GE Fanuc VMIVME7740-841 – 6U VME Single Board Computer for Reliable Control and Data Acquisition

The GE Fanuc (VMIC) VMIVME7740-841 is a mature 6U VMEbus single board computer widely used in factory automation, test stands, and ruggedized data acquisition. From my experience, it’s the kind of SBC you drop into a legacy VME rack when you want PC-class processing, solid I/O, and long-term serviceability without re-architecting your backplane. You might notice that the “-841” build typically denotes a specific performance and I/O configuration within the VMIVME7740 family—commonly Intel Pentium III/Celeron architecture, dual 10/100 Ethernet, VGA, serial, and a PMC expansion site—well-suited for HMI/SCADA nodes, motion control hosts, and protocol gateways.

Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Lead time: in-stock ships in about 1 week; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment prior to delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL
• Testing & verification: Boards are powered-on tested before shipment, with boot and basic I/O checks documented

Key Features

• 6U VME SBC with Intel architecture: Pentium III/Celeron-class CPU gives dependable performance for control logic, data logging, and HMI tasks.
• VMEbus master/slave support: Tundra Universe II (or equivalent) interface for A24/A32 addressing; works well with legacy and mixed-vendor VME I/O cards.
• Dual 10/100 Ethernet: Separate control and plant networks, or redundant uplinks—handy in many cases for segmented PLC and SCADA architectures.
• Front-panel VGA graphics: Directly drive a local HMI/monitor without extra graphics hardware; simplifies test-bench setups.
• Rich legacy I/O: Typical ports include PS/2 keyboard/mouse, USB, serial (RS-232), and parallel—useful for maintaining older peripherals.
• PMC expansion site: Add fieldbuses (Profibus, CAN, DeviceNet) or specialized DSP/FPGA modules as your application grows.
• IDE/ATA storage: Supports HDD, DOM, or CF-to-IDE adapters for solid-state operation where vibration is a concern.
• Industrial temperature options: Commercial temperature range is common; extended variants exist depending on the exact build and revision.

Technical Specifications

Where it fits best

Typical deployments include PLC/drive cells where you need a supervisory node on the VME backplane, aerospace/defense test stands that rely on existing VME instrumentation, and data concentrators bridging legacy fieldbuses to Ethernet. One thing I appreciate is how the VMIVME7740-841 handles mixed workloads—HMI graphics on the front panel while streaming logged data over Ethernet—without fuss.

A controls engineer from a tier‑1 automotive client mentioned that swapping this board into an older motion rack cut their downtime because they could keep all the VME I/O and simply move the application to a stable Windows or Linux image on solid-state storage.

Related or Supporting Products

• VMIVME7750 – Similar generation SBC with Pentium III options; often a drop-in alternative depending on I/O needs.
• VMIVME7807 – Newer Pentium M-based 6U VME SBC; lower power and higher performance if you need a modernization path.
• VMIVME7697 – Earlier Pentium II-class SBC; useful for strict legacy software stacks.
• PMC expansion modules – Add Profibus, CAN, MIL-STD-1553, or extra serial ports via the PMC site.
• VME transition modules – For routing rear I/O from P2 to a rear panel; simplifies wiring inside dense cabinets.
• CF-to-IDE adapters / DOMs – For rugged, maintenance-friendly storage in high-vibration environments.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet & chassis: Use a 6U VME chassis with adequate airflow; leave at least one empty slot or use slot fans if the rack runs warm.
• Power & grounding: Verify +5 VDC capacity on the backplane (headroom matters). Tie chassis ground properly to reduce EMI and serial-port noise.
• Wiring & I/O: For front-panel VGA/serial/USB, use industrial-rated cables. If using rear I/O through P2, match the correct transition module pinout.
• ESD & handling: Treat as a sensitive electronics assembly; store in conductive packaging and seat firmly into the VME guides before power-up.
• Firmware & OS: Keep BIOS at a known-good revision; in most cases, a stable Windows 2000/XP or Linux kernel supports the chipset well on this series.
• Routine service: Every 6–12 months, clean dust from the chassis filters, check fan speeds, re-seat connectors, and verify storage SMART/health (or replace CF/DOM proactively).
• Backups: Image the system drive after commissioning. It seems to save hours when restoring a line after unplanned downtime.

Quality & Certifications

• CE compliance for EMC and safety (typical for GE Fanuc/VMIC VME boards of this class)
• UL/CSA recognition typically available at the system level; board-level markings vary by revision
• RoHS status may vary by build date; many early units are non‑RoHS—confirm per serial/revision if needed
• Manufacturer lineage: GE Fanuc (VMIC) industrial-grade design; long field history in automation and test
• Seller warranty: 365 days replacement/repair coverage as outlined above

If you’re matching a specific VMIVME7740-841 part number against a deployed image or backplane map, share the full faceplate and rear I/O details. We can verify Ethernet MAC labels, memory size, BIOS level, and any PMC option so you receive a board that boots in your rack without surprises.