GE Fanuc (VMIC) VMIVME-3418 – High‑density VMEbus Analog Output for Precision Process & Motion Control

The VMIVME-3418 is part of the classic VMIC/GE Fanuc VME I/O family, built for deterministic analog output in plant automation, test stands, and motion control loops. From my experience, it’s typically used when you need stable, multi-channel voltage outputs under a real-time OS—think setpoint control for drives, actuators, or proportional valves. You might notice that it keeps the integration footprint small while staying transparent to the VME host, which is a big plus in long-life systems where uptime matters more than bells and whistles.

Our Order Placement Process & Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Lead time: 1 week for in‑stock items; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment before delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL
• Handling: Every board is inspected and anti‑static packed; test reports available on request

Key Features

• VMEbus interoperability: Designed for classic VME/VME64 backplanes, making it a straightforward drop‑in for legacy and mid‑life systems.
• Multi‑channel analog outputs: Commonly provisioned for high‑density voltage outputs (e.g., ±10 V). Ideal for multi‑axis or multi‑loop control.
• Deterministic updates: Supports deterministic update cycles from the host for predictable process control behavior.
• Per‑channel calibration support: Practical when you need tight accuracy over time; field calibration keeps drift in check.
• Failsafe behavior: In many cases, user‑selectable power‑up states or watchdog/failsafe output levels are supported to help protect equipment on reboot.
• Software-friendly: Typically supported under real-time environments used with VME (VxWorks and similar), simplifying long-term maintenance.
• Ruggedized mechanics: 6U Eurocard format with stiffeners and front-panel retention—good for vibration-prone cabinets.

Technical Specifications

Note: Exact options can vary by build/revision; the entries below reflect commonly supplied configurations for this series.

Related or Supporting Products

• VMIVME-3122 (A/D Input): If you need high-channel analog input alongside the 3418’s outputs, this pairs well for closed-loop applications.
• VMIVME-3320 (Digital I/O): Add discrete I/O for interlocks, status bits, or machine permissives.
• VMIVME-4140/411x Series (Analog Output alternatives): Useful when you need higher resolution or different output ranges—availability varies.
• P2 transition module / shielded cable assemblies: For clean breakout to terminal blocks; reduces cabinet wiring noise in many cases.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet & backplane: Use a compliant VME/VME64 chassis with card guides; allow front-to-back airflow. Keep at least 25 mm clearance near the front panel for cable bend radius.
• Power & grounding: Verify stable +5 VDC on the backplane under load. Bond chassis ground and shield drains on one side to avoid ground loops.
• Address/IRQ setup: Set base address and interrupt level via DIP switches or jumpers (location varies by revision). Label the configuration inside the door for service techs.
• Wiring: Use shielded, low-noise cable for analog lines. Route separately from high‑current motor cables. In many cases, a star ground at the marshalling terminal helps.
• Safety: Power down and discharge before insertion/removal. Handle only with ESD precautions. Confirm output ranges before connecting to drives or actuators.
• Routine maintenance: Dust filters quarterly, check connector torque annually, and re-verify calibration after major shutdowns. Firmware/EPROM revisions should match host drivers—document any changes.

A maintenance lead at a steel plant told us the 3418 “just behaved” after they locked in the update timing—once the grounding and cable shield plan were cleaned up, drift stopped being an issue. That seems to be a common theme with VME analog systems: careful wiring pays off more than spec sheet chasing.

Quality & Certifications

• Certifications: Typically CE compliant for EMC; UL/CSA recognition may apply depending on revision. RoHS status can vary with manufacturing date.
• Traceability: Serial/REV tracking supported; we can record board revision and test notes in the shipment documents on request.
• Warranty: 365-day warranty from us against functional defects.

If you’d like us to confirm the exact channel count, output ranges, and the recommended transition module for your cabinet, share the board revision and any option codes on the label—we’ll match it and advise the quickest delivery path.