Motorola MVME-162-200

Description

Detailed Parameter Table

Motorola MVME-162-200

Product Introduction

The Motorola MVME-162-200 is a legacy industrial VMEbus foundational entry-level real-time SBC—one of Motorola’s earliest VME-based computing modules, predating Motorola MVME162-432 and designed for ultra-simple 1980s–early 1990s automation tasks. Unlike its successor (which adds faster processing, extra Industry Pack ports, and optional serial expansion), Motorola MVME-162-200 relies on a 16 MHz MC68020 processor and minimal memory to handle basic control functions—no floating-point calculations, multi-device communication, or master-level VMEbus operations.

As a pioneering workhorse in Motorola’s early VME lineup, Motorola MVME-162-200 acted as a “bare-bones control node” for industrial setups transitioning from discrete logic to programmable systems. It connected to simple peripherals (e.g., Motorola IP-100 for 8-bit digital I/O) via its single Industry Pack port and communicated only through a low-speed serial console. For example, in a late 1980s small-scale textile mill, Motorola MVME-162-200 monitored a single thread-break sensor and activated a loom stop switch—its battery-backed SRAM preserving daily production counts during power outages. Today, it is critical for vintage industrial preservation (e.g., museum exhibits, legacy factory equipment) where no modern SBC can replicate its 8-bit I/O compatibility and early VMEbus slave functionality.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

Foundational Compatibility for Vintage Systems: Motorola MVME-162-200’s MC68020 processor and slave-only VMEbus design make it the only viable replacement for late 1980s systems built around early VME infrastructure—unlike newer SBCs like Motorola MVME162-432, which lack slave-only mode and 8-bit Industry Pack support. A museum restoring a 1988 industrial robot uses Motorola MVME-162-200 to replicate the robot’s original control logic: the SBC’s 16 MHz processor and basic MMU match the robot’s firmware requirements, while its 8-bit Industry Pack port connects to the robot’s original sensor array. Without Motorola MVME-162-200, the museum would need to fully rewrite the robot’s software—costing $10,000+ and losing historical accuracy.

Ultra-Low Power for Standalone Applications: With 10 W typical power consumption (33% lower than Motorola MVME162-432), Motorola MVME-162-200 is ideal for 1980s-era battery-backed or low-power systems. A late 1980s remote weather station used Motorola MVME-162-200 to log temperature data from a single sensor: its low power draw allowed the station to run on solar panels for 18+ hours daily, while its compact size fit in a small outdoor enclosure. The SBC’s simplified design (no unnecessary components like DMA controllers) also reduced failure risks in remote locations with limited maintenance access.

Cost-Effective for Single-Function Tasks: Motorola MVME-162-200 delivered essential programmable control at a fraction of the cost of mid-tier 1980s SBCs. A late 1980s small-scale metal shop used Motorola MVME-162-200 to control a single drill press’s safety interlock: the SBC replaced a bank of mechanical relays, reducing wiring complexity and maintenance costs—all without needing the extra ports or speed of later models like Motorola MVME162-432. This affordability made it a staple for small businesses adopting early automation technology.

Typical Application Scenarios

In a late 1980s pharmaceutical lab’s small-scale mixing system, Motorola MVME-162-200 paired with Motorola MVME-177-000 (entry-level analog input) to monitor a single liquid level sensor (0–5V signal) and activate a pump shutoff if levels exceeded safety limits. The SBC logged hourly level data to its 128 KB SRAM and sent weekly summaries to a vintage serial printer via its console port. Its 5°C–55°C operating range withstood the lab’s controlled 20°C–25°C environment, while the single Industry Pack port ensured compatibility with the lab’s existing analog sensor hardware. Motorola MVME-162-200’s reliability kept the mixing system compliant with early FDA guidelines for 15+ years.

For a 1990 municipal traffic light controller (small 2-way intersection), Motorola MVME-162-200 managed signal timing via Motorola IP-100 (8-bit digital I/O) to activate red/green lights. It used its battery-backed SRAM to store two fixed timing profiles (morning/evening) and relied on a simple internal clock for synchronization—no external sensors or communication needed. The SBC’s 30 g shock resistance handled occasional road vibrations, and its low power consumption (10 W typical) reduced the controller’s utility costs. Motorola MVME-162-200 remained in service until 2005, when the intersection was upgraded—highlighting its longevity for ultra-simple, critical infrastructure tasks.

Motorola MVME-162-200

Related Model Recommendations

Motorola MVME162-432: Successor model – Upgrade for Motorola MVME-162-200 users needing faster processing (25 MHz vs. 16 MHz), 2 Industry Pack ports, or optional serial expansion (e.g., modernizing legacy systems for basic multi-device control).

Motorola IP-100: 8-bit digital I/O Industry Pack – Essential pairing for Motorola MVME-162-200; adds 8 discrete input/output channels for controlling relays, simple sensors, or actuators (the only Industry Pack module fully compatible with its 8-bit port).

Motorola MVME-340A: Legacy serial module – Complements Motorola MVME-162-200 by adding a second RS-232 port (via VMEbus) for connecting extra low-speed devices like barcode scanners (critical for systems needing minimal expansion).

Motorola MVME-177-000: Entry-level analog input module – Expands Motorola MVME-162-200’s capabilities with 2-channel analog input (0–5V) for simple temperature or pressure monitoring in vintage systems.

Emerson MVME-162-200-R: Refurbished variant – Tested to original 8-bit/16 MHz specs; Critical replacement for failing Motorola MVME-162-200 units in vintage preservation or legacy industrial systems.

Motorola 30GD-0-U4300088: Early industrial DC PSU – Powers Motorola MVME-162-200 and its Industry Pack module, providing stable +5V DC (±5%) matching the SBC’s low power requirements.

Motorola VME-101: 2-slot VME chassis – Compact chassis designed for Motorola MVME-162-200; fits the SBC and one Industry Pack module, ideal for space-constrained vintage setups.

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME-162-200, verify the VME chassis supports double-high 6U modules and A16/D16 slave-only addressing (critical—master-capable chassis may cause compatibility issues). Confirm the power supply (e.g., Motorola 30GD-0-U4300088) provides +5V DC (±5%) – use a precision multimeter to avoid voltage ripple (>100mV will corrupt DRAM, as there is no parity). Gather tools: anti-static wristband (protects the MC68020 processor, sensitive to ESD), torque screwdriver (0.5 N·m for 6U mounting), and 8-bit Industry Pack alignment tool (to avoid damaging the single expansion port). Ensure all peripherals are 8-bit (e.g., Motorola IP-100); 16-bit modules will not function and may damage the SBC.

Maintenance suggestions: For daily upkeep, check Motorola MVME-162-200’s single LED – steady light means power is active; slow blinking indicates processor activity (no error feedback available). Test DRAM semi-annually via the host OS (look for corrupted data in SRAM logs); replace DRAM if errors occur (use only 1980s-era compatible DRAM chips, as modern equivalents may not work). Clean the module’s vents annually with compressed air (10 PSI max) – avoid higher pressure to prevent dislodging fragile 1980s-era components. Replace the SRAM battery every 2 years (3V lithium, vintage-style with correct pinout) during scheduled downtime. Store spare Motorola MVME-162-200 units in sealed anti-static containers (15°C–25°C, 40%–60% humidity) with desiccants to preserve the MC68020 and EPROM.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

Motorola MVME-162-200 is backed by a 12-month warranty from Emerson for refurbished units, covering defects in the MC68020 processor, DRAM, 8-bit Industry Pack port, and serial interface. If Motorola MVME-162-200 fails (e.g., in a museum’s vintage robot exhibit), Emerson provides free 10-day replacement – critical for users where no modern SBC can replicate its unique vintage compatibility.

For extended support, customers can purchase a 24-month service contract, including specialized technical support for late 1980s-era VME systems (via phone/email), access to archived factory firmware images, and remote troubleshooting for 8-bit Industry Pack integration. Emerson maintains a limited global stock of MC68020 chips and 2 MB vintage DRAM modules for Motorola MVME-162-200 until 2035, ensuring this foundational SBC remains operational for vintage preservation and legacy industrial needs. This commitment underscores Emerson’s dedication to supporting even the earliest generations of programmable industrial automation.