Obsolete Yaskawa Sigma-5 Parts Sourcing

Sigma-5 is being phased out in favor of Sigma-7 — here is what is still available and how to migrate.

Yaskawa is discontinuing the Sigma-5 series (drives SGDV/SGD7S, motors SGMJV/SGMAV/SGMPS) as Sigma-7 becomes the standard platform. Thousands of packaging, textile and machine-tool machines still run Sigma-5, and when a drive fails — typically capacitor aging, fan failure or an encoder error after 10+ years — the surplus market and careful migration are the options.

We source discontinued Sigma-5 drives, motors, encoders and cables globally, and guide Sigma-5-to-Sigma-7 migration where replacement is the better path.

Sigma-5 vs Sigma-7 — what changed

SeriesDiscontinued modelsCurrent replacement
Drive seriesSGDV (single/three-phase), SGD7S (mainline)SGD7S (new generation), SGDXW
Motor seriesSGMJV (low inertia), SGMAV (medium), SGMPS (flat)SGM7G (low inertia), SGM7A/SGM7P
Encoder20-bit absolute / incremental (Sigma-5 format)24-bit absolute — NOT cable-compatible
Command interfacePulse/analog, MECHATROLINK-II, CC-LinkPulse/analog, MECHATROLINK-III — protocol differs
Response1.6 kHz speed loop1.6 kHz speed loop, faster settling
Migration—Mechanically compatible in most frames; encoder cable and parameters must be adapted

Sigma-5-to-Sigma-7 migration checklist

  1. Confirm motor frame and shaft — most Sigma-5 motors have a mechanically compatible Sigma-7 counterpart within the same inertia class.
  2. Budget for new encoder cables: Sigma-5 and Sigma-7 encoder wiring and connectors differ.
  3. Re-enter parameters: gain and tuning values do not transfer directly; expect a re-tuning session.
  4. For MECHATROLINK-II networks, check master compatibility — Sigma-7 uses MECHATROLINK-III and may need a master module update.
  5. Where the machine must stay on Sigma-5, we source the discontinued drive/motor from the surplus network instead.

Frequently asked questions

Can a Sigma-7 drive run a Sigma-5 motor?

Mechanically many combinations fit, but the encoder format differs by generation. Send both nameplates and we confirm before ordering.

Is repairing the old Sigma-5 drive viable?

Usually yes — capacitor, fan and board level repairs run 40-60% of replacement cost. We supply parts and coordinate repair.

Do you source SGMJV motors?

Yes — SGMJV motors in current frames are still produced; discontinued frames come from the surplus network with a 12-month warranty.

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