Fieldbus & Industrial Networking


Siemens sets new standards in drive technology

January 2026 Fieldbus & Industrial Networking

Siemens is setting new standards in industrial drive technology with the launch of its new high-performance drive system, Sinamics S220. Building on the success of Sinamics S120, the system marks a leap in performance with the new control unit CU320-3 and software version 6.6. As an integral part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, Sinamics S220 offers a seamless and innovative drive system with comprehensive simulation and analysis capabilities, and advanced connectivity features that enable full integration into digital work processes. This significantly improved system performance provides users with a decisive productivity boost.

Multi-Axis Control Unit CU320-3: The Technological Heart

At the core of the Sinamics S220, the newly developed CU320-3 control unit sets pioneering standards in drive technology with its unique architecture. With the ability to operate up to 12 axes on a single control unit, the system achieves an outstanding level of integration density. The built-in multicore processor provides the necessary computing power, while the Drive-Cliq-Express interface, with a speed of 1GBit/s, ensures rapid data transfer. An innovative test pulse method using three voltage sensors per axis enables sensorless control with near-encoder quality, while also improving energy efficiency and robustness.

Digitalisation and future-readiness

Sinamics S220 has been fundamentally reconceived to meet the demands of digital transformation. The targeted generation of high-quality field data opens up new business models in Industry 4.0. High-frequency data transmission for predictive maintenance occurs via the X128 interface. Integration into the TIA Portal, as well as virtual commissioning with DriveSim Designer, significantly improve the engineering workflow. New assistants and an ‘undo’ function facilitate operation. The Smart Drive Interface is available as a compact panel (SDI S220) directly 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.

Flexibility and scalability

The Sinamics S220 drive system offers a broad performance spectrum for industrial applications. Upon market launch, air-cooled motor modules in booksize and chassis designs, with a voltage range of 3AC 380 to 480 V, are available. The rated current ranges from 3 A (1,1 kW) to 1,518 A (900 kW) and can be expanded up to 6,984 kW through 8-fold parallel connection. For power supply, regenerative active infeeds ranging from 210 kW to 921 kW are available, also scalable through parallel connection. Additionally, air-cooled universal modules are introduced, which can be flexibly operated as motor modules or active line modules. Six devices cover the entire functional and performance range for spare parts cases, and these allow rapid adaptation to changing requirements.

Safety integrated and cybersecurity at the highest level

With software version 6.6, the Sinamics S220 sets new standards in plant safety. The new safety architecture reduces the safety cycle from 12 to 4 ms, enabling faster reactions and higher productivity. Automatic background tests ensure uninterrupted operation, while offline parameterisable safety functions greatly simplify engineering. The drive is SIL 3 certified for all operating states and offers the certified level of safety in critical applications. The Sinamics S220 was developed within a secure development process according to the standard IEC 62443-4-1, independently certified by TÜV SÜD. The drive system features numerous integrated safety functions, including user and access control, encrypted drive data, integrity and authentication checks for firmware and configuration data. These features, along with additional measures within the machine, enhance resilience against cybersecurity risks.

Sustainable drive system for the future of industry

With Sinamics S220, Siemens presents a drive system that combines sustainability and performance. Its compact design saves space, while resource-saving materials, high reparability and recyclability contribute to reducing carbon impact. Industrial Edge applications enable the capture and visualisation of energy consumption and CO emissions. The ISO 14021 certified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) documents its environmental performance over the entire lifecycle, underscoring Siemens’ commitment to sustainable industrial solutions.

For more information contact Siemens South Africa, [email protected], www.siemens.co.za




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Remote I/O modules provide flexible options for distributed applications
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Dinkle International is now stocking the iO-GRID NEMO industrial-grade remote input/output modules, offering support for five leading industrial Ethernet protocols and a range of discrete channel configurations for distributed automation applications.

Read more...
Local energy solutions rewiring resilience across Africa
News Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Engineers across Africa are developing practical, scalable energy and mobility solutions supported by the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.

Read more...
Daudin expands fieldbus modular remote I/O series
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
: The Dinkle iO-GRID X modular remote I/O family is now available, offering fieldbus coupler modules for major industrial Ethernet protocols, and over 20 types of I/O modules to help integrators and equipment builders create flexible, efficient control systems.

Read more...
Siemens and HighByte partner to scale industrial AI
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Siemens is expanding its Industrial Edge ecosystem through a partnership with HighByte, enabling customers to connect, contextualise and transform data from operational technology and information technology sources to build AI models and applications at scale.

Read more...
Automotive Ethernet media converter
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
HMS Networks has introduced its first automotive ethernet product under the PEAK brand. The PAE-Media Converter is a compact device designed to connect automotive Ethernet (100BASE-T1 or 1000BASE-T1) with standard Ethernet (100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-T) networks.

Read more...
3D electrical systems design workflow for electromechanical innovation
Siemens South Africa Fieldbus & Industrial Networking IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has announced new 3D electrical design capabilities within its Capital software, enabling electrical and mechanical engineers to work concurrently in a shared 3D environment to reduce late-stage design changes and accelerate time to market for complex electromechanical products.

Read more...
Long-distance signal delivery is critical to rail safety
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
A remote monitoring specialist explains why fibre optic technology is increasingly replacing copper cabling in safety-critical railway signalling systems.

Read more...
Building efficiency into cement production with SCADA and IIoT
Adroit Technologies Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
For decades, Adroit Technologies has worked alongside leading cement producers, helping them gain greater visibility into their operations through advanced SCADA and IIoT solutions.

Read more...
Loop signature Part 2-5: Interactive control systems
Michael Brown Control Engineering Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Feedforward control was explained in the previous loop signature articles. One of the examples used was feedforward control of load changes on a heat exchanger when variations occurred in the flow of the process fluid through the exchanger.

Read more...
Integrated automation systems in poultry feed production
Adroit Technologies Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
South Africa’s poultry industry is increasingly turning to advanced automation systems to optimise operations. Working in partnership with Adroit Technologies, leading poultry supplier Sovereign implemented the Mitsubishi Adroit Process Suite across a key feed production facility, creating a scalable, integrated system capable of supporting both current operations and future expansion.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved