1 PC New Fanuc A20B-2002-0960 Network Card A20B20020960 A2OB-2OO2-O96O

A20B-2002-0960 | FANUC Data Server ATA Add-On Card — A02B-0281-J146 Fast Data Server / i-Series CNC / Flash ATA Interface

Fast Data Server — CNC Programme Storage at Hard Drive Capacity

The FANUC Fast Data Server is an optional CNC function that connects the CNC to an ATA flash memory device — providing the machine with a large, dedicated programme storage volume accessible directly from the CNC's programme directory.

Without a Data Server, FANUC CNC programme storage is limited to the CNC's onboard SRAM memory. For shops running large numbers of programmes — hundreds or thousands of part files — SRAM is restrictive. The CNC must either operate in DNC mode (streaming programmes from a PC) or limit its stored programme count.

With the Fast Data Server:

• Large-capacity ATA flash memory (up to 128MB in confirmed configurations) connects directly to the CNC
• Programme files reside on the flash card — accessible from the CNC's programme directory without a separate DNC computer
• Programmes load faster than streaming DNC for long programmes
• Machine can operate independently of a network connection for its stored programme library

Key Specifications

Two-Board Architecture — A20B-2002-0960 and A20B-8100-0770

The FANUC Fast Data Server assembly (A02B-0281-J146) consists of two PCBs working together:

A20B-8100-0770: The main Fast Data Server board — installed in the CNC's option slot. Provides the communication interface between the CNC internal bus and the Data Server function. This board handles all the CNC-side communication.

A20B-2002-0960 (this board): The ATA add-on card — attaches to the A20B-8100-0770 via flat cable A660-2040-T010. The A20B-2002-0960 provides the ATA connector and interface logic for the flash memory card. The flash card plugs into connector CNH6 on this board.

CNC-Shopping confirms: "The 2 Fanuc boards are connected with a flat cable A660-2040-T010." The A20B-2002-0960 is the ATA interface layer — it is not the main server board, but without it the main board has no flash storage connection.

ATA Flash Memory — Data Server Storage Medium

The A20B-2002-0960 provides the physical connector and signal conditioning for the ATA flash memory card. ATA (AT Attachment, also known as IDE) was the standard PC hard drive interface of its era. Flash memory cards in the ATA card format provide solid-state storage without moving parts — critical for the CNC environment where mechanical hard drives would be vulnerable to vibration and shock.

Flash ATA cards confirmed for the Fast Data Server include 128MB capacity (eBay listing: "A20B-2002-0960 DATA SERVER ATA ADD ON CARD + 128MB FLASH MEMORY"). The card must be connected to CNH6 before installing the Fast Data Server in the CNC option slot — it cannot be attached or removed while the assembly is installed.

Application Scenarios

CNC programme library expansion: A production shop's FANUC 16i CNC has limited programme storage. The A02B-0281-J146 Fast Data Server is installed using A20B-8100-0770 and A20B-2002-0960, with a 128MB flash card. The CNC's programme library capacity expands dramatically.

ATA card interface board replacement: The A20B-2002-0960 in a functioning Fast Data Server develops a fault — the CNC can no longer access programmes on the ATA flash card. Replacing the A20B-2002-0960 add-on card restores the flash storage interface.

FAQ

Q1: Can A20B-2002-0960 work with any ATA flash card, or must it be a FANUC-specified card?

FANUC's Data Server documentation specifies approved ATA card capacities and types. Using non-approved ATA flash cards can cause compatibility issues with the CNC's file system. Confirm the ATA card specification from the FANUC Fast Data Server hardware manual before purchasing flash media.

Q2: Which CNC option slots can the Fast Data Server assembly be installed in?

The assembly "must be installed in an appropriate option slot" and explicitly states that "the Fast data server cannot be installed in the following slots" — referring to specific restricted slots documented in the FANUC hardware manual. The restricted slots are defined in the i-Series hardware connection manual for the specific CNC model. Confirm the permitted slot positions before installation.

Q3: Does replacing A20B-2002-0960 affect stored programmes on the flash card?

No. The flash card data is stored on the ATA card itself — not on the A20B-2002-0960 PCB. Replacing the add-on card while leaving the flash card intact preserves all programme files stored on the flash media.

Q4: What is the relationship between the Fast Data Server (A02B-0281-J146) and the Data Server option?

The Data Server is a FANUC CNC software option that enables the CNC to communicate with a large-capacity storage device. The Fast Data Server (A02B-0281-J146) is the hardware implementation of this option for the ATA flash card. It is "fast" relative to the standard Data Server (which used a spinning hard disk) — the flash card provides faster access times. Both the hardware (A20B-8100-0770 + A20B-2002-0960) and the CNC software option must be active for the Data Server to function.