WOODWARD SST-PFB3-PCI Profibus Interface Card | Replacement, Equivalent & Selection Guide
The WOODWARD SST-PFB3-PCI is a PCI-bus Profibus DP/FMS master/slave interface card designed for industrial PC-based control systems. It enables seamless integration of PC platforms into Profibus DP networks — widely deployed in process automation, machine control, and distributed I/O architectures. As a core communication component, it is commonly sought as a replacement or equivalent for legacy Profibus PCI cards across multiple brands.
Selection Background
Industrial buyers frequently search for SST-PFB3-PCI replacement or SST-PFB3-PCI equivalent options when the original card is discontinued, lead times are extended, or a system upgrade requires a compatible substitute. Understanding which models are direct drop-in replacements versus functional equivalents is critical to avoiding costly integration errors. This guide consolidates that information to support confident procurement decisions.
Technical Specifications
| Part Number | SST-PFB3-PCI |
| Brand | WOODWARD (formerly SST / Molex SST) |
| Bus Interface | PCI (32-bit, 33 MHz, 5V/3.3V universal) |
| Protocol | Profibus DP V0/V1/V2, FMS |
| Operating Mode | Master (Class 1 & 2) / Slave |
| Baud Rate | 9.6 kbps – 12 Mbps (auto-detect) |
| Max Nodes | 125 slaves per segment |
| Connector | DB9 female (RS-485) |
| OS Support | Windows XP/7/10, Linux (driver-dependent) |
| Power Consumption | ≤ 1.5 W |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +55 °C |
| Weight | 120 g |
| Form Factor | Half-length PCI card |
| Certifications | CE, FCC, Profibus certified |
⚠ Key parameters affecting replacement decisions: bus type (PCI vs PCIe), master/slave mode support, DP version (V0/V1/V2), and OS driver availability.
Compatible Replacement & Equivalent Models
1. Direct Drop-in Replacements — Same form factor, pinout, and driver stack; no software reconfiguration required:
- SST-PFB3-PCI-2 — Revised hardware revision of the same product line; fully pin-compatible.
- Molex SST-PFB3-PCI — OEM-equivalent sold under the Molex SST brand prior to WOODWARD acquisition; identical hardware.
2. Functional Equivalents — Same protocol and mode support; may require driver update or minor configuration change:
- Hilscher CIFX 50-DP — PCI Profibus DP master/slave; requires netX driver; supports DP V0/V1/V2. Suitable substitute when driver migration is acceptable.
- HMS Anybus-X PCI Profibus DP — PCI form factor, master/slave, DP V0/V1; widely used in OEM machine retrofits.
- Siemens CP 5611 A2 — PCI Profibus DP/MPI master; Siemens STEP 7 / TIA Portal driver ecosystem; suitable for Siemens-centric environments.
3. Cross-Brand Alternatives — Functional substitutes with different form factor or driver architecture; engineering review required:
- Hilscher CIFX 50E-DP (PCIe) — PCIe variant; requires PCIe slot; not a physical drop-in but functionally equivalent for new builds.
- Beckhoff FC3101 — PCI Profibus DP master; integrates natively with TwinCAT; recommended for Beckhoff IPC platforms.
- National Instruments PCI-8432/2 — PCI RS-485/Profibus interface; requires NI-VISA/NI-Industrial Communications driver; suitable for NI-based test & measurement systems.
⚠ Always verify slot type (PCI vs PCIe), OS driver availability, and DP version compatibility before substituting. Contact Konmask for a pre-purchase compatibility check.
Why Choose the Original Model
- Certified Profibus Compliance: Factory-certified to Profibus International standards — ensures interoperability with all certified DP slaves without field validation overhead.
- Proven Driver Stability: Mature, field-tested driver stack for Windows and Linux; minimizes integration risk in production environments.
- Master Class 1 & 2 Support: Supports both cyclic (Class 1) and acyclic (Class 2) communication — critical for advanced diagnostics and parameterization workflows.
- OEM System Compatibility: Validated against major SCADA, DCS, and HMI platforms; reduces qualification effort for system integrators.
- Warranty & Traceability: Sourced with full traceability documentation; eligible for manufacturer warranty and RMA support.
- Long-Term Availability: Konmask maintains verified stock and supplier relationships to support MRO and spare-parts programs.
Typical Applications
- Process Automation: PC-based DCS nodes communicating with Profibus DP field devices (transmitters, actuators, valve positioners).
- Machine Control: CNC and motion control systems using PC-based controllers with Profibus I/O expansion.
