SST 5136-DNP-PCI High-performance DeviceNet interface card

SST 5136-DNP-PCI is a high-performance DeviceNet interface card designed to provide a direct, high-speed connection between a PCI-bus computer and a DeviceNet network.

Developed by SST (now part of Molex), this card is engineered to act as a powerful co-processor, handling all DeviceNet protocol management on-board to ensure that the host PC's resources remain focused on high-level application tasks.

This card is a staple in industrial automation, used extensively for connecting PCs to sensors, actuators, and motor starters in a deterministic, real-time environment.

Technical Parameter Table

Related Models

The 5136-DNP series is available across multiple bus architectures to suit different hardware platforms:

5136-DNP-VME: For VMEbus-based industrial computers.

5136-DNP-ISA: Legacy version for older ISA-bus PC architectures.

5136-DNP-PC104: Compact version for embedded PC/104 stacks.

SST-DN4-104: Next-generation high-speed DeviceNet interface.

Application Cases

PC-Based Control: Using an industrial PC as a soft-PLC to control a factory line of DeviceNet-enabled I/O.

HMI/SCADA Systems: Providing real-time data visualization from a DeviceNet network to a Windows-based monitoring station.

Device Configuration: Serving as a gateway for engineering tools to configure and calibrate smart sensors and motor drives.

Automotive Assembly: Managing high-speed data exchange between robotic controllers and end-of-arm tooling via DeviceNet.

Product Advantages and Features

High-Speed Co-processing: The onboard RISC CPU manages all CAN-based timing and protocol overhead, ensuring the PC never misses a message.

Universal PCI Support: Compatible with both older 5V and newer 3.3V PCI slots, ensuring long-term hardware compatibility.

Plug-and-Play Setup: No manual jumpers for memory or IRQ settings; everything is managed via the PCI BIOS.

Simultaneous Operation: Capable of operating as a Master and a Slave on the same network at the same time.

Shared RAM Architecture: Provides the fastest possible data transfer between the network and the host application via a 512 KB memory window.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation

Hardware: Insert the card into any available PCI slot. Ensure the computer is powered down and static-protected.

Drivers: Install the SST DeviceNet console and drivers (typically Windows or VXWorks compatible).

Wiring: Use standard DeviceNet cabling. Note that the card draws its network power (V+) from the DeviceNet trunk line to power the transceiver.

Maintenance

LED Status: * Module LED: Solid Green indicates the card is initialized; Flashing Red indicates a hardware fault.

Network LED: Green indicates a stable connection; Red indicates a bus-off condition or duplicate MAC ID.

Firmware: The card supports field-flashable firmware updates via the SST utility without removing it from the PC.

Unique Product Description

The SST 5136-DNP-PCI is the industry-standard "workhorse" for DeviceNet-to-PC connectivity.

Its "Intelligent Architecture" allows it to process high-priority I/O data in the background, making it far superior to basic CAN cards that rely on the PC's CPU.

For facilities looking to maintain or expand their DeviceNet infrastructure, the 5136-DNP-PCI offers a robust, low-latency bridge that has been proven over decades of 24/7 industrial operation.