Description
Motorola MVME162-513A – 6U VMEbus 68040-based SBC for reliable legacy control and system sustainment
The Motorola MVME162-513A is a proven 6U VMEbus single-board computer built on the 68040-family architecture. From my experience, it’s one of those boards you rely on when you need deterministic performance, stable I/O, and straightforward integration in existing VME systems without re-architecting your software stack. It’s typically deployed in equipment that must just run—machine tools, semiconductor process tools, test stands, transport control, and defense systems—where downtime is costly and requalification is painful. One thing I appreciate is the predictable boot behavior (with the classic 162Bug monitor) and the wide OS support that many teams still count on, such as VxWorks, pSOS, and OS-9.
Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees
- Warranty: 365 days.
- Delivery time: 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest.
- Payment terms: 50% advance payment; full payment prior to delivery.
- Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL.
Key Features
- 68040-family CPU – Well-understood deterministic performance for hard real-time control in many cases.
- 6U VMEbus form factor – Drop-in fit for standard 19-inch VME card cages using P1/P2 connectors.
- Integrated async serial I/O – Multiple EIA-232/422 channels for PLCs, HMIs, and tool interfaces.
- On-board non-volatile resources – Boot firmware (162Bug), NVRAM, and RTC for persistent configs.
- OS ecosystem – Typically supports VxWorks, pSOS, OS-9; reduces porting effort in legacy fleets.
- Extended install base – Parts availability and service knowledge are widespread, which simplifies MRO.
- Variant configuration – The -513A configuration commonly includes on-board Ethernet (10Base-T) and SCSI-2 for field devices and disk/tape, though this can vary by lot.
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Model | Motorola MVME162-513A |
| HS Code | 8473.30 (Printed circuit assemblies for ADP equipment) |
| Processor | Motorola 68040-family (EC/LC variants depending on sub-revision) |
| Power Requirements | +5 VDC from VME backplane (typical VME supply). No external PSU required on-board. |
| Dimensions & Weight | 6U VME (Eurocard), approx. 160 × 233 mm front-panel height and depth. |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +55 °C (commercial grade, typical for MVME162 series) |
| Signal I/O Types | Asynchronous serial (EIA‑232/422), VMEbus I/O; on many -513A units: 10Base‑T Ethernet and single‑ended SCSI‑2. |
| Communication Interfaces | VME P1/P2 backplane; front/rear I/O via transition module; optional on-board Ethernet and SCSI on -513A configurations. |
| Installation Method | Slide-in 6U VME slot; secured with front-panel screws; air-cooled, card guides recommended. |
Application Fields
You might notice that the MVME162-513A typically shows up where stability matters more than bleeding-edge speed:
- Semiconductor process tools (CVD, etch, metrology) needing VxWorks or pSOS continuity.
- Industrial machinery and motion control with long certified software baselines.
- Rail and transportation subsystems using deterministic serial and VME backplane I/O.
- ATE and lab test stands interfacing via RS-232/422, SCSI devices, and legacy Ethernet.
- Defense and aerospace ground systems where VME remains the qualified platform.
Advantages & Value
- Risk reduction: Keeps your qualified VME stack intact; typically no enclosure or backplane changes.
- Software continuity: 162Bug, VxWorks/pSOS/OS-9 support reduces porting and revalidation costs.
- Compatibility: Broad accessory ecosystem (e.g., MVME712 transition) and common cabling options.
- Serviceability: Mature diagnostics and straightforward field replaceability; easy for MRO teams.
- Lifecycle strategy: Ideal for sustaining programs where redesign would be more expensive than repair/replace.
Installation & Maintenance
- Cabinet & cooling: Use a standard 6U VME chassis with card guides; maintain unobstructed airflow. In most cases, 30–50 LFM per slot is adequate.
- Power & grounding: Stable +5 VDC on the backplane; verify chassis ground and ESD practices during handling.
- Wiring: Route serial lines away from high-noise cables; keep SCSI ribbon length within spec if fitted.
- Software/firmware: Keep 162Bug and OS BSP versions aligned with your application; document any NVRAM settings.
- Routine checks: Inspect front-panel connectors, ejector handles, and backplane contacts; dust filters and fan trays should be cleaned on a set interval.
- Spares policy: For critical tools, teams typically hold 1–2 spare boards per site to reduce MTTR.
Quality & Certifications
- Certifications: CE and UL were commonly applied to MVME162-series products; RoHS may not apply to earlier legacy builds—please request lot-specific confirmation.
- Manufacturer status: Legacy/Discontinued; widely supported in the aftermarket.
- Warranty: 365-day coverage from us as stated above.
Supporting Components & Recommended Accessories
- Motorola MVME712M Transition Module: Rear I/O breakout for MVME162-series (serial, Ethernet/SCSI where applicable). It usually simplifies clean wiring inside the rack.
- VME Chassis & Power: 6U VME card cage with sufficient +5 V capacity and fan tray (Schroff/Elma style).
- Cable Sets: Shielded RS‑232/422 cables and 10Base‑T patch leads; SCSI-2 SE cabling if your -513A unit is equipped with SCSI.
A quick customer note: a maintenance lead at a wafer fab told us their MVME162-513A replacement slotted in and booted VxWorks 5.x with the same NVRAM settings—no requalification cycle, just a short downtime window. That seems to be the usual story with these boards when the configuration matches.
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