Description
Product Introduction & Engineering Value
The SST 5136-RE2-PCI was built for a very specific legacy-control requirement: connecting a PCI-based computer directly to a Reliance AutoMax DCS-NET or Remote I/O network. It provides a higher-speed computer-to-control-system connection than relying on a conventional RS-232 serial path.
This is important when maintaining older AutoMax installations. The card is not a generic PCI communications adapter. The host PC, PCI bus, AutoMax network, interface software, and operating environment all form part of the working system. Rockwell Automation also maintains an installation/configuration reference specifically for the 5136-RE2-PCI.
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: 5136-RE2-PCI
- Brand/Manufacturer: SST / Woodhead
- Product Type: PCI interface card
- Host Bus: PCI
- Target System: Reliance AutoMax
- Network 1: DCS-NET
- Network 2: Remote I/O
- Primary Function: PC-to-AutoMax network interface
- Computer Role: Network drop on the AutoMax system
- Software: Network Communications and Remote I/O software
- Application: AutoMax DCS/RIO programming, monitoring, and data exchange
- Lifecycle: Legacy/obsolete
- Communication Architecture: Direct PCI-based network connection
Reliance documentation specifically describes the card as allowing a PCI computer to operate as a drop on either the DCS-NET or Remote I/O network, while providing a high-speed link that avoids the limitations of RS-232 serial communications.
One important lifecycle warning
The 5136-RE2-PCI is now legacy hardware. IBA documentation explicitly lists the SST 5136-RE2-PCI PC-Link/Reliance AutoMax interface as no longer supported under 64-bit operating systems in the referenced environment.
That does not mean every historical installation is unusable. It does mean the host PC and software environment must be checked before assuming a replacement card will work in a modern computer.
5136-RE2-PCI
5136-RE2-PCI
Field Application & the “Trench” Experience
A plant is still operating an AutoMax-based control system, and the engineering workstation communicates with the controller through a 5136-RE2-PCI card. The workstation hardware eventually fails.
The replacement PC has a modern motherboard and operating system. The spare 5136-RE2-PCI fits physically into an available PCI slot—but the software cannot communicate with the AutoMax network.
The card wasn’t necessarily the problem.
The real issue was that the legacy PCI interface and its software environment were being moved to a host platform that did not preserve the original operating-system and driver requirements. IBA’s documentation specifically notes the 5136-RE2-PCI’s lack of support in its 64-bit environment.
Specific application scenarios
- AutoMax DCS engineering workstation — Providing direct PC access to an installed Reliance AutoMax control network.
- AutoMax Remote I/O network — Allowing a PCI-based computer to function as a network drop for remote I/O communications.
- Legacy plant maintenance workstation — Maintaining engineering access without replacing an entire AutoMax control architecture.
- AutoMax data acquisition and supervision — Providing direct network data exchange between PC software and the AutoMax system.
Transparency SOP: QA & Testing
For new-surplus or refurbished 5136-RE2-PCI inventory, a meaningful test has to include the host computer and AutoMax communications environment.
- Part-number verification — Confirm the board is marked 5136-RE2-PCI.
- Physical inspection — Examine the PCB, PCI edge connector, mounting bracket, connectors, and components.
- Revision recording — Capture hardware and PCB revision information.
- PCI installation — Install the card in a compatible PCI-based test computer.
- Driver/software installation — Install the applicable SST/AutoMax interface software.
- Hardware recognition — Confirm that the operating environment recognizes the interface.
- Network connection — Connect to an appropriate AutoMax DCS-NET or RIO test environment.
- Data exchange test — Verify actual communication with the AutoMax system.
- Extended test — Monitor the connection for intermittent communication faults.
- Documentation — Record host OS, driver/software revision, network type, and test results.
QA warning: A PCI card that is recognized by Windows is not necessarily a functional AutoMax interface. Actual network communication should be demonstrated.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide
⚠️ Trap #1 — Installing it in a PCIe slot.
The 5136-RE2-PCI is a PCI interface card. PCI and PCI Express are different bus technologies. A physical or electrical adapter should not be assumed to provide compatibility.
PRO TIP: Verify the exact motherboard slot type before purchasing the replacement computer.
⚠️ Trap #2 — Ignoring the operating system.
This is probably the biggest issue with legacy PC-interface cards. IBA specifically documented the 5136-RE2-PCI as unsupported under its referenced 64-bit operating-system environment.
⚠️ Trap #3 — Confusing DCS-NET with generic Ethernet.
AutoMax DCS-NET is not standard Ethernet. Do not expect the card to function as an ordinary Ethernet network adapter.
⚠️ Trap #4 — Testing only the PCI bus.
Device Manager recognition proves very little. The correct driver, software, network connection, and AutoMax communication path must be tested together.
⚠️ Trap #5 — Confusing 5136-RE2-PCI with 5136-RE2-ISA.
Both belong to the Reliance/AutoMax interface family, but they target different computer bus architectures. Verify the suffix carefully.
Dynamic FAQ
What is the SST 5136-RE2-PCI?
The 5136-RE2-PCI is an SST/Woodhead PCI interface card designed to connect a PCI computer to Reliance AutoMax DCS-NET and Remote I/O networks.
What is the card used for?
It allows a PCI-based computer to function as a network drop on an AutoMax control system, supporting direct exchange of data with AutoMax DCS and Remote I/O networks.
Is 5136-RE2-PCI compatible with PCI Express?
Not as a native interface. The model is specifically a PCI-bus card. The host computer must provide compatible PCI hardware.
Does it work with modern 64-bit Windows systems?
Do not assume it does. Legacy software support is a major consideration. IBA documentation specifically notes that the SST 5136-RE2-PCI PC-Link/Reliance AutoMax interface was not supported in its referenced 64-bit environment.
Can it be used for both DCS-NET and Remote I/O?
Yes. Reliance documentation identifies the card as capable of functioning as a drop on either the DCS-NET or Remote I/O network.
How should refurbished 5136-RE2-PCI stock be tested?
The preferred test includes a compatible PCI computer, appropriate software/driver installation, and actual connection to an AutoMax DCS/RIO test network. Simply confirming that the PCI bus detects the card is insufficient.
Is new-surplus 5136-RE2-PCI valuable as a spare?
Yes, particularly for facilities maintaining legacy AutoMax systems. Because this hardware is obsolete, a tested spare can be useful for minimizing downtime while a longer-term migration strategy is developed.
What should I request from the supplier?
Request photographs of the actual board, complete part number, hardware revision, condition, PCI interface confirmation, test procedure, communication test results, and written warranty.
What warranty should I expect?
Warranty depends on the supplier and condition. For refurbished stock, obtain written coverage for functional failure and specifically ask whether AutoMax DCS/RIO communication was tested.
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