Siemens 6SL3120-2TE13-0AD0 S120 Double Motor Replacement

Product Overview

Siemens 6SL3120-2TE13-0AD0 S120 Double Motor Replacement: Seamless Transition from Legacy Dual-Axis Drive Systems

The Siemens 6SL3120-2TE13-0AD0 is a SINAMICS S120 Booksize Double Motor Module rated at 3A per axis, designed for dual-axis servo control in high-precision manufacturing, CNC machining centers, packaging lines, and automated assembly systems. As legacy SIMODRIVE 611 systems, older SINAMICS S110 single-axis configurations, and first-generation S120 Booksize drives reach end-of-life or become increasingly difficult to source, the 6SL3120-2TE13-0AD0 represents a proven, drop-in-compatible upgrade path that preserves existing cabinet layouts, motor wiring, and PROFIBUS or PROFINET communication architectures.

This module integrates directly into the SINAMICS S120 Booksize drive line, sharing a common DC bus with the 6SL3100-1BE31-0AA0 Active Line Module or 6SL3130-series Smart Line Modules. The dual-axis design eliminates the need for two separate single-axis Motor Modules such as the 6SL3120-1TE13-0AD0, reducing cabinet footprint by up to 40% and simplifying thermal management in space-constrained control enclosures. Engineers migrating from SIMODRIVE 611D or 611U systems will find that the DRIVE-CLiQ interface on the 6SL3120-2TE13-0AD0 replaces the legacy encoder evaluation boards and resolver modules, consolidating axis feedback into a single high-speed serial link that is natively supported by the SINUMERIK 840D sl and 828D CNC controllers.

Wiring compatibility is a primary concern during any drive retrofit. The 6SL3120-2TE13-0AD0 uses standard IEC motor output terminals (X1/X2) with the same pin assignment as other S120 Booksize Motor Modules, meaning existing motor power cables terminated with Siemens-compatible connectors can typically be reused without modification. The 24 VDC control supply is drawn from the shared Control Supply Module (6SL3100-1BE31-0AA0 or equivalent), eliminating the need for a dedicated 24 V rail per axis. For installations where the existing motor uses a Siemens SMC20 or SMC30 Sensor Module Cabinet-Mounted for encoder signal conditioning, the DRIVE-CLiQ topology remains fully compatible, and no re-parameterization of the encoder type is required beyond standard axis commissioning in STARTER or TIA Portal Startdrive.

Program migration from SIMODRIVE 611 or early S120 firmware versions is straightforward when using Siemens STARTER V5.4 or TIA Portal V17/V18 with the Startdrive Advanced package. Drive object parameters for speed controllers, current limits, and ramp-function generators transfer directly via the parameter upload/download function. Axis-specific safety functions — including STO (Safe Torque Off) and SS1 (Safe Stop 1) — are supported natively on the 6SL3120-2TE13-0AD0 without requiring an external F-DI/F-DO module, provided the system is configured with a compatible CU320-2 PN or CU310-2 PN Control Unit.

For installations using PROFIBUS DP as the primary fieldbus, the 6SL3120-2TE13-0AD0 communicates via the CU320-2 DP Control Unit (6SL3040-1MA01-0AA0), maintaining full compatibility with existing SIMATIC S7-300 or S7-400 PLC programs using the SINAMICS telegram structures (Telegram 1, 5, or 105). Sites already migrated to PROFINET IO can use the CU320-2 PN variant, enabling IRT (Isochronous Real-Time) communication for sub-millisecond cycle synchronization across all axes in the drive line.

Physical installation follows the standard S120 Booksize rail-mounting procedure. The module clips onto the shared DC bus bar system alongside the Line Module and other Motor Modules, with no additional mounting hardware required. Cabinet depth requirements are identical to other Booksize components (270 mm standard), and the module’s 55 mm width accommodates two axes within the same slot width as a single 75 mm single-axis module from the previous generation. Cooling is handled by the integrated fan unit; for high-ambient-temperature environments above 40°C, derating curves are available in the 6SL3120-2TE13-0AD0 hardware installation manual.

Compatibility Comparison Table

Seamless Upgrade Solutions

A complete S120 Booksize drive line retrofit typically involves several interdependent components beyond the Motor Module itself. The 6SL3100-1BE31-0AA0 Active Line Module provides the regulated DC bus voltage for the entire drive group and is the recommended line-side component when replacing uncontrolled infeed modules from older SIMODRIVE 611 installations. Where regenerative braking energy recovery is not required, the 6SL3130-7TE21-6AA3 Smart Line Module offers a cost-effective alternative with a smaller footprint.

