Setpoint input

The setpoint can be specified both internally and externally; internally as a fixed setpoint, motorized potentiometer setpoint or jog setpoint, externally via the communications interface or an analog input. The internal fixed setpoint and the motorized potentiometer setpoint can be switched or adjusted via control commands from any interface.

Motor identification

The automatic motor identification function makes commissioning faster and easier and optimizes closed-loop control of the drive.

Ramp-function generator

A user-friendly ramp-function generator with separately adjustable ramp-up and ramp-down times, together with adjustable rounding times in the lower and upper speed ranges, allows the drive to be smoothly accelerated and braked. This results in a good speed control response and contributes to the reduction of stress on the mechanical system. The down ramp can be parameterized separately for a quick stop.

V_dc max controller

The V_{dc max} controller automatically prevents overvoltages in the DC link, if the set down ramp is too short, for example. This may also extend the set ramp-down time.

Note: This function only makes sense for single-axis applications.

Kinetic buffering (KIP)

For brief line supply failures, the kinetic energy of the rotating drive is used to buffer the DC link and therefore prevents fault trips. The drive converter remains operational as long as the drive can provide regenerative energy as a result of its motion and the DC link voltage does not drop below the shutdown threshold. When the line supply recovers within this time, the drive is again seamlessly accelerated up to its setpoint speed.

Automatic restart

The automatic restart switches the drive on again when the power is restored after a power failure, and ramps up to the current speed setpoint.

Flying restart

The flying restart function allows the converter to be switched to a motor that is still turning. With the voltage sensing capability provided by the optional VSM10, the flying restart time for large induction motors can be significantly reduced because the motor does not need to be de-magnetized.

Technology controller

Using the technology controller (PID controller) function module, level or flow controls and complex tension controls can be implemented, for example. The existing D component can act both on the system deviation well as on the actual value (factory setting). The P, I, and D components are set separately.

Free function blocks (FFB)

Using the freely programmable function blocks, it is easy to implement logic and arithmetic functions for controlling the SINAMICS drive. The blocks can be programmed at the operator panel or the STARTER commissioning tool.

Drive Control Chart (DCC)

Drive Control Chart (DCC) is an additional tool for the easy configuration of technological functions for SINAMICS. The block library contains a large selection of control, arithmetic and logic blocks as well as extensive open-loop and closed-loop control functions. The user-friendly DCC editor enables easy graphics-based configuration, allows control loop structures to be clearly represented and provides a high degree of reusability of charts that have already been created. DCC is an add-on for the STARTER commissioning tool (see Section Tools and configuring).

SINAMICS Technology Extensions (SINAMICS TEC)

The SINAMICS TEC are configurable functions or Siemens technologies that can be added to extend firmware functions. These extensions are designed to allow implementation of highly complex, application-specific tasks for various sectors - such as storage and retrieval machines.
Additional information about Technology Extensions (TEC) is provided in Section, Technology functions.

I²t sensing for motor protection

A motor model stored in the converter software calculates the motor temperature based on the current speed and load. More exact measurement of the temperature, which also takes into account the influence of the ambient temperature, is possible by means of direct temperature measurement using KTY84 sensors in the motor winding.

Motor temperature evaluation

Motor protection by evaluating a KTY84, Pt1000, PTC or Pt100 temperature sensor. When a KTY84 temperature sensor is connected, the limit values can be set for alarm or shutdown. When a PTC thermistor is connected, the system reaction to triggering of the thermistor (alarm or trip) can be defined.

Motor blocking protection

A blocked motor is detected and protected against thermal overloading by a fault trip.

Brake control

"Simple brake control" for control of holding brakes:
The holding brake is used to secure drives against unwanted motion when deactivated.

"Extended brake control" function module for complex brake control, e.g. for motor holding brakes and operational brakes:
When braking with a feedback signal, the brake control reacts to the feedback signal contacts of the brake.

Write protection

Write protection to prevent unintentional changing of the setting parameters (without password function).

Know-how protection

Know-how protection for encrypting stored data, e.g. to protect configuration know-how, and to protect against changes and duplication (with password function).

Web server

The integrated web server provides information about the drive unit via its web pages. The web server is accessed using a web browser via unsecured (http) or secured transfer protocol (https).

Ground fault monitoring at the output

A ground fault at the output is detected by a total current monitor and results in shutdown in grounded systems.

Electronic short-circuit protection at the output

A short-circuit at the output (e.g. at the converter output terminals, in the motor cable or in the motor terminal box) is detected and the converter shuts down with a "fault".

Thermal overload protection

An alarm is issued first when the overtemperature threshold responds. If the temperature continues to rise, the unit either shuts down or independently adjusts the pulse frequency or output current so that thermal load is reduced. Once the cause of the fault has been eliminated (e.g. cooling has been improved), the original operating values are automatically resumed.