Emerson Control Techniques SP Series AC Drives

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Emerson Control Techniques SP Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The Emerson Control Techniques SP Series (also marketed under the Leroy-Somer and Unidrive SP branding in certain regions) represents one of the most widely deployed families of general-purpose and high-performance AC variable speed drives in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical complexes, nuclear auxiliary systems, offshore platforms, pulp and paper mills, water treatment infrastructure, and steel rolling lines, the SP Series established a benchmark for open-loop and closed-loop vector control in the 0.37 kW to 1.9 MW power range. Its modular I/O architecture, multi-protocol communications capability, and tolerance for harsh electrical environments made it the drive of choice for system integrators operating under IEC 61800, ATEX, and UL 508C compliance frameworks. The SP2403 specifically is a 400V three-phase input unit rated at 2.2 kW continuous output, widely used in pump, fan, and conveyor applications requiring precise speed regulation without encoder feedback.

The Evolution of SP Series Architecture

The SP Series succeeded the Unidrive Classic and Commander SE platforms in the early 2000s, introducing a unified parameter structure (Pr x.xx) that remained consistent across the entire power range — a deliberate design decision that reduced commissioning time and simplified multi-drive installations. Early SP units (pre-2005) used a discrete IGBT gate driver board separate from the control PCB; later revisions integrated these onto a single control assembly, improving noise immunity and reducing component count. The introduction of the SM (Solutions Module) slot system allowed field-expandable functionality: a single SM-Applications module could add onboard PLC logic, while SM-Profibus, SM-DeviceNet, and SM-EtherCAT modules enabled integration into any major fieldbus topology without hardware redesign. By 2010, the SP Series had accumulated sufficient installed base that Emerson positioned it as a long-lifecycle platform, committing to spare parts availability through 2020. As of 2026, the series is in end-of-life status, with the Unidrive M series designated as the direct functional replacement. However, the volume of SP drives still operating in brownfield facilities means demand for SP spare parts, repair boards, and complete replacement units remains structurally significant.

SP Series Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly sourced models within the Emerson Control Techniques SP Series. Units are categorized by power rating and input voltage class.

400V Three-Phase Units (Standard Industrial Range)

SP0201: 0.37 kW / 400V, open-loop vector, IP20 chassis, single SM slot
SP0401: 0.75 kW / 400V, open-loop vector, IP20, DIN rail or panel mount
SP1201: 1.1 kW / 400V, closed-loop vector capable with SM-Resolver
SP1202: 1.5 kW / 400V, enhanced braking resistor terminal, IP20
SP2401: 2.2 kW / 400V, open-loop vector, standard I/O complement, IP20
SP2402: 2.2 kW / 400V, enhanced EMC filter integrated, CE marked
SP2403: 2.2 kW / 400V, universal input range, three SM expansion slots, IP20 — the subject of this listing
SP4401: 4.0 kW / 400V, heavy-duty overload rating 150% for 60 s, IP20
SP5401: 5.5 kW / 400V, dual-rating frame, normal duty and heavy duty selectable
SP7501: 7.5 kW / 400V, integrated DC bus choke option, IP20
SP1101: 11 kW / 400V, bookcase frame, common DC bus capable
SP1501: 15 kW / 400V, flange-mount heatsink option for panel thermal management
SP1801: 18.5 kW / 400V, regenerative braking interface, IP20
SP2201: 22 kW / 400V, high-inertia load tuning, extended parameter set
SP3001: 30 kW / 400V, parallel output capable, suitable for multi-motor configurations

200V Single-Phase / Three-Phase Units

SP0201-200: 0.37 kW / 200V single-phase input, compact frame, IP20
SP2201-200: 2.2 kW / 200–240V three-phase, HVAC and light industrial duty

Solutions Modules (SM) — Field-Installable Expansion

SM-Applications: Onboard IEC 61131-3 PLC, 16 MB user program memory
SM-Profibus: PROFIBUS-DP V1 slave, up to 12 Mbit/s
SM-DeviceNet: DeviceNet slave, Group 2 only server
SM-EtherCAT: EtherCAT CoE slave, cyclic PDO exchange
SM-Resolver: Single-ended resolver feedback, closed-loop vector enable
SM-Encoder-Plus: Quadrature incremental encoder, 5V/15V supply

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete SP Series Parts

The SP Series reached official end-of-life notification from Emerson Control Techniques in 2022, with new unit production discontinued. Replacement parts — including control PCBs, power boards, gate driver assemblies, IGBT modules, display keypads (UD70 and SM-Keypad), and complete drive chassis — are no longer available through standard distribution channels. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of SP Series units and sub-assemblies sourced from decommissioned plant equipment, overstock liquidations, and authorized repair returns. All units are inspected, tested, and catalogued by frame size and firmware revision before listing. For customers operating SP drives in critical process loops where a like-for-like replacement is required to avoid re-commissioning costs, DriveKNMS provides matched-revision units on request. Customers requiring long-term maintenance contracts covering SP Series drives across multiple site locations are encouraged to contact the technical team directly to discuss consignment stock arrangements.

Quality Control for the SP Series Range

Each SP Series unit processed by DriveKNMS undergoes a structured inspection and functional test protocol specific to the platform's architecture. The control PCB is visually inspected for electrolytic capacitor bulge, PCB track corrosion, and relay contact wear — failure modes statistically prevalent in SP units with more than 8 years of continuous operation. DC bus capacitors are measured for capacitance and ESR against Emerson's published derating curves. IGBT modules are tested under load using a calibrated motor test bench at 50% and 100% rated current. The SM slot backplane connectors are cleaned and continuity-tested, as oxidation on these 64-pin interfaces is a common cause of intermittent SM communication faults. Firmware version is recorded and, where possible, matched to the customer's existing site standard to eliminate parameter migration requirements. Units that pass all stages are issued a DriveKNMS test certificate with date, technician ID, and measured values.