SINAMICS drive families: V20, G120, G120C, G120X, S120 and V90
Which Siemens converter fits which job, how the families differ in design, fieldbus and commissioning tools, and where their fault lists are documented.
Overview
| Family | Design | Typical use | Communication | Commissioning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V20 | basic converter 0.12–30 kW | simple pumps, fans, conveyors | RS485: USS, Modbus RTU | built-in BOP, connection macros |
| G120 | modular: Control Unit (CU240B-2, CU240E-2, CU250S-2) + Power Module (PM240-2, PM250…) | general-purpose machines and process drives | PROFINET, PROFIBUS, USS/Modbus RTU, CANopen (by CU variant) | Startdrive, IOP-2 panel |
| G120C | compact: control and power part in one housing, 0.55–132 kW | the same jobs as G120 when no modularity is needed | PROFINET/EtherNet/IP, PROFIBUS, USS/Modbus RTU or CANopen variants | Startdrive, IOP-2 |
| G120X | converter for pumps, fans, compressors | infrastructure and HVAC | PROFINET, USS/Modbus RTU, BACnet MS/TP variants | SINAMICS Smart Access, IOP-2, Startdrive |
| S120 | modular drive system: CU320-2, Line/Motor Modules, DRIVE-CLiQ, common DC link | multi-axis machines, servo and vector control | PROFIdrive over PROFINET or PROFIBUS | Startdrive |
| V90 | basic servo drive with SIMOTICS S-1FL6 motors | positioning with S7-1200/1500 technology objects or pulse train | PROFINET (PN variant) or step/direction | V-ASSISTANT, Startdrive |
G120, G120C and G120D share the firmware platform of the CU240/CU250 Control Units: parameters, PROFIdrive telegrams, Safety Integrated and the fault/alarm numbers (Fxxxxx, Axxxxx — e.g. F07801, A30016) follow the same list manual structure.
Where the faults are documented
- G120 with CU240B-2/CU240E-2: List Manual — parameters, function diagrams and the complete fault and alarm list. The diagnostic database contains the records of that list with page references.
- G120C: its own list manual with the same numbering scheme.
- S120: the S120/S150 list manual; fault numbers are shared with the G120 platform but the reaction and remedies are drive-object specific.
- V20 and G120X have their own operating instructions with fault tables.
Choosing
- Simple fixed-speed replacement of a contactor starter: V20.
- Standard machine or process drive with a fieldbus and Safety Integrated: G120 (modular) or G120C (compact).
- Pumps and fans in buildings and water: G120X.
- Coordinated multi-axis motion, common DC link: S120.
- Simple servo positioning with an S7-1200/1500: V90.
Synchronous speed, slip and the frequency for a target speed: motor & VFD speed calculator.
Connections
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Sources
- SINAMICS G120 converter with CU240E-2 Control Unit — Operating Instructions (FW 4.7 SP14, A5E34259001B AL) — Siemens AG
- SINAMICS G120C Converters — Operating Instructions (FW V4.7 SP14, A5E34263257B AM) — Siemens AG
- SINAMICS G120X converter — Operating Instructions (FW V1.04, A5E44751209B AF) — Siemens AG
- SINAMICS V20 converter — Operating Instructions (A5E34559884-017) — Siemens AG
- SINAMICS S120 Function Manual for Drive Functions (FW 5.2 SP3) — Siemens AG
- SINAMICS V90, SIMOTICS S-1FL6 — Operating Instructions (PROFINET interface, A5E37208830) — Siemens AG
Updated 2026-10-02