Parker AC890 series variable frequency drives (VFDs), long used for industrial automation and motion control applications, are now being phased out. To ensure uninterrupted operations, it's critical for businesses to understand their migration options. Valin is committed to guiding our customers through this transition with clarity and expertise.
Why Migrate?
Parker Hannifin's Electronic Motion and Controls Division has officially announced the obsolescence of the AC890 drives. As of May 2025, Parker encourages customers to migrate to the newer AC20 or AC30 series drives, depending on specific application needs and complexity.
Choosing the Right Replacement: AC20 or AC30?
AC20 Drives: Ideal for simple applications.
- Suitable when advanced features like Firewire, peer-to-peer communication, or registration are not required.
- Available for systems up to 250HP.
AC30 Drives: Required for more sophisticated control and networking, or higher power outputs.
- Suitable for most AC890 applications
- Uses LINKnet networking in place of Firewire
- Available exclusively in 460VAC
Navigating Migration Complexities:
Common challenges during migration and practical solutions include:
| Challenge | Recommended Solution |
| Firewire Dependency | Transition to LINKnet, which is supported natively by AC30 and through add-on cards in AC890. |
| Registration Applications | Currently not supported on AC30; alternative approaches may include other Parker products or re-engineering the system. |
| Common-Bussed Systems with 890CS or 890CD Drives | There is no single direct replacement available for these drives. However, Valin can provide engineered solutions for replacement of these systems. |
For detailed technical explanations, see the Parker Migration Paths document.
Valin’s Support: Expert Migration Assistance
Valin doesn't just supply hardware—we provide complete engineering solutions, including:
- System Audits & Recommendations: Identifying the best migration path based on your current setup and application needs.
- Engineered Solutions: Customized retrofit plans for complex setups such as common-bussed systems.
- Product Support: Our experts can help with technical questions that may arise anytime before, during, and after installation.
Act Now to Avoid Downtime
Timely migration prevents costly downtime and ensures your systems remain robust and future-proof. Valin’s specialists are ready to assist you through every step of this transition.
Contact our expert team today to discuss your migration plan at (855) 737-4716 or fill out our online form.