Woodhead SST SST-PFB3-VME-2 – Dual-channel PROFIBUS DP interface for VME control systems

The Woodhead SST SST-PFB3-VME-2 is a VMEbus communication board designed to bring reliable PROFIBUS DP connectivity into legacy and modern VME controllers. From my experience, it’s a straightforward way to add two independent PROFIBUS DP segments to a VME CPU, whether you run them as masters, slaves, or a mix depending on the application. One thing I appreciate is how predictable the diagnostics are—engineers can see network health at a glance and get on with commissioning.

Typical use cases include connecting a VME-based motion or process controller to drives, I/O blocks, valves, and HMIs on PROFIBUS DP. You might notice that the dual-channel design gives you flexibility: run two separate cells, split machine and safety islands, or keep a maintenance network isolated from production. The SST line is now part of Molex, but the product family’s behavior stays consistent across revisions, which in many cases makes migration and spares planning much easier.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty period: 365 days
• Delivery time: 1 week for in-stock; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment before delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• Dual PROFIBUS DP channels – Two independent RS‑485 segments for separate lines or redundant topologies.
• Master/Slave flexibility – Operates as DP master or slave (per channel), which typically reduces spares and engineering variants.
• VMEbus host interface – Seamless slot-in integration with established VME CPU platforms.
• Up to 12 Mbit/s – Standard PROFIBUS DP data rates with auto-detection, handy during field commissioning.
• Robust diagnostics – Front-panel status LEDs and driver logs to speed up troubleshooting.
• Field-proven SST stack – Consistent protocol behavior across the SST-PFB3 family; in many cases, drop-in replacement across revisions is achievable.

Technical Specifications

Related or Supporting Products

• SST-PFB3-VME – Single‑channel VME variant; ideal when only one PROFIBUS segment is needed.
• SST-PFB3-PCI-2 – PCI form factor with two PROFIBUS channels; useful for workstation or IPC hosts.
• SST-PFB3-PCI – Single‑channel PCI option; similar protocol stack with one DP segment.
• Standard PROFIBUS DP accessories – Shielded PROFIBUS cable, 9‑pin D‑sub connectors, active terminators, and segment repeaters for extended runs.

Quick customer note: A packaging OEM recently swapped a failing legacy VME PB board for the SST-PFB3-VME-2 and, after mapping the GSD parameters, they were back online in under an hour. The two channels let them separate motion drives from pneumatics, which seems to reduce fault chasing during changeovers.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet & chassis – Install in a clean, ventilated VME chassis. Maintain airflow around the slot; avoid hot‑spots near power supplies.
• Wiring practices – Use shielded PROFIBUS DP cable; connect shields to the panel ground at one end to prevent ground loops. Keep A/B polarity consistent across devices.
• Termination – Enable termination only at the two physical ends of each segment. Active terminators are recommended for improved stability.
• Baud rate & length – Match cable lengths to baud rate (e.g., shorter runs at 12 Mbps). Auto‑baud helps during commissioning.
• ESD & handling – Power down the VME chassis before insertion/removal; follow ESD precautions.
• Routine maintenance – Periodically inspect connectors, re‑seat D‑subs, and verify termination switches. Back up configuration/GSDs and update firmware/drivers during scheduled downtime.

Quality & Certifications

• CE conformity and RoHS compliance are typical for the SST-PFB3 family; specific markings may vary by hardware revision.
• UL/CSA recognition often applies to board-level components; we can verify by serial/label prior to shipment.
• Manufacturer lineage: Woodhead SST (now part of Molex) with established industrial fieldbus protocol stacks.

If you need us to cross-check your exact revision or confirm certifications against your QA checklist, share the current part label and we’ll validate before you place the order.