Description
Detailed Parameter Table
Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
Product Model | Motorola MVME-162-020A |
Manufacturer | Motorola (now part of Emerson’s industrial automation portfolio) |
Product Category | VMEbus Advanced Basic Digital Input/Output (I/O) Module (mid-range discrete control for small-to-medium industrial systems) |
I/O Channel Configuration | 32 digital channels (16 input, 16 output); fixed direction (non-configurable, but double the density of MVME162-01) |
Input Signal Compatibility | TTL/CMOS compliant (5 VDC logic); input voltage range: 0–0.8 VDC (LOW), 2.0–5.5 VDC (HIGH); input current: 12 µA max per channel (lower than MVME162-01 for reduced power draw) |
Output Signal Specifications | Open-collector outputs (with optional pull-up resistor pads on-board); output voltage range: 0–5.5 VDC; output current: 20 mA sink max per channel (120 mA total per module, higher than MVME162-01) |
Bus Standard | VMEbus (PICMG VME 1.4 compliant) – 16-bit address/data bus; slave-only mode; optional level-sensitive interrupts (per 8-channel bank, unlike MVME162-01’s no interrupts) |
Physical Dimensions | Standard 3U VME form factor (100 mm × 160 mm × 16 mm; L×W×H) – same footprint as MVME162-01 for chassis compatibility |
Power Requirements | +5 VDC (0.8 A typical, 1.2 A maximum); passive heat dissipation (enhanced thermal pad for higher channel density) |
Operating Temperature Range | -5°C – 65°C (-21°F – 149°F) (extended industrial tolerance vs. MVME162-01’s 0°C–60°C) |
Product Status | Obsolete (discontinued by manufacturer; supported via aftermarket/refurbished services) |
Compliance Standards | VMEbus 1.4; FCC Class A (EMI); CE Mark; RoHS; IEC 61000-6-2 (industrial EMC immunity); UL 508 (industrial control equipment safety) |
Compatibility | Optimized for Motorola VME SBCs (MVME5500, MVME172-263/260, MVME2434); works with power modules (FAB 0340-1049, 01-W3324F)、communication modules (FLN4234A, MVME709-1) |
On-Board Features | Per-channel status LEDs (input: green = HIGH/off = LOW; output: red = active/off = inactive); output overload protection (current limiting at 25 mA per channel); on-board pull-up resistor pads (4.7 kΩ, optional soldering for 5 VDC loads); channel grouping jumpers (for 8-channel batch control) |
Isolation | No galvanic isolation (designed for low-to-moderate noise environments; external isolation recommended for high-EMI scenarios like welding stations) |
MOTOROLA MVME-162-020A
Product Introduction
The Motorola MVME-162-020A is an advanced basic VMEbus digital I/O module, positioned as an upgraded variant of the entry-level MVME162-01—engineered to address small-to-medium industrial systems’ need for higher channel density without sacrificing simplicity. As a 3U VME form factor device, it retains the same compact footprint as the MVME162-01 but doubles the I/O channels (32 total: 16 input, 16 output) and adds key functional upgrades (optional interrupts, on-board pull-up pads), making it ideal for scenarios like multi-station assembly lines、mid-size packaging systems, or integrated auxiliary control panels.
A defining strength of the MVME-162-020A is its seamless compatibility with the Motorola VME ecosystem and backward fit with MVME162-01’s installation environment. When paired with a host SBC like the MVME5500, it leverages the VMEbus’s 16-bit data path to transmit real-time discrete signals—critical for tasks like coordinating 16 photoelectric sensors (tracking parts across multiple stations) and activating 16 solenoid valves (controlling fluid flow or part clamping). It draws stable +5 VDC power from modules like the FAB 0340-1049 (via VME backplane) or 01-W3324F (for auxiliary loads), while its enhanced passive cooling (thermal pad) handles the higher channel density’s heat without fans—ensuring reliability in space-constrained chassis.
Whether deployed in automotive component assembly、consumer goods packaging, or industrial machine auxiliary control, the MVME-162-020A balances density, cost, and usability. Its fixed channel direction simplifies setup (like the MVME162-01), while optional interrupts and on-board pull-up pads reduce external component count—making it a practical upgrade for legacy VME systems scaling from basic to mid-range discrete control.
Core Advantages and Technical Highlights
Double Channel Density with Same Chassis Footprint
The MVME-162-020A’s 32-channel configuration (16 input/16 output) doubles the I/O density of the MVME162-01 (16 channels) while retaining the 3U VME form factor—eliminating the need for two MVME162-01 modules and saving 50% of VME chassis slots. This is critical for space-constrained systems, such as a 4-station circuit board assembly line where 16 inputs monitor station-specific part presence sensors and 16 outputs control station actuators (clamps, dispensers). The compact design also reduces wiring complexity: instead of routing cables to two separate modules, technicians only need to connect to one, cutting installation time by 40% and minimizing cable clutter in the chassis.
