SST 5136-RE-VME communication interface module

SST 5136-RE-VME is an intelligent communication interface module designed for high-speed data exchange between a VMEbus host and Reliance Electric R-Net (or Remote I/O) networks.

Originally developed by SST (now part of Molex), this 6U VME card is a critical component for integrating Reliance Electric AutoMax systems with VME-based industrial computers.

By utilizing an onboard processor, the 5136-RE-VME offloads the complex R-Net protocol timing from the VME host,

 ensuring deterministic performance in high-speed motion and process control applications.

Technical Parameter Table

Related Models

The SST "5136" family spans various industrial protocols for the VME backplane:

5136-PFB-VME: Profibus DP interface module.

5136-DNP-VME: DeviceNet interface module.

5136-SD-VME: Allen-Bradley Smart Device (Remote I/O) interface.

5136-CN-VME: ControlNet interface module.

Application Cases

Steel & Paper Mills: Coordinating high-speed drives in mills where Reliance Electric AutoMax systems are the legacy standard.

System Migration: Acting as a bridge to allow modern VME-based controllers to communicate with existing Reliance Electric remote I/O racks.

Data Logging: High-speed extraction of diagnostic data from R-Net networks for third-party SCADA systems.

Automotive Assembly: Managing synchronized conveyor systems and robotic cells utilizing Reliance hardware.

Product Advantages and Features

Protocol Offloading: The onboard processor manages the entire Reliance R-Net stack, preventing the VME host CPU from becoming a bottleneck.

Deterministic Timing: Guaranteed scan times required for precision tension control and high-speed web processing.

Direct Memory Mapping: The 512 KB shared RAM allows the VME host to read/write network data as if it were local memory, maximizing throughput.

Flash-Based Firmware: Supports easy field updates to accommodate different Reliance protocol versions or custom functional requirements.

Ruggedized Design: Built specifically for the harsh electrical environments typical of heavy industrial manufacturing.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation

Addressing: Configure the VME base address via the onboard DIP switches before inserting the card.

Mounting: Carefully slide the 6U module into the VME rack. Tighten front-panel screws to ensure a solid ground connection.

Cabling: Use high-quality shielded twisted-pair cable for the R-Net connection. Ensure the network is properly terminated at both ends.

Maintenance

Status LEDs: Monitor the "SYS" (System) and "NET" (Network) LEDs. A solid green light indicates normal operation; flashing red typically indicates a configuration mismatch or cable fault.

Airflow: Ensure the VME rack's fan assembly is operational, as the high-density components on the 5136-RE-VME generate significant heat during continuous operation.

Backup: Maintain a copy of the binary configuration files used to initialize the card via the host software.

Unique Product Description

The SST 5136-RE-VME is the "Missing Link" for facilities running Reliance Electric infrastructure.

While many communication cards require complex driver overhead, the 5136-RE-VME uses a Dual-Port RAM architecture that simplifies the interface for the programmer.

It effectively treats the entire Reliance R-Net network as a block of local VME memory, making it the most efficient solution for real-time control and high-speed data acquisition in specialized industrial environments.