Description
The Xycom (later Xembedded / Acromag) XVME-957 is a legacy industrial mass storage subsystem module designed for VMEbus-based computer architectures. It provides localized data storage capacity—combining a hard disk drive and a floppy disk drive—within a single modular VMEbus slot configuration.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Manufacturer | Xycom (subsequently Xembedded / Acromag) |
| Product Type | VMEbus Mass Storage Sub-System Module |
| Model Designation | XVME-957 (e.g., Part Series 70957) |
| System Compatibility | Xycom VMEbus PC/AT Processor Modules |
| Storage Media | Integrated IDE Hard Disk Drive (capacity dependent on sub-revision, typically ranging from hundreds of megabytes to gigabytes) & 1.44 MB 3.5″ Floppy Disk Drive |
| Form Factor | Standard VMEbus Module format |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +55°C (standard industrial range) |
| Enclosure Protection | IP00 / IP20 (intended for installation inside a protected VMEbus card cage / industrial chassis) |
Supply Terms & Commercial Details
- Availability: As a legacy hardware component, factory-fresh production has ceased. Sourcing relies primarily on specialized industrial automation surplus, secondary hardware brokers, or pre-tested refurbished stock.
- Lead Time: In-stock surplus components typically ship within 3 to 5 business days.
- Warranty: 12-month standard supplier replacement or repair warranty (verify specific coverage parameters with your vendor for surplus/refurbished tiers).
- Condition: New Surplus, Factory Open Box, or Fully Tested Refurbished (confirm exact drive health state and configuration specs upon inquiry).
- Pricing Note: Market pricing varies due to obsolescence; contact your supplier for a formal quotation.
Engineering & Integration Guidance
When installing, maintaining, or upgrading the XVME-957 module within a VMEbus chassis, observe the following technical considerations:
- Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Handling: Use a grounded antistatic wrist strap and safe handling procedures to protect sensitive board components and interface logic during insertion or removal.
- Backplane Power Safety: Completely de-energize the main VME rack power supply before inserting or extracting the module to prevent electrical arcing, bus lockups, or damage to backplane pins.
- Legacy Media Considerations: Because mechanical hard drives and 3.5″ floppy drives from this era have finite lifespans, many modern system maintainers opt for drop-in solid-state IDE or CompactFlash (CF) storage conversions to enhance long-term reliability in harsh industrial environments.
- Processor Compatibility: Ensure the module is configured properly to interface with your specific host VME PC/AT CPU board (such as matching Xycom processor architectures).
Frequently Asked Questions
What system architecture uses the Xycom XVME-957?
The XVME-957 is engineered specifically for VMEbus industrial computer chassis running PC/AT compatible processor environments for data-intensive applications.
Can the mechanical hard drive be replaced with modern solid-state storage?
Yes. Many system integrators and secondary parts suppliers offer or configure compatible IDE-to-CompactFlash (CF) or solid-state disk (SSD) alternatives to eliminate moving parts and extend system lifespan.
Is this module hot-swappable?
No. Standard VMEbus architectures of this generation do not support hot-swapping. Always power down the entire rack enclosure before servicing or replacing internal modules.
