Product Core Brief
- Model: MVME167-33B
- Brand: Motorola
- Series: MVME167 Single Board Computers
- Core Function: Embedded VMEbus processing for legacy industrial systems
- Product Type: VMEbus Single Board Computer (SBC)
- Key Specs: 33MHz MC68040 | 64MB ECC DRAM | 4 Serial Ports
- Condition: New Original / New Surplus
Product Introduction
The Motorola MVME167-33B is a proven VMEbus SBC built on the MC68040 microprocessor. It operates at 33MHz and supports up to 64MB of ECC-protected DRAM for fault-tolerant operation.
This replacement module includes four EIA 232-D serial ports and a SCSI bus interface. It handles aerospace, defense, and industrial automation tasks with deterministic reliability.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Processor | Motorola MC68040 |
| Clock Speed | 33MHz |
| System Memory | Up to 64MB 32-bit DRAM |
| Memory Protection | ECC or Parity |
| Backup Memory | 128KB SRAM with Battery |
| Storage Interface | 4x PLCC ROM Sockets |
| Serial Ports | 4x EIA 232-D with DMA |
| Storage Bus | SCSI with DMA Support |
| VME Interface | VMEbus |
| Target Application | Industrial Automation, Aerospace |
Quality Control Process
We inspect every surplus stock unit thoroughly. First, we verify the 33MHz MC68040 boots and passes POST diagnostics. Next, we run memory stress tests on the ECC DRAM to catch bit errors. We validate the 128KB battery-backed SRAM retention and check the four serial ports with loopback verification. The SCSI bus gets functional testing with known-good drives. Finally, we pack the SBC in anti-static shielding.
Replacement Pitfall Guide
❗ Check SRAM Battery Voltage. The 128KB backup SRAM relies on an onboard battery for retention. Old stock often has dead batteries. Test voltage before installing to avoid config loss.
❗ Verify SCSI Termination. The onboard SCSI controller requires proper termination. Missing or incorrect terminators cause data corruption on external storage devices.
❗ Serial Port DMA Configuration. The four EIA 232-D ports support DMA transfers. Wrong BSP settings will disable DMA and degrade performance. Verify your firmware configuration matches your application.
❗ VMEbus Address Conflicts. The MC68040 supports multiple address spaces. Overlapping memory maps with other VME modules cause system crashes. Verify jumper settings against your backplane layout.
Keep these in mind and you’ll cut 90% of rework time.
Compatibility Matrix & Benchmarks
| Original Model | Replacement / Successor Model | Compatibility Level (Direct/Needs Adaptation) | Migration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| -33A | Direct | Verify memory size and SRAM config | |
| MVME167 Series | Direct | ‘-33B’ indicates 33MHz MC68040 | |
| MVME162 Series | Needs Adaptation | Different CPU architecture and BSP |
- Serial Throughput: 4x DMA-enabled EIA 232-D ports for multi-drop networks
- Memory Reliability: 64MB ECC DRAM for fault-tolerant industrial control








