SST 5136-DN-PC high-performance DeviceNet interface card

SST 5136-DN-PC is a high-performance DeviceNet interface card designed for the legacy ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus. Developed by SST (a Molex company),

this “intelligent” communication module is engineered to provide a seamless, high-speed connection between an industrial PC and a DeviceNet network.

By utilizing an onboard 32-bit RISC processor, the 5136-DN-PC manages the entire DeviceNet protocol stack independently,

ensuring that the host PC’s CPU is not burdened by low-level network timing and message processing.

Technical Parameter Table

Related Models

The 5136-DN series was developed to support multiple industrial computer backplanes:

5136-DNP-PCI: The modern PCI-bus equivalent (Universal 3.3V/5V).

5136-DN-VME: The 6U VMEbus version for high-end industrial controllers.

5136-DN-104: The compact PC/104 version for embedded systems.

SST-DN3-PC: An upgraded version with enhanced diagnostic capabilities.

Application Cases

Legacy System Maintenance: Keeping older ISA-based industrial computers operational in plants using DeviceNet I/O.

PC-Based Control: Using a PC as a Master to control a network of motor starters, sensors, and pneumatic valves.

HMI/SCADA Bridging: Providing real-time data from the factory floor to legacy monitoring stations.

Automotive Tooling: Controlling end-of-arm tools on older robotic assembly lines that still utilize the ISA architecture.

Product Advantages and Features

Zero Host Overhead: The onboard processor handles all CAN identifiers and MAC ID management, providing true real-time performance.

Shared RAM Interface: Data exchange between the PC and the network occurs through a 16 KB memory window, offering much faster throughput than I/O-mapped cards.

Protocol Flexibility: Supports Group 2 Client and Server, UCMM (Unconnected Message Manager), and Peer-to-Peer messaging simultaneously.

Flash-Based Firmware: Allows the card to be updated in the field to support new DeviceNet features or specific device profiles.

Diagnostic Accuracy: Features bicolor LEDs for immediate visual confirmation of both Module and Network health.

Installation and Maintenance

5136-DN-PC

Installation

Hardware Configuration: Use the onboard jumpers to set the Base Memory Address (e.g., D0000) and the Interrupt (IRQ). Ensure these do not conflict with other ISA cards.

Mounting: Insert the card into a 16-bit ISA slot and secure the mounting bracket.

Software: Use the SST DeviceNet Console to configure the Scan List and MAC ID before going online.

Maintenance

Network Power: The card requires 24V DC from the DeviceNet trunk line to power the transceiver circuit. If the “NET” LED is off, check the trunk line voltage.

Termination: Ensure the network has 121-ohm resistors at both physical ends of the trunk line to prevent signal reflection.

Legacy Compatibility: When replacing a unit, ensure the jumper settings on the new card exactly match the old one to avoid system boot failures.

Unique Product Description

The SST 5136-DN-PC is the definitive “Bridge to the Past” for industrial automation.

While the ISA bus has been phased out of consumer electronics, it remains a cornerstone in many long-lifecycle manufacturing environments.

This card stands out because it doesn’t just “connect” to DeviceNet—it masters it. By offloading the protocol logic to its internal RISC engine,

it allows even older 486 or Pentium-class industrial PCs to manage complex, high-speed DeviceNet networks with sub-millisecond reliability.