MOTOROLA MVME162-13

Description

Product Description

The MOTOROLA MVME162-13 is a classic VMEbus embedded controller module from Motorola’s renowned MVME162 series, based on the Motorola MC68040 microprocessor. This single-board computer (SBC) has become a legendary workhorse in industrial automation, defense systems, telecommunications infrastructure, and transportation control applications over several decades. The core function of the MOTOROLA MVME162-13 is to serve as the central processing unit in embedded systems, executing real-time application software, managing data acquisition, and controlling peripheral devices in mission-critical environments. Based on the 32-bit MC68040 processor, the MVME162-13 delivers robust performance in a rugged 6U VME form factor. Engineered for long-term reliability in demanding environments, this board has earned a reputation for exceptional durability and has been deployed in thousands of applications worldwide over several decades.

Product Parameters

• Model Number: MOTOROLA MVME162-13

• Type: Single-Board Computer (SBC) / VMEbus Embedded Controller

• Form Factor: 6U VMEbus

• Processor: Motorola MC68040 (typically 25 MHz or 33 MHz)

• Memory: Typically 8 MB or 16 MB DRAM with parity or ECC options

• Flash Memory: Boot Flash for firmware storage

• VMEbus Interface: Full VMEbus master/slave interface with system controller capability

• Serial Ports: Multiple RS-232/RS-422 serial ports for terminal and device communication

• Parallel Port: Centronics-compatible parallel port

• Ethernet: On-board Ethernet interface (10BaseT or AUI)

• SCSI: On-board SCSI controller for mass storage connectivity

• Timers: Multiple programmable timers and watchdog timer

• Real-Time Clock: Battery-backed real-time clock

• Operating Systems: Support for VxWorks, OS-9, pSOS+, and other real-time operating systems

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to +55°C (commercial), extended ranges for industrial versions

• Certification: CE, FCC, UL (component recognition)

Advantages and Features

The primary advantage of the MOTOROLA MVME162-13 lies in its legendary reliability and the stability of the 68040 architecture. Using the MVME162-13 allows system integrators to build applications with confidence in long-term operation, as this board has a proven track record of running continuously for years in demanding environments. The comprehensive I/O complement—including Ethernet, SCSI, serial, and parallel interfaces—makes the MOTOROLA MVME162-13 a complete computing solution on a single board, reducing the need for additional modules. The board’s support for multiple real-time operating systems provides flexibility in software development, with VxWorks and OS-9 being particularly common choices for MVME162-13 applications. The presence of a watchdog timer ensures system integrity by automatically resetting the board in case of software hangs. The rugged construction and high-quality components used in the MOTOROLA MVME162-13 contribute to its exceptional mean time between failures (MTBF) and long lifecycle support. For legacy systems, the MVME162-13 remains a vital spare part, enabling continued operation of equipment that would otherwise require expensive redesign.

Application Cases in Application Fields

The MOTOROLA MVME162-13 has been deployed in countless applications across a wide range of industries over its long production history.

• Industrial Automation: In steel mill control systems, multiple MVME162-13 boards manage different sections of the mill, with one handling roughing stands, another for finishing stands, and a third for coiler control, all communicating over the VMEbus backplane.

• Telecommunications: In central office telephone switches, MOTOROLA MVME162-13 controllers manage call processing and switching functions, providing the reliability required for “five-nines” (99.999%) availability.

• Military Systems: In ground-based radar systems, the MVME162-13 processes return signals and controls antenna positioning, operating in harsh environments with extended temperature ranges.

• Transportation: In railway signaling and control systems, MOTOROLA MVME162-13 boards manage interlocking logic at remote stations, ensuring safe train movements through complex track configurations.

• Medical Imaging: In older CT scanner models, the MVME162-13 handles data acquisition from detector arrays and performs initial image processing before passing data to host computers.

Comparison with Competing Products

When compared to other VMEbus single-board computers of its era, such as the Force Computers SPARC/CPU series or the Heurikon HK68/V3F, the MOTOROLA MVME162-13 offers specific advantages that contributed to its widespread adoption. The 68040 architecture provided excellent integer performance for control applications, while Motorola’s first-party support and documentation made development easier compared to some third-party alternatives. Compared to SPARC-based VME boards, the MVME162-13 often had lower power consumption and better real-time characteristics for deterministic control applications. For legacy system maintainers, the MOTOROLA MVME162-13 benefits from an extensive installed base and readily available spare parts on the secondary market, while some competing products have become harder to source.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

When selecting the MOTOROLA MVME162-13 for your application, first verify the specific revision level and processor speed required for your software. Ensure the MVME162-13 has sufficient memory for your application; different configurations offer varying amounts of DRAM. Verify that the boot firmware version is compatible with your operating system requirements. When installing the MVME162-13 in a VME chassis, observe proper electrostatic discharge precautions and ensure that the board is securely seated in the backplane and properly retained. Check that the power supply in your chassis can provide adequate current on the required voltages (+5V, ±12V) for the MOTOROLA MVME162-13 and any other boards. For systems with battery-backed real-time clock, check the battery status and replace if necessary when the board is received from storage. When configuring the MVME162-13, ensure that VMEbus address switches and other configuration jumpers are set correctly for your system architecture. For critical applications, maintain a spare MOTOROLA MVME162-13 board on hand, as these legacy components may have longer lead times if sourced through secondary markets.

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