Description
Product Overview
The GE VMIVME – 2170A is a high – performance 32 – bit optically coupled digital output board, engineered to be a cornerstone in industrial control and automation systems. As part of GE’s esteemed VMIVME product line, it is meticulously designed and optimized for seamless integration with the VMEbus, a widely – used standard in industrial computing.
This board offers 32 optically isolated digital output channels. The optical isolation, achieved through optocouplers, is a crucial feature. It effectively prevents electrical noise and ground circuit interference, ensuring that the signals sent to external devices are clean and accurate. The GE VMIVME – 2170A supports both source output and sink current output functions, providing flexibility for different application requirements. With an output current range spanning from 2.5 mA to 300 mA, it can drive a wide variety of loads, from low – power sensors to more power – hungry actuators. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where reliable digital output control is essential for the proper functioning of the overall system.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | VMIVME – 2170A |
| Manufacturer | GE |
| Product Type | Digital Output Board |
| Number of Channels | 32 |
| Output Voltage Range | 30V (maximum) |
| Isolation | Sustained isolation voltage of 1 kV, pulsed isolation voltage of 6 kV |
| Data Transfer Type | 8 – bit (D8), 16 – bit (D16) |
| Access Time | 250 ns maximum |
| Data Polarity | Positive true or negative true |
| Output Characteristics | Open drain |
| Form Factor | Double eurocard, height 9.2 inches (233.4 mm), depth 6.3 inches (160 mm), thickness 0.8 inches (20.3 mm) |
| Working Temperature Range | 0 to + 55 °C |
| Storage Temperature Range | – 20 to + 85 °C |
| Humidity | 20% to 80%, non – condensing |
| On – board Configuration | On – site configurable pull – up resistors, 14 – bit board address selection via dip switch, non – privileged or regulated short I/O transfer options selectable through jumpers |
Main Features and Advantages
High – Density Output Channels
With 32 output channels, the GE VMIVME – 2170A allows for a large number of external devices to be controlled simultaneously. This high – density design is highly beneficial in industrial settings where space is often at a premium. It reduces the need for multiple smaller output boards, simplifying the overall system architecture and minimizing cabling complexity.
Superior Isolation
The optical coupling used in the VMIVME – 2170A provides high levels of isolation. With a continuous isolation voltage of up to 1000 V and a pulse isolation voltage of up to 6000 V, it can effectively shield the board and the connected devices from electrical noise and interference. This not only protects the integrity of the digital signals but also safeguards the board and external equipment from potential voltage surges, enhancing the overall reliability of the system.
Flexible Output Options
The board supports both source and sink current output functions, along with a wide output current range. This flexibility enables it to interface with a diverse range of devices, from low – current digital circuits to high – power relays and solenoids. The on – site configurable pull – up resistors further enhance this flexibility, allowing users to fine – tune the output characteristics according to their specific application needs.
VMEbus Compatibility
As a dual eurocard external size PC board, the GE VMIVME – 2170A is fully compatible with the VMEbus. It provides the necessary address decoding and data transmission control logic, and can accept both 8 – bit and 16 – bit data transfers. This compatibility ensures seamless integration with other VMEbus – based components in an industrial control system, facilitating efficient data flow and system operation.
Application Field
In industrial automation, the GE VMIVME – 2170A is extensively used to control various actuators and motors. For example, in a manufacturing plant’s assembly line, it can be used to control the solenoids that operate pneumatic valves, which in turn control the movement of robotic arms. By accurately sending digital signals, it ensures precise and coordinated movement of the equipment, improving production efficiency and product quality.
In data acquisition systems, the board plays a crucial role in controlling the sampling and data storage processes. It can be used to trigger data acquisition devices at specific intervals or in response to certain events. In a power generation facility, the VMIVME – 2170A can be used to control the operation of circuit breakers and relays. By sending appropriate digital signals, it can ensure the safe and efficient distribution of electrical power, protecting the power grid from overcurrent and other electrical faults.
