Description
Product Introduction
The SST 5136-RE-VME (manufactured by Molex / Woodhead under the SST brand) is a high-speed communication module engineered to bridge VMEbus industrial computer chassis with Reliance Electric AutoMax network architectures. Systems integrators and metals process engineers utilize this card to execute high-speed deterministic data exchanges between VME host processors and legacy AutoMax drive racks.
Unlike third-party protocol converters that introduce latency and bus errors, the 5136-RE-VME handles the complete AutoMax network stack directly on its onboard processor. Featuring dual-ported memory mapped straight to the VME backplane, it ensures high-speed cyclic data transfer without overloading the primary VME system host.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Manufacturer | SST / Molex / Woodhead |
| Part Number | 5136-RE-VME |
| Bus Architecture | VMEbus 6U Standard Form Factor (32-bit data/addressing) |
| Network Protocol | Reliance Electric AutoMax DCS / Network Loop |
| Onboard Processor | Embedded RISC Processor for dedicated protocol processing |
| Memory | High-Speed Dual-Port Shared RAM (VME Mapped) |
| Interface Port | Reliance Network Coaxial / Twinaxial Connector |
| Isolation | 500V Galvanic isolation between network and VME bus |
| Power Requirements | +5V DC directly from VME backplane |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +60°C |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
A steel rolling mill experienced an immediate production stall when the main drive system lost communication between its custom VME-based supervisor controller and the downstream Reliance AutoMax motor drive racks. The system was throwing persistent network timeout errors on the main roughing mill stand, threatening a $35,000-per-hour downtime cost. Troubleshooting pointed to a failed driver transceiver on the old network card. Inserting a pre-tested SST 5136-RE-VME board into the VME rack restored data synchronization immediately, returning the mill to production before the slab cold-shortened.
- Metals Processing & Rolling Mills – Main Drive Control – Links VME supervisory systems to Reliance AutoMax drive controllers for high-speed speed/torque loops.
- Paper & Converting Machinery – Multi-Axis Sectional Drives – Coordinates draw and tension feedback across distributed AutoMax drive nodes.
- Legacy Plant Upgrades – DCS Migration Projects – Acts as a high-speed data gateway between modern VME computing platforms and legacy Reliance field I/O racks.
5136-RE-VME
5136-RE-VME
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
We don’t just ship boxes; we test them on actual VME racks. Every 5136-RE-VME module undergoes a strict 5-step bench validation before entering our inventory:
- Inbound Physical Inspection: Complete inspection of VME DIN-style Eurocard backplane pin sets, component traces, faceplate latches, and OEM labels.
- VME Rack Initialization: Slotted into a powered 6U VME chassis to verify bus arbitration, address decoding, and dual-port RAM mapping.
- Network Loop Handshake: Connected to a live Reliance AutoMax network test loop to verify token pass handshakes and data packet transmission.
- Thermal Stability Run: Subjected to continuous high-speed cyclic memory polling for 4 hours inside a thermal enclosure to verify zero register lockups.
- Anti-Static Packaging: Cleared cards are sealed inside ESD shielding bags with fresh desiccant prior to custom foam packing.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide (Crucial Value-Add)
- ⚠️ VME Jumpers & Address Mapping: Pay close attention to the onboard DIP switches and jumpers that dictate the card’s VME base memory address and IRQ level! If the base address overlaps with another card on the VME backplane, the host CPU will hang during boot or read corrupted data registers.
- ❗ Network Termination & Cabling: AutoMax network loops require precise cable impedance matching and proper end-of-line termination resistors. To be honest, engineers often spend hours troubleshooting “faulty card hardware” when the real problem is a loose coaxial connector or improper shield grounding.
- ⚠️ Backplane Pin Handling: The dense VME pin connectors on the rear of the 6U module can bend easily if forced into an unaligned rack slot. Always use the faceplate ejector handles to seat the module smoothly without using excessive brute force.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the SST 5136-RE-VME a direct drop-in replacement for OEM Reliance AutoMax cards?
A: Yes. The 5136-RE-VME was specifically engineered by SST to interface directly with Reliance AutoMax networks, allowing VMEbus systems to communicate with AutoMax equipment using standard register mappings.
Q: Does this card require an external power supply?
A: No. The card draws its required operating power directly from the +5V DC rail provided by the standard VMEbus backplane.
Q: What is the difference between the 5136-RE-VME and 5136-RE-PCI?
A: Protocol and network functionality are similar, but the form factor and bus architectures are completely different. The 5136-RE-VME uses a 6U VMEbus Eurocard format, while the 5136-RE-PCI is built for standard PCI slots in desktop-style industrial PCs.
Q: What warranty comes with these surplus SST VME modules?
A: Every SST 5136-RE-VME module shipped includes a full 12-month operational replacement warranty. If you encounter bus communication failures or hardware faults within one year, we replace it or issue a full refund.
Q: Are these genuine SST / Molex manufactured boards?
A: Yes. All stock consists of authentic OEM boards reclaimed from plant upgrades, system retrofits, and verified spare inventory stores.
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