MOTOROLA MVME 172-333 VME Embedded Controller | Replacement, Equivalent & Selection Guide
The MOTOROLA MVME 172-333 is a high-performance VMEbus embedded controller designed for demanding industrial automation, process control, and real-time computing applications. This page provides comprehensive technical specifications, compatible replacement models, selection guidance, and sourcing information to help engineers and procurement teams make confident decisions.
Technical Specifications
- Model: MVME 172-333
- Manufacturer: Motorola (now part of Emerson / Artesyn Embedded Technologies)
- Bus Standard: VMEbus (IEEE 1014)
- Processor: Motorola 68060 @ 33 MHz
- Form Factor: 6U VME Single Board Computer
- Operating System Support: VxWorks, OS-9, LynxOS, pSOS
- Memory: Up to 32 MB DRAM (configuration dependent)
- I/O Interfaces: Dual Ethernet (10Base-T), Dual Serial (RS-232/RS-422), SCSI-2, Parallel Port
- VME Data Transfer: D8/D16/D32, A16/A24/A32
- Power Consumption: Typical 15W (5V rail)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +55°C
- Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
- Dimensions: 233.35 mm × 160 mm (6U VME standard)
- Compliance: CE, UL, FCC Class A
Compatible Replacement & Equivalent Models
When the MVME 172-333 is discontinued, hard to source, or cost-prohibitive, the following models offer functional equivalence or drop-in compatibility depending on your system configuration:
- MOTOROLA MVME 172-333A — Revised hardware revision; pin-compatible, same OS support
- MOTOROLA MVME 172-333B — Enhanced EMC compliance variant; functionally identical
- MOTOROLA MVME 167-33 — 68040-based predecessor; compatible with most MVME 172 software stacks with minor BSP changes
- MOTOROLA MVME 177-4 — 68060 @ 40 MHz upgrade path; higher throughput, same VME footprint
- Emerson MVME 5100 — PowerPC-based modern replacement; requires OS and BSP migration but offers long-term support
- Radisys EPC-3 — Third-party VME SBC; compatible with VxWorks BSP, suitable for non-safety-critical replacements
- FORCE Computers SYS68K/CPU-40 — Legacy equivalent for 68060 VME applications
Note: Always verify hardware revision, memory configuration, and BSP compatibility before substitution in production systems.
Why Choose the Original Model
- Proven Reliability: The MVME 172-333 has a documented track record in mission-critical industrial environments spanning 20+ years.
- Exact Software Compatibility: Existing VxWorks BSPs, OS-9 kernels, and application binaries run without modification.
- Regulatory Compliance: Certified hardware avoids re-validation costs in regulated industries (nuclear, aerospace, rail).
- Spare Parts Ecosystem: Established repair and refurbishment supply chain for long-lifecycle plant maintenance.
- Minimal Integration Risk: No re-engineering of backplane wiring, VME slot assignments, or interrupt vectors.
Typical Applications
- DCS (Distributed Control System) front-end controllers
- SCADA system embedded computing nodes
- Nuclear power plant instrumentation & control (I&C)
- Railway signaling and interlocking systems
- Aerospace ground support equipment (GSE)
- Military and defense embedded computing platforms
- Industrial robotics and CNC machine controllers
- Telecommunications switching infrastructure
System Compatibility
- VME Chassis: Compatible with all standard 6U VMEbus chassis (Motorola, Elma, Schroff, Pixus)
- Backplane: J1/J2 VME64 and legacy VME32 backplanes
- Operating Systems: VxWorks 5.x/6.x, OS-9 V3/V4, LynxOS 3.x, pSOS+
- Development Tools: Tornado II, CodeWarrior, GNU toolchain (m68k-elf)
- Companion Boards: MVME 712M transition module, MVME 761 transition module
- Memory Expansion: Compatible with MVME 172 DRAM mezzanine modules
Selection Guide
Use the following criteria to determine whether the MVME 172-333 or an alternative best fits your project:
- Exact replacement (no software changes): Choose MVME 172-333 or -333A/-333B hardware revisions.
- Performance upgrade (same OS): Consider MVME 177-4 (68060 @ 40 MHz) with BSP update.
- Long-term support & modern OS: Migrate to Emerson MVME 5100 (PowerPC) with full VxWorks 6.x support.
- Budget-constrained legacy maintenance: Refurbished MVME 172-333 units from certified suppliers (e.g., Konmask.com) offer the lowest total cost.
- Safety-critical / regulated environments: Always use OEM-certified original hardware; avoid third-party equivalents without re-qualification.
- Obsolescence mitigation: Contact Konmask.com for last-time-buy (LTB) stock and long-term storage programs.
Quality Assurance & Sourcing
- All MVME 172-333 units supplied by Konmask.com are tested and verified prior to shipment.
- Units undergo power-on self-test (POST) and functional I/O verification.
- Traceability documentation available upon request (batch records, test reports).
- Sourced from authorized distributors, OEM excess inventory, and certified refurbishers.
- Anti-counterfeit inspection performed on all units (X-ray, date code verification, marking authentication).
- Packaging: ESD-safe bags, foam-lined boxes; export-compliant labeling for international shipments.
- Warranty: 90-day functional warranty standard; extended warranty available on request.
How to Order
- Step 1: Confirm your exact part number (MVME 172-333, -333A, or -333B) and hardware revision from your existing unit’s label or system documentation.
- Step 2: Add to cart directly on this page, or contact us for bulk/project pricing.
- Step 3: Provide your shipping address and preferred freight method (DHL, FedEx, UPS, sea freight for large orders).
- Step 4: Receive order confirmation with lead time and tracking information within 1 business day.
- Step 5: Inspection period — notify us within 7 days of receipt if any issue is found.
For urgent requirements or system-level procurement (multiple boards, full VME chassis), contact our technical sales team directly.
Replacement & Compatibility FAQ
Q: Is the MVME 172-333 still in production?
A: No. Motorola discontinued the MVME 172 series. Konmask.com supplies new-surplus and refurbished units from verified stock.
Q: Can I replace MVME 172-333 with MVME 172-333A without software changes?
A: Yes. The -333A is a hardware revision with identical software interface. No BSP or application changes are required.
Q: Will the MVME 177-4 work as a drop-in replacement?
A: Physically yes (same 6U VME form factor), but a BSP update is required to support the 40 MHz 68060 variant. Application binaries are typically compatible.
Q: Can I use the MVME 172-333 with VxWorks 6.x?
A: VxWorks 6.x BSPs for the 68060 are limited. VxWorks 5.5 is the recommended and most widely deployed OS for this board.
Q: Do you provide test reports with the unit?
A: Yes. Functional test reports are available upon request. Please specify at time of order.
Q: What is the lead time?
A: In-stock units ship within 1–3 business days. Out-of-stock items typically have a 2–6 week lead time depending on sourcing.
Q: Do you accept returns?
A: Yes, within 30 days for unused units in original condition. Defective units are covered under our 90-day warranty.
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