MOTOROLA MVME2432

Description

Introduction to the MOTOROLA MVME2432

Product Description

The MOTOROLA MVME2432 is a high-performance single-board computer (SBC) belonging to the renowned VMEbus-based Motorola (now part of NXP) MVME family. Designed for embedded computing in demanding real-time and industrial environments, this board integrates a powerful microprocessor, memory, and essential I/O interfaces on a single 6U VME form factor card. The MOTOROLA MVME2432 served as the central processing unit in complex automation, telecommunications, and military systems where deterministic performance and reliability were critical. As part of the MVME2400 series, this SBC provided the computational backbone for sophisticated data acquisition, process control, and signal processing applications. Its architecture was a benchmark for open-standards embedded computing in its era. Programming and maintaining the MOTOROLA MVME2432 required specialized knowledge of real-time operating systems and the VME bus architecture.

Product Parameters

• Product Series: Motorola MVME2400 Series (VMEbus)

• Model: MVME2432

• Device Type: Single Board Computer (SBC) / CPU Board

• Processor: Typically featured a high-performance 32-bit or 64-bit Motorola (Freescale) microprocessor, such as a PowerPC 603e or 750 series CPU.

• Memory: Equipped with onboard DRAM (SDRAM) and often cache memory, with expansion capabilities via mezzanine modules.

• Bus Interface: Primary interface is the VME64 bus for system expansion and communication with other VME cards (I/O, communication).

• Onboard I/O: Includes standard interfaces such as Ethernet (10/100Base-T), serial ports (RS-232/422/485), SCSI, and a PMC (PCI Mezzanine Card) expansion site for custom I/O.

• Form Factor: Standard 6U VME (233mm x 160mm).

• Operating System Support: Designed to run real-time operating systems (RTOS) like VxWorks, LynxOS, and QNX.

Advantages and Features

The primary advantage of the MOTOROLA MVME2432 was its combination of raw processing power, industrial ruggedness, and the flexibility of the open VMEbus standard. Its key features included a high-speed processor capable of handling complex algorithms, a rich set of integrated I/O which reduced the need for additional cards, and the ability to expand functionality via the PMC site. The board was designed for high reliability in extended temperature ranges and could withstand the vibrations typical of industrial settings. Its architecture supported true multiprocessing within a VME chassis, allowing systems to be scaled for performance. The widespread adoption of the MVME platform meant strong third-party software and hardware support.

Application Cases in Industry

This single-board computer was deployed in high-end, compute-intensive industrial applications. In industrial automation, it powered complex machine vision systems, robotic controllers, and high-speed data acquisition systems for test and measurement. Within the telecommunications sector, the MOTOROLA MVME2432 was used in network switches, routers, and base station controllers. For defense and aerospace, it served in radar signal processing, flight simulators, and avionics test equipment. It was also commonly found in medical imaging devices and scientific instrumentation where real-time data processing was required.

Comparison with Competing Products

Competing products during its active era included SBCs from Force Computers (also on VMEbus) and the shift towards CompactPCI. The MOTOROLA MVME2432 competed through the sheer market dominance and ecosystem of the Motorola/Freescale PowerPC architecture and the VMEbus standard. Compared to early industrial PCs, the MVME platform offered superior mechanical robustness, better deterministic performance via the VME bus, and more reliable operation in harsh environments. Its main competitors eventually became more integrated PLC/PAC solutions from companies like GE, Rockwell, and Siemens, which offered easier programming but often less raw computing power for specialized tasks.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

Selecting a MOTOROLA MVME2432 today is almost exclusively for maintaining or upgrading legacy systems. The most critical factors are ensuring hardware and firmware revision compatibility with the existing VME chassis, backplane, and all associated I/O cards. The required processor speed, memory size, and the specific drivers for the installed RTOS must be confirmed. Due to its age, availability is typically from the surplus or refurbished market.

Precautions:

• This is a legacy product; sourcing genuine, tested boards can be challenging and technical support is limited.

• Handling requires strict ESD (electrostatic discharge) precautions to avoid damaging sensitive components.

• System integration requires deep expertise in the VMEbus architecture, the specific RTOS, and often low-level board support package (BSP) configuration.

• Power requirements and cooling for the VME chassis must be adequate for the full card load.

• Firmware and driver compatibility between the MVME2432, other VME cards, and the RTOS version is a complex and critical consideration.

2711-k5a1l1 AB
2711-K9C1 AB
1794-ASB AB
MVI56E-MNETR-CC AB