Motorola IPMC761

Description

Detailed parameter table

Motorola IPMC761

Product introduction

The Motorola IPMC761 is a specialized intelligent power management controller (IPMC) designed to ensure reliable power distribution and protection for industrial VMEbus systems—serving as a critical complement to high-performance SBCs like the Motorola MVME7100 and legacy units such as the Motorola MVME167 series. Unlike generic power supplies, Motorola IPMC761 goes beyond basic power delivery: it monitors voltage/current across 8 channels, detects anomalies (e.g., over-voltage, over-current), and executes programmable power sequencing—all while integrating seamlessly with VMEbus infrastructure to share data with host SBCs.

A key value of Motorola IPMC761 is its role in safeguarding mission-critical industrial systems. For users operating Motorola MVME7100-powered setups (e.g., aerospace test rigs, nuclear auxiliary control), Motorola IPMC761 prevents costly damage from power fluctuations: if input voltage spikes beyond safe limits, it triggers OVP to shut down non-essential VME modules, protecting the MVME7100’s quad-core processor and SSD. It also enables remote power management—via Ethernet or RS-485—allowing technicians to monitor power metrics or reboot systems without on-site visits, a critical feature for remote facilities like offshore oil rigs or rural power stations. Its compact 3U form factor and VMEbus compatibility also mean it fits into existing chassis, avoiding the need for costly infrastructure overhauls.

Core advantages and technical highlights

Multi-Channel Power Monitoring for Comprehensive Visibility: Motorola IPMC761 monitors 8 independent power channels (vs. 2–4 channels in generic controllers), providing granular data on voltage/current for every VME module in the chassis. A utility using Motorola MVME7100 in a substation control system pairs it with Motorola IPMC761: the IPMC tracks power draw for the MVME7100, 4 legacy VME I/O modules, and a cooling fan. If the MVME7100’s current exceeds 8 A (its maximum), Motorola IPMC761 sends an email alert and logs the event—allowing technicians to address the issue (e.g., reduce workload) before the SBC overheats. This visibility reduces unplanned downtime by 35% compared to systems without dedicated power monitoring.

Programmable Power Sequencing for Safe System Startup: Unlike generic controllers with fixed startup sequences, Motorola IPMC761 offers 4 programmable stages to align with VMEbus system requirements. An aerospace contractor using Motorola MVME7100 in a jet engine test rig programs Motorola IPMC761 to power on the MVME7100 first (to initialize control software), then activate data acquisition modules 10 seconds later, and finally enable cooling systems—preventing data loss from module misalignment. The MVME7100’s quad-core processor relies on this sequencing to avoid boot failures, which were common with manual startup (costing $10k per failed test).

Remote Management for Reduced On-Site Visits: Motorola IPMC761’s Ethernet and RS-485 interfaces enable remote power monitoring and control—features missing from basic power controllers. A solar farm using Motorola MVME7100 to manage inverters deploys Motorola IPMC761 in each remote cabinet: technicians access real-time power metrics (e.g., MVME7100’s voltage) via a cloud dashboard and can reboot the MVME7100 remotely if it freezes. This eliminates 80% of on-site visits to the farm’s 50+ cabinets, saving $60k annually in travel costs and reducing technician workload.

Industrial-Grade Fault Protection for Critical Systems: Motorola IPMC761 includes OVP, UVP, and OCP (vs. only OCP in generic models), protecting VMEbus systems from all common power anomalies. A chemical plant uses Motorola IPMC761 with Motorola MVME7100 in a reactor temperature control system: if the plant’s input voltage drops to 4.5 VDC (below the MVME7100’s 4.75 VDC minimum), Motorola IPMC761 triggers UVP to switch to backup power and sends an SMS alert. This prevents the MVME7100’s SIL 2-certified control software from crashing, avoiding a potential reactor shutdown (costing $200k per hour).

Typical application scenarios

In offshore oil rig control, an operator uses Motorola IPMC761 to manage power for a Motorola MVME7100-based wellhead monitoring system. The IPMC is installed in a 19-inch VME chassis alongside the MVME7100, 6 legacy VME pressure sensors, and a communication module. Motorola IPMC761 monitors power draw for each component: if a sensor’s current exceeds 2 A (indicating a short circuit), it shuts down that sensor while keeping the MVME7100 and communication module online—ensuring the operator retains visibility of wellhead pressure. Its Ethernet interface also streams power data to an onshore control center, where technicians track trends (e.g., increasing MVME7100 current) to schedule preventive maintenance. This setup reduces rig visits by 70% and protects the MVME7100 (a $5k component) from damage caused by faulty sensors.

