The SINAMICS G220 is Siemens' high-performance variable frequency drive designed for manufacturing, process industries, and marine applications. This drive platform covers power ratings from 0.55kW to 110kW and operates in ambient temperatures from -20°C to 45°C with derating capability for higher temperatures. Available in both IP20/UL Open Type and IP55/UL Type 12 protection ratings with 3C3 coating, the G220 delivers robust performance in harsh industrial environments.
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Industrial automation engineers frequently encounter applications requiring precise positioning without full servo drive complexity. Storage and retrieval machines need millimeter accuracy for load placement. Cross cutters require exact material positioning before each operation. Packaging machinery demands consistent product placement. These single-axis applications need positioning precision but don't justify the engineering overhead and cost of multi-axis servo solutions.
The G220's Positioner (EPOS) technology function provides autonomous positioning capabilities integrated within the drive itself. This eliminates external position controllers while maintaining industrial frequency drive robustness. The system operates through vector control with encoder feedback, delivering precise speed and torque control during positioning operations.
The drive's positioning system includes six digital inputs with one Pulse Train Input and one fail-safe digital input for position feedback processing. Motor cable lengths extend to 150 meters (EMC Category C2) while maintaining precise control during positioning sequences. The G220 integrates with SMC30 Sensor Modules supporting incremental encoders (TTL/HTL), SSI encoders, and absolute encoders (EnDat 2.1) with up to 16,384 times interpolation and maximum encoder frequencies of 500 kHz. Cable length between drive and encoder extends to 100 meters for installation flexibility.
The EPOS technology delivers essential positioning functions including automated homing operations using limit switches or encoder markers, point-to-point traversing with programmable acceleration and velocity profiles, pre-defined position tables for frequently used locations, and manual positioning capability through the integrated web server.
Storage and retrieval systems benefit from the G220's 200% overload capability for three seconds (Constant Torque/High Overload applications), accommodating dynamic loads typical in material handling. The drive's operating temperature range from -20°C to 45°C suits warehouse environments while IP55 protection handles industrial dust and moisture conditions.
Cross-cutting applications leverage PROFINET RT/IRT communication for tight coordination with line controllers. The G220 supports Modbus TCP/IP and EtherNet/IP communication protocols for integration flexibility. According to Siemens' application matrix, the G220 addresses "medium" motion quality requirements in non-continuous motion applications, making it appropriate for packaging positioning tasks requiring position profiles and path profiles.
The G220 with EPOS technology suits applications requiring single-axis positioning with position profiles and path profiles, point-to-point moves without complex interpolation needs, and cost-sensitive applications requiring positioning without servo drive premiums. The drive addresses medium motion quality requirements per Siemens' application matrix while providing industrial environment protection.
Applications requiring multi-axis positioning, cam profiles, complex interpolations, or high-speed machining operations should specify S120 servo drives instead. The G220's positioning capabilities target the gap between frequency drives and full servo systems.
The G220 with EPOS technology provides autonomous positioning capabilities at frequency drive pricing levels, eliminating separate positioning controllers while delivering industrial robustness required for manufacturing environments. Single-device integration reduces installation costs, spare parts inventory, and maintenance complexity compared to drive-plus-controller architectures.
For engineers evaluating positioning solutions, the G220 with Positioner EPOS delivers cost-effective solutions for storage and retrieval machines, cross cutters, reel changers, and packaging machinery requiring single-axis positioning without multi-axis servo system complexity.
To learn more about the Siemens G220, contact marketing@eandm.com today!