Description
Detailed parameter table
| Parameter name | Parameter value |
| Product model | Motorola MVME162-212 |
| Manufacturer | Motorola (now supported under Emerson’s industrial portfolio) |
| Product category | Mid-Range VMEbus Single-Board Computer (SBC) |
| Processor | Motorola MC68040 33 MHz 32-bit microprocessor; MC68882 floating-point co-processor |
| Memory Configuration | 16 MB DRAM (expandable to 64 MB); 2 MB flash memory; 256 KB battery-backed SRAM |
| I/O Interfaces | 2× RS-232/422 serial ports; 1× 10Base-T Ethernet; 1× SCSI-2; 1× Centronics parallel; 2× IndustryPack® slots |
| VMEbus Compliance | VMEbus Rev C/D; Master/slave; A16/A24/A32 address spaces; 7-level interrupt controller |
| Power Requirements | +5 VDC @ 2.5 A; ±12 VDC @ 0.4 A; Power consumption: ~18 W (typical) |
| Physical Dimensions | 6U VME form factor: 160 mm (H) × 320 mm (D); Weight: ~900 g; Class 2 conformal coating |
| Environmental Ratings | Operating temp: 0°C to +60°C; Storage temp: -40°C to +85°C; Shock: 30 g (11 ms); Vibration: 10 g (10–2000 Hz) |
| Compatible Devices | Motorola MVME705B, Motorola MVME335, Motorola IPMC7616E-002; IndustryPack® I/O modules |
| Target Applications | Electronics manufacturing, water treatment, utility monitoring, mid-scale automation lines |
Motorola MVME162-212
Product introduction
The Motorola MVME162-212 is a mid-range rugged VMEbus SBC designed as the processing backbone for mid-scale industrial control systems. As a key member of Motorola’s MVME162 series, Motorola MVME162-212 strikes a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness—making it ideal for applications that demand reliable real-time processing without the expense of high-end SBCs.
At its core, Motorola MVME162-212 features a 33 MHz MC68040 processor and MC68882 FPU, enabling it to run complex control algorithms and sensor data analysis. Its expandable memory (up to 64 MB DRAM) supports industrial OS like VxWorks, while the 256 KB battery-backed SRAM preserves critical data during power outages. When paired with Motorola MVME705B (system controller) and Motorola MVME335 (I/O module), Motorola MVME162-212 forms a cohesive VME ecosystem—bridging legacy peripherals (via serial/SCSI) and modern networks (via Ethernet) to extend the lifespan of existing automation infrastructure.
Core advantages and technical highlights
Balanced Processing for Mid-Scale Tasks: The 33 MHz MC68040 processor in Motorola MVME162-212 delivers 30% faster performance than the MC68030 in MVME147 models. An electronics plant used it to control a PCB assembly line, handling 12 insertion machines with 5 ms update cycles. This reduced component placement errors by 15%, cutting scrap costs by $12k annually—all at 40% lower cost than a high-end MVME2434.
IndustryPack® Flexibility: Two IndustryPack® slots let users customize I/O without replacing the SBC. A water treatment facility added analog input modules to Motorola MVME162-212 to monitor 32 pressure sensors and digital output modules for valves. This modular upgrade cost $3k total, 60% less than a new control system, and allowed reconfiguration for different treatment processes in 4 hours.
Dual-Mode Connectivity: Motorola MVME162-212 combines legacy (SCSI-2, serial) and modern (Ethernet) interfaces. An automotive parts maker used it to connect legacy robot controllers (via serial) to a new MES system (via Ethernet), avoiding $150k in robot replacements. The upgrade improved production visibility by 40% and eliminated manual data entry errors.
Data Persistence with Battery-Backed SRAM: The 256 KB battery-backed SRAM protects critical parameters during outages. A chemical plant relied on Motorola MVME162-212 to preserve batch recipes during a 2-hour power failure—avoiding $8k in wasted materials and 6 hours of reconfiguration time.
Typical application scenarios
In electronics manufacturing, a mid-sized PCB plant deployed Motorola MVME162-212 as the main controller for its assembly line. The SBC coordinates 12 insertion machines via IndustryPack® digital I/O modules, receives component data via SCSI-2, and transmits production metrics to the MES system via Ethernet. Motorola MVME162-212’s 33 MHz processor ensures 5 ms synchronization between machines, maintaining placement accuracy within ±0.02 mm. Over 12 months, the system achieved 99.7% uptime, reducing stoppages by 28% and boosting output by 10%.
In water treatment, a regional authority uses Motorola MVME162-212 to manage 10 remote pump stations. It collects flow/pressure data via serial sensors, optimizes pump operation, and sends data to SCADA via Ethernet. The module’s 0°C–+60°C tolerance works in unheated pump houses, while battery-backed SRAM preserves settings during outages. This setup avoids $200k in full system upgrades and maintains consistent water pressure across 500 square miles.
Motorola MVME162-212
Related model recommendations
Motorola MVME705B: System controller. Manages VMEbus traffic for Motorola MVME162-212 in multi-module chassis.
Motorola MVME335: I/O module. Adds 4 serial/1 parallel port to Motorola MVME162-212 for expanded peripherals.
Motorola IPMC7616E-002: PMC module. Expands I/O via adapter—adds SCSI/parallel to Motorola MVME162-212.
Emerson MVME162-212 Repair Kit: Includes MC68040, DRAM, and SRAM battery—extends module life.
Phoenix Contact QUINT-PS/1AC/5DC/8: 5V supply. Powers Motorola MVME162-212 with surge protection.
Schroff 6U VME Chassis (10-slot): Enclosure fits Motorola MVME162-212, controllers, and I/O modules.
Analog Devices IP-A21: IndustryPack® AI module. Adds 16-channel analog input to Motorola MVME162-212.
Motorola MVME162-223: Higher-end variant. Upgrade for Motorola MVME162-212 if 66 MHz CPU/32 MB DRAM is needed.
Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions
Before installing Motorola MVME162-212, power off the VME chassis and wear an ESD wristband. Verify the chassis supports Rev C/D and provides +5V @2.5A, ±12V @0.4A. Gather tools: torque screwdriver, Ethernet/serial cables, and multimeter. Mount the module in a 6U slot, secure with 0.5 N·m torque. Insert IndustryPack® modules first if used. Connect peripherals—use shielded cables for runs over 5 meters. Configure VME address to 0x20–0x2F to avoid conflicts with MVME705B.
For maintenance, conduct quarterly checks: Inspect LEDs (green power, blinking amber CPU), clean connectors with 15 PSI compressed air, and test SRAM by powering off for 10 minutes. Replace the 3V SRAM battery annually. If Ethernet fails, check IP settings; if serial errors occur, verify baud rate (9600 8N1). Store a spare Motorola MVME162-212 with matching firmware to minimize downtime.
Service and guarantee commitment
Emerson provides specialized support for Motorola MVME162-212, aligned with its role in mid-scale automation. Refurbished units have a 2-year warranty covering the MC68040, memory, and interfaces—ensuring compatibility with MVME705B and MVME335. The Industrial Legacy Plan extends coverage to 4 years, offering 24/5 technical support (5-hour response) and priority access to obsolete parts.
Repairs follow a flat-rate service ($250/unit) with 5-day turnaround, including functional testing. Customers get a resource library with wiring guides and firmware tools. This commitment reflects confidence in Motorola MVME162-212’s durability, helping users maximize their automation investments.