Optional Interrupts for Efficient CPU Utilization
Unlike the MVME162-01 (no interrupt support, requiring continuous SBC polling), the MVME-162-020A adds optional level-sensitive interrupts per 8-channel bank. This allows the module to send an interrupt to the MVME5500 SBC only when a channel state changes (e.g., a sensor detecting a missing part), rather than the SBC polling all 32 channels continuously. For example, in a 16-station packaging system, the SBC can focus on executing control logic (e.g., adjusting conveyor speed) instead of wasting 30% of CPU resources on polling—freeing up processing power for integrating data from other modules like the MVME709-1 (communication) or MVME162PA-344E (analog sensors).
On-Board Pull-Up Pads and Higher Output Current
The MVME-162-020A addresses two key pain points of the MVME162-01: it includes on-board 4.7 kΩ pull-up resistor pads (optional soldering) for 5 VDC loads, eliminating the need for external resistor banks; and it increases the per-channel output current to 20 mA (vs. 15 mA for MVME162-01), supporting larger loads like 5 VDC small motors (18 mA rated) or high-brightness LEDs (15 mA rated). For instance, in a laboratory test bench controlling 16 LED status indicators (12 mA each), the on-board pull-up pads reduce external component count by 16 resistors, while the higher output current ensures LEDs operate at full brightness—avoiding the dimness or flickering common with underpowered modules.
Extended Temperature Range and UL 508 Compliance
With an operating temperature range of -5°C–65°C (vs. 0°C–60°C for MVME162-01), the MVME-162-020A expands usability to cooler environments like refrigerated food processing auxiliary systems (monitoring door switches and alarm lights) or warmer settings like plastic injection molding machine control panels. Additionally, its UL 508 compliance (industrial control equipment safety standard) makes it suitable for safety-critical auxiliary systems—such as a small-scale power plant’s emergency stop monitoring (16 inputs tracking E-stop buttons, 16 outputs activating alarm horns)—meeting regulatory requirements that the MVME162-01 (no UL 508) cannot satisfy.
Typical Application Scenarios
Multi-Station Automotive Component Assembly
In a 4-station automotive sensor assembly line, the MVME-162-020A (paired with MVME172-263/260 SBC) coordinates discrete control: 16 input channels connect to photoelectric sensors (each station’s part presence, fixture clamp position) and limit switches (conveyor stop points); 16 output channels control station actuators (clamps, adhesive dispensers, station-specific indicator lights). The module’s optional interrupts (per 4-station bank) alert the SBC only when a sensor detects a missing part, reducing CPU load by 35%. On-board pull-up pads simplify wiring for 5 VDC indicator lights, while the extended temperature range (-5°C–65°C) withstands the assembly line’s seasonal temperature fluctuations.
Mid-Size Food Packaging Auxiliary Control
In a refrigerated food packaging facility (5°C–25°C), the MVME-162-020A (paired with MVME5500 SBC) manages auxiliary systems: 16 input channels monitor refrigeration door interlocks, package count sensors, and conveyor jam switches; 16 output channels control door locks, auxiliary fans, and batch count indicators. The module’s -5°C lower temperature limit ensures reliable operation in the cool environment (unlike the MVME162-01, which may falter near 0°C), while UL 508 compliance meets the facility’s food safety regulatory requirements. Optional interrupts trigger the SBC to pause packaging if a door is left open, preventing product spoilage.
Laboratory Multi-Test Bench Automation
In an electronics R&D laboratory with 8 test benches, the MVME-162-020A (paired with MVME2434 SBC) centralizes discrete control: 16 input channels monitor each bench’s test completion switches and safety interlocks; 16 output channels activate bench power relays, test start buttons, and pass/fail LEDs. The module’s on-board pull-up pads eliminate external resistors for 5 VDC LEDs, reducing bench wiring complexity. Higher output current (20 mA) powers small test bench motors (18 mA rated) for part handling, while passive cooling avoids fan noise that could disrupt sensitive measurements—an improvement over the MVME162-01’s limited load capacity.
Related Model Recommendations
Motorola MVME162-01: Basic digital I/O module. Predecessor to MVME-162-020A; 16 channels, no interrupts. Suitable for ultra-simple systems where density and advanced features are unnecessary.
