Siemens Simovert Masterdrive 6SE70 Modules: 6SE7018-0TA51-Z

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Siemens Simovert Masterdrive 6SE70 Series Technical Notes

The Evolution of Simovert Masterdrive 6SE70 Architecture

The 6SE70 platform was introduced by Siemens in the early 1990s as the successor to the Simovert P and Simovert F families. Its architecture is built around a common DC bus topology, enabling multi-drive configurations where a single Active Front End (AFE) rectifier unit feeds multiple inverter modules — a design that significantly reduces harmonic distortion and enables regenerative braking energy to be shared across the bus.

The series evolved through several hardware generations. Early compact units (VC/FC variants) used IGBT technology rated for 380–480 V AC input, with power ratings from 0.75 kW to 2.2 MW. The introduction of the Vector Control (VC) firmware platform enabled closed-loop torque and speed regulation without encoder feedback in select configurations. Communication options expanded progressively: early units relied on USS protocol over RS-485; later revisions added PROFIBUS-DP via the CBP2 adapter (6SE7090-0XX84-0FF5), and PROFINET capability was introduced through retrofit communication boards.

Siemens officially transitioned the 6SE70 to RFQ availability review status and subsequently to discontinued classification, with the Sinamics S120 and G120 series designated as functional successors. However, direct form-factor and parameter compatibility between 6SE70 and Sinamics platforms is not guaranteed, and many installed base operators have elected to maintain 6SE70 infrastructure rather than undertake full drive replacement projects. This decision is driven by the cost of motor re-commissioning, PLC interface rewiring, and process revalidation in regulated industries.

Simovert Masterdrive 6SE70 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly sourced models within the 6SE70 platform. Each entry reflects a distinct functional role within the drive system architecture.

Inverter / Compact Units

6SE7018-0TA51-Z: Compact inverter, 3 kW, 380–480 V, 3-phase output, IP20 enclosure, IGBT-based PWM switching, suitable for pump and fan loads in standalone configuration.

6SE7021-8TB51-Z: Compact inverter, 7.5 kW, 380–480 V, vector control capable, integrated brake chopper interface.

6SE7022-6TC51-Z: Compact inverter, 11 kW, 380–480 V, closed-loop speed control, suitable for conveyor and compressor drives.

6SE7024-7TD51-Z: Compact inverter, 18.5 kW, 380–480 V, dynamic torque control, compatible with incremental encoder feedback.

6SE7027-2TD51-Z: Compact inverter, 22 kW, 380–480 V, high-overload rating 150% for 60 s, used in hoisting and crane applications.

6SE7031-2TB51-Z: Compact inverter, 45 kW, 380–480 V, modular chassis design, field-replaceable power stack.

6SE7031-8EF20-Z: Cabinet inverter module, 75 kW, 380–480 V, common DC bus configuration, requires external rectifier unit.

6SE7032-6EG20-Z: Cabinet inverter module, 90 kW, 380–480 V, parallel inverter capable for higher current output.

Rectifier / Active Front End Units

6SE7031-2EF85-1AA0: Active Front End rectifier, 45 kW, sinusoidal input current, regenerative capability, IGBT-based, requires AFE firmware.

6SE7033-2EG85-1AA0: AFE rectifier, 90 kW, low harmonic distortion below 5% THD, suitable for common DC bus multi-drive systems.

Communication & Option Boards

6SE7090-0XX84-0FF5: CBP2 PROFIBUS-DP communication board, plug-in option slot, supports DP-V1 acyclic services, baud rates up to 12 Mbit/s.

6SE7090-0XX84-0FE0: CBC CAN bus communication board, CANopen DS402 drive profile, for motion-coordinated applications.

6SE7090-0XX84-0FA0: CBL LonWorks communication board, used in building automation and HVAC integrated drive systems.

Control & Technology Boards

6SE7090-0XX84-2FK0: T400 technology board, programmable via CFC/SFC function chart editor, used for custom closed-loop control algorithms and cam disc functions.

6SE7090-0XX84-2FA0: SBP pulse encoder evaluation board, supports HTL/TTL incremental encoders, used for closed-loop speed and position control.

6SE7090-0XX84-2FB0: SBR2 resolver evaluation board, for resolver-based motor feedback in high-precision torque control applications.

Power Supply / Auxiliary

6SE7090-0XX84-0AB0: ADB adapter board for drive bus extension in multi-axis cabinet configurations.

6SE7031-2HF33-Z: Braking unit, 45 kW, for dissipating regenerative energy in non-AFE drive configurations, requires external braking resistor.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete Simovert Masterdrive 6SE70 Parts

Repair & Exchange Service: Faulty 6SE70 units accepted for component-level repair. Common failure modes addressed include IGBT module failure, gate driver board degradation, DC link capacitor aging, and control board EEPROM corruption.

Long-Lead Procurement: For high-power cabinet units (6SE7031 and above), DriveKNMS operates a global sourcing network to locate RFQ-reviewed sourcing status from industrial surplus and OEM channel partners across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Customers operating 6SE70 systems in regulated environments (nuclear auxiliary, pharmaceutical, offshore) are advised to maintain a minimum strategic spare holding of one inverter module and one control board per critical drive axis. DriveKNMS can assist in defining a site-specific spare parts matrix based on installed drive count and criticality classification.

Quality Control for the Simovert Masterdrive 6SE70 Range

The 6SE70 platform presents specific quality verification challenges due to its age, the complexity of its backplane communication bus (the drive bus X100 interface), and the sensitivity of its IGBT gate driver circuits to electrostatic discharge and thermal stress history.

DriveKNMS applies the following test protocol to all 6SE70 units processed through its facility:

Visual and Mechanical Inspection: PCB inspection for corrosion, cold solder joints, and capacitor bulge. Backplane connector pin integrity check. Enclosure and fan assembly condition assessment.

DC Link Capacitor Evaluation: Capacitance and ESR measurement against Siemens factory specification. Units with capacitors below 80% rated capacitance are recapped prior to dispatch.

IGBT Stack Test: Static gate-emitter and collector-emitter resistance measurement. Dynamic switching test under controlled load conditions to verify gate driver response and switching waveform integrity.

Drive Bus Communication Test: For multi-axis cabinet units, the X100 drive bus interface is verified using a reference master controller to confirm correct token-passing and parameter exchange.

Functional Load Test: Units are run under resistive load at rated current for a minimum burn-in period. Output voltage symmetry, switching frequency stability, and thermal performance are logged and retained as part of the unit's test record.

Firmware Version Verification: Control board firmware version is read and documented. Where customer application requires a specific firmware revision, firmware update service is available.