Brad Communications 5136-CN-VME VME ControlNet Interface Card | Replacement, Equivalent & Selection Guide
The Brad Communications 5136-CN-VME is a VME-bus ControlNet interface card designed for industrial automation systems requiring high-speed, deterministic communication over ControlNet networks. Konmask.com supplies genuine and compatible units for MRO, system integration, and upgrade projects worldwide.
Technical Specifications
- Part Number / SKU: 5136-CN-VME
- Manufacturer: Brad Communications (Woodhead / Molex)
- Form Factor: VMEbus (6U)
- Network Protocol: ControlNet (IEC 61158)
- Communication Rate: 5 Mbps
- Connector: BNC (coaxial), dual-port redundant media support
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 60°C
- Power Supply: VMEbus backplane powered
- Weight: Approx. 499 g
- Compliance: CE, UL (verify with datasheet for exact certifications)
Compatible Replacement & Equivalent Models
The following models are commonly evaluated as replacements or equivalents for the 5136-CN-VME. Always verify electrical and firmware compatibility before substitution:
- Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley 1784-KTCX15 — PCI-based ControlNet interface; requires chassis adapter for VME systems
- Rockwell Automation 1784-PCC — PCMCIA ControlNet card; portable alternative for laptop-based commissioning
- SST (Woodhead) 5136-CN-PCI — PCI bus variant of the same 5136 series; functionally equivalent with bus-form difference
- SST 5136-CN-ISA — ISA bus variant; legacy systems only
- HMS Anybus X-gateway AB7007 — Protocol gateway option for cross-network bridging scenarios
Note: Cross-brand substitution may require driver updates, firmware reconfiguration, or PLC program modifications. Contact Konmask technical support for pre-purchase compatibility verification.
Why Choose the Original 5136-CN-VME
- Native VMEbus Integration: Designed specifically for VME chassis — no adapter or riser card required.
- Proven ControlNet Stack: Implements full ControlNet producer/consumer model with scheduled and unscheduled messaging.
- Redundant Media Support: Dual BNC ports support coaxial redundant media for high-availability topologies.
- Broad Driver Support: Compatible with RSNetWorx for ControlNet and major SCADA/DCS platforms.
- Long Field Track Record: Widely deployed in automotive, oil & gas, and discrete manufacturing since the 1990s.
Typical Applications
- VMEbus-based DCS and SCADA controller nodes on ControlNet backbones
- Automotive assembly line motion and I/O coordination
- Oil & gas pipeline monitoring and control systems
- Power generation and utilities automation
- Legacy system MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) replacement
- System integration and factory acceptance testing (FAT) environments
System Compatibility
- Bus Standard: VMEbus (IEEE 1014), 6U form factor
- Operating Systems: VxWorks, QNX, Windows (with SST driver package), Linux (community drivers)
- Software Tools: RSNetWorx for ControlNet, SST ControlNet Configuration Utility
- Network Topology: Trunk-and-drop coaxial ControlNet (RG-6 cable), up to 99 nodes per segment
- PLC / Controller Compatibility: Allen-Bradley PLC-5, SLC 500, ControlLogix (via gateway), third-party VME controllers
Selection Guide
Use the table below to select the correct ControlNet interface card for your application:
| Requirement | Recommended Model |
|---|---|
| VMEbus chassis, ControlNet network | 5136-CN-VME ✓ |
| PCI chassis, ControlNet network | 5136-CN-PCI |
| ISA chassis (legacy) | 5136-CN-ISA |
| Laptop / portable commissioning | 1784-PCC (PCMCIA) |
| Cross-protocol gateway needed | HMS Anybus X-gateway |
Key selection parameters: bus form factor, ControlNet node count, redundant media requirement, OS/driver availability, and available rack slots.
Quality Assurance & Sourcing
- Sourcing: Units sourced from authorized distributors, OEM surplus, and verified MRO channels.
- Inspection: Each unit undergoes visual inspection, label verification, and functional power-on check prior to shipment.
- Condition: New, refurbished, and tested-used stock available — condition clearly stated on order confirmation.
- Warranty: 90-day replacement warranty on all shipped units (DOA policy applies).
- Traceability: Serial number and batch records retained for quality traceability.
How to Order
- Confirm your chassis bus type (VME, PCI, ISA) and ControlNet network version.
- Add Brad Communications 5136-CN-VME to cart or contact us for bulk/project pricing.
- Specify required condition: New / Refurbished / Tested-Used.
- Provide your shipping address — we ship globally via DHL, FedEx, and UPS.
- Receive order confirmation with serial number and inspection report within 1 business day.
For urgent requirements or quantity orders (>5 units), email support@konmask.com or call +0086 19859288691.
Replacement & Compatibility FAQ
Q: Can the 5136-CN-VME replace a 1784-KTCX15 directly?
A: Not directly — the 1784-KTCX15 is PCI-based. The 5136-CN-VME is VMEbus. They serve the same ControlNet function but require different chassis slots.
Q: Is the 5136-CN-VME compatible with ControlLogix?
A: ControlLogix uses its own backplane (1756 chassis). The 5136-CN-VME connects to ControlNet as a network node; a gateway or bridge may be required for direct ControlLogix integration.
Q: What driver package is required?
A: The SST ControlNet driver package (available from Molex/Woodhead legacy support) is required. RSNetWorx for ControlNet is used for network configuration.
Q: Can I use this card in a redundant ControlNet topology?
A: Yes. The dual BNC ports support coaxial redundant media (Channel A and Channel B) per ControlNet specification.
Q: Do you provide a certificate of conformance?
A: Yes, available upon request for new and refurbished units.
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Contact: support@konmask.com | +0086 19859288691