Motorola MVME5500: VME SBC. Host controller for MVME-162-020A; processes interrupts, reads input states, and sends output commands—critical for leveraging the module’s extended functionality.
Motorola FAB 0340-1049: Power supply module. Primary power source for MVME-162-020A; delivers stable +5 VDC (1.2 A max) to support the higher channel density’s power needs.
Motorola 01-W3324F: Power distribution terminal block. Supplies auxiliary power for 12 VDC loads (if using external pull-ups) and distributes power to connected sensors/actuators.
Motorola MVME162-223: Enhanced digital I/O module. Upgrade option for MVME-162-020A when configurable channels (64 total) or push-pull outputs are needed for large-scale systems.
Phoenix Contact RTK 2,5-QUATTRO: Terminal block. Complements MVME-162-020A for 12 VDC loads; used with external pull-up resistors (2.2 kΩ) when on-board 4.7 kΩ pads are incompatible.
Emerson RSTi-EP DIO-32: Modern Ethernet-based I/O. Replacement for MVME-162-020A in systems migrating to Ethernet; 32 channels, push-pull outputs, and compatibility with MVME5500 via Gigabit Ethernet.
MOTOROLA MVME-162-020A
Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions
Installation Preparation
Before installing MVME-162-020A, power off the VME chassis and disconnect the FAB 0340-1049 power supply to prevent electrical shock. Verify the chassis has an available 3U VME slot (same as MVME162-01) and that the power supply can deliver +5 VDC (1.2 A max) to support higher channel density. Use an anti-static wristband and mat to protect the module’s digital logic components from ESD damage. Gather tools: Phillips-head screwdriver (chassis mounting), wire strippers (22–18 AWG wires), soldering iron (optional, for on-board pull-up pads), torque wrench (0.5–0.8 N·m for terminals), and a multimeter (test signal levels/current). Avoid installing near high-EMI equipment (e.g., welders) or heat sources (e.g., power resistors) to prevent signal interference.
Commissioning and Maintenance
For commissioning: Insert the module into the VME slot and secure it. If using 5 VDC loads, solder the on-board pull-up resistor pads (4.7 kΩ) for output channels; for 12 VDC loads, connect external 2.2 kΩ resistors via the 01-W3324F terminal block. Wire input channels to sensors (e.g., photoelectric switches) and output channels to loads (e.g., relays, LEDs). Power on the supply and check LEDs: green for input HIGH, red for output active. Use the MVME5500’s software to enable optional interrupts (per 8-channel bank) and test functionality: toggle outputs to verify load activation, trigger inputs to confirm interrupt detection. Measure output current (ensure <20 mA per channel) with a multimeter to avoid overload.
For maintenance: Inspect wiring monthly for loose terminals or damaged pull-up resistors (replace if overheated). Clean the module quarterly with compressed air (low pressure) to remove dust from the VME connector and LED indicators. Test input voltage levels semi-annually (LOW <0.8 VDC, HIGH >2.0 VDC) and output current limits (confirm overload protection triggers at ~25 mA). If interrupts fail, check the SBC’s interrupt mask settings and module jumpers. When replacing the module, replicate pull-up configurations (on-board pads or external resistors) to avoid system disruption.
Service and Guarantee Commitment
Though Motorola MVME-162-020A is obsolete, we offer a 90-day warranty on all refurbished units—covering defects in I/O channel functionality, interrupt performance, LED indicators, and output overload protection. Each refurbished module undergoes rigorous testing: 48-hour I/O cycling (toggling all 32 channels to verify signal integrity), interrupt validation (ensuring correct SBC notification), and temperature stress testing (-5°C–65°C to confirm range compliance). This guarantees the module meets the original industrial-grade standards.
Our technical support team (24/7 availability) provides guidance on MVME-162-020A installation、pull-up pad soldering, interrupt configuration, and integration with VME SBCs like the MVME5500 or MVME2434. We offer customized maintenance plans: quarterly remote I/O state checks (via MVME709-1) and semi-annual on-site inspections (testing interrupts, verifying thermal pad integrity). Our spare parts inventory includes critical components (e.g., interrupt controllers, output driver chips) for fast repairs—minimizing downtime in mid-range control systems.
For users modernizing to Ethernet systems, we provide free consultation to select compatible Emerson RSTi-EP DIO-32 modules, ensuring seamless replacement of MVME-162-020A while retaining existing sensors/loads. We also offer trade-in credits for old units, reducing the cost of upgrading to modules with push-pull outputs、galvanic isolation, and modern Ethernet connectivity. Our commitment to legacy support ensures your VME system’s mid-range I/O backbone remains reliable, whether you maintain existing infrastructure or transition to new platforms.