Siemens 6SE7038-6EK84-1JC1 Replacement for MASTERDRIVES

Product Overview

Siemens 6SE7038-6EK84-1JC1 Replacement for MASTERDRIVES: Smooth Transition & Legacy System Compatibility

The Siemens 6SE7038-6EK84-1JC1 is a high-power inverter module from the SIMOVERT MASTERDRIVES series, rated at 380 kW and designed for demanding industrial drive applications including heavy-duty conveyors, compressors, extruders, mills, and large pump systems. As this model reaches end-of-life and spare parts become increasingly scarce, plant engineers and procurement teams are actively seeking verified replacement and upgrade pathways that preserve existing wiring infrastructure, control architecture, and commissioning investments.

At TOPNLMS, we supply the 6SE7038-6EK84-1JC1 from certified inventory with full pre-shipment functional testing and a 12-month warranty. Whether you need a direct like-for-like swap or a guided migration to a current-generation Siemens drive platform, our technical team supports your project from part identification through to site commissioning.

Compatibility Comparison Table

Seamless Upgrade Solutions

A successful migration away from a legacy SIMOVERT MASTERDRIVES installation involves more than swapping the inverter module itself. In most 380 kW drive cabinets, the 6SE7038-6EK84-1JC1 operates alongside a SIMOVERT MASTERDRIVES rectifier unit (such as the 6SE7036 or 6SE7038 infeed module) that feeds the common DC bus. Replacing or retaining this infeed unit is the first decision point in any retrofit plan.

On the control side, the legacy T300 or T400 technology board handles closed-loop process control and must be evaluated for compatibility with the replacement drive. If migrating to SINAMICS S120, the CU320-2 Control Unit takes over supervisory functions, and existing PROFIBUS-DP wiring to the plant PLC — whether a Siemens S7-300, S7-400, or third-party controller — can typically be retained without re-cabling, provided the DP address and GSD file are updated in the PLC configuration.

Encoder feedback wiring from the motor is preserved when using the SMC20 Sensor Module Cabinet-Mounted, which accepts the same HTL/TTL encoder signals used in the original MASTERDRIVES installation. For applications requiring additional analog or digital I/O mapping during the transition, the TM31 Terminal Module provides 8 DI, 4 DO, 4 AI, and 2 AO channels that replicate the I/O profile of the legacy control unit terminals.

Communication continuity is critical in multi-drive lines. The CBP2 PROFIBUS communication board used in the original 6SE7038-6EK84-1JC1 can be cross-referenced to the PROFIBUS interface integrated in the CU320-2, maintaining the same cyclic data exchange with the supervisory SCADA or DCS layer. For sites already planning a migration to PROFINET, the CBE20 PROFINET board for SINAMICS S120 provides a direct upgrade path without changes to the PLC program structure.

Power supply continuity within the cabinet is maintained through the existing SITOP PSU 24 VDC supply, which powers the control electronics of both MASTERDRIVES and SINAMICS S120 components. No power supply replacement is typically required. For signal integrity in long cable runs between the drive and field instruments, signal isolators or SINAMICS S120 line filters may be added to meet EMC requirements in the upgraded installation.

Finally, the operator panel interface — whether a legacy PMU (Parameterization Unit) or a plant-level SIMATIC HMI TP700 / TP900 — can be retained or upgraded in parallel with the drive replacement, as the PROFIBUS/PROFINET communication layer remains consistent across the migration.

Retrofit Guidance FAQ

Q: Can I reuse the existing motor cable and wiring when replacing the 6SE7038-6EK84-1JC1?
A: Yes. The output terminal arrangement and cable cross-section requirements for 380 kW are consistent across MASTERDRIVES and SINAMICS S120 chassis units. Existing motor cables, cable glands, and terminal lugs can be reused in most cases. Verify cable screening and grounding connections comply with the replacement unit’s EMC requirements.

Q: Will my existing PROFIBUS-DP PLC program work without modification?
A: In a direct 6SE7038-6EK84-1JC1 like-for-like replacement, the PROFIBUS DP address and telegram structure remain identical — no PLC program changes are required. For a migration to SINAMICS S120, the GSD file must be updated in the PLC hardware configuration (STEP 7 or TIA Portal), but the process data mapping (speed setpoint, status word, control word) follows the same PROFIdrive profile.

Q: How do I handle the parameter set during replacement?
A: Back up the existing parameter set using DriveMonitor before removal. For a direct replacement, parameters can be uploaded to the new unit via the same tool. For a SINAMICS S120 migration, STARTER or Startdrive includes a parameter conversion wizard that maps MASTERDRIVES parameters to their SINAMICS equivalents.

Q: Does the replacement unit fit in the existing cabinet without mechanical modification?
A: The 6SE7038-6EK84-1JC1 uses a chassis booksize format. SINAMICS S120 chassis units in the same power range share comparable mounting dimensions. In most retrofit projects, the existing cabinet structure, DIN rails, and cable management can be retained. Confirm the exact depth and height clearances against the replacement unit’s dimensional drawing before installation.

Q: What is the lead time and shipping arrangement?
A: Units are dispatched from our Xiamen warehouse within 1–3 business days of order confirmation. International shipments are handled via DHL Express, FedEx, or freight forwarder depending on destination and order volume. All units are individually packed with anti-static protection and shock-absorbing foam. A pre-shipment test report is included with each unit.

Warranty Assurance

Every Siemens 6SE7038-6EK84-1JC1 unit supplied by TOPNLMS is covered by a 12-month warranty from the date of shipment. Our quality assurance process includes:

• Pre-shipment functional testing — each unit is powered up and verified for correct operation before dispatch.
• Visual and mechanical inspection — all connectors, bus bars, capacitors, and cooling components are inspected for condition and integrity.
• Warranty replacement support — in the event of a confirmed unit fault within the warranty period, we arrange priority replacement shipment at no additional cost.
• After-sales technical response — our engineering team is available to support installation, commissioning, and fault diagnosis queries via email and phone.
• Procurement assurance — all units are sourced from verified supply channels. Documentation including test reports and packing lists is provided with every shipment.

For volume orders, blanket purchase agreements, and consignment stock arrangements, please contact our sales team directly.