Commissioning a drive system is one of the most critical steps in any automation project. When done correctly, it ensures smooth motor operation, system reliability, and long-term performance. This guide explains the core procedures for device configuration and commissioning using Startdrive, covering offline, online, and controller-integrated parameterization.
Understanding Offline vs Online Configuration
Before diving into the workflows, it’s important to note: Important: Drive components can only be combined and fully specified in offline mode. In online mode, setting ranges are visible in the device view and inspector window, but structural configuration is limited. This makes offline configuration the foundation for all commissioning approaches.
Simple Basic Parameterization (Offline Mode)
Overview
Offline commissioning represents the simplest and safest method to prepare a drive system before connecting to live hardware. It minimizes risk and allows full planning ahead of time.
Step-by-Step Procedure
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Create or open a project in Startdrive.
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Create the device configuration offline:
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Insert the SINAMICS drive into the project and specify it.
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Create and specify all SINAMICS components.
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Apply detailed drive and component settings.
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(Optional) Configure user management and protection settings.
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Perform basic settings using the guided Quick Startup (offline).
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Load the project data into the target device.
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Establish an online connection between Startdrive and the device.
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Optimize commissioning using diagnostics and tuning tools.
✅ Result The motor turns. Your drive is successfully commissioned and operational.
Simple Basic Parameterization (Online Mode)
Overview
As an alternative, basic parameterization can also be completed directly in online mode. This approach is useful for minor adjustments or rapid commissioning, but still requires an initial offline configuration. Step-by-Step Procedure
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Create or open a project in Startdrive.
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Create the device configuration offline:
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Insert and specify the SINAMICS drive.
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Create and specify the SINAMICS components.
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Apply detailed settings.
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(Optional) Configure user management and protection.
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Load project data into the target device.
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Connect online to the device.
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Perform basic settings online via the guided Quick Startup:
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Complete all Quick Startup steps.
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Optimize the commissioning.
✅ Result The motor turns. The system is live and functioning through online parameterization.
Basic Parameterization with a SIMATIC Controller
Overview
In most industrial applications, SINAMICS drives operate together with SIMATIC or SINUMERIK controllers. Startdrive allows both the drive and controller to be commissioned within a single project, significantly reducing setup time and integration errors.
Step-by-Step Procedure Create or open a Startdrive project. Create the offline device configuration:
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Insert and specify the SINAMICS drive.
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Create and configure all SINAMICS components.
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Insert and specify the SIMATIC controller.
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Network the controller and drive.
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(Optional) Configure user management and protection for both systems.
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Insert a technology object into the SIMATIC controller.
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Interconnect the technology object with the drive.
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Load project data to all target devices.
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Establish an online connection.
Complete basic settings using the guided Quick Startup:
Execute all parameterization steps. Optimize commissioning. ✅ Result
The motor turns. The drive and controller now operate together as one integrated system.
Key Takeaways
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Offline mode is mandatory for full device and component specification.
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Online mode is ideal for fine-tuning and optimization.
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Integrated commissioning with SIMATIC controllers ensures faster setup, better synchronization, and fewer errors.
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The guided Quick Startup ensures consistent and error-free basic parameterization.
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Every successful workflow ends with the same goal. A fully commissioned system and a running motor.
Reference: SINAMICS S210 servo drive system with SIMOTICS S-1FK2 and S-1FT2
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