Description
Model: 5136-DNP-PCI
· Brand: Molex (formerly Woodhead / SST)
· Series: SST DeviceNet PCI Interface Series
· Core Function: ⚙️ Provides high-speed DeviceNet network connectivity for PC-based control systems
· Product Type: 📟 PCI Communication Interface Card
· Key Specs: 🛠️ PCI bus interface, isolated CAN transceiver, support for multiple protocols
- Bus Interface: PCI (Universal 5 V / 3.3 V)
- Network Protocol: DeviceNet (CAN-based)
- Network Connector: 5-pin open-style connector (standard DeviceNet)
- Processor: On-board co-processor for protocol handling (offloads CPU)
- Isolation: 2,500 V RMS galvanic isolation on the CAN interface
- Driver Support: Legacy Windows (NT/2000/XP) and specific real-time OS drivers
- Status LEDs: Network status, module status, and PCI bus activity
Application Scenarios & Engineering Insights
This card is a “hard-to-find” legacy component commonly found in older PC-based HMI/SCADA workstations that communicate directly with DeviceNet-based sensors, drives, or I/O blocks. Because this card uses an on-board processor, it is much more stable than a “dumb” CAN-to-USB converter, but it is tied to specific driver versions.
Typical Use Cases:
- Manufacturing – Automated Assembly Lines
Communicating with DeviceNet-based sensors and pneumatic valve islands.
- Packaging Machinery – Drive Coordination
Integrating variable frequency drives into a centralized PC-based control architecture.
- Process Control – Batch Blending
Interfacing with distributed I/O modules where timing and latency are critical.
Troubleshooting Pro-Tip:
If your PC stops “seeing” the network, check the PCI slot seating first. Vibration in industrial environments often causes these older PCI cards to “walk” out of their slots. Also, pay close attention to the 120Ω termination resistors on both ends of your DeviceNet trunk—if a resistor fails or is disconnected, the PCI card will report constant “Bus Off” errors.
Compatible Replacement Models
| Original Model | Replacement | Compatibility | Difference |
| 5136-DNP-PCI | SST-DNP-PCI-2 | ✅ Direct | Newer revision; backwards compatible |
| 5136-DNP-PCI | 5136-DNP-PCM | ⚠️ Form Factor | PCI vs PCMCIA; requires hardware change |
| 5136-DNP-PCI | USB-DNP-PCU | ❌ System Migration | Requires new driver & software stack |
Note: Since this is an older PCI card, if you are planning to upgrade your PC hardware to a newer motherboard that lacks PCI slots, you will likely need to move to a USB-based or PCIe-based gateway, which necessitates a significant software driver update.
Troubleshooting Quick Reference
| Symptom | Probable Cause | Action |
| “Bus Off” Error | Network impedance or cabling | Check 120Ω termination; verify 24 V DC power |
| Card Not Detected | Driver mismatch or slot issue | Check Device Manager; try a different PCI slot |
| Intermittent Data Loss | Ground loop on CAN bus | Ensure CAN GND is referenced correctly |
| LEDs Not Lighting | No power to PCI bus | Check PC power supply voltage at the slot |
Safety Warning: DeviceNet networks carry 24 V DC power for field devices along with the communication signals. Before touching the network connector on the back of the card, use a multimeter to ensure that no stray 24 V power has been shorted to the signal lines, or you risk blowing the card’s transceiver.
