SIEMENS SINAMICS S120 M

Siemens SINAMICS S120M Servo Drive

Siemens SINAMICS S120M Distributed Servo Drive for Decentralized Motion Control

The Siemens SINAMICS S120M Servo Drive is a distributed servo-drive solution developed for machine applications where drive technology needs to be placed closer to the machine axes.

Unlike a conventional cabinet-mounted servo arrangement, S120M combines the servo motor, integrated Power Module and encoder into a distributed drive unit. It forms part of the SINAMICS S120 drive system and communicates with the central drive architecture through DRIVE-CLiQ and hybrid cabling.

This architecture can help machine builders reduce centralized cabinet hardware, simplify axis distribution and create cleaner machine layouts.

We Tech Power Solutions Ltd supplies Siemens SINAMICS S120M distributed servo-drive solutions for OEM machines, automation projects, system integrators and industrial motion-control applications across Ahmedabad, Gujarat and India.

What Makes SINAMICS S120M Different?

The main advantage of S120M is its distributed architecture.

Instead of keeping every drive power component inside a central control cabinet, the S120M drive unit can be installed closer to the associated machine axis.

The distributed system consists of:

• S120M distributed servo drives

• Central SINAMICS S120 Control Unit

• Adapter Module 600 (AM600)

• Hybrid Cabinet Bushing (HCB)

• Hybrid cables

• DRIVE-CLiQ Extension where required

• Compatible Line Modules

• Control Supply Module where applicable

Siemens identifies S120M as the distributed version of the SINAMICS S120 Booksize family.

Integrated Servo Drive & Motor Design

A key feature of SINAMICS S120M is that the distributed drive unit integrates the power electronics with the servo motor.

The S120M product family includes configurations with:

• Integrated Power Module

• Servo motor

• Encoder

• DRIVE-CLiQ communication

• Optional holding brake depending on the selected motor configuration

For example, Siemens lists S120M AH63 configurations with a 600 V DC input, 20-bit absolute encoder and 3000 rpm nominal speed, with versions available with or without a holding brake.

Exact torque, shaft design, encoder, brake and mechanical configuration depend on the complete Siemens order number.

Distributed Drive Architecture

A typical SINAMICS S120M architecture can be arranged as:

Central Control Unit

↓

Line Module

↓

Adapter Module 600

↓

Hybrid Cable

↓

Multiple S120M Distributed Servo Drives

The AM600 transfers the DC-link supply, auxiliary voltage and DRIVE-CLiQ communication through the hybrid cable to the distributed drive line.

This approach is particularly useful when multiple servo axes are physically distributed throughout a machine.

Why Use a Distributed Servo Drive?

S120M is useful when a machine's mechanical layout makes a fully centralized drive cabinet inconvenient.

Reduced Cabinet Hardware

Moving the drive electronics closer to the motor can reduce the amount of power hardware that needs to be installed in the central cabinet.

Shorter Motor Connections

The distributed architecture places the drive closer to the motor, which can simplify machine wiring depending on the installation design.

Flexible Machine Layout

Distributed drives can be positioned according to the machine's mechanical architecture instead of forcing every axis connection back to one central cabinet.

Multi-Axis Architecture

Several S120M drives can operate as part of a central SINAMICS S120 system. The number of drives depends on the selected Control Unit and system architecture.

DRIVE-CLiQ Communication

DRIVE-CLiQ is an important part of the S120M architecture.

It provides digital communication between the central drive system and distributed components.

S120M uses DRIVE-CLiQ for:

• Drive communication

• Component identification

• System diagnostics

• Parameter transfer

• Encoder information

• Drive-system integration

The S120M system also uses electronic rating plates, allowing connected components to be identified by the drive system.

Hybrid Cable Connection

The S120M distributed architecture uses a dedicated hybrid connection system.

The hybrid cable carries the required connections between the central drive line-up and distributed S120M units, including:

• DC-link power

• Auxiliary supply

• DRIVE-CLiQ communication

The Adapter Module 600 establishes the distributed S120M drive line, while the Hybrid Cabinet Bushing provides the cabinet-side connection point.

