The Siemens 6SL3210-1PE23-3UL0 is a SINAMICS G120 Power Module PM240-2 designed for reliable AC motor control in modern industrial automation. It is part of Siemens’ modular SINAMICS G120 inverter concept, where a complete drive system is typically built by combining a Power Module (the power stage) with a compatible Control Unit (the brains), and optional operator panels and accessories. This modular architecture helps engineers standardize panel designs across different machines while still tailoring performance, control modes, and interfaces to each application.
At its core, the PM240-2 power module converts a three-phase AC supply into a controlled variable-frequency, variable-voltage output for driving induction motors and (depending on the overall system configuration) other motor types supported by the SINAMICS G120 platform. The 6SL3210-1PE23-3UL0 unit is intended for 3-phase 380–480 V AC mains environments with a 47–63 Hz line frequency range. This makes it a practical fit for a wide range of global industrial power systems, including many factory power distributions across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
A key advantage of the PM240-2 family is its balanced focus on performance, robustness, and integration simplicity. The datasheet specifies two operating profiles—High Overload (HO) and Low Overload (LO)—allowing the same hardware to be applied to different duty cycles. For demanding applications that need high torque bursts (for example, conveyors with heavy start loads, indexing systems, or machines with frequent acceleration), overload behavior matters more than headline power rating. In HO mode, the module supports 2× overload for 3 seconds and 150% overload for 57 seconds (cycle time 300 seconds). In LO mode, it supports 150% overload for 3 seconds and 110% overload for 57 seconds (cycle time 300 seconds). This dual-profile approach gives engineers more flexibility during selection without switching to an entirely different drive family.
From an installation perspective, this power module is specified as IP20 / UL open type, intended for mounting inside an electrical cabinet with appropriate protection and ventilation. The mechanical envelope is compact for its class: 355 mm (W) × 140 mm (H) × 165 mm (D) with a net weight of 4.80 kg, and it is identified in the FSC frame size. These details are especially useful for panel builders who must meet cabinet space constraints while maintaining clean cable routing and thermal margins.
In real-world drive cabinets, thermal management is never optional. Siemens specifies internal air cooling and a cooling air requirement of 0.018 m³/s. Environmental limits include 95% relative humidity (no condensation), and operating temperature ranges of -5 to +50 °C (HO) and -5 to +40 °C (LO). Those boundaries provide a practical guide for cabinet design—especially in warm factories or compact enclosures where heat stacking can reduce component lifetime.
This model is commonly described as a PM240-2 module without an integrated filter and with a built-in braking chopper, which can be valuable in applications that need controlled deceleration or frequent stopping. A braking chopper enables the drive system to manage regenerative energy during deceleration by directing it to an external braking resistor (selected according to application requirements). The “without filter” detail is equally important for EMC planning: some installations use external filters or plant-level EMC strategies depending on cable lengths, motor type, and local compliance requirements.
Another practical selection factor is cabling. The datasheet lists plug-in screw terminals and a recommended conductor cross-section of 6.00 to 16.00 mm² (AWG 10 to AWG 6) on both line and motor sides. It also states maximum motor cable lengths of 100 m unshielded and 50 m shielded (depending on configuration and installation conditions). For OEMs building machines shipped worldwide, these constraints help avoid late-stage surprises during commissioning, especially when the motor is mounted far from the cabinet.
Efficiency and compliance also matter for modern plants. The datasheet references converter efficiency classification (to EN 50598-2) and indicates an IE2 efficiency class for the converter losses evaluation. For standards and global acceptance, the unit lists compliance such as UL, cUL, CE, RCM (C-Tick), and SEMI F47 (as stated in the datasheet).
Technical Overview Table
| Item | Specification / Description |
|---|---|
| Product | Siemens SINAMICS G120 Power Module PM240-2 |
| Order Number | 6SL3210-1PE23-3UL0 |
| Supply (Line) | 3 AC 380…480 V ±10%, 47…63 Hz |
| Operating Profiles | High Overload (HO) and Low Overload (LO) |
| Rated Power (IEC 400V) | 15.00 kW (LO); 11.00 kW (HO) |
| Line Current | 39.9 A (LO); 36.0 A (HO) |
| Output Current | 32.0 A (LO); 26.0 A (HO); Max output current 52.0 A |
| Output Frequency | 0…200 Hz (V/f); up to 0…550 Hz (vector control) |
| Cooling | Internal air cooling; cooling air requirement 0.018 m³/s |
| Environment | RH 95% (no condensation); Operation HO -5…50 °C, LO -5…40 °C |
| Protection | IP20 / UL open type |
| Mechanical | 355 mm (W) × 150 mm (H) × 165 mm (D); 4.80 kg; Frame size FSC |
| Terminals / Cable | Plug-in screw terminals; conductor cross-section 6…16 mm² (AWG 10…6) |
| Motor Cable Length | Up to 100 m unshielded, 50 m shielded |
| EMC / Braking | “Without filter” and “built-in braking chopper” (as commonly specified for this model) |
| Standards (per datasheet) | UL, cUL, CE, RCM (C-Tick), SEMI F47 |
Application Fit and Practical Benefits
The 6SL3210-1PE23-3UL0 power module is well-suited for industrial machines where stable speed control, robust acceleration behavior, and consistent cabinet integration are priorities. Typical scenarios include conveyors, pumps, fans, mixers, packaging lines, and general automation tasks where Siemens SINAMICS G120 is used as a standardized drive platform. The HO/LO profiles are especially useful: HO supports higher short-term torque demands, while LO supports higher continuous power ratings under defined thermal conditions.
For system integrators and maintenance teams, the modular structure offers lifecycle advantages. When a machine needs an interface upgrade, communications change, or control logic improvements, it is often possible to update the control unit and parameter set while keeping the same power module class. That approach can reduce spares complexity across a plant that runs multiple machine generations.
Selection Notes Table (Engineer-Oriented)
| Design Topic | Why It Matters | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Overload Profile | Determines torque bursts, acceleration, and stall handling | Choose HO vs LO based on duty cycle and overload needs |
| Thermal Design | Cabinet heat strongly impacts reliability | Ensure airflow meets the module cooling requirement and ambient limits |
| Braking Strategy | Deceleration energy must be managed safely | Use braking chopper/resistor concept when frequent stopping is required |
| EMC Planning | “Without filter” affects compliance approach | Use appropriate external EMC measures based on installation |
| Cabling | Cable length and conductor sizing affect performance and emissions | Respect cable length and cross-section guidance |
| Space / Frame Size | Panel layout and service access depend on dimensions | Confirm FSC frame dimensions and mounting clearance |
Siemens 6SL3210-1PE23-3UL0 is a SINAMICS G120 PM240-2 power module designed for dependable three-phase industrial drive applications in the 380–480 V class. With clearly defined overload profiles, cabinet-friendly mechanical dimensions, and engineering details that support standardized panel building, it is a strong choice for OEMs and integrators who want consistent drive performance across many machine types. Its specified operating limits, cooling requirements, and cabling guidance provide a solid foundation for designing reliable, serviceable automation systems.
