Description
Motorola MVME162-023A | VMEbus Single Board Computer New In Stock
Architect’s Product Breakdown
The Motorola MVME162-023A is a highly integrated 32-bit single-board computer built for rigorous VMEbus industrial control applications. Powered by an MC68LC040 processor, this module manages local application execution, memory control, and high-speed communication across the backplane chassis without requiring external coprocessor cards for basic tasks.
Configuring this hardware demands careful attention to onboard jumper settings for base memory mapping, interrupt request levels, and serial/Ethernet port configurations. Because these embedded systems often operate in continuous-duty industrial environments, proper thermal management and adherence to backplane power budgets are mandatory to prevent premature component failure.
Deploying this module allows maintenance teams to sustain legacy VME infrastructures efficiently, avoiding the extensive downtime and software rewrite costs associated with total system platform migrations.
MVME162-023A
Key Technical Specifications
| Technical Parameter | Specification Detail |
| Part Number | MVME162-023A |
| Manufacturer | Motorola / VMEbus Platforms |
| Processor Architecture | Motorola MC68LC040 32-bit Microprocessor |
| Bus Interface | VMEbus Standard Compliant (System Controller capable) |
| Memory Configuration | Onboard DRAM and flash/ROM sockets for firmware storage |
| Communication Ports | Onboard Ethernet interface and multiple serial communication channels |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C (32°F to 131°F) |
| Form Factor | Standard VMEbus single-height circuit card |
Field Engineer’s Pitfall Guide
- WARNING: Electrostatic Discharge Vulnerability. The high-density surface-mount components on this CPU board are highly sensitive to static electricity. Always utilize an ESD-safe grounded wrist strap during handling.
- WARNING: Base Address and Interrupt Conflicts. Replacing a failed board without matching the exact jumper configurations for memory mapping and interrupt levels will cause immediate bus collisions and system faults.
- WARNING: Firmware/Flash Corruption. Interrupted power cycles during flash memory writes or using incorrect programming routines can render the boot sector unreadable.
Field Anecdote: During an emergency service window on a manufacturing line controller, a technician swapped an ailing MVME162-023A with a warehouse spare without verifying the onboard jumper blocks. The replacement card booted up but immediately generated a bus timeout error because the base memory address jumpers were set to factory default rather than the custom offset required by their legacy I/O mapping. Aligning the jumpers cleared the fault instantly.
QA & Testing SOP (Transparency)
- Visual & Origin Inspection: Inspected under optical magnification for PCB trace continuity, clean solder joints, and verified against OEM serial tracking databases.
- Live Test Bench Environment: Inserted into a calibrated VMEbus test chassis to verify regulated power supply rails and stable clock frequencies.
- Diagnostics & Handshake Verification: Technicians execute comprehensive memory diagnostic routines, Ethernet port pings, and serial loopback tests to confirm error-free instruction processing.
- Configuration & Packaging: Test routines are cleared, connector pins are protected, and units are sealed inside multi-layer anti-static shielding bags.
Technical FAQ
Can I hot-swap this single-board computer while the VME chassis is powered on?
No. VMEbus architectures do not support live hot-swapping. Inserting or removing this CPU module while the rack is energized will cause electrical arcing and permanent damage to backplane bus drivers.
How are the system firmware and boot loader initialized?
Boot firmware and low-level initialization routines are stored on onboard flash memory or physical ROM/EPROM devices accessible to the processor during power-up.
Does the module require an external battery for parameter retention?
Certain system configurations utilize an onboard lithium battery or external backup circuit to maintain volatile static RAM settings and real-time clock data during power outages.
