Technical Specifications

FAQ

1. What are the main electrical specifications of the 20BC170A3ANNACC0?

The 20BC170A3ANNACC0 is a three-phase PowerFlex 700 AC drive designed for industrial motor control applications. It operates from a 380–480 V AC supply with a nominal input voltage of 400 V AC and provides a continuous output current rating of 170 A under normal-duty operation. The corresponding normal-duty power rating is approximately 90 kW. For heavy-duty applications, the drive supports a higher overload capability and is commonly associated with a 75 kW rating. The drive provides a maximum vector-control output frequency of up to 420 Hz. When selecting this drive, the motor rated current, load characteristics, acceleration requirements, overload conditions, and operating cycle should all be considered rather than selecting the drive based only on motor power.

2. What type of motor control does the 20BC170A3ANNACC0 provide?

The 20BC170A3ANNACC0 uses vector-control technology and can operate without a motor feedback device. The PowerFlex 700 platform provides sensorless vector control with motor tuning capabilities, allowing the drive to maintain stable speed and torque performance over a wide operating range. The drive can achieve speed regulation of approximately 0.1% of base speed across a 120:1 speed range when operating in vector-control mode without feedback. During commissioning, accurate motor nameplate information should be entered into the drive, including rated voltage, current, frequency, and speed. Proper motor tuning is also important because incorrect motor data can result in unstable speed, excessive current, reduced torque performance, or unnecessary protective trips.

3. What communication features are available on the 20BC170A3ANNACC0?

This configuration includes an internal ControlNet coaxial communication module and supports integration with industrial automation systems. The PowerFlex 700 platform also supports DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, PROFIBUS, CAN, Modbus, TCP/IP, and LON communication technologies when the appropriate communication options are used. ControlNet communication can be used to exchange drive commands, speed references, status information, alarms, and diagnostic data with a compatible control system. During commissioning, the communication address and network parameters should be configured correctly, and the source of the start command and speed reference should be verified. Communication-loss behavior should also be checked so that an interruption in network communication results in the intended machine response rather than an uncontrolled operating condition.

4. Does the 20BC170A3ANNACC0 include an internal braking resistor or Brake IGBT?

The 20BC170A3ANNACC0 does not include an internal braking resistor or Brake IGBT. This is particularly important for high-inertia applications where the motor must decelerate quickly or repeatedly. During deceleration, regenerative energy can flow from the motor back into the drive’s DC bus, causing the DC-bus voltage to increase. If the regenerated energy is excessive, an overvoltage fault can occur. Applications involving hoists, winding equipment, centrifuges, large conveyors, and other high-inertia machinery should therefore be evaluated carefully. The required braking solution depends on load inertia, motor speed, deceleration time, stopping frequency, and the amount of regenerative energy generated. Where necessary, an external braking or regenerative-energy management solution should be incorporated into the system design.

5. What I/O configuration is provided by the 20BC170A3ANNACC0?

The drive provides six digital inputs, three digital outputs, two analog inputs, and two analog outputs. Its control configuration uses 24 V DC I/O, allowing integration with PLCs, sensors, relays, interlocks, and other industrial control equipment. Digital inputs can be assigned to functions such as start, stop, enable, direction control, fault reset, and preset-speed selection. Analog inputs can be used for speed references or process-control signals, while analog outputs can provide operating information such as speed or other configured feedback values. The I/O functions should be checked against the control system before commissioning. Each input and output should be tested individually to verify wiring, parameter assignment, signal response, and PLC logic.

6. How should an overcurrent, overload, or overvoltage fault be diagnosed on the 20BC170A3ANNACC0?

Fault diagnosis should begin by determining the operating condition when the fault occurs. If an overcurrent or overload fault appears during startup or acceleration, inspect the machine for mechanical blockage, excessive friction, excessive inertia, or an unusually high starting load. The acceleration time should also be checked because an excessively short acceleration period can demand high motor current. The motor cables and terminals should be inspected for loose connections, incorrect wiring, insulation damage, or phase faults. Motor nameplate parameters stored in the drive should be compared with the actual motor specifications. If an overvoltage fault occurs mainly during deceleration, regenerative energy and the programmed deceleration time should be investigated. Reviewing the fault history together with output current, frequency, DC-bus conditions, and machine load can help identify whether the problem is caused by the mechanical system, motor, wiring, or drive configuration.

7. What are the acceleration and deceleration capabilities of the 20BC170A3ANNACC0?

The PowerFlex 700 provides two independently programmable acceleration and deceleration times, allowing the drive to be configured for different operating conditions. Each acceleration or deceleration time can be programmed from 0 to 3600 seconds in 0.1-second increments. The drive also supports multiple programmable stop modes, including coast, DC braking, fast braking, and other controlled stopping functions. These features allow the drive to be adapted to machinery with different inertia and stopping requirements. When setting acceleration and deceleration parameters, the mechanical characteristics of the driven equipment should be considered carefully. Excessively short acceleration times can cause high current demand, while excessively short deceleration times can increase regenerative energy and potentially cause DC-bus overvoltage.

8. What environmental conditions should be considered when installing the 20BC170A3ANNACC0?

The 20BC170A3ANNACC0 is specified for operation from 0 to 50 °C at 400 V AC, with a relative humidity range of 5–95% without condensation. The standard maximum installation altitude is 1000 m without derating. The drive uses an IP20 / NEMA/UL Type 1 enclosure, so it should be installed in a suitable controlled environment or protective enclosure where it is not directly exposed to water, excessive moisture, corrosive gases, or conductive dust. Adequate ventilation is important because the drive generates significant heat during operation. The installation should provide sufficient clearance around the cooling system and should prevent other heat-producing equipment from excessively increasing the ambient temperature. At higher altitudes or elevated ambient temperatures, the thermal loading should be evaluated and appropriate derating may be required.