SIEMENS SINAMICS S120

Siemens SINAMICS S120 Servo Drive

Siemens SINAMICS S120 Servo Drive for High-Performance Single & Multi-Axis Motion

The Siemens SINAMICS S120 Servo Drive is a modular high-performance drive system designed for demanding motion-control applications in machine building and industrial plants.

Unlike a conventional standalone frequency converter, SINAMICS S120 can be configured as a single-axis or multi-axis drive system, combining control, power and motion components according to the machine architecture. It supports servo, vector and V/f control, allowing the same platform to address precise positioning, dynamic motion, speed control and torque-control requirements.

The system is particularly suitable for applications involving coordinated axes, high dynamic response, precise positioning and demanding continuous-duty drive tasks.

We Tech Power Solutions Ltd supplies Siemens SINAMICS drive solutions for OEMs, machine builders, system integrators and industrial automation projects across Ahmedabad, Gujarat and India.

What Is SINAMICS S120?

SINAMICS S120 is a modular drive system rather than a single fixed drive model.

A complete S120 solution can be built from different components according to the required application.

Typical components include:

• Control Units

• Line Modules

• Motor Modules

• Power Modules

• Sensor Modules

• DC-link components

• Servo motors

• Induction motors

• Encoders

• DRIVE-CLiQ connection components

This modular architecture allows engineers to create a drive system specifically around the number of axes, motor requirements, power level, feedback system and motion-control functions.

Siemens describes S120 as a flexible modular system for sophisticated drive tasks, with solutions ranging from individual axes to multi-axis applications.

Built for Demanding Motion Applications

The main strength of SINAMICS S120 is its ability to handle high-performance motion applications.

It can be used where machines require:

• Precise positioning

• High-speed dynamic response

• Coordinated axis movement

• Speed control

• Torque control

• Synchronized motion

• Continuous material movement

• High machine productivity

• Advanced diagnostics

Siemens specifically positions S120 for demanding applications in machine and plant construction.

Servo Control for Precise Positioning

In servo mode, SINAMICS S120 is designed for applications requiring accurate and dynamic axis movement.

Depending on the configuration, the system can support:

• Position control

• Speed control

• Torque control

• Axis synchronization

• Dynamic acceleration and deceleration

• Closed-loop motion

• Coordinated multi-axis operation

This makes S120 suitable for machines where motion accuracy and repeatability directly affect production quality.

Siemens states that S120 servo control is used for cyclic processes requiring precise and highly dynamic closed-loop position control.

Vector Control for Continuous-Duty Applications

S120 is not limited to servo applications.

Its vector-control capability makes it suitable for applications involving continuous material movement and demanding speed/torque control.

Typical examples include:

• Wire-drawing machines

• Film machines

• Paper machines

• Hoisting systems

• Centrifuges

• Marine drives

• Continuous production systems

Siemens recommends S120 vector control for applications involving continuous material webs and other demanding drive tasks.

Modular Multi-Axis Architecture

For machines with several coordinated motors, S120 can be configured as a multi-axis system.

A typical architecture can include:

Line Module

↓

Common DC Link

↓

Motor Modules

↓

Multiple Motors / Servo Axes

The common DC-link architecture allows multiple drive axes to operate as part of one coordinated system.

This is particularly useful where several axes must accelerate, decelerate and operate together.

Siemens documents S120 multi-axis systems for applications requiring coordinated drives and shared DC-link architectures.

DRIVE-CLiQ Digital Interface

One of the defining features of SINAMICS S120 is DRIVE-CLiQ.

DRIVE-CLiQ is Siemens' digital interface used to connect drive-system components such as:

• Control Units

• Motor Modules

• Sensor Modules

• Motors

• Encoders

• Other drive components

Siemens explains that S120 components, including motors and encoders, can be interconnected through the shared DRIVE-CLiQ interface.

