Siemens 6SL3420-2TE15-0AA1 S120 Dual-Axis Upgrade Solution

Product Overview

Siemens 6SL3420-2TE15-0AA1 S120 Dual-Axis Upgrade Solution: Seamless Transition from Legacy Drive Systems

The Siemens 6SL3420-2TE15-0AA1 is a SINAMICS S120 Dual-Axis Motor Module rated at 5A per axis in Booksize format. Designed for high-dynamic servo and vector control applications, this module integrates directly into the S120 Booksize drive line-up, sharing a common DC bus with the Active Line Module or Smart Line Module already installed in your control cabinet. Whether you are replacing a failed unit, upgrading from an older SIMODRIVE 611 or MASTERDRIVES MC platform, or consolidating a multi-axis machine tool retrofit, the 6SL3420-2TE15-0AA1 delivers a proven migration path with minimal re-engineering effort.

For facilities still operating legacy Siemens SIMODRIVE 611D dual-axis modules, the transition to the S120 Booksize architecture requires attention to four key areas: DC bus wiring and voltage compatibility, DRIVE-CLiQ topology and encoder feedback cabling, SINUMERIK or SIMOTION controller firmware alignment, and physical rail mounting dimensions within the existing cabinet. The 6SL3420-2TE15-0AA1 addresses all four with a compact 45 mm booksize width, standard 24 V DC control supply via the Control Interface Module (CIM), and native DRIVE-CLiQ ports that auto-detect connected motors and encoders — dramatically reducing commissioning time compared to older analog resolver interfaces.

Compatibility Comparison Table

Seamless Upgrade Solutions

A successful migration to the 6SL3420-2TE15-0AA1 rarely involves a single component swap. In practice, the upgrade is part of a broader S120 Booksize drive train rebuild. The 6SL3130-7TE21-8AA3 Active Line Module is the recommended infeed unit for new S120 Booksize installations, supplying the regulated DC bus that the dual-axis motor module depends on. Where cabinet space is constrained and regenerative feedback is not required, the 6SL3130-6AE21-0AB1 Smart Line Module offers a more compact alternative infeed solution.

Encoder feedback is a critical migration consideration. Legacy 1FT6 and 1FK6 motors with TTL or resolver interfaces must be replaced or adapted. Pairing the 6SL3420-2TE15-0AA1 with 1FK7 compact servo motors equipped with built-in DRIVE-CLiQ encoders eliminates the need for separate Sensor Modules and simplifies the DRIVE-CLiQ topology. For sites that wish to retain existing motors, the SMC20 Sensor Module Cabinet-Mounted (e.g. 6SL3055-0AA00-5BA3) converts TTL encoder signals to DRIVE-CLiQ, preserving the existing motor investment while enabling full S120 digital control.

The CU320-2 DP Control Unit (6SL3040-1MA01-0AA0) or its PROFINET variant CU320-2 PN (6SL3040-1MA00-0AA0) serves as the central intelligence for the S120 drive group. It manages DRIVE-CLiQ communication to the 6SL3420-2TE15-0AA1, executes closed-loop control algorithms, and interfaces with the higher-level SINUMERIK 840D sl or SIMOTION D controller via PROFIBUS or PROFINET. Upgrading the control unit in parallel with the motor module ensures firmware compatibility and avoids mixed-generation topology issues.

Terminal wiring at the machine interface is handled through the Terminal Module TM31 (6SL3055-0AA00-3AA1), which provides additional digital and analog I/O for enable signals, speed references, and fault outputs — essential when the existing machine wiring harness cannot be re-routed. For cabinet power distribution, the 6EP1333-3BA00 SITOP PSU100S 24V/5A power supply module provides a stable 24 V DC control rail for the CIM and auxiliary circuits. Proper grounding and EMC shielding of the DRIVE-CLiQ cables between the motor module and the CU320-2 is mandatory; Siemens MOTION-CONNECT 500 pre-assembled cables are the recommended choice to meet CE and UL shielding requirements without custom fabrication.

Finally, for sites commissioning the retrofit with STARTER or TIA Portal / Startdrive software, the 6SL3255-0AA00-4CA1 SINAMICS SD Card pre-loaded with the correct firmware version ensures the 6SL3420-2TE15-0AA1 boots with a compatible parameter set from first power-on, reducing on-site engineering hours significantly.

Retrofit Guidance FAQ

Q: Can the 6SL3420-2TE15-0AA1 share the same DC bus as my existing S120 Booksize modules?
Yes. The module connects directly to the S120 Booksize DC bus bar. Ensure the Active Line Module or Smart Line Module has sufficient power headroom for the additional two axes. Use the SIZER for Siemens Drives tool to verify the infeed sizing before installation.

Q: My existing machine uses PROFIBUS DP. Is the 6SL3420-2TE15-0AA1 compatible?
Yes, when paired with the CU320-2 DP control unit. The motor module itself communicates via DRIVE-CLiQ to the CU320-2, which then presents a PROFIBUS DP slave interface to the SINUMERIK or SIMOTION controller. No changes to the PLC program’s drive telegram structure are required if the axis parameters are mapped identically.

Q: What encoder types are supported?
The 6SL3420-2TE15-0AA1 supports DRIVE-CLiQ encoders natively. For motors with TTL, HTL, sin/cos, or resolver interfaces, an SMC20 or SMC30 Sensor Module Cabinet-Mounted must be added to the DRIVE-CLiQ topology. Absolute encoders (EnDat 2.1/2.2) are supported via the SME20/SME25 Sensor Module External.

Q: How much cabinet space does the module require?
The Booksize format occupies 45 mm of horizontal rail space. Verify that the existing cabinet has at least 45 mm of free Booksize rail adjacent to the DC bus bar, plus clearance for DRIVE-CLiQ cable routing (minimum 50 mm above and below the module).

Q: Can I replace only one axis of a failed dual-axis module without replacing the other?
The 6SL3420-2TE15-0AA1 is a single physical unit controlling two axes simultaneously. Both axes must be re-commissioned when the module is replaced. Back up the existing drive parameters from STARTER or TIA Portal Startdrive before removal to restore axis-specific settings after installation.

Q: What firmware version is required?
SINAMICS S120 firmware V4.7 SP10 or later is recommended for full feature compatibility with the CU320-2. Confirm the firmware version on the SD card before installation. TOPNLMS can supply pre-configured SD cards upon request.

Warranty Assurance

Every 6SL3420-2TE15-0AA1 shipped by TOPNLMS is covered by a 12-month warranty from the date of shipment. Prior to dispatch, each unit undergoes a multi-point outgoing inspection including visual examination, label and serial number verification, and functional power-on testing where applicable. Units are packed in anti-static ESD bags, foam-lined cartons, and outer export cartons rated for international air and sea freight.

In the event of a confirmed defect within the warranty period, TOPNLMS will arrange a replacement unit or issue a full refund — whichever the customer prefers — with no return shipping cost to the buyer. Our after-sales response target is within 24 hours on business days. For urgent production-down situations, expedited air freight dispatch is available with same-day or next-business-day cut-off times from our Xiamen warehouse.

Procurement teams can request a proforma invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and test report documentation for customs clearance and internal audit purposes. We accept T/T bank transfer, PayPal, and trade finance arrangements for qualified accounts. Minimum order quantity is one unit.

For stock availability, lead time confirmation, or technical pre-sales consultation, contact our drive systems team directly.