The CU320-2 PN Control Unit (6SL3040-1MA01-0AA0) serves as the central intelligence for the drive line, managing axis coordination, safety functions, and PROFINET communication. Sites retaining PROFIBUS infrastructure should specify the CU320-2 DP variant instead. For axis feedback, the SMC20 Sensor Module Cabinet-Mounted handles incremental TTL and sin/cos encoders, while the SMC30 supports absolute encoders and resolvers — both connect to the 6SL3120-2TE13-0AD0 via DRIVE-CLiQ, eliminating legacy encoder evaluation boards.

Power supply for the 24 VDC control circuit is provided by the 6EP1333-3BA00 SITOP PSU100S or equivalent, feeding the Control Supply Module that distributes 24 V across all Booksize components on the shared bus bar. Programming and commissioning require the CBE20 Communication Board Ethernet for PC-to-drive connectivity via STARTER or TIA Portal Startdrive; alternatively, the 6SL3255-0AA00-4CA1 SINAMICS SD card pre-loaded with the drive firmware eliminates the need for a live PC connection during initial startup.

For installations where motor cables must be extended or re-routed during the retrofit, Siemens MOTION-CONNECT 500 power cables with pre-assembled connectors are recommended to maintain EMC compliance and avoid nuisance ground-fault trips. Signal isolation between the drive and legacy I/O systems can be achieved using the 6ES7338-4BC01-0AB0 SM338 position input module or a third-party signal isolator rated for ±10 V analog references.

Retrofit Guidance FAQ

Q: Can I reuse existing motor power cables from a SIMODRIVE 611D installation?
A: In most cases, yes. The 6SL3120-2TE13-0AD0 uses standard IEC motor output terminals. Verify connector type and cable cross-section against the S120 hardware manual. Cables rated for the original 3A output current are fully compatible.

Q: Do I need to rewrite my S7 PLC program after replacing the drive module?
A: No PLC rewrite is required if you retain the same SINAMICS telegram structure (e.g., Telegram 1 or 105). Only the drive-side parameter set needs to be re-commissioned using STARTER or Startdrive. Existing PROFIBUS/PROFINET GSD/GSDML device files remain valid.

Q: Is the DRIVE-CLiQ wiring from the CU320-2 to the 6SL3120-2TE13-0AD0 plug-and-play?
A: Yes. DRIVE-CLiQ uses standard RJ45 connectors and auto-topology detection. The Control Unit automatically identifies the Motor Module during power-up; no manual address assignment is required.

Q: What happens to the STO safety circuit during the swap?
A: The 6SL3120-2TE13-0AD0 integrates STO and SS1 functions internally. If the legacy system used external relay-based STO wiring, this can be simplified to the onboard EP terminals (X21/X22) on the Motor Module, reducing wiring complexity and improving response time.

Q: How much cabinet space does the dual-axis module save compared to two single-axis modules?
A: The 6SL3120-2TE13-0AD0 is 55 mm wide versus 150 mm for two separate 75 mm single-axis modules — a saving of 95 mm of DIN rail width per two-axis group, which is significant in densely populated control cabinets.

Q: Can this module operate on a 400 V or 480 V AC supply?
A: The module itself operates from the shared DC bus, which is supplied by the Line Module. The Line Module accepts 3-phase 380–480 V AC input, making the system compatible with both European and North American supply voltages without hardware changes.

Warranty Assurance

Every 6SL3120-2TE13-0AD0 unit shipped by TOPNLMS is covered by a 12-month replacement warranty from the date of delivery. Prior to dispatch, each module undergoes a functional pre-shipment inspection including DC bus insulation resistance testing, DRIVE-CLiQ port verification, and visual inspection of all connectors and bus bar contacts. Units are packed in anti-static foam with moisture-barrier packaging to prevent transit damage.

In the event of a confirmed defect within the warranty period, TOPNLMS will arrange a replacement unit dispatch within 3 business days of fault confirmation, with return freight covered for verified warranty claims. Our technical support team is available via email at [email protected] or by phone at +86 18359293191 to assist with installation queries, parameter backup, and commissioning guidance throughout the warranty period.

Stock availability is maintained for immediate dispatch from our Xiamen warehouse. Lead times for in-stock units are typically 3–7 business days to major industrial hubs in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. For urgent plant-down situations, expedited air freight options are available on request.