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
| Parameter | Specification |
| Model Number | 5136-RE-VME |
| Form Factor | 6U VMEbus (Single Slot) |
| Processor | 16-bit High-Performance Microcontroller |
| Network Protocol | Reliance Electric R-Net / Remote I/O |
| Memory | 512 KB Shared RAM Interface |
| Communication Speed | 800 kbps (Standard Reliance R-Net) |
| Bus Compatibility | VMEbus (A24/A16 Addressing, D16/D8 Data) |
| Connector | Front-panel 9-pin D-Sub (Reliance R-Net) |
| Isolation | 500V DC Network Isolation |
| Power Consumption | Approx. 1.2 A @ +5V DC |
| Operating Temp | 0°C to +60°C (32°F to 140°F) |
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
5136-RE-VME
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.
| REXROTH | DDS2.1W200-D |
| REXROTH | CSH01.1C-SE-EN2-NNN-NNN-NN-S-XP-FW |
| REXROTH | R901325866+R900775346+R901273425A |
| Rexroth | BGR DKC02.3-LK SCK02/01 |
| REXROTH | MKD025B-144-KG1-UN |
| REXROTH | BTV04.2GN-FW |
| REXROTH | SYHNC100-NIB-2X/W-24-P-D-E23-A012 |
| REXROTH | 4WE6Y62/EG24N9K4 R900561276 + HSZ10-26916-AA/G24N9K4M01 R901025684 |
| REXROTH | 4WRSE10V80-32/G24K0/A1V-695 R900247749 R900842748-K |
| REXROTH | MHD095C-058-NG1-RN |
| REXROTH | SYHNC100-NIB-23/W-08-P-D-E23-A012 |
| REXROTH | VT-HNC100-1-22/W-08-0-0 |
| REXROTH | VT-HNC100-1-23/M-08-P-0 |
| REXROTH | VT-HNC100-1-23/W-08-S-0 |
| REXROTH | VT3024 |
| Rexroth | MHD041B-144-PG1-UN |
| REXROTH | MSK060C-0600-NN-S1-UP1-NNNN |
| REXROTH | VT-HNC100-1-22/W-08-C-0 |
| REXROTH | MHD093C-058-PG1-AA |
| Rexroth | 0608820116 |
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.