Description
SST 5136-RE-VME VMEbus Interface Adapter
Product Overview
The SST 5136-RE-VME is a VMEbus-based industrial communication adapter intended to connect a VME computer or controller platform with Reliance Electric R-Net and related Remote I/O networks. Published technical references identify it as a 6U VME interface card designed for integration between a VME host and Reliance Electric automation equipment. The card is particularly relevant to legacy AutoMax and VME-based control architectures where the communication interface forms part of an existing control-system backplane rather than a modern Ethernet-based architecture.
In an installed control system, the SST 5136-RE-VME acts as a dedicated communication interface between the host processor and the field/network layer, reducing the amount of protocol handling that must be performed directly by the VME application. This makes the SST 5136-RE-VME useful for maintaining older motion-control, drive-control, and process-control installations where replacing the complete VME control architecture would introduce substantial engineering and commissioning work. Available references describe onboard processing and shared-memory communication with the VME host, although published specifications vary by source and should not be treated as a substitute for the documentation corresponding to the installed hardware revision.
The SST 5136-RE-VME should therefore be purchased primarily as a form-fit-function replacement for an existing installation. Before substitution, engineers should verify the board revision, VME slot requirements, host software/driver compatibility, network configuration, connector arrangement, and the exact Reliance network protocol supported by the installed system.
Product Introduction
The 5136-RE-VME belongs to the SST family of industrial communication interfaces developed for integrating established automation networks with computer platforms using the VMEbus architecture. The hardware is intended for applications where deterministic industrial communication and continued operation of an installed VME control platform are more important than migration to a newer controller architecture.
Its principal value in maintenance work is architectural compatibility. Rather than replacing a complete VME computer, application program, network infrastructure, and associated control hardware, a compatible communication card can allow the existing system to remain in service while the obsolete interface is replaced.
The model is associated with Reliance Electric R-Net / Remote I/O applications. Some current secondary references describe the card differently, including generic VME adapter and serial-interface terminology. Because of these inconsistencies, the exact electrical interfaces and protocol feature set should be confirmed from the card label, hardware revision, and original system documentation before engineering a replacement.
5136-RE-VME
Main Features and Advantages
VMEbus Host Integration
The 5136-RE-VME is built around the 6U VME form factor, making it suitable for industrial computer systems using a VME backplane. This is important for legacy installations because mechanical compatibility alone does not guarantee operational compatibility; the VME addressing mode, interrupt behavior, memory mapping, and host software interface also need to match the existing application.
Reliance Electric Network Connectivity
The primary published application for this model is communication between a VME host and Reliance Electric R-Net or Remote I/O equipment. This makes the card particularly relevant to older drive and automation installations in which R-Net remains part of the control architecture.
Dedicated Communication Processing
Available technical references describe onboard processing intended to handle network protocol activity separately from the VME host processor. In a legacy control system, this can reduce the application processor’s direct communication workload and maintain the expected division between control logic and network-interface functions.
Legacy-System Maintenance
For maintenance departments, the major advantage is not simply the interface itself but the ability to preserve an existing control architecture. A correctly matched replacement can reduce the engineering scope associated with migrating an old VME system to a different controller platform.
Important Compatibility Considerations
Several online references disagree about the precise interface and communication specifications of the 5136-RE-VME. Some describe it specifically as an R-Net/Remote I/O interface, while others provide generic serial-interface or PROFIBUS descriptions. Those descriptions should not be treated as interchangeable. The safest procurement practice is to compare the existing card’s complete part number, PCB revision, connectors, firmware, host driver, and network configuration before ordering.
For an installed system, testing should include VME host recognition, communication initialization, network-node visibility, I/O data exchange, fault handling, and power-cycle recovery. If the replacement is refurbished or previously installed, functional testing under representative system conditions is preferable to relying only on a visual inspection.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | 5136-RE-VME |
| Manufacturer / Brand | SST / Woodhead / Molex |
| Product Type | VMEbus Communication Interface Adapter |
| Form Factor | 6U VME |
| Host Interface | VMEbus |
| Primary Network Application | Reliance Electric R-Net / Remote I/O |
| Network Role | Host-to-industrial-network communication interface |
| Onboard Processing | Dedicated communication processing reported |
| Memory Interface | Shared-memory interface reported in published references |
| Installation | VME backplane, single-board application |
| Typical Application | Legacy industrial control, motion control, AutoMax-related systems |
| Product Status | Legacy / discontinued |
| Replacement Check | Verify hardware revision, firmware, host driver and network compatibility |
The available sources do not provide a sufficiently consistent basis for publishing definitive values for power consumption, exact VME addressing modes, connector pinout, environmental ratings, or firmware compatibility. Those values should be taken from the documentation for the specific board revision rather than inferred from similarly numbered SST products.
Related Products
- SST 5136-RE-PCI
- SST 5136-RE-CPCI
- SST 5136-RE-USB
- SST VMEbus communication interface products
- Reliance Electric R-Net communication hardware
- Legacy AutoMax VME control-system components
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SST 5136-RE-VME?
It is a 6U VMEbus industrial communication adapter associated with Reliance Electric R-Net / Remote I/O systems.
What systems use the 5136-RE-VME?
It is primarily relevant to legacy VME-based industrial control architectures, including applications associated with Reliance Electric automation and AutoMax systems.
Is the 5136-RE-VME a PLC CPU?
No. It is a communication/interface card rather than a conventional standalone PLC CPU.
Can any 6U VME card replace it?
No. Mechanical VME compatibility is insufficient. The network protocol, host software interface, firmware, memory mapping, connectors, and application configuration must also match.
Is 5136-RE-VME still a current product?
Available product references identify the part as discontinued or legacy hardware.
What should be checked before purchasing a replacement?
Confirm the complete part number, PCB revision, connector layout, installed firmware, host computer/software, network type, and existing configuration. For a used or refurbished card, request evidence of VME host recognition and network communication testing.
