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SIMOTION

Siemens SIMOTION is a motion control platform within the Siemens automation portfolio, designed for applications requiring coordinated multi-axis motion control, cam profiling, and synchronization tasks beyond the capabilities of a standard SIMATIC PLC. SIMOTION drive-based control units run motion control firmware directly on units that mount within a SINAMICS S120 drive system, combining drive and motion control in a single hardware node. The collection at PLC Direct covers SIMOTION D-series drive-based control units and associated accessories.

PLC Direct supplies Siemens SIMOTION hardware to maintenance teams managing existing multi-axis motion control systems. Our collection of 58 products covers SIMOTION D425-2 and D435-2 drive-based control units, fan and battery modules, and SINAMICS/SIMOTION common accessories.

Where Siemens SIMOTION Is Used

A failed SIMOTION control unit in a multi-axis machine halts coordinated motion across all connected axes until a replacement unit with the same firmware and configuration is available. SIMOTION-based systems are typically found in higher-complexity machinery where axis coordination is critical to the process, and downtime on these machines incurs a high per-hour cost. Sourcing exact SIMOTION D-series units outside standard OEM channels is often necessary when lead times on current-production hardware are too long to meet the repair schedule.

Facilities that depend on Siemens SIMOTION hardware include:

Packaging machine builders and end users running SIMOTION D-series control units for multi-axis coordinated motion and cam control
Printing and converting equipment with SIMOTION-based register control and web tension management systems
Textile machinery using SIMOTION for synchronized multi-motor winding, unwinding, and transport axis control
Plastics extrusion and thermoforming lines with SIMOTION-controlled servo axes for profile and cycle synchronization
Automated assembly machines that require precision multi-axis coordination are managed using SIMOTION drive-based controllers.
CNC and production machine OEMs maintaining SIMOTION D-series hardware in fielded equipment

When a SIMOTION D control unit or associated module needs to be replaced to restore machine operation, having stock from an independent supplier reduces reliance on OEM lead times.

Siemens SIMOTION Products

The SIMOTION collection covers SIMOTION D-series drive-based control units and shared accessories. All product families and model references below are confirmed on the live PLC Direct collection page.

Product Families

SIMOTION D425-2 DP/PN Drive-Based Control Unit: Basic performance drive-based motion controller mounting within a SINAMICS S120 drive system. Confirmed in collection: 6AU1425-2AD00-0AA0, programmable motion controller, BASIC performance, interfaces: 12 DI, 16 DI/DO, 4 DRIVE-CLiQ, 2 PROFIBUS, 3 PROFINET ports, 2 Ethernet, 2 USB, 1 option slot. Includes the dual-fan/battery module and the battery.
SIMOTION D435-2 DP/PN Drive-Based Control Unit: Standard performance drive-based motion controller with expanded DRIVE-CLiQ capacity. Confirmed in collection: 6AU1435-2AD00-0AA0, programmable motion controller, STANDARD performance, interfaces: 12 DI, 16 DI/DO, 6 DRIVE-CLiQ, 2 PROFIBUS, 3 PROFINET ports, 2 Ethernet, 2 USB, 1 option slot. Includes the dual-fan/battery module and the battery.
Fan/Battery Modules: Dual fan and battery modules used across SIMOTION D and SINUMERIK/SINAMICS NCU platforms for cooling and data retention. Confirmed in collection: 6FC5348-0AA02-0AA0, dual fan/battery module for NCU 7x0 or D445-1/D4x5-2, including battery.
SINAMICS/SIMOTION/SIMATIC Spacers: Mounting spacers for 50 mm control units used across SINAMICS, SINUMERIK, SIMOTION, and SIMATIC platforms. Confirmed in collection: 6SL3064-1BB00-0AA0, spacer for CU320, NCU 7x0, NCU 1740/1750/1760, D425-x/D435-x/D445-1, CPU 150xD.

