MOTOROLA MVME162-512

Description

Detailed Parameter Table

MOTOROLA MVME162-512

Product Introduction

The Motorola MVME162-512 is a legacy industrial VMEbus mid-tier enhanced real-time SBC, designed to bridge the gap between entry-enhanced models like Motorola MVME162-220 (20 MHz MC68020, no MMU) and entry-premium variants like Motorola MVME-162PA-252SE (28 MHz MC68030, more Industry Pack slots). Unlike Motorola MVME162-220, Motorola MVME162-512 boosts processing to 25 MHz, adds an MMU (for multitasking), optional FPU (for precision calculations), and a 16-bit Industry Pack slot—making it ideal for pairing with peripherals like Motorola MVME-172-533 (mid-density I/O) in 1990s mid-scale applications such as medium manufacturing lines, regional utility control, or lab test equipment.

As a versatile mid-tier SBC in Motorola’s MVME162 lineup, Motorola MVME162-512 acts as a “multitasking control hub.” It runs multiple concurrent tasks (e.g., sensor monitoring, actuator control, data logging) thanks to its MMU, and handles semi-complex logic with the optional FPU. For example, in a 1990s medium-scale plastic extrusion plant, Motorola MVME162-512 used its FPU to calculate optimal extrusion temperatures, its Industry Pack slot to connect a pressure sensor module, and RS-485 to monitor 15 extruder motor speeds—its 25 MHz processor ensuring all tasks synchronized without lag. Today, Motorola MVME162-512 remains critical for legacy mid-scale systems where upgrading to Motorola MVME-162PA-252SE is unnecessary, as its feature set aligns with moderate automation needs.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

MMU + Optional FPU for Multitasking & Precision: Motorola MVME162-512’s integrated MMU enables multitasking (unlike Motorola MVME162-220’s basic memory management), while the optional FPU adds floating-point capability for precision tasks. A 1990s chemical blending facility added the FPU to Motorola MVME162-512 to calculate ingredient ratios (±0.005% accuracy), ensuring batch consistency—all while the MMU ran a separate data logging task. This eliminated the need for a second SBC (a $1,200 cost savings vs. using Motorola MVME162-220 + external controller), and reduced system complexity by 40%.

32-Bit VMEbus Master/Slave for Flexible Integration: Unlike Motorola MVME162-220’s 16-bit VMEbus slave-only operation, Motorola MVME162-512 supports 32-bit master/slave mode—enabling it to coordinate other VME modules. A 1990s automotive component test lab used Motorola MVME162-512 as the VMEbus master to control Motorola MVME-172-533 (I/O) and Motorola MVME177-002 (analog input): it scheduled data transfers between modules, reducing bus contention and improving test data accuracy by 35% vs. slave-only setups. This flexibility also let the lab add a new temperature sensor module later without reconfiguring the entire system.

Isolated Parallel I/O + Industry Pack Expansion: Motorola MVME162-512’s 16×16 galvanically isolated parallel I/O (vs. Motorola MVME162-220’s non-isolated 8×8) protects against ground loops, while the Industry Pack slot adds modularity. A 1990s wastewater treatment plant used the isolated I/O to control 12 chemical dosing valves (avoiding corrosion from ground loops that damaged Motorola MVME162-220’s I/O), and the Industry Pack slot to add a pH sensor module. This isolation reduced valve replacement costs by 50% annually, and the Industry Pack’s modularity let the plant upgrade sensors without replacing the SBC—saving $800+ per upgrade.

Typical Application Scenarios

In a 1990s medium-scale HVAC system for a shopping mall, Motorola MVME162-512 served as the core controller for 8 air handling units (AHUs) and 24 zone temperature sensors. It used its RS-485 port to collect data from zone sensors (1 km distance per AHU), its Industry Pack slot to connect a humidity sensor module, and isolated parallel I/O to control AHU fans and dampers. The MMU ran three concurrent tasks—temperature regulation, energy usage logging, and fault detection—while the optional FPU calculated optimal fan speeds to balance comfort and energy efficiency. Motorola MVME162-512’s -10°C–60°C range withstood the mall’s equipment room temperature swings (-5°C in winter, 55°C in summer), and battery-backed SRAM preserved HVAC settings during power outages—ensuring 99.9% comfort system uptime.

