Overview
Supported controllers / scope
Key additions and fixes
Known anomalies and caveats
Installation and prerequisites (practical notes)
Recommendations
References
RSLogix 5000 v20.12: The "Ghost" Version and What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever looked at your Allen-Bradley controller properties in RSLinx and seen firmware version 20.12
, but then searched the Rockwell site for "RSLogix 5000 v20.12" software and come up empty-handed, you aren’t alone. The Automation Blog
Here is the quick breakdown of why this version is confusing and how to handle it properly. 1. The Minor Revision Myth The most important thing to understand is that software and firmware minor revisions rarely match You must match the Major Revision (v20) between your software and your hardware. The Reality: While your processor might report firmware
, there is no corresponding "v20.12" installer for RSLogix 5000. Rockwell often updates firmware to fix hardware-specific bugs without needing to release a new version of the programming software. The Automation Blog 2. Which Software Version Do I Need?
To program a controller with v20.12 firmware, you should use the latest stable minor release of RSLogix 5000 v20 RSLogix 5000 v20.04 or v20.05 rslogix 5000 firmware 20.12
are generally the recommended versions to handle all v20 hardware.
Avoid v20.03 unless your entire facility is standardized on it. Version 20.03 introduced a "resiliency" update that made files incompatible with older v20.01 software, causing significant headaches for maintenance teams. The Automation Blog 3. How to Check Your Current Setup
Before you start flashing or downloading, verify your versions: Check PLC Firmware: RSLinx Classic , right-click your processor, and select Device Properties Check Software Version: In RSLogix 5000, go to Help > About RSLogix 5000 4. Step-by-Step: Updating or Matching Firmware
If you need to move a controller to v20.012 or another specific version: Rockwell Compatibility & Download Center (PCDC) ControlFLASH
utility (installed alongside RSLogix) to update the hardware firmware. Change Project: In your RSLogix project, right-click the Controller in the organization tree, select Properties , and click Change Controller to ensure the major version matches. Summary Table: v20 Compatibility Hardware Firmware Software Needed RSLogix 5000 v20.04+ Standard Version RSLogix 5000 v20.04+ Common in CompactLogix L3x RSLogix 5000 v20.05 Best for latest security patches Changing Studio 5000 Firmware Version
Firmware 20.12 supports older generations of controllers that cannot run newer firmware (v21+). Specifically, it is the last version to support: Overview
Flashing a controller is a delicate operation. Doing it wrong can brick your PLC. Follow this guide meticulously.
You cannot flash a controller to v20.12 without the compatible control software.
Q: Can I install RSLogix 5000 V20 and Studio 5000 V30 on the same PC? A: Yes, absolutely. Rockwell versions are side-by-side installable. However, install V20 first, then later versions.
Q: Is 20.12 compatible with FactoryTalk View ME/SE? A: Yes, but you must ensure your FactoryTalk Linx (or RSLinx Enterprise) version is at least 6.0. Older versions may fail to browse V20.12 controllers.
Q: My CompactLogix 5370 says it supports V20.11 but not V20.12. Is it safe? A: Yes. V20.12 is a minor revision increment. For the 5370 series, V20.11 was the "release" firmware, but V20.12 is fully backward compatible. Use ControlFlash to force the update.
Q: How do I get firmware 20.12 if I don’t have a Rockwell support contract? A: You cannot legally. Rockwell firmware is protected by copyright and requires a valid TechConnect contract. Contact your local distributor for a one-time download or upgrade your support agreement. Supported controllers / scope