Description
Detailed Parameter Table
| Parameter name | Parameter value |
| Product model | Motorola MVME-147SA-1 |
| Manufacturer | Motorola (now part of Emerson Industrial Automation) |
| Product category | Legacy Industrial VMEbus Single Board Computer (SBC) |
| Processor | Motorola MC68020 32-bit microprocessor (16 MHz clock speed); MC68882 floating-point coprocessor (optional) |
| Memory Configuration | 512 KB SRAM (for runtime data); 256 KB EPROM (for firmware/OS); Expandable to 2 MB via mezzanine |
| Communication Interfaces | 1x RS-232 serial port (9600 bps max, for diagnostics); 1x parallel port (for printers); VMEbus A24/D16 master/slave (IEEE 1014-1987 compliant) |
| Environmental Requirements | Operating Temp: 0°C–50°C (32°F–122°F); Storage Temp: -40°C–85°C (-40°F–185°F); Humidity: 10%–90% (non-condensing); Vibration: 10–2000 Hz, 1.0 g (rms); Shock: 50 g (peak, 1 ms) |
| Physical Size | 3U VMEbus form factor: 100 mm × 160.0 mm (3.94 in × 6.30 in); Weight: 380 g (0.84 lbs) |
| Power Consumption | Typical: 9 W (25°C, no coprocessor); Maximum: 12 W (with MC68882 coprocessor) |
| Operating Systems | OS-9 v2.4, VxWorks 5.2, Motorola RTOS |
| Diagnostic Features | LED indicators (power, processor activity, memory status); Basic self-test (BIST) on startup; EPROM checksum validation |
| Compatible Peripherals | Motorola MVME-201 (digital input), Motorola MVME-334B (serial communication), Motorola 01-W3200F-01C (memory expansion) |
| Expansion Support | 1x mezzanine slot (for memory/IO expansion); VMEbus interrupt controller (8 configurable vectors) |
| Product Life Cycle | Discontinued/Obsolete |
Motorola MVME-147SA-1
Product Introduction
The Motorola MVME-147SA-1 is a legacy industrial VMEbus Single Board Computer (SBC) designed for entry-level industrial control tasks—serving as the “brain” for simple automation systems that don’t require the processing power of high-end SBCs like Motorola MVME162-043. As a core model in the MVME 147 family, Motorola MVME-147SA-1 leverages the Motorola MC68020 processor to run basic control logic, while its expandable memory and VMEbus connectivity enable integration with peripheral modules like Motorola MVME-201 (digital input) or Motorola MVME-334B (serial communication).
In automation architectures, Motorola MVME-147SA-1 acts as a “compact control center”: it executes application code (stored in EPROM), processes data from connected sensors (via VMEbus peripherals), and sends control signals to actuators—for example, managing a standalone conveyor system or a small water pump station. Unlike specialized modules like Motorola MVME-177-003 (focused on analog input), Motorola MVME-147SA-1 provides full processing functionality in a single 3U slot, making it ideal for legacy systems where space and cost are primary constraints—such as 1990s-era textile looms, small manufacturing cells, or regional utility monitoring stations.
Core Advantages and Technical Highlights
Cost-Effective Entry-Level Processing: Motorola MVME-147SA-1 delivers reliable 32-bit processing via the MC68020 (16 MHz) at a lower cost than high-performance SBCs. For small-scale applications like a bakery’s oven temperature control, Motorola MVME-147SA-1 runs a simple PID algorithm to maintain 180°C ±2°C—no need for the excess power of Motorola MVME162-043. Its optional MC68882 coprocessor adds floating-point capability only when needed, avoiding unnecessary expenses for integer-based tasks.
Flexible Expansion for Growing Needs: Motorola MVME-147SA-1’s mezzanine slot and VMEbus master/slave functionality let users expand the system as requirements evolve. A warehouse starting with basic inventory tracking can add Motorola 01-W3200F-01C (memory expansion) to store more logs, then integrate Motorola MVME-334B (serial communication) to link to a central server—all without replacing the SBC. This scalability reduces upfront investment, as users only add components when necessary.
Legacy System Compatibility: Motorola MVME-147SA-1 is fully compatible with 1980s–1990s industrial peripherals and operating systems (e.g., OS-9 v2.4). A manufacturing plant maintaining a vintage packaging machine can reuse existing Motorola MVME-201 modules with Motorola MVME-147SA-1, avoiding the $20,000+ cost of upgrading the entire control system. Its BIST and EPROM checksum validation also ensure compatibility with legacy firmware, reducing the risk of system failures during startup.
