Direct answer: Cross-reference a Siemens servo cable in three steps — (1) read the OEM part number from the motor plate or BOM, (2) match four things: connector pinout, shielding, conductor cross-section and flex rating, and (3) verify the replacement against the drive manual before you buy. A correct match is a drop-in replacement; a “universal” cable usually is not.
What a Servo Cable Part Number Actually Tells You
Siemens pre-assembled servo cables use a family code that points to the drive series and cable function:
| Family code | What it is |
|---|---|
| 6FX3002 | V90 (S-1FL6) power / encoder / brake cables |
| 6FX5002 | S120 (S-1FK7) and S210 (S-1FK2) cables, including single-cable hybrid |
| 6FX3502 | Dual-cable / motor-assembly cable sets |
| 6SL3260 | Encoder cables for V90 |
The code after the dash identifies the specific configuration (connector type, cable function and length). Because one drive series can use several cable families, the safest way to cross-reference is to match by drive series first, then by connector pinout and flex rating — not by “looks similar”.
The 4 Things That Must Match
A servo cable is not just “wires with plugs”. Four things must match or the drive will fault — usually at the worst possible moment:
- Connector pinout — M23 / M17 power and encoder connectors must map contact-for-contact to the drive socket.
- Shielding & EMC — the braid must be bonded correctly, or you get encoder signal noise and position errors.
- Conductor cross-section — undersized cores overheat under load; oversized cores will not fit the connector.
- Flex rating — a cable made for fixed installation fails in weeks inside a drag chain.
Quick Cross-Reference Table
This maps common Siemens part numbers to the drive series and cable function. Check your BOM against this table first.
| Drive series | Cable function | Siemens part number (examples) |
|---|---|---|
| V90 (S-1FL6) | Power cable | 6FX3002-2CT20 · 6FX3002-2CT12 · 6FX3002-2DB10 |
| V90 (S-1FL6) | Encoder / brake cable | 6FX3002-5CK01 · 6FX3002-5CL02 · 6FX3002-5BK02 |
| V90 (S-1FL6) | Encoder cable | 6SL3260-4MA00-1VB0 |
| S210 (S-1FK2) | Hybrid single-cable (power + signal) | 6FX5002-8QN04 · 6FX5002-8QN11 |
| S120 (S-1FK7) | Power / encoder cable | 6FX5002-2DC10 · 6FX5002-2EQ20 · 6FX5002-5CN06 |
| Dual-cable | Motor assembly cables | 6FX3502-7CD01-1AD0 · 6FX3502-5CL01 |
If your part number is not listed, request a cross-reference check — the program covers the full V90, S120 and S210 cable families.
Step-by-Step Cross-Reference Process
Step 1 — Read the OEM part number. It is printed on the cable sleeve and listed in the drive manual and your BOM. Note it exactly, including the code after the dash.
Step 2 — Identify the drive series. Use the family code above to confirm whether you are in V90, S120 or S210. This narrows the field to the correct connector standard.
Step 3 — Match the cable function. Power, encoder, brake and hybrid (single-cable) are different — do not substitute one for the other.
Step 4 — Check pinout, shielding and flex. Ask the supplier for the pinout diagram and confirm the shielding construction and flex rating against your application (drag chain vs. fixed installation).
Step 5 — Verify before you commit. Ask for the actual certificate or report numbers (CE, UL, ISO 9001) — not just a logo on a web page.
What Happens When the Match Is Wrong
- Wrong pinout → the drive faults on power-up or the motor runs erratically.
- Poor shielding → encoder noise, position drift, sporadic faults that are hard to reproduce.
- Under-rated flex → the cable fails in the drag chain within weeks, causing machine downtime.
- Undersized conductor → overheating under load and premature insulation failure.
A correct drop-in replacement avoids all four.
Where TENSOlink Fits
TENSOlink (tensolink.com) manufactures drop-in replacement servo cables matched to the same Siemens part numbers above. Each cable is checked against the four criteria — pinout, shielding, cross-section and flex rating — before it ships. Specifications are documented per part: for example, the V90 power cable (6FX3002-2DB10) is rated 600/1000 V, 7.5 × D bending radius in drag chain, braided + foil shielding, PUR jacket, −40 °C to +80 °C. Custom lengths are available from 0.3 m to 100 m, and stock items ship within 36 hours.
For the mating side, sister brand Mosen (mosenc.com) supplies the M17 / M23 / M40 circular connectors.
FAQ
How do I cross-reference a Siemens servo cable part number?
Read the OEM part number, identify the drive series from the family code (6FX3002 / 6FX5002 / 6FX3502 / 6SL3260), then match connector pinout, shielding, cross-section and flex rating.
What does 6FX3002 mean?
It is the Siemens family code for V90 (S-1FL6) pre-assembled power, encoder and brake cables.
Can I use a 6FX5002 cable instead of a 6FX3002 cable?
No — the two families belong to different drive series (6FX5002 is for S120/S210, 6FX3002 is for V90). Match the family to the drive.
What has to match for a cable to be a drop-in replacement?
Connector pinout, shielding & EMC, conductor cross-section, and flex rating.
How do I verify the connector pinout?
Ask the supplier for the pinout diagram and compare it contact-by-contact with the drive manual.
What length can I order?
Custom lengths from 0.3 m to 100 m (TENSOlink), with no extra charge for custom length.
Do I need the exact OEM part number, or is “compatible” enough?
Match by the exact OEM part number whenever possible; “universal” or “compatible” without a part-number match is the main source of field failures.
References
- Siemens SINAMICS V90 operating instructions
- Directive 2014/35/EU — Low Voltage Directive (EUR-Lex)
- Directive 2011/65/EU — RoHS (EUR-Lex)
- EtherCAT Technology Group — EtherCAT specification
- PROFIBUS & PROFINET International — PROFINET cable specification