Siemens SINAMICS S120 Modules: 6SL3210-1KE18-8AF1

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Siemens SINAMICS S120 Series Technical Notes

The Siemens SINAMICS S120 is a modular multi-axis 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 holds a dominant installed base in process-critical environments where drive reliability directly determines plant uptime. Its architecture supports both vector control and servo control within a single system framework, making it the reference platform for coordinated multi-axis applications requiring precise torque and speed regulation. The 6SL3210-1KE18-8AF1 is a Power Module in the PM240-2 frame format, rated for 4.0 kW output at 380–480 V AC, and is a standard replacement unit across light to medium industrial drive applications.

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 and SIMODRIVE 611 families. The initial architecture centered on a centralized Control Unit (CU320) paired with Motor Modules and a Line Module, all communicating over the DRIVE-CLiQ proprietary serial bus — a departure from the analog encoder interfaces used in predecessor systems.

The first-generation CU320 was superseded by the CU320-2 DP and CU320-2 PN variants, adding PROFIBUS DP and PROFINET IO interfaces respectively, aligning the platform with modern plant communication standards. Concurrently, the Power Module range expanded from the original PM340 (single-axis, no regeneration) to the PM240 (integrated braking chopper), PM240-2 (compact footprint, push-through cooling), and PM250/PM260 (regenerative feedback capability).

Firmware evolution tracked from SINAMICS Firmware V2.x through V5.x, with each major revision introducing expanded Safety Integrated functions (STO, SS1, SLS, SDI, SLP) compliant with IEC 62061 and ISO 13849-1 up to PLe/SIL3. Compatibility between firmware generations requires careful management: CU firmware and Motor Module firmware must be matched, and DRIVE-CLiQ topology changes require re-commissioning via STARTER or TIA Portal Startdrive.

As of 2024, the S120 platform is in its mature phase. Siemens continues active production but has introduced the SINAMICS S210 for single-axis servo applications and the SINAMICS G120X for pump/fan/compressor duty — both drawing customers from the lower end of the S120 application range. Long-term maintenance support for S120 hardware is confirmed through Siemens' Industry Online Support lifecycle commitments.

SINAMICS S120 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly stocked components across the SINAMICS S120 ecosystem. Units are categorized by functional role.

Control Units

6SL3040-1MA00-0AA0: CU320-2 DP — PROFIBUS DP control unit, supports up to 6 axes via DRIVE-CLiQ.
6SL3040-1MA01-0AA0: CU320-2 PN — PROFINET IO control unit, IRT-capable, replaces CU320-2 DP in Ethernet-based plants.
6SL3040-0LA01-0AA0: CU310-2 PN — Single-axis control unit with integrated PROFINET, for standalone servo/vector drives.

Line Modules (Active / Basic)

6SL3130-6AE21-0AB1: Active Line Module 16 kW — regenerative infeed, integrated line filter, DC bus supply.
6SL3130-7TE21-6AA3: Smart Line Module 16 kW — non-regenerative, cost-optimized DC bus infeed unit.
6SL3130-6AE23-0AB1: Active Line Module 36 kW — for medium multi-axis configurations requiring regenerative capability.

Motor Modules (Single-Axis)

6SL3120-1TE21-0AA3: Single Motor Module 10 A — booksize format, DRIVE-CLiQ interface, for servo axis up to ~3 kW.
6SL3120-1TE23-0AA3: Single Motor Module 30 A — booksize, for servo/vector axis up to ~11 kW.
6SL3120-1TE24-5AA3: Single Motor Module 45 A — booksize, high-dynamic servo axis up to ~18.5 kW.

Power Modules (PM240 / PM240-2 Series)

6SL3210-1KE18-8AF1: PM240-2 Power Module 4.0 kW — 380–480 V, FSB frame, integrated braking chopper, push-through cooling option.
6SL3210-1KE21-3AF1: PM240-2 Power Module 5.5 kW — FSB frame, same footprint family as 6SL3210-1KE18-8AF1.
6SL3210-1KE21-7AF1: PM240-2 Power Module 7.5 kW — FSC frame, suitable for conveyor and pump duty.
6SL3210-1KE23-2AF1: PM240-2 Power Module 15 kW — FSD frame, integrated EMC filter class C2.
6SL3210-1KE24-4AF1: PM240-2 Power Module 22 kW — FSD frame, for compressor and fan applications.

Supplementary / Interface Modules

6SL3055-0AA00-5AA3: Terminal Module TM31 — 8 DI, 4 DO, 4 AI, 2 AO, HTL/TTL encoder interface expansion.
6SL3055-0AA00-5BA0: Terminal Module TM15 — 24 bidirectional DI/DO for Safety Integrated signal routing.
6SL3060-4AB00-0AA0: DRIVE-CLiQ Hub Module DMC20 — cabinet-mounted hub, extends DRIVE-CLiQ topology to remote encoder/motor locations.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete SINAMICS S120 Parts

For plant operators running S120 systems installed prior to 2012, sourcing replacement Control Units, Line Modules, and first-generation Motor Modules through OEM channels is increasingly constrained. DriveKNMS sources these units through verified industrial surplus channels, applies full functional testing, and provides traceability documentation suitable for regulated industries including nuclear and petrochemical.

Common obsolete or allocation-constrained S120 parts handled by DriveKNMS include early CU320 (non-2) control units, PM340 power modules in discontinued frame sizes, and first-generation Sensor Modules (SMC10, SMC20) with legacy encoder pinouts. Customers are advised to provide the full nameplate data (order number, serial number, firmware version label) when requesting cross-reference or replacement sourcing.

Quality Control for the SINAMICS S120 Range

SINAMICS S120 modules present specific test challenges due to the DRIVE-CLiQ communication bus, which requires an active Control Unit to enumerate and validate connected Motor Modules and Power Modules. DriveKNMS operates a dedicated S120 test bench that replicates a functional booksize drive train: Active Line Module → DC bus → Motor Module → test motor load, with a CU320-2 running current production firmware.

Each Power Module and Motor Module processed by DriveKNMS undergoes the following verification sequence: DC bus capacitor pre-charge and leakage current measurement; IGBT gate drive integrity check via dynamic switching test; DRIVE-CLiQ enumeration and firmware version read-back; output phase balance measurement under resistive load; thermal imaging of heatsink and power stack under 50% rated load for 10 minutes; and Safety Integrated STO function verification per IEC 62061 test procedure. Control Units are tested for all communication interfaces (PROFIBUS/PROFINET), onboard I/O, and DRIVE-CLiQ port integrity. Units failing any parameter are quarantined and not offered for resale.