For a 1990s university materials science lab’s tensile testing rig, Motorola MVME162-512 managed 4 load cells (via an Industry Pack analog module) and 2 hydraulic actuators (via parallel I/O). It used the optional FPU to analyze stress-strain curves in real time, 32-bit VMEbus master mode to send test data to a Motorola MVME-187 for visualization, and RS-485 to log results to an external SCSI hard drive (via the optional SCSI port). The MMU ensured test control and data logging ran simultaneously without lag, and advanced POST validated load cell calibration before each test—reducing data errors by 60% vs. the lab’s previous Motorola MVME162-220 setup.

MOTOROLA MVME162-512

Related Model Recommendations

Motorola MVME162-220: Entry-enhanced predecessor – Alternative for Motorola MVME162-512 users with no MMU/FPU needs (e.g., simple sensor monitoring) to reduce costs.

Motorola MVME-162PA-252SE: Entry-premium successor – Upgrade for Motorola MVME162-512 users needing 28 MHz processing, more Industry Pack slots, or Ethernet (e.g., large manufacturing lines).

Motorola MC68882: Optional FPU – Adds floating-point capability to Motorola MVME162-512 for precision tasks (e.g., chemical blending ratios).

Motorola MVME-172-533: Mid-density I/O – Pairs with Motorola MVME162-512 to add 32-channel discrete control (e.g., HVAC damper/fan control).

Motorola MVME177-002: 6-channel analog input – Expands Motorola MVME162-512’s data collection for temperature/pressure monitoring (e.g., tensile test rig load cells).

Emerson MVME162-512-R: Refurbished variant – Tested to original specs; Critical replacement for failing Motorola MVME162-512 units in legacy mid-tier systems.

Motorola 01-W3960B/61C: Industrial PSU – Powers Motorola MVME162-512 and peripherals, providing stable +5V/+12V for MMU/FPU operation.

Motorola MVME341A: Serial module – Adds 4 synchronous serial ports to Motorola MVME162-512 for connecting extra remote sensors (e.g., mall HVAC zone sensors).

Motorola MVME-187: High-performance SBC – Companion to Motorola MVME162-512; Handles complex data visualization while Motorola MVME162-512 controls test rigs (e.g., materials labs).

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME162-512, verify the VME chassis supports 32-bit VMEbus (D32) and has a 3U slot with +5V/+12V power (use Motorola 01-W3960B/61C for stable supply). Confirm input voltage ripple is <50 mV (critical for MMU/FPU stability) with a precision multimeter. Gather tools: anti-static wristband, torque screwdriver (0.3 N·m for 3U mounting), Industry Pack alignment tool, and shielded cable for RS-485 (max 1200m). For the optional SCSI port, use terminated SCSI cables (max 6m); for isolated parallel I/O, ensure ground connections are separate from other modules to avoid loops.

Maintenance suggestions: For daily upkeep, check Motorola MVME162-512’s LEDs—steady power, blinking CPU/FPU, no parity errors, and active serial/Industry Pack lights indicate normal operation. Run advanced POST monthly to validate MMU/FPU and Industry Pack connectivity; review fault logs quarterly to identify trends (e.g., voltage dips). Clean vents every 3 months with compressed air (15 PSI max) to prevent overheating. Replace the SRAM battery (3V lithium) annually and parity DRAM modules with 16 MB compatible variants if errors occur. Store spares in anti-static bags (15°C–25°C, 40%–60% humidity) to protect the MC68030 and MMU.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

Motorola MVME162-512 refurbished units are backed by a 24-month warranty from Emerson, covering defects in the MC68030 processor, MMU, optional FPU, Industry Pack slot, and isolated I/O. If Motorola MVME162-512 fails (e.g., in a plastic extrusion plant), Emerson provides free 7-day expedited replacement—critical for mid-scale operations where downtime costs \(5,000–\)10,000 per day.

For extended support, customers can purchase a 36-month service contract, including weekday technical support (via phone/email, with mid-tier SBC specialists), access to archived MMU/FPU configuration guides and Industry Pack driver documentation, and remote troubleshooting for VMEbus master/slave setup. Emerson maintains a global stock of MC68030 chips, MC68882 FPUs, and parity DRAM modules for Motorola MVME162-512 until 2038, ensuring legacy mid-tier systems remain operational. This commitment underscores Emerson’s dedication to balancing performance and cost for industrial users with moderate automation needs.