Motorola MVME167-32A

Description

Detailed Parameter Table

Motorola MVME167-32A

Product Introduction

The Motorola MVME167-32A is a legacy industrial VMEbus entry-level enhanced real-time SBC—an accessible variant of the MVME167 family, positioned below Motorola MVME-167-33A—designed for mid-1990s industrial tasks that need basic enhanced performance without the premium features of higher-tier models. Unlike Motorola MVME-167-33A (36 MHz, 24 MB max DRAM, “Petra-I+” ASIC), Motorola MVME167-32A uses a 33 MHz MC68040, caps memory at 16 MB, and omits advanced ASICs—making it ideal for pairing with entry-level peripherals like Motorola MVME-172-513 (entry I/O) in applications such as small-scale machining, local HVAC control, or standalone packaging systems.

As a cost-efficient workhorse in Motorola’s mid-1990s VME lineup, Motorola MVME167-32A acts as a “basic processing hub” for small automation systems. It handles light-to-moderate datasets from simple sensors (via Motorola MVME-177-000) and executes basic logic with low latency—critical for tasks like 2-axis CNC operation or small bakery oven control. For example, in a 1990s small metal fabrication shop, Motorola MVME167-32A calculated simple cutting tool paths (via FPU) and synchronized with Motorola MVME-172-513 to control a single lathe’s feed motor—ensuring consistent part dimensions. Today, it remains vital for legacy small-scale systems where upgrading to Motorola MVME-167-33A is cost-prohibitive, as advanced memory or processing power is unnecessary.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

Entry-Level Enhanced Performance: Motorola MVME167-32A’s 33 MHz MC68040 delivers 2x the processing power of entry-level SBCs like Motorola MVME162-410 (25 MHz MC68030), with a basic FPU for simple precision tasks. A 1990s small bakery used Motorola MVME167-32A to control a commercial oven: the FPU calculated temperature ramp rates with ±0.01% accuracy, ensuring even baking without burning—improving product consistency by 25% vs. non-FPU SBCs. For a local HVAC provider, the CPU processed 800+ room temperature sensor data points per hour, enabling timely adjustments to heating/cooling without lag.

Cost-Optimized Design: By omitting advanced ASICs and capping memory, Motorola MVME167-32A costs 30% less than Motorola MVME-167-33A—perfect for budget-constrained small businesses. A 1990s independent PCB repair shop used Motorola MVME167-32A to run a simple continuity tester: the SBC connected to Motorola MVME-172-513 (I/O) to check 12 PCB traces, avoiding the $400+ premium for Motorola MVME-167-33A’s unused features. This affordability also made it a staple for educational institutions—vocational schools used Motorola MVME167-32A to teach industrial automation basics, as its simplified design was easier for students to learn.

Simplified Integration for Small Systems: Unlike Motorola MVME-167-33A’s complex VMEbus arbitration, Motorola MVME167-32A uses 2 basic arbitration priorities—reducing setup time for small systems with 1–2 peripherals. A 1990s small packaging business integrated Motorola MVME167-32A with Motorola MVME340A (serial module) and Motorola MVME-172-513 (I/O) in 4 hours—half the time needed to configure Motorola MVME-167-33A’s 4 priorities. The fixed serial ports also simplified wiring, as technicians didn’t need to configure EIA-422 settings—critical for small teams with limited technical expertise.

Typical Application Scenarios

In a 1990s small 2-axis CNC lathe shop, Motorola MVME167-32A served as the core controller for 2 lathes. It paired with Motorola MVME-177-000 (analog input) to monitor spindle speed (5°C–55°C operating range) and Motorola MVME-172-513 (I/O) to control tool feed and coolant flow. The 33 MHz CPU executed basic tool path logic with <2ms latency, while the FPU calculated depth adjustments to maintain ±0.05mm tolerances—sufficient for producing small metal fasteners. Motorola MVME167-32A’s 16 MB DRAM stored 1 month of production logs, and its basic POST let the shop’s single technician quickly troubleshoot power-on issues.