- Factory Automation: Assembly line PLCs and distributed I/O racks connected via Profibus DP backbone.
- Energy & Power: Substation automation and turbine control systems (WOODWARD governor platforms) with Profibus fieldbus integration.
- Water & Wastewater: SCADA-connected pump stations and treatment plant I/O over Profibus DP.
- OEM Machine Builders: Embedded in industrial PCs for multi-axis servo drives and distributed sensor networks.
System Compatibility
The SST-PFB3-PCI is compatible with the following system components (confirm firmware versions with Konmask):
- WOODWARD 505 / 505E — Turbine control system; Profibus DP slave interface for remote monitoring.
- WOODWARD MicroNet TMR — Redundant control platform; Profibus DP fieldbus node.
- Siemens S7-300/400 PLCs — As Profibus DP master communicating with S7 slave modules.
- ABB AC500 / AC800M — Profibus DP slave I/O modules; validated interoperability.
- Schneider Electric Modicon M340/M580 — Profibus DP slave adapters (BMX PBP 0300).
- Phoenix Contact Inline Profibus Couplers — IB IL PB BK-PAC; distributed I/O expansion.
- Pepperl+Fuchs DP/PA Segment Couplers — For Profibus PA field instrument integration.
Selection Guide
Answer these three questions to confirm the SST-PFB3-PCI — or its equivalent — is the right fit for your system:
- Slot Type: Does your industrial PC have an available standard PCI slot (not PCIe)? If only PCIe slots are available, consider the Hilscher CIFX 50E-DP or contact Konmask for PCIe-compatible alternatives.
- Operating Mode: Do you require Profibus DP Master (Class 1 cyclic I/O), Master Class 2 (acyclic diagnostics), or Slave mode? Confirm the required mode matches your network architecture before selecting a substitute.
- OS & Driver: What operating system runs on the host PC? Verify driver availability for your OS version. Konmask can provide driver compatibility matrices for all listed equivalents.
📩 Not sure which model fits? Contact Konmask at support@konmask.com — our engineers will review your system specs and recommend the correct part within 24 hours.
Quality Assurance & Sourcing
Sourcing Channels: Konmask sources the SST-PFB3-PCI exclusively from authorized distributors, certified MRO suppliers, and verified OEM surplus channels. All units undergo incoming inspection before dispatch.
4-Step Inspection Process:
- Visual Inspection: PCB, connectors, and component integrity checked against OEM reference standards.
- Functional Test: Card initialized and enumerated in a test PC; Profibus communication verified at multiple baud rates.
- Firmware Verification: Onboard firmware version confirmed and documented.
- Packaging & Labeling: Anti-static packaging with serialized inspection label and test report enclosed.
Available Documentation: Certificate of Conformance (CoC), test report, datasheet, and — where applicable — OEM warranty certificate.
How to Order
- Submit Your Inquiry: Email support@konmask.com with your part number (SST-PFB3-PCI), required quantity, and delivery timeline — or use the contact form on Konmask.com.
- Receive Quote & Availability: Konmask will confirm stock status, pricing, lead time, and shipping options within 24 hours.
- Confirm & Ship: Upon order confirmation, units are inspected, packed, and dispatched with full documentation. Express and standard shipping available worldwide.
📞 +0086 19859288691 | 📧 support@konmask.com
Replacement & Compatibility FAQ
Q1: What is a direct replacement for the WOODWARD SST-PFB3-PCI?
The closest direct replacement is the SST-PFB3-PCI-2 (revised hardware revision) or the Molex SST-PFB3-PCI (OEM equivalent). Both are pin-compatible and use the same driver stack, making them true drop-in substitutes with no software changes required.
Q2: Is the Hilscher CIFX 50-DP compatible with systems currently using the SST-PFB3-PCI?
Yes, the CIFX 50-DP is a functional equivalent for most Profibus DP master applications. It supports DP V0/V1/V2 and fits a standard PCI slot. However, it requires installation of Hilscher’s netX driver and reconfiguration of the Profibus master application — it is not a plug-and-play substitute. Contact Konmask for a migration checklist.
Q3: Can the SST-PFB3-PCI substitute for a Siemens CP 5611 in a non-Siemens environment?
In non-Siemens environments (i.e., not using STEP 7 or TIA Portal), the SST-PFB3-PCI is often the preferred equivalent to the CP 5611 — it offers broader OS support and a vendor-neutral driver ecosystem. For Siemens-native environments, the CP 5611 A2 remains the recommended choice. Konmask can advise on the best substitute based on your specific SCADA or HMI platform.
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Contact: support@konmask.com | +0086 19859288691
