SINAMICS V90PN Smart Homing Using Function Block Homing_V90PN
This application example explains how to implement intelligent axis referencing (homing) for SINAMICS V90PN drives using the Homing_V90PN (FB38001) function block integrated in a SIMATIC PLC environment.
The solution enables flexible referencing strategies controlled directly from the PLC while using the V90 Basic Positioner (EPos) operating mode.
Application Overview
The Homing_V90PN function block is designed to execute referencing procedures for servo axes connected via PROFINET using standard telegram 111.
It can be used with:
- SIMATIC S7-1200
- SIMATIC S7-1500
and may be called cyclically from OB1 or interrupt OBs, depending on the application design.
Task Description
The application demonstrates how PLC logic cooperates with:
- SINAMICS V90 PN servo drive
- SIMOTICS servo motor
- Encoder feedback system
to execute controlled homing and establish a valid machine reference position.
This referencing is essential before performing positioning or motion control operations.
Integration with Positioning Functions
The homing block is typically combined with:
- Easy_SINA_Pos block, or
- SINA_POS block
to allow referencing followed by positioning control within the same PLC application.
This enables a seamless workflow from referencing → positioning → production motion.
Function Block Structure
Inputs Include:
- Reference mode selection (RefMode)
- Axis enable and execution control
- Direction definition and reference cam signals
- Hardware limit switch configuration
Outputs Provide:
- Busy status during operation
- RefOk confirmation when referencing is complete
- Error and diagnostic information
This interface allows full PLC supervision of the referencing process.
Referencing Modes
The block supports multiple referencing strategies to match different machine designs.
✔ Standard Reference Modes
Examples include:
- Homing using reference cam + encoder zero mark
- Referencing using encoder zero mark only
- Direct “set reference point” method Function Block Homing V90PN for…
✔ Smart Reference Modes
Advanced modes add:
- Hardware limit switch as reversal point
- Using drive digital inputs instead of PLC inputs
- Flexible referencing through PLC-controlled motion sequences Function Block Homing V90PN for…
Up to 11 selectable RefModes allow adaptation to real mechanical layouts.
Drive & Communication Concept
The SINAMICS V90 operates in Basic Positioner (EPos) mode and exchanges control/status data with the PLC using PROFIdrive telegram 111.
Control bits manage:
- Start referencing
- Jogging motion
- Set reference point commands
Status bits return readiness, faults, and referencing completion signals.
Example Hardware Configuration
The validated setup includes:
- SIMATIC S7-1500 CPU1511F
- SINAMICS V90 PN drive
- SIMOTICS S-1FL6 motor
- TIA Portal engineering environment
This architecture reflects common small-to-mid motion control machines.
Engineering Workflow
Implementation steps typically include:
1️⃣ Download and import the Homing library into TIA Portal.
2️⃣ Insert FB38001 into the PLC program cycle.
3️⃣ Configure telegram 111 and drive parameters.
4️⃣ Select the appropriate RefMode based on mechanical referencing concept.
5️⃣ Combine with positioning blocks for motion execution.
Key Benefits
✔ Flexible referencing adaptable to machine mechanics
✔ PLC-controlled homing instead of drive-only configuration
✔ Reduced commissioning time with reusable FB library
✔ Scalable solution for OEM machine platforms
✔ Seamless integration with Siemens motion control ecosystem
Typical Use Cases
Ideal for:
- Pick-and-place machines
- Packaging and assembly equipment
- Conveyor positioning axes
- OEM servo applications using V90 PN
- Retrofit projects replacing manual referencing
