The PowerFlex 527 As Seen At Automation Fair 2014

December 15, 2014

I was able to get my first look at Rockwell's new PowerFlex 527 VFD at Automation Fair 2014, and in today's article I share the seven new facts I learned:

1) Logix Only

This drive is designed strictly to be a remote Ethernet I/O rack to a ControlLogix or CompactLogix system, configured using Studio 5000 Logix Designer.

2) No HIM

As if to drive home the first point, this VFD has no “Human Interface Module” controls. No Start, Stop, Jog, or Speed Pot like most other VFD's have.

In fact, the only setting you can change from the front of this drive is the IP Address.

3) No USB Port

Also driving home the first point is the fact that the 527's Control Module has no USB port, so connecting directly with your PC is not possible.

This makes the 527 more like a traditional rack of I/O, and should prevent mismatches between the drive configuration and the Logix controller's.

4) Embedded two port Ethernet switch

Like many new Rockwell products, the 527 sports an integrated dual-port DLR enabled Ethernet switch. This allows it to be used in either daisy chain or ring configurations.

5) Integrated Safety

When used with a GuardLogix processor, the 527 supports Integrated Safety over Ethernet/IP.

6) Hardwired Safe-Torque-Off

When used with a standard Logix processor, the 527 also has built-in hardwired Safe Torque-off support.

7) Common 520 Power Structure

The 527 shares a common power structure with the 523 and 525. According the representative I talked to at the show, the 527 control module can be used to replace an existing 523 or 525 control module (or vice versa.)

Well, those are the top seven facts I learned about the PowerFlex 527 at Automation Fair 2014. For more information, check out Rockwell's product profile on the 527 which I've linked to below:

http://literature.rockwellautomation.com/idc/groups/literature/documents/pp/527-pp001_-en-p.pdf

If you have any comments, questions, or corrections, please don't hesitate to share them with us by filling out the “post a comment or question” link below.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator

Have a question? Join my community of automation professionals and take part in the discussion! You'll also find my PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at TheAutomationSchool.com.

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Shawn Tierney

Shawn is a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who as a pre-teen in the early 80's discovered his passion for programing on the newly released Apple II and VIC-20 computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, Shawn worked as a Certified Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to focus full time on teaching online PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at The Automation School, as well as publishing industrial automation news, interviews, and how-to articles & videos at The Automation Blog.