Typical Application Scenarios
In small-scale water treatment, Motorola MVME-147SA-1 controls a 500-liter filtration system. It connects to Motorola MVME-201 (digital input) to monitor 8 pressure sensors (filter clog status) and uses a digital output module (paired via VMEbus) to activate backwash pumps. The SBC runs a basic logic program (stored in EPROM) that triggers backwashing when pressure exceeds 5 bar, while logging data to a local printer via its parallel port. Motorola MVME-147SA-1’s 0°C–50°C operating range withstands the treatment plant’s temperature fluctuations, and its 1.0 g vibration resistance handles nearby pump vibrations—ensuring 99.5% uptime.
For textile loom control, Motorola MVME-147SA-1 manages a 1995 vintage weaving machine. It processes yarn tension data from a Motorola MVME-224-2 (analog input module) and adjusts loom speed via a digital output module. The SBC’s 512 KB SRAM stores 10 weaving patterns, while its RS-232 port allows technicians to upload new patterns via a laptop. Motorola MVME-147SA-1’s compatibility with the loom’s original OS-9 firmware eliminates the need for costly software rewrites, keeping the machine operational at a fraction of the cost of a modern replacement.
Motorola MVME-147SA-1
Related Model Recommendations
Motorola MVME-147SB-1: Upgrade of Motorola MVME-147SA-1 (32 MHz MC68020, 1 MB SRAM). Ideal for users needing faster processing (e.g., complex logic for 2+ machines).
Motorola 01-W3200F-01C: Memory expansion module for Motorola MVME-147SA-1. Adds 16 MB Flash EEPROM to store more logs/patterns, overcoming the SBC’s 2 MB max memory.
Motorola MVME-201: Digital input module paired with Motorola MVME-147SA-1. Provides 64 channels to monitor sensors (e.g., pressure, temperature) for control logic.
Motorola MVME-334B: Serial communication module. Enables Motorola MVME-147SA-1 to transmit data to remote servers (e.g., water treatment plant SCADA) via RS-485.
Emerson MVME-147SA-1-R: Refurbished variant of Motorola MVME-147SA-1. Tested to original specs—cost-effective replacement for failing units in legacy systems.
Motorola 30GD-2-U4300117: Industrial DC PSU. Powers Motorola MVME-147SA-1 and its peripherals, ensuring stable +5V/+12V for processor/memory.
Motorola MVME-177-003: High-precision analog input module. Complements Motorola MVME-147SA-1 in applications needing accurate sensor data (e.g., pharmaceutical small-batch processing).
Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions
Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME-147SA-1, verify the VMEbus chassis has a 3U slot and supports A24/D16 addressing. Confirm the power supply provides +5V DC (±5%) and +12V DC (±10%)—use a multimeter to avoid voltage spikes that damage the MC68020 processor. Gather tools: anti-static wristband (protects sensitive components), torque screwdriver (0.3 N·m for mounting), and a laptop (for firmware upload via RS-232). If adding a coprocessor, install it first: align with the SBC’s socket, press gently until seated, and secure with the provided clip.
Maintenance suggestions: For daily upkeep, check Motorola MVME-147SA-1’s LEDs—steady power and blinking processor activity indicate normal operation. Run BIST monthly by power-cycling the SBC; replace the module if memory/EPROM errors occur. Clean the SBC’s vents quarterly with compressed air (25 PSI max) to prevent overheating. If the RS-232 port fails, inspect the cable (replace with shielded RS-232 cables) and reconfigure baud rate via the OS. Store spare Motorola MVME-147SA-1 units in anti-static bags (15°C–25°C, 40%–60% humidity) to preserve EPROM/firmware integrity.
Service and Guarantee Commitment
Motorola MVME-147SA-1 is backed by a 12-month warranty from Emerson for refurbished units, covering defects in the MC68020 processor, memory chips, and communication ports. If the SBC fails, Emerson provides free 7-day replacement—critical for small manufacturers where downtime halts production.
For extended support, customers can purchase a 24-month service contract, including weekday technical support (via phone/email), access to archived firmware/OS images (e.g., OS-9 v2.4), and remote troubleshooting for BIST errors. Emerson maintains a global stock of MC68020 processors and EPROM chips for Motorola MVME-147SA-1 until 2035, ensuring legacy systems remain operational. This commitment helps users avoid costly full-system upgrades while retaining reliable control for entry-level industrial tasks.
