Siemens 6SE7018-0TA51-Z Replacement for Simovert Masterdrive

Product Overview

Siemens 6SE7018-0TA51-Z Replacement for Simovert Masterdrive: Seamless Transition & Legacy System Upgrade

The Siemens 6SE7018-0TA51-Z is a 3kW AC inverter drive from the SIMOVERT MASTERDRIVES Motion Control / Vector Control (MC/VC) platform — one of Siemens’ most widely deployed drive series across manufacturing, process, and infrastructure industries. As this model approaches or has reached end-of-life status in many regional markets, plant engineers and procurement teams are actively seeking verified replacement and upgrade pathways that preserve existing wiring infrastructure, communication architecture, and control cabinet space without triggering a full system redesign.

TOPNLMS specializes in sourcing, testing, and supplying both original and compatible replacement units for the 6SE7018-0TA51-Z, supporting customers through every phase of the migration — from pre-shipment inspection and compatibility verification to on-site commissioning guidance and post-installation warranty support.

Compatibility Comparison Table

Seamless Upgrade Solutions

A successful migration from a legacy 6SE7018-0TA51-Z installation rarely involves the drive unit alone. In most retrofit scenarios, the surrounding system components must be evaluated and — where necessary — upgraded in parallel to ensure full operational continuity.

On the communication side, many existing SIMOVERT MASTERDRIVES installations rely on the CBP2 PROFIBUS communication board mounted directly in the drive’s option slot. When replacing the 6SE7018-0TA51-Z, the CBP2 board can typically be transferred to the new unit without modification, preserving the existing PROFIBUS-DP network topology and GSD file configuration. For sites transitioning to PROFINET-based architectures — particularly those integrating with newer SIMATIC S7-1500 or S7-1200 controllers — a CBC10 PROFINET adapter or an external SINAMICS G120 with PN interface may be considered as part of a phased upgrade strategy.

On the power supply side, the 6SE7018-0TA51-Z in booksize format is often installed alongside a shared SIMOVERT MASTERDRIVES DC bus supply unit or an individual line filter module. During replacement, it is important to verify that the existing 6SE7021 series line filter or 6SE7018 series braking resistor remains correctly rated for the replacement unit’s input current and switching frequency. In multi-axis cabinet installations, the shared DC link bus bar connections and the 6SE7090 series DC bus connector kit should be inspected for contact integrity before recommissioning.

For encoder-based vector control applications — common in winding, hoisting, and precision positioning systems — the SBP pulse encoder evaluation board or SBM resolver interface board installed in the legacy drive must be confirmed compatible with the replacement unit’s firmware version. In most cases, these option boards transfer directly; however, firmware alignment using DriveMonitor or the STARTER commissioning tool is recommended to validate parameter set compatibility before live operation.

Terminal wiring at the X101 and X102 control terminal strips — covering analog inputs, digital I/O, relay outputs, and 24V auxiliary supply — follows the standard SIMOVERT MASTERDRIVES pinout and does not require modification during a like-for-like replacement. For sites where the control wiring connects to a SIMATIC S7-300 with FM 354 or FM 357 positioning module, the drive’s speed setpoint and enable signal interface remains fully compatible without PLC program changes.

In cabinet environments where the 6SE7018-0TA51-Z is mounted alongside other booksize drives — such as a 6SE7016-0TA51 (2.2kW) or a 6SE7021-0TA51 (4kW) — the replacement unit slots into the same mounting rail position with no mechanical adaptation. This is particularly valuable in multi-axis machine tool or conveyor line applications where minimizing cabinet downtime is critical to production continuity.

For sites requiring a complete control system modernization rather than a direct replacement, TOPNLMS can also support migration to the SINAMICS S120 booksize platform, which offers a compatible power range, modern PROFINET/PROFIBUS dual-port communication, and a shared Control Unit (CU320-2) architecture that consolidates multiple axes under a single controller — significantly reducing cabinet wiring complexity and spare parts inventory overhead.

Retrofit Guidance FAQ

Q: Can I reuse my existing control wiring when replacing the 6SE7018-0TA51-Z?
A: Yes. The replacement unit uses the same X101/X102 terminal strip pinout as the original SIMOVERT MASTERDRIVES booksize series. Analog setpoint inputs, digital enable signals, relay fault outputs, and 24VDC auxiliary supply connections are pin-compatible. No rewiring is required for a direct replacement.

Q: Will my existing PROFIBUS-DP network configuration work with the replacement drive?
A: Yes, provided the CBP2 PROFIBUS communication board is transferred from the original unit or a new CBP2 is installed. The drive’s PROFIBUS node address, GSD file, and telegram type (e.g., PPO Type 3 or 4) settings are stored in the CBP2 and in the drive’s parameter set. Restoring a parameter backup via DriveMonitor ensures the network comes online without PLC-side reconfiguration.

Q: How do I migrate my drive parameters to the replacement unit?
A: Use Siemens DriveMonitor or STARTER software to upload the full parameter set from the original drive before removal (if the drive is still partially functional). The parameter file can then be downloaded to the replacement unit. Key parameters to verify include P100 (operating mode), P300 (motor data), P700 (setpoint source), and P840 (enable source). TOPNLMS can provide commissioning guidance documentation upon request.

Q: Does the replacement unit fit in the same cabinet space?
A: Yes. The 6SE7018-0TA51-Z uses the booksize chassis format. The replacement unit has an identical mechanical footprint and mounting hole pattern, allowing direct installation in the existing cabinet position without any sheet metal modification or additional mounting hardware.

Q: What if my application uses encoder feedback for closed-loop vector control?
A: The SBP or SBM encoder option board from the original drive can be transferred to the replacement unit. Verify that the encoder board firmware is compatible with the replacement unit’s base firmware version. In most cases, no encoder recalibration is required after parameter restore.

Q: Can I upgrade to PROFINET instead of PROFIBUS during this replacement?
A: Within the SIMOVERT MASTERDRIVES platform, native PROFINET is not available. For a PROFINET upgrade, a migration to the SINAMICS S120 or G120 platform is recommended. TOPNLMS can advise on the appropriate migration path based on your motor ratings, control mode, and PLC platform.

Warranty Assurance

Every 6SE7018-0TA51-Z replacement unit shipped by TOPNLMS is covered by a 12-month warranty from the date of delivery. Our pre-shipment inspection process includes functional power-on testing, output voltage and current verification, communication interface validation (where applicable), and visual inspection for component integrity. Units are packed in anti-static, shock-resistant packaging with full documentation including test records and shipment tracking.

In the event of a warranty claim, TOPNLMS provides a rapid response process: submit a fault description and photos to [email protected], and our technical team will assess the claim within 1 business day. Confirmed warranty cases are resolved by replacement unit dispatch or repair, depending on fault type and customer preference. We maintain buffer stock of common SIMOVERT MASTERDRIVES booksize units to minimize replacement lead times.

For procurement teams requiring documentation, TOPNLMS can provide a proforma invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and test report for each shipment. Export compliance and customs documentation for cross-border shipments to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe are handled as standard.

Contact our industrial automation team for stock availability, lead time confirmation, and volume pricing:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone / WhatsApp: +86 18359293191
• Website: https://topnlms.com