VMIC VMIVME-5576 – VME Reflective Memory Board for Deterministic, Real‑Time Data Sharing

The VMIC VMIVME-5576 is a VMEbus Reflective Memory (RFM) board designed to move data between multiple VME systems with deterministic, low and repeatable latency. From my experience, this is the kind of card you pick when PLCs and standard Ethernet can’t guarantee timing across test stands, simulators, or control loops. You might notice that it seems to “just work” once the ring is cabled correctly—data written to one node appears in every node’s local memory with no CPU polling overhead, which is why it’s still common in aerospace HIL, power plant DCS extensions, and high-speed data correlation across racks.

One thing I appreciate is how the VMIVME-5576 offloads traffic from the host CPU. In many cases, teams see more predictable loop times because the RFM engine handles the memory replication in hardware. A test engineering lead recently told us they used a 5576 ring to mirror sensor frames between three 6U VME crates over multimode fiber—setup took an afternoon, and the latency stayed stable throughout thermal cycling.

Order Placement Process and Guarantees

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

Key Features

• Deterministic data sharing – Hardware-based reflective memory ensures low, repeatable latency between nodes; ideal for real-time loops.
• 6U VME form factor – Single-slot, air-cooled card fits standard 6U VME systems for quick deployment in legacy and active racks.
• Fiber‑optic network – Front-panel fiber ports for ring/loop topologies; multimode fiber in most builds supports long runs inside labs or across cabinets.
• DMA and interrupts – VME master/slave DMA reduces CPU load; interrupt support for fast synchronization events.
• Scalable nodes – Typically supports many nodes in a ring, letting you mirror data across multiple crates without writing custom network stacks.
• Ruggedized use cases – Common in HIL simulation, turbine and substation testing, motion control correlation, and cross-rack data logging.
• Status/diagnostics – Link and activity indicators on the front panel simplify bring-up and troubleshooting in the field.

Technical Specifications

Note: Exact connector style, memory capacity, and link characteristics can vary by sub-model and build. If you’re matching an existing ring, we typically confirm the board variant, firmware revision, and fiber type before shipment.

Related or Supporting Products

• VME-5565 – Newer-generation Reflective Memory for higher bandwidth; not always drop-in compatible with older rings, so protocol alignment should be checked.
• VMIPCI-5565 – PCI Reflective Memory adapter for PC hosts to join the RFM network from a workstation or server.
• CPCI-5565 – CompactPCI version for embedded controllers that need to participate in the same deterministic network.
• Multimode fiber patch cables – 62.5/125 µm or 50/125 µm depending on the board’s transceiver; length selected per layout (lab racks vs. inter-cabinet).
• VME chassis accessories – Filler panels and fan trays to maintain airflow across 6U cards in dense configurations.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet and airflow – Use a 19-inch VME chassis with adequate front-to-rear airflow. Keep adjacent slots filled or with filler panels to guide cooling.
• Fiber handling – Clean connectors with lint-free swabs and use dust caps. Route cables with gentle bends (no tight radii) and label node order for the ring.
• Wiring and topology – Close the fiber loop to enable data circulation. Many sites set DIP switches for node ID and memory map; document settings in the rack.
• Power and grounding – Verify stable +5 V backplane within tolerance. Tie system ground properly to minimize EMI that could affect link stability.
• Safety – Observe ESD precautions during handling. De-energize the chassis before insertion/removal. Avoid looking into active fiber emitters.
• Routine maintenance – Quarterly: check link LEDs, reseat fiber if activity drops, remove dust from front panel, and back up node configuration. Firmware updates, when available, should be applied consistently across all nodes.
• Diagnostics – If a node drops, a quick loopback at the suspect card can help isolate if it’s a cable/transceiver or a backplane issue.

Quality & Certifications

• CE compliant; RoHS compliant in most later-build variants
• Manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems (vendor-level)
• Typical manufacturer warranty is 1 year; our supply warranty is 365 days

If you’re replacing a fielded VMIVME-5576, send the exact part/option code and fiber details. Matching the memory size and optical interface up front typically saves a site visit later.