Siemens SINAMICS S120 Single Motor Module 6SL3120-1TE15-0AA3

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Siemens SINAMICS S120 Series Technical Notes

The Siemens SINAMICS S120 drive system is one of the most widely deployed multi-axis servo and vector drive platforms in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical complexes, nuclear power auxiliary systems, offshore platforms, steel rolling mills, and large-scale paper and pulp facilities, the S120 architecture provides a centralized DC bus topology that allows multiple Motor Modules to share regenerative energy across axes. The 6SL3120-1TE15-0AA3 is a Booksize format Single Motor Module rated at 2×8A output current, designed for permanent-magnet synchronous and induction motor control within the S120 chassis. Its companion legacy modules — 6SN1118-1NH01-0AA1 (SIMODRIVE 611 control board) and 6SN1123-1AB00-0HA1 (SIMODRIVE 611 power module) — represent the predecessor generation still operational in installed bases worldwide.

The Evolution of SINAMICS S120 Architecture

The SINAMICS S120 platform was introduced in the early 2000s as the successor to the SIMODRIVE 611 universal and MASTERDRIVES MC families. The architectural shift moved from analog-dominant signal routing to a fully digital DRIVE-CLiQ communication backbone, enabling deterministic real-time feedback from motors, encoders, and sensors over a single cable. Early S120 variants used the CU310 and CU320 Control Units with PROFIBUS-DP as the primary fieldbus. Subsequent generations introduced the CU320-2 with PROFINET IRT support, enabling isochronous motion control at cycle times down to 125 µs.

The Booksize power section format — to which the 6SL3120-1TE15-0AA3 belongs — operates from a shared DC bus supplied by a Line Module (Active Line Module or Smart Line Module). This topology eliminates per-axis rectifiers and allows energy recovery from decelerating axes to power accelerating ones. The Chassis format (6SL3310/6SL3315 series) serves higher-power applications above 200 kW. The Cabinet Module format targets integrated MCC-style installations. Compatibility between generations is managed through firmware versioning on the Control Unit; older Booksize power sections require matching firmware baselines to avoid DRIVE-CLiQ enumeration faults.

SINAMICS S120 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Single Motor Modules – Booksize

• 6SL3120-1TE11-0AA3: Single Motor Module, 1×1.7A, Booksize, 400V DC bus input
• 6SL3120-1TE13-0AA3: Single Motor Module, 1×3A, Booksize, standard booksize pitch
• 6SL3120-1TE15-0AA3: Single Motor Module, 2×8A, Booksize, dual-axis capable output configuration
• 6SL3120-1TE21-0AA3: Single Motor Module, 1×18A, Booksize, for mid-range servo axes
• 6SL3120-1TE23-0AA3: Single Motor Module, 1×30A, Booksize, high-dynamic servo applications
• 6SL3120-1TE26-0AA3: Single Motor Module, 1×60A, Booksize, heavy-duty axis control
• 6SL3120-1TE28-5AA3: Single Motor Module, 1×85A, Booksize, maximum Booksize current rating

Double Motor Modules – Booksize

• 6SL3120-2TE13-0AA3: Double Motor Module, 2×3A, Booksize, dual-axis compact format
• 6SL3120-2TE15-0AA3: Double Motor Module, 2×5A, Booksize, dual-axis mid-range
• 6SL3120-2TE21-0AA3: Double Motor Module, 2×18A, Booksize, dual high-current axes

Line Modules – Active & Smart

• 6SL3130-6AE21-0AB1: Active Line Module, 16kW, Booksize, regenerative, DRIVE-CLiQ
• 6SL3130-7TE21-6AA3: Smart Line Module, 16kW, Booksize, non-regenerative, cost-optimized
• 6SL3130-6AE23-0AB1: Active Line Module, 36kW, Booksize, full regeneration capability

Control Units

• 6SL3040-1MA00-0AA0: CU320-2 DP Control Unit, PROFIBUS, multi-axis coordination
• 6SL3040-1MA01-0AA0: CU320-2 PN Control Unit, PROFINET IRT, isochronous motion
• 6SL3040-0JA01-0AA0: CU310-2 PN Control Unit, single-axis PROFINET variant

SIMODRIVE 611 Legacy Companion Modules

• 6SN1118-1NH01-0AA1: SIMODRIVE 611 Control Module, universal closed-loop, analog setpoint
• 6SN1123-1AB00-0HA1: SIMODRIVE 611 Power Module, 15A/25A, 2-axis, 600V DC bus
• 6SN1145-1BA01-0BA1: SIMODRIVE 611 Infeed/Regenerative Feedback Module, 16kW
• 6SN1113-1AB01-0BA1: SIMODRIVE 611 Monitoring Module, DC bus supervision

Quality Control for the SINAMICS S120 Range

SINAMICS S120 Booksize modules present specific test challenges due to their DRIVE-CLiQ serial communication interface and shared DC bus architecture. DriveKNMS operates a dedicated S120 test bench that replicates a functional Booksize stack: Active Line Module, Control Unit (CU320-2), and Motor Module under test, connected via DRIVE-CLiQ topology. Each module undergoes the following verification sequence:

• DC bus pre-charge and insulation resistance test at 500V DC
• DRIVE-CLiQ enumeration and component recognition via STARTER/Startdrive commissioning software
• Output current linearity test across 10%, 50%, and 100% rated load using a programmable AC load bank
• Thermal imaging under sustained load to identify failed gate driver stages or degraded thermal interface material
• Firmware version read-back and logging for compatibility documentation

For SIMODRIVE 611 modules (6SN1118, 6SN1123), testing is performed on a dedicated 611 infeed stack with analog setpoint injection and tachometer feedback simulation to verify closed-loop control board integrity.