VMIC/GE Fanuc VMIVME-4942 – VMEbus Digital I/O Module for Reliable Industrial Control

The VMIVME-4942 is a legacy VMEbus I/O board from VMIC (later GE Fanuc, now Abaco). It’s typically used to extend digital control and monitoring in mature automation lines, ATE racks, and defense test benches where stability and long-term support matter more than flashy specs. From my experience, teams choose the 4942 when they need dependable digital interfacing on a 6U VME backplane with straightforward integration into existing systems.

Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Lead time: 1 week if in stock; no more than 1 month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment prior to delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• VMEbus integration – Standard 6U VME form factor; installs directly in existing VME crates without mechanical rework.
• Digital I/O interface – Designed for discrete control and status lines; commonly used for machine interlocks, relays, and tool handshakes.
• Deterministic control – Supports VME interrupts and predictable I/O timing, which helps with cycle‑accurate sequences on test stands.
• Field wiring via DIN connector – You might notice the board routes I/O to a high‑density connector, simplifying harnessing to terminal blocks.
• Long lifecycle fit – Ideal for sustaining older VME systems; reduces risk and requalification cost versus a platform migration.
• Driver flexibility – In many cases, teams run it with VxWorks or Linux in VME controllers; the integration path is well‑understood by maintenance crews.

Technical Specifications

Note: Exact channel count and electrical levels may vary by hardware revision or option code for the VMIVME‑4942. If you share your specific part number string, we’ll verify the I/O type, isolation, and any factory options before shipping.

Where it’s commonly used

• Upgrading digital interlocks on legacy packaging machines without changing the VME controller.
• ATE racks that need more discrete lines for fixture sensing, pass/fail lamps, or relay drive.
• Process equipment handshakes in semiconductor tools where timing stability is valued.

A maintenance lead from a turbine test cell told us they kept the 4942 in place “because it just keeps doing the job, and our techs already have the harness and pinout documentation.” That seems to be a common theme with this line of boards.

Related or Supporting Products

• VMIVME-4941 – Companion digital I/O in the same family; often selected when mixed input/output balance differs.
• VMIVME-2534 – TTL‑level digital I/O; good when you need non‑isolated, high‑density logic lines.
• VMIVME-4122 – Multi‑channel analog output; pairs with 4942 when motion or process control needs analog setpoints.
• VMIVME-5565 – Reflective memory for deterministic data sharing across VME nodes; helpful in distributed test systems.
• VMIVME terminal blocks/cables – 96‑pin DIN breakout to screw terminals to simplify panel wiring and maintenance.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet & cooling – Install in a compliant 6U VME chassis with adequate airflow. Keep inlet air below 55 °C for best life.
• Wiring – Use shielded cable bundles for noisy environments. Terminate to approved 96‑pin DIN terminal blocks; confirm pinout vs. your option code.
• Grounding/ESD – Bond chassis ground and observe ESD handling; digital I/O is sensitive to transients on long runs.
• Power budget – Check the crate’s +5 V capacity; this board typically draws under 10 W, but margin is your friend.
• Software – Validate driver compatibility with your VME SBC OS (VxWorks, Linux, etc.). A short bench test prevents surprises.
• Maintenance – Annual connector re‑seat and dust cleaning with dry air; document I/O calibration/loop checks after any harness changes.
• Spare strategy – Keep at least one tested spare; many customers rotate spares during scheduled shutdowns to reduce downtime risk.

Quality & Certifications

• Certifications – Typically CE marked; manufacturing under ISO 9001 systems at the OEM. UL/CSA status may vary by vintage.
• RoHS – Legacy VME modules may be non‑RoHS; if you require RoHS conformity, we can screen inventory for specific revisions.
• Warranty – 365‑day warranty with advance replacement support in many cases, subject to stock.
• Functional testing – Boards are inspected and powered for basic I/O verification prior to dispatch whenever feasible.

If you share the exact VMIVME‑4942 part number string and your I/O expectations (sink/source, isolation, channel mix), we’ll match stock to your spec and confirm pinout and lead time before invoicing.