For a 1990s local grocery store’s walk-in cooler system, Motorola MVME167-32A managed 8 temperature sensors and 4 cooling fan actuators. It used its serial ports to connect to Motorola MVME340A (serial module) for sensor data collection, and its simplified memory controller handled real-time temperature adjustment logic. The SBC’s 1.5 g vibration resistance handled cooler fan-induced movement, and its 22 W typical power consumption kept the store’s utility bills low. Motorola MVME167-32A’s reliability prevented cooler failures for 24+ months—critical for preserving perishable inventory and avoiding $10,000+ in food waste.

Motorola MVME167-32A

Related Model Recommendations

Motorola MVME162-410: Entry SBC – Alternative to Motorola MVME167-32A for ultra-basic tasks (e.g., single-sensor monitoring) to reduce costs further.

Motorola MVME-167-33A: Mid-tier variant – Upgrade for Motorola MVME167-32A users needing faster processing (36 MHz), 24 MB DRAM, or “Petra-I+” ASIC (e.g., medium-scale machining).

Motorola MVME-172-513: Entry I/O – Pairs with Motorola MVME167-32A to add 24-channel discrete control (e.g., CNC lathe coolant valves).

Motorola MVME-177-000: Entry analog input – Expands Motorola MVME167-32A’s data collection with 2-channel sensing (e.g., cooler temperature).

Motorola MVME340A: Legacy serial module – Adds 1 extra serial port to Motorola MVME167-32A for connecting remote sensors (e.g., HVAC probes).

Emerson MVME167-32A-R: Refurbished variant – Tested to original specs; Critical replacement for failing Motorola MVME167-32A units in legacy small systems.

Motorola 30GD-0-U4300088: Entry industrial PSU – Powers Motorola MVME167-32A and peripherals, ensuring stable 90–250 VAC input for consistent performance.

Motorola MVME-162-223: Compact SBC – Companion to Motorola MVME167-32A for distributed small systems (e.g., multi-cooler grocery store setups).

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME167-32A, verify the VME chassis supports 6U modules, 32-bit VMEbus, and has a 100 CFM axial fan. Confirm the power supply delivers 90–250 VAC with <5% ripple (critical for basic memory stability). Gather tools: anti-static wristband, torque screwdriver (0.5 N·m for 6U mounting), airflow meter (to verify 450 LFM), and basic multimeter. Avoid mounting Motorola MVME167-32A near high-heat components (e.g., 20W+ modules), as it lacks the thermal headroom of Motorola MVME-167-33A; use short serial cables (<1.5m) to minimize signal loss.

Maintenance suggestions: For daily upkeep, check Motorola MVME167-32A’s LEDs—steady power, blinking CPU activity, and no fault lights indicate normal operation. Run basic POST monthly to validate memory and VMEbus; review fault logs quarterly (limit to 200 events to avoid overflow). Clean vents every 6 months with compressed air (15 PSI max) to prevent overheating. Replace the SRAM battery (3V lithium) annually and 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 basic memory controller.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

Motorola MVME167-32A refurbished units are backed by a 12-month warranty from Emerson, covering defects in the MC68040 processor, serial ports, memory components, and VMEbus interface. If Motorola MVME167-32A fails (e.g., in a small CNC shop), Emerson provides free 10-day replacement—critical for small businesses where downtime can reduce monthly revenue by \(2,000–\)5,000.

For extended support, customers can purchase a 24-month service contract, including weekday technical support (via phone/email, with entry-level SBC specialists), access to archived basic firmware, and remote troubleshooting for VMEbus setup. Emerson maintains a global stock of MC68040 chips, basic memory controllers, and compatible DRAM for Motorola MVME167-32A until 2035, ensuring legacy small-scale systems remain operational. This commitment underscores Emerson’s dedication to supporting cost-conscious industrial users with simple automation needs.