XYCOM XVME-956900 – VMEbus Module for Reliable Industrial Control and System Upgrades

The XYCOM XVME-956900 is a 6U VMEbus module designed for long-life industrial systems where stability and form/fit compatibility matter more than flashy features. From my experience with legacy VME installations, this unit is typically used as a core I/O or controller module in process equipment, semiconductor tools, test benches, and factory automation cells. You might notice that its strengths lie in predictable VME backplane behavior, conservative power draw from the 5 V rail, and straightforward integration into standard 19-inch VME chassis.

For teams maintaining mature platforms or extending the life of existing lines, the XVME-956900 seems to be a practical, low-risk drop-in—especially when uptime, replacement part availability, and backward compatibility are the real priorities. One thing I appreciate is how it plays nicely with standard P1/P2 VME connections and typical airflow constraints in crowded cabinets.

Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days from delivery (repair/replace policy).
• Lead time: 1 week if in stock; no more than 1 month at the latest.
• Payment terms: 50% advance payment; full payment prior to delivery.
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL (door-to-door, tracked).
• Packing: Anti-static protection and foam bracing suitable for international transit.

Key Features

• 6U VME form factor – Fits standard 19-inch VME card cages with P1/P2 backplane connectors; simplifies field replacement.
• Backplane-powered – Draws power via the VME bus (typically +5 V, with ±12 V as needed), reducing wiring complexity.
• Legacy-friendly integration – Designed for compatibility with existing VME infrastructure; minimizes re-qualification effort in validated systems.
• Industrial operating range – In many cases supports ambient 0–55°C with appropriate airflow; suitable for factory floors and equipment bays.
• Serviceable design – Front-panel access and card levers enable quick swap-outs to keep downtime low.
• Stable lifecycle – Ideal for long-term support of mature tools where software, I/O mapping, and wiring must remain consistent.

Technical Specifications

Field note: a maintenance engineer at a wafer-handling line told me they swapped an XVME module into a 1990s tool and it booted cleanly without backplane timing issues—small story, but helpful when you’re managing risk across aging assets.

Related or Supporting Products

• XYCOM XVME-653 CPU Board – 6U VME processor card often paired with I/O modules for control tasks.
• XYCOM XVME-566 Digital I/O – VME digital input/output module for on/off sensing and actuator control.
• XYCOM XVME-951/952 Series – Transition or I/O carrier boards used to route signals to the rear of the chassis.
• Standard 6U VME Chassis (8–21 slots) – Provides the card cage, backplane, and fans; ensure airflow meets spec.
• VME Power Supply (5 V / ±12 V rails) – Sized to total slot load; consider derating for high-temperature cabinets.

If you’re replacing a retired subsystem, send the exact suffix and slot map—there are subtle differences across XVME variants, and matching pinouts can save hours on site.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet/Chassis: Use a standard 19-inch VME card cage with adequate forced-air cooling. Keep intake filters clean to maintain airflow across 6U cards.
• Power & Grounding: Verify backplane 5 V regulation at the slot under load; maintain proper chassis ground to reduce noise and ESD risk.
• Wiring: Route any front-panel cables with strain relief; avoid blocking airflow in high slot-density frames.
• ESD Precautions: Handle with a grounded wrist strap; store in anti-static bags when not installed.
• Firmware/Config: Document jumpers, DIP settings, or firmware revisions before swap-out; back up any configuration files if applicable.
• Routine Care: Quarterly dust removal with dry, oil-free air; visual inspection of connectors and levers; annual review of fan performance and power rails.
• Calibration: If paired with analog I/O, schedule periodic calibration aligned with process QA requirements.

Quality & Certifications

• Certifications: CE and UL compliance typically applicable to VME assemblies and chassis; RoHS status may vary by manufacturing date.
• Quality System: Produced under industrial-grade quality controls; traceability available upon request for most lots.
• Warranty: 365-day warranty; defective units are repaired or replaced after evaluation.
• Documentation: Test reports and basic verification notes can be provided to support incoming inspection.