SST-PFB3-VME Single-Channel PROFIBUS-DP VMEbus Communication Interface Card

Product Description

SST-PFB3-VME is a single-channel PROFIBUS-DP gateway board manufactured by SST (now Molex Woodhead / ProSoft Technology), designed for standard 6U VMEbus embedded control racks, widely deployed on GE Mark VI / Mark VIe gas & steam turbine control systemsSAUL ELECT....

It acts as a dedicated protocol bridge between VME host CPU and PROFIBUS-DP field networks, supporting both PROFIBUS Master and Slave operation modes. As a master, it can scan up to 126 DP slave devices including transmitters, frequency converters, remote I/O and valve positioners; as a slave, it allows the entire VME control system to be accessed by external PROFIBUS master controllers.

The card integrates independent on-board processing unit to offload all PROFIBUS data processing without occupying VME CPU resources. 4000V galvanic isolation separates PROFIBUS field bus and VME backplane to eliminate ground loop and electromagnetic interference in high-vibration turbine rooms. A front-panel RS232 debug port supports firmware upgrade, network diagnosis and parameter configuration, with multi-color LED indicators for power, bus link and fault status.

Conformal coated PCB, fully compliant with VME64 standard, it is a critical legacy spare for power generation turbine control, factory automation and aerospace VME embedded platforms.

Technical Specifications

Model: SST-PFB3-VME (Single Channel; Dual channel variant: SST-PFB3-VME-2)

Brand: SST, Molex Woodhead, ProSoft Technology

Form Factor: 6U Double Eurocard VMEbus

VME Compliance: VME64, supports A16/A24/A32 addressing, D08/D16/D32 data width

PROFIBUS Interface: 1 × DB9 female DP port

Isolation: 4000V galvanic isolation between PROFIBUS and VME logic

Supported Baud Rates: 9.6 kbps ~ 12 Mbps

Operation Mode: PROFIBUS-DP Master / Slave, DP-V1 acyclic parameter service

Max Slaves (Master Mode): 126 PROFIBUS DP devices

Debug Port: Front panel RS232 for firmware download & network diagnostics

Power Supply: +5V, ±12V supplied via VME backplane

Operating Temperature: -20℃ ~ +70℃

Humidity: 5%–95% non-condensing, conformal coated circuit board

Protection Class: IP20 (cabinet installation only)

Weight: Approx. 0.5kg

Main Application: GE Mark VI / Mark VIe turbine control VME racks

Key Features

Single independent PROFIBUS-DP channel with dedicated processor, no resource contention with other VME modules.

Dual-mode Master/Slave flexibility for mixed new & old PROFIBUS network integration projects.

High isolation circuit blocks surge and long cable noise, stable operation in turbine high EMI environments.

DP-V1 acyclic communication to read intelligent device diagnostic data and perform remote calibration.

Onboard status LEDs enable quick on-site troubleshooting without host software.

RS232 local debug port simplifies firmware updating and network fault analysis.

Standard 6U VME plug-in design, direct replacement for aging Mark VI turbine control racks.

Rugged industrial coated PCB supports 24/7 continuous long-term operation in power plant control rooms.