Siemens SINAMICS S120 Modules: 6SL3120-1TE21-8AD0 Single Motor Module

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Siemens SINAMICS S120 Series Technical Notes

The Siemens SINAMICS S120 is a modular drive system engineered for high-performance motion control applications across global heavy industry. Deployed extensively in chemical processing plants, nuclear power facilities, oil refineries, steel mills, and paper manufacturing lines, the S120 platform operates as the backbone of coordinated multi-axis drive architectures. Its booksize and chassis format modules share a common DC bus, enabling regenerative energy exchange between axes — a design principle that reduces net energy consumption in multi-motor installations. The S120 system supports vector control, servo control, and V/f control modes within a single hardware family, making it the reference platform for OEMs and end-users requiring scalable, IEC-compliant drive solutions from fractional kilowatt to multi-megawatt power ranges.

The Evolution of SINAMICS S120 Architecture

The SINAMICS S120 platform was introduced by Siemens in the early 2000s as the successor to the SIMOVERT MASTERDRIVES MC (Motion Control) family. The architectural transition from MASTERDRIVES to S120 introduced a unified DRIVE-CLiQ communication backbone — a proprietary serial interface that replaced point-to-point encoder wiring and enabled automatic component identification via electronic nameplates stored in each module's memory chip.

Early S120 generations (firmware V2.x) supported basic vector and servo modes with the CU320 Control Unit. The introduction of the CU320-2 Control Unit (firmware V4.x onward) expanded axis count capacity, added Safety Integrated functions (STO, SS1, SLS, SDI, SSM) certified to SIL 2 / PLe, and introduced support for PROFINET IRT communication. The Booksize Compact format was added to address space-constrained cabinet installations, while the Chassis format extended the power range to 4500 kW for large industrial drives. Current production modules operate under firmware V5.x, which introduced Advanced Positioning Control (APC) and enhanced harmonic mitigation features. Legacy CU310 and early CU320 units are now discontinued; however, their Motor Modules and Power Modules remain mechanically and electrically compatible with current Control Units when firmware alignment is maintained.

SINAMICS S120 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly stocked components within the SINAMICS S120 ecosystem, classified by functional category:

Control Units

• 6SL3040-1MA00-0AA0: CU320-2 DP Control Unit, PROFIBUS interface, up to 6 servo axes
• 6SL3040-1MA01-0AA0: CU320-2 PN Control Unit, PROFINET IRT interface, Safety Integrated
• 6SL3040-0JA01-0AA0: CU310-2 PN Control Unit, single-axis, PROFINET, compact format
• 6SL3040-0JA00-0AA0: CU310-2 DP Control Unit, single-axis, PROFIBUS interface

Single Motor Modules (Booksize)

• 6SL3120-1TE21-8AD0: Single Motor Module, 18 A continuous output current, booksize format, DRIVE-CLiQ
• 6SL3120-1TE23-0AD0: Single Motor Module, 30 A continuous output current, booksize format
• 6SL3120-1TE24-5AA0: Single Motor Module, 45 A continuous output current, booksize format
• 6SL3120-1TE26-0AA0: Single Motor Module, 60 A continuous output current, booksize format
• 6SL3120-1TE28-5AA0: Single Motor Module, 85 A continuous output current, booksize format

Double Motor Modules (Booksize)

• 6SL3120-2TE21-8AD0: Double Motor Module, 2×9 A, booksize, shared DC bus, dual-axis output
• 6SL3120-2TE23-0AD0: Double Motor Module, 2×18 A, booksize, dual-axis servo control

Active Line Modules (ALM)

• 6SL3130-7TE21-6AA3: Active Line Module, 16 kW, booksize, regenerative, unity power factor
• 6SL3130-7TE23-6AA3: Active Line Module, 36 kW, booksize, DRIVE-CLiQ, integrated filter
• 6SL3130-6AE21-0AB0: Smart Line Module, 16 kW, booksize, non-regenerative, cost-optimized

Power Modules (Chassis)

• 6SL3310-1TE32-1AA3: Power Module PM340, 22 kW, chassis format, integrated brake chopper
• 6SL3310-1TE33-1AA3: Power Module PM340, 37 kW, chassis format, IP20 enclosure

Supplementary Components

• 6SL3000-0BE21-6DA0: Line filter, 16 A, Class A, for Active Line Module booksize
• 6SL3100-0BE21-6AB0: Braking Module, booksize, for resistive braking applications

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete SINAMICS S120 Parts

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of discontinued and hard-to-source S120 modules sourced through verified industrial surplus channels. Each unit is catalogued by hardware revision, firmware version compatibility, and physical condition grade. For installations where a like-for-like replacement is unavailable, DriveKNMS provides cross-reference analysis to identify the nearest current-production equivalent, including any firmware or parameter migration requirements. Lifecycle extension support is available for plant operators committed to maintaining S120-based systems beyond Siemens' standard product support window.

Quality Control for the SINAMICS S120 Range

SINAMICS S120 modules incorporate multi-layer backplane communication via DRIVE-CLiQ, which requires functional verification beyond standard power-on testing. DriveKNMS applies a structured inspection and test protocol to all S120 units processed through its facility:

• Visual inspection of IGBT gate driver boards, DC bus capacitor banks, and thermal interface materials
• DRIVE-CLiQ enumeration test: each module is connected to a CU320-2 test rig to verify electronic nameplate read/write integrity and firmware handshake
• Load simulation: Motor Modules are tested under resistive load at rated current for a minimum of 30 minutes to validate thermal management and current regulation accuracy
• Safety function verification: STO (Safe Torque Off) activation and deactivation cycle tested per IEC 62061 test procedure for SIL 2 compliance confirmation
• Insulation resistance measurement: DC bus to chassis ground, per IEC 60204-1 requirements
• Final parameter reset to factory defaults prior to shipment