Description
1. Unboxing & Physical Snapshot
- Model & Brand: Motorola / Artesyn Embedded Technologies (VMEbus Computer Systems Division) — MVME162-032 (Embedded VME Controller Board)
- Physical Dimensions: Standard double-high VMEbus module (VME64 compatible), measuring approximately 233 mm high x 160 mm deep x 17 mm thick (9.2 in x 6.3 in).
- Estimated Shipping Weight: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) packed inside heavy anti-static cleanroom packaging, shock-absorbing structural foam, and a reinforced export carton.
- What’s in the Box: MVME162-032 CPU board assembly, front panel extraction handles, onboard battery backup holder, and safety/compliance insert (note: VME backplane chassis and transition modules are ordered separately).
2. Product Introduction
Handling high-performance real-time data acquisition, closed-loop control, and communication tasks across legacy industrial, defense, and telecommunications infrastructure requires a robust, rugged computing architecture. Operating as a versatile single-board computer within Motorola’s mature VMEbus ecosystem, the MVME162-032 combines processing power with extensive modular input/output flexibility.
Engineered around a 25 MHz Motorola MC68LC040 32-bit microprocessor, 8MB of parity-protected DRAM, integrated Ethernet capability, and four IndustryPack (IP) expansion slots, this board manages complex localized control tasks. Plant automation engineers, defense contractors, and legacy system maintainers rely on this exact VME controller specification to maintain, repair, and extend the operational life of critical legacy multi-slot chassis systems without costly architecture overhauls.
3. Core Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Product Series | Motorola MVME162 VMEbus Single Board Computer Platform |
| Model / Part Number | MVME162-032 (Variant: 8MB DRAM / 4 IP / Ethernet build) |
| Microprocessor | 25 MHz Motorola MC68LC040 32-bit microprocessor (with 8KB cache and MMU) |
| System Memory (DRAM) | 8 MB shared Dynamic Random Access Memory with programmable parity |
| Onboard SRAM / NVRAM | 512 KB battery-backed SRAM + Time-of-Day (TOD) clock |
| Flash / EPROM | 1 MB Flash memory configuration + JEDEC standard 32-bit PLCC EPROM socket |
| I/O Expansion Slots | 4 IndustryPack (IP) modular interface slots for custom mezzanine cards |
| Communication Ports | 2 Serial ports (EIA-232-D) + Integrated Ethernet transceiver interface (Intel 82596CA) |
| Operating Temperature | 0^\circC to +55^\circC (32^\circF to 131^\circF) with forced air cooling |
| Storage Temperature | -40^\circC to +85^\circC (-40^\circF to +185^\circF) |
| VMEbus Interface | VMEchip2 system controller functions (A32/D64 master/slave compliance) |
4. Global Compliance & Industry Certifications
VMEbus computing hardware deployed in mission-critical industrial automation, power generation, and transportation networks requires adherence to strict electrical and environmental standards.
- Certifications: CE Conformity, VMEbus International Trade Association (VITA) standards compliance, and ISO 9001 factory manufacturing quality protocols.
- Safety Relevance: The hardware watchdog timer, automatic thermal monitoring, and parity-protected memory subsystems safeguard against software lockups and silent data corruption during continuous real-time execution.
- Audit Note: Keep board revision logs, real-time operating system (RTOS) compatibility records, and battery replacement history logs accessible in your CMMS to satisfy system reliability audits.
5. Long-Term Storage & Asset Preservation Guide
Legacy VME single-board computers stored in warehouse stockrooms face lithium battery degradation, RAM data loss, and electrostatic discharge (ESD) vulnerabilities over extended storage cycles (—requiring careful environmental management to preserve operational readiness). Preserve your asset by executing these procedures:
- Maintain indoor warehouse climates where storage temperatures stay between +10^\circC and +30^\circC while keeping relative humidity strictly below 60% non-condensing.
- Keep the board permanently sealed inside its original factory anti-static moisture-barrier bag alongside active desiccant packs until the exact rack installation window.
- Inspect the onboard lithium battery/cap for voltage integrity every 2–3 years to prevent electrolyte leakage and damage to surrounding circuit traces.
6. Physical Installation Prerequisites
Proper slot alignment, static discharge precautions, and total chassis power isolation are mandatory when installing or replacing VMEbus computer boards.
- Clearance Space: Ensure proper card-cage slot spacing and adequate airflow clearance above and below the double-high VME module to maintain thermal dissipation.
- Grounding Requirements: Always wear an approved ESD wrist strap tied directly to the VME chassis grounding stud before handling or sliding the board into the backplane.
- Power Isolation: De-energize and lock out (LOTO) the entire VME chassis power supply before inserting or extracting the MVME162-032 to prevent backplane bus transceiver damage or data corruption.
7. Buyer’s FAQ (Logistics & Compliance Focus)
Q: What Harmonized System (HS) Tariff Code applies to this Motorola VME board for international shipments?
A: Industrial digital data processing units, electronic controller cards, and VMEbus computer modules typically classify under HS code 8471.50.0150 or 8538.90.8180. Always verify final classifications with your customs broker.
Q: Does the MVME162-032 support standard real-time operating systems (RTOS)?
A: Yes, it is historically compatible with major industrial RTOS platforms including VxWorks, pSOS+, LynxOS, and OS-9.
Q: What is the Country of Origin (COO) for trade compliance record-keeping?
A: Motorola/Artesyn embedded computer boards are manufactured in certified production hubs (primarily the United States), requiring accurate origin declarations on commercial import paperwork.
Q: Is specialized shock-resistant transit insurance required for international cargo delivery?
A: Yes, because legacy multi-layer printed circuit boards, high-density edge connectors, and delicate mezzanine slots are sensitive to heavy drop impacts and transit vibration, full-value freight insurance is strongly recommended.
