MOTOROLA MVME2400

Description

Product Overview

The MOTOROLA MVME2400 is a high-performance single-board computer (SBC) designed for VMEbus-based industrial automation and embedded control systems. It served as a critical computing engine within complex PLC and DCS environments, particularly where demanding real-time processing, extensive I/O management, or supervisory control was required. Powered by a powerful MC68040 processor, the MOTOROLA MVME2400 delivered the computational muscle needed for advanced automation applications.

Key Product Parameters

• Product Type: VMEbus Single-Board Computer (SBC)

• CPU: Motorola MC68040, typically at 25MHz or 33MHz

• Memory: Typically featured onboard DRAM (4MB to 32MB) and Flash memory for firmware

• Bus Interface: VMEbus Master/Slave, supporting A32/A24/D32/D16/D08(EO) data transfer modes

• Onboard I/O Interfaces: Often included SCSI, Ethernet (10BASE-T or 10BASE2), serial ports (RS-232/422/485), and parallel ports

• Timers: System clock and real-time clock capabilities

• Compatibility: Part of the Motorola MVME product family, designed for use in VME card cages/chassis

Advantages and Core Features

The primary advantage of the MOTOROLA MVME2400 was its robust, real-time performance within an industry-standard VME architecture. Its integrated MC68040 processor provided a balance of high throughput and efficient computing for control algorithms. The board’s design included a comprehensive suite of industrial-grade I/O directly on the SBC, reducing the need for additional interface cards. This integration, a hallmark of the MVME2400 series, contributed to system reliability and compactness. Its rugged construction was intended for 24/7 operation in challenging industrial environments.

Application Scenarios

This SBC was typically deployed as the central processing unit in sophisticated automation systems:

• Complex Machine Control: Serving as the main controller for high-speed packaging, printing, or semiconductor fabrication equipment.

• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA): Acting as a data concentrator and communication front-end in utility and process control networks.

• Military/Aerospace Test Benches: Providing reliable computing power in simulation and testing rigs.

• Telecommunications Infrastructure: Managing switching and network control functions.

Comparison with Competing Products

During its era, the MOTOROLA MVME2400 competed with SBCs from companies like Force Computers and Radisys. Its key differentiator was the widespread adoption of the Motorola 68K architecture in real-time operating systems (RTOS) like VxWorks and pSOS, offering a mature software ecosystem. Compared to some contemporary Intel-based SBCs, the MVME2400 often excelled in deterministic performance and had a strong reputation for hardware stability in harsh conditions. Its main limitation today is its status as a legacy, discontinued product.

Selection Guide and Important Notes

Selecting the MOTOROLA MVME2400 today is almost exclusively for maintaining, repairing, or upgrading legacy systems. It is not a choice for new designs.

Important Precautions:

• Legacy Status: This product is long discontinued. Availability is limited to the refurbished or surplus market.

• Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with the existing VME backplane, chassis power supply, and especially the installed system software/RTOS.

• Obsolescence: Source from reputable suppliers who can provide testing and warranty for refurbished units.

• Successor Strategy: For new projects, consider modern alternatives like PCI Express or VPX-based industrial computers, or high-end PLC/PAC controllers from vendors like Beckhoff, B&R, or Siemens.

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