Available at PLC Direct

SIMOTION D425-2 DP/PN drive-based control unit, BASIC performance, 4 DRIVE-CLiQ, 2 PROFIBUS, 3 PROFINET (6AU1425-2AD00-0AA0)
SIMOTION D435-2 DP/PN drive-based control unit, STANDARD performance, 6 DRIVE-CLiQ, 2 PROFIBUS, 3 PROFINET (6AU1435-2AD00-0AA0)
Dual fan/battery module for SIMOTION D4x5-2 and NCU 7x0 platforms (6FC5348-0AA02-0AA0)
Spacer, 50 mm, for SIMOTION D425-x/D435-x/D445-1 and compatible platforms (6SL3064-1BB00-0AA0)

What to Know Before You Buy Siemens SIMOTION Parts

Ordering the correct SIMOTION D control unit requires matching the performance level, the DRIVE-CLiQ port count, and the interface configuration to the existing machine setup. SIMOTION D-series units store machine-specific motion programs and configurations; a replacement unit will require the original project to be loaded before the machine can return to operation.

Hardware condition options: PLC Direct supplies SIMOTION hardware as surplus sealed, refurbished, and used. Surplus sealed units are factory-sealed stock; refurbished units have been tested and restored to operational condition.

Performance level selection: The D425-2 (BASIC) and D435-2 (STANDARD) are not interchangeable in terms of performance. The D435-2 provides higher computational performance and supports 6 DRIVE-CLiQ ports compared to 4 on the D425-2. Replacing a D435-2 with a D425-2 may not support the full axis count of the installed system. Always match the replacement to the original control unit model.

DRIVE-CLiQ port count: The D425-2 provides 4 DRIVE-CLiQ interfaces; the D435-2 provides 6. This port count determines how many drive motor modules and encoder modules can be connected directly to the control unit. Confirm the number of DRIVE-CLiQ connections used in the installed system before selecting the replacement model.

Fan/battery module: The dual fan/battery module is a wear item in SIMOTION D-series control units. Both units in this collection (D425-2 and D435-2) include the fan/battery module. The 6FC5348-0AA02-0AA0 module is also available as a standalone replacement for existing units.

Project reload: SIMOTION control units store the machine program and axis configuration locally. A replacement unit arrives without machine-specific data. The original SIMOTION project (including motion program, axis parameters, and drive configuration) must be loaded from the engineering system or a backup before the machine can operate. PLC Direct does not provide programming or commissioning services.

Warranty: All Siemens SIMOTION hardware purchased from PLC Direct includes a standard 1-year warranty covering defects and functionality, applicable to surplus sealed, refurbished, and used products.

Frequently Asked Questions

SIMOTION is a Siemens motion control platform designed for applications requiring coordinated multi-axis motion, electronic cam profiles, and axis synchronization. Unlike SIMATIC PLCs, which are general-purpose programmable controllers, SIMOTION is optimized specifically for motion-intensive machine applications such as packaging, printing, and textile machinery, where precise timing and axis coordination are central to machine function. SIMOTION drive-based units (D-series) mount within a SINAMICS S120 drive system and run motion control directly on the drive hardware.

PLC Direct carries SIMOTION D-series drive-based control units, including the D425-2 DP/PN (BASIC performance, 4 DRIVE-CLiQ ports) and D435-2 DP/PN (STANDARD performance, 6 DRIVE-CLiQ ports), dual fan/battery modules for D4x5-2 and NCU 7x0 platforms, and 50 mm spacers compatible with SIMOTION D-series and other SINAMICS/SIMATIC platforms. Contact us with your specific part number to confirm current availability.

The D425-2 is the BASIC performance variant with 4 DRIVE-CLiQ interfaces. The D435-2 is the STANDARD performance variant with 6 DRIVE-CLiQ interfaces and higher computational capacity. Both share the same physical interface layout for PROFIBUS, PROFINET, DI, DI/DO, Ethernet, and USB. The DRIVE-CLiQ port count determines how many drive motor and sensor modules can be connected, thereby affecting the system's maximum axis count. Select the replacement based on the original installed model.

No. A replacement SIMOTION control unit arrives without machine-specific data. The motion program, axis parameters, and drive configuration stored on the original unit are not automatically transferred. The original SIMOTION project must be reloaded from an engineering system or project backup before the machine can return to operation. PLC Direct supplies hardware only and does not provide programming, commissioning, or integration services.

The dual fan/battery module serves two functions: the fan section provides forced air cooling for the control unit’s electronics, and the battery maintains data retention for the SIMOTION project and drive configuration when the system is powered down. The module is a replaceable wear component and should be replaced when the battery reaches the end of service life or when fan performance degrades. The replacement module (6FC5348-0AA02-0AA0) is compatible with SIMOTION D4x5-2 and SINUMERIK NCU 7x0 platforms.