This makes the S120M concept particularly suitable for machines where several servo axes are spread across different mechanical sections.

Centralized Control with Distributed Drives

Although the drive units are distributed physically, motion control remains part of the central automation architecture.

Siemens documents the use of multi-axis Control Units such as:

• CU320-2

• SIMOTION D4xx-2

• CX32-2

• SINUMERIK NCU platforms

depending on the supported system configuration.

This allows machine builders to combine distributed servo hardware with centralized motion-control intelligence.

Suitable for Multi-Axis Machine Automation

SINAMICS S120M is especially relevant to machines where multiple axes are located away from the main control cabinet.

Typical applications include:

Packaging Machinery

• Pick-and-place systems

• Feeding mechanisms

• Indexing systems

• Cutting axes

• Product handling

Material Handling

• Conveyors

• Transfer systems

• Automated handling

• Multi-axis positioning

Printing & Converting

• Web handling

• Roll drives

• Positioning

• Synchronized movement

Assembly Machines

• Servo positioning

• Handling axes

• Automated assembly

• Multi-axis coordination

Machine Building

• Modular machine sections

• Distributed servo axes

• Compact machine layouts

• OEM automation systems

SINAMICS S120M Product Examples

Siemens' Industry Mall currently lists multiple S120M configurations.

For example:

6SL3562-6DF71-0RA1

• S120M AH63

• 5 Nm

• 3000 rpm

• 600 V DC input

• 20-bit absolute encoder

• Natural air cooling

• IP65 shaft protection

• Without holding brake

• IM B5 / IM V1 / IM V3 mounting configurations

Another Siemens-listed configuration, 6SL3563-6DF71-0RB2, provides:

• S120M AH63

• 7.1 Nm

• 3000 rpm

• 600 V DC input

• 20-bit absolute encoder

• Natural air cooling

• IP65 shaft-end protection

• IP67 shaft protection

• Holding brake

• Keyed shaft

• IM B5 / IM V1 / IM V3 mounting

Siemens also lists AH48 and AH36 S120M variants with different torque levels and mechanical configurations.

Technical Overview

Parameter SINAMICS S120M

Brand Siemens

Product Family SINAMICS S120

Product Type Distributed Servo Drive

Architecture Distributed / decentralized

System Relationship Distributed version of S120 Booksize

Drive Configuration Servo motor with integrated Power Module

Feedback Encoder integrated according to selected model

Communication DRIVE-CLiQ

Central Interface Adapter Module 600 / hybrid connection

Power Supply DC-link based S120 architecture

Motor Speed Model dependent

Torque Model dependent

Holding Brake Available on selected configurations

Cooling Natural air cooling on listed configurations

Protection Model dependent; selected units provide IP65/IP67 protection

Mounting Model dependent

Control Architecture Central S120 Control Unit

Applications Multi-axis and distributed machine automation

The exact specifications must always be verified against the complete MLFB/order number, because S120M configurations differ in torque, shaft type, brake, encoder, mounting and protection.

SINAMICS S120M vs Conventional S120 Booksize

Feature S120M S120 Booksize

Installation Concept Distributed Mainly cabinet-based

Drive Location Close to machine axis Control cabinet

Motor + Power Electronics Integrated distributed unit Separate system components

Main Connection Hybrid cable Cabinet wiring

System Communication DRIVE-CLiQ DRIVE-CLiQ

Multi-Axis Capability Yes Yes

Best For Distributed machine layouts Centralized compact drive cabinets

Main Advantage Reduced centralized drive hardware High-density modular cabinet architecture

Both belong to the SINAMICS S120 ecosystem, but S120M is specifically intended for distributed drive technology.

SINAMICS S120M vs SINAMICS S110

The two products serve different application requirements.