Why DRIVE-CLiQ Matters

It simplifies:

• Component identification

• Commissioning

• Parameter transfer

• Drive-system communication

• Component replacement

• System diagnostics

S120 components can use electronic rating plates so connected components can be identified automatically during commissioning and replacement.

Electronic Rating Plates

SINAMICS S120 uses electronic rating plates within its drive components.

These can store information such as:

• Component identification

• Order number

• Motor parameters

• Encoder information

• Technical characteristics

This reduces the amount of manual data entry during commissioning and can simplify maintenance and component replacement.

Integration with Siemens PLC & TIA Portal

SINAMICS S120 can be integrated into Siemens automation architectures and engineered through TIA Portal using SINAMICS Startdrive.

Siemens states that S120 can be configured and commissioned in TIA Portal through SINAMICS Startdrive from TIA Portal V15 onward. Motion functions such as speed, positioning and synchronization can be executed with SIMATIC S7-1500 controllers.

A typical architecture can be represented as:

SIMATIC S7-1500 PLC

↓

TIA Portal / Startdrive

↓

SINAMICS S120 Control Unit

↓

Motor Modules

↓

Servo / Drive Motors

This provides a unified environment for PLC, motion and drive engineering.

Communication & Industrial Automation Integration

Depending on the selected configuration, S120 can integrate with industrial automation networks including:

• PROFINET

• PROFIBUS DP

• DRIVE-CLiQ

• Other supported fieldbus/network options

Siemens identifies integrated PROFINET or PROFIBUS DP interfaces and additional fieldbus options for complete automation integration.

The exact communication interface depends on the selected Control Unit and system configuration.

Safety Integrated Functions

SINAMICS S120 includes Safety Integrated functions for supported configurations.

Current Siemens documentation identifies functions including:

• STO – Safe Torque Off

• SBC – Safe Brake Control

• SS1 – Safe Stop 1

• SS2 – Safe Stop 2

• SOS – Safe Operating Stop

• SLS – Safely-Limited Speed

• SDI – Safe Direction

• SSM – Safe Speed Monitor

• SLP – Safely-Limited Position

• SP – Safe Position

• SBT – Safe Brake Test

Siemens states that supported Safety Integrated functions can be implemented for applications requiring functional safety, including SIL 2 and PL d levels depending on the selected configuration and overall safety architecture.

Important: selecting a safety-capable drive does not by itself make an entire machine safety compliant. The complete safety system must be designed, implemented and validated according to the applicable standards.

Wide Motor Compatibility

SINAMICS S120 can be configured for different motor technologies.

Depending on the selected application, it supports:

• Siemens synchronous motors

• Siemens induction motors

• Servo motors

• Rotary motors

• Linear motors

• Torque motors

Siemens documentation identifies both synchronous and induction motor operation and a broad range of low-voltage motor technologies within the S120 system.

This flexibility allows S120 to be used across both servo-oriented and continuous-duty industrial applications.

High-Power Drive Configurations

SINAMICS S120 is not restricted to small machine axes.

The current Siemens D21.3 documentation describes a system power range of approximately 0.55 kW to 5700 kW, depending on the selected S120 architecture and components.

High-power S120 solutions can be built using configurations such as:

• Chassis

• Chassis-2

• Cabinet Modules

• Cabinet Modules-2

• Other system-specific power configurations

Siemens' current Chassis-2 and Cabinet Modules-2 ranges are designed for demanding high-power applications and can be configured from single drives through multi-axis drive line-ups.

Air-Cooled & Liquid-Cooled Configurations

Depending on the S120 architecture, different cooling concepts are available.

These include:

• Air-cooled configurations

• Liquid-cooled configurations

Liquid-cooled versions can be useful where high power density, restricted installation space or demanding thermal conditions are important.

Siemens currently documents both air- and liquid-cooled options within the S120 Cabinet Modules portfolio.

SINAMICS S120 for Coordinated Motion

S120 is particularly valuable when multiple machine axes must work together.

