Description
1. At-A-Glance Executive Brief
- Model: MVME55006E-0163
- Brand: Emerson / Artesyn (formerly Motorola / Force Computers)
- Part Type: VMEbus Single-Board Computer (SBC) / Processor Board
- Lifecycle Status: Mature / Legacy Support Line
- Weight: 1.0 kg
- Core Protocol: 2eSST VMEbus, Gigabit Ethernet
2. Technical Introduction
A sudden processor failure or memory parity error within a legacy VME-based control cluster can bring complex industrial, defense, or scientific applications to an immediate halt.
The Emerson MVME55006E-0163 is a high-availability VMEbus single-board computer powered by an Altivec-enabled PowerPC processor architecture. Featuring on-board ECC memory, robust flash storage, and the high-speed Tundra Tsi148 VME interface bridge supporting 2eSST transfers, it is built to manage heavy deterministic workloads in harsh environments. Deploying this drop-in replacement module restores critical processing nodes without requiring system software rewrites or mechanical rack redesigns.
Engineer’s Takeaway: Procuring a verified original MVME55006E-0163 ensures absolute physical and electrical compatibility with legacy VMEbus backplanes, eliminating costly downtime during unscheduled hardware swaps.
3. Core Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Microprocessor | Motorola PowerPC MPC7455 with Altivec technology |
| Clock Frequency | 1.0 GHz nominal |
| System Memory | 512MB / 1GB on-board DDR ECC SDRAM |
| Flash Memory | 64MB soldered flash memory |
| VMEbus Interface | Tundra Tsi148 with 2eSST protocol support (up to 320 MB/s) |
| Ethernet Interfaces | Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports (10/100/1000 Mbps) |
| Expansion Slots | Two 33/66 MHz PMC mezzanine sites |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +55°C standard industrial environment |
4. Field Engineer’s Tech Notes
- Real-Time Clock Battery Maintenance: Check the on-board lithium battery or external SnapHat module prior to commissioning a surplus board. If voltage levels have depleted during long-term storage, system BIOS configurations, NVRAM network parameters, and real-time clock tracking will reset on power-down.
- VME Backplane Bus Grant Jumpers: Ensure that slot-specific geographical addressing pins and backplane grant/request jumper configurations are matched precisely to the slot position being populated. Failure to align bus arbitration lines can result in system lockups during master initialization.
5. Adaptive QA & Testing Protocol
Every unit undergoes rigorous bench validation prior to dispatch. For the MVME55006E-0163, our technicians mount the board in a dedicated VME test chassis to execute thorough memory diagnostics across all on-board DDR ECC banks. We verify bootloader operation, test dual Gigabit Ethernet ports under packet load, and confirm 2eSST bus communication integrity. Functional test reports or pre-shipment video verification can be provided upon request.
6. Buyer’s FAQ
- Are these boards supplied as New Surplus or refurbished?We stock both factory-sealed New Surplus (NSFP) and fully tested, static-safe refurbished units. Condition status is explicitly documented on every quote.
- What warranty coverage comes with this part?All replacement hardware is backed by a standard 12-month operational warranty from the date of invoice.
- How fast can this processor board ship to minimize downtime?In-stock items ship same-day via priority air courier services to global destinations, mitigating critical path delays during emergency turnarounds.
- Is this SBC a direct replacement for older MVME5500 variants?Yes, the MVME55006E-0163 maintains exact form-factor, pin-out, and software image compatibility with your existing VME rack architecture.
