Description
Motorola MVME2305 – 6U VME PowerPC SBC for Reliable Industrial Control and Embedded Computing
The Motorola MVME2305 is part of the proven MVME2300 series—widely used in industrial automation, test stands, defense, transportation, and semiconductor tools. It’s a 6U VME single-board computer designed around a PowerPC architecture with VME64 support, SCSI for storage, 10/100 Ethernet for networking, and flexible serial I/O. From my experience, engineers pick the 2305 when they need a stable platform, long lifecycle support options, and straightforward integration into existing VME64x backplanes.
One thing I appreciate is how predictable the MVME2305 behaves in mixed-vendor VME systems. You might notice that deployment is typically quick: standard pinouts, consistent firmware behavior, and PMC expansion (depending on sub-revision) make it easy to tailor to motion control, data acquisition, or communications gateway roles.
Order Placement Process and Guarantees
- Warranty: 365 days
- Delivery: 1 week for in-stock items; no more than one month at the latest
- Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment prior to delivery
- Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL
- Handling: Each board is ESD-protected, inspected, and powered-on tested before dispatch
Key Features
- PowerPC-based processing – MVME2305 variants use Motorola PowerPC CPUs, offering solid deterministic performance for controls and data handling.
- 6U VME64 architecture – Fits standard VME64x backplanes, making it a drop-in for many legacy and current VME systems.
- Integrated networking – Onboard 10/100Base‑T Ethernet typically used for HMI, SCADA links, or host communications.
- SCSI host interface – Supports HDD/SSD (via adapters) or removable media, useful for logging and OS boot.
- Serial I/O for field devices – Asynchronous serial ports (commonly RS‑232/422) for PLCs, drives, and instrumentation.
- PMC expansion – Depending on the sub‑model, one or two PMC sites enable I/O customization (extra Ethernet, fieldbus, or storage controllers).
- Robust OS ecosystem – Typically supports VxWorks, pSOS, embedded Linux, and other RTOS options used in industrial control.
- Field-proven reliability – In many cases these boards run 24/7 for years in fabs, rail, and test cells with minimal intervention.
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Model | Motorola MVME2305 |
| HS Code | 847150 (Processing units for ADP machines, not portable) |
| Form Factor | 6U VME / VME64x single-board computer |
| Processor | PowerPC architecture (model-dependent 60x family, e.g., 604e) |
| Power Requirements | Backplane-supplied +5 VDC (primary); auxiliary rails as required by installed options |
| Dimensions | Approx. 233.35 mm × 160 mm (6U Eurocard height × depth) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +55 °C (commercial, air-cooled; chassis airflow required) |
| Signal I/O Types | VMEbus I/O via P1/P2, asynchronous serial (RS‑232/422), 10/100 Ethernet, SCSI host interface |
| Communication Interfaces | 10/100Base‑T Ethernet; SCSI‑2; multiple async serial ports; VME64 master/target |
| Expansion | PMC expansion (quantity depends on sub‑model); rear I/O via P2 with transition module |
| Installation Method | Slides into 6U VME64x slot; front-panel RJ‑45/serial; rear I/O via P2 and transition board |
Where it fits best
Typical deployments include machine controllers, communications gateways, and acquisition front-ends. One automotive customer told us the MVME2305 “just keeps running” in their dyno control cabinets after a quick swap from an older 68k board—no backplane changes, minimal software rework.
Related or Supporting Products
- Motorola MVME2303 / MVME2306 – Same family with different CPU speeds and memory options; good drop-in alternatives depending on performance needs.
- Motorola MVME2600 / MVME5100 – Newer-generation PowerPC VME SBCs with enhanced memory bandwidth and I/O; useful for performance upgrades.
- PMCSPAN and PMC I/O modules – Add Ethernet, CAN, PROFIBUS, extra serial ports, or storage controllers via PMC sites.
- Rear I/O transition module (e.g., MVME761) – Commonly paired for serial/Ethernet/SCSI breakout via P2 in many installations.
- 6U VME chassis/backplane & power supplies – Ensure VME64x backplane compatibility and adequate 5 V current capacity.
Installation & Maintenance
- Cabinet & airflow: Use a 6U VME64x chassis with guided airflow; target 200–400 LFM across the card area. Keep intake filters clean.
- Power budget: Verify +5 V rail headroom for the CPU card and any PMC modules. Keep ripple within VME spec; ground the chassis properly.
- Backplane & seating: Inspect P1/P2 connectors for bent pins; seat the board evenly to avoid intermittent VME signals.
- Wiring: Use shielded cables for serial runs in noisy cabinets; route SCSI away from high‑current lines; observe proper termination.
- ESD & handling: Handle with wrist straps and conductive packaging. Avoid flexing the front panel during insertion.
- Routine maintenance: Quarterly dust removal, connector re‑seating if needed, and backup of boot media. Firmware/bootloader updates should be planned during scheduled downtime.
- Software notes: VxWorks or embedded Linux deployments typically use network or SCSI boot; keep boot params and kernel images version‑controlled.
Quality & Certifications
- Factory quality systems commonly aligned to ISO 9001 during production of this series.
- CE and UL compliance are typical for MVME2300‑series deployments; documentation available on request for specific lots.
- RoHS status: Earlier builds may be pre‑RoHS; confirm required compliance level before ordering.
- Warranty: 365 days hardware warranty, with replacement or repair based on evaluation.







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