Siemens Expands Existing SINAMICS Servo Drive Product Family

Siemens is well known for their servo motor platform, the SINAMICS portfolio consists of converters, motors, and gear units. The SINAMICS servo motors offer many different models for different applications, including linear motors, torque motors, low voltage motors, and geared motors. Recently, Siemens has announced new additions to the SINAMICS S210 series of servo motors designed specifically for dynamic applications.

 

SINAMICS S210

Designed with packaging machines, pick & place applications, and digital printing in mind, the S210 is a drive and motor combo motion control platform that has many new features to help equipment builders produce smarter, faster, and more efficient equipment.

 

New models in the SINAMICS S210 servo drive product line. Image used courtesy of Siemens

 

SINAMICS S210 Features

To better control the S210 motors, Siemens has included a second encoder interface which allows the system to compensate for mechanical inaccuracies or system tolerances. With the second encoder, Siemens can provide a servo motor system with greater accuracy than a conventional system.

Safety and security are always a concern for factories and equipment builders. The S210 includes basic and extended integrated safety functions that allow the system to be SIL 3 certified. Along with the integrated safety functions are security functions that offer user management and access protection.

Communication to the S210 uses Siemens’ popular ProfiNet protocol, but to allow for expansion into as many markets as possible, the S210 can also be configured with Ethernet/IP, the standard for Rockwell Automation, Omron, and many other platforms.

Complex calculations and motion planning are common applications for servo motors, these calculations are often performed in the controller connected to the servo drive. With the S210, complex tasks and motion planning are performed in the drive, which reduces processor load on the controller, making for a more efficient control system.

Simulation is becoming a large part of machine building from digital twin to digital commissioning. The S210 is included in Siemens DriveSim advanced simulation software so that motion tasks can be simulated and commissioned before the hardware hits the floor. A digital twin of the S210 in its project can also be created in Siemens TIA portal programming software.

Similar to most Siemens motion control hardware, the S210 supports a web server interface for commissioning, diagnostics, and maintenance. The web server platform has been updated for the new generation of SINAMICS products.

 

Controller, servo driver, and motor combination for a complete motion control solution. Image used courtesy of Siemens

 

Advancing Motion Control Platforms

The many new features and hardware of the S210 allow designers to be more flexible with their choices when deciding which servo motor to choose. The added Ethernet/IP capability allows third-party controllers to interface with the S210, this breaks the chains from common thinking of matching servo system manufacturers with PLC manufacturers. Adding a second encoder allows designers to use the S210 in applications that require very precise positioning.

Being able to simulate your motion application before parts arrive or are even ordered can save thousands of dollars. It is much easier to rectify errors in a digital space vs the physical world. These features will help designers, integrators, and maintenance staff build and maintain better and more efficient equipment.