The SINAMICS G115D 6SL3520-0XE45-5AF0 is the 5.5 kW wall-mounted distributed frequency converter in FSC frame with AS-Interface communication — a purpose-built variant for brownfield conveyor systems where the AS-i two-wire backbone is already installed and the engineering team wants drive-level integration without pulling new Ethernet cables. Part of the SINAMICS G115D series, it delivers 13.2 A rated output current with 200% overload for 3 seconds, driving IE3 asynchronous or IE4 synchronous reluctance motors via direct SIMOGEAR 2KJ8 geared motor mounting. AS-Interface provides 4-bit cyclic I/O for speed setpoints and status feedback, with STO achieved via the fail-safe digital input (F-DI) — a proven architecture for AS-i plants that need drive-level safety without a fieldbus upgrade.

What does AS-Interface bring to a 5.5 kW distributed drive?

The AF0 communication variant connects the drive to any standard AS-Interface master over the two-wire yellow AS-i cable — the same cable that carries 24 V DC auxiliary power and communication to sensors, actuators, and I/O modules across the conveyor line. For plants with an existing AS-i infrastructure, adding a G115D AF0 drive means connecting two wires — no Ethernet switches, no IP addressing, no additional network topology planning. The drive appears as a standard AS-i slave with 4-bit cyclic data exchange: speed setpoints from the PLC, status feedback (running, fault, ready) back to the control system. Acyclic parameter access via AS-i 3.0 masters enables drive parameterization over the same two wires.

How does STO work on this AS-Interface drive?

Unlike the PROFINET AB0 variant which tunnels STO over PROFIsafe, the AF0 variant achieves Safe Torque Off via the fail-safe digital input (F-DI) — a dedicated 24 V DC safety signal from an external safety relay or emergency stop circuit. This is the standard STO architecture for AS-Interface conveyor zones: the AS-i network handles process control, while a separate hardwired safety circuit handles STO. The approach is SIL 2 / PL d compliant and well-proven in thousands of AS-i conveyor installations worldwide.

What motors and gearboxes can it drive?

The 6SL3520-0XE45-5AF0 is optimized for direct mounting to SIMOGEAR 2KJ8 geared motors in IE3 or IE4 efficiency classes. Integrated 400 V AC brake control eliminates external brake contactors. Encoderless vector control delivers speed regulation without a feedback device, supporting both V/f control for basic conveyor sections and sensorless vector control for precise ramp-controlled acceleration. The Q8/0 motor connector and M12 signal interfaces enable quick commissioning with pre-assembled Siemens cables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade this drive to PROFINET later?

No — the communication interface is determined by the hardware variant at order time. To migrate to PROFINET, replace the drive with the AB0 variant (e.g., 6SL3520-0XE45-5AB0). The motor, gearbox, mounting, and power connections remain unchanged — only the drive unit itself and the communication cable need updating.

What is the maximum cable length for the AS-Interface connection?

Standard AS-Interface specifications apply: up to 100 meters per segment without a repeater, extendable to 300 meters with two repeaters. The yellow AS-i cable carries both communication and 24 V DC auxiliary power — a single cable per drive, daisy-chained from the AS-i master or the previous AS-i node on the conveyor line.