FactoryTalk AssetCentre Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drive asset frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drive asset?

The Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drive asset allows FactoryTalk AssetCentre users to manage Rockwell Automation drive assets that are configured using Unified Device Configuration (UDC) technology. UDC technology is currently embedded in the Connected Components Workbench (CCW).

How is the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drive asset licensed?

Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drive Disaster Recovery is part of the Rockwell Automation Disaster Recovery capability activation, and each custom device asset added to the FactoryTalk AssetCentre asset tree will consume one asset within an asset capacity activation. See Knowledgebase Document ID: QA9523 - FactoryTalk AssetCentre Activation for information on the difference between capacity and capability activations.

How is the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drive asset different than the RA Drive asset?

The RA Drive asset makes use of the Drive Executive suite to manage Rockwell Automation Drives. Because the Drive Executive suite is being phased out, UDC technology has been embedded in the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drive asset. Thus, the RA Drive asset should be used for legacy drives managed by Drive Executive, and the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drive asset should be used for newer drives managed with UDC technology.

Is the Connected Components Workbench (CCW) required for Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drive assets?

No, installing CCW is not required to configure Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drive assets, or for Disaster Recovery operations. The required UDC technology is installed as part of the FactoryTalk AssetCentre agent.

Are all CCW devices supported using the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drive asset?

No, only the Rockwell Automation PowerFlex low voltage AC drives are supported.

What file types are supported for use with the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drive asset?

The Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drive asset supports a FactoryTalk AssetCentre binder for use as both Backup and Configuration Data. The Configuration Data should be used to store the CCW project corresponding to the drive in question. The Backup Data is collected automatically when a Disaster Recovery operation runs, and is comprised of one *.IUUX file.

Is there a way to merge the Backup and Configuration Data binders?

Yes, the Backup to Config operation allows a Backup binder version to be merged into the Configuration Data stream binder.