VFD vs Servo Drive: Key Differences
A side-by-side comparison of VFD and servo drive motor type, feedback, dynamic response, overload rating, cost, and applications for industrial engineers.
The Siemens 6SL3120-2TE21-8AC0 is a SINAMICS S120 Double Motor Module in booksize C format, converting a 600 V DC link to two independent 400 V 3AC servo/motor outputs rated 18 A / 18 A continuous. Internal air cooling and DRIVE-CLiQ connectivity let it drive two axes from a shared DC bus while supporting the extended Safety Integrated functions in modular S120 drive line-ups.
Use the double-axis format when two motors near the 18 A rated current each share a single DC-link infeed and enclosure footprint in the cabinet is constrained; a single-axis Motor Module is the better fit when one axis needs headroom above the 36 A Imax peak this dual unit delivers per channel. The 4.00 kHz pulse frequency and DRIVE-CLiQ interface align it with SINAMICS S120 booksize systems using extended Safety Integrated functions rather than standalone drive setups.
Fits SINAMICS S120 booksize drive line-ups for machine tools, packaging, and material handling where two coordinated servo axes run off one DC bus, using DRIVE-CLiQ for motor encoder feedback and Safety Integrated wiring.
| DC link voltage | DC 510 ... 720 V |
|---|---|
| Electronics power supply | DC 24 V -15 % / +20 % |
| Current demand, max. | 1.10 A |
| DC-link current Id | 43.0 A |
| Output current: Rated value IN | 18.0 A |
| Output current: Base load current IH | 15.3 A |
| Output current: For S6 duty (40%) IS6 | 24.0 A |
| Output current: Imax | 36.0 A |
| Type rating: Based on IN | 9.7 kW |
| Type rating: Based on IH | 8.2 kW |
| Current carrying capacity: DC link busbars | 200 A |
| Current carrying capacity: 24 V busbars | 20 A |
| DC link capacitance | 705 µF |
| Installation altitude (without derating) | 1,000 m (3,281 ft) |
|---|---|
| Cooling 8) | Internal air cooling |
| Cooling air requirement | 0.015 m³/s |
| Ambient temperature: During operation | 0 ... 40 °C (32 ... 104 °F) |
| Motor end: Version | connector (X1, X2) |
|---|---|
| PE connection | M5 screw |
| Max. motor cable length: Shielded | 70 m (230 ft) |
| Max. motor cable length: Unshielded | 100 m (328 ft) |
| Part number | 6SL3120-2TE21-8AC0 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Siemens |
| Condition | New, factory sealed |
| Source | Siemens and its authorised distributors |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty |
| EAN | 4034106439729 |
| Compliance with standards | CE, cULus |
|---|---|
| Safety Integrated | SIL 2 acc. to IEC 61508, PL d acc. to EN ISO 13849-1, Category 3 acc. to EN ISO |
| Line side: Width | 100.00 mm (3.94 in) |
|---|---|
| Line side: Height | 380.00 mm (14.96 in) |
| Line side: Depth | 270.00 mm (10.63 in) |
| Line side: Degree of protection | IP20 / UL open type |
| Line side: Type of construction | Booksize |
| Line side: Net weight | 7.7 kg (16.98 lb) |
| Sound pressure level (1m) | 60.0 dB |
|---|---|
| Page 1 of 1 | Generated Sun Nov 1 04:04:58 CET 2026 |
| Shipping weight | 9.1 kg |
|---|---|
| Ships from | Türkiye |
| Dispatch | 16 Nov |
| Stock | Low stock |
Source: manufacturer data · Last verified: 01 Nov 2026
No documents are on file for this part yet.
Ask us for the datasheetThe rated current of 6SL3120-2TE21-8AC0 is 18.0 A.
The rated operational voltage of 6SL3120-2TE21-8AC0 is 400 V AC.
The rated motor power of 6SL3120-2TE21-8AC0 is 2 × 9.7 kW.
The tariff (HS) code on file for 6SL3120-2TE21-8AC0 is 85044087.
The EAN (GTIN) of 6SL3120-2TE21-8AC0 is 4034106439729.
6SL3120-2TE21-8AC0 ships from Türkiye. Shipping calculated at checkout · import duties and taxes paid on arrival. Stock items are dispatched within 1–2 business days.
A side-by-side comparison of VFD and servo drive motor type, feedback, dynamic response, overload rating, cost, and applications for industrial engineers.
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