‘Unique’ servodrive architecture can operate up to 12 axes
16 October 2025 
Siemens claims that it is setting new standards in industrial drive technology with a high-performance servodrive system, the Sinamics S220, that offers a “unique architecture” that can operate up to 12 axes. Building on the earlier Sinamics S120, the S220 delivers “a leap in performance” and has been reconceived to meet the demands of digital transformation.
As part of Siemens’ Xcelerator portfolio, the new system offers simulation and analysis capabilities, and advanced connectivity functions for integration into digital processes. This is said to improve system performance “significantly” and to boost productivity.
At the core of the Sinamics S220 is the newly developed CU320-3 controller with a high level of integration density. A multicore processor provides the computing power, while a Drive-Cliq-Express interface, operating at 1GBit/s, ensures rapid data transfer.
An innovative test pulse method using three voltage sensors per axis allows sensorless control with “near-encoder quality”, while also improving energy efficiency and robustness.
According to Siemens, the generation of high-quality field data will open up new business models in Industry 4.0. An X128 interface provides high-frequency data transmission for predictive maintenance purposes.
Integration into Siemens’ TIA Portal, as well as virtual commissioning using the DriveSim Designer tool, are said to improve engineering workflows “significantly”. New assistants and an undo function facilitate operation.
A Smart Drive Interface is available either as a compact panel (SDI S220) on the CU320-3, or as a remote version (SDI Pro with a larger display and Web server). Optionally, a Smart WiFi adapter enables flexible remote access.
Initially, the air-cooled motor modules are available in booksize and chassis designs, operating in the 380–480V range. The rated current spans 3A (1.1kW) to 1,518A (900kW), and can be expanded up to 6.984MW using eight-fold parallel connections. The modules have an overload capacity of up to 300%.
Regenerative active power supply infeeds are available from 210–921kW, also scalable through parallel connection. In addition, air-cooled universal modules can be operated as motor modules or active line modules. Six devices cover the entire functional and performance range and allow rapid adaptation to changing requirements.
New software (version 6.6) is claimed to set new standards in plant safety, reducing safety cycles from 12ms to 4ms, and enabling faster reactions and higher productivity. Automatic background tests ensure uninterrupted operation, while offline parameterisable safety functions simplify engineering.
The servodrives are SIL 3 certified for all operating states.
The Sinamics S220 was developed in accordance with IEC 62443-4-1, certified by TÜV SÜD. There are numerous built-in safety functions, including user and access control, encrypted drive data, and integrity and authentication checks for firmware and configuration data. These, along with additional measures within the machine, are said to enhance resilience against cyberattacks.
Siemens says the new drive system combines sustainability and performance. Its compact design saves space, while resource-saving materials and high reparability and recyclability help to reduce the drives’ carbon impact.
Industrial Edge applications allow the capture and visualisation of energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. An ISO 14021 certified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) documents the drive’s environmental performance over its lifecycle.
