Description
The MOTOROLA MVME2434 is a highly integrated, high-performance single-board computer (SBC) designed for embedded real-time control and computing applications. Based on the robust VMEbus architecture, this board was a cornerstone for demanding industrial automation, telecommunications, military, and transportation systems, serving as a powerful processor module within larger chassis-based systems.
Product Description
The MOTOROLA MVME2434 is a VMEbus module featuring a powerful Motorola 68040 or 68EC040 microprocessor. Its primary function is to execute complex control algorithms, data processing, and communication tasks as the central computing engine in a VME system chassis. Integrating the MOTOROLA MVME2434 into a rack provided substantial processing power for applications requiring real-time determinism and high reliability. This SBC typically managed supervisory control, data logging, and network gateway functions in automation systems. The design of the MOTOROLA MVME2434 emphasized both computational performance and versatile I/O connectivity, making it a flexible building block for system integrators. For engineers developing specialized control systems in the 1990s and early 2000s, the MOTOROLA MVME2434 offered a proven, off-the-shelf computing platform. Its architecture supported running real-time operating systems (RTOS) like VxWorks or LynxOS, which were critical for deterministic performance.
Product Parameters
-
Manufacturer: Motorola Computer Group (now part of Emerson Network Power/Secure Systems).
-
Architecture: VME64 or VME32 (6U form factor).
-
Model: MVME2434.
-
Microprocessor: Motorola MC68040 or MC68EC040, operating at clock speeds of 25MHz or higher.
-
Memory: Equipped with onboard DRAM (typically 4MB, expandable via SIMs), and SRAM for critical data.
-
I/O Interfaces: Commonly included SCSI, Ethernet (10BASE-T via SCC), serial ports (RS-232/422), parallel port, and a VMEbus P2 connector for custom I/O.
-
Expansion: Featured IndustryPack (IP) or PMC (PCI Mezzanine Card) sites for adding specialized interface functions like analog I/O, digital I/O, or additional communication ports.
-
Operating System Support: Designed to run various real-time operating systems (RTOS) including VxWorks, LynxOS, and OS-9.
Advantages and Features
-
High Real-Time Performance: The 68040 CPU with integrated FPU and MMU provided excellent computational power for complex control logic and data processing in real-time environments.
-
Rugged & Reliable Design: Built to industrial and often military-grade standards, the MOTOROLA MVME2434 was known for its durability and long-term stability in harsh operating conditions.
-
VMEbus Ecosystem: Leveraged the well-established, high-bandwidth, and multi-master capable VMEbus backplane for scalable system expansion with other specialized I/O and controller cards.
-
Flexible I/O Expansion: The inclusion of IndustryPack or PMC mezzanine sites allowed for significant customization to meet specific application interface requirements.
-
Strong RTOS Support: Its compatibility with leading real-time operating systems ensured predictable, deterministic system behavior crucial for automation and control tasks.
Application Cases in Industry
-
Industrial Automation: Served as the main controller in complex manufacturing lines, robotic cells, and supervisory control systems, often interfacing with PLCs via networks.
-
Telecommunications: Used in telecom switching and transmission equipment for control and management plane functions.
-
Military/Aerospace: Deployed in radar systems, flight simulators, and vehicle control systems where ruggedness and real-time performance were paramount.
-
Transportation Systems: Applied in railway signaling and control systems, as well as automated test equipment for automotive manufacturing.
Comparison with Competing Products
During its era, competing VME SBCs came from companies like Force Computers (now Curtiss-Wright) and Radisys. The MOTOROLA MVME2434 was often compared to Intel i386/i486-based VME boards. Its key advantage was the performance and elegance of the 68040 architecture, which was highly favored in real-time and embedded circles for its clean design and powerful instruction set. Compared to standard PLCs of the time, the MOTOROLA MVME2434 offered far greater raw computing power, flexibility, and the ability to run a full operating system, but required significantly more software and system integration expertise.
Selection Suggestions and Precautions
-
Legacy System Support: The MOTOROLA MVME2434 is now a legacy component. Its primary use is for maintenance, repair, and lifecycle extension of existing systems. Verify it is the exact replacement for a failed module.
-
Comprehensive Compatibility Check: Ensure compatibility with the specific VME chassis (backplane revision), system power supply, and any existing IndustryPack or PMC mezzanine cards. Firmware and RTOS version alignment is also critical.
-
Software & Documentation: Secure all necessary documentation, board support packages (BSPs), and RTOS licenses before attempting integration or replacement. Source code for the application software is essential.
-
Source from Specialist Suppliers: Given its age, procure the MOTOROLA MVME2434 from reputable suppliers specializing in legacy industrial computing components. Be wary of obsolete stock with degraded capacitors or batteries.
-
Consider Migration Planning: For any new project or major system overhaul, strongly consider migrating to a modern PLC, PAC, or industrial PC platform. This will provide better support, performance, and long-term viability compared to investing in legacy VME technology.
ABB P350/070 PLC
SAMT 11 dcs
ABB SAFT121 PLC
ABB SAFT120 DCS
TU84Z ABB PLC
ABB SAFT171 DCS
ABB USART-86-8CH DCS
SAFT138 ABB
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.