Examples include:

Packaging

• Feed axes

• Cutting axes

• Indexing

• Product positioning

• Coordinated packaging movements

Printing & Paper

• Web handling

• Roll drives

• Tension control

• Synchronized axes

Textile Machinery

• Material handling

• Stretching systems

• Coordinated rollers

• Continuous material movement

Machine Tools

• High-dynamic servo axes

• Positioning

• Synchronized movement

• Precision machining

Material Handling

• Conveyors

• Hoisting

• Gantry systems

• Coordinated transport axes

Major Applications

Siemens identifies SINAMICS S120 for a wide range of demanding industrial applications, including:

• Packaging machines

• Plastics processing machines

• Textile machinery

• Presses and punching machines

• Printing and paper machines

• Woodworking machines

• Glass and ceramics machinery

• Hoisting equipment

• Handling and assembly systems

• Machine tools

• Rolling mills

• Vehicle test stands

• Gearbox test stands

• Marine applications

Industries

SINAMICS S120 can be considered for:

• Packaging

• Plastics

• Printing

• Paper

• Textile

• Automotive

• Machine Tools

• Metal Processing

• Steel & Rolling Mills

• Material Handling

• Crane & Hoisting

• Woodworking

• Glass & Ceramics

• Marine

• Industrial Test Systems

• OEM Machinery

SINAMICS S120 Technical Overview

Specification Details

Brand Siemens

Product Family SINAMICS

Product SINAMICS S120

Product Type Modular High-Performance Drive System

Application Servo, vector and V/f drive applications

Architecture Single-axis & multi-axis

Control Modes Servo, vector, V/f

Motor Types Synchronous & induction motors; application-dependent motor technologies

Communication PROFINET, PROFIBUS DP and other supported options

Internal Digital Interface DRIVE-CLiQ

Motion Functions Speed, torque, positioning and synchronization

Safety Safety Integrated functions on supported configurations

Engineering TIA Portal / SINAMICS Startdrive; SIZER for selection

Cooling Air / liquid depending configuration

Power Range Approx. 0.55 kW to 5700 kW, configuration dependent

Applications Machine & plant automation

Installation Module, cabinet or system-specific configuration

The power range and technical configuration vary substantially according to the selected S120 product format, Control Unit, Line Module, Motor Module and application. Always select the complete Siemens configuration rather than ordering from the family name alone.

SINAMICS S120 Booksize

The Booksize format is designed for compact modular multi-axis machine architectures.

Its modular design allows different S120 components to be combined while maintaining a compact installation concept.

Siemens highlights:

• Modular multi-axis architecture

• DRIVE-CLiQ connectivity

• Scalable motion control

• Integrated safety functions

• TIA Portal integration

• Speed, torque and positioning functions

Booksize is particularly relevant to machine builders where several servo axes need to be installed in a compact control cabinet.

SINAMICS S120 Chassis & Cabinet Modules

For larger industrial applications, S120 is also available in Chassis and Cabinet Module architectures.

These configurations are designed for demanding applications where higher power and larger drive line-ups are required.

Typical applications include:

• Steel processing

• Paper plants

• Rolling mills

• Cranes

• Test stands

• Large conveyors

• Industrial production plants

Siemens describes Cabinet Modules as modular systems that can be combined into drive cabinet line-ups, with current versions offering air- and liquid-cooled options and very high power levels.

SINAMICS S120 vs SINAMICS S110

Feature SINAMICS S110 SINAMICS S120

Main Focus Simple servo High-performance modular drive

Axis Architecture Primarily single-axis Single & multi-axis

Motion Complexity Simple positioning Advanced motion

Control Servo-oriented Servo, vector & V/f

Multi-Axis Coordination Limited compared with S120 Major application strength

DRIVE-CLiQ Supported in S110 architecture Core system interface

High-Power Options More limited Very broad

Typical Applications Simple positioning, feeding, handling Packaging, machine tools, rolling mills, cranes, test stands

Engineering SIZER / STARTER depending generation TIA Portal / Startdrive, SIZER

Best Fit Simpler motion applications Demanding coordinated motion

The key distinction is that S110 is aimed at simpler single-axis servo applications, while S120 is a modular platform for sophisticated single- and multi-axis drive tasks.

