Motorola MVME162-010A – High-Performance VMEbus Embedded Controller | MVME162 Series
Engineering Background
The MVME162-010A is a single-board embedded controller developed by Motorola for demanding real-time industrial and defense applications. Built on the VMEbus (IEEE 1014) open architecture standard, this module was engineered to deliver deterministic processing performance in environments where reliability and long service life are non-negotiable. The MVME162 series became a cornerstone of distributed control systems, SCADA infrastructure, and embedded computing platforms throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
Product Positioning
As a procurement engineer sourcing legacy automation hardware, the MVME162-010A represents a proven, field-validated solution for system maintenance, life extension, and spare-parts inventory. Konmask.com specializes in sourcing, testing, and supplying discontinued industrial modules like this one — enabling engineers to extend the operational life of existing VMEbus-based control systems without costly platform migrations.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Part Number | MVME162-010A |
| Manufacturer | Motorola (now part of Emerson / Artesyn) |
| Series | MVME162 / VMEbus Embedded Controller Series |
| CPU | Motorola MC68040 @ 25 MHz |
| Bus Standard | VMEbus (IEEE 1014 / ANSI/VITA 1) |
| Form Factor | 6U VMEbus Single-Board Computer |
| DRAM | 4 MB onboard (expandable via mezzanine) |
| Flash / EPROM | 512 KB Flash ROM (MVME162Bug firmware) |
| Serial Ports | 4 × RS-232/RS-422 (Z85230 SCC) |
| Ethernet | 10BASE-T / AUI (Intel 82596 LAN controller) |
| SCSI | NCR 53C710 SCSI-2 controller |
| Timers | Tick timer, watchdog timer, prescaler |
| Interrupt Controller | MC2 chip (Motorola custom ASIC) |
| VMEbus Interface | A32/A24/A16 addressing; D32/D16/D8 data |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +55°C (commercial grade) |
| Power Supply | +5V DC (VMEbus backplane) |
| Weight | Approx. 600 g |
| Compliance | FCC Class A, CE Mark |
Proven Application Environments
- Industrial Automation: PLC gateway controllers, DCS front-end processors, and motion control supervisors in manufacturing plants.
- SCADA Systems: Remote terminal unit (RTU) hosts and data acquisition nodes in power generation and utilities.
- Defense & Aerospace: Embedded computing in radar signal processing, avionics test benches, and ground support equipment.
- Telecommunications: Network element controllers and protocol converters in legacy telecom infrastructure.
- Research & Laboratory: Real-time data acquisition and experiment control in physics and engineering labs.
- Life Extension Projects: Direct drop-in replacement for failed MVME162-010A boards in existing VMEbus chassis — no software or firmware changes required.
Engineering Advantages
- Deterministic Real-Time Performance: The MC68040 CPU with onboard FPU delivers consistent interrupt latency critical for closed-loop control applications.
- Open VMEbus Architecture: Full compliance with IEEE 1014 ensures interoperability with thousands of VMEbus I/O, memory, and communication modules from multiple vendors.
- Integrated Peripherals: Ethernet, SCSI-2, and quad-serial on a single board reduces chassis slot consumption and simplifies system architecture.
- MVME162Bug Firmware: Motorola’s robust debug monitor supports network booting, SCSI boot, and serial console — simplifying commissioning and field diagnostics.
- Long Field Track Record: Deployed in mission-critical systems for 20+ years; failure modes are well-documented and manageable.
- Drop-In Replacement: Identical form factor and firmware compatibility with MVME162 variants enables zero-downtime board swaps.
System Architecture & Signal Flow
The MVME162-010A operates as a VMEbus System Controller (Slot 1) or peripheral processor in multi-board configurations. The MC68040 CPU communicates with onboard peripherals via a local 32-bit bus managed by the Motorola MC2 ASIC, which also handles VMEbus arbitration, interrupt management, and DMA operations. Peripheral I/O (Ethernet, SCSI, Serial) connects through the P2 rear-panel connector or front-panel ports depending on chassis configuration. The board supports both master and slave VMEbus transactions, enabling it to serve as the primary system controller or as a co-processor node within a multi-CPU VMEbus backplane.
Sourcing & Quality Verification
All MVME162-010A units supplied by Konmask.com undergo a structured inspection and verification process:
- Visual inspection: PCB condition, component integrity, connector pin check
- Firmware boot verification: MVME162Bug prompt confirmed via serial console
- Memory test: Full DRAM address/data pattern test
- Ethernet & SCSI controller presence verified via firmware diagnostics
- Cosmetic grading: Grade A (excellent), Grade B (functional, minor wear) — stated at time of quotation
- Anti-static packaging with humidity indicator card
- 90-day functional warranty on all units
Procurement Process
- Submit RFQ: Contact [email protected] with your required quantity, delivery timeline, and any specific firmware or hardware revision requirements.
- Quotation: We respond within 1 business day with pricing, stock grade, lead time, and shipping options (DHL / FedEx / sea freight).
- Order Confirmation: Purchase order or online checkout accepted. Proforma invoice issued for wire transfer payments.
- Pre-shipment Inspection: Final functional test performed; test report available on request.
- Shipping & Documentation: Commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of conformance included. Export compliance documentation available for controlled destinations.
- After-Sales Support: Technical assistance available for integration and commissioning questions.
Technical FAQ
Q: Is the MVME162-010A compatible with VxWorks and LynxOS?
A: Yes. The MVME162 series has well-established BSP (Board Support Package) support for VxWorks 5.x/6.x and LynxOS 3.x/4.x. Contact us if you need BSP documentation.
Q: What is the difference between MVME162-010A and MVME162-010?
A: The “-010A” suffix typically denotes a hardware revision with minor ECO (Engineering Change Order) updates — usually component substitutions or PCB trace corrections. Functionally and firmware-wise, they are interchangeable in most applications.
Q: Can this board run as a VMEbus slave (non-slot-1)?
A: Yes. The MVME162-010A can be configured as a non-system-controller via jumper settings, allowing it to operate as a co-processor or I/O processor in slot 2+.
Q: Do you provide a test report with each unit?
A: A standard boot verification report is included. Full diagnostic test reports are available upon request for orders of 2+ units.
Q: What is the lead time for stock units?
A: In-stock units ship within 3–5 business days. For larger quantities or specific revision requirements, lead time is typically 2–4 weeks.
Q: Can you source related MVME162 accessories (P2 adapter, transition modules)?
A: Yes. We can source MVME712 transition modules, P2 rear I/O panels, and VMEbus chassis/backplanes. Include your full BOM in your RFQ.
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