Product Core Brief
- Model: MVME51105E-2161
- Brand: Motorola (Emerson / Artesyn)
- Series: MVME5100 VME Processor Module
- Core Function: Delivers high-performance, balanced computing for VMEbus-based industrial and embedded control systems.
- Product Type: VME64 Single Board Computer (SBC)
- Key Specs: PowerPC 7410/750 | Up to 512MB ECC SDRAM | Dual PMC Slots | PowerPlus II Architecture
- Condition: New Original (New Surplus)
Product Introduction
The is a high-performance VME processor module from the MVME5100 series, built on the Motorola Computer Group (MCG) PowerPlus II architecture. Designed to deliver supercomputing-level performance in a single VME slot, it is engineered for mission-critical OEM applications in defense, aerospace, industrial automation, and transportation.
At its core, the integrates a highly optimized PCI bridge and memory controller ASIC. This design eliminates traditional bottlenecks, achieving an impressive 582 MB/s memory read bandwidth and 640 MB/s burst write bandwidth while maintaining full 264 MB/s PCI throughput without starving the CPU. It supports a choice of PowerPC processors, including the MPC7410 with AltiVec technology for algorithm-intensive tasks or the low-power MPC750, making it a versatile and enduring platform for critical infrastructure.
Motorola MVME5100
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Module Type | VME64 Single Board Computer |
| Processor Options | PowerPC 7410 (AltiVec), MPC750, MPC755 |
| Architecture | PowerPlus II with Integrated PCI/Memory Controller |
| Memory | Up to 512MB Onboard ECC SDRAM (Expandable to 1GB) |
| Cache | 32KB/32KB L1, Up to 2MB Backside L2 |
| Expansion | 2x 32/64-bit PMC Slots (IEEE P1386.1) |
| Onboard I/O | 10/100 Ethernet, Serial Ports, SCSI, Parallel |
| Storage | 17MB Flash, 32KB NVRAM with Battery Backup |
| Bus Interface | VME64 (6U Form Factor) |
| Operating Temp | Standard Industrial Range |
Quality Control Process (Engineer’s Perspective)
We don’t just box these and ship them. Here is our actual bench test workflow.
- Incoming Verification: We verify the serial number against Motorola/Emerson traceability records. A visual inspection checks for bent pins on the VME64 P1/P2 connectors, ensures the PMC slot guides are intact, and verifies the NVRAM battery is present and not corroded.
- Live Functional Test: We mount the unit in a live VME64 test chassis. We verify the PowerPC processor boots correctly, initializes the ECC SDRAM, and recognizes both PMC slots and onboard Ethernet/Serial ports.
- Bus Performance Test: We run memory and PCI bandwidth benchmarks to confirm the PowerPlus II architecture meets the 582 MB/s read and 640 MB/s write specifications without bus errors or CPU starvation.
- Peripheral & Storage Test: We test the 10/100 Ethernet interface, serial ports, and verify Flash/NVRAM read/write integrity and battery backup functionality.
- Final QC & Packaging: The module is sealed in an anti-static bag with silica gel. A QC sticker showing the test date and technician initials is applied to the exterior.
Replacement Pitfall Guide
Field replacements on VME systems are unforgiving. Watch out for these traps.
- Processor Variant Mismatch: ❗ Critical. The was shipped with different CPU options (e.g., MPC7410 with AltiVec vs. MPC750). Your application’s boot image and software may be compiled for a specific CPU. Installing the wrong variant will cause boot failures or application crashes. Always match the exact processor type.
- PMC Card Compatibility: ❗ Critical. The has two PMC slots and supports P2 I/O routing. Verify that your existing PMC cards are compatible with the PowerPlus II PCI bridge and the specific P2 I/O mode (PMC, IPMC, or P2 I/O) configured via jumpers on the board.
- Memory Expansion Modules: If your system uses the optional RAM500 memory expansion mezzanine, ensure the new is configured to support it. The base board memory and expansion memory must be correctly recognized by the boot firmware.
- While is backward compatible, verify your backplane supports the 5-row P1/P2 connectors. Forcing a card into a 3-row VME32 slot will damage the connector.
- ESD Damage: The PowerPC processor and PCI bridge are highly sensitive to electrostatic discharge. Always wear a grounded wrist strap when handling the bare PCB. I’ve seen modules fail bench testing because they were handled on a dry winter day without protection.
Keep these in mind and you’ll cut 90% of rework time.
Motorola MVME5100
Compatibility Matrix & Benchmarks
Compatibility
- Motorola → : Direct Replacement — Verify firmware and CPU match.
- Motorola MVME5100 → : Direct Replacement — The “5E” is a common distributor/revision suffix; core specs are identical. Verify firmware and jumpers.
- Motorola MVME2400 → : Upgrade Path — offers superior bandwidth and dual PMC; verify backplane and PMC compatibility.
Benchmarks
- Memory Read Bandwidth: 582 MB/s (sustained, PowerPlus II architecture)
- PCI Burst Write Bandwidth: 640 MB/s (sustained, PowerPlus II architecture)
- Boot Time: < 15 s (from power-on to OS handoff, typical)
