A20B-8100-0271 Fanuc PCB Board A20B81000271 A2OB-8IOO-O27I

FANUC A20B-8100-0271 | Data Server Ethernet + ATA Storage Option PCB — Series 15i / 16i / 18i / 21i / 0i CNC

What This Board Adds to the CNC

The A20B-8100-0271 is the data server option PCB for FANUC's i-series CNC controllers. Installed in an option slot on the controller's main board riser, it adds two functions simultaneously: local high-capacity NC programme storage on an ATA flash card, and Ethernet connectivity to the factory LAN for DNC programme management.

Without this board, an i-series CNC stores NC programmes in its main FROM/SRAM memory — capacity measured in kilobytes to a few hundred kilobytes. With the data server installed, programmes are stored on an ATA flash card where capacity is measured in megabytes to gigabytes. Complex parts with fine interpolation steps, multi-surface contours, or large subroutine sets can be stored locally in the machine in full, ready to run immediately.

The Ethernet interface connects the data server to the factory LAN via FANUC's FTP-compatible data server protocol. A DNC server, machine monitoring system, or engineering workstation can upload and download programmes over the network without physical media or RS-232C serial cable connections. Because programmes run from local flash storage rather than streaming from the network, network interruptions during cutting have no effect on machine operation.

Key Specifications

ATA Adapter and Installation Slot Restrictions

The ATA flash card adapter connects to the CNH6 connector on the board and must be attached before the board is installed — it cannot be accessed once the board is in the slot. Refurbished units in the secondary market are typically supplied without the ATA adapter; this must be sourced separately if not included.

The board cannot be installed in certain option slot positions due to the ATA adapter's physical clearance requirements:

• Cannot occupy the slot nearest to the LCD
• Cannot occupy the center slot of a 3-slot unit
• Cannot occupy the slot farthest from the LCD in a 4-slot unit

Confirm the controller's available slot positions before ordering.

Data Server Function vs Embedded Ethernet

Some 16i-B/18i-B controllers have embedded Ethernet on the main board that enables FOCAS2/Ethernet communication for machine monitoring and DNC programme streaming. This is not the same as the data server function. Embedded Ethernet alone does not provide ATA card local storage or the data server FTP protocol. A machine with embedded Ethernet can still benefit from the A20B-8100-0271 if large local programme storage is needed or if streaming-free operation is a requirement.

The data server function also requires the corresponding FANUC option software to be enabled in the CNC's FROM. If the option is not activated, the data server screen and functions will not appear in the CNC operator interface even with the board installed.

FAQ

Q1: Does the data server function require a software option to be enabled?

Yes. The data server function requires the corresponding option software to be enabled in the CNC's FROM. If the option is not activated, the data server screen and functions will not appear in the CNC operator interface even with the board physically installed. Check the system option status screen to confirm the data server option is present before ordering replacement hardware.

Q2: The ATA adapter is missing from the refurbished board. Where does it connect?

The ATA flash card adapter connects to the CNH6 connector on the A20B-8100-0271 board. It must be attached to CNH6 before the board is installed in the option slot — the adapter cannot be reached once the board is fitted. Source the correct ATA adapter separately and attach it to the board before installation.

Q3: What happens if the board is installed in a restricted slot position?

The ATA card adapter has physical clearance requirements that conflict with the LCD assembly or adjacent boards in certain slot positions. Installing in a restricted slot prevents the controller from closing correctly or prevents the ATA adapter from seating. Confirm a permitted slot position is available in the specific controller before installation.

Q4: Can the A20B-8100-0271 be used in a Series 30i or 31i controller?

No. The A20B-8100-0271 is for the 15i/16i/18i/21i/0i i-series generation. The 30i/31i/32i series uses different hardware architecture and different option board formats. Those controllers use the A20B-8101 series option boards for Ethernet and data server functions.

Q5: What ATA flash card capacity is compatible?

Standard ATA flash cards within the capacity range defined by the installed FANUC data server software version. Very large modern ATA cards may exceed the addressing capability of older firmware. Supported capacities are typically in the 32MB to 1GB range depending on the software release. The FANUC Data Server Operator's Manual specifies supported card types and capacity limits for each software version.