GE SST-PFB Series PROFIBUS Interface Cards

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

GE SST-PFB Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The SST-PFB Series, developed under the SST (Synergetic Micro Systems / Woodhead Industries) brand and widely deployed within GE Automation & Controls ecosystems, represents a standardized family of PROFIBUS DP/FMS interface cards engineered for integration into VME, ISA, PCI, and PCMCIA bus architectures. These modules are installed across global heavy industry sectors including petrochemical refineries, nuclear power generation facilities, offshore platforms, and continuous-process chemical plants where PROFIBUS DP remains the dominant fieldbus standard for deterministic I/O communication.

The SST-PFB3-VME2 specifically is a dual-channel PROFIBUS DP master/slave interface card for VMEbus backplanes, capable of managing up to 125 slave nodes per channel. It is a critical spare component in legacy DCS and SCADA architectures that have not yet migrated to PROFINET or EtherNet/IP.

The Evolution of SST-PFB Architecture

The SST-PFB product line originated in the early 1990s under Synergetic Micro Systems, which was subsequently acquired by Woodhead Industries and later by Molex LLC (a Koch Industries subsidiary). GE Automation & Controls integrated SST-branded communication cards into its PACSystems and Series 90 control architectures as certified third-party fieldbus interface solutions.

Generation 1 (1993–1999): ISA-bus form factor cards (SST-PFB-ISA series) supporting PROFIBUS DP V0. Single-channel architecture, 12 Mbit/s maximum baud rate. Firmware stored on EPROM. No onboard diagnostics beyond LED indicators.

Generation 2 (1999–2006): PCI and VME bus variants introduced (SST-PFB3-VME, SST-PFB3-PCI). Dual-channel capability added. PROFIBUS DP V1 support enabling acyclic parameter access. Flash-upgradeable firmware. Windows NT/2000 driver support.

Generation 3 (2006–2014): SST-PFB3-VME2 and SST-PFB3-PCI2 revisions. Enhanced EMC compliance to EN 61000. Extended temperature range. PROFIBUS DP V2 isochronous mode support. Linux and Windows XP/7 driver packages. This generation represents the final active production run.

Current Status (2014–present): The entire SST-PFB Series has been declared End-of-Life (EOL) by Molex/Woodhead. No new production. Replacement migration path is toward PROFIBUS-to-EtherNet/IP gateways or native PROFINET controllers. Long-term maintenance support for installed base is exclusively available through specialist distributors.

SST-PFB Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, real-world models within the SST-PFB Series. Each entry reflects the module's primary functional role within a PROFIBUS network architecture.

VMEbus Interface Cards:

• SST-PFB3-VME2: Dual-channel PROFIBUS DP V2 master/slave VMEbus interface, 125 nodes/channel, 12 Mbit/s
• SST-PFB3-VME: Single-revision VMEbus PROFIBUS DP V1 master card, predecessor to VME2 variant
• SST-PFB2-VME: Single-channel VMEbus PROFIBUS DP master, Gen 2 architecture, EPROM firmware

PCI Bus Interface Cards:

• SST-PFB3-PCI: Single-channel PROFIBUS DP V1 PCI master/slave card, 32-bit PCI 2.1 compliant
• SST-PFB3-PCI2: Dual-channel PROFIBUS DP V2 PCI interface, isochronous mode support, Windows 7 drivers
• SST-PFB2-PCI: Gen 2 single-channel PCI PROFIBUS DP master, 5V PCI slot, 12 Mbit/s
• SST-PFB-PCI104: PC/104-Plus form factor PROFIBUS DP master for embedded industrial PCs

ISA Bus Interface Cards:

• SST-PFB3-ISA: Single-channel ISA-bus PROFIBUS DP master, 16-bit ISA, legacy DCS integration
• SST-PFB2-ISA: Gen 2 ISA PROFIBUS DP interface, jumper-configured I/O address, EPROM-based

PCMCIA / PC Card Interface:

• SST-PFB3-PCMCIA: Type II PCMCIA PROFIBUS DP master card for portable engineering workstations
• SST-PFB-PCCARD: CardBus 32-bit PROFIBUS DP interface for laptop-based commissioning tools

CompactPCI Interface Cards:

• SST-PFB3-CPCI: 3U CompactPCI PROFIBUS DP master/slave, hot-swap capable, for ruggedized rack systems
• SST-PFB3-CPCI2: Dual-channel 3U CompactPCI PROFIBUS DP V2, isochronous mode, extended temp range

USB Interface Adapters:

• SST-PFB-USB: USB 2.0 to PROFIBUS DP master adapter, single-channel, for configuration and diagnostics

Accessories & Cables:

• SST-PFB-CABLE-VME: Shielded DB9 PROFIBUS cable assembly for VME card front-panel connector
• SST-PFB-TERM: Active PROFIBUS bus termination resistor module for SST card installations

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete SST-PFB Parts

The SST-PFB Series reached End-of-Life status between 2014 and 2016. Molex/Woodhead no longer manufactures, repairs, or provides firmware updates for any model in this family. For facilities operating GE PACSystems, GE Series 90, or third-party VME/PCI-based DCS platforms that depend on SST-PFB cards, unplanned downtime caused by card failure represents a critical operational risk.

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of tested SST-PFB Series modules sourced from decommissioned plant equipment, controlled surplus channels, and verified OEM overstock. Our procurement team actively tracks global availability of the SST-PFB3-VME2, SST-PFB3-PCI2, SST-PFB3-CPCI, and related variants to ensure continuity of supply for long-term service contracts.

For facilities requiring multi-year lifecycle extension agreements covering the SST-PFB Series, DriveKNMS provides: verified spare inventory reservation, firmware version matching, and cross-reference support to identify compatible replacement pathways where direct substitution is not possible.

Quality Control for the SST-PFB Range

SST-PFB Series cards present specific test challenges due to their dual-bus architecture: the host bus interface (VME, PCI, ISA) and the PROFIBUS physical layer must both be validated independently and in combination.

DriveKNMS applies the following test protocol to all SST-PFB units prior to dispatch:

• Host Bus Continuity Test: VME/PCI/ISA backplane connector pin-out verified against OEM specification using automated bed-of-nails fixture.
• PROFIBUS Physical Layer Test: Each DB9 PROFIBUS port tested at 9.6 kbit/s, 1.5 Mbit/s, and 12 Mbit/s baud rates using a Softing PROFIBUS analyzer to confirm signal integrity and termination compliance per IEC 61158-2.
• Firmware Integrity Check: Flash memory contents verified against known-good firmware image checksums for each hardware revision (Rev A, Rev B, Rev C).
• Master/Slave Mode Functional Test: Card configured as DP master with a live PROFIBUS slave device (Siemens ET 200M) to confirm cyclic data exchange, diagnostic telegram handling, and node address assignment.
• Thermal Burn-In: 48-hour powered operation at 50°C ambient to screen for latent component failures prior to shipment.
• ESD and Handling Inspection: Visual inspection of all ICs, solder joints, and edge connectors under 10x magnification. Cards with evidence of rework, corrosion, or mechanical damage are rejected.