Siemens is extending the range of applications for its Sinamics S120 drives family with new, software-based Advanced Technology Functions. The specific functions concerned are synchronous operation (1:1 or with gear ratio), camming, and positioning of the synchronous axes. The new functions are part of the DCB (Drive Control Block) extension function block library General Motion Control (GMC). The Advanced Technology Functions allow users to extend their existing or new Sinamics S120 drive systems with new application-specific functions. In addition, drive-related control and adjustment tasks can be transferred from the controller to the drive, making it possible to protect critical process knowledge effectively against unauthorised access.