Product Overview

The Woodward SST-DN3-PCI-2 Network Interface Card connects a host computer to DeviceNet networks through a conventional PCI expansion interface. It is a dual-channel communication card used in industrial PC-based control systems where the computer needs to exchange data with networked field devices, rather than relying solely on onboard communication ports.

The card contains two independent DeviceNet interfaces, each controlled by its own CPU. This arrangement allows the two channels to handle separate network connections without sharing the same channel-processing resources. In a control cabinet or industrial computer, this can be useful when equipment is divided across two DeviceNet segments or when separate groups of field devices must communicate with the host application.

The SST-DN3-PCI-2 is particularly relevant to legacy automation systems built around industrial PCs with standard PCI slots. A replacement computer must support the card’s physical bus interface, and the application software must be compatible with its drivers and communication API. A PCI Express slot alone is not equivalent to a conventional PCI slot, so computer compatibility needs to be established before replacing the host platform.

During commissioning, engineers should verify both DeviceNet channels independently, including network wiring, node addressing, communication speed, and application-level data exchange. The card provides the computer-side network interface; the connected DeviceNet devices, network configuration, and host software determine how the exchanged data is used by the control application.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

• Dual DeviceNet channels: Provides two independent network interfaces on one PCI card.
• Independent channel processing: Each channel uses its own CPU, separating its processing resources from the other channel.
• Conventional PCI interface: Connects to a compatible host computer with a standard PCI expansion slot.
• DeviceNet communication: Supports network connections to compatible industrial field devices.
• Multiple network speeds: Supports the standard DeviceNet baud rates of 125, 250, and 500 kbps.
• Channel status indication: Onboard LEDs assist with checking card health and communication conditions.
• Host application integration: Firmware and application software determine how the card’s communication capabilities are used.
• Industrial network segmentation: Allows two DeviceNet connections to be managed through a single host interface card.

Working Principle

The SST-DN3-PCI-2 acts as the communication link between the host computer and two DeviceNet networks. The card’s PCI interface connects it to the host system, while its two DeviceNet channels connect to field devices through the network connectors.

A typical communication path is:

Host Computer / Control Application → PCI Bus → SST-DN3-PCI-2 → DeviceNet Network → Field Devices

When the host application needs information from a connected device, the application software uses the appropriate interface functions to exchange data through the card. The card’s channel processor handles the network-side communication according to the loaded firmware and configured operating mode. Data received from the network is then made available to the host application for monitoring, control, or other programmed tasks.

The two channels can operate independently. For example, one channel may connect to a group of remote I/O devices while the second connects to another DeviceNet segment. Because each channel has its own CPU, communication activity on one channel does not directly consume the processing resources of the other channel.

The host computer must still have the appropriate drivers, firmware, and application software. Installing the card in a compatible slot does not by itself establish communication. Engineers must also configure the network baud rate, node addresses, wiring, and application parameters to match the connected devices.

DeviceNet uses CAN-based communication, so network termination, cable layout, grounding, and power distribution must follow the requirements of the network installation. If the card is detected by the computer but devices remain unreachable, troubleshooting should cover both the host-side configuration and the physical network.

Role in an Industrial Communication Architecture

The SST-DN3-PCI-2 provides the interface between a PCI-based host computer and DeviceNet field networks. It handles the network connection, while the host application determines how device data is interpreted and used.

Control Application → Host Driver / API → PCI Bus → SST-DN3-PCI-2 → DeviceNet → Remote I/O and Field Devices

The card’s role depends on the software environment and network configuration. Correct operation requires compatibility across the PCI hardware, driver and firmware versions, host application, and connected DeviceNet devices.

Industrial Applications

The card is appropriate for systems that specifically require DeviceNet communication through a conventional PCI interface. It should not be treated as a direct substitute for a PCI Express card, a PROFIBUS interface, or an Ethernet adapter without confirming that the replacement meets the host and network requirements.

Installation and Maintenance

1. Verify the model number: Confirm that the card is SST-DN3-PCI-2 and distinguish it from single-channel or differently interfaced variants.
2. Check the host bus: Ensure that the industrial computer provides a compatible conventional PCI slot rather than relying on PCI Express alone.
3. Shut down the host computer: Disconnect power and follow the computer manufacturer’s procedures before installing or removing the card.
4. Use ESD precautions: Handle the circuit board with suitable electrostatic-discharge protection to avoid damaging sensitive components.
5. Inspect the PCI connector: Check the card edge connector and mounting bracket for damage before installation.
6. Secure the card: Seat it fully in the expansion slot and fasten the bracket to prevent movement during operation.
7. Check DeviceNet wiring: Verify the connector pin assignments, cable condition, network polarity, and shield arrangement.
8. Confirm network speed: Set the DeviceNet baud rate to match the connected devices and the existing network.
9. Verify node addressing: Check node addresses and ensure that no duplicate addresses exist on either network segment.
10. Check driver and firmware compatibility: Confirm that the host software recognizes the card and supports the installed firmware and API.
11. Test both channels separately: Verify communication, device discovery, and data exchange on each channel before testing the complete application.
12. Record the configuration: Document the host computer, software versions, channel assignments, baud rates, node addresses, and diagnostic results.

Before inserting or removing the card, ensure the host computer is fully powered down. For DeviceNet troubleshooting, inspect the physical network and its termination before assuming the PCI card has failed. A card that is correctly detected by the host may still be unable to communicate if the network wiring, baud rate, node addressing, or application configuration is incorrect.

Compatible System Components

The SST-DN3-PCI-2 requires a compatible host computer, suitable software support, and correctly configured DeviceNet network components. The following components describe the surrounding communication system rather than a guaranteed list of specific compatible part numbers.

Recommended Related Models

The following interface cards are related by network type or host interface. They serve different communication requirements, so selection should be based on the existing network protocol, computer bus, and software environment.

Key Advantages

• Two independent DeviceNet channels on one PCI card.
• Separate channel processing for independent network operation.
• Conventional PCI integration for compatible industrial computers.
• Support for standard DeviceNet communication speeds.
• Onboard indicators for basic card and channel diagnostics.
• Suitable for maintaining existing PC-based DeviceNet architectures.

Technical FAQs

Can the SST-DN3-PCI-2 be installed in a PCI Express slot?

The card uses a conventional 32-bit PCI interface. PCI Express uses a different bus architecture, so a PCI Express slot should not be assumed to support this card directly. Check the host computer’s expansion hardware before planning an installation.

What is the benefit of having two independent DeviceNet channels?

The two channels can connect to separate DeviceNet networks or device groups. Each channel has its own CPU, allowing the communication processing for one channel to operate independently of the other. The actual system arrangement depends on the host software and network design.

Why is the card detected by the computer but unable to communicate with field devices?

Possible causes include an incorrect baud rate, duplicate node addresses, incorrect wiring, missing network termination, unsuitable firmware, or incompatible host software. Check the host driver and card status first, then verify the physical network and test each channel independently.

Can both channels operate at different DeviceNet baud rates?

Each channel has independent processing resources, but the supported network configuration must be confirmed against the card firmware and software interface. Verify the channel-specific settings and the requirements of the connected devices before assigning different baud rates.