Selecting the Correct SINAMICS S120 Configuration

Because S120 is modular, product selection should be based on the complete application.

1. Determine the Number of Axes

Identify:

• Single axis

• Multiple axes

• Number of synchronized axes

• Independent vs coordinated movement

2. Select the Control Method

Determine whether the application requires:

• Servo control

• Vector control

• V/f control

3. Calculate Motor Requirements

Check:

• Motor power

• Rated current

• Peak current

• Torque

• Speed

• Duty cycle

• Acceleration/deceleration

4. Select the Power Architecture

Depending on the application, evaluate:

• Power Module

• Line Module

• Motor Module

• Booksize

• Chassis

• Cabinet Modules

5. Confirm Feedback

Check the motor encoder and required Sensor Module/DRIVE-CLiQ configuration.

6. Check Communication

Confirm:

• PROFINET

• PROFIBUS DP

• Controller architecture

• Motion-control requirements

7. Evaluate Safety

Determine whether the machine requires functions such as:

• STO

• SS1

• SLS

• SOS

• SBC

8. Check Cooling & Installation

For high-power systems, verify:

• Air cooling

• Liquid cooling

• Cabinet space

• Thermal conditions

• Environmental requirements

Siemens SINAMICS S120 Servo Drive Supplier in Ahmedabad & India

We Tech Power Solutions Ltd supplies Siemens SINAMICS S120 drive solutions for machine builders, OEMs, system integrators and industrial plants.

We can assist with:

• SINAMICS S120 product identification

• Drive configuration support

• Motor-drive matching

• Control Unit selection

• Motor Module selection

• Line Module selection

• Encoder compatibility

• DRIVE-CLiQ configuration

• Servo-drive replacement

• Retrofit projects

• Application-based drive selection

• Industrial automation quotations

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

Why Choose We Tech Power Solutions Ltd?

• Siemens SINAMICS product sourcing

• Servo-drive selection support

• Multi-axis drive configuration assistance

• Motor and drive matching

• Exact order-number verification

• Replacement and retrofit guidance

• OEM machine automation support

• Industrial automation product sourcing

• Ahmedabad-based assistance

• Pan-India supply coordination

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Siemens SINAMICS S120?

SINAMICS S120 is a modular high-performance drive system designed for sophisticated single-axis and multi-axis applications. It supports servo, vector and V/f control and can be configured according to the required machine architecture.

What is SINAMICS S120 used for?

S120 is used for demanding applications such as packaging, plastics processing, textile machinery, printing and paper machines, machine tools, cranes, rolling mills, handling systems and industrial test stands.

Can SINAMICS S120 control multiple servo axes?

Yes. Its modular architecture is specifically suited to multi-axis drive systems, allowing coordinated axes to be configured using Control Units, Line Modules and Motor Modules.

Can SINAMICS S120 work with TIA Portal?

Yes. Siemens states that SINAMICS S120 can be configured and commissioned in TIA Portal using SINAMICS Startdrive from V15 onward.

What is DRIVE-CLiQ in SINAMICS S120?

DRIVE-CLiQ is Siemens' digital system interface used to connect S120 components such as Control Units, motors, encoders and Sensor Modules. It also supports automatic component identification through electronic rating plates.

What is the power range of SINAMICS S120?

The current Siemens D21.3 documentation describes S120 configurations across approximately 0.55 kW to 5700 kW, depending on the selected system architecture and components.

Get Siemens SINAMICS S120 Servo Drive

Looking for a Siemens SINAMICS S120 Servo Drive in Ahmedabad, Gujarat or India?

Share your existing drive part number, motor model, number of axes, motor power, encoder type, supply voltage, PLC/controller and application with We Tech Power Solutions Ltd for accurate product identification, configuration guidance and quotation support.