TEWS TVME200-10

Description

TEWS TVME200-10 — VMEbus Communication Interface Board

Product Description: TEWS TVME200-10

TEWS TVME200-10 is a high-performance communication interface board manufactured by TEWS Technologies, a specialist in embedded computing solutions for industrial applications. This board is designed to be installed in a VMEbus system chassis, providing a critical bridge between the VMEbus backplane and external devices or networks. The primary function of the TEWS TVME200-10 is to add robust, deterministic communication capabilities—most commonly for serial interfaces like RS-232 and RS-422/485—to VMEbus-based control systems, which are often used in demanding sectors like transportation, industrial automation, and scientific instrumentation. By integrating a board like the TVME200-10, system designers can connect PLCs, motion controllers, or other computing nodes on the VMEbus to peripherals such as operator panels, scanners, sensors, or other serial-based equipment.

Product Parameters

• Bus Standard: VMEbus (VME64/VME64x), 6U form factor.

• Board Type: Communication Interface Board (Serial I/O).

• Key Interfaces:

  • Serial Ports: Features multiple high-speed asynchronous serial channels (e.g., RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485). The exact number and type (e.g., 4x RS-232, 2x RS-422/485) are defined by the “10” variant suffix.

  • Configuration: Often includes programmable baud rates, data formats, and FIFO buffers for reliable data handling.

• Controller: Utilizes a dedicated communication controller (e.g., based on a Texas Instruments TL16C554 or similar quad UART chip) to offload processing from the main CPU.

• Interrupts: Supports VMEbus interrupts for efficient event-driven communication.

• Addressing: Configurable base address and interrupt levels via onboard switches or software.

• Power: Powered directly from the VMEbus backplane (+5V).

• Operating Temperature: Designed for industrial temperature ranges (typically 0°C to +70°C or wider).

Advantages and Features

1. Reliable Industrial Connectivity: The TEWS TVME200-10 provides robust, noise-immune serial communication (especially in RS-422/485 mode) essential for connecting VMEbus systems to legacy or industrial field devices over long distances.

2. Dedicated Communication Processor: By offloading serial protocol handling from the main system CPU, this board increases overall system performance and ensures deterministic data transfer for real-time control applications.

3. VMEbus System Integration: It seamlessly integrates into the standardized VMEbus architecture, a proven platform known for its ruggedness, high data throughput, and support for multi-processor configurations in critical environments.

4. Flexible Configuration: The serial ports on the TVME200-10 are typically highly configurable in terms of protocol (RS-232 vs. 422/485), baud rate, and data format, making it adaptable to a wide range of existing equipment.

5. Proven Durability: TEWS boards are built for long-term reliability in challenging conditions, featuring industrial-grade components and conformal coating options for protection against dust and humidity.

Application Cases in Various Fields

• Industrial Automation: Connecting a VMEbus-based PLC or motion controller in a manufacturing cell to multiple serial devices like barcode readers, weighing scales, or legacy operator terminals.

• Railway Transportation: Used in onboard train control or passenger information systems to interface with serial data links for diagnostics, signage, or door controls.

• Medical and Scientific Equipment: Providing serial communication ports in imaging systems or laboratory analyzers built on a VMEbus platform.

• Telecommunications: Serving as a communication interface in legacy telephony switches or transmission equipment that utilizes the VMEbus standard.

• Defense and Aerospace: Integrating serial data links for navigation, communications, or test equipment in military platforms.

Comparisons with Competing Products

Direct competitors include similar VMEbus serial I/O boards from manufacturers like Kontron, MEN Mikro Elektronik, and GE Intelligent Platforms (now Abaco Systems). The TEWS TVME200-10 competes based on TEWS’s strong reputation for quality and long-term availability in the embedded market. Key differentiators may include the specific UART controller used, driver support for various real-time operating systems (e.g., VxWorks, QNX, Linux), and the availability of specific ruggedized versions. Competing boards might offer different port counts or combinations (e.g., adding CAN bus or MIL-STD-1553 interfaces).

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

1. Confirm Port Type and Count: Carefully verify the exact specification of the TVME200-10 variant. The suffix “-10” indicates a specific configuration; ensure the number of ports and the electrical standard (RS-232 vs. RS-422/485) match your application’s requirements.

2. Check Driver and OS Compatibility: Before integration, confirm that TEWS provides supported device drivers or software libraries for the real-time operating system (RTOS) or software environment running on your VMEbus host CPU.

3. Plan Addressing and Interrupts: Properly set the board’s base address and interrupt level (via hardware switches or software) to avoid conflicts with other cards in the VMEbus chassis. Document this configuration thoroughly.

4. Consider Cabling and Environment: For RS-422/485 networks, ensure proper termination and use shielded, twisted-pair cables. In harsh environments, specify conformal coating for the TVME200-10 board if available.

EMERSON CE4003S2B4 DCSPLC
CE4003S2B5 EMERSON
VE4003S2B6 EMERSON PLC
EMERSON CE4003S2B6
EMERSON VE4003S3B3