an internal braking resistor, an installed HIM, and an internal communication module.

For industrial maintenance and replacement applications, accurate model identification and configuration matching are essential. Since the PowerFlex 700 20B series has been discontinued, buyers should verify the actual unit, electrical ratings, installation requirements, and replacement compatibility before purchasing or commissioning the drive.