GE VMIVME 4140-000

Description

GE VMIVME 4140-000 – VMEbus Single Board Computer (SBC)

Product Description
The GE VMIVME 4140-000 is a high-performance Single Board Computer (SBC) designed for the VMEbus (VersaModule Eurocard) industrial computing platform. This module is not a traditional PLC I/O card but a powerful, self-contained computing engine used as the central processing unit in ruggedized VME systems deployed for real-time control, data acquisition, and simulation. The GE VMIVME 4140-000 integrates a microprocessor, memory, and essential interfaces on a single 6U VME board. It was commonly used as the main controller in systems built for demanding environments like industrial automation, military, aerospace, and telecommunications, where it would run a real-time operating system (RTOS) and execute complex control algorithms that might otherwise be handled by a high-end PLC or custom system.

Product Parameters

• Type: VMEbus Single Board Computer (CPU Board).

• Form Factor: 6U VME (single slot).

• Processor: Likely based on a high-performance Motorola/IBM PowerPC or Intel architecture microprocessor (specific to the 4140 model; requires exact datasheet).

• Memory: Onboard DRAM (SDRAM) and Flash memory for the operating system and application.

• Onboard Interfaces (Typical for such SBCs):

  • Ethernet: One or more 10/100 Mbps ports.

  • Serial: Multiple RS-232/422/485 ports.

  • USB: USB 1.1 or 2.0 ports.

  • Parallel/GPIO: General-purpose digital I/O.

  • Graphics: Possibly a VGA or similar interface.

• VMEbus Interface: Acts as the system controller (Slot 1) or as a high-performance slave. Supports VME64 or VME64x extensions for high-bandwidth data transfer with other VME cards (I/O, communication, specialty cards).

• Real-Time Support: Designed to run real-time operating systems such as VxWorks, QNX, or Linux with real-time patches.

• Operating Temperature: Designed for extended industrial temperature ranges.

Advantages and Features

• High Performance in Harsh Environments: The GE VMIVME 4140-000 was engineered for reliable operation under extreme conditions of temperature, vibration, and shock, surpassing the specifications of standard commercial computers.

• Deterministic Real-Time Performance: When paired with an RTOS, it provides predictable, low-latency response times critical for closed-loop control, simulation, and high-speed data processing tasks.

• Modular and Scalable Architecture: As part of the VME ecosystem, it could be combined with a vast array of specialized VME cards from GE and other vendors (analog/digital I/O, motion control, communication interfaces) to build a custom, high-performance control system.

• Long Lifecycle & Support: Products in the VMIC (later GE Fanuc, then GE Intelligent Platforms) VME line were known for long-term availability and support, which is essential for military and industrial projects with decades-long lifespans.

• Robust Construction: Features conformal coating, robust connectors, and industrial-grade components to ensure longevity.

Application Cases in Various Fields

• Industrial Automation & Control: Served as the main controller in complex machine control systems, test stands, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment requiring more power or customization than standard PLCs offered.

• Military & Aerospace: Used in vehicle control systems, radar/sonar signal processing, and flight simulators where ruggedness and reliability are paramount.

• Telecommunications: Deployed in telecom infrastructure equipment for signal processing and control.

• Scientific Research & Data Acquisition: Used as the core of high-channel-count, high-speed data acquisition and processing systems in laboratories and test facilities.

Comparisons with Competing Products

• Competing VME SBCs (Motorola, Force Computers, Kontron): Companies like Motorola (now Curtiss-Wright) were direct competitors in the VME SBC market. The GE VMIVME 4140-000 competed on performance, I/O feature set, and the strength of GE’s overall VME ecosystem.

• Modern Industrial PCs (IPCs): Today, ruggedized rackmount or box IPCs with PCI/PCIe expansion have largely replaced VME systems for new designs due to higher performance, lower cost, and more modern interfaces. The 4140-000 represents a previous generation of rugged computing.

• High-End PLCs (e.g., GE RX7i, Siemens S7-400): While PLCs offer a standardized programming environment (IEC 61131-3), a system built around a VMIVME 4140-000 running an RTOS offered greater raw computing power, flexibility in programming languages (C/C++), and direct access to low-level hardware for specialized applications.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

1. Confirm it’s a Legacy/Spare Part Solution: The GE VMIVME 4140-000 is almost certainly a component for maintaining an existing legacy system. It should not be selected for a new design unless mandated by a specific long-term support contract.

2. Obtain the Exact Datasheet: The “4140-000” number is critical. You must obtain the specific technical manual to confirm the CPU type, memory, I/O ports, and compatible firmware/RTOS versions. Assumptions based on other VMIVME models are risky.

3. Requires a Full VME System: This SBC is useless without a compatible VME chassis (with a suitable backplane and power supply), a development system with the correct RTOS tools, and potentially other VME cards to form a complete system.

4. Specialized Software & Skills: Developing for this platform requires expertise in the target RTOS (e.g., VxWorks development kit) and low-level system programming, which is very different from ladder logic PLC programming.

5. Source from Reputable Suppliers: Given its age and application in critical systems, purchase from authorized GE channels or highly reputable surplus specialists who can provide testing guarantees. Beware of counterfeit or reclaimed components.

6. Plan for Obsolescence: Actively develop a migration strategy for the entire system. Long-term reliance on the VMIVME 4140-000 carries significant supply chain and knowledge base risks.

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