Description
Product Introduction & Engineering Value
The SST 5136-DNP-PCI is a legacy PCI-bus communications interface intended for industrial computer applications. The part number is particularly important because available documentation identifies the 5136 family with different communication functions; therefore, it should not be confused with similarly named 5136-DNP-CPCI hardware.
For replacement work, the host computer’s PCI architecture and the installed software/driver environment matter just as much as the card itself. This is legacy hardware. Before ordering, confirm the computer’s available PCI slot, operating environment, application software, and exact interface requirements.
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: 5136-DNP-PCI
- Manufacturer/Brand: SST
- Product Type: PCI interface card
- Bus: PCI
- Communication Technology: DNP3/industrial protocol interface
- Application: Industrial PC and SCADA communications
- Typical Host: Industrial computer with compatible PCI slot
- Software Dependency: Requires compatible SST driver/application software
- System Role: Protocol communication/interface hardware
- Form Factor: PCI expansion card
- Lifecycle: Legacy product
- Replacement Consideration: Host PCI and software compatibility must be verified
Important identification note
There is a genuine nomenclature trap here.
The 5136-DNP-PCI should not be confused with the 5136-DNP-CPCI. The latter is a CompactPCI card; its documentation specifies a 33 MHz, 32-bit CompactPCI interface, along with a CAN/DeviceNet-oriented architecture.
That distinction is critical when sourcing a replacement for an older industrial computer.
Field Application & the “Trench” Experience
An older industrial PC is still running a utility SCADA application that depends on a PCI communication card. The PC itself is operational, but the communication interface fails.
The maintenance team finds a replacement listed simply as “5136-DNP”.
That is not enough.
The original installation uses a conventional PCI slot, while another card in the same product family uses CompactPCI. Installing the wrong physical interface is an easy mistake to make during emergency procurement. The correct replacement has to match the PCI bus, software environment, communication protocol, and original application configuration.
Specific application scenarios
- Legacy utility SCADA workstation — Maintaining communications between an industrial PC and field control equipment.
- DNP3-based remote monitoring — Supporting communications with remote equipment in distributed utility architectures.
- Industrial PC modernization projects — Retaining an existing PCI-based communications architecture while replacing other PC components.
- Legacy Think & Do installations — AutomationDirect documentation specifically references the 5136-DNP-PCI for use with Think & Do software.
Transparency SOP: QA & Testing
For new-surplus or refurbished 5136-DNP-PCI stock, the most important test is not simply powering the card.
- Part-number verification — Confirm the exact 5136-DNP-PCI designation.
- Physical inspection — Check the PCB, edge connector, mounting bracket, connectors, and component condition.
- PCI compatibility check — Confirm the test computer has the appropriate PCI slot.
- Driver installation — Install the applicable legacy SST driver/software environment.
- Card recognition — Confirm that the operating system and application recognize the interface.
- Communication test — Connect the card to an appropriate test network or simulator.
- Protocol verification — Verify expected DNP3 communications where applicable.
- Diagnostic review — Check application and card diagnostics for errors.
- Extended run test — Monitor communications for intermittent failures.
- Documentation — Record hardware revision, software/driver version, and test results.
QA warning: A successful PCI bus enumeration does not prove that the communication protocol is functioning correctly.
5136-DNP-PCI
5136-DNP-PCI
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide
⚠️ Trap #1 — Confusing PCI with CompactPCI.
The similar 5136-DNP-CPCI designation refers to CompactPCI hardware, not a standard PCI card.
PRO TIP: Photograph the original card’s edge connector and mounting bracket before ordering.
⚠️ Trap #2 — Ignoring legacy software requirements.
A replacement card may physically fit while still failing because the original application requires a specific driver or software release.
⚠️ Trap #3 — Assuming every 5136 card has the same communication function.
The 5136 family includes multiple interface products. Verify the exact suffix rather than purchasing based on the “5136” prefix.
⚠️ Trap #4 — Testing only the hardware layer.
For a communications card, successful power-up or PCI recognition is only the first test. Actual protocol communication needs to be verified.
Dynamic FAQ
What is the SST 5136-DNP-PCI?
The 5136-DNP-PCI is an SST legacy PCI interface card used for industrial communications. Available documentation and product records associate the model with DNP3/industrial communication applications, while AutomationDirect documentation identifies it as an SST DeviceNet PCI Master Card for Think & Do software.
Is 5136-DNP-PCI the same as 5136-DNP-CPCI?
No. The PCI and CPCI suffixes are significant. The 5136-DNP-CPCI is designed for CompactPCI and has a different physical/system interface.
Is this card suitable for a modern industrial PC?
Do not assume so. Modern computers often do not provide conventional PCI slots, and legacy driver support can also be an issue. Verify both hardware and software compatibility before attempting a retrofit.
What should I check before replacing a 5136-DNP-PCI?
Verify the exact part number, PCI slot type, host computer, operating system, application software, driver version, communication protocol, and existing network configuration.
How should refurbished 5136-DNP-PCI stock be tested?
At minimum, test PCI recognition, driver/software compatibility, and actual communications. For a critical spare, request evidence of a complete communication test rather than a basic power-up test.
Is new-surplus 5136-DNP-PCI suitable as a spare?
It can be valuable for maintaining legacy equipment, particularly where the original PCI architecture and software are difficult to replace. Confirm storage condition and actual hardware revision before purchase.
What warranty should I request?
For refurbished or surplus communication cards, obtain written warranty terms covering functional failure. Also clarify whether the supplier has actually tested protocol communications.
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