Siemens VIPC616 (91611524) VME IndustryPack Carrier – Flexible 6U Expansion for High-Density I/O

The Siemens Technologies VIPC616 is a 6U VMEbus IndustryPack (IP) carrier that lets you scale I/O density without redesigning your system. It typically hosts up to four IP modules on a single VME slot, so you can mix analog, digital, serial, or fieldbus interfaces exactly where you need them. From my experience, it’s a practical way to refresh legacy VME installations or expand test stands with minimal software changes and no backplane upheaval.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty period: 365 days
• Delivery time: 1 week for in-stock; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment, full payment before delivery
• Express delivery: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• 4 IndustryPack sites – Consolidate multiple I/O functions on one 6U VME slot, usually reducing slot count and cabling.
• Standards-based interfaces – VMEbus (ANSI/IEEE 1014) on the backplane and IndustryPack (ANSI/VITA 4) on the mezzanine for wide compatibility.
• Flexible I/O routing – Field I/O is typically available via the front panel and/or P2, depending on the VIPC616 variant and cabling.
• Mixed-signal readiness – Pass-through ±12 V rails support analog IP modules alongside digital or serial IPs.
• Compact, serviceable design – Tool-friendly standoffs and clear site labeling make module swaps and service straightforward.
• Software-friendly – Memory-mapped access to IP sites streamlines driver integration in many VME RTOS and Linux environments.

Technical Specifications

Brand / Model	Siemens Technologies VIPC616 (Order code: 91611524)
Product Type	6U VMEbus IndustryPack Carrier, up to 4 IP sites
HS Code	8473.30 (Parts and accessories of ADP machines – electronic assemblies)
Power Requirements	+5 V from VME backplane (carrier typically <10 W without IP modules); ±12 V rails passed to IP sites for analog modules
Dimensions & Weight	6U x 160 mm Eurocard; weight typically 0.5–0.8 kg (configured)
Operating Temperature	0 to +55 °C (commercial grade, chassis dependent)
Signal I/O Types	Defined by installed IP modules (typical: TTL/CMOS digital, RS-232/422/485 serial, analog input/output, fieldbus)
Communication Interfaces	VMEbus backplane; IndustryPack mezzanine (ANSI/VITA 4). I/O via front panel and/or P2 depending on version/cabling.
Installation Method	Plug-in 6U VME card; mount IP modules with supplied standoffs/screws; route I/O to front panel and/or rear transition as applicable

Application Fields

The VIPC616 is commonly used where you need reliable, standards-based expansion without redesigning the platform:

• Aerospace and defense test stands (flight control I/O, avionics serial, ARINC/analog via IP modules)
• Industrial automation retrofits (digital I/O banks, encoder counters, isolated analog)
• Power and energy monitoring (multi-channel A/D, transducer interfacing)
• Rail and transportation systems (redundant serial links, discrete I/O, diagnostics)
• Lab DAQ and research (quick reconfiguration with mixed IP modules)

Advantages & Value

• Lifecycle continuity – Ideal for sustaining VME systems where software stability matters; IP modules let you update I/O without rewriting applications.
• Slot efficiency – Up to four IP modules per slot often beats separate VME I/O cards on cost and space.
• Broad compatibility – Works with leading IP module brands, which keeps sourcing options open and pricing competitive.
• Service and spares – Simple mechanical assembly, fast module swaps, and easy field servicing minimize downtime.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet and cooling – Install in a standard 6U VME chassis with good airflow; keep intake filters clean and allow front-panel clearance for cabling.
• Wiring and routing – Use shielded cables for analog/serial runs; secure strain relief at the front panel or transition module to avoid connector stress.
• ESD handling – Fit IP modules with wrist-strap precautions; seat connectors evenly and tighten standoffs to manufacturer torque.
• Periodic checks – Inspect connectors every 6–12 months, re-seat mezzanines if needed, and confirm power-rail health under load.
• Firmware/Driver updates – While the carrier itself is passive, keep IP module firmware and OS drivers up to date for stability and performance.
• Thermal best practices – High-density IP combinations can run warm; in many cases, adding a front fan tray improves margins.

Quality & Certifications

• CE (EMC) – typical for VME assemblies of this class
• UL Recognized PCB materials; manufacturer quality systems typically ISO 9001
• RoHS status varies by build; many legacy revisions are non-RoHS (confirm the lot before ordering)
• Warranty: 365 days

Recommended Accessories & Compatible IP Modules

You might notice that the value of a carrier like VIPC616 really comes from the modules you choose. A few commonly paired IndustryPack options include:

• Acromag IP330 – 16-bit multi-channel A/D for precision analog input on test stands.
• Acromag IP231 – 16-bit D/A for control-loop outputs and actuator drives.
• TEWS TIP841 – Multi-port RS-232/422/485 for dense serial communications.
• TEWS TIP680 – Isolated digital I/O for industrial signaling and interlocks.
• GE/GreenSpring IP-OctalUART – Classic 8-port UART for legacy serial expansion.
• Breakout / transition cabling – Match the VIPC616 front or rear I/O pinout to your field wiring; shielded ribbon or HD connectors are typically used.

One thing I appreciate is how quickly teams can reconfigure: swap a serial IP for an analog input IP, reroute the cable set, and the system is back online in an hour. A maintenance customer recently said, “We replaced two standalone VME I/O boards with one VIPC616 and three IP modules—fewer slots, less heat, and the software barely changed.”