ABB FEIP-21 EtherNet/IP Adapter Module for ABB Drives

ABB FEIP-21 EtherNet/IP adapter for ABB drives

The ABB FEIP-21 is a plug-in fieldbus adapter that connects an ABB drive to an EtherNet/IP network. It sits in a drive option slot, so the drive can be controlled, monitored and parameterised by a PLC that speaks Rockwell-style implicit and explicit messaging.

It has two RJ-45 ports with an internal switch, which allows line and ring layouts without external switches. Device Level Ring (DLR) is supported for fast recovery after a cable break.

In practice, an installer fits the module in the drive option slot, connects one or both RJ-45 ports to the plant switch, and then sets the drive’s fieldbus parameters for the IP address, subnet and the chosen assembly. The scanner side uses the EDS file from ABB’s documentation. A ring design needs a supervisor node that manages DLR; the drive itself acts as a ring participant.

Technical specifications

Network and wiring data

Each port runs at 10 or 100 Mbps and a segment may be up to 100 m. A DLR ring can hold up to 50 nodes. The adapter offers three connections and a shortest requested packet interval (RPI) of 1 ms, and three bicolour LEDs show module and network state.

The module takes its 3.3 V supply, at most 400 mA, from the drive, so no separate power is needed. Protection class is IP20, so the drive enclosure or cabinet must give the environmental protection.

Plan the cabling with shielded Ethernet cable suited to industrial use, route it away from motor cables, and ground the shield as the manual describes. After power-up the three LEDs show module status, network status and link activity, which is the quickest way to find an addressing or cable fault before reading drive diagnostics.

Reading the FEIP-21 code and ordering options

FEIP is ABB’s family prefix for the EtherNet/IP adapter and 21 is the hardware generation. In the ACS880-01 catalogue, the module is a plug-in option with code +K490, for example on the ACS880-01 drives. Other families list it under their own option codes, so check the drive’s order code.

Drive-specific parameters, assembly objects and the EDS file are in the ABB manual, which is attached to this page. Related adapters in the same category are the FPBA-01 and the industrial communication category.

Choosing the FEIP-21 for an ABB drive project

The FEIP-21 is the right adapter when the controlling PLC or scanner communicates over EtherNet/IP and the drive belongs to one of the compatible families listed in the table. If the plant uses a different fieldbus, a different ABB adapter is needed, so confirm the network protocol before selecting the module. Because the adapter takes its power from the drive and plugs into an option slot, it adds network connectivity without extra wiring for supply.

The two RJ-45 ports with a built-in switch make it practical to daisy-chain drives in a line, which cuts the amount of cabling back to a central switch. For applications where a cable break must not stop communication, a DLR ring with a suitable supervisor node keeps the drives reachable while the fault is repaired.

Typical applications

EtherNet/IP control of ABB drives is common on pumps, fans, conveyors and process lines where a Rockwell-style controller already runs the plant. Through the adapter the PLC can send start, stop and speed references and read back status, actual values and fault information. Explicit messaging also lets the control system read and write drive parameters, which helps with recipe changes and central diagnostics without visiting each drive.

Commissioning considerations

Before commissioning, agree the IP addressing scheme with whoever manages the plant network, and decide which assembly the drive will use so the PLC program and the drive parameters match. Load the EDS file into the scanner configuration tool, then add each drive with its address and the chosen RPI. Check that the RPI suits the number of drives on the network and the speed of the control task.

Once the module is installed and the drive is powered, use the LEDs to confirm module and network status before testing control from the PLC. Test the response of the drive to a communication loss, and set the drive fault reaction so that the machine goes to a safe state if the network stops. These settings are described in the ABB manual attached to this page.

Planning the network layout

Decide early whether the drives will be wired in a line or a ring. A line is simpler and suits small machines, while a ring needs a supervisor node but tolerates a single cable break. Keep the segment length within the limit in the table, and label each port so maintenance staff can restore the correct connection after work on the drive.

Specifying the module in your RFQ

Give the type code FEIP-21 and the quantity, and state the drive family and type that will host the module. If the adapter is to be ordered fitted in a new drive, include the drive’s full order code with the option code, such as +K490 for the ACS880-01, so that the request can be checked against the drive catalogue.

Documents and quotation

The attached ABB manual (3AXD50000158621) describes mounting, the DLR setup, drive parameters and fault tracing.

Please confirm before ordering: the drive type and firmware, the option slot, the network scanner or PLC and the cable type. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat and confirms current availability and lead time when it quotes.