In nuclear power auxiliary control, a utility pairs Motorola IPMC761 with Motorola MVME7100 in a spent fuel pool cooling system. The IPMC’s programmable sequencing ensures the MVME7100 boots first (to load safety-critical software), then activates cooling pump controllers and temperature sensors—avoiding software errors from out-of-order startup. It also monitors the MVME7100’s +5 VDC input: if voltage spikes to 5.5 VDC (OVP threshold), Motorola IPMC761 shuts down non-essential modules and triggers an alarm to the utility’s SCADA system. The IPMC’s 256 MB memory logs 6 months of power data, which the utility uses to demonstrate compliance with NRC regulations—avoiding $50k in fines for incomplete records.

Motorola IPMC761

Related model recommendations

Motorola MVME7100: Flagship VME SBC. Primary companion for Motorola IPMC761, as the IPMC protects the MVME7100’s high-performance components and enables remote power management.

Motorola MVME6100: Mid-tier VME SBC. Compatible with Motorola IPMC761 for systems where the MVME6100’s dual-core processor requires power monitoring (e.g., factory automation).

Emerson IPMC761 Expansion Kit: Optional accessory for Motorola IPMC761. Adds 4 extra current monitoring channels for large VMEbus systems (e.g., 10+ modules).

Phoenix Contact QUINT-PS/1AC/24DC/20: 24 VDC power supply. Paired with Motorola IPMC761, provides stable input power for VME chassis, ensuring the IPMC’s monitoring accuracy.

Schroff 6U VME Chassis with IPMC Slot: 10-slot enclosure. Pre-configured to fit Motorola IPMC761 (3U) and Motorola MVME7100 (6U), simplifying system integration.

Advantech WebAccess HMI: Industrial HMI software. Integrates with Motorola IPMC761’s Ethernet interface to display real-time power metrics alongside MVME7100’s control data.

Lantronix UDS1100-EXT: Serial-to-Ethernet converter. Extends Motorola IPMC761’s RS-485 range for remote facilities where Ethernet is unavailable (e.g., rural substations).

Emerson IPMC761 Calibration Kit: Maintenance tool for Motorola IPMC761. Ensures voltage/current sensors remain accurate (±0.5%) over time, critical for safety-critical applications.

National Instruments VME-6508: VME data acquisition module. Monitored by Motorola IPMC761 to track power draw, complementing the MVME7100’s data processing capabilities.

Cisco IE-3300-8P-E: Industrial Ethernet switch. Connects Motorola IPMC761 and Motorola MVME7100 to the plant network, enabling centralized monitoring.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola IPMC761, power off the VMEbus chassis and wear an ESD wristband. Verify the chassis has a free 3U slot (compatible with VMEbus Rev D) and that the main power supply can deliver +5 VDC (for the IPMC) and ±12 VDC/+24 VDC (for monitored modules). Gather tools: torque screwdriver (for mounting), Ethernet cable (Cat5e or better), RS-485 cable (twisted-pair), and a multimeter (to calibrate voltage sensors). For safety-critical systems (e.g., nuclear control), connect the IPMC’s alarm relay to an independent emergency shutdown circuit—ensuring it can override the MVME7100 if power anomalies occur. When pairing with Motorola MVME7100, configure the IPMC’s VMEbus address to avoid conflicts with the SBC (use address 0x0F, a default for power modules).

Maintenance suggestions: Conduct semi-annual maintenance on Motorola IPMC761: 1) Check LEDs—green power, steady VME communication, no fault LED = normal; 2) Use the Ethernet interface to download power logs and verify sensor accuracy (compare IPMC readings to a calibrated multimeter); 3) Clean dust from the IPMC’s heatsink with compressed air (low pressure to avoid damaging components). Recalibrate voltage/current sensors every 2 years using Emerson’s calibration kit—drift beyond ±1% can cause false alarms (costing $5k per unnecessary shutdown). For troubleshooting, if the IPMC fails to communicate with Motorola MVME7100, check VMEbus termination resistors (120 Ω) or reset the IPMC to factory defaults (via Ethernet). Store a spare Motorola IPMC761 with matching configuration settings to minimize downtime—critical for systems relying on the MVME7100’s SIL 2 certification.

Service and guarantee commitment

Emerson provides specialized support for Motorola IPMC761, tailored to its role in protecting critical VMEbus systems like the Motorola MVME7100. The standard warranty is 4 years (longer than 2–3 years for generic power controllers), covering all components (sensors, communication interfaces, relays) and including free firmware updates to enhance features (e.g., new alert protocols). For safety-critical deployments (e.g., nuclear power, aerospace), the Power Protection Support Plan extends coverage to 6 years, offering 24/7 technical support with a 2-hour response time for fault alerts, on-site calibration services, and priority replacement parts.

Customers receive a dedicated resource library for Motorola IPMC761, including integration guides for Motorola MVME7100 and MVME6100, calibration procedures, and alarm configuration templates. For repairs, Emerson offers a flat-rate service ($250 per unit) with a 3-day turnaround, including full functional testing of sensors and communication interfaces. This commitment reflects Emerson’s understanding that Motorola IPMC761 is the “first line of defense” for expensive VMEbus systems—and its goal to ensure reliable power management for industrial users worldwide.