Rslogix 5000 Firmware 20.12 !full! -
Mastering RSLogix 5000 Firmware 20.12: The Last Great Bridge in Rockwell Automation
In the world of industrial automation, few topics generate as much discussion—or as much confusion—as firmware versions. For ControlLogix and CompactLogix users, the number 20.12 holds a unique and powerful status. As Rockwell Automation has pushed forward with Studio 5000 and newer operating systems, firmware revision 20.12 has become known as "the bridge version."
In this post, we are taking a deep dive into Firmware 20.12. We’ll discuss why this specific point release matters, the headache of updating it, and why it remains a critical tool in the automation engineer's arsenal today.
Reasons to stay on 20.12:
- Advanced Program Execution: Firmware 20.12 provides advanced program execution capabilities, including support for more complex control strategies, improved program organization, and enhanced debugging tools.
- Integrated Safety: This firmware version includes integrated safety features, such as safe-off and safe-stop functionality, to help protect personnel and equipment.
- Network and Communications: Firmware 20.12 supports a range of communication protocols, including EtherNet/IP, ControlNet, and DeviceNet, allowing for seamless integration with other devices and systems.
- Data Management and Analytics: This firmware version provides enhanced data management and analytics capabilities, enabling users to gain deeper insights into process performance and make data-driven decisions.
Verify Redundancy: If your system uses redundancy, standard firmware like 20.012 will not work; you must use specific redundancy firmware (typically ending in a different suffix, like 20.05x).
11. When to contact Rockwell Support
- If the release notes or PCDC indicate special conversion steps you cannot perform.
- If a firmware upgrade bricks a controller or leads to unexpected hardware behavior.
- For assistance converting large or complex projects, migrating motion databases, or resolving compatibility issues between firmware and third-party devices.
- Flash the controller down to V20.11 (not recommended, as you lose security fixes).
- Change the revision of your offline file. Open the file in RSLogix 5000 V20, go to Controller Properties, and change the "Major Revision" to 20 and "Minor Revision" to 12. Then, save the file. You may need to "Merge" changes from the online controller.
