ES 
DE 
FR 
IT 
SIMODRIVE and SINAMICS: two generations of Siemens drives in the same plant
SIMODRIVE and SINAMICS are two generations of Siemens drives for machine tools, production lines and multi-axis systems. SINAMICS S120 is the platform that took over from SIMODRIVE 611, but in a great many factories the two families still coexist, often on the same line or in the same department.
This page gathers useful information for anyone managing mixed plants: how the two ranges relate, what changes in maintenance and how E-Repair supports production continuity in both technologies.
⚙️ From the SIMODRIVE range to the SINAMICS range
SIMODRIVE includes the historical Siemens drive series, among them SIMODRIVE 611 in its analogue, digital and universal versions, and SIMODRIVE 650. These are systems with a common DC link supply, supply modules, power modules and dedicated control boards.
SINAMICS is the current Siemens drive platform. In the SINAMICS S120 family the modular structure remains similar (Line Modules, Motor Modules, Control Unit), but communication between components takes place via DRIVE-CLiQ and configuration is handled differently.
- same basic logic: common supply and side-by-side axis modules
- different control electronics, communication and commissioning
- parameters and configurations cannot be transferred directly from one range to the other
🏭 Where they meet: mixed plants
SIMODRIVE and SINAMICS frequently coexist in three typical situations:
- CNC machines with SINUMERIK control: SINUMERIK 840D powerline typically works with SIMODRIVE 611 drives, while SINUMERIK 840D sl works with SINAMICS S120. Machines of both generations can coexist in the same department.
- Partial retrofits: some machines are upgraded to SINAMICS, others stay on SIMODRIVE as long as they are productive.
- Shared motors: servomotors from the SIMOTICS range can be used with both drive generations, after checking encoders, interfaces and configuration.
In these plants, maintenance has to take two different technologies into account, each with its own spare parts, diagnostics and skills.
🔄 Keep or migrate: how to decide
When a machine with SIMODRIVE fails, there are two options: restore the existing drive or plan a migration to SINAMICS. The choice depends on a few concrete factors:
- availability of SIMODRIVE spare parts and acceptable downtime
- expected remaining life of the machine
- cost and time of a retrofit, which often also involves the CNC
- availability of up-to-date backups of parameters and configurations
For many companies the most efficient solution is to keep SIMODRIVE running through repair and refurbishment, and to plan the migration around production schedules rather than around a breakdown.
🛠️ E-Repair services for SIMODRIVE and SINAMICS plants
As Approved Partner Siemens – Industry Services, E-Repair works on both drive generations:
🔧 Component-level repair in E-Repair's certified in-house laboratory, with diagnosis and repair where technically feasible.
♻️ Refurbishment with inspection and replacement of components subject to ageing, and functional testing according to the agreed scope of work.
🚚 Advance replacement with a refurbished or new product, if available in stock and after a compatibility check.
🛠️ On-site and remote technical assistance for diagnosis and support with recommissioning.
💾 Support in saving and checking parameters and configurations, essential before any intervention or migration.
✅ Standard 12-month warranty on the services for which it applies, extendable up to 24 months under the applicable conditions.
📚 Further reading by range
Range pages:
👉 SINAMICS
👉 SIMOTICS
Other cross-range pages:
Series and modules:
👉 SIMODRIVE 611 power modules 6SN1123 6SN1124 6SN1125
👉 SIMODRIVE 611 supply modules 6SN1145
👉 SINAMICS S120 control modules
👉 SINAMICS S120 line modules and line power units
👉 SINUMERIK range, including 840D and 840D sl
Product catalogue:
ℹ️ The information provided is general and indicative. Compatibility, configurations and migration paths must always be checked against the official Siemens documentation and the design of the individual machine, or by contacting E-Repair.
