Description
Detailed Parameter Table
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
| Product model | Motorola MVME-701A |
| Manufacturer | Motorola (now part of Emerson’s Industrial Automation Portfolio) |
| Product category | Industrial Serial Communication & Digital I/O Expansion Module (VMEbus-Based) |
| Serial Channel Configuration | 4 independent serial ports; software-selectable RS-232C/RS-422/RS-485 protocols |
| Digital I/O Channels | 16 discrete channels (8 input, 8 output); TTL/CMOS compatible (5 VDC logic) |
| Serial Port Performance | Baud rate: 300 bps – 115.2 kbps; data bits: 7/8; parity: none/even/odd |
| Digital I/O Specifications | Input current: 10 µA max per channel; Output current: 20 mA sink/source per channel |
| Bus Standard | VMEbus 1.4 compliant (16-bit address/data bus); slave-only mode |
| Physical Dimensions | Standard 3U VME form factor (100 mm × 160 mm × 16 mm; L×W×H) |
| Power Requirements | +5 VDC (0.8 A typical, 1.2 A maximum); +12 VDC (0.3 A typical) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0°C – 60°C (32°F – 140°F); Storage: -20°C – 70°C (-4°F – 158°F) |
| Compliance Standards | FCC Class A (EMI), CE, RoHS, IEC 61000-6-2 (Industrial EMC Immunity) |
| On-Board Features | Per-port/status LEDs (serial: TX/RX/error; I/O: state); EEPROM for configuration storage |
MOTOROLA MVME2305-900
Product Introduction
The Motorola MVME-701A is a versatile legacy industrial module belonging to Motorola’s renowned MVME series—designed to integrate serial communication and discrete digital I/O in VMEbus-based automation systems. As a 3U VME form factor device, it addresses the dual needs of connecting legacy serial peripherals (e.g., sensors, HMIs) and controlling discrete components (e.g., relays, indicators) in industrial environments, eliminating the need for two separate modules and saving critical chassis space.
In automation setups, the Motorola MVME-701A acts as a “connectivity hub” for mid-scale systems. Its four configurable serial ports (RS-232C/RS-422/RS-485) enable seamless communication with both short-range devices (e.g., local RS-232C HMIs) and long-distance equipment (e.g., RS-485 sensors up to 1200 meters away), while the 16 digital I/O channels handle basic control tasks like activating alarms or monitoring limit switches. Today, it remains a vital component for maintaining legacy Motorola VME systems—such as those in manufacturing, utilities, and process industries—where replacing entire infrastructure is cost-prohibitive.
Core Advantages and Technical Highlights
Integrated Serial + Digital I/O for Space Efficiency
The Motorola MVME-701A combines four serial ports and 16 digital I/O channels in a single 3U VME slot—reducing chassis slot usage by 50% compared to using separate serial (e.g., MVME-702) and I/O (e.g., MVME162-01) modules. For example, in a small-scale packaging line, the Motorola MVME-701A can use two RS-485 ports to connect remote photoelectric sensors (tracking package flow), one RS-232C port to link a local HMI, and 8 digital outputs to control conveyor motors—all without crowding the VME chassis. This integration also simplifies wiring, cutting installation time by 30% for system integrators.
Multi-Protocol Serial Flexibility for Legacy Compatibility
Each of the Motorola MVME-701A’s four serial ports supports software-selectable RS-232C, RS-422, or RS-485 protocols—eliminating the need for protocol-specific modules. This flexibility is critical for legacy systems with mixed peripheral types: for instance, a water treatment plant can use one RS-485 port to connect 32 remote pressure sensors (via multi-drop), another RS-232C port to a legacy printer (for data logging), and a third RS-422 port to a flow meter (for noise-immune communication). The 115.2 kbps max baud rate also ensures compatibility with both older (300 bps) and newer (115.2 kbps) serial devices.
Robust Design for Industrial Reliability
Built to withstand harsh industrial conditions, the Motorola MVME-701A features EMC immunity (per IEC 61000-6-2) to resist interference from nearby motors or high-voltage equipment—preventing data corruption in serial communication. Its 0°C–60°C operating range adapts to factory floors (summer heat) and indoor control rooms (cooled environments), while passive cooling avoids fan-related failures in dusty settings (e.g., cement plants). The EEPROM configuration storage also retains serial/I/O settings during power outages, ensuring the Motorola MVME-701A resumes operation without manual reconfiguration—critical for 24/7 production lines.
