5CFCRD.0064-03
Product Name
MVME162-012 is a Motorola/Force Computers MVME162 Series Single-Board Computer (SBC) (also referred to as MVME162-012 Industrial Embedded Controller, VMEbus-Based Process Control Module), a rugged embedded computing component designed for industrial automation, process control, and mission-critical applications based on the VMEbus architecture.
2. Product Description
The MVME162-012 module is a high-reliability single-board computer (SBC) developed by Motorola (later acquired by Force Computers, now part of Kontron) as part of the MVME162 Series—one of the most widely used VMEbus-based embedded computing platforms for industrial applications. Its core function is to provide a compact, rugged computing solution for real-time control, data acquisition, and system integration in harsh industrial environments.
Featuring a Motorola 68040 32-bit microprocessor, the module delivers reliable computing performance optimized for real-time industrial control tasks. It supports industry-standard VMEbus (IEC 60913) for seamless integration with other VME-compatible I/O modules, communication cards, and peripherals, enabling flexible system expansion. The rugged design includes industrial-grade components, wide temperature tolerance, and resistance to vibration, shock, and electromagnetic interference (EMI), making it suitable for deployment in power plants, manufacturing facilities, aerospace systems, and other harsh operating environments.
Widely used in legacy and modern industrial control systems, the MVME162-012 module serves as a core computing hub for applications such as process control, machine automation, data logging, and embedded monitoring. It supports real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks and QNX, ensuring deterministic performance for time-critical control tasks.
3. Product Parameters
| Parameter Category | Specific Specifications |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Motorola/Force Computers MVME162 Series VMEbus Single-Board Computer (SBC) |
| Manufacturer | Motorola (Original), Force Computers (Successor), Kontron (Current) |
| Processor Configuration | Motorola 68040 32-bit Microprocessor, 25 MHz Clock Speed |
| Memory Capacity | 8 MB DRAM (Expandable to 32 MB), 1 MB EPROM (for Firmware/BIOS), 64 KB NVRAM |
| Bus Architecture | VMEbus Rev. D (32-bit Data/Address, 40 MHz Bus Speed), Compatible with VME64 |
| I/O Interfaces | 2 x RS-232 Serial Ports (DB-9), 1 x Parallel Port (Centronics), 1 x SCSI-2 Port (50-pin) |
| Graphics Support | Integrated VGA Controller (640×480 Resolution, 16 Colors), 256 KB Video RAM |
| Real-Time Clock (RTC) | Battery-Backed RTC with NVRAM for Date/Time Storage |
| Operating System Support | VxWorks, QNX, OS-9, LynxOS (Real-Time Operating Systems) |
| Power Supply | +5V DC (2.5A Max), ±12V DC (0.5A Max), Powered by VMEbus Backplane |
| Power Consumption | Typical: 15W; Maximum: 22W |
| Operating Temperature | 0℃ to +60℃ (32°F to +140°F) |
| Storage Temperature | -40℃ to +85℃ (-40°F to +185°F) |
| Relative Humidity | 5% – 95% RH (Non-condensing, IEC 60068-2-3) |
| Protection Class | IP20 (Designed for VMEbus Rack Mounting) |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 160mm × 233mm × 20mm (6.30″ × 9.17″ × 0.79″) |
| Weight | Approximately 0.8kg (1.76 lbs) |
| Certifications | CE, UL, CSA, IEC 60950-1 (Safety), EN 55022 (EMC) |
| Diagnostic Capabilities | On-Board Self-Test (OBST), Memory Diagnostics, RTC Battery Monitoring |
4. Specifications
(1) Physical Specifications
- Mechanical Design: VMEbus standard form factor (3U height, 160mm width) compatible with 19-inch VME racks. The single-board design eliminates internal cables, enhancing reliability in high-vibration environments. Reinforced edge connectors ensure secure electrical contact with the VMEbus backplane.
- Housing & Material: FR4 glass-epoxy circuit board with conformal coating (UL 94 V-0 rating) to protect against dust, moisture, and chemical contaminants. Industrial-grade components selected for resistance to thermal cycling and mechanical stress.
- Interface & Indicators: Front-panel DB-9 connectors for serial ports, Centronics parallel port, and SCSI-2 port; LED indicators for power status (PWR), processor activity (RUN), and fault alarms (FAULT); configuration jumpers for memory size and bus settings.
(2) Functional Specifications
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Computing & Real-Time Performance
- Motorola 68040 processor delivers 25 MHz clock speed with integrated floating-point unit (FPU), supporting complex control algorithms and real-time data processing for industrial applications.
- Expandable DRAM (up to 32 MB) and battery-backed NVRAM enable storage of large control programs, process data, and configuration settings, ensuring data retention during power loss.
- Deterministic performance with RTOS support (VxWorks, QNX) makes it suitable for time-critical tasks such as closed-loop process control and motion control.
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System Integration & Compatibility
- VMEbus Rev. D compliance enables seamless integration with VME-compatible I/O modules (analog/digital I/O, communication cards), making it easy to expand system functionality.