XYCOM XVME-683 VMEbus Single-Board Computer for Industrial Control and System Life-Extension

The XYCOM XVME-683 is a 6U VMEbus single-board computer designed for OEMs and plant teams who need stable, long-life control hardware without rewriting an entire application stack. In many cases, this board is used as the main CPU in legacy VME control racks—manufacturing lines, test stands, power systems, and transportation equipment where downtime is just not an option. One thing I appreciate is how the XVME-683 typically slots straight into existing 6U VME backplanes with minimal fuss, so retrofit projects move faster and with less risk.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days hardware warranty.
• Delivery: 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest.
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment before delivery.
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL—whichever is faster to your site.

Key Features

• 6U VMEbus SBC for control and automation – Designed for standard IEEE 1101.x 6U VME racks, ideal for life-extension of existing systems.
• Backward-friendly architecture – Typically maintains compatibility with common VME memory maps and interrupt schemes used in legacy applications.
• Deterministic, reliable operation – From my experience, these CPU boards emphasize stability over novelty, which many plants actually prefer.
• On-board supervisory functions – Most configurations include a watchdog timer and battery-backed RTC to keep equipment running predictably.
• Field serviceable – Plug-in VME installation, front-panel access, and straightforward swap procedures make maintenance fast.
• Flexible I/O ecosystem – Works with standard VME I/O cards; serial, Ethernet, and SCSI options are commonly available on this family.
• Long-term support strategies – Well-suited for validated systems where software requalification is expensive or tightly controlled.

Technical Specifications

Specifications below reflect the typical characteristics of the XYCOM XVME-683 series as used in industrial environments. Exact I/O population can vary by sub-revision or assembly option.

Related or Supporting Products

• XYCOM XVME-682 – Earlier-generation VME SBC from the same family; often used as a form/fit alternative in legacy racks.
• Motorola MVME-162 / MVME-167 – Popular VME SBCs with similar control roles; different firmware/toolchain and I/O options.
• Transition/Breakout Modules – Serial and Ethernet transition panels for clean cable management at the rear of the chassis.
• VME Chassis & Power – 6U IEEE 1101.x compliant rack, forced-air cooling, and regulated backplane supply for +5 V and ±12 V rails.
• SCSI Storage & Flash Emulators – For systems that still expect SCSI disks, solid-state SCSI emulators significantly improve reliability.
• Memory/RTC Service Kits – Battery for RTC/NVRAM and tested DRAM modules used on this family to keep systems serviceable.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet & chassis – Install in a 6U VME chassis with good airflow; 200 LFM or better is typically recommended for convection-cooled boards.
• Backplane & guides – Verify card guides are straight and free of burrs; align to P1/P2 and tighten the front-panel screws evenly.
• Power budget – Confirm +5 V capacity with at least 15–20% headroom; ±12 V rails may be required by on-board interfaces.
• Wiring – Use shielded serial/Ethernet cables where applicable; avoid tight bends near the front-panel to reduce connector stress.
• EMC & grounding – Maintain chassis ground continuity; keep I/O cabling separated from high-voltage lines wherever possible.
• Routine checks – Clean dust from the board area quarterly; check fan trays and filters. Reseat once per year if the environment is harsh.
• Watchdog & firmware – Enable the watchdog in production. If your unit uses socketed firmware/BIOS or EPROMs, keep a verified spare set on hand.
• NVRAM/RTC battery – Replace proactively every 3–5 years (varies by site temperature). Lost timestamps are a common, preventable issue.

Quality & Certifications

• CE compliance for EMC when installed in a compliant VME enclosure (typical for this class of board).
• UL/CSA recognition applies to many XYCOM VME assemblies; documentation can be provided by serial/part number.
• RoHS status may vary by vintage; legacy boards are often non-RoHS. We can supply compliant alternatives where required.
• Manufacturer’s warranty practice for this unit: 365 days from shipment.

From my experience, teams appreciate the XVME-683 because it keeps validated code running with minimal requalification. If you’re upgrading a line or replacing a failed CPU in a mixed-vendor rack, this model seems to be one of those “install, configure, and forget” solutions—simple, stable, and predictable.