The board is also well – suited for use in test and measurement applications. It can be used to control the operation of test equipment, such as switching between different test modes or controlling the activation of sensors. In a laboratory setting, it can be used to automate the testing process, making it more efficient and accurate.
In data acquisition systems, the board plays a crucial role in controlling the sampling and data storage processes. It can be used to trigger data acquisition devices at specific intervals or in response to certain events. In a power generation facility, the VMIVME – 2170A can be used to control the operation of circuit breakers and relays. By sending appropriate digital signals, it can ensure the safe and efficient distribution of electrical power, protecting the power grid from overcurrent and other electrical faults.
The board is also well – suited for use in test and measurement applications. It can be used to control the operation of test equipment, such as switching between different test modes or controlling the activation of sensors. In a laboratory setting, it can be used to automate the testing process, making it more efficient and accurate.
Related Products
- GE VMIVME – 1150: A 64 – bit optically coupled digital input board. While the VMIVME – 2170A focuses on digital output, the 1150 is designed for digital input. They can be used together in a system where both input and output of digital signals need to be processed, such as in a complex industrial control setup where sensor inputs (handled by 1150) are used to generate control outputs (handled by 2170A).
- GE VMIVME – 4120: A 16 – channel D/A current or voltage output board. Unlike the digital – only VMIVME – 2170A, the 4120 deals with analog output. In applications where both digital and analog outputs are required, such as in some process control systems, these two boards can be integrated to provide a comprehensive output solution.
- GE VMIVME – 7587: A VME single board computer. It can serve as the central processing unit for a system that includes the VMIVME – 2170A. The computer can process data and send control commands to the 2170A to drive external devices, forming a complete industrial control system.
- GE VMIVME – 7807: A next – generation 6U single – slot VME single – board computer with high – performance capabilities. Similar to the 7587, it can be the core of a system where the VMIVME – 2170A is used for digital output control. The 7807’s advanced features, like high – speed processing and multiple I/O interfaces, can enhance the overall performance of the system when paired with the 2170A.
- GE VMIVME – 2540: An intelligent counter / timer controller. It can work in tandem with the VMIVME – 2170A in applications where precise timing and counting are required, and the digital output from the 2170A is used to control external events based on the counting or timing results.
Installation and Maintenance
Pre – installation preparation: Before installing the GE VMIVME – 2170A, ensure that the VMEbus system is powered off. Check the physical dimensions of the installation location to ensure a proper fit, as the board has a double eurocard form factor. Verify that the VMEbus slots are clean and free from dust or debris. Also, check the electrical specifications of the system to ensure compatibility with the VMIVME – 2170A‘s requirements, such as voltage levels and data transfer capabilities.
Maintenance recommendations: Regularly inspect the GE VMIVME – 2170A for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks on the board or loose connections. Monitor the output signals to ensure they are consistent and accurate. In case of any abnormal behavior, check the on – board configuration settings, such as the dip switches for address selection and the jumper settings for I/O transfer options. If problems persist, consult the product manual or contact GE’s technical support for further assistance.
Maintenance recommendations: Regularly inspect the GE VMIVME – 2170A for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks on the board or loose connections. Monitor the output signals to ensure they are consistent and accurate. In case of any abnormal behavior, check the on – board configuration settings, such as the dip switches for address selection and the jumper settings for I/O transfer options. If problems persist, consult the product manual or contact GE’s technical support for further assistance.
Product Guarantee
GE offers a comprehensive product guarantee for the VMIVME – 2170A. The company stands firmly behind the quality and reliability of this digital output board. In case of any manufacturing defects, GE will provide repair or replacement services within the warranty period. Their team of experienced technical experts is available to offer support for installation, configuration, and any operational issues related to the GE VMIVME – 2170A. This commitment reflects GE’s confidence in the product, giving customers peace of mind when integrating it into their industrial control and automation systems.