Typical Application Scenarios
The Motorola MVME-701A excels in small-to-mid-scale legacy automation systems where mixed serial and discrete control is required. In a regional food processing plant using a Motorola MVME5500-0161 SBC, the Motorola MVME-701A serves as a key interface: four RS-485 ports connect 16 temperature sensors (monitoring refrigerated storage units), while 8 digital inputs track door interlocks (preventing unauthorized access to cold rooms) and 8 digital outputs activate alarm lights (for temperature deviations). The module’s serial flexibility also allows the plant to integrate a legacy RS-232C barcode scanner (for inventory tracking) without replacing existing hardware.
In a municipal wastewater treatment facility, the Motorola MVME-701A connects to a network of RS-485 pump controllers (1 km from the control room) via two serial ports, transmitting run/stop commands and receiving status data. The remaining two serial ports link to a SCADA system (for remote monitoring) and a local HMI (for on-site control), while the 16 digital I/O channels monitor valve position switches and control chemical dosing pumps. For the facility, the Motorola MVME-701A extends the lifespan of its legacy VME system by 7–10 years, avoiding a $50k+ upgrade to modern Ethernet-based I/O.
MOTOROLA MVME2305-900
Related Model Recommendations
Motorola MVME5500-0161: High-Performance VME SBC. Host controller for the Motorola MVME-701A; processes serial/I/O data, executes control logic, and manages VMEbus communication.
Motorola MVME-702: Serial + Winchester Module. Complements the Motorola MVME-701A by adding Winchester cable termination (for legacy storage) and two extra serial channels, ideal for data-intensive systems.
Motorola MVME162-020A: Advanced Digital I/O Module. Expands the Motorola MVME-701A’s I/O capacity to 32 channels (16 input/16 output) for larger-scale discrete control tasks.
Emerson RSTi-EP Serial/Ethernet Gateway: Modern Replacement. Replaces the Motorola MVME-701A in Ethernet migrations; offers 4 serial ports + 16 digital I/O with Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.
Motorola FLN4234A: Ethernet Communication Module. Bridges the Motorola MVME-701A to cloud/SCADA systems, transmitting serial/I/O data via 4x Ethernet ports.
Motorola MVME335: Multi-Protocol Module. Adds CAN bus support to systems using the Motorola MVME-701A, suitable for automotive or industrial robot control.
Phoenix Contact RS-485 Repeater: Signal Booster. Extends the Motorola MVME-701A’s RS-485 range beyond 1200 meters, ideal for large-scale sensor networks.
Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions
Installation Preparation
Before installing the Motorola MVME-701A, power off the VME chassis and disconnect the power supply (ensure compatibility with +5 VDC/1.2 A and +12 VDC/0.3 A requirements) to prevent electrical shock. Verify the chassis has an available 3U VME slot and that the VME backplane supports 16-bit slave modules. Use an anti-static wristband and mat to protect the module’s serial transceivers and I/O circuits from ESD damage. Gather tools: Phillips-head screwdriver (chassis mounting), twisted-pair cables (RS-485/RS-422), 22–18 AWG wires (digital I/O), torque wrench (0.5–0.8 N·m for terminals), and a multimeter (to test signal levels). Avoid installing near high-EMI sources (e.g., welders) or heat vents.
Maintenance Suggestions
For routine maintenance, inspect the Motorola MVME-701A’s LEDs monthly: serial “TX/RX” blinking confirms data transfer, while digital I/O “HIGH” (green) indicates active inputs/outputs. Clean the module quarterly with compressed air (low pressure) to remove dust from the VME connector and LED indicators. Every 6 months, test serial ports by sending a test signal to a known-good device (e.g., a laptop with a USB-to-serial adapter) and verify digital I/O by toggling outputs and checking input states with a multimeter. If a serial port fails, reconfigure a spare port via the host SBC; if an I/O channel malfunctions, isolate the issue by disconnecting the load (e.g., a relay) and testing with a bench power supply.
Service and Guarantee Commitment
We back the Motorola MVME-701A with a 90-day warranty for all refurbished units, covering defects in serial communication, digital I/O functionality, and LED indicators. Each refurbished Motorola MVME-701A undergoes rigorous testing: 24-hour serial data transfer (115.2 kbps, zero packet loss), digital I/O cycling (10,000 toggles per channel), and EMC immunity validation—ensuring compliance with original Motorola industrial standards.
Our 24/7 technical support team provides guidance on Motorola MVME-701A installation, serial protocol configuration, and integration with VME SBCs (e.g., MVME5500-0161). We offer customized maintenance plans: quarterly remote I/O/serial health checks (via FLN4234A) and semi-annual on-site inspections. Our spare parts inventory includes critical components (serial transceivers, I/O drivers) for fast repairs, minimizing downtime. For users modernizing to Ethernet, we provide free consultation to pair the Motorola MVME-701A with Emerson’s RSTi-EP gateways, ensuring a seamless transition while retaining legacy peripherals.