SINAMICS S110

• Primarily simple single-axis servo applications

• Suitable for straightforward positioning tasks

• Conventional centralized drive architecture

SINAMICS S120M

• Distributed version of S120

• Designed for sophisticated machine architectures

• Suitable for multiple distributed servo axes

• Uses central S120 control architecture

• Integrated motor and Power Module concept

• DRIVE-CLiQ and hybrid-cable architecture

For machines requiring distributed multi-axis motion, S120M is the more specialized solution.

Industries Using Distributed Servo Technology

SINAMICS S120M can be considered for:

• Packaging

• Printing

• Converting

• Textile Machinery

• Material Handling

• Assembly Automation

• Machine Tools

• Electronics Manufacturing

• Food & Beverage Machinery

• Plastics Machinery

• Automotive Production

• OEM Machine Building

How to Select the Correct S120M Servo Drive

Before ordering a SINAMICS S120M, confirm:

Motor Requirements

• Required torque

• Rated speed

• Peak torque

• Duty cycle

• Motor application

Feedback

• Encoder type

• Resolution

• Feedback compatibility

Mechanical Configuration

• Shaft type

• Mounting arrangement

• Holding brake requirement

• Protection rating

Electrical Requirements

• DC-link voltage

• Current requirement

• Control-unit compatibility

System Architecture

• Number of axes

• Control Unit

• Line Module

• AM600 requirement

• Hybrid cable length

• DRIVE-CLiQ topology

Environmental Conditions

• Ambient temperature

• Installation environment

• Protection requirement

• Cooling requirements

For an accurate quotation, providing the existing Siemens MLFB/order number is strongly recommended.

Siemens SINAMICS S120M Servo Drive Supplier in Ahmedabad & India

We Tech Power Solutions Ltd supplies Siemens SINAMICS S120M distributed servo-drive solutions for industrial automation and machine-building applications.

Our support can include:

• S120M product identification

• Exact MLFB verification

• Servo motor selection

• Drive configuration support

• Encoder compatibility checking

• S120 Control Unit selection

• AM600 selection

• Hybrid cable requirements

• DRIVE-CLiQ architecture

• Replacement and retrofit support

• OEM machine automation requirements

• Industrial automation quotation support

We support customers across Ahmedabad, Gujarat and India, with sourcing support for automation requirements in UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.

Why Choose We Tech Power Solutions Ltd?

• Siemens automation product sourcing

• SINAMICS servo-drive expertise

• Application-based product selection

• Exact part-number verification

• Motor and drive matching

• Retrofit assistance

• OEM automation support

• Multi-axis motion-control solutions

• Ahmedabad-based support

• Pan-India supply coordination

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Siemens SINAMICS S120M?

SINAMICS S120M is the distributed version of the SINAMICS S120 Booksize family. It combines a servo motor with an integrated Power Module and encoder and connects to the central S120 drive architecture through DRIVE-CLiQ and hybrid cabling.

What is the main advantage of S120M?

Its main advantage is the distributed drive architecture, which allows servo drives to be positioned closer to machine axes while remaining connected to a central S120 control system.

Does S120M support multiple servo drives?

Yes. Multiple S120M units can be operated as part of a distributed S120 system. The permitted number depends on the selected central Control Unit and overall system configuration.

What communication does S120M use?

S120M uses DRIVE-CLiQ for communication with the central S120 drive system. A hybrid cable is used to connect the distributed drive line, carrying the required power and communication connections.

Is SINAMICS S120M currently available?

Siemens' current Industry Mall continues to list the SINAMICS S120M distributed servo drive family, with individual order numbers having their own lifecycle status. For example, Siemens currently marks certain AH63 and AH48 configurations as active, while some older AH36 configurations are in product phase-out. Therefore, the exact MLFB/order number should always be checked before quotation or replacement.

Get Siemens SINAMICS S120M Servo Drive

Looking for a Siemens SINAMICS S120M Servo Drive in Ahmedabad, Gujarat or India?

Send us your existing Siemens part number, motor requirement, torque, speed, encoder details, number of axes and application. We can help identify the appropriate S120M configuration and provide quotation support.