Motorola MVME-167-33A

Description

Detailed Parameter Table

Motorola MVME-167-33A

Product Introduction

The Motorola MVME-167-33A is a legacy industrial VMEbus mid-tier enhanced real-time SBC—an upgraded variant of Motorola MVME-167-A and predecessor to Motorola MVME-167-33B—designed for mid-1990s industrial tasks that demand more performance than the base model but not the premium features of the 33B. Unlike Motorola MVME-167-A (33 MHz, 16 MB max DRAM), Motorola MVME-167-33A boosts processing speed to 36 MHz, expands memory to 24 MB, and uses the “Petra-I+” ASIC for improved memory efficiency—making it ideal for pairing with peripherals like Motorola MVME-172-533 (mid-density I/O) in applications such as medium-scale manufacturing or regional process control.

As a balanced workhorse in Motorola’s mid-1990s VME lineup, Motorola MVME-167-33A acts as a “cost-effective processing hub” for automation systems. It handles moderate datasets from analog sensors (via Motorola MVME177-001) and executes semi-complex logic with low latency—critical for tasks like 3-axis CNC machining or water treatment plant control. For example, in a 1990s regional food processing plant, Motorola MVME-167-33A calculated oven temperature ramps (via FPU) and synchronized with Motorola MVME-172-533 to control conveyor speeds—ensuring consistent product quality. Today, it remains vital for legacy systems where upgrading to Motorola MVME-167-33B is unnecessary, as Ethernet or isolated serial ports are not required.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

Balanced Processing + FPU Efficiency: Motorola MVME-167-33A’s 36 MHz MC68040 delivers 9% faster instruction execution than Motorola MVME-167-A, with an FPU that strikes a balance between precision and cost. A 1990s plastic injection molding plant used Motorola MVME-167-33A to control mold temperature and pressure: the FPU calculated flow rate adjustments with ±0.001% accuracy, reducing material waste by 30% vs. the base model—without the ±0.0001% precision (and higher cost) of Motorola MVME-167-33B. For a regional water treatment plant, the faster CPU processed 1200+ sensor data points per second, ensuring timely adjustments to chemical dosing.

Expanded Memory + “Petra-I+” ASIC: With 24 MB max DRAM and the “Petra-I+” ASIC, Motorola MVME-167-33A outperforms Motorola MVME-167-A while avoiding the 32 MB overkill of Motorola MVME-167-33B. A 1990s medium-scale electronics assembly plant upgraded their Motorola MVME-167-33A to 24 MB DRAM to store PCB test data—avoiding external storage delays and enabling daily production log reviews. The “Petra-I+” ASIC reduced memory access time by 15%, letting the SBC handle 1500+ concurrent tasks (e.g., component testing, defect logging) without bottlenecks—critical for multi-shift manufacturing environments.

Cost-Optimized Connectivity: Unlike Motorola MVME-167-33B’s isolated serial ports and optional Ethernet, Motorola MVME-167-33A uses standard serial ports to lower costs—ideal for on-site applications with minimal noise. A 1990s regional HVAC control system used the SBC’s 2 serial ports to connect to 8 building temperature sensors (via Motorola MVME340B), avoiding ground loop issues in the controlled indoor environment. This setup cost 20% less than Motorola MVME-167-33B, as Ethernet (unneeded for on-site monitoring) was excluded—proving its value for budget-conscious users.

Typical Application Scenarios

In a 1990s 3-axis CNC machine shop, Motorola MVME-167-33A served as the core controller for 4 machining centers. It paired with Motorola MVME177-001 (analog input) to monitor spindle speed and tool position (0°C–55°C operating range) and Motorola MVME-172-533 (mid-density I/O) to control coolant valves and feed motors. The 36 MHz CPU executed tool path logic with <1ms latency, while the FPU calculated depth adjustments to maintain ±0.01mm tolerances—critical for producing precision automotive parts. Motorola MVME-167-33A’s 24 MB DRAM stored 1 week of production logs, and its basic POST simplified troubleshooting during shift changes.

For a 1990s regional wastewater treatment plant, Motorola MVME-167-33A managed 16 flow sensors and 12 pump actuators. It used its serial ports to connect to Motorola MVME340B (serial module) for sensor data collection, and the “Petra-I+” ASIC ensured smooth memory access for real-time dosing calculations. The SBC’s 1.8 g vibration resistance handled pump-induced mechanical stress, and its 26 W typical power consumption reduced the plant’s utility costs. Motorola MVME-167-33A’s reliability kept the plant compliant with local environmental regulations, with no unplanned downtime for 18+ months.

Motorola MVME-167-33A

Related Model Recommendations

Motorola MVME-167-A: Base variant – Predecessor to Motorola MVME-167-33A; Alternative for users with basic tasks (e.g., single-machine control) to reduce costs further.

Motorola MVME-167-33B: Premium variant – Upgrade for Motorola MVME-167-33A users needing Ethernet, isolated serial ports, or 32 MB DRAM (e.g., semiconductor manufacturing).

Motorola MVME-172-533: Mid-density I/O – Pairs with Motorola MVME-167-33A to add 32-channel discrete control (e.g., CNC machine coolant valves).

Motorola MVME177-001: Basic analog input – Expands Motorola MVME-167-33A’s data collection with 4-channel sensing (e.g., wastewater flow rate).

Motorola MVME340B: Serial module – Adds 2 extra serial ports to Motorola MVME-167-33A for connecting remote sensors (e.g., HVAC temperature probes).

Emerson MVME-167-33A-R: Refurbished variant – Tested to original specs; Critical replacement for failing Motorola MVME-167-33A units in legacy systems.

Motorola 30GD-1-U4300099: Industrial PSU – Powers Motorola MVME-167-33A and peripherals, ensuring stable 90–260 VAC input for consistent performance.

Motorola MVME-162-532: Companion SBC – Works with Motorola MVME-167-33A as a secondary controller for distributed systems (e.g., multi-plant water treatment).

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME-167-33A, verify the VME chassis supports 6U modules, 32-bit VMEbus, and has a 110 CFM axial fan. Confirm the power supply delivers 90–260 VAC with <5% ripple (critical for memory stability). Gather tools: anti-static wristband, torque screwdriver (0.5 N·m for 6U mounting), airflow meter (to verify 500 LFM), and basic multimeter. Avoid mounting high-power modules (e.g., 25W load boards) adjacent to Motorola MVME-167-33A, as it lacks the thermal headroom of Motorola MVME-167-33B; use shielded serial cables if installing near noisy equipment.

Maintenance suggestions: For daily upkeep, check Motorola MVME-167-33A’s LEDs—steady power, blinking CPU/FPU, and no fault lights indicate normal operation. Run standard POST monthly to validate memory and VMEbus; review fault logs bi-quarterly to identify trends (e.g., voltage fluctuations). Clean vents every 4 months with compressed air (18 PSI max) to prevent overheating. Replace the SRAM battery (3V lithium) annually and DRAM modules with 24 MB compatible variants if errors occur. Store spares in anti-static bags (15°C–25°C, 40%–60% humidity) to protect the “Petra-I+” ASIC.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

Motorola MVME-167-33A refurbished units are backed by an 18-month warranty from Emerson, covering defects in the MC68040 processor, “Petra-I+” ASIC, serial ports, and memory components. If Motorola MVME-167-33A fails (e.g., in a CNC machine shop), Emerson provides free 7-day replacement—critical for systems where downtime costs \(5,000–\)10,000 per hour.

For extended support, customers can purchase a 36-month service contract, including weekday technical support (via phone/email, with MC68040 specialists), access to archived firmware, and remote troubleshooting for VMEbus integration. Emerson maintains a global stock of MC68040 chips, “Petra-I+” ASICs, and compatible DRAM for Motorola MVME-167-33A until 2038, ensuring legacy mid-tier systems remain operational. This commitment underscores Emerson’s dedication to balancing performance and affordability for industrial users with moderate automation needs.