General configuration sequence

The function description of the machine provides the basis for the configuration. The definition of the components is based on physical dependencies and is usually carried out as follows:

Configuration begins with the mechanical interface to the machine. A suitable motor is selected according to the specified torques and speeds. A matching power unit is then also chosen. Depending on the requirements of the machine, the motor is supplied as a single drive via a Power Module or within a multi-motor drive group via a Motor Module. Once the basic components have been defined, the system components for matching to the electrical and mechanical interfaces are selected.

The SIZER for Siemens Drives engineering tool allows the correct components to be selected quickly and easily. Based on the torque and speed characteristics entered, SIZER for Siemens Drives guides the user through the configuring process, identifying suitable motors and matching SINAMICS power units and other system components.

The following sections describe those SINAMICS S120 components which are needed to create a drive system subject to certain supplementary conditions. For information about individual components, please also refer to the online help of the SIZER for Siemens Drives engineering tool.

EMC notes

The electromagnetic compatibility describes – according to the definition of the EMC directive – the "capability of a device to work satisfactorily in the electromagnetic environment without itself causing electromagnetic interference which is unacceptable for other devices present in this environment". To guarantee that the appropriate EMC Directives are observed, the devices must demonstrate a sufficiently high noise immunity, and also the emitted interference must be limited to acceptable values.

The EMC requirements for variable-speed drive systems are described in the product standard EN 61800?3. A variable-speed drive system (or Power Drive System PDS) consists of the Control Unit and Power Module or Control Unit, Line Module and Motor Module plus the relevant electric motors and encoders including connecting cables. The driven machine is not part of the drive system. EN 61800?3 defines different limit values depending on the location of the drive system, referred to as the first and second environments.

Residential buildings or locations at which the drive system is directly connected to a public low-voltage supply without intermediate transformer are defined as the first environment.

The term second environment refers to all locations outside residential areas. These are basically industrial areas which are supplied from the medium-voltage network via their own transformers.

Four different categories are defined in EN 61800?3 depending on the location and the power of the drive:

Category C1: Drive systems for rated voltages < 1000 V for unrestricted use in the first environment.

Category C2: Stationary drive systems for rated voltages < 1000 V for use in the second environment. Use in the first environment is possible if the drive system is marketed and installed by qualified personnel. The warning information and installation instructions supplied by the manufacturer must be observed.

Category C3: Drive systems for rated voltages < 1000 V for exclusive use in the second environment.

Category C4: Drive systems for rated voltages ? 1000 V or for rated currents ? 400 A for use in complex systems in the second environment.

The following diagram shows how the four categories are assigned to the first and second environments:

SINAMICS S120 built-in units are designed for use in the second environment.

In order to limit emitted interference, RFI filters (some of which are integrated in the unit) are provided which are capable of meeting the requirements of Category C3 or C2 (see chapter "SINAMICS S120 drive system").

SINAMICS S120 built-in units fulfill the requirements for noise immunity defined in EN 61800?3 for the second environment and consequently also the lower noise immunity values in the first environment.

It is essential to follow the installation instructions in order to ensure compliance with interference emission and immunity values.