MOTOROLA MVME162-213 VME Single-Board Computer – Reliable 68k Control for Legacy VME Systems

The MOTOROLA MVME162-213 is a 6U VME single-board computer built for long-running industrial and defense systems that still rely on the Motorola 68k architecture. It’s the type of board you see in semiconductor tools, test stands, power generation controls, and aerospace benches—places where stability matters more than chasing the latest CPU. One thing I appreciate is how the MVME162 family balances dependable VMEbus performance with plenty of serial I/O and, in many cases, on-board Ethernet and SCSI, making retrofits straightforward without rewriting the whole stack.

From my experience, the “-213” assembly typically denotes a mid-range configuration in the MVME162 line, suited for controller upgrades or spare replacement programs where you want like-for-like behavior. You might notice that OEMs keep these boards in service for decades because they boot quickly, run VxWorks or OS‑9 reliably, and don’t surprise you in the field.

Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Lead time: 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full balance prior to delivery
• Shipping: FedEx, UPS, or DHL (expedited options available)
• Testing: Functional inspection before dispatch; photos and test notes available on request

Key Features

• 68k-based VME SBC – MVME162 platform with Motorola 68040/68EC040 family CPU, ideal for legacy control and deterministic workloads.
• 6U, single-slot VME form factor – Fits standard 19-inch VME chassis; easy drop-in for existing backplanes.
• Robust I/O mix – Typically multiple serial ports (RS‑232/422); many -2xx builds include 10Base‑T/AUI Ethernet and SCSI‑2 support.
• Boot monitor support – 162Bug monitor and RTOS support seen in the field (VxWorks, pSOS+, OS‑9 in many cases).
• Longevity in service – Proven in fabs and test environments where uptime and predictable behavior outrank raw speed.
• Transition module ecosystem – Front-panel I/O breakout commonly via MVME712 family transition modules.

Technical Specifications

Related or Supporting Products

• MOTOROLA MVME162-223 – Similar generation with different memory/I‑O population; a common substitute when -213 is unavailable.
• MOTOROLA MVME162LX – Later variant in the MVME162 family; appears in systems needing extended lifecycle support.
• MOTOROLA MVME167 – 68040-based SBC with higher performance; suitable when you need more CPU headroom and similar VME integration.
• MOTOROLA MVME172 – Successor-class 68k VME SBC; typically used for performance upgrades while keeping software close.
• MOTOROLA MVME712A / MVME712M – Transition modules that bring serial, Ethernet, and SCSI to the front panel; check your chassis wiring before selecting.

A maintenance lead at a semiconductor fab told us their swap from a failing -213 to a -223 was “plug and run” after a quick boot ROM check—no ladder logic changes, just a re-seat and new compact flash for logs. That sort of compatibility is why these boards stay in cabinets so long.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet & backplane – Use a clean, dry 19-inch VME chassis with proper earthing. Ensure the backplane is free of bent pins and oxidation.
• Ventilation – Maintain front‑to‑back airflow; keep intake filters clean. In most cases, 0–55 °C ambient is the safe operating band.
• Wiring & I/O – Use the correct MVME712 transition module and shielded cables for serial/Ethernet. Verify pinouts before applying power—MVME wiring can vary by OEM harness.
• ESD & handling – Handle only with ESD protection; seat the card straight into guides to avoid backplane stress.
• Routine care – Annually check electrolytics, re-seat connectors, and clean edge fingers with approved wipes. Firmware (boot monitor/EPROM) should match your RTOS build; update only after a full image backup.
• Spare strategy – It seems to be best practice to keep one tested spare per line. Label firmware versions and NVRAM settings to speed recovery.

Quality & Certifications

• Certifications: CE-compliant; UL recognition is common for this platform; RoHS status for legacy units is typically non‑RoHS unless specifically refurbished to comply.
• Manufacturer Warranty: Legacy product; our supply includes a 365‑day warranty and pre‑shipment functional test documentation.