Description
SST 5136-DN-PC DeviceNet Interface Card
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | 5136-DN-PC |
| Manufacturer / Brand | SST / Woodhead / Molex |
| Product Type | DeviceNet PC Interface Card |
| Host Bus | ISA |
| Network Protocol | DeviceNet |
| Supported Baud Rates | 125, 250, 500 Kbaud |
| Processor | Onboard processor for DeviceNet protocol handling |
| Protocol Execution | DeviceNet protocol executed in hardware |
| Operating Modes | Client/server and DeviceNet I/O scanner applications |
| PC Application | Industrial PC control, network configuration, diagnostics |
| Card Architecture | Legacy ISA-based PC interface |
The 5136-DN-PC is documented as an ISA-bus DeviceNet controller for PCs, with support for the standard DeviceNet communication rates of 125, 250, and 500 Kbaud. Available technical references also describe hardware-based execution of the DeviceNet protocol and support for both client and server operation.
Product Introduction
The SST 5136-DN-PC is a legacy industrial PC interface card designed to connect an ISA-bus computer directly to a DeviceNet network. Rather than providing field I/O by itself, the card gives an industrial computer the DeviceNet communication capability required for control, scanning, configuration, diagnostics, and interaction with DeviceNet devices. Historical DeviceNet documentation specifically identifies the 5136-DN-PC as the SST controller intended for ISA-bus PCs.
For plants maintaining older machine-control computers, test stations, HMI systems, or PC-based automation platforms, the SST 5136-DN-PC can be a critical replacement component because the host ISA architecture is itself becoming difficult to source. The card should therefore be treated as part of a complete PC communication environment rather than as an isolated network adapter.
5136-DN-PC
Application Scenarios & Field Pitfalls — The Engineer’s Perspective
Engineering Pain Point
A common problem with legacy DeviceNet installations is that the network itself remains serviceable while the PC running the control or diagnostic application has become the harder component to replace. A modern PCI or PCIe DeviceNet card is not automatically a substitute for an ISA card. The host motherboard, ISA resources, driver environment, application software, and DeviceNet configuration all have to remain compatible.
Typical Applications
- Legacy PC-Based Control: Provides DeviceNet connectivity for industrial computers used in machine or process control.
- DeviceNet Network Diagnostics: Supports PC-based configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, and service functions.
- I/O Scanner Applications: Provides the PC-side controller interface for DeviceNet field devices.
- Factory Test Equipment: Can be used in older automated test systems requiring direct DeviceNet communication.
Technical Pitfalls
- ISA compatibility is the first check. The 5136-DN-PC is intended for an ISA-bus PC. Do not substitute a PCI, PCIe, PC/104, or VME variant simply because the product family name is similar.
- Do not confuse the card with DeviceNet I/O. The 5136-DN-PC is the PC communication/controller interface. The actual sensors, actuators, drives, and other field devices remain separate DeviceNet nodes.
- Legacy software can be the real constraint. A replacement card may be electrically suitable but unusable if the existing operating system, driver, configuration utility, or application expects the original interface.
- DeviceNet baud rate must match the network. The card supports 125, 250, and 500 Kbaud, but the selected rate must correspond to the existing DeviceNet network configuration.
- Check the complete card identification. Older SST hardware exists in several related formats, including 5136-DN-VME, 5136-DN-PCM, and PC/104 variants. These are not mechanically interchangeable with the ISA PC version.
- Used-board inspection matters. For a legacy ISA card, inspect the edge connector, onboard components, mounting bracket, configuration hardware, and labeling before installation. A visually similar card from the same family is not sufficient evidence of compatibility.
Related Products
- SST 5136-DN-VME — DeviceNet interface for VME-based industrial computer systems.
- SST 5136-DN-PCM — PCMCIA-based DeviceNet interface for portable/embedded PC applications.
- SST 5136-DN-104 — DeviceNet interface for PC/104 systems.
- SST 5136-DNP-104-2 — Related PC/104 DeviceNet interface family.
- SST 5136-DNP-VME — DeviceNet VME interface variant.
- SST 5136-DNP-PCM — PCMCIA DeviceNet interface variant.
- Allen-Bradley 1771-SDN — DeviceNet scanner for PLC-5 architecture; not a direct PC-card replacement.
- Allen-Bradley 1747-SDN — DeviceNet scanner associated with SLC 500 systems; different host architecture.
The historical DeviceNet controller documentation lists the 5136-DN-PC specifically for ISA-bus PCs while identifying the VME and PCMCIA versions separately, reinforcing the importance of matching the host computer architecture rather than selecting solely by DeviceNet functionality.
Procurement Note
For a 5136-DN-PC replacement, provide the complete part number and, where possible, photographs of the card label and ISA edge connector. Before approving a substitute, verify the host PC bus architecture, operating system, DeviceNet baud rate, existing driver/application environment, and network configuration. For legacy production equipment, retaining a tested original-format spare is often less disruptive than redesigning the PC interface